Li Jing was so furious his nose nearly twisted out of shape. Those four useless fools had not even forced the monkey to show himself, let alone Lin Tian. Being defeated by a Black Bear Monster was an utter disgrace.
His face cold, he said, "Guards, bind these three! They lost the opening battle and unsettled our army's morale. Take them away. Once we return to the Heavenly Court, hand them over to the Great Heavenly Venerable for judgment!"
Out of habit, he had almost ordered them taken away and beheaded. Then he remembered that all three were on the Investiture of the Gods List, so beheading them would be useless, and changed his words at the last moment.
Wen Zhong stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Heavenly King, although the Four Great Marshals lost the opening battle, we all witnessed how it unfolded. That Black Bear Monster truly has some ability. We have only just arrived at Flower-Fruit Mountain, and this is precisely when we need men. Why not let them redeem themselves through meritorious service?"
Li Jing glanced at him, his face still stern. After a moment, he said, "Since Grand Preceptor Wen has spoken, I will spare you this once. Untie them."
The three marshals rose, first offering Li Jing perfunctory thanks, then cupping their hands toward Grand Preceptor Wen in gratitude.
Li Jing paid them no further attention and called loudly, "Where is Nezha, Great Deity of the Three Altars and Seas?"
"Your son is here." A young general with a jade-like face stepped out, holding a fire-tipped spear, draped in the Heaven-and-Earth Net, and standing on Wind-Fire Wheels.
Li Jing said, "I order you to subdue the demons."
"As you command!"
Nezha accepted the order and rode out on his Wind-Fire Wheels, shouting down below,