Chapter 148: Righteous Zhao Senior

"This... what is this?"

The ragged, hunchbacked old Taoist stood on a cloud. As a disciple of a saint and a master of the Great Desolation era, he was for a moment...

...caught completely off guard, utterly bewildered.

Exploded?

Not only had it exploded, but in an instant, without giving him a chance to utter a single word, it had completely incinerated itself!

What kind of tactic was this?

He hadn't been out and about for tens of thousands of years; had the ways of Daoist cultivators become this wild?

He hadn't said anything, just used the Western Sect's usual opening line:

"Fellow Daoist, you are fated to be connected with our Western Sect; we can certainly forge a bond."

Wasn't this normal? Was there something wrong with it?

Why did this happen?

Why did the avatar directly self-detonate?

Could it be that their Western Sect's secret instigation among the three sects had been exposed? If it had, then problems surely would have arisen long ago, so how could this...

"Heh."

As the hunchbacked Taoist was still doubting himself, he suddenly heard a cold chuckle from behind.

Only then did he realize that he was enveloped by a surge of Daoist aura, sealing off the heavens, the earth, and all directions. The cosmos was locked by this aura.

This hunchbacked Taoist was usually quite astute and confident in his cultivation. Previously, he hadn't thought much of Zhao Gongming, the Immortal of Jie Sect, so he had directly appeared to block the Sea God's avatar to discuss a minor matter.

But then, something unexpected happened!

The Sea God had self-detonated, leaving no trace, and Zhao Gongming seemed to have become... enraged by this.

It was as if this was a calculated move against him!

At this moment, a tremor of alarm ran through the hunchbacked Taoist's heart. He suddenly realized he might have underestimated the Jie Sect's outer disciples...

The hunchbacked Taoist turned around and saw Zhao Gongming already standing several miles away.

Around Zhao Gongming's body now circled twenty-four light blue precious beads. In his hand, he gripped a golden wooden whip, and his already robust figure radiated an astonishing aura!

Those twenty-four beads directly stabilized the cosmic space around the hunchbacked Taoist. Zhao Gongming's intention to attack was now crystal clear!

The hunchbacked Taoist grew even more suspicious. A white lotus appeared in his hand, but his body slowly retreated as he secretly sought a way to break the cosmic seal.

The hunchbacked Taoist asked in a questioning tone, "Fellow Daoist, why are you doing this?"

"Why am I doing this?"

Zhao Gongming's expression was exceedingly grim, and his thick beard trembled slightly.

Zhao Gongming said coldly:

"Fellow Daoist, in front of this humble Taoist, you dare to pressure a member of our Daoist sect like this? Do you take me, Zhao Gongming, lightly?

Heh, my face isn't worth much, and it would be fine if you didn't give me any respect.

But by forcing me like this, you insult the entire Daoist sect!

To insult my Daoist sect is to insult my Jie Sect, my Master, and my two Martial Uncles!

You ask why I'm doing this!

You unfilial wretch!"

The hunchbacked Taoist frowned. Had the Daoist sects all gone mad?

Was there no reasoning with them anymore?

"Fellow Daoist, you..."

Zhao Gongming shouted:

"Enough talk! Take this!"

Zhao Gongming roared again. The golden wooden whip in his hand blazed brightly, and the twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls instantly concealed themselves around him. His figure transformed into a streak of rainbow light, flashing across the cosmos, breaking through barriers, and appearing before the hunchbacked Taoist in an instant!

The hunchbacked Taoist was greatly alarmed!

He had only known that Zhao Gongming usually idled about and was the Jie Sect's chief outer disciple, but he had no idea Zhao Gongming possessed such divine abilities and powerful magic treasures, or that his powers were so formidable!

Immediately, a divine radiance flickered around the hunchbacked Taoist!

A lotus bloomed beneath his feet, its layers of petals enveloping the hunchbacked Taoist's form.

But in the next instant, golden light flashed, and the golden whip ruthlessly smashed down, almost tearing the lotus apart!

Fortunately, the cosmos in this area had already been stabilized by the twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls; otherwise, who knew how many living beings would have been affected...

High above the wilderness, Zhao Gongming swung his golden whip, fiercely assaulting the lotus, all the while muttering curses and shouting crude Jie Sect expletives.

Before long, Zhao Gongming tore the lotus to shreds, grabbed the hunchbacked Taoist, and relentlessly beat him around the head and face.

What formidable power!

What's gotten into me lately?

As Zhao Gongming violently thrashed the hunchbacked old Taoist...

In the underground secret chamber on Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou clutched his throbbing forehead, letting out a few groans of pain.

The paper avatar had exploded too quickly just now; he hadn't even had time to fully withdraw his mind.

It was like a firecracker he used to play with during Lunar New Year as a child in his past life – it had exploded in his hand before he could even throw it. The paper avatar's self-detonation tore at his mental energy...

However, Li Changshou had already prepared for such a situation.

At this moment, it was merely pain; his primordial spirit had not suffered any damage.

The pain came quickly and subsided just as fast. Li Changshou sat in a round-backed armchair, using another paper avatar to remotely observe the two great figures battling in the sky.

It wasn't exactly a grand battle; rather, it was one side ruthlessly beating the other, who was being beaten...

Li Changshou couldn't feel happy at all. There was nothing to be happy about; he had simply cleverly escaped a calamity.

He continuously reflected, pondering the subtle shifts in his mindset that had occurred recently.

Within a single month, he had made two major mistakes.

Previously, when his junior grand-uncle returned to the mountain, Li Changshou, feeling fully prepared, had overlooked the fundamental issue of his grand-uncle's gender.

Fortunately, this hadn't led to any major chaos, and Li Changshou had subsequently summarized his learnings.

But today, when Zhao Gongming was about to leave, Li Changshou had clearly deduced that he was already being targeted by Western Sect masters, yet he still boldly pursued them!

If he hadn't had a small contingency plan, he might have already been 'converted' by the Western Sect!

Li Changshou broke out in a cold sweat. He closed his eyes, let out a long sigh, and gave a bitter smile.

He had been so careless these past few days, losing sight of the most crucial principle for survival: prudence!

Self-reflection, he must self-reflect;

The sudden appearance of the hunchbacked old Taoist was like a wake-up call.

Li Changshou examined himself. Ever since the Grandmaster had become his backing, his worries had significantly decreased, and consequently, his deliberations had also become much fewer.

After this matter concluded, he would continue to refine his "Scripture of Stability" and...

A man must also be hard on himself!

Recite it silently three thousand times!

Quickly adjusting his mindset, Li Changshou's thoughts gradually settled into tranquility as he pondered how to proceed to ensure his own safety.

In the brief moments he spent reflecting on his state of mind, Zhao Gongming had already beaten the hunchbacked old Taoist... until he spat blood.

Zhao Gongming hadn't aimed for a killing blow; he just relentlessly lashed out with the wooden whip.

The old Taoist's protective immortal light flickered unsteadily, and two of his defensive spiritual treasures were already damaged.

Once the hunchbacked old Taoist could no longer resist, Zhao Gongming summoned the twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls from the surrounding cosmos and directly immobilized him.

These twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls were no ordinary items; they were innate spiritual treasures bestowed by the Grandmaster of Heaven, formed from fragments of the shattered Chaos Pearl during the creation of the world. They possessed the power to cover the four seas and could form their own cosmos.

Now, the twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls suppressed the hunchbacked old Taoist, rendering him completely immobile and utterly disheveled.

The hunchbacked old Taoist was now bruised and swollen, his forehead bleeding, his body covered in wounds, and his already ragged clothes were torn to shreds and stained with blood...

Li Changshou secretly frowned. First, he clearly considered the impact of this incident on himself, then immediately pondered how to perfectly shift the blame...

This hunchbacked old Taoist was not someone he could afford to offend.

At the same time, a slight conjecture formed in Li Changshou's mind.

Could it be that Zhao Gongming was truly...

...a simpleton?

Had he overthought things when he previously conversed with Zhao Gongming?

No, Li Changshou still believed that this chief disciple of Jie Sect was by no means simple-minded or lacking in foresight!

This was evident from how Zhao Gongming, before striking, had linked the karma to the reputation of the three Daoist Saints.

Of course, it was also possible that Zhao Gongming genuinely thought that way...

If that were truly the case, this great figure's sense of collective honor and identification with the Daoist sect was simply too strong.

'During the Investiture of the Gods calamity, Zhao Gongming seemed to consistently believe that the three sects were all one family, and everyone was fellow disciples. He didn't act mercilessly towards the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect whom he defeated.

However, this Elder Zhao's fate was quite tragic;

In the end, he was cursed to death by the Nailhead Seven Arrows Book, instigated by the mysterious Daoist Lu Ya from the Chan Sect, who incited Jiang Ziya, and thus ascended to the Investiture of the Gods list...'

At this moment, a flash of inspiration struck Li Changshou, and he suddenly thought of Youqin Xuanya!

There was a type of person in this world whose actions Li Changshou could not predict: those who always thought for the best...

And Zhao Gongming was very likely one of these 'off-syllabus' existences.

In essence, no matter how much he pondered, Li Changshou naturally held a sense of reverence for such a top-tier master of the Great Desolation and would never scheme against him.

Moreover, as a disciple of the Human Sect, he didn't necessarily need to form a good relationship with Zhao Gongming.

Later, he would make some slight amends, provide the other party with a copy of the Sea God Sect's doctrines as a reference, and re-explain why the Sea God Sect had developed so quickly, using the reasons of 'conforming to the Heavenly Dao' and 'protecting mortals.' This should sever the karmic ties.

But what Li Changshou didn't expect was...

Zhao Gongming's next action not only surprised Li Changshou and left him utterly bewildered, but also sent a chill down his spine.

This Jie Sect outer disciple, unwilling to stop after beating someone, further suppressed the hunchbacked old Taoist with the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls, continually cursing and shoving him, and headed towards the Sea God Temple.

Li Changshou: ...

Is this Elder Zhao also... quite mad, perhaps?

Could he, a mere Sea God, possibly bear this karma?!

The hunchbacked old Taoist was a disciple of a saint!

If you beat him up, the other party could only silently endure the loss, admitting their magical powers were inferior;

But if the Western Sect were to settle scores afterward and vent their anger on him, the Sea God, how could he, a minor disciple from a remote lineage of the Human Sect, possibly cope?

Even if he could ask the Grandmaster for help, how would he explain this matter to him?

Li Changshou was somewhat exasperated and quickly pondered a countermeasure.

At the same time, his other paper avatar used Earth Evasion and hastily rushed towards the small Sea God temple.

There, he saw...

Zhao Gongming floated back above the small temple, descended from the air, and tossed the hunchbacked old Taoist into the Sea God Temple courtyard, then gravely stated:

"Go, apologize to the Sea God."

Li Changshou's legs went weak; his main body almost shrank beneath the desk in the secret chamber.

The hunchbacked old Taoist was now suppressed by the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls, lying on the ground unable to move, his eyes filled with grief and indignation.

Was there no reasoning anymore?

Did the three Daoist sects still abide by reason?!

Their Western Sect was usually unreasonable enough, but compared to this Jie Sect chief disciple and this Sea God before him, they were nothing!

The hunchbacked old Taoist simply closed his eyes and remained silent, his primordial spirit trembling with rage.

Zhao Gongming sneered, "What, still playing dead? You forced the Sea God's avatar to its demise and insulted my Daoist sect. How can I possibly let this go?!"

Just then, Zhao Gongming heard a faint message whispered into his ear...

"Senior, Senior, please don't say anything more. This matter is quickly getting out of hand!"

"Oh?"

Zhao Gongming's gaze fell upon a certain spot underground, directly where the paper avatar was hidden, and he calmly said:

"Don't be afraid. We are in the right!"

Li Changshou couldn't help but palm his forehead, yet he immediately pulled himself together. Knowing Zhao Gongming's character, he decided to prescribe the right remedy, already having one main plan and two backup plans in mind.

To resolve this, he first had to persuade Zhao Gongming, and then let Zhao Gongming deal with the hunchbacked old Taoist.

As for himself, he absolutely could not reveal his true form!

Li Changshou dared not wait any longer and immediately sent a voice message through his avatar:

"Senior, although we are in the right, you also know that the two venerable figures behind this person are not exactly...

Senior, your prestige in Jie Sect is too high, and Jie Sect has many esteemed seniors like yourself, who are righteous and loyal. If you were targeted by the Western Sect, how could Jie Sect let it go?

If this matter escalates, it might even trigger a conflict between the Western Sect and Jie Sect!

At that time, there would surely be casualties. How could you bear to see your fellow Daoists suffer harm?

Senior, you are not as insignificant as this junior. Your every word and action can affect the trajectory of the Great Desolation's destiny."

Zhao Gongming's brows immediately furrowed upon hearing this. He stroked his beard and drew a sharp breath, sending a direct voice message to Li Changshou's paper avatar:

"There's some truth to what you say, but this person forced you to destroy your avatar..."

"This junior is a Human Sect Qi Refiner, and we are considered one family with you, Senior, though my seniority is much lower."

Li Changshou sighed through his voice message, "The reason this junior is unwilling to reveal his true form is that our Human Sect practices quietude and non-action. My collecting incense merits would displease my Grandmaster.

Although my Grandmaster does not concern himself with worldly affairs, he places great importance on the unity of the three Daoist sects. In recent years, he has been troubled by the constant friction between the Chan and Jie sects, and is quite concerned.

Therefore, when someone from the Western Sect seeks me out, I immediately destroy my avatar, unwilling to have any involvement with them."

Zhao Gongming's face showed understanding. He then bowed his head in thought, pondering, "Why don't we just eliminate this Daoist entirely and be done with it?"

"How could that be hidden from the Saint Lord?"

"Then what should we do?"

Li Changshou said, "This junior humbly offers a few small countermeasures. If Senior trusts me, you can consider using them."

"Hey, you're being too polite!"

Zhao Gongming waved his hand, sending a voice message to Li Changshou's paper avatar: "The Daoist sects are one family. If I don't trust you, then who am I supposed to trust, this guy?

What countermeasures do you have? Tell me."