After Ji Fa's proclamation on the high platform ended, it was time for the most important part.
The investiture.
Jiang Ziya took out the Investiture of the Gods List that he had kept hidden for so long.
The scroll unfurled, and golden light surged from the paper. Three hundred and sixty-five empty positions were arranged in neat order, with the corresponding divine office floating above each one.
Jiang Ziya cleared his throat. Each time he read out a name, the corresponding empty position on the Investiture of the Gods List lit up with a beam of light.
"Bi Gan, invested as Wenqu Star Lord, to govern literary fortune, the imperial examinations, and scholarly honors."
"Nangong Kuo, invested as the God of Pure Fortune, to govern the blessings of longevity, fortune, peace, and health among mortals."
One divine soul after another rose from the ground, as if drawn upward by an invisible thread, heading toward the heavens.
But when Jiang Ziya read Nezha's name, no one answered.
He read it again.
"Nezha—invested as the Great God of the Three Altars and the Sea Assembly—"
Just as everyone was growing puzzled, among the crowd standing on both sides behind Nezha, a Xiqi general patted the shoulder of the Nezha beside him.
The general's hand pressed down on his shoulder, and Nezha's shoulder collapsed, crumpling into a paper doll.
The general was so frightened that he sprang half a step away, staring at the paper doll in horror.
On the paper doll was still a voice message Nezha had left for Ji Fa.
A clear voice, carrying the light briskness unique to a youth, rang out before the gathered crowd.
"Fellow Daoists, those who cultivate the Dao do not care for fame, wealth, or rank.
Now that the matter is done, we