Chapter 168: Touch Porcelain · Qiong Xiao Advanced Version

Upon hearing Zhao Gongming's words as he entered the temple gate, Li Changshou nearly spat out a mouthful of blood onto the Du Xian Men disciple seated in front of him.

"That wonderful method where you beat someone and they don't dare complain..." Could it be referring to the basic extortion tactic he had taught Zhao Daye last time?

Was it that the atmosphere in the Honghuang was becoming too flamboyant, or that Zhao Gongming was experiencing a second spring with excessive flair? Just that single sentence almost threw Li Changshou's back out...

Zhao Gongming strode into the Sea God Temple, ignoring the several mortal worshippers around him. He shook his sleeve and greeted with great pomp:

"Sea God, oh Sea God friend, is the Sea God at home?"

The people in the temple immediately eyed Zhao Gongming warily. Had he not looked so imposing and dignified, causing several female worshippers to blush...

Truth be told, if Zhao Gongming had appeared even slightly sleazy, they would have stepped up to defend their Sea God's reputation!

As it was, they let it slide.

The young woman whom Zhao Gongming was holding by the arm remained impossible for anyone to see clearly, with even the worshippers and temple attendants subconsciously avoiding looking at her.

The young woman couldn't help but complain, "Big brother, what are you doing?

If you want to find the Sea God here, just go to his cave dwelling. Why come to this mortal temple filled with incense offerings?"

"You have a point, sister," Zhao Gongming released Qiongxiao's arm and stroked his beard thoughtfully, "The problem is, I don't know where the Sea God's cave dwelling is..."

Qiongxiao burst into a mix of laughter and exasperation, chiding, "Big brother, you've been going on and on about how close you are to this Sea God, like you're the best of friends, yet you don't even know where his cave dwelling is?"

Zhao Gongming suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and whispered, "Truth be told, I don't just not know the cave dwelling—I only know his Dao title is Changgeng Dao Ren. As for the rest... well, I haven't asked yet."

Qiongxiao frowned and looked up at Zhao Gongming.

Zhao Gongming chuckled awkwardly and transmitted his voice:

"Otherwise, how could I have brought you here, third sister?

You're always so clever. Among us four siblings, aside from second sister, you're the most strategic!

Today, you must lend me a hand."

Through the idol, Li Changshou, who was sitting in the corner of the San Jiao Yuan Liu Assembly hall, couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled as he observed the siblings.

What were these two Jie Jiao bigwigs muttering about in his temple?

In the Sea God Temple, Qiongxiao transmitted her voice again: "Big brother, what exactly do you want to do?"

Zhao Gongming pondered for a moment and continued transmitting: "Help me ask this Sea God if there's anything new to that wonderful method. Using just one set has its limitations.

If there is, we can trade some spiritual treasures for it. It's truly a Honghuang wonder, a secret not passed on by the Sea God!"

"You..."

Qiongxiao was genuinely amused and exasperated by Zhao Gongming. She glared at this righteous brother who had always looked after their three sisters, then sighed softly.

"Later, if the Sea God shows up, don't say anything rash, big brother. I'll help you probe a bit."

Zhao Gongming immediately bowed repeatedly and exclaimed, "Thank you, third sister! Thank you!"

At that moment, the temple attendant, who had received the Sea God's instructions, approached and politely invited the two immortals to the back hall. He then temporarily ushered out the worshippers in the small temple and closed the main doors.

In no time, Li Changshou's Sea God avatar—the white-bearded elder known as the Paper Daoist—arrived on a cloud from afar and landed in the courtyard.

He flicked his whisk, and a layer of immortal power barrier formed around them to block any probing.

—A barrier differs from an array; a barrier is temporary, created with immortal power, while an array relies on array foundations and formations to harness the power of heaven and earth for long-term use.

In the back hall, Qiongxiao held a teacup and took a small sip, then shook her head slightly.

Mortal tea was so hard to drink.

Qiongxiao transmitted her voice: "Big brother, didn't you say the Sea God always appears as an avatar?"

"Look carefully," Zhao Gongming winked and smiled, "This should be an avatar too, just a very advanced one."

"Hmm, this avatar technique alone proves the Sea God is no ordinary figure. Ren Jiao... Changgeng Dao Ren?"

Qiongxiao couldn't help but lower her head in thought and made a slight calculation...

Uh, a warning from the Taiji Tu.

Zhao Gongming had already stood up, laughing heartily as he opened his arms to welcome Li Changshou from the front hall.

One was a imposing and heroic Daoist, the other a kindly white-haired elder;

The two met and bowed to each other.

"Sea God, Sea God, I hope you've been well?"

"Thanks to your blessing, everything's been fine lately. And how about you, friend?"

"Ha ha ha ha!" Zhao Gongming slapped his waist and laughed, "Ever since I parted from you, Sea God, I've been feeling so refreshed, so refreshed!"

Li Changshou frowned and said, "Friend, you haven't used that method I mentioned last time to... target others again, have you?"

"The word 'target' is spot-on!"

Zhao Gongming narrowed his eyes with a smile, "After getting your guidance last time, I specially went around Xi Niu He Continent for a few rounds.

I dragged out those people I've always disliked and gave them a good beating!

Sea God, guess what happened?"

Li Changshou smiled bitterly, "They probably didn't dare to make a big fuss about it?"

"Ha ha ha ha, you know me well! You know me well!"

"Friend, you can't keep doing this. You're the chief outer disciple of Jie Jiao, a guest before the saint in Bi You Palace," Li Changshou urged, "This kind of targeting might give you a temporary thrill, but it really damages your reputation too much."

"Ah," Zhao Gongming waved it off casually, "Reputation is built through battles.

Besides, isn't there that set of Great Dao oaths you came up with?

Once the oath is made, who dares to spread it around?

Lately, though, I feel this approach is getting a bit repetitive. Sea God, do you have any new tricks..."

"Big brother?"

A soft call came from behind Zhao Gongming, "Could you let me take a look at that Great Dao oath?"

"Of course," Zhao Gongming reached into his sleeve, pulled out the cloth scroll produced by the Dragon Clan, and used his immortal power to hand it to Qiongxiao, who had stood up.

Then, Zhao Gongming introduced to Li Changshou, "Sea God, come over here. This is my righteous sister, who usually cultivates on San Xian Island. Her Dao title is Qiongxiao."

Only then did Li Changshou follow Zhao Gongming's gesture and look toward Qiongxiao;

The fairy who had risen also withdrew her divine ability of concealment, revealing her true appearance.

So, this was the renowned Qiong among the Three Xiaos?

Dressed in a jade-threaded orchid skirt, with dark hair flowing like clouds, a slender waist tied with a light sash, and delicate feet in white boots...

Describing her as stunningly beautiful seemed understated, while calling her elegantly graceful felt too ordinary.

Li Changshou inwardly admired her for a moment and smiled in praise: "I've long heard of the world-shaking fame of the Three Immortals on San Xian Island. Seeing you today makes this immortal journey worthwhile."

Qiongxiao's delicate and exquisite face broke into a pursed smile, seeming a bit shy, and she replied softly:

"You're too kind, friend. May I ask what your actual Dao title is?

I heard from big brother that you're called Changgeng Dao Ren, but that must be an alias."

What a sharp fairy...

Li Changshou felt a slight alert in his heart but calmly responded: "A Dao title or name is just a label. In my interactions with Zhao friend, I seek neither fame nor the shelter of Jie Jiao—it's all about fate."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming's eyes filled with emotion, and he exclaimed, "Excellent! What a fine fate!"

Li Changshou thought to himself that something was off. Zhao Gongming and the Three Xiaos were all prominent figures on the Feng Shen Bang, and those with a good relationship with Zhao Gongming had almost no good endings in the great tribulation...

Li Changshou quickly changed the topic: "What brings you two friends here today?"

"This..."

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and signaled Qiongxiao with his eyes.

Qiongxiao sighed inwardly and, instead of following her brother's instructions, began to question sternly:

"I came here today to ask you something, friend.

What are your true intentions in inciting my big brother to keep causing trouble for the Western Teachings?"

"Third sister! How can you speak like that!" Zhao Gongming hurriedly interjected.

Li Changshou remained unperturbed—at worst, he could just self-destruct the Paper Daoist.

He smiled and said: "The word 'incite' is something I can't take credit for.

May I ask Zhao friend to describe in detail to Qiongxiao Xianzi what happened after you beat that Western Teachings saint's third disciple that day?"

Zhao Gongming nodded, unaware of the trap in Li Changshou's words.

He recounted everything: how he had injured the hunchbacked Daoist, thrown him here, and how he had consulted with Li Changshou, followed by the subsequent extortion scheme... all in full detail.

That incident had actually been triggered by Li Changshou's Paper Daoist self-destructing, but by omitting the beginning and end, Zhao Gongming's retelling made it sound like "Zhao Gongming got into trouble, and the Sea God righteously stepped in to plan and scheme"...

Qiongxiao looked ashamed and bowed gracefully to Li Changshou, who quickly returned the courtesy with his whisk.

Qiongxiao sighed: "It was I who misunderstood you. Please don't hold it against me."

"There's no need to worry, Xianzi. I was just fated to meet Zhao friend..."

Wait, no—"fated" was absolutely not to be said! And "interests aligned" was even more toxic in Honghuang!

Li Changshou quickly corrected himself and smiled: "We met by chance, and as fellow Qi cultivators of the Three Teachings, we should help each other."

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and chuckled lightly, while Qiongxiao shifted the conversation to speak on her brother's behalf:

"Changgeng friend, my big brother came this time to ask if there are other variations to this method."

More variations...

Li Changshou smiled bitterly, "Why don't you advise Zhao friend?

This method truly does more harm than good; it was just a hasty response at the time."

Qiongxiao blinked and turned to Zhao Gongming, "Big brother, could you demonstrate for me how exactly this extortion works?

I only got a rough idea from your earlier description and didn't quite understand."

Zhao Gongming laughed heartily a few times, stepped to the center of the back hall, and pointed his right hand at a wooden chair, transforming it into a wooden figure standing beside him.

Using the wooden figure, Zhao Gongming performed the standard Honghuang extortion routine.

First, beat them to vent, then play the victim to lure them in, compare grievances while secretly using a recording pearl to turn the tables, and force them to swear a Great Dao oath...

Li Changshou couldn't help but cover his forehead with one hand. Seriously, why are you so proficient at this, sir?!

Qiongxiao covered her mouth and laughed nonstop, her hair ornament shaking slightly.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly. Who knew what kind of fun and absurd life they led on San Xian Island...

Once Zhao Gongming finished the demonstration, he looked at Li Changshou, his imposing face seeking approval.

Li Changshou could only say, "Friend... excellent skill."

"You're too kind, too kind. It's all thanks to the Sea God's teaching."

'I didn't! I didn't do it! Don't pin this on me! I never taught you to go around extorting people!'

Li Changshou shouted inwardly but just smiled at Qiongxiao and said, "Xianzi, you see, can this method be used casually? If it continues, Zhao friend's reputation will suffer..."

"I think," Qiongxiao stroked her chin and pondered, glancing at Li Changshou with a smile, "You're truly a clever one, friend. Coming up with such ingenious schemes."

Li Changshou felt a bit dazed.

Qiongxiao had already stood up and walked to Zhao Gongming's side, saying, "Big brother, do that part where you spit blood again."

"Alright," Zhao Gongming agreed cheerfully, clutching his chest and staggering back a few steps as he spat out a spray of blood, "Friend, you're so vicious! My injuries won't heal without tens of thousands of years!"

Li Changshou: ...

Qiongxiao laughed so hard her branches seemed to sway, "Big brother, that's way too exaggerated...

Ha ha ha! But if someone cooperates, it should work well.

Big brother, spit blood again—I'll come from the side and try it!"

Right away, Zhao Gongming spat another mouthful of blood and staggered back a few steps, putting away his Dinghai God Pearls.

"Big brother!"

A sudden cry came from the side as Qiongxiao hurried over and supported Zhao Gongming, "What happened to you?"

The siblings had great chemistry. Zhao Gongming pointed at the wooden figure, "He... he... wah!"

"You thief!"

Qiongxiao snapped angrily, a hint of irritation in her voice as she pulled out a three-foot-long pair of large scissors from behind, glaring furiously at the wooden figure, "Tell me, do you want to settle this quietly, or make it a big scene?"

Zhao Gongming was startled, then suddenly realized, exclaiming joyfully, "I knew I'd hit a bottleneck lately, always thinking about breakthroughs but not finding the way—it turns out it's like this!

I was missing a partner!

Ha ha! This path is set, this path is set!

Sea God, what do you think...

Sea God, are you alright?"

"Ah, nothing," Li Changshou narrowed his eyes and smiled, standing up to bow, "Friend, please never say this method was created by me. Moreover, you're the true innovator who improves upon it!"

"That won't do!"

Li Changshou bowed again, "I earnestly ask you, friend... to make sure it doesn't get traced back!"

Qiongxiao blinked nearby, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she glanced up at the sky, lost in thought.

After seeing Zhao Gongming and Qiongxiao off, Li Changshou looked at the two jars of immortal wine brewed by Qiongxiao and the pile of treasures left by Zhao Gongming, letting out a soft sigh.

'I'm... really having a tough time.'

As Zhao Gongming and Qiongxiao left the Sea God Temple and flew only a few thousand li, they spotted a figure descending from the nine heavens toward the land below.

Qiongxiao blinked and whispered, "Isn't that Dongmu Gong from Heaven? What's he doing here?"

But Zhao Gongming's mind was elsewhere. He smiled and said, "Third sister, who do you think we should test this new approach on?"

"Hmm? Big brother, how about we..."

Qiongxiao transmitted her voice with a couple of suggestions, and Zhao Gongming hesitated slightly.

"Is that appropriate? We have no grudge against him."

"As long as we don't hurt him, it's fine. Come on, big brother!"

"Well, alright," Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled, then secretly followed Dongmu Gong with Qiongxiao, who had no idea what was about to befall him, a key minister of Heaven...