Ne Zha saw that his master was determined to expel him, so he knelt on the ground, kowtowed three times towards Mount Qianyuan, and then left!
Ne Zha wandered aimlessly, not knowing where to go. Now that Taiyi had driven him out of Mount Qianyuan, Ne Zha didn't know where he was going.
As for Chentang Pass, Ne Zha never wanted to return again!
However, Ne Zha's mother was still in Chentang. Although he was unwilling to go back, he had no choice but to head towards Chentang.
In Chentang Pass, after Du E arrived, he did not immediately go to the Li mansion to find Li Jing. Instead, he observed Li Jing from afar. After discovering that Li Jing indeed had the potential for cultivation, he was about to meet Li Jing when he sensed Ne Zha's arrival.
Du E smiled faintly and, not in a hurry to see Li Jing, casually wandered around Chentang Pass.
Upon returning to Chentang Pass, Ne Zha went to see Madam Yin first.
When Ne Zha saw Madam Yin, he did not speak, but looked at her with teary eyes.
Madam Yin did not recognize Ne Zha when she saw him. Ne Zha had been granted a lotus body by True Person Taiyi, and had transformed from a small child into a handsome young man of seventeen or eighteen.
Seeing Ne Zha's tearful appearance, Madam Yin turned to look around. After confirming no one else was present, she asked, "Child, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
After speaking, Madam Yin realized this was her home. Whose child was this? How did he get into her house!
Upon hearing this, Ne Zha cried even harder and ran to embrace Madam Yin.
"Mother!"
Ne Zha threw himself into Madam Yin's arms and held her tightly.
Madam Yin was stunned by Ne Zha's address. After a while, she came to her senses and gently patted Ne Zha's back.
"Child, are you mistaking me for someone else? Or did something happen?"
Seeing that Madam Yin did not recognize him, Ne Zha spoke in a muffled voice from within her embrace, "Mother, it's me, Ne Zha! Master saved me and gave me this current body!"
Madam Yin was struck as if by lightning and stood frozen in place.
Ne Zha had always been an unforgettable pain in Madam Yin's heart. Since Ne Zha's death, Madam Yin had not spoken a word to Li Jing. Every day, she either confined herself to her room or stood alone in the courtyard, gazing blankly towards the East Sea.
Now, upon suddenly hearing Ne Zha's name, Madam Yin was overcome with emotion.
After regaining her senses, Madam Yin immediately lifted Ne Zha's head from her embrace and examined him closely. She indeed saw Ne Zha's likeness.
"Ne Zha! My son! You've returned. Mother missed you terribly!"
After recognizing Ne Zha, Madam Yin suddenly hugged his head and wept uncontrollably.
Ne Zha also held Madam Yin tightly.
"Mother, Ne Zha missed you too!"
Just then, Li Jing returned. Seeing Madam Yin embracing a stranger and crying, he assumed Madam Yin had suffered some injustice and immediately drew the sword from his waist.
"Who are you? Why are you in my house!"
Madam Yin and Ne Zha looked up and saw Li Jing. Ne Zha turned his head away, unwilling to look at Li Jing.
Madam Yin, upon seeing Li Jing, exclaimed happily, "Husband, this is Ne Zha! Our son, Ne Zha!"
Li Jing scoffed, thinking Madam Yin had gone mad from missing Ne Zha.
"Madam, have you lost your mind? Ne Zha is dead, he died right before our eyes! Do not be deceived by this impostor!"
Seeing Li Jing's disbelief, Madam Yin immediately pointed to the Universe Ring and the Mixed Heaven Silk on Ne Zha's body. "He is Ne Zha. Look, Ne Zha's Universe Ring and Mixed Heaven Silk are on him. How can you not see?"
Li Jing's eyes narrowed. He indeed saw the Universe Ring and Mixed Heaven Silk on Ne Zha's body and then roared in anger.
"Who are you, and why are my son's belongings on you? Speak quickly, and I may spare your life!"
Ne Zha, already holding a grudge against Li Jing, heard this and burst into laughter.
"Yes, I am not Ne Zha. Ne Zha is dead, dead by your sword, Li Jing!"
Upon hearing this, Li Jing felt as if a thorn had pierced his heart. Although he was unwilling to admit it, Ne Zha had indeed died by his hand. Ne Zha's words were undoubtedly reopening an old wound.
"You are seeking death!"
Li Jing, filled with rage, wielded his sword and slashed towards Ne Zha. Madam Yin, seeing this, quickly pulled Ne Zha behind her and berated Li Jing.
"Li Jing, have you gone mad? Killing him once was not enough? If you want to kill, kill me first!"
Seeing Madam Yin shielding Ne Zha, Li Jing quickly reined in his strength, put away his sword, and stood it behind him. He then pulled Madam Yin aside and lunged towards Ne Zha, while saying to Madam Yin.
"Madam, do not be fooled by him. Let me apprehend him and question him thoroughly!"
Ne Zha saw Li Jing lunging at him with his sword, his eyes filled with coldness. Just as Li Jing was about to strike him, he took off the Universe Ring from his shoulder and deflected Li Jing's sword.
"Li Jing, let us settle both old and new grudges today!"
With that, Ne Zha attacked Li Jing with the Universe Ring.
Li Jing saw the person before him had stolen his son's belongings and was so arrogant. He did not hold back and raised his sword to engage Ne Zha in battle.
Madam Yin watched her father and son fight fiercely, not knowing what to do.
As Madam Yin was anxiously watching, a voice sounded in her ear.
"Madam, rest assured, they will be fine!"
Madam Yin was startled and turned around to see a Daoist priest standing behind her, who had appeared at some point.
Seeing Madam Yin notice him, Du E immediately introduced himself.
"Madam, do not be alarmed. This humble monk is True Person Du E from the Eight Treasures Cloud Light Cave on Nine Cauldrons Iron Fork Mountain in Western Kunlun. I have come for the father and son."
Madam Yin immediately asked, "Daoist Du E, are father and son alright?"
Du E shook his head gently.
"I am aware of the matters between the father and son. With this humble monk present, nothing will happen. Madam, rest assured."
Madam Yin was thus relieved. These Daoist priests were all extraordinary. Whether it was Ne Zha's master, the one who took Jin Zha and Mu Zha, or this one before her, their attire was similar. Madam Yin believed Du E's words. However, even knowing they were safe, she still watched Li Jing and Ne Zha with concern.
Li Jing and Ne Zha were solely focused on each other and did not notice the arrival of a Daoist priest in the courtyard.
Ne Zha did not expect Li Jing to be so skilled. He could not defeat Li Jing with his bare hands alone. Ne Zha's eyes narrowed, and the Universe Ring began to emit golden light.
Ne Zha hurled the Universe Ring at Li Jing. Li Jing quickly blocked with his sword, but with a clang, his sword shattered.
Seeing this, Ne Zha immediately raised the Universe Ring and struck towards Li Jing's head. Madam Yin cried out.
"Ne Zha!"