Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

This could be considered human nature, after all. It was perfectly normal for Li Mingzhu to act this way—nothing surprising about it.

The two little ones, each wielding a powerful treasure, sped toward the Huai River. On the surface, it appeared amicable, but in truth, there was an unspoken rivalry between them. Even for something as trivial as who would arrive at the Huai River first, both were determined to compete.

Li Mingzhu and Ao Yu found it amusing yet chose to follow closely behind, deeply concerned that something might go wrong with the two.

Despite the fact that the two little ones were equipped with powerful treasures, the adults couldn't feel at ease. They resembled parents at home who, even after their children had grown and become independent, still couldn't let go—let alone when these two little ones hadn't yet reached the point of standing fully on their own.

Lei Zhenzi and the little Golden Crow, of course, paid no heed to such concerns. Both arrived at the Huai River at essentially the same time, each letting out a cold snort to express their mutual displeasure.

Lei Zhenzi stepped forward and waved his hand, sending a bolt of thunder exploding into the depths of the Huai River. Instantly, water sprayed everywhere, and countless small fish and shrimp were blasted to the surface, lifeless.

The destructive power of thunder was beyond question. The Lei Dao had another characteristic: the power of thunder increased proportionally as it was used against someone upright with boundless righteous energy.

This wasn't actually a secret; many had tried to use this to boost their own power. But how many people under the heavens truly embodied such righteousness?

Lei Zhenzi's mastery of Thunder Skills was a prime example of learning tailored to his natural gifts. His constitution enabled him to learn them with unmatched speed and potency.

This, too, was a matter of natural talent—something to envy yet impossible to replicate.

"Wuzhiqi! You dare to incite floods and even break free from the Human Emperor's suppression? Your crimes are unforgivable! Come out and meet your death!"

The petite figure of Lei Zhenzi hovered in the air. Small as he was, his voice was anything but, and though thunder didn't literally roll with his speech, it fell just short.

And yet… his voice—how to put this—had an odd quality. Such a diminutive youth, with such a youthful, tender voice saying such weighty and imposing words, inevitably came across as somewhat peculiar.

Meanwhile, Wuzhiqi had already retreated to his lair in the deep well. Hearing Lei Zhenzi's words, he immediately understood that those attempting to capture his little errant spirits had arrived. Scanning with his Divine Thought, he discovered two little ones. This realization enraged him.

To think that he, Wuzhiqi, one of the Four Monkeys of Chaos, a Great Demon King at the Daluo Golden Immortal level of perfection, would be confronted by two mere children! It was utterly intolerable.

If he knew that Li Mingzhu, who would soon engage him, was barely over a year old, who knows what he'd think? He might just sigh and say that today's children are nothing short of miraculous.

Although he found it odd to see a little Golden Crow, and even speculated whether it could be a descendant of the Demon Emperor, ultimately… so what if it was?

He was painfully aware that someone below—an implacable enemy of the Demon Clan—was likely watching. If not for his usefulness to that figure, he would have been torn apart long ago. Although that figure remained suppressed for now, killing Wuzhiqi would be as effortless as crushing an ant.

"What impudent child dares to spout such arrogance? Did your parents not teach you to respect your elders?"

Wuzhiqi leaped from the water, his Water and Fire Stick pointed toward the little Golden Crow and Lei Zhenzi. His golden fur bristled entirely, glinting brilliantly under the Taiyang's illumination.

"A mere hairy monkey declares himself our elder? Truly laughable!"

The little Golden Crow rarely spoke, but when it did, its words were invariably cutting and on-point.

Even now, though fully aware of Wuzhiqi's extraordinary origins, the little Golden Crow held him in complete contempt. Whether this stemmed from genuine pride or deliberate provocation, it was hard to tell.

After all, the more distinguished one's background, the more one detested this kind of mockery. Sure enough, the moment these words left the little Golden Crow's mouth, Wuzhiqi was utterly infuriated.

It has long been said that monkeys are quick to anger. Wuzhiqi, being a monkey himself, was naturally no exception.

In a flash, Wuzhiqi darted forward, his Water and Fire Stick following like a shadow, descending with the weight of a mountain upon the little Golden Crow.

But the little Golden Crow stood firm, refusing to draw the Fire-tipped Spear given by Li Mingzhu. Instead, it spat out a burst of Taiyang Fire to counter the incoming blow. Of all methods not involving the Fire-tipped Spear, this was both the most effective and the fastest.

Taiyang Fire, alongside Zhu Rong's True Fire, is heralded as one of the Three Realms' supreme fire-based Magic Arts. With the fall of the Fire Ancestor Witch Zhu Rong, Zhu Rong's True Fire was lost. Thus, Taiyang Fire now reigns as the foremost flame.

Only a Saint's Chaos True Fire could surpass Taiyang Fire—but which Saint would stoop to such rivalry?

Therefore, to declare Taiyang Fire the greatest fire spell in the Three Realms is no exaggeration.

"Taiyang Fire?"

As a former Demon King of the Demon Clan, Wuzhiqi was naturally familiar with Taiyang Fire. Seeing the signature flame of the Demon Emperor once again deeply unsettled him, causing his strike to deviate slightly. The little Golden Crow successfully blocked the attack.

After a closer examination, Wuzhiqi confirmed it indeed was Taiyang Fire, though it differed from the Demon Emperor's version. He couldn't pin down exactly what was different.

But one thing was certain: this little Golden Crow could not be of the Demon Emperor's bloodline. On this, he was confident.

Since it wasn't a descendant of the Demon Emperor, there was nothing to fear.

Wuzhiqi lunged forward once more, his stick smashing toward the little Golden Crow. For close-quarters combat, Wuzhiqi was unparalleled. Though he lacked formal instruction, achieving Daluo Golden Immortal perfection through his own grit was no minor feat.

Once again, the little Golden Crow refrained from using the Fire-tipped Spear. In a sudden moment of inexplicable clarity, its form, originally that of a Golden Crow, transformed in an instant—an Azure Dragon soared into the sky.

Heavenly Silkworm Nine Transformations, First Transformation!

"Azure Dragon Transformation!"

So your strength lies in close combat? Then let it be so!

Keeping its distance, the Azure Dragon-turned Golden Crow leapt magnificently into the air, executing a Dragon's Tail Sweep!

With this single technique, not only did it block Wuzhiqi's strike but also managed to create significant distance. To engage Wuzhiqi in close combat, given his formidable physique and combat prowess, would be sheer folly.

Though the little Golden Crow's memories of past lives were fragmented, its battle instincts were gradually rekindling. Unlike memories, instincts might fade, but they are never truly obliterated!

"Vermilion Bird Transformation!"

After gaining distance, the little Golden Crow unleashed the second transformation within the Heavenly Silkworm Nine Transformations. Not only were its combat instincts reawakening, but so too was the Heavenly Silkworm Legacy.

Transforming into a blazing Vermilion Bird, the divine majesty of this mythical creature once more graced the Primordial World.

The Vermilion Bird, one of the Four Holy Beasts, possesses unparalleled mastery over Fire Element Divine Abilities, its destructive power immense. In comparison to the Three-legged Golden Crow, it is by no means inferior.

The little Golden Crow deftly manipulated the surrounding Fire Element, condensing it into a massive fiery bird that surged toward Wuzhiqi.

Unlike the Golden Crow or Zhu Rong, which emphasize the quality of their fire, the Vermilion Bird is a natural sovereign of the Fire Element—a true emperor of flames!