The Investiture: Unlimited Blade Works Nezha
Chapter 198 - 197: He Has Always Been in the Most Dazzling Place

Chapter 198: Chapter 197: He Has Always Been in the Most Dazzling Place

Nezha hesitated, unsure whether to betray his good friends, Jin Jiao and Silver Horn. He couldn’t determine if it was the right or wrong thing to do.

The woman, however, spoke first, "There’s no need to worry. I cannot interfere with Lord Lao’s matters. I am merely curious."

The relationship between the true self and the Three Corpses is indeed peculiar. The Three Corpses are Saint Taiqing, and yet they are independent beings. One could say the woman is Dao Companion to the Golden Que Emperor, or Dao Companion to Saint Taiqing, but not to Lord Lao. If one were to describe her relationship with Lord Lao, it would be closer to that of a sister-in-law and an elder brother-in-law.

And yet, Lord Lao could also be considered Saint Taiqing. It sounds strange, but very much aligns with the Primordial world’s logic.

After all, you can’t impose human ethics upon these Innate Sacred Beings—they aren’t humans at all.

"I’m on good terms with Jin Jiao and Silver Horn. This is a toy they gave me."

The beautiful woman didn’t say much else, instead handing the axe back to Bai Ya.

"Why are you here? Surely you didn’t come merely to see the Little Fox Lady?"

After saying this, the beautiful woman pointed to Bai Ya and continued, "Well, this generation’s most beautiful Little Fox Lady is here. Take her back with you and have a good, long look."

This immediately turned Bai Ya’s face bright red.

Nezha felt somewhat awkward too. Over their time together, he had been scrupulously proper with Bai Ya, without the slightest inappropriate behavior.

"You jest, senior. This junior is here on someone else’s behalf to fulfill their last wish."

With that, he retrieved the Mountain Opening Axe and a golden medal, presenting them forth.

The axe symbolized his identity, while the medal was sent flying directly to Nu Jiao with a wave of Nezha’s hand.

Clad in coarse cloth, her attire starkly contrasting with the surrounding Fox Clan, Nu Jiao stared at the "Qi" character engraved on the medal, tears streaming down her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but didn’t know where to start.

"I have already sent Emperor Yu to reincarnation. Senior, I hope you will let it go."

Nezha, lacking the capacity to empathize deeply with such heart-wrenching romantic partings, could only offer these words as consolation.

That evening, they shared a banquet. Despite her majestic demeanor, the woman turned out to be quite amiable in personality. Once Nezha grew familiar with her, his restraint dissipated, and he ate and drank with abandon amidst jovial chatter.

The woman laughed, "I think I understand why you’re friends with those two troublemaking boys, Jin Jiao and Silver Horn."

Nezha looked up, "???"

...

Late that night, Tushan’s landscape was devoid of lamps, illuminated only by the countless stars in the sky.

Nezha and Bai Ya sat on a cliff’s edge, gazing up at the milky starscape.

Bai Ya took out the axe and handed it to Nezha, saying, "Here, take it back."

Nezha didn’t accept it. Instead, he leaned back, resting his head on his hands. "I’ve got something better. Keep this one for yourself, for self-defense."

Bai Ya put the axe away and lay down as well, though she placed her hands elegantly over her abdomen.

"Do you have a wife?"

"I do."

"What about Li Bai?"

"I am Li Bai."

Bai Ya’s eyes turned red at the corners, and she turned her back to Nezha.

Nezha pretended not to notice, though he felt a twinge of sentiment. The emotions of the Fox Clan were indeed rich and overflowing—after all, they had only known each other for four or five days.

In Nuwa Palace, Nuwa, watching the events unfold through a magical live stream, couldn’t help but recall a line of poetry Nezha had once muttered. Sighing, she said, "The fallen flower has feelings, but the flowing water is indifferent."

Qingluan, puzzled, asked, "Goddess, you understand such matters?"

Nuwa stretched contentedly as she replied, "I don’t. Love is too troublesome; otherwise, why would I have handed over authority over marriages to the Heavenly Court?"

"Goddess~"

"Hush!"

Catching on, Qingluan fell silent.

"Teacher, do you think the responsibility for marriage could be reassigned? I feel that Yue Lao isn’t doing a great job. What if we..."

Nezha’s suggestion carried to Nuwa Palace.

Nuwa didn’t particularly care who managed such matters. Whoever wanted to could take over—she certainly didn’t want to. Besides, a group of lively Little Fox Ladies was far more pleasing to the eye than that old man Yue Lao. What’s more, her adorable little apprentice had vouched for them.

After Nezha chattered away for some time, he finally received a single word from his teacher: "Fine."

He also received a seed radiating mystical energy.

At the same time, the marriage tree in the Heavenly Court began to lose much of its authority. Yue Lao, who had been drinking elsewhere, abruptly coughed up a mouthful of old blood.

Next to him, a startled old Immortal exclaimed, "Yue Lao! Yue Lao, you freeload my wine, and now you’re trying to deceive me? Get up, quickly!"

Hao Tian, sensing the transfer of the marriage authority, realized it hadn’t left the Heavenly Court entirely. As such, he didn’t intervene—he couldn’t even if he wanted to.

...

A radiant red glow swiftly caught Bai Ya’s attention.

Nezha tossed the seed into the spacious ground behind them. It sank into the soil, and immediately the forces of countless marriages converged upon it from across the world.

The seed sprouted, growing into a towering tree. Countless red lights transformed into red strings entwining its branches, creating an exceptionally dazzling sight.

Nezha gazed at the magnificent scene for a long while; Bai Ya, however, was deeply engrossed in looking at him.

Though beings from different eras and worlds may struggle to fully understand each other, there is always one thing that connects them: emotions.

This feeling of being stunned for a lifetime—Tushan Bai Ya suspected she would never forget it.

All around, numerous foxes quietly observed the canopy of red fireflies gathering on the enormous tree, their soft glow captivating every onlooker from the Fox Clan.

(According to later statistics by Tushan Yun, the Fox Clan’s fertility rate on this night was fifteen times the normal rate.)

...

The next day, it was time for Nezha to leave. Nothing would hold him back from the path of seeking his Dao.

The Tushan Fox Clan became the new Matchmakers. Once the formal transfer of authority was complete, Yue Lao would either have to change professions or face redistribution by Hao Tian to the Primordial lands.

Nezha was unaware of this development. Even if he knew, he would simply have said, "Serves him right." These gods, unmoored from the Investiture of the Gods, were all ruffians at best. Calling them that might even be complimenting their diligence.

Yue Lao’s Marriage Hall had already caused major problems twice, yet the old man remained complacent, showing no intention of reform. Instead, he spent his days casually drinking and socializing.

Nezha had disliked him for a long time.

To be honest, Nezha had little patience for any of these old gods who relied on seniority rather than strength. After spending so much time in the Heavenly Court, Nezha knew exactly how worthless most of its gods were.

Hao Tian, as their leader, certainly set a stellar example in this regard.

Nezha expended mana, using Space Magic to return to Nantang. He then re-entered the space where Fu Xi resided.

Taking out a bead, he displayed it in his palm.

Fu Xi gestured, summoning the Treasure Bead into his hand. After scrutinizing the dragon patterns within, he nodded in approval.

"The Jingzhou Furnace is yours now."

With that, the trapped dragon ascended, breaking through the spatial barrier, its roar resounding for miles, startling both warring factions on the battlefield a hundred li away.

With Fu Xi no longer suppressing it, the light of the Jingzhou Furnace burst forth. Nezha, quick on his feet, immediately rolled it up with the Jiangshan Sheji Map.

"Brother Ding, I’ve completed all your quests! Don’t stir up more trouble for me!"

Nezha didn’t care what others might think upon witnessing the scene. He immediately teleported home for a meal.

Bringing the Yu King Cauldron back to Nantang caused the previously erratic Qi Fortune to solidify significantly.

...

At night, King Ji clung closely to Nezha, sniffing him intently.

"What is that scent on you? Why do you smell so good?"

Deng Chanyu, ever eager to fuel the fire, teased gleefully, "Perhaps he’s been consorting with fox spirits outside."

Nezha replied with utmost conviction, "I’ve always smelled this good!"

Deng Chanyu smirked, "Then let me have a taste!"

...

At Tushan.

Dressed in red robes, Tushan Bai Ya bid farewell to her aunt.

"Auntie, in this vast Primordial world, how do you plan to find Uncle?"

Nu Jiao replied calmly, "Just keep searching. Eventually, I will find him."

With that, she turned and descended Tushan.

Tushan Bai Ya watched her aunt’s departing figure and considered herself lucky. Her beloved did not require searching.

He was always in the most dazzling place.