The Investiture: Unlimited Blade Works Nezha

The green lotus leaf spun rapidly, and no matter how Tianpeng struggled, he couldn't break free. Even trying to make a sound, all he could produce were muffled "mmm mmm" noises.

Seeing this, Silver Horn rummaged through the small purse again and pulled out a golden belt. Chanting a few words, he shouted, "Go!" The golden belt wriggled like a snake and tightly bound Tianpeng.

Having been beaten by Tianpeng for half a day earlier, Jin Can Zi was not about to miss the chance to exact revenge. He pulled out a Demon-Subduing Pestle and delivered a thorough beating. The Jade Rabbit, who had been watching the spectacle with wide eyes, retrieved her Pharmacy Jade Pestle and began swinging it wildly.

Golden Horn and Silver Horn exchanged a look, then each pulled out a fire poker and joined in to pummel Tianpeng.

Watching the whole scene unfold from the Turquoise Pool, Nezha couldn't help but marvel, "This is better than the Spring Festival Gala! It's so entertaining I almost want to jump in and throw a few kicks myself, but I'd better not. What if I accidentally kick him to death? That'd ruin the fun."

After a righteous group beating, they figured Tianpeng had suffered enough and stopped. The four of them, having now shared this "bond of the battlefield," started to introduce themselves. Golden Horn, feeling that reputation was everything in their line of work, hoped to make an impression. It wouldn't do to just admit to being a stove-watcher at Doushuai Temple. Thinking quickly, he puffed out his chest and declared, "I am the Doulu Palace King Golden Horn!"

Silver Horn, ever in sync with his elder brother, mimicked his style and followed up, "And I am the Doulu Palace Silver Horn King!"

The Jade Rabbit, inspired by their grandeur, decided she couldn't just report herself as some pet: "I am the Guanghan Palace Moon Rabbit Lady!" she announced, puffing up her tiny chest.

Though Golden Horn and Silver Horn had only a passing acquaintance with the Jade Rabbit, they all knew of each other from their time in Heaven. Four eyes met two; no one exposed anyone else's self-invented titles. After all, when away from home, your identity is yours to craft.

By rank, the most distinguished among them was Jin Can Zi, yet he cared little for hollow titles. Humble and straightforward, he said, "I am Jin Can Zi, a disciple of Lingshan. Greetings to you all."

Golden Horn, hearing this, took a liking to Jin Can Zi's honest nature. He slung an arm around Jin Can Zi's shoulder and said warmly, "Brother, you can't go around being so low-key—it lacks impact. A thousand years ago, there was someone who caused havoc in heaven, calling himself Emperor Jin Can. Obviously, you can't compete with him. How about we call you Small Emperor Jin Can instead?"

Jin Can Zi touched his little bald head. So, there was another Jin Can out there? But if that guy had stirred up such a ruckus in Heaven, he couldn't have been a decent person.

With an innocent heart and a strong sense of empathy, Jin Can Zi could tell that Golden Horn's suggestion came from a place of goodwill. Although he didn't agree to the new title, he didn't argue against it either.

On the ground, Tianpeng, beaten to a pulp and looking like a dead pig, wasn't unconscious. He simply realized struggling was futile and decided to just lie there. Hearing the group announce their extravagant titles after pummeling him, there was only one thought left in his mind: *I'm doomed. Barbecue'd!*

This time, he was sure he had gotten himself into huge trouble. His only hope was that someone might take pity on his association with the Human Sect and lessen his punishment.

Chang'e, who had also been watching the entire scene, perked up when she overheard their self-introductions. If these folks could put in a good word for her, she just might escape this disaster unscathed.

Performing had always been one of Chang'e's talents. She now lowered herself gracefully, her expression pitiable as she bowed and said softly, "Thank you, great kings, for saving me from the brink of danger. But this man seems to hold a high position. What if he retaliates in the future?"

The Jade Rabbit, now holding some authority, didn't hesitate to stand up for her "litter box attendant." She gave Tianpeng a couple more kicks and said, "This guy got drunk at the Peach Banquet and harassed a fairy. I say we send him straight to the Immortal Slaying Stage and be done with it—one chop, nice and clean!"

Hearing this, Tianpeng, who had been playing dead, immediately began wriggling and squirming ridiculously, mumbling incoherently, "Mmm-mmm-mmm!"

Golden Horn and Silver Horn exchanged a hesitant look. While they didn't like Tianpeng, they did share some distant ties. A beating was one thing, but they didn't really want him dead.

Understanding the dilemma on both sides, Jin Can Zi offered a suggestion: "Why don't we take him to the Turquoise Pool and let Their Majesties make a judgment? If he truly violated the Heavenly Rules, then let him face the appropriate punishment to uphold justice in Heaven."

Golden Horn and the Jade Rabbit finally agreed. Given Tianpeng's lofty reputation and status, he wasn't someone they could handle directly. It'd be better to leave it to the Jade Emperor.

Golden Horn inserted his fire poker into the Golden Cloth Rope as a makeshift carrying pole. With Silver Horn, the two siblings hoisted Tianpeng up like a pig being carried to market, and the whole group marched toward the Turquoise Pool with great fanfare.

The Heavenly General guarding the entrance listened to their explanation and rushed inside to report. However, the bigwigs at the Turquoise Pool had already been watching the entire spectacle. Although the Jade Emperor was aware of everything, he feigned ignorance and sat through the report. But when the Heavenly General mentioned that Tianpeng had gotten drunk and harassed Chang'e, the Jade Emperor slammed his hand on the table in fury.

With a resounding bang, the lively atmosphere in the Turquoise Pool came to an abrupt halt. The palace maidens who had been dancing quickly retreated, and the music ceased.

"Summon them to the hall," the Jade Emperor proclaimed.

The Heavenly General scurried off to obey and soon brought the group into the Turquoise Pool. The Immortals, many of whom had no idea what was happening, burst into laughter upon seeing Tianpeng carried in like a hog. Drama was afoot! Everyone loved a good story.

After the group paid their respects, Chang'e spoke first. With downcast eyes and lightly pursed lips, she looked truly pitiable, recounting the entire ordeal without exaggerating a single detail.

Yet with her delicate expression, stunning beauty, and noble aura, nobody even needed to pay attention to her words to be convinced. Surely Tianpeng was guilty!

Golden Horn, Silver Horn, and the others all nodded in agreement, affirming that Chang'e had spoken the truth.

The Jade Emperor gestured for Golden Horn to untie the Golden Cloth Rope and then asked, "Tianpeng, do you admit to what Chang'e has said?"