The Investiture: Unlimited Blade Works Nezha

No-Life Old Mother: ...

This was a little fox spirit. She decided to work through someone else, and as soon as she looked up, she saw Deng Chanyu, who was "obsessed with beauty."

No-Life Old Mother: ?

She really felt like she was falling out of touch with the times. Wasn't it just liking beautiful fairies? A slightly odd preference, sure, but a weakness nonetheless. And besides, she didn't seem too bright.

Thus, No-Life Old Mother smiled cheerfully at Deng Chanyu and said, "You must be Zixiao Primordial Lord, Po Jun Star Lord, and Star Sky War God."

Deng Chanyu turned her head with a shy smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at No-Life Old Mother and asked, "Have you heard of my story?"

No-Life Old Mother's expression froze for a moment. What story of yours could I possibly know? Judging by your bone age, you're not even five hundred years old—what kind of story could you have?

But now that she wanted to recruit this not-so-bright one into her White Lotus Sect, she certainly couldn't say that.

"The Zixiao Primordial Lord is renowned in the Mortal World. This humble Daoist has indeed heard a few things."

Deng Chanyu immediately leaned a bit closer to No-Life Old Mother.

"I ascended to the Immortal Realm long ago and haven't returned since. I wonder what people are saying about me down below?"

No-Life Old Mother helplessly began to praise Deng Chanyu. Behind her, Daji, as a good bestie who had once "shared the trenches," was speechless. Familiar with Deng Chanyu's personality, she knew all too well—her friend had started to have some fun with this.

No-Life Old Mother seized upon the opportunity to heap compliments on Deng Chanyu. Deng Chanyu, seemingly warming up to her, began to act more amiably. Feeling the time was right, No-Life Old Mother started to preach the doctrines of her White Lotus Sect.

After much effort, she finally got to the main topic!

Just as she was passionately expounding, she looked up to see Deng Chanyu looking drowsy. Suppressing her anger, she gently called out, "Chanyu? Chanyu!"

Deng Chanyu, like a college student caught napping in class, instantly perked up but played it off confidently.

"Hehe, senior, I am a military general. I've been fighting on the battlefield with my father since I was young, so I'm not good with scriptures. Whenever you preach, it just makes me sleepy…"

No-Life Old Mother swallowed her anger. It was so rare to encounter someone seemingly friendly toward her; there was no way she would give up!

"The true path of cultivation involves practicing the Nine Sections of Celestial Refinement. The false path strays into the Eight Misguidances, clouding the Seven Apertures. The Six Robbers run rampant, the Five Demons are unleashed, and the Four Gates cannot be opened. The Three Hearts falter, the Two Essences are unbalanced, and the One Breath is obstructed…"

Deng Chanyu: ZZZZZ!

...

Meanwhile, on another side, Long Ji watched Daji and the others with worry as she leaned against the Queen Mother and asked, "Mother, when did you get another junior sister?"

The Queen Mother tapped Long Ji's smooth forehead.

"Matters of adults are not for children to meddle in."

"Mother~ I'm already over five hundred years old, not a child!"

No-Life Old Mother couldn't care less about this; she continued to preach her doctrines.

Seeing Deng Chanyu drowsy again, Supreme Mother suddenly had an idea and said, "Chanyu, Chanyu? The world speaks of the Zixiao Primordial Lord as a figure of unparalleled charm and grace, truly a Heavenly being…"

Deng Chanyu: !!!

"Once you cultivate the Immortal and Buddha Body and sit firmly on the Lotus Platform, you may return to Heaven to accompany your mother. Only then will your cultivation be complete. Each day will be free of cold or heat, peaceful and carefree. You'll gaze upon the infinite wonders of Heaven…"

Deng Chanyu: ZZZZZ!

Good grief, the only thing she can listen to is flattery, isn't it!

"I have one thing to say. Please, everyone, listen quietly."

As she finished speaking, a profound Dao Qi unfolded around No-Life Old Mother. Her words seemed to carry a mysterious power, captivating all the female immortals around—Daji, Deng Chanyu, Yang Chan, and others—all unconsciously focused their attention on her. No-Life Old Mother began talking non-stop.

Only one person was an exception: Shi Ji. Truly the embodiment of a "Stubborn Stone," No-Life Old Mother's techniques had little effect on her. She struggled to stay awake and tried to alert the others, only to find she couldn't move at all.

The Queen Mother, seated to the side, was already a bit irritated at having her mood disrupted. Seeing No-Life Old Mother using such tricks in her domain really amused her with anger. Trying to poach from me on my turf? You really don't see me as a person, huh?

With a flick of her finger, a crisp chime echoed through the Turquoise Pool Grand Hall from a bowl held by a nearby female immortal. The Dao Qi around No-Life Old Mother trembled slightly and was instantly scattered.

Shi Ji's body jolted. She quickly pulled out the Eight Diagrams Dragon Whisker Handkerchief and swept Daji, Deng Chanyu, and the others away, retreating rapidly to the Queen Mother's side.

No-Life Old Mother, interrupted once again, was truly on the verge of losing her temper. All that talk about female immortals helping one another—complete nonsense. Fellow immortals are rivals, especially when that rival is in the same line of work. They become mortal enemies.

No-Life Old Mother's eyes glinted maliciously as she stared at the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother straightened her posture and said, "What common ground do you have with a bunch of younglings? Why not come and get closer to me instead?"

"As fellow female immortals, we ought to assist each other! Since you've made the suggestion, this humble Daoist would be glad to get closer to you!"

With that, she summoned a Jade Ruyi to her hand and stared squarely at the Queen Mother. Though neither of them stood, they began to duel from a distance using their Jade Ruyis.

Their cultivation had reached the point where they could wield their powers with perfect precision, and neither wanted collateral damage. Though their duel was fierce, outwardly it looked as if they were merely lightly flourishing their Ruyis.

Though a duel, one displayed refined grace and compassion, the other exuded a dignified majesty—it was an oddly enthralling sight.

The terrifying power they wielded felt like a gentle breeze on the surface, but those who truly understood knew its danger. A typical Daluo Golden Immortal caught in between them would likely be gravely injured in an instant.

They exchanged nearly a hundred bouts in the air. Ultimately, the Queen Mother gained the upper hand, and the Jade Table in front of No-Life Old Mother cracked open, spilling Immortal Fruits and Spiritual Wine everywhere.

No-Life Old Mother, who had been trying to maintain her composed image, finally couldn't hold it anymore. She showed a look of fury on her face.

"Impressive skills, your Majesty."

As one of the most distinguished women in the Three Realms and the victor of this contest, the Queen Mother didn't believe in magnanimity. If you make me mad, don't expect to escape unscathed.

"Junior Sister, as Emperor Ziwei often says, if you're not skilled enough, you should spend more time practicing before trying to seek attention."

Hearing this, No-Life Old Mother rose abruptly. With a stomp of her foot and a loud "bang," the scattered Immortal Fruits, broken table, and toppled Jade Bottle around her all turned to powder.

Face dark, she stormed off. This time, she was truly fed up.

The Queen Mother, still seated, watched No-Life Old Mother's retreating figure and sneered. A thousand-year-old fox acting like a saintly white lotus—it's laughable.

From behind the screen, Long Ji and the others saw No-Life Old Mother leave and rushed to the Queen Mother's side.

"Mother (Aunt, Your Majesty), are you injured?"

A crowd of little fairies fussed over her, and the Queen Mother's cold demeanor instantly softened.

"I'm fine. But the outside world is likely to descend into chaos again. All of you must stay on your best behavior and remain in Heaven for the time being."

Everyone present understood this was a well-meaning reminder from the Queen Mother and hurriedly expressed their gratitude.

Meanwhile, outside the Heavenly Court, No-Life Old Mother grew angrier with every step. Finally, she turned and headed straight for Mount Sumeru's Leiyin Temple. Maitreya, jovially chuckling and unfamiliar with her personality or background, found her quite likable and warmly welcomed her arrival.

No-Life Old Mother got straight to the point.

"I have a matter I must request Senior Brother's assistance with."

"Of course."