Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Although she had anticipated such a scenario long ago, when it truly unfolded, Li Mingzhu still found herself at a loss for what to do.

"We're on the same side, stop fighting!"

Helpless, Li Mingzhu could only shout like this. Unfortunately, the two were now deeply engrossed in their fight, paying no heed to Li Mingzhu.

Yang Chan wielded the Seven Stars Chasing Moon Whip, channeling beams of starlight and moonlight that bristled with killing intent, while Ao Yu was strikingly valiant like a Valkyrie as sword qi continuously radiated from her Immortal Slaying Sword.

The Seven Stars Chasing Moon Whip and the Immortal Slaying Sword were both magical treasures comparable to top-tier Innate Spiritual Treasures. Furthermore, both combatants were Taiyi Golden Immortals.

With cultivation levels and spiritual treasures on par, deciding a victor was surely no simple matter. At least, judging by the current clash, there was no sign of resolution in sight.

"Who exactly are you?"

Ao Yu asked coldly, her aloof arrogance unmistakable. She had already heard Li Mingzhu's previous shout that they were allies but had no intention of stepping back first.

"East Sea, Ao Yu!"

Ao Yu responded icily. One might say, while the two women appeared to be of the cold and indifferent type, it was all just an act!

In truth, Yang Chan should have been soft and gentle like water, while Ao Yu fiery and passionate like flames. However, such natural temperaments were not something they would show under ordinary circumstances, especially after both had endured their respective major trials.

Particularly Ao Yu—she increasingly displayed signs of suppressing her true nature. Yang Chan, on the other hand, was comparatively easier to read since she remained quite well-behaved around Li Mingzhu.

"So, you're from the East Sea? Mingzhu's brother has a grudge against the East Sea. Watch me avenge him!"

Yang Chan was deliberately stirring trouble here; truth be told, she had long recognized Ao Yu and knew of her aid to Li Mingzhu. Still, she wanted to test Ao Yu's depth, and if she could teach her a lesson while at it, all the better.

The scheming of beauties requires no formal instruction—even someone as seemingly innocent as Yang Chan was no exception.

Ao Yu snorted coldly, disdaining any explanation. The radiance of her Immortal Slaying Sword surged as her sword intent intensified further.

Previously, during her observation of the battle between Lady Bua and Gonggong, as well as the subsequent clash and Crimson Essence's ascension to Quasi-Saint, Ao Yu's sword intent had soared by leaps and bounds.

As for how advanced her growth had become, no one could say for sure, but it was certain that Ao Yu hadn't been fighting at full strength before.

Just as Yang Chan had heard Li Mingzhu's words earlier, Ao Yu had obviously heard them too; otherwise, why would she have shown restraint until now?

But now, should the woman before her choose to be foolishly insistent, Ao Yu would be left with no alternative but to act.

Though their mindsets differed slightly, at their core, their motives were much the same—they were simply trying to display their skill by crushing their opponent.

Simple as it seemed, Li Mingzhu still didn't get it. He surged forward, retrieving the Treasure Lotus Lamp, redirecting both women's attacks toward himself.

Although Li Mingzhu could have used his physical body alone to withstand their attacks, he preferred to keep a low profile. Yet, using a top-tier Innate Spiritual Treasure to defend—is that what passes as "low profile"?

"What do you think you're doing?"

The two women scolded him in unison, wholly indifferent to whether Li Mingzhu could withstand their strikes. Though they knew his strength, wasn't this attitude just a tad lacking in humanity?

Li Mingzhu hadn't realized it yet, but in the hearts of these two women, even if Li Mingzhu had ended up injured, they would have considered it self-inflicted. As for why—well, let him figure that out himself.

"Here, take it back. Stop fighting, come home!"

After deflecting their attacks, Li Mingzhu returned the Treasure Lotus Lamp to Yang Chan.

"Hmph!"

Though both women obeyed his words and ceased their fighting, Li Mingzhu was greeted by two cold snorts. He could only smile wryly.

Leading the group back to the General's Mansion, Li Mingzhu breathed a long sigh of relief—they were finally home.

The first order of business upon returning home, of course, was to pay respects to his parents. When Yin Shi saw that Li Mingzhu had returned, she was overjoyed, asking incessantly about what had happened during his travels. Li Mingzhu carefully selected humorous anecdotes and tales of fortune to share.

Although Yin Shi understood that some parts were likely exaggerated, no matter—the fact that her son had the heart to please her was plenty, and she naturally accepted it.

Li Mingzhu also presented several valuable gifts to show filial piety to Li Jing and Yin Shi. At long last, their family looked like a proper, harmonious family. Li Jing now bore no resentment against Li Mingzhu whatsoever.

Seeing his son flourishing filled Li Jing with joy.

"Ha! Catch me if you can!"

Suddenly, a loud shout accompanied by a dark blur descending from above burst forth!

It was little Zhu Xiong leaping down from a high place, aiming straight for Li Mingzhu. Li Mingzhu moved swiftly to catch the young creature with precision.

The abrupt arrival of Zhu Xiong naturally made the atmosphere livelier. Despite Yang Chan and Ao Yu continuing their cold war, even they couldn't help but be influenced by the cheerful commotion.

Especially once little Golden Crow, Zhu Xiong, and Lei Zhenzi grew closer—the entire Li Mansion now seemed dominated by the trio's antics.

Both the little Golden Crow and Lei Zhenzi were undoubtedly powerful in their cultivation, thanks to their natural gifts. However, their mental maturity wasn't high, and they were no match for Zhu Xiong in scheming.

Yet, in the end, it was Zhu Xiong who suffered setbacks—strength still dictated authority, even among children.

"Whoosh!"

A burst of flames erupted, nearly scorching Zhu Xiong courtesy of the little Golden Crow's Taiyang Fire.

"Boom!"

A streak of lightning descended from above, narrowly missing Zhu Xiong, courtesy of Lei Zhenzi. Luckily, Zhu Xiong's innate gifts enabled him to escape promptly upon sensing danger.

Li Mingzhu was helpless in dealing with these troublemakers and chose to let them be. He had matters to discuss with Li Jing.

"Father, I have something to discuss with you."

Strolling side by side in the garden, Li Mingzhu opened with a smile.

"Oh? As it happens, I have something to discuss with you as well. You go first." Li Jing smiled in reply, still riding the high of his return from Chaoge.

"Father, now that you've returned from Chaoge, I assume you've already met Grandmaster Wen. Has the appointment of Marquis Beihai been finalized?"

Li Mingzhu teased, fully expecting that this was precisely what Li Jing wanted to talk about.

"My son, you already knew? Could it be that you arranged this behind the scenes?"

Li Jing exclaimed in surprise, quickly deducing that his son had orchestrated this outcome.

"Indeed. Father's talent is more than sufficient to govern a region as a noble. This time, I've returned home specifically to discuss the matter of assuming the post with you."

"You know me well. Select a suitable day, and I'll take up the position. There's little to prepare, though it's a shame to leave behind the Li Family's foundations at Chentang Pass."

Li Jing spoke with bold enthusiasm—being reduced to a mere general had indeed been unworthy of his abilities.

"It's no issue. Father may leave a few trusted aides to continue managing Chentang Pass. I doubt there will be any significant losses."

"True enough. Very well, dispatch the order—we will move the entire household to the North Sea in seven days!"

Finally given the chance to display his talents, Li Jing was brimming with energy.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"What fine wine! Zhu Xiong, do you have more? Go get some!"

.....

Li Mingzhu and Li Jing were walking and talking when they stumbled upon the sight of three young troublemakers enjoying a drinking session beside a pavilion.

Moments ago, they had been squabbling incessantly, and now they were fast friends?

No—wait!

Li Mingzhu suddenly realized something was amiss. That was his medicinal wine, brewed solely for use during major battles to heal the wounded. Yet Zhu Xiong had somehow dug it out.

Upon sniffing again, Li Mingzhu found not just medicinal wine but also Spiritual Wine designed to enhance cultivation—all of them precious, top-grade vintages.

Oh, well—two more little drunkards. As long as they don't cause any major damage, let them be!