Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Northern Continent, the former base of the Witch Clan.

Eleven Golden Immortals each sat in meditation. Suddenly, the one with the highest cultivation, Guang Chengzi, opened his eyes, stood, and said indifferently, "They have arrived!"

Such divine sense and spiritual perception were indeed incomparable to those of mere Daluo Golden Immortals, and naturally, each of them harbored a deep yearning for that Quasi-Saint Realm.

Unfortunately, among these eleven, aside from Yu Ding and Chi Jingzi, the others were far from reaching the perfection of a Daluo Golden Immortal, let alone becoming Quasi-Saints.

Although they prided themselves on their aloofness and looked down on the disciples of the Jie Sect, they had to admit they felt envy, jealousy, and resentment toward the Jie Sect's superior cultivation.

How should one put it? The disparity in cultivation between the disciples of the two sects was due not only to differences in sect doctrines and cultivation techniques but also to the teaching methods of their respective Hierarchs.

It was also because the Jie Sect had a larger number of disciples, so it naturally had more standouts. With differing fortunes for each, there was no use in comparisons. The fact that these Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect entertained such thoughts revealed their immaturity in their mental cultivation.

Theoretically, the Chan Sect's cultivation method became faster the further along one progressed, especially after entering the Quasi-Saint Realm. Of course, none of these Golden Immortals had reached that level yet, so they couldn't know. Guang Chengzi, naturally, would not tell them either.

After all, telling them would bring Guang Chengzi no benefit at all. On the contrary, it might motivate them to break through to the Quasi-Saint Realm and catch up with him, which was something Guang Chengzi would never allow.

"Fellow Daoist Duobao, since you are here, let us discuss how to resolve this cause-and-effect!"

Guang Chengzi gazed into the sky and was the first to speak.

In the next moment, Duobao arrived with the many immortals of the Jie Sect, smiling as he said, "Then let us decide with a duel of Dao. If you win, this humble Daoist will not stop you from exterminating the Witch Clan!"

Honestly, with just these ten Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect going to exterminate the Witch Clan, they might not even be a match for them. But it was unquestionable that Yuanshi Tianzun would secretly assist them at that time, which was precisely why Li Mingzhu and her companions came to stop them.

If not for this factor, even with the cause-and-effect of Li Mingzhu possessing Pangu's Heart, she would have had no need to worry about the Witch Clan. After all, the Witch Clan could handle themselves perfectly fine.

The Witch Clan was also sensible enough to heed Ao Yu's advice, retreating to the starry skies of their own accord. Otherwise, even if Li Mingzhu wished to intervene, it would have been inappropriate.

"Agreed, but if this humble one should win, I hope the princess will release my junior brother Huang Long."

"Agreed!"

Duobao remained silent, but instead, Lady Bian responded decisively. Clearly, she was extremely confident in the Jie Sect's strength.

"This is the cause-and-effect of Nephew Mingzhu. Should Nephew Mingzhu not personally come forth to resolve it?"

Taiyi Zhenren suddenly spoke, and the other immortals of the Chan Sect echoed his words. To be honest, when it came to dueling with the Jie Sect's Quasi-Saints, they were all lacking confidence. But if it were Li Mingzhu, they naturally had no fear.

Their confidence stemmed from careful calculations they had long made, and they were certain Duobao would not refuse.

"What's the matter, Fellow Daoist Duobao? Don't tell me you doubt Nephew Mingzhu's abilities?"

Chi Jingzi chimed in at an opportune moment, seeing that a hesitant look crossed Duobao's face. Knowing he was weighing his options, Chi Jingzi pushed him further by taunting him.

"Indeed, Nephew Mingzhu has just acquired Pangu's Heart. His strength should have increased greatly!"

Ju Liusun also added, his words laced with subtle malice. Though he appeared honest in demeanor, he was wily to the core. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been the first to defect to the Western Sect and become one of the Five Ancient Buddhas after the Divine Enthronement era revealed the Chan Sect's decline.

"Moreover, this cause-and-effect belongs to Nephew Mingzhu. Naturally, it should be he who resolves it!"

Guang Chengzi spoke again. This statement was the trump card, leaving Duobao no avenue for rebuttal.

Although the Chan Sect's grudge against the Witch Clan could be seen as unwarranted provocation, Li Mingzhu could hardly stand aside. After all, he had taken possession of Pangu's Heart.

If the Chan Sect had taken Pangu's Heart instead, the Jie Sect could have acted in similar fashion. But then again, with Duobao's temperament, he likely wouldn't have taken such extreme measures.

"Naturally, it should be Nephew Mingzhu. However, as the nephew is currently in seclusion, is it not acceptable for me, the Senior Brother of the Jie Sect, to resolve this cause-and-effect on his behalf?"

Given that the Chan Sect was the one stirring up trouble and resorting to such low tactics to bully a junior, Duobao felt no obligation to play fair.

Since the Chan Sect had abandoned their shame, Duobao saw no reason to uphold his own dignity.

"No need, Grandmaster. This humble one has arrived!"

Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed. Li Mingzhu stepped onto the clouds, his white Daoist robe billowing in the wind. Though young, he carried an air that demanded respect.

After all, Li Mingzhu's reputation was well-established despite his short time in the world. His accomplishments commanded caution from his opponents.

Duobao initially considered chastising Li Mingzhu. If he hadn't arrived at this moment, Duobao could have shielded him, confident that the Chan Sect wouldn't dare push further. But now that Li Mingzhu had shown up, the situation was more complicated.

However, hearing Li Mingzhu's transmitted message, Duobao refrained. Since Li Mingzhu was confident, it was only right he should conclude this cause-and-effect himself.

"Uncle-Master Guang Chengzi, may I ask if you intend to step in? If you do, this disciple will abstain. Also, let us clarify whether this duel is to be measured or to the death. Although we are all disciples of the Profound Sect, the rules should be made clear. After all, even close brothers must settle accounts transparently!"

Li Mingzhu spoke with a smile, his tone proper and respectful—impeccable in every regard. His words revealed his growing independence and strength.

"This humble Daoist naturally will not intervene. It would be better for the duel to stop at measured blows. If Nephew Mingzhu were truly injured, I could hardly bear the blame!"

Guang Chengzi's expression remained unchanged. Though astonished by how far Li Mingzhu had come, he concealed it well.

Of course, his words carried a subtle barb, mocking how Li Mingzhu had leveraged Nuwa's favor to suppress Taiyi in his early years.

Back then, upon hearing of this, Guang Chengzi had scolded Taiyi Zhenren, chastising him for being intimidated by a mere child. If fighting was not an option, they could have simply captured him and taken him to Kunlun Mountain. Although this might have angered Lady Nuwa, what could she have done once the deed was accomplished?

"Agreed!"

Li Mingzhu naturally caught the hidden meaning but paid no mind. **Yes, I leveraged my connections. So what?**

Flying forward into the midair, he proclaimed, "You eleven Chan Sect Golden Immortals, send out whomever you like. I, Li Mingzhu, will face them!"

Having refined his Profound Skill to the fifth-turn peak and boasting a physical body rivaling the pinnacle of a Daluo Golden Immortal, Li Mingzhu felt a surge of pride.

Moreover, in this Mortal World of the Primordial Era, where the rules of heaven and earth imposed constraints, this was his domain. What was there to fear?

"Junior Brother Chi Jingzi, the task falls to you!"

After some thought, Guang Chengzi decided to send Chi Jingzi into battle. Clearly, this was the safest choice.

Not only was Chi Jingzi second only to Guang Chengzi in cultivation, but he had recently acquired a new Spiritual Treasure, which would come in handy against the rules of heaven and earth.