In the reception hall of Li Manor’s front courtyard, several figures sat quietly, their faces showing anticipation.

Laughter came from behind the hall as a group of maidservants accompanied Lord and Lady Li. Having taken the spirit pill given by Li Changshou, Lady Yin had left her bed and was carrying the sleeping child.

Li Jing followed closely beside them, his expression suggesting he feared his wife might faint at any moment.

The distinguished guests in the reception hall rose to greet them. True Person Taiyi stood with his hands behind his back, smiling with eyes practically popping out, repeatedly raising his eyebrows at True Person Yuding and Li Changshou, as if saying…

‘Look, this is my bir— no, my disciple reborn!’

Beside him, Marshal Quantong’s eyes crinkled with a smile. He took the initiative to step forward and examine the future general of the Celestial Court, finding himself liking the child more and more. He gave Li Changshou a knowing look that only the two of them understood.

‘This little one must be protected well, don’t let the Western Sect scheme against him. You just focus on protecting him, I’ll explain to the Dao Ancestor.’

Li Changshou nodded with a smile.

Inviting His Majesty the Jade Emperor here was primarily for this purpose.

“Ahem,” True Person Taiyi cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should accept him as my disciple now…”

Li Changshou smiled, “Why is Senior Brother in such a hurry? Could it be you fear someone will steal your disciple? How could this little one even perform the tea ceremony?”

Marshal Quantong joked from the side, “Tsk, this Marshal also feels the hunter’s excitement.”

True Person Taiyi glared at Li Changshou.

When had he, the great Yin-Yang Master, suffered such indignity!

He was about to retort with a sneer, but before the words left his mouth, True Person Yuding shook the treasure orb in his hand.

True Person Taiyi could only smile awkwardly and say halfheartedly:

“I truly fear my master will become an uncle-master, needlessly losing a good disciple.”

Li Changshou shook his head with a bitter smile, feeling somewhat targeted.

True Person Yuding calmly changed the subject: “General Li, have you chosen a name for your son?”

Li Jing hurriedly replied, “Shuizha, it’s Water’s turn.”

“Hmm…”

True Person Taiyi pondered carefully, calculating with his fingers before shaking his head. “My disciple was born with a fire fate. Calling him Shuizha seems inappropriate. Besides, General Li, why are you so fixated on the character ‘Zha’?”

Li Jing explained, “His two elder brothers are named Jinzha and Muzha. The character ‘Zha’ represents the sound made by Pangu when suppressing evil spirits between Heaven and Earth, signifying the elimination of demons and protection of the Dao.”

“If not Shuizha, perhaps Huozha?”

“Huozha doesn’t sound right either, it’s rather jarring to the ear.”

Li Jing persisted: “Tuzha?”

True Person Taiyi: “That sounds worse than ‘falling apart.'”

“True Person, this!” Li Jing frowned at True Person Taiyi and asked softly, “Then what would True Person suggest?”

“Hmm, how about Lingzha?”

“That’s too delicate,” Li Jing couldn’t help but laugh helplessly. “Among the countless names in the primordial chaos, the character ‘Ling’ takes up nearly half. It’s far too common.”

A certain Chang’e cultivating by the lake at Small Qiong Peak felt somewhat offended.

Marshal Quantong suddenly said: “Since we’re using the character ‘Zha,’ why not follow the theme of suppressing evil? This child still has an undispersible murderous energy within him, originating from the Demon Ancestor—quite troublesome. Why not pair it with the character ‘Ne,’ which also carries the meaning of suppressing evil and expelling demons? In the future, whenever someone calls his name, it will help suppress the murderous energy within him. How about Nezha?”

Li Jing frowned at Quantong. Who was this? Was this name even pleasant to hear? How many years of education did he have, suggesting ‘Nezha’? What kind of name was that?

“Excellent!”

Li Changshou exclaimed, giving a thumbs up and praising, “Marshal Quantong truly lives up to his name of knowing everything. Li Jing, quickly thank Marshal Quantong for bestowing the name!”

Li Jing’s Adam’s apple bobbed several times before he said firmly, “Many- many thanks, Marshal!”

Marshal Quantong’s eyes crinkled as he smiled, continuing to watch little Nezha’s sleeping face with amusement.

Lady Yin asked gently, “Would the distinguished guests please bestow some blessings on my son?”

“I’ll go first,” Quantong cleared his throat and thought seriously for a moment. “Handsome and mighty, a world-shocking hero.”

True Person Taiyi smiled, “That’s quite a heavy burden. I’ll offer this: Peace, health, and carefree joy.”

True Person Yuding thought for a long while before saying: “May each step bring advancement, like lotus flowers blooming one after another.”

Then, all eyes turned to Li Changshou. He gazed at the sleeping Nezha and said softly:

“Nezha is born today as a child of the human race, with a human body and human soul. I hope that in the future, he will study the teachings of human sages and understand the principles of being human. Since he was born with divine powers, he should constantly examine himself, always walking the righteous path and following the true way. Through the changes of Heaven and Earth, the human way endures. I hope you become someone who can shoulder others’ expectations while remaining true to your heart.”

After speaking, Li Changshou took out a somewhat oddly shaped bracelet from his sleeve. With a light touch of his finger, the bracelet was divided evenly into three parts and fitted around Nezha’s left wrist.

The bracelet was dark gold with three small circles, containing strands of mysterious Dao rhythms—clearly no ordinary item.

Li Changshou explained: “This is a little thing I crafted earlier. It contains three treasure pearls that can absorb murderous energy at any time and serve as a warning system. If one pearl lights up, it means murderous energy is stirring within Nezha. If two pearls light up, it means Nezha is about to lose control of the murderous energy. If all three pearls light up simultaneously…”

“What then?” Li Jing asked worriedly.

“Run.”

Li Changshou said softly, “To fight against the murderous energy, Nezha has already merged with his previous life’s power. Over these years, I’ve continuously used grand formations to cleanse his murderous energy and given him boundless spiritual energy. While in the womb, he was in his primordial unpolluted state, close to the Dao and playing with it. Though his internal power is dormant, once it erupts… Li Jing, you would be no match for him. If the murderous energy goes berserk, you must immediately move all living beings away from his vicinity.”

Li Jing was speechless, while Lady Yin frowned and held her child tighter.

Li Jing asked quietly, “This child, will he… will he harm innocents?”

“Don’t worry,” Li Changshou smiled, “I’m describing the worst-case scenario. I will watch over him until he learns to control the murderous energy. Li Jing, do you remember those books I gave you?”

Li Jing started, then quickly nodded.

“That was for this purpose,” Li Changshou said. “From now on, divide your military duties in half—go to the military camp in the morning and return home at noon. If you can’t even teach your son well, you’re not fit to be an official who governs others.”

“Yes!”

Li Jing bowed deeply, “Li Jing will carefully remember Father’s teachings!”

Quantong asked, “Can merit help suppress the murderous energy?”

“Rest assured, Marshal,” Li Changshou looked at Nezha’s already quite delicate face. “Originally, he was quite a gentle immortal youth.”

Hmm?

True Person Taiyi couldn’t help but start worrying again.

Meanwhile, on Chen Tang Pass’s eastern wall, several figures stood watching the scene at Li Manor.

Bear Lingli clicked her tongue and said teasingly, “What’s called a second-generation immortal? This must be the legendary second-generation immortal, such a grand display at birth.”

Yang Jian smiled, “Ling… Junior Brother Nezha deserves it.”

Golden-Winged Great Peng stood with his hands behind his back like a sage, saying in an elderly manner, “Teacher has spent such great effort, naturally having high hopes for Nezha. May Nezha live up to these expectations and become a pillar of strength early on.”

Bear Lingli said, “I think we shouldn’t place too much expectation on children, it’s pressure, such pressure… Oh right, Wondrous Dao True Monarch of Clear Origin!”

CLANG!

Bear Lingli threw her two bronze hammers onto the city wall, creating cracks. “Let’s fight! I still remember you hitting my ankle!”

Yang Jian smiled awkwardly, “Seeking combat is not my desire. Such energy should be directed at demons.”

Golden-Winged Great Peng said, “Why don’t we spar a bit? However many demons’ worth of power you expend, I’ll return tenfold.”

Yang Jian: …

What was going on?

Why were all of Uncle Master Changgeng’s subordinates so fond of fighting?

“Outside the Five Continents?” Yang Jian’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Golden Winged Great Peng.

Golden-Winged Great Peng nodded with a smile, his figure rising into the air and disappearing with a whoosh.

“Beyond the ends of the earth.”

Yang Jian leaped up, transforming directly into Golden Winged Great Peng’s true form. The Eight-Nine Mysteries Art circulated, his form trailing a golden line as he chased after Golden Winged Great Peng.

“Ah!”

Bear Lingli stared at their departing figures, then sighed dejectedly, silently feeling this rejection.

Was it because her strength wasn’t great enough, or her size was not big enough? They were being selective about their sparring partners!

Pah!

The twin-tailed half-witch shook her fist at the direction Yang Jian and Golden Winged Great Peng had flown off in, then rolled her eyes, shouldered her bronze hammers, and jumped down from the city wall, heading toward the celestial army’s gathering place.

Next time I see you, I’ll step right on your toes!

“First step on them, then grow bigger, wahahahaha!”

…

The next day, everyone in Chen Tang Pass was talking about how General Li had gained a third son, graceful and lovable, with the bearing of an immortal.

The kitchen cart driver who went out shopping for the General’s mansion praised this third young master to the heavens, saying how intelligent, innocent, and robust he was, able to speak after one hour of birth, walk after two hours, and play kickball after three hours!

They spoke as if they had seen it all with their own eyes.

Lady Li carrying the spiritual embryo for nearly three and a half years and having some unusual phenomena upon its birth was only natural.

Under the manipulation of a certain Human Dao disciple who wished to remain unnamed, Chen Tang Pass experienced a series of auspicious signs.

First, a herd of lost deer wandered into the military camp, providing extra meals for the soldiers; then came a gentle rain that healed many soldiers’ old wounds.

A massive spiritual mushroom grew on the crossbeam of Chen Tang Pass’s tower, viewed as an auspicious omen.

At sunset, the western forest was bathed in clouds of rosy light, seemingly predicting the arrival of good fortune.

Word spread through Chen Tang Pass that the Li family’s third young master was truly a star of fortune.

Within a few days, the back courtyard of Li Manor became increasingly lively.

After sleeping deeply following his birth, little Nezha began his first exploration of this world with abundant energy.

First, Lady Yin carried him walking around the courtyard. Nezha struggled slightly, pointing his small finger at the ground, and was soon supported by Lady Yin as he tried taking a few steps barefoot on the stone path.

Lady Yin was full of concern, but Nezha steadied himself after two or three steps and gestured for his mother to let go.

Lady Yin slowly released her hands. Though Nezha’s form swayed and his little hands waved for balance, she quickly steadied him again.

After several such attempts, Nezha had already passed through the toddling stage.

When Li Jing returned home at noon and saw the little man in his belly wrap jumping everywhere in the back courtyard—from rockeries to corridors to eaves—his forehead couldn’t help but be covered in black lines.

Extraordinary talent, truly extraordinary talent.

Li Changshou sat on the wall watching this scene, revealing a gentle smile.

At this point, little Nezha was only slightly stronger and more agile than normal, with his divine powers and abilities hidden within—this was Li Changshou’s masterwork.

Before Nezha turned three, he could only access his powers either through emotions or specific incantations.

After Nezha turned three, the immortal restrictions Li Changshou had placed would naturally fade.

These three years were crucial for teaching Nezha to control his emotions and murderous energy.

Li Changshou had already planned to focus most of his attention here, aside from going to Three Immortals Island to explain the matter to Chang’e Immortal, he didn’t plan to move anywhere else.

He wasn’t in a hurry to intervene, giving Nezha more time to spend with his family.

However, True Person Taiyi, hiding in the shadows, was somewhat impatient.

A month later, True Person Taiyi appeared again, this time riding clouds from the west, surrounded by immortal light. He had changed from his red robe into a green Daoist robe and carried a dust whisk, appearing much more dignified and solemn.

When True Person Taiyi arrived at Li Jing’s mansion, he had already attracted many mortals’ attention, with some even kneeling to pray for blessings and request pills.

Li Jing hurried out while little Nezha was held by Lady Yin, looking on from behind.

True Person Taiyi scattered some immortal light, calmly floated into the mansion, and raised his eyebrows at little Nezha.

“General Li, I’ve come as agreed to accept your son as my disciple.”

Li Jing blinked—when had they agreed on this? How did he not know?

This True Person was truly too eager, so eager that… Li Jing couldn’t help but suspect that True Person Taiyi wanted to compete with him for Nezha’s guardianship.

“True Person, the child is only one month old.”

“Ah, one month is already quite grown,” True Person Taiyi pulled Li Jing’s arm and said softly, “Let’s establish the master-disciple relationship first, establish the hierarchy—delays breed mishaps.”

Li Jing felt quite helpless inside but had to agree.

Nezha examined True Person Taiyi for a long while, then actively reached out his small hands, wanting True Person Taiyi to hold him.

True Person Taiyi was delighted at this and was about to move forward when Li Jing quickly stepped in first, saying: “Wife, take Nezha to wash up first. I’ll go to the reception hall with True Person to make preparations.”

Lady Yin blinked and smiled tenderly, carrying Nezha away gracefully.

True Person Taiyi: …

Li Jing made a welcoming gesture and smiled, “Please, True Person, please.”

Nearby, Li Changshou raised an eyebrow.

Why did he feel like these two grown men were making each other jealous?

Must be his imagination, surely just his imagination.

After much fuss, Nezha confusedly accepted True Person Taiyi as his master, and True Person Taiyi finally got his wish to hold Nezha for a while, immediately breaking into pleased chuckles.

This True Person was also generous, casually producing a bracelet to put on Nezha’s wrist, even learning a phrase from Li Changshou—”little trinket.”

“Just a little trinket, the Universe Ring, an innate supreme spiritual treasure that can suppress demons and change size at will.”

Li Jing hurriedly said from the side: “True Person, such a treasure…”

True Person Taiyi completely ignored him and took out a red silk ribbon, tying it around Nezha’s arm. The ribbon floated gently, softly brushing against Nezha’s small body.

“Just another little trinket, the Sky Mixing Ribbon, can be used to restrain strong enemies and stir up heaven and earth. An innate supreme spiritual treasure, hardly worth mentioning, hardly worth mentioning, just for the child to play with!”

Li Jing: …

True Person Taiyi calmly smiled, looking triumphantly at Li Jing before continuing to pull items from his sleeve.

“Nezha, do you like this Purple Gold Chaos Brick?”

“Come, come, this Yin-Yang Great Treasure Sword is your master’s proud creation.”

“Your master has also been forging a spear for you recently, entrusted to the Forging Master Yunzhongzi, using materials from about a dozen innate spiritual treasures.”

Li Jing, Lady Yin, and Li Changshou watching from the side: …

Thus, a month later.

Little Nezha could speak simple words and run and jump without hurting himself. He was allowed outside the mansion and liked wandering through the streets, bouncing around everywhere, always followed by that senior servant of the Li Manor, Wang Chang’an.

Normally, a mischievous child who liked running along rooftops and trampling market stalls would draw criticism for such unruly behavior.

But when little Nezha knocked over vegetable stands, spilled fruit, and damaged roof tiles, a Li Manor servant would immediately throw out large amounts of gold and silver, completely changing the situation.

“Third Young Master, come browse over here!”

“Third Young Master is out again! Everyone quickly set up your stalls!”

“Fresh candy figures that Third Young Master loves! Third Young Master, look this way!”

This greatly promoted Chen Tang Pass’s commercial prosperity, stimulated the common people’s desire to do business, and made outstanding contributions to raising the gross domestic product of the mortal realm.

Li Changshou just wanted to prevent rumors and gossip from affecting Nezha’s state of mind.

After all, he had just been born and was objectively still an infant.

On this day, little Nezha bounced out of the city. Seeing the clear sky and pleasant weather outside, he ran barefoot through the hillsides and fields, his form free and unfettered, his giggles echoing back and forth.

Li Changshou suddenly raised an eyebrow and concealed his presence.

After jumping around, Nezha soon felt a bit tired. His nose caught the smell of cooking from a village, and he ran over there with his mouth-watering.

“Ya?”

Little Nezha suddenly discovered something and curiously approached an open window, holding onto the windowsill to peer inside.

Inside was a warm brocade-curtained room where a jade-faced, tall, and handsome young master was embracing a beautiful woman in coarse cloth, speaking to her softly.

“My beauty, you should know that my heart was set on you from the moment I saw you. I only wish to walk the same path with you, never to part.”

“Young Master Ao…”

“Eh?”

A sudden noise came from the window, startling the two people and creating their atmosphere. They quickly turned to see those bright large eyes, then both sighed in relief.

Young Master Ao: “My beauty, is this… your son?”

“Don’t talk nonsense, Young Master,” the woman hurriedly said, “I’m not yet married, how could I have such a big son?

Whose child are you? Quick, go away!”

Nezha held the windowsill with his left hand while pointing behind Young Master Ao with his right.

“Tail!”

Young Master Ao was startled and looked behind himself, but saw that his transformation technique hadn’t been broken.

Looking closer and seeing the child’s overwhelming spiritual energy, he couldn’t help but feel uncertain.

His eyes rolled as Young Master Ao revealed a gentle smile, taking out a huge pearl from his sleeve. Under the amazed gaze of the woman beside him, he walked to the window.

“Little brother, I’ll give you this to play with. Will you go play somewhere else?”

“Young Master Ao~~”

The woman called out softly, her heart truly about to melt in his gentle words.

SMACK!

A small hand mercilessly knocked away the pearl, and little Nezha called out in his childish voice: “Long worm!”

Long!

Young Master Ao’s eyes bulged, anger rising as he cursed: “Hey! You little brat! How dare you insult me!”

“Long worm!”

“Say that again!”

“Blue and white flowery long worm, hee hee, hahaha!”

“Hey!”

Young Master Ao’s anger surged as he raised his finger toward Nezha’s forehead, about to use a small spell to teach this human brat a lesson. But as soon as his finger moved, Nezha’s small hand left afterimages as it grabbed his finger and gently bent it backward.

Crack.

It… it broke.