The Investiture: Unlimited Blade Works Nezha
Chapter 342 - 341: A Big Project Has Arrived!

Chapter 342: Chapter 341: A Big Project Has Arrived!

Bringing Yang Chan out from the Sun Star’s origin, they returned directly to the Ziwei Star. Sure enough, Gold Star Taibai was still waiting there.

On their way to the Palace of the Polestar, the two chatted about the matters after the Peach Banquet.

"Ah, lately His Majesty has been completely overwhelmed. Ever since that incident, the Queen Mother has been terribly displeased with the Turquoise Pool Hall. I reckon if it isn’t refurbished, the Goddess won’t return there, let alone host another Peach Banquet."

Nezha recalled the scene at that time and nodded in agreement.

"It’s only natural; no one would ever use a place where such a thing happened as a banquet hall again."

"But rebuilding will take funds. Although His Majesty’s expedition last time yielded exceptional results, well, the Heavenly Palace’s Treasury isn’t inexhaustible. Now that there are more Immortals in the Heavenly Court, we can’t spend recklessly like before."

"By the way, is the position of the True Monarch of Xuan Altar still vacant?"

Gold Star Taibai glanced around cautiously before whispering, "I heard—just heard—that it’s being temporarily handled by one of His Majesty’s former palace attendants."

Nezha could understand—after all, it’s quite normal not to entrust the purse strings to someone else.

The two strolled unhurriedly toward the Palace of the Polestar. Gold Star Taibai nodded and excused himself; he knew this wasn’t a matter he could intervene in.

Inside the Palace of the Polestar, Hao Tian was seated as always upon his throne, dealing with official matters. It was hard to say whether his desire for power or his sense of responsibility was greater.

Having served as the Heavenly Emperor for decades, he still had some idea of the magnitude of the tasks in Heaven.

"Your Majesty, what business have you summoned me for?"

Hao Tian replied earnestly, "The matter of the Chaos Demon God’s invasion has already reached a conclusion; it turns out he entered the Primordial through the Returning Ruins."

This result didn’t surprise Nezha, so he had little reaction.

Hao Tian looked at Nezha and could tell that Nezha had already anticipated the situation.

"The reason I called you here is to request your help in repairing the Returning Ruins. You know, if this gap in the Primordial isn’t sealed, who knows what other kinds of Chaos creatures might invade in the future, so..."

Nezha interrupted Hao Tian outright, sensing that Hao Tian intended to freeload.

It’s always been Nezha freeloading off others—there’s no record of anyone freeloading off Nezha.

"So, Your Majesty plans to hire me to repair the Returning Ruins?"

"Ahem, we’re all Primordial people—why talk of hiring?"

"Your Majesty jests. I am Emperor Ziwei, not Emperor Dust and Grime. My duty is to govern the stars, and it certainly doesn’t involve patching things up."

They fell silent for a moment, neither willing to concede.

Seeing this, Nezha spoke again, "From what I’ve heard, the Returning Ruins were originally torn open during a conflict between East Emperor Taiyi and East King Gong. Taiyi’s might is not something a mere Taiyi Golden Immortal like me can estimate. I suggest Your Majesty seek someone else to try?"

Hao Tian: ...

In this entire Primordial, capable of repairing it, there’s just you and your master-slash-teacher. If I find someone else, should I thank the heavens and earth if they don’t make the hole even larger?

"Nephew, everything is negotiable."

Nezha cast a glance at Hao Tian—very good, now you’re finally assuming the posture of doing business. If you pressure me from above, how do we even cooperate?

"Uncle, though I haven’t measured the Returning Ruins myself, I imagine it’s no small gap or hole. Let’s not even mention anything else—the cost of the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures needed for repairs alone would be astronomical. I’ve cultivated for less than a century, so where would I get the savings to fill such a hole?"

Hao Tian: ...

If I didn’t know how you’ve looted both the Dragon Clan and the Heavenly Court, I’d almost believe your words.

"Then, Nephew, what are your terms?"

Nezha pretended to think for a while before replying, "First and foremost, all materials needed to repair the Returning Ruins must be provided by the Heavenly Court. Since I haven’t conducted a site inspection, the Heavenly Court may dispatch envoys to conduct one together."

Hao Tian nodded, "Agreed."

Spending public funds wasn’t spending Hao Tian’s own; the resultant achievement, however, would directly enhance Hao Tian’s reputation.

"Second, I need a large workforce, and their costs must also be covered by the Heavenly Court. Otherwise, relying only on myself would take tens of thousands of years—not unheard of."

This time Hao Tian agreed readily. Tens of thousands of years wasn’t too long for him, but the repairs had to happen quickly; who knew if another Chaos creature would appear tomorrow?

"Third is my remuneration—two-tenths of the project cost."

This time, Hao Tian didn’t hesitate.

"No way, that’s too much!"

After deliberating for some time, Hao Tian replied, "Half a percent."

"Uncle, feel free to find someone else!"

Hao Tian almost lost control, "You’re really asking for the moon here."

"Uncle, in bargaining, we’re all merely negotiating for our own interests—it’s nothing that can’t be discussed, no?"

Hao Tian gritted his teeth, "One-tenth."

You little rascal—you’re even faster than outright robbery!

Nezha clumsily counted on his fingers before replying, "It’s not impossible—but I have one small condition. I want East King Gong’s remnant soul and the Panlong Cane."

Hao Tian didn’t ask why but said instead, "During the battle against the Chaos Demon God at the Turquoise Pool last time, the damage was severe..."

Nezha immediately declared, "Standing against Chaos is the duty of us Primordial people! I’ll repair the Turquoise Pool!"

Hao Tian nodded.

"The damage didn’t stop there, though. Even my Palace of the Polestar..."

Seeing Nezha’s face darken, Hao Tian’s eyes shifted as he said, "The outer city walls are also partially damaged..."

"I’ll fix them!"

Hao Tian laughed heartily, "Excellent! As expected of Emperor Nuwa’s younger disciple—I’ve always had the highest regard for you among the younger generation."

Nezha desperately wanted to say: Hao Tian, you’ve changed! Where is the old Heavenly Emperor who never haggled about payments? Give him back to me!

...

Nezha took East King Gong’s remnant soul and the Panlong Stick and left the Palace of the Polestar. The forging work was going to be postponed for a while—it seemed the most pressing task now was addressing the Returning Ruins.

Where exactly were the Returning Ruins?

According to mortals, "East of the Bohai Sea for untold millions of miles lies a great abyss." In truth, this place was located east of the East Sea.

It was the domain once occupied by East King Gong at Penglai’s Three Immortals Mountain.

Back then, the Three Immortals Mountain had long been shattered by East Emperor Taiyi; the Penglai Immortal Mountain that remained now was but a fragment occupied by Jie Sect Immortals.

The faction established by East King Gong, known as the Purple Mansion, was buried along with not only the Three Immortal Islands but also tens of thousands of immortals. Although countless Yuan Hui epochs had passed, what lay hidden at the base of the Returning Ruins remained unknown.

After returning to Ziwei Star, Nezha summoned his construction foreman, Earth Deity Star Lord Shi Ji, to prepare the materials, while he himself headed toward the East Sea to investigate the situation in the Returning Ruins.

Of course, Nezha wouldn’t foolishly go on his own; his first stop was the Three Immortal Islands, where Yunxiao and others resided.

Jin Ling Saint Mother was still recuperating and cultivating the Life Dao in the Taisu Heavenly Wa Palace. As for why Nezha sought Zhao Gongming’s assistance instead of going to Emei Mountain—

It is well-known that for those who dote on their younger sisters, wherever their sisters reside is home.