Chapter 168 Fraud-Qiong Xiao’s Advanced Version

　　Li Changshou almost spat out a mouthful of blood when he heard what Zhao Gongming said when he entered the temple.

　　The technique where if you hit someone they will not dare to say anything after you do… Could it be that he is referring to the beginner-level fraud that I had taught him?

　　Is it because the atmosphere of the Primordial World has been too enchanting recently, or is it because Master Zhao is too flirtatious with his second love? That sentence alone almost made Li Changshou sprain his back…

　　When Zhao Gongming entered the Sea God Temple, he did not care about the few mortal devotees around him. He shook his sleeves and greeted with great vigor.

　　“Sea God, Fellow Daoist Sea God, is the Sea God at home?”

　　The people in the temple looked at Zhao Gongming with vigilance. If not for the fact that Zhao Gongming looked mighty and dignified, the few female devotees would have blushed…

　　To be honest, if Zhao Gongming looked a little wretched, they would have stood out to protect their Sea God’s reputation!

　　After seeing his face, they decided to forget it. The appearance of the young girl who was being pulled by her arm by Zhao Gongming was still unable to be seen clearly. Even the visitors and devotees who were in charge of keeping incense burning in the temple subconsciously tried not to look at her.

　　The girl could not help but grumble, “Brother, what are you doing? If you want to find the Sea God here, just go to his Cave Abode. Why did you come to the temple?”

　　“Little sister, you do make sense.” Zhao Gongming released Qiong Xiao’s arm and stroked his beard. “The problem is that I don’t know where the Sea God’s Cave Abode is…”

　　Qiong Xiao did not know whether to laugh or cry. He chided, “Brother, didn’t you tell me that you were on good terms with this Sea God? How could you not know where his Cave Abode is?”

　　Zhao Gongming was instantly embarrassed. He said in a low voice, “To be honest, it’s not just his Cave Abode that I don’t know about. I only know that the Sea God’s Daoist name is Daoist Changgeng. As for the rest… I haven’t asked him yet.”

　　Qiong Xiao frowned and looked up at Zhao Gongming. Zhao Gongming chuckled and said via voice transmission, “Otherwise, how could I have brought you here, Third Sister? You have always been smart. Out of the four of us, you are the most cunning! You must help me, your brother, today.

　　Li Changshou, who was sitting in the corner of the venue of the Three Sects’ Meet, looked at the pair of siblings through the statue. He could not help but feel puzzled.

　　What are these two big shots… mumbling about in my temple?

　　In the Sea God Temple, Qiong Xiao asked again, “Brother, what do you want to do?”

　　Zhao Gongming pondered for a while and continued to transmit his voice. “Help me ask this Sea God if there are any new techniques? There are just too many limitations to using one set. If there are any, even if we have to use more numinous treasures to exchange for them, it will be fine. This is really an amazing technique of the Primordial World that is not passed down to others by the Sea God!”

　　“You…”

　　Qiong Xiao was truly amused by Zhao Gongming. She glared at her sworn brother who had taken care of her and her two sisters for so many years. She sighed softly.

　　“If the Sea God comes later, Big Brother, don’t spout nonsense. I’ll help you get some information.”

　　Zhao Gongming immediately cupped his hands and shouted, “Thank you, Third Sister. Thank you, Third Sister!”

　　At that moment, the member who was in charge of the temple and had been appointed by the Sea God walked over. He first invited the two immortals to sit in the rear hall. Then, he asked the devotees in the small temple to leave and closed the door of the temple.

　　In a short while, Li Changshou’s incarnation of the Sea God—the white-bearded old immortal that was actually the paper effigy, flew over from afar and landed in the courtyard.

　　He flung his horsetail whisk, and an immortal power barrier immediately appeared around him.

　　The barrier was different from array formations. The barrier only existed for a moment and was set up using immortal power. The array formation used the array foundation and the power of Heaven and Earth to unleash its effects. It could last for a long time.

　　In the rear hall, Qiong Xiao held a teacup and took a sip before shaking her head slightly.

　　The tea in the mortal world tasted awful. Qiong Xiao said, “Brother, didn’t you say that the Sea God appears in the form of his incarnation?”

　　“Take a closer look.” Zhao Gongming blinked and smiled. “This should be an incarnation, but it’s rather brilliant.”

　　“Hmm, such an incarnation is enough to prove that the Sea God is not a simple person. He’s… Daoist Changgeng from Ren School?”

　　Qiong Xiao could not help but lower her head and ponder. She made some deductions…

　　Uh, she got a warning from the Taiji Painting. Zhao Gongming stood up and laughed loudly. He opened his arms and welcomed Li Changshou, who was coming from the front hall.

　　One was a handsome and suave Daoist, and the other was a white-haired, benevolent old man.

　　After the two of them met, they bowed and Dao saluted to each other.

　　“Sea God, Sea God, how have you been?”

　　“Thanks to you, I’ve been well lately. How have you been, Fellow Daoist?”

　　“Hahahaha.” Zhao Gongming held his waist and laughed. “Ever since I parted with you last time, Sea God, I was really happy. It was

　　great!”

　　Li Changshou frowned and said, “Fellow Daoist, did you use the method I told you last time to… scam someone else?”

　　“The word ‘scam’ is really clever!”

　　Zhao Gongming smiled and squinted. “Last time, I received your guidance. I specially circled the Aparagodānīya Continent a few times. I dragged out those people whom I had disliked for a long time and taught them a lesson! Sea God, guess what happened?”

　　Li Changshou smiled bitterly. “Could it be that you guys don’t dare to blow things up?”

　　“Hahahaha, you know me, Fellow Daoist! You know me!”

　　“Fellow Daoist, you can’t do this often. You are a senior disciple of the outer sect, a former guest of the Green Touring Palace.” Li Changshou hurriedly said, “The matter of scamming others can indeed make you feel good for a moment, but it will really affect your reputation greatly.”

　　Zhao Gongming sighed, waved his hand, and said calmly, “Reputation is built through fights of techniques. Isn’t that the Great Dao oath you made, Fellow Daoist? Who would dare to mention the matter after taking the oath? It’s just that recently, I feel that these techniques are too simplistic. Sea God, do you think there are any new tricks…”

　　“Big Brother?”

　　A soft voice called out from behind Zhao Gongming, “Can you let me take a look at that Great Dao oath?”

　　“Of course.” Zhao Gongming took out a cloth that was produced by the dragon race from his sleeve and used his immortal power to give it to Qiong Xiao, who had already stood up.

　　Zhao Gongming then introduced Li Changshou.

　　“Sea God, come here and take a look. This is my foster sister. She usually cultivates on the Three Immortals Islands. Her Daoist name is Qiong Xiao.”

　　Li Changshou followed Zhao Gongming’s gesture and looked at Qiong Xiao.

　　On the other hand, the fairy who had stood up also removed her concealing mystical abilities and revealed her true appearance.

　　Is this the famous Three Xiao Fairies?

　　She was dressed in a jade-colored orchid dress made of green silk that was accompanied by clouds. There was a light belt around her slender waist and her feet were covered with white boots…

　　It would seem a little understating to say that she was beautiful and a little vulgar to say that she had a thin and petite figure.

　　Li Changshou praised in his heart and complimented with a smile, “I’ve long heard of the Third Immortal’s famed reputation. Today, I’ve met you. It’s not a wasted trip.” Qiong Xiao pursed her lips and smiled, seemingly embarrassed. However, she replied softly, “Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. What is your Daoist name? I heard from Big Brother that your Daoist name is Daoist Changgeng. That’s probably an alias, right?”

　　What a smart fairy…

　　Li Changshou’s heart skipped a beat. However, he calmly replied, “My Daoist name and name are just a form of address. I’m acquainted with Fellow Daoist Zhao, not for fame or fortune. I’m only aiming for fate.”

　　When Zhao Gongming heard that, his eyes were filled with emotions. He shouted softly, “Good! What a good affinity!”

　　Li Changshou felt that something was amiss. Zhao Gongming and Qiong Xiao were both people who would be famous on the God roll in the future. Furthermore, those who had a good relationship with Zhao Gongming would not end up well in the Great God-Conferment Tribulation…

　　Li Changshou immediately changed the topic. “Fellow Daoists, why are you here today?” “This…”

　　Zhao Gongming pinched his beard and winked at Qiong Xiao.

　　Qiong Xiao sighed in her heart. She did not follow her elder brother’s instructions and instead started to question him.

　　“I came here today to ask you a question, Fellow Daoist. Fellow Daoist, why did you instigate my elder brother to continuously seek trouble in the Western Sect?” Zhao Gongming quickly said, “Third Sister! What are you saying!?!” However, Li Changshou did not panic. At most, he would just blow the paper effigy up. He smiled and said, “I can’t bear the burden of the word ‘instigate’. Fellow Daoist Zhao, can you tell me in detail what happened after you beat up the third disciple of the Western Sect’s Saint?”

　　Zhao Gongming nodded. He did not notice the trap in Li Changshou’s words.

　　At that moment, Zhao Gongming told Li Changshou everything about how he had discussed with Li Changshou and how he had injured the hunchbacked Daoist… in all honesty.

　　That incident was actually caused by Li Changshou’s paper effigy’s self-explosion. However, Zhao Gongming’s description of the matter turned into something along the lines of “Zhao Gongming caused trouble, and the Sea God was helping him to come up with a plan”…

　　Qiong Xiao looked ashamed. She bowed to Li Changshou and Li Changshou hurriedly returned the gesture with his horsetail whisk.

　　Qiong Xiao sighed. “I have misunderstood you, Fellow Daoist. Please forgive me.”

　　“You don’t have to worry, Fairy. Fellow Daoist Zhao and I are also…”

　　That’s not right. I definitely can’t say that we share the same interests!

　　The word ‘fated’ is a toxic word of the Primordial World!

　　Li Changshou immediately corrected himself and smiled. “Acquaintances. We’re all Qi Refinement cultivators of the three sects. We should help each other.”

　　Zhao Gongming, who was beside him, chuckled. However, Qiong Xiao changed his tone and began to speak up for her elder brother…

　　“Fellow Daoist Changgeng, my elder brother came here this time to ask if there are other paths.”

　　She even asked for other paths…

　　“Why didn’t you persuade Fellow Daoist Zhao, Fairy?”

　　Li Changshou smiled bitterly and continued, “This method is really useless to me. It’s just a method to deal with tricky situations in times of emergencies.”

　　Qiong Xiao blinked and turned to look at Zhao Gongming. “Brother, can you demonstrate for me how you carried out the fraud? I heard your explanation of the general idea, but I didn’t understand.”

　　Zhao Gongming laughed out loud. He walked to the middle of the rear hall and tapped a wooden chair with his right hand. The wooden chair immediately turned into a wooden statue and stood beside him.

　　Using that wooden statue, Zhao Gongming performed the standard fraud of the Primordial World.

　　First, he beat it up to vent his anger. Then, he started to act pitiful and lure the other party into his trap. When the two of them were competing, he secretly used the Shadow-Retaining Pearl to get back at the other party and forced the other party to swear a Great Dao oath…

　　Li Changshou could not help but support his forehead with one hand. He really wanted to ask, “Sir, why are you so proficient!?!”

　　Qiong Xiao covered her mouth and laughed non-stop. Even her hairpin swayed slightly. Li Changshou sighed softly in his heart. He did not know how happy the members of the Three Immortals Island were usually. Furthermore, they were silly…

　　Zhao Gongming finished his demonstration very quickly and looked at Li Changshou. There was a hint of praise written on his prideful face.

　　Li Changshou could only say, “Fellow Daoist… you have good skills.”

　　“You flatter me. I was taught well by you, Sea

　　God.”

　　I’m not. I didn’t. Don’t push this blame to me! I didn’t teach you to go around and cheat!

　　Li Changshou exclaimed in his heart, but he only smiled and said to Qiong Xiao, “Fairy, do you think this method can be used casually? In the long run, isn’t Fellow Daoist Zhao’s reputation…”

　　“I think…” Qiong Xiao rubbed her chin and pondered for a while. She looked at Li Changshou and smiled. “Fellow Daoist, you’re such a brilliant person. You can even think of such a brilliant plan.”

　　Eh?

　　Li Changshou was a little dazed.

　　Qiong Xiao had already stood up and walked to Zhao Gongming’s side. After pondering for a while, she said, “Brother, do it again and vomit blood.”

　　“Alright,” Zhao Gongming replied happily. He clutched his chest and took a few steps back. He opened his mouth and spat out blood. “Fellow Daoist, you are so vicious! I will not recover from this injury within tens of thousands of years!”

　　Li Changshou was rendered speechless. Qiong Xiao laughed happily. “Brother, your actions are too exaggerated here… Hahaha! However, if someone were to cooperate by the side, it should be good. Brother, spit out another mouthful of blood. I’ll try it from the side!”

　　Zhao Gongming spat out another mouthful of blood. He took a few steps back and put away the Sea-Calming Divine Pearl.

　　“Big Brother!”

　　A soft voice suddenly sounded from the side. Fairy Qiong Xiao rushed into the hall and hurriedly helped Zhao Gongming up. “What happened to you?”

　　The siblings seemed to have a tacit understanding. Zhao Gongming pointed at the wooden statue and said, “He… He… Wow”

　　“What a thief!”

　　Qiong Xiao immediately reprimanded him. She was slightly angry and she pulled out a pair of three-feet-long scissors from her back. She glared at the wooden statue furiously. “Tell me, do you want to settle this trivial matter or do you want to blow it up?”.

　　Zhao Gongming was stunned. He suddenly realized something and said happily, “I was wondering why my Dao has been stuck in a bottleneck lately and I have been thinking about a method to break through. So this is the reason! I just needed someone to play along! Haha! This will do the trick, this will do the trick! Sea God, look… Sea God, what’s wrong?”

　　“Ah, nothing.” Li Changshou squinted and smiled. He stood up and said respectfully, “Fellow Daoist, please do not say that I created this technique in the future. Since you’ve improved it, you are the true creator of this Dao!”

　　“That’s not appropriate!”

　　Li Changshou hurriedly bowed and said, “Fellow Daoist… please do it!”

　　Qiong Xiao blinked gently at the side. There was a sly smile on her face. However, she looked up at the sky and seemed to be thinking about something.

　　After sending Zhao Gongming and Qiong Xiao off, Li Changshou looked at the two jars of immortal wine brewed by Fairy Qiong Xiao and the treasures left behind by Zhao Gongming. He could not help but sigh.

　　I… have such a difficult life.

　　However, after leaving the Sea God Temple, Zhao Gongming and Qiong Xiao, who had just flown thousands of kilometers, discovered a figure descending from the Nine Heavens and heading towards the ground.

　　Qiong Xiao blinked and whispered, “Isn’t that General Dongmu from the Heavenly Courts? Why is he here?”

　　However, Zhao Gongming was not paying attention. He smiled and said, “Third Sister, tell me, who should we go to test out this new trick?”

　　“Eh? Brother, why don’t we…”

　　Qiong Xiao sent him a voice transmission. Zhao Gongming hesitated a little.

　　“Is that appropriate? There’s no feud between us.”

　　“We won’t hurt him. Let’s go, Big Brother!”

　　“That’s… alright.” Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled. Together with Qiong Xiao, they secretly chased after a minister who did not know what he would be encountering…