Chapter 104

At this moment.

At this moment.

The Heavenly Court.

Translation: "The Heavenly Court." (since glossary says "the Heavenly Court".) We'll output "The Heavenly Court."

After Haotian finished court, he came to the Immortal Pool, his gaze piercing the drifting mist as he observed the situation at Chen Tang Pass below, seeing that Giant Spirit God and the others showed no movement, he slightly frowned.

But we must not add extra info. Let's break down:

After Haotian finished court, he came to the Immortal Pool,

His gaze penetrated the drifting mist,

observing the situation at Chen Tang Pass below,

seeing that Giant Spirit God and the others showed no movement,

he slightly frowned.

We'll combine: "After Haotian finished court, he came to the Immortal Pool, his gaze penetrating the drifting mist, observing the situation in Chen Tang Guan below, seeing that Giant Spirit God and the others had no movement, he slightly frowned."

Check for extra words: "the" etc okay.

"Isn't the order given to Giant Spirit God too lenient?"

"Isn't the order given to Giant Spirit God too lenient?"

Thus line 4: "Isn't the order given to Giant Spirit God too lenient?" -> "Isn't the order given to Giant Spirit God too lenient?"

"Looking at Li Jing's demeanor, he truly intends to kill Nezha."

Translation: "Looking at Li Jing's appearance, he truly intends to kill Nezha." We'll keep quotes: 「Looking at Li Jing's appearance, he truly intends to kill Nezha. 」

"If I had known, I would have issued a stricter order, as domineering as the Chan sect; even if Nezha were to pay with his life, Li Jing couldn't avoid responsibility, letting the Li family lose chickens and dogs, so that if the Chan sect came to cause trouble for the Heavenly Court, I could again go to the Purple Aurora Palace to complain to the Dao Ancestor."

Translation: "If I had known, I would have given them a harsher order, as domineering as the Jie Sect; even if Nezha paid with his life, Li Jing could not escape responsibility, letting the Li family lose chickens and dogs, so if the Jie Sect came to cause trouble for the Heavenly Court, I could again go to the Zixiao Palace to complain to the Dao Ancestor." We'll keep quotes.

We need to ensure we translate "letting the Li family lose chickens and dogs" as "letting the Li family lose chickens and dogs". Good.

Haotian said regretfully, continuing to monitor the situation below.

Translation: "Haotian said with a look of regret, continuing to monitor the situation below." We'll output: Haotian said with a look of regret, continuing to monitor the situation below.

"The Chan sect hasn't taken any action yet; could it really be waiting for Nezha to pay with his life? That doesn't sound like the Chan sect's style!"

Translation: "The Jie Sect hasn't made a move yet; could it really be waiting for Nezha to pay with his life? This doesn't seem like the Jie Sect's style!" We'll keep quotes.

Haotian was puzzled.

Translation: "Haotian couldn't figure it out." We'll output: Haotian couldn't figure it out.

Suddenly, seeing Nezha disregard Li Jing, completely unafraid of his threats, he stepped on the wind-fire wheels, held the Qiankun Ring, and charged at the heavenly soldiers above.

Translation: "Suddenly, seeing Nezha ignore Li Jing, completely unafraid of his threats, stepping on the Wind Fire Wheel, holding the Heaven-Earth Ring, he charged toward the heavenly soldiers and generals above." We'll output: Suddenly, seeing Nezha ignore Li Jing, completely unafraid of his threats, stepping on the Wind Fire Wheel, holding the Heaven-Earth Ring, he charged toward the heavenly soldiers and generals above.

Haotian nodded approvingly.

Translation: "Haotian nodded in satisfaction." We'll output: Haotian nodded in satisfaction.

"That's right; the bigger the commotion, the more leverage I'll have when I go to the Purple Aurora Palace."

Translation: "That's right; the bigger the commotion, the greater the leverage I'll have when I go to the Zixiao Palace." We'll keep quotes.

Above Chen Tang Pass, Nezha disregarded Li Jing and charged at the heavenly soldiers above.

Translation: "Above Chen Tang Guan, Nezha ignored Li Jing and charged toward the heavenly soldiers and generals in the sky." We'll output: Above Chen Tang Guan, Nezha ignored Li Jing and charged toward the heavenly soldiers and generals in the sky.

Giant Spirit God saw this, his eyes blazing with anger; this was a provocation of the Heavenly Court's authority.

Translation: "Giant Spirit God looked, his eyes filled with anger; this was a provocation of the Heavenly Court's authority." We'll output: Giant Spirit God looked, his eyes filled with anger; this was a provocation of the Heavenly Court's authority.

He stepped forward and shouted, "Nezha, don't be reckless; you show no remorse—today I will surely beat you to death here!"

Translation: "He stepped forward and shouted loudly: 'Nezha, don't be reckless; you show no remorse, today I will surely beat you to death here!'" We'll output: He stepped forward and shouted loudly: "Nezha, don't be reckless; you show no remorse, today I will surely beat you to death here!"

"Hmph, do you think you can kill me with just that?"

Translation: "Hmph, do you think you can kill me just with that?" We'll output: "Hmph, do you think you can kill me just with that?"

Nezha smirked and charged forward.

Translation: "Nezha grinned and rushed forward." We'll output: Nezha grinned and rushed forward.

Giant Spirit God brandished his xuān huā battle axe and fiercely chopped at Nezha.

Translation: "Giant Spirit God looked, brandishing the Splendid Flower Battle Axe, and fiercely chopped at Nezha." We'll output: Giant Spirit God looked, brandishing the Splendid Flower Battle Axe, and fiercely chopped at Nezha.

"Is that all you've got?" Facing the incoming attack, Nezha didn't take it to heart, scoffing.

Translation: "'Is that all you got?' Facing the incoming attack, Nezha didn't care at all and scoffed." We'll output: "Is that all you got?" Facing the incoming attack, Nezha didn't care at all and scoffed.

He swung the Qiankun Ring, clashing with Giant Spirit God's axe and sending out dazzling sparks.

Translation: "He swung the Heaven-Earth Ring, colliding with Giant Spirit God's axe, sparking dazzling sparks." We'll output: He swung the Heaven-Earth Ring, colliding with Giant Spirit God's axe, sparking dazzling sparks.

The two great generals and Ao Guang, seeing this, could not hold back and joined the battle to assist Giant Spirit God.

Translation: "The Two Great Generals and Ao Guang looked, unable to hold back, joined the battle to assist Giant Spirit God." We'll output: The Two Great Generals and Ao Guang looked, unable to hold back, joined the battle to assist Giant Spirit God.

Gu Xiu watched from the clouds; under the combined assault of Giant Spirit God, the two great generals, and Ao Guang, Nezha was quickly overwhelmed and knocked down from the heavens.

Translation: "Gu Xiu watched from the clouds; under the combined attack of Giant Spirit God, the Two Great Generals, and Ao Guang, Nezha was quickly overwhelmed and knocked down from the sky." We'll output: Gu Xiu watched from the clouds; under the combined attack of Giant Spirit God, the Two Great Generals, and Ao Guang, Nezha was quickly overwhelmed and knocked down from the sky.

Seeing Nezha so easily defeated, Gu Xiu smiled and said, "It seems Nezha was wounded by the water qilin, his combat power has declined."

Translation: "Seeing Nezha so easily defeated, Gu Xiu smiled: 'It seems Nezha was wounded by the Water Qilin, his combat power has declined.'" We'll output: Seeing Nezha so easily defeated, Gu Xiu smiled: "It seems Nezha was wounded by the Water Qilin, his combat power has declined."

At this moment, the system chimed.

Translation: "At this moment, the System sounded." We'll output: At this moment, the System sounded.

"Ding!"

Translation: "Ding!" We'll output: "Ding!"

"Detected that the heavenly soldiers are besieging Chen Tang Pass, triggering an event selection; please make a choice."

Translation: "Detected that the heavenly soldiers and generals were besieging Chen Tang Guan, triggering an event option; please make a choice, host." We'll output: "Detected that the heavenly soldiers and generals were besieging Chen Tang Guan, triggering an event option; please make a choice, host."

"Option One: Assist the heavenly soldiers in capturing Nezha, reward a top-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

Translation: "Option One: Assist the heavenly soldiers and generals in capturing Nezha, reward a High-grade Innate Spirit Treasure!" We'll output: "Option One: Assist the heavenly soldiers and generals in capturing Nezha, reward a High-grade Innate Spirit Treasure!"

"Option Two: Secretly strike and kill Nezha to set an example, reward a heavenly dao extraordinary treasure!"

Translation: "Option Two: Secretly strike to kill Nezha as a warning, reward a Heavenly Dao Rare Treasure!" We'll output: "Option Two: Secretly strike to kill Nezha as a warning, reward a Heavenly Dao Rare Treasure!"

"Option Three: After Nezha's death, seal his soul within his body, let Ao Guang bring Nezha to heaven to hand over to the Heavenly Court for disposal, reward a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, the Yin-Yang Separation and Union Thorn! (It consists of yin and yang parts; the yin thorn is icy and bone-piercing, the yang thorn is scorching like fire; when combined, the yin and yang powers mutually fuse, and together they wield boundless power.)"

Translation: "Option Three: After Nezha's death, seal his soul within his body, let Ao Guang bring Nezha to heaven to hand over to the Heavenly Court for disposal, reward a High-grade Innate Spirit Treasure, Yin-Yang Severing and Joining Spike! (It consists of yin and yang parts; the yin spike is icy cold, the yang spike is blazing hot; when combined, yin and yang powers intermingle, together they have infinite power.)" We'll output: "Option Three: After Nezha's death, seal his soul within his body, let Ao Guang bring Nezha to heaven to hand over to the Heavenly Court for disposal, reward a High-grade Innate Spirit Treasure, Yin-Yang Severing and Joining Spike! (It consists of yin and yang parts; the yin spike is icy cold, the yang spike is blazing hot; when combined, yin and yang powers intermingle, together they have infinite power.)"

After looking at the three options that popped up, Gu Xiu pondered briefly; the rewards for the first and third options were about the same.

Translation: "Having seen the three options pop up, Gu Xiu pondered slightly; the rewards for the first and third were about the same." We'll output: Having seen the three options pop up, Gu Xiu pondered slightly; the rewards for the first and third were about the same.

The second option is a heavenly dao extraordinary treasure; he really didn't want any connection with the primordial heavenly dao.

Translation: "The second is a Heavenly Dao Rare Treasure; he really didn't want any connection with the Primordial Heavenly Dao." We'll output: The second is a Heavenly Dao Rare Treasure; he really didn't want any connection with the Primordial Heavenly Dao.

After a brief consideration, he made his choice.

Translation: "After a little thought, he made his choice." We'll output: After a little thought, he made his choice.

"System, I choose option three."

Translation: "System, I choose option three." We'll output: "System, I choose option three."

"Ding!"

Translation: "Ding!" We'll output: "Ding!"

"Selection successful; mission time is three hours; please complete it as soon as possible."

Translation: "Selection successful, mission time three hours; please complete it as soon as possible, host." We'll output: "Selection successful, mission time three hours; please complete it as soon as possible, host."

Seeing the current situation, Nezha's serious injuries were not due to the combined effort of Giant Spirit God, the two great generals, and Ao Guang, but because he possessed too many treasures, making it difficult for them to subdue him for the time being.

Translation: "Seeing the current situation, Nezha's serious injuries were not due to Giant Spirit God, the Two Great Generals, and Ao Guang joining forces, but Nezha had too many magical treasures, making it hard for them to subdue him quickly." We'll output: Seeing the current situation, Nezha's serious injuries were not due to Giant Spirit God, the Two Great Generals, and Ao Guang joining forces, but Nezha had too many magical treasures, making it hard for them to subdue him quickly.

Upon realizing he was outmatched and that staying would be dangerous, Nezha decided to flee.

Translation: "Seeing he was outmatched, Nezha thought staying would be dangerous and wanted to flee." We'll output: Seeing he was outmatched, Nezha thought staying would be dangerous and wanted to flee.

"Mom and Dad, I'm going now to find Master Taiyi to save you."

Translation: "'Parents, I will now go find Master Taiyi to save you.'" We'll output: "'Parents, I will now go find Master Taiyi to save you.'"

Gu Xiu blinked slightly; the plot seems off.

Translation: "Gu Xiu blinked slightly; the plot seems off." We'll output: Gu Xiu blinked slightly; the plot seems off.

Next, shouldn't he be committing suicide to apologize? How is he planning to go find Taiyi Zhenren?

Translation: "Shouldn't he next commit suicide to apologize? How does he plan to go find Taiyi Zhenren?" We'll output: Shouldn't he next commit suicide to apologize? How does he plan to go find Taiyi Zhenren?

"Nezha still wants to escape?" Ao Guang shouted, giving chase.

Translation: "'Nezha still wants to flee?' Ao Guang shouted, giving chase." We'll output: "'Nezha still wants to flee?' Ao Guang shouted, giving chase."

"Don't just stand there—surrender!" Giant Spirit God swung his axe and chopped.

Translation: "'Don't just surrender!' Giant Spirit God swung his axe and chopped." We'll output: "'Don't just surrender!' Giant Spirit God swung his axe and chopped."

But Nezha dodged it.

Translation: "But Nezha dodged it." We'll output: But Nezha dodged it.

Under his feet, the wind-fire wheels spun at extreme speed, spewing blazing flames that shook off the heavenly soldiers' pursuit.

Translation: "Under his feet, the Wind Fire Wheel spun at extreme speed, spewing blazing flames, shaking off the pursuit of the heavenly soldiers and generals." We'll output: Under his feet, the Wind Fire Wheel spun at extreme speed, spewing blazing flames, shaking off the pursuit of the heavenly soldiers and generals.

Gu Xiu thought for a moment; the plot seems to have changed.

Translation: "Gu Xiu thought for a moment; the plot seems to have changed." We'll output: Gu Xiu thought for a moment; the plot seems to have changed.

He pondered briefly.

Translation: "He pondered briefly." We'll output: He pondered briefly.

"Even if Nezha goes to find Taiyi Zhenren, given Taiyi Zhenren's nature and the need to sever Nezha's karmic ties with Nüwa, he certainly won't intervene; he'll take the opportunity to demand that Nezha pay with his life, in order to borrow the lotus for rebirth."

Translation: "'Even if Nezha goes to find Taiyi Zhenren, given his nature and the need to sever Nezha's karmic ties with Nuwa, he will surely not intervene; he will take the opportunity to demand Nezha pay with his life, in order to borrow the lotus for rebirth.'" We'll output: "'Even if Nezha goes to find Taiyi Zhenren, given his nature and the need to sever Nezha's karmic ties with Nuwa, he will surely not intervene; he will take the opportunity to demand Nezha pay with his life, in order to borrow the lotus for rebirth.'"

He gathered his thoughts, glanced ahead, and saw that Nezha, riding the wind-fire wheels, was moving very fast—Giant Spirit God and the others could not possibly keep up.

Translation: "He gathered his thoughts, glanced at the situation ahead; Nezha's speed on the Wind Fire Wheel was very fast, and Giant Spirit God and the others could not catch up at all." We'll output: He gathered his thoughts, glanced at the situation ahead; Nezha's speed on the Wind Fire Wheel was very fast, and Giant Spirit God and the others could not catch up at all.

Seeing Nezha fleeing alone, Li Jing flew into a rage and cursed loudly.

Translation: "Seeing Nezha flee alone, Li Jing flew into a rage and cursed loudly." We'll output: Seeing Nezha flee alone, Li Jing flew into a rage and cursed loudly.

"Wicked spawn! Wicked spawn! You just ran off like that—what are we to do? Your crimes, why must you implicate the Li family?"

Translation: "'Wretched creature! Wretched creature! You just ran off like that, what are we to do? Why involve the Li family in your crimes?'" We'll output: "'Wretched creature! Wretched creature! You just ran off like that, what are we to do? Why involve the Li family in your crimes?'"

Seeing Nezha escape, Ao Guang said, "Nezha has gone to Qian Yuan Mountain to find Taiyi Zhenren; Taiyi Zhenren is one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Yu Xu, which is a bit troublesome."

Translation: "Seeing Nezha flee, Ao Guang said: 'Nezha has gone to Primordial Origin Mountain to find Taiyi Zhenren; Taiyi Zhenren is one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Jade Void, which is a bit troublesome.'" We'll output: Seeing Nezha flee, Ao Guang said: "Nezha has gone to Primordial Origin Mountain to find Taiyi Zhenren; Taiyi Zhenren is one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Jade Void, which is a bit troublesome."

"Regardless, the Emperor's order is for Nezha to pay with his life; if Nezha refuses, we'll punish the Li family—so we might as well take out our anger on the Li family; I don't believe Nezha won't come out." Giant Spirit God proposed; he had carried out many such tasks under the Emperor's edict, and was quite practiced.

Translation: "'Regardless, the emperor's order is for Nezha to pay with his life; if he refuses, we'll punish the Li family; then we might as well take out our anger on the Li family—surely Nezha will come out.' Giant Spirit God proposed; he had carried out many such tasks under Haotian's imperial edict, quite practiced." We'll output: "'Regardless, the emperor's order is for Nezha to pay with his life; if he refuses, we'll punish the Li family; then we might as well take out our anger on the Li family—surely Nezha will come out.' Giant Spirit God proposed; he had carried out many such tasks under Haotian's imperial edict, quite practiced."

"Hmm..." the two generals pondered.

Translation: "'This...' the two generals pondered." We'll output: "'This...' the two generals pondered."

Just as they were pondering, Gu Xiu's figure appeared without warning, tall and upright, standing proudly, exuding an otherworldly, transcendent aura.

Translation: "Just as they were pondering, Gu Xiu's figure appeared without warning, tall and upright, standing proudly, exuding an otherworldly, transcendent aura." We'll output: Just as they were pondering, Gu Xiu's figure appeared without warning, tall and upright, standing proudly, exuding an otherworldly, transcendent aura.

"Gentlemen, may I have a word?"

Translation: "'Gentlemen, may I say a word?'" We'll output: "'Gentlemen, may I say a word?'"

Seeing Gu Xiu appear, Giant Spirit God blinked, then reacted, immediately putting on a fawning, obsequious face.

Translation: "Seeing Gu Xiu appear, Giant Spirit God stared, then reacted, immediately putting on a fawning expression." We'll output: Seeing Gu Xiu appear, Giant Spirit God stared, then reacted, immediately putting on a fawning expression.

"Immortal Master, how is it you? An exalted immortal suddenly appearing—do you have any orders?"

Translation: "'Immortal Master, how is it you? The sudden appearance of a lofty immortal—do you have any orders?'" We'll output: "'Immortal Master, how is it you? The sudden appearance of a lofty immortal—do you have any orders?'"

Nezha's disturbance at sea; according to his original fate, in a few days he would be the child who shot and killed Shi Ji, assisting Taiyi Zhenren in scheming against Shi Ji—this counts as the Chan sect's first open move against the Jie sect, so Gu Xiu no longer needs to conceal himself deliberately.

Translation: "Nezha's disturbance at sea; according to his original fate, in a few days he would be the child who shot and killed Shi Ji's offspring, assisting Taiyi Zhenren in scheming against Shi Ji, marking the Jie Sect's first open move against the Jie Sect, so Gu Xiu no longer needs to conceal himself specifically." We'll output: Nezha's disturbance at sea; according to his original fate, in a few days he would be the child who shot and killed Shi Ji's offspring, assisting Taiyi Zhenren in scheming against Shi Ji, marking the Jie Sect's first open move against the Jie Sect, so Gu Xiu no longer needs to conceal himself specifically.

The two generals saw Gu Xiu and felt embarrassed; last time they followed Giant Spirit God to the lower realm to capture Hong Jin, resulting in a blunder.

Translation: "The two generals saw Gu Xiu and also looked embarrassed; last time they followed Giant Spirit God to the lower realm to capture Hong Jin, resulting in a mix-up." We'll output: The two generals saw Gu Xiu and also looked embarrassed; last time they followed Giant Spirit God to the lower realm to capture Hong Jin, resulting in a mix-up.

All together they bowed and clasped their hands: 'We pay our respects to the Immortal Master.'

Although Ao Guang had never met Gu Xiu, the turtle chancellor returned to have someone paint Gu Xiu's portrait, and Ao Guang had indeed seen it.

"Could it be that Immortal Master is Gu Shangxian?" Ao Guang was a bit excited; Gu Xiu had saved the Dragon Palace several times, counting as its lifesaver.

Gu Xiu nodded: "I learned from the turtle chancellor that the Dragon King came to Chen Tang Guan to expound the Dharma; I informed the Dragon King that this journey would encounter a calamity, but fortunately with noble assistance we can turn danger into safety, so I let the turtle chancellor return relieved."

Ao Guang hearing this, stunned: "Immortal Master, you're truly divine; I was afflicted by Nezha's Dao, and without noble assistance I could not reach the Heavenly Court nor see the Heavenly Emperor; Immortal Master, what brings you here?"

Gu Xiu smiled lightly and said: "I happened to pass by here, saw you capturing Nezha, and I already understand the relevant circumstances."

"This matter is due to the laxity of Taiyi Zhenren's disciples, who incite their apprentice to commit violence; let Nezha pay with his life, and do not implicate outsiders, nor the people of Chen Tang Guan."

Upon hearing, Ao Guang said: "Immortal Master, since you speak, we will naturally give face, but Nezha has already fled; we cannot make him pay with his life."

Gu Xiu said meaningfully: "Rest assured, after returning to Qian Yuan Mountain, Jin Guang Cave, and meeting Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha will return on his own."

"Is what the Immortal Master says true?" Ao Guang and the Giant Spirit God thought they had misheard; Nezha had finally escaped, how could he walk into the trap himself?

"Naturally, when Nezha returns later, I will secretly assist you; you will seize the opportunity to kill Nezha, and after you have killed Nezha, I will seal his soul within your bodies, and you will bring his corpse to heaven to hand over to the Heavenly Emperor for disposal."

"Why is this, Immortal Master?" Gu Xiu's words left Ao Guang, the Giant Spirit God, and the two great generals looking puzzled.

Gu Xiu, calm and composed: "Taiyi Zhenren intends to use lotus root to reshape Nezha's body and revive him; bringing him to heaven is to prevent this; Nezha can only be reborn if he goes to the Heavenly Court to ask the Heavenly Emperor for a person."

Ao Guang hearing this, his expression angry: "Even still wanting to use lotus root to revive is absolutely impossible!"

Having learned such momentous news, Ao Guang no longer cared to pursue Li Jing's responsibility or take out his anger on the people of Chen Tang Guan; he looked at Li Jing in the Li residence.

"Li Jing, since Immortal Master Gu is pleading for your Li family, we will only kill Nezha and not cause trouble for your Li family."

Seeing Ao Guang no longer taking out his anger on Chen Tang Guan, Li Jing breathed a sigh of relief, felt grateful to Gu Xiu with tears, clasped his hands: "Thank you, Immortal Master; I, Li Jing, owe you a favor."

Gu Xiu glanced at Li Jing; at this time Li Jing was still a Shang dynasty commander, and could perhaps be used for some scheme.

He spoke slowly: "Li Jing, now the feudal lords rebel everywhere, the people cannot make a living; this is due to demonic mischief; specifically, the Jiao Sect seeks to use the Investiture of the Gods' name to eliminate the killing calamity on the Twelve Golden Immortals, thus intending to wreak havoc in the world, everywhere letting monsters stir the lords to revolt."

"You, as a subject, ought to share the ruler's worries; however, the Jiao Sect has long had its eyes on your three sons, who have all been taken into the Jiao Sect to substitute for the Twelve Golden Immortals in their calamity; soon, according to the Jiao Sect's demand, they will enter the world to rebel as traitors."

After a pause, Gu Xiu continued: "Nezha's violent misdeeds are closely related to Taiyi Zhenren; this is also why I intervened to save you; everything stems from the Jiao Sect, and you are merely caught up."

"What!" Li Jing exclaimed in shock: "Damned Jiao Sect, why do you harm my Li family so?"

Not only Li Jing was shocked; the Giant Spirit God and others were also greatly startled.

I never expected the Jiao Sect's Investiture of the Gods to have such hidden details.

After speaking with Ao Guang and the others, Gu Xiu returned to where the Dragon Princess Long Ji was.

The Dragon Princess Long Ji eagerly asked: "What did you say to them just now?"

"Nothing much, just saying that Nezha's rampant wrongdoing, inability to discern right from wrong, is inseparable from Taiyi Zhenren's deliberate cultivation."

While speaking, Gu Xiu pondered; if he had not intervened, Nezha would soon draw the Heaven-and-Earth Bow and fire the Shocking Heaven Arrow.

Now that he has intervened, Nezha likely has no chance to draw the Heaven-and-Earth Bow.

But we do not know what the Jiao Sect will do to remedy this.

……

Qian Yuan Mountain.

Jin Guang Cave.

Taiyi Zhenren was in meditation when Nezha rushed in hastily.

"Master, Master! Taiyi Master!"

Taiyi Zhenren slightly opened his eyes: "Nezha, I've told you before, when encountering matters do not be hasty and flustered."

"Master, disciple has encountered trouble; can't not be anxious!"

Hearing Nezha's anxious tone, Taiyi Zhenren raised his gaze and glanced; seeing Nezha dusty and wounded all over, he was slightly taken aback.

"Nezha, I didn't send you to intercept Ao Guang; how did you return wounded? I gave you a concealment talisman; if you had secretly struck Ao Guang beforehand, he could do nothing to you."

Nezha calmed a bit and recounted the matter of blocking Ao Guang.

After listening, Taiyi Zhenren slightly frowned: "You say Ao Guang was saved by a qilin, and you were injured by the qilin?"

"Yes, Taiyi Master, it was that qilin that helped; disciple was beaten and fell to the mortal realm."

"Thinking that I was beaten and fell to the mortal realm, Ao Guang that old loach certainly would have smoothly gone to the Heavenly Court to file a complaint; thus I hurried back to Chen Tang Guan, and indeed Ao Guang had already summoned heavenly troops and generals; had I not been wounded, I would surely have slaughtered them to the last man."

Having heard Nezha's report, Taiyi Zhenren slightly frowned: "You say Ao Guang successfully went to file an imperial complaint? The heavenly troops and generals have already arrived at Chen Tang Guan?"

"Yes, Master, if not for that qilin, I would have long ago flayed and tendon‑pulled that old loach."

Nezha spoke boastfully, yet failed to notice Taiyi Zhenren's face turning grim.

"You haven't divulged my words, have you?"

"Master, disciple has always kept your teachings in mind; how could I possibly reveal them?"

Taiyi Zhenren's expression eased considerably.

Although the Jiao Sect does not fear the Heavenly Court, the Heavenly Court was established by the Dao Ancestor, and Haotian is the appointed sovereign.

The previous incident of storming the Heavenly Court saw Yuanshi questioned by Hongjun, causing Yuanshi Tianzun to return and vent his anger on them.

Having already offended the Heavenly Court, if the Heavenly Court learned that I had incited Nezha to obstruct Ao Guang's heavenly complaint, Taiyi Zhenren cannot be sure whether Haotian will make a mountain out of a molehill and escalate the matter to Kunlun Mountain.

Although he may not do anything, he will certainly not be summoned by Yuanshi Tianzun for questioning.

"Nezha, this affair could have been seamless, but because of you, Ao Guang has now successfully filed the heavenly complaint, which will certainly implicate the Li family and the people of Chen Tang Guan."

"Master, what should I do?"

"You are the reincarnation of the Lingzhu Pearl, born with a heavenly mandate, not casually reborn into the Li family; yet since the matter arose because of you, we must not implicate the innocent, and we ought to repay the Li family's kindness and save the people of Chen Tang Guan."

Taiyi Zhenren's words left Nezha greatly doubtful.

"Then Master, what do you intend for me to do?"

Taiyi Zhenren's face turned cold, and he said in a low voice: "Cut flesh to repay your mother, carve bone to repay your father; from now on you have no further ties with the Li family, then commit suicide to atone, and thus Ao Guang's anger will be appeased and the people of Qian Tang Guan will be free of worry."

"What, Master, you want me to commit suicide to atone?" Nezha thought he had misheard.

"Master, you didn't say that even if I killed the Four Sea Dragon Kings it would be fine?"

Taiyi True Person said: 'Indeed so, but now Ao Guang has successfully filed an imperial petition; although the Heavenly Court, as the master, does not take it to heart, after all it was ordained by the Dao Ancestor; if Haotian makes a fuss to the Dao Ancestor, alarming your grandmaster, the master would also find it hard to explain; but rest assured, the master will revive you afterward; then you will be yourself, and you will not owe your parents anything.'

Although there was a slight mishap, it does not affect the original plan; by using lotus root to resurrect Nezha and sever Nuwa's karma, Taiyi True Person is not at all worried.

Seeing Nezha delay in responding, his facial expression was uncertain,

Taiyi True Person frowned, and asked: 'Could it be that you are unwilling?'

Nezha said: 'Disciple indeed is unwilling, but since the master's request is the master's request, the disciple will naturally comply.'

Taiyi True Person smiled with satisfaction: 'Very well, go.'

……