Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

However, that merely blocked the lingering force, nothing more. The true difficulty lies ahead, for Gonggong remains entirely unscathed.

Even though Nüba had already wielded the Xuanyuan Sword to its pinnacle, unleashing dazzling feats like the Sword Qi Storm and the Flying Immortal Sword, it merely forced Gonggong back a few steps.

"Celestial Star Battle Formation? The complete formation was already shattered by our Witch Clan; this incomplete version is nothing but a laughingstock. If it were enhanced by stellar radiance, perhaps I might take it a little seriously. But as it stands, it is a farce!"

Gonggong's mockery echoed once more. Although Li Mingzhu felt stifled upon hearing it, she couldn't deny the truth in his words.

"Break!"

Gonggong extended a finger, from which an infinite shimmer of water emanated—it was none other than the Beiming True Water he had cultivated over countless years.

Li Mingzhu, though fully aware she was outmatched, exerted her utmost strength to block. The Celestial Star Battle Formation served as the first line of defense, followed closely by the Treasure Lotus Lamp and the Heavenly Mix Ribbon. She clung to the hope of stalling for as long as possible.

The stream of water struck against the formation's defense, pausing for only a fleeting moment before piercing through. The seven-colored radiance of the Treasure Lotus Lamp struggled to resist, yet ultimately could not form an effective barrier against Gonggong's water light attack.

In a mere three breaths, Gonggong's attack had already shattered two layers of Li Mingzhu's defense, exposing a chasm-like difference in strength.

Just as the water light was about to break through the final layer formed by the Heavenly Mix Ribbon, a golden radiance descended from the heavens, blocking Gonggong's attack—it was a towering golden pagoda.

It was none other than the Duobao Tower, a supreme Innate Spiritual Treasure!

To effortlessly deflect Gonggong's attack with a pagoda-shaped artifact, there was only one possible wielder Li Mingzhu could think of—her grand senior brother Duobao and his legendary Duobao Tower.

Sure enough, brilliance flashed, and the eight true disciples of Jie Sect arrived together.

Duobao, dressed in his usual jet-black Daoist robe, no longer wore his characteristic genial expression; his countenance was suffused with murderous intent. He gave Li Mingzhu a brief smile, signaling her to swiftly leave the battlefield.

Even Wudang Saint Mother and several other sect elders smiled kindly at Li Mingzhu but likewise urged her to depart this perilous domain. Zhao Gongming, alongside the Qiong Xiao and Bixiao sisters, also retreated from the field.

Without Quasi-Saint cultivation, it was wiser to withdraw from danger. Clearly, Duobao and the others had realized the dread Gonggong presented.

Duobao, in particular, felt this keenly, having briefly exchanged blows with Gonggong and admitted his inability to prevail.

Li Mingzhu promptly led Nüba away, collecting the Xuanyuan Sword and other Spiritual Treasures before departing.

Following the arrival of the Jie Sect disciples, Xuandu and the twelve Chan Sect Golden Immortals promptly followed suit, displaying a tacit understanding by withdrawing several junior brothers who had yet to ascend to the Daluo Golden Immortal level.

This retreat, however, was somewhat awkward. Among the twelve Chan Sect Golden Immortals, there was only one Quasi-Saint—Guang Chengzi. And even Guang Chengzi had only recently broken through, casting a shadow of embarrassment over the Chan Sect immortals.

The remaining eleven Golden Immortals also retreated to Li Mingzhu's side but cast hostile glances at him. After all, the incidents involving Taiyi Zhenren and Yun Zhongzi were well-known to them.

On the other side, Xuandu, Guang Chengzi, Duobao, Jin Ling Saint Mother, Gui Ling Saint Mother, Wudang Saint Mother, and Yun Xiao—seven Quasi-Saints—stood in standoff against Gonggong.

Though Gonggong was arrogant, facing seven Quasi-Saints, several of whom had already severed two corpses, he hesitated to act rashly and remained locked in a tense stalemate.

While this side remained stagnant, the retreating Chan Sect Golden Immortals couldn't help but stir up trouble. The first to provoke was none other than Huang Long, whose cultivation, Daoist attainment, and magical treasures were the weakest among them.

Huang Long Zhenren had originally hailed from the Dragon Clan of the East Sea. When Yuanshi Tianzun was recruiting disciples at Kunlun Mountain, Huang Long was accidentally admitted upon breaking through an array formation. Thus, he became one of the twelve Golden Immortals.

Precisely because of his origins in the East Sea Dragon Clan, Huang Long harbored grievances against Li Mingzhu for his prior actions in the East Sea and naturally sought to exploit any opportunity for retribution.

However, most of the twelve Golden Immortals possessed Daluo Golden Immortal cultivation; Huang Long was an exception, as he had not even reached the Taiyi Golden Immortal level and was only at the Golden Immortal stage.

In truth, the title "twelve Golden Immortals" was nothing more than a designation, popularized during the Three Emperor Era. Back then, these twelve individuals were all roughly at the Golden Immortal level—accurate for the time. But to refer to them as mere Golden Immortals now would be a major error.

Huang Long stepped forth from the Chan Sect immortals, wearing a faint smile as he addressed Li Mingzhu: "Nephew Li Mingzhu, it wouldn't be inappropriate for me to address you as such, would it?"

Li Mingzhu entrusted Nüba to Ao Yu's care and replied, equally smiling, "That is indeed appropriate. But I do wonder what matter Senior Huang Long seeks to discuss with me."

The saying goes that one does not strike a smiling face, and though he disliked Huang Long's demeanor, Li Mingzhu chose not to respond aggressively.

"Ao Yu, come here immediately!"

Ignoring Li Mingzhu, Huang Long fixed his gaze on Ao Yu and snorted coldly.

"Ao Yu greets Senior Huang Long!" Though Ao Yu performed a respectful salute toward Huang Long, she showed no intention of approaching.

"Senior Huang Long, what is your intention? Junior Sister Ao Yu has been entrusted to Nuwa and our senior Yuanshi Tianzun. She now serves as an attendant of Nuwa Palace. What exactly are you trying to achieve?"

Li Mingzhu stepped forward, blocking Ao Yu while glaring coldly at Huang Long. Without hesitation, he withdrew a Jade Talisman from his sleeve and flung it toward Huang Long, showing no mercy.

Huang Long caught the jade talisman securely, and upon sweeping it with his Divine Sense, his face darkened—it was Nuwa's Saint's Decree!

Huang Long passed the decree to the other Golden Immortals, who also examined it, their expressions equally vexed but helpless to retaliate.

After all, it was a Saint's Decree, and it bore the endorsement of their teacher. What could they possibly do? They couldn't even reclaim Ao Yu's Immortal Slaying Sword.

Frustrating—utterly frustrating!

Yu Ding Zhenren, Ao Yu's mentor, sighed with resignation, words dying before ever leaving his lips.

What could he say?

Truth be told, Yu Ding had always treated Ao Yu reasonably well. But the overall environment of the Chan Sect was what it was—better than most, but still only akin to Yun Zhongzi. Could Yu Ding match Yun Zhongzi?

Ao Yu felt guilt toward Yu Ding but ultimately couldn't take that step. She acknowledged the accusations of betrayals and ingratitude but still prioritized living for herself—not the Dragon Clan, not Chan Sect.

Li Mingzhu glanced at the Chan Sect immortals, whose faces had turned resembling pig liver. He felt immensely triumphant, as this outcome was something he had long anticipated. On his recent visit to Nuwa Palace, he had deliberately discussed this matter with Nuwa.

Nuwa naturally gave her assent, and although the cost was unknown, she successfully resolved the situation.

The eleven Golden Immortals appeared to be scheming something, likely plotting their next moves. Having just suffered a setback, they were intent on reclaiming their dignity—for the proud Chan Sect immortals, reputation was paramount.