Raising Nezha, the Killing God

Bai Zhi, a modern woman, finds herself transported into the body of a demon born in the East Sea near Chentang Pass. Her birth was accompanied by spectacular omens, yet she was born with severed meridians and a shattered heart, rendering her cultivation nearly impossible and her lifespan extremely short. Upon realizing she has arrived in the world of the Investiture of the Gods, she recognizes the location as the home of General Li Jing and the birthplace of Nezha. Determined to survive the impending calamities of this era, she attempts to sneak into the Li residence, hoping to witness her childhood hero in person. During her attempt, she encounters a young Nezha, who is only five or six years old. Unlike the mischievous brat depicted in many stories, this Nezha is cold, expressionless, and precocious. After a brief exchange involving bribery with modern snacks, Nezha accepts her as a friend and agrees to take her to see demons, leading her on a journey through Chentang Pass.

Nezha uses his magical Mixtian Scarf as a navigation tool, revealing his divine artifacts to Bai Zhi, who is awestruck by the opportunity to touch the legendary items. Their journey leads them to the harbor, where they purchase seafood to cook together. Bai Zhi introduces Nezha to modern seasonings like oyster sauce and soy sauce, creating a meal that delights the young deity. During this time, she reveals her dire situation: her broken meridians mean she will die within three years unless she can cultivate properly. She expresses a desire to become a disciple of Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha’s master, hoping that joining the Chanjiao sect will allow her to appear on the Fengshen List and secure a place in the afterlife, thus saving her from death. Nezha, intrigued by her cooking and her sincerity, agrees to help her and invites her to stay at the Li residence, promising to protect her from his father, General Li Jing.

Bai Zhi settles into the Li residence, where she meets Lady Yin, Nezha’s mother. She fabricates a story that Nezha saved her from drowning, which Lady Yin accepts with warmth. Bai Zhi quickly bonds with Lady Yin, who is relieved to see Nezha making a friend. The narrative shifts when Taiyi Zhenren arrives at the residence. Contrary to traditional depictions of an old man, Taiyi appears as a strikingly handsome young man with white hair. He immediately diagnoses Bai Zhi’s fatal condition, stating that her shattered meridians should have killed her long ago. However, upon Nezha’s insistence that Bai Zhi is his good friend, Taiyi agrees to take her as an outer sect disciple and promises to reconstruct her meridians. This decision marks a pivotal turning point, offering Bai Zhi a chance at survival and a path to immortality.

As an outer disciple, Bai Zhi begins her cultivation under Taiyi’s guidance, with Nezha acting as her senior brother. She integrates herself into the Li household, using her modern knowledge to improve the lives of the servants by introducing new food items like tea eggs and buns. These acts of kindness are not only driven by her culinary skills but also by her understanding of the world’s karmic rules, where promoting human development generates merit. Her relationship with Nezha deepens as she navigates his tsundere personality and possessive tendencies. She learns that Nezha is burdened by a fate of 1,700 killing tribulations and is often isolated due to his dangerous nature. Bai Zhi’s presence provides him with companionship, while her devotion to him strengthens his resolve to protect her. The story establishes a dynamic where Bai Zhi relies on Nezha for protection and status, while Nezha relies on her for emotional connection and culinary delight, setting the stage for their joint navigation of the turbulent events leading up to the Fengshen War.

The narrative continues to explore Bai Zhi’s adaptation to the Shang Dynasty, highlighting the stark contrasts between her modern sensibilities and the ancient world’s harsh realities. She faces the challenge of hiding her demonic nature while living among humans, a task made easier by Nezha’s authority and her own cautious behavior. Her interactions with the servants and Lady Yin demonstrate her ability to blend in and gain favor through her unique contributions. Meanwhile, Nezha’s relationship with his master, Taiyi, is portrayed with a mix of reverence and playful defiance, showcasing the master’s indulgent nature toward his disciples. The story sets the stage for future conflicts, including the impending havoc at the East Sea and the political tensions involving the Dragon Clan. Bai Zhi’s goal remains clear: to survive, accumulate merit, and secure her place in the celestial hierarchy, all while maintaining her bond with Nezha. The foundation of their friendship, built on mutual benefit and genuine affection, becomes the central pillar supporting their journey through the mythical landscape of the Investiture of the Gods.