Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

"Brother, although you treat us very well, we don't want to join this great war. We just want to cultivate properly."

"I've treated you so well all this time, and this is how you treat me?"

“Brother, Jiang Ziya’s army is now unstoppable, and its power has expanded far beyond what it used to be. At the same time, it has won the hearts of the people. Defeating the Shang Dynasty will be an inevitable outcome.”

Zhao Gongming said, "But Xiqi is merely a territory of the Shang Dynasty. Supporting the Shang Dynasty is a matter of righteousness. If you do not help, you will be going against the orthodoxy. The Shang Dynasty is the way to long-term stability, and you will regret it."

"King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty was a tyrannical and incompetent ruler, and the people suffered terribly. How could he talk about righteousness? It is you, brother, who should not lose your original heart for the sake of so-called wealth and glory."

“What do you know? Why am I doing this? Isn’t it for you? I’m doing this for the loyal and righteous people of my Jie Sect, and for you too. Do you doubt me?”

“We will not regret it. We do not want to get involved in the conflict, and we have not forgotten the kindness you have shown us. But this has nothing to do with the kindness you have shown us. So, brother, we cannot lend you the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket. We also advise you to leave those conflicts as soon as possible. We hope you can understand our difficulties.”

Zhao Gongming said, "I will not regret my decision. If you do not help me today, you will sever the bond between us siblings. I did not expect the three of you to be so ruthless. I am leaving, no need to see me off!"

After saying this, Zhao Gongming strode away from the Three Immortal Islands.

It turns out that Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao are Zhao Gongming's biological sisters. The three of them are siblings born of the same mother. Later, the four of them found different masters.

However, they were all disciples of the Jie Sect. The master of the Three Immortals and the master of Zhao Gongming were senior and junior brothers and sisters, and they had a good relationship.

Furthermore, Zhao Gongming and Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao are all related by blood, so the two cave dwellings are very close and will help each other with anything.

However, this time, the three sisters Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao refused Zhao Gongming's request and did not agree to lend him the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket. Zhao Gongming was very unhappy. They were all his own siblings, but the three of them refused his request because of their concerns. This left Zhao Gongming at a loss for what to do.

Zhao Gongming left the Three Immortal Islands, intending to go elsewhere to think of a solution, but he didn't know where to go, so he temporarily returned to the main camp for attacking Xiqi.

Chapter 1143 Borrowing Treasures Again

Upon returning, Zhao Gongming entered his tent with a sullen expression. He took off his cloak, threw it angrily onto the nearby resting area, and sat heavily on the table. He remained silent, feeling utterly suffocated.

Zhao Gongming thought to himself, Yunxiao, Qiongxiao and Bixiao are his own sisters, how can he side with outsiders? Yunxiao is obviously worried about Jiang Ziya, what kind of ability does Jiang Ziya have?

The immortals he summoned were all mediocre at best. The fact that he could even summon such people shows that Jiang Ziya himself has no real ability and relies on others. He's practically a coward.

Zhao Gongming, a dignified figure, was an elite member of the Jie Sect and a powerful immortal among the Great Luo Immortals who had attained enlightenment in heaven.

He rides a black tiger, holds a golden whip in his hand, and possesses twenty-four rare treasures called the Sea-Stabilizing Pearls. He also attained enlightenment through cultivation in Luofu Cave on Mount Emei and is the elder brother of the Three Immortal Maidens of Sanxiao Island.

He was also extremely loyal and righteous. Several of his disciples were killed by the helpers invited by Jiang Ziya. In order to avenge his disciples and to dampen the spirits of Jiang Ziya, Ji Fa, and the entire Xiqi, he was determined to help them.

That's why he agreed to go down the mountain to assist Grand Tutor Wen in dealing with Xiqi when Shen Gongbao came to invite him to come out of seclusion. His real intention was to kill Jiang Ziya to avenge his people in the Jie Sect. However, he didn't expect to stumble, which instead aroused his fighting spirit. That's why he racked his brains to find a suitable weapon.

In fact, Zhao Gongming is very powerful. Ordinary immortals are definitely no match for him. Jiang Ziya once commented on him: "Zhao Gongming is a man of loyalty and righteousness, and ordinary people are hard to catch his eye."

However, this person is also extremely protective of his own. As long as it is someone he cares about protecting, regardless of whether that person is good or evil, he will stand up for them at all costs.

Therefore, compared with other immortals of the Jie Sect, Zhao Gongming is an immortal with a very unique way of doing things. Moreover, he is as fast as lightning, powerful, skilled in attack techniques, and has a very high ability in close combat; he is also extremely sensitive.

When fighting against others, he can strike quickly and react before the opponent is ready to fight. Therefore, there are basically no immortals who can activate their magic weapons faster than him when sparring with him.

Just when Zhao Gongming was at his wit's end, Shen Gongbao arrived.

"Fellow Daoist Gongming, did this mission go smoothly?"

"Sigh... Don't even mention it. This time I went to the Three Immortal Islands to borrow the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket from my three younger sisters, but I couldn't borrow them. I really don't know what to do. After discussing it, my three sisters decided not to lend them to me. I begged them earnestly, but they were worried about Jiang Ziya and dared not lend them to me. The implication was that they didn't want me to take the risk, and they didn't want to get involved in this matter. I really had no choice and couldn't persuade them, so I came back." Zhao Gongming's tone was initially low, but later he became somewhat indignant.

Shen Gongbao, who was standing to the side, carefully observed the expression on Zhao Gongming's face. He felt that there was still room for maneuver, so he asked, "Fellow Daoist, don't be anxious. What do you plan to do next?"

“What else can I do? My master doesn’t know about this, so I can’t go back to ask him for help. I can only ask other fellow cultivators.” Zhao Gongming was not discouraged and still planned to try his luck later.

“Fellow Daoist Gongming, I’ll call you Brother Zhao. It sounds more intimate that way. What I’m trying to say is that almost all the immortals in heaven have been bewitched by that scoundrel Jiang Ziya. I’m afraid it will be futile for you to go there again. Few immortals will be willing to help you anymore. Why don’t you go back to the Three Immortal Islands and give it a try? After all, they are your own sisters. There are still feelings between you. As long as you appeal to their emotions and reason with them, you will definitely be able to move your three sisters.”

Shen Gongbao said this to Zhao Gongming, still unwilling to give up, and wanted Zhao Gongming to borrow more magic weapons from his sister. This was because the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron were extremely powerful and could be of great help to them, so he persuaded Zhao Gongming to try one more time.

"But I've already explained it to them to that extent, and they still don't agree. Even if I go again, I'm sure it won't change much." Zhao Gongming was clearly unsure, and he didn't want to offend his three sisters again. Otherwise, it would really make things difficult for them as siblings. Zhao Gongming had an expression that said, "I don't want to borrow again."

Seeing Zhao Gongming's expression, Shen Gongbao knew that if he couldn't give Zhao Gongming a suggestion that would move him, Zhao Gongming wouldn't go to the Three Immortals Island a second time.

"Brother Zhao, think about it. You and the three ladies of the Three Immortal Islands are, after all, your own siblings. How could they really just watch over you and ignore you? As long as you can analyze the pros and cons with them, these three ladies will definitely agree. Then you can apologize to them afterwards. After all, you are related by blood. What do you think, Brother Zhao?"

After hearing Shen Gongbao's words, Zhao Gongming was clearly hesitant. Shen Gongbao continued to persuade him, "Brother Zhao, if you feel that you can't do it alone, I can go to the Three Immortals Island with you. I can also act as your witness and help you get your sister's consent."

"You don't know this, but of my three younger sisters, Yunxiao is the most calm and collected. She's also the one who makes the decisions. Once she's made up her mind, my other two sisters have no objections. So there's no point in us going to persuade her unless we can convince her. But Yunxiao isn't so easy to convince. She's very opinionated, and once she's made up her mind, nothing you say will change it."

Zhao Gongming revealed the situation of his three sisters in detail, telling them that if he could capture Yunxiao, he could successfully borrow the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket. Shen Gongbao then had an idea.

"Brother Zhao, which of your sisters are you closest to?"

“Naturally, it’s my third sister, Bixiao. Why are you asking this?” Zhao Gongming asked curiously.

Chapter 1144 The Treasure is Finally in Hand

Shen Gongbao thought to himself, "This Zhao Gongming doesn't seem like a fool, but he's definitely not stupid." "Brother Zhao, let me explain in detail."

So Shen Gongbao leaned close to Zhao Gongming's ear and began to explain. After listening, Zhao Gongming's face relaxed slightly, but he still couldn't believe that this method would actually work.

Shen Gongbao saw Zhao Gongming nod firmly, and then the two of them went together to the Three Immortal Islands to find the Three Immortals.

The Three Immortal Islands were in chaos. Yunxiao discussed with his two sisters, "My two sisters, today our brother came to us to retrieve the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket. I know you want to lend him these two treasures out of brotherly affection, but Master instructed us that the Three Immortal Islands are not allowed to get involved in the affairs of Xiqi and King Zhou of Shang. Moreover, since many of my fellow Daoists in the Jie Sect were killed by the people Jiang Ziya sent, the Sect Leader has ordered that no disciples of the Jie Sect are allowed to participate, lest they suffer misfortune. I am doing this today to obey Master's orders, so please don't blame me."

“Sister, what are you saying? I know you mean well, but my brother will definitely not let this go.” Qiongxiao told Yunxiao her guess, while Bixiao remained silent.

"It's alright, I'll go and report to Master right away so she knows about this. That way we can give an explanation to Uncle-Master. But we'll probably have to give Uncle-Master a word. I just don't know if Uncle-Master knows about this." Yunxiao said with a worried expression.

"How about this, sister, you go and report to Master, and I'll go and talk to Uncle-Master. That way, we can also test whether Senior Brother's actions are approved by Uncle-Master." Qiongxiao very considerately solved Yunxiao's problem.

"That's fine. The sooner the better. Let's set off now, sisters. But only Bixiao is left in the cave. Bixiao, can you handle it?"

"Don't worry, elder sister, I will definitely guard the cave well and wait for you to return."

Thus, only Bixiao remained in the cave, while the two sisters, Yunxiao and Qiongxiao, went to report to their masters. This created an ideal condition for Shen Gongbao's plan.

The two arrived at the Three Immortal Islands. Zhao Gongming went there to talk to Yunxiao, but the servants in the cave informed him that Yunxiao was not there, nor was Qiongxiao. Zhao Gongming was overjoyed and took Shen Gongbao to find Bixiao.

"Little sister, your brother has come to find you. Come out quickly."

“Brother, why are you here again? Sister has already explained our intentions. I really cannot lend you the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket.”

“Sister, listen to your brother. I really need these Golden Dragon Scissors and Hunyuan Golden Bucket urgently. Just do me a favor and don’t tell your two older sisters.”

“Brother, you are mistaken. How could I hand over the treasure to you behind my two sisters’ backs? I would definitely be scolded by them.”

Bixiao disagreed, and Shen Gongbao chimed in, "Your Highness Bixiao, please grant Brother Zhao's request. Since you are siblings, you wouldn't stand by and watch your brother be bullied by Jiang Ziya, would you? Besides, how many members of your Jie Sect have been killed by Jiang Ziya? Think about it carefully; your brother is doing this to avenge the Jie Sect. You should lend a helping hand."

"who are you?"

"I am Shen Gongbao, the junior brother of Jiang Ziya and the national advisor of King Zhou of Shang."

“What you say makes a lot of sense, but my two elder sisters said that I must not lend it to my brother. How can I make this decision on my own?” Although Bixiao still did not lend the treasure to Zhao Gongming, she was hesitant in her words, but she had not yet made up her mind.

"Your Highness Bixiao, you can take advantage of your two elder sisters' absence to lend the treasure to your elder brother and wait for them to return. Everything is already settled, and as long as you explain things clearly to your sisters, they should not blame you."

Shen Gongbao used his sweet words to persuade Bixiao.

"Well then, in that case, I will get you the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Primordial Golden Bucket. But brother, you must be careful not to fall into Jiang Ziya's trap and make sure you get back to your cave safely."

"Don't worry, sister. With these two treasures, I'm sure I'll return victorious and teach Jiang Ziya a good lesson." After the brother and sister finished speaking, they bid each other farewell. Zhao Gongming and Shen Gongbao left the Three Immortals Island satisfied with the treasures they had obtained.

After returning to their base camp, Zhao Gongming, having acquired a magical artifact, went to challenge the enemy, intending to settle the score with Jiang Ziya's side once again. When Jiang Ziya and the others heard that Zhao Gongming had come to challenge them again, they guessed that he must have borrowed some magical artifact again, so they discussed their countermeasures.

“Shangfu, Zhao Gongming has come again. And in such a short time, what kind of magic weapon could he have borrowed? Could they be testing us to see what strength we still have, and then find a way to deal with us?”

"No, Zhao Gongming is an upright man and doesn't have many tricks up his sleeve. So we can't be too cunning when dealing with him. This time, Zhao Gongming must have borrowed a magic weapon that can defeat us in one fell swoop. But what exactly did he borrow?" Jiang Ziya pondered.

Jiang Ziya suddenly realized something: "So that's what they borrowed. No wonder they have the confidence to come and challenge us. But how should we deal with these two magical treasures? And who should we send in?"

Ji Fa asked Jiang Ziya, "Does Grandfather know what treasure he has borrowed?"

"As I mentioned before, Zhao Gongming has three younger sisters. These three sisters are extraordinary because they received their master's true teachings. Therefore, each of them possesses two very powerful magical treasures. One of them, which you have all seen, is the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron. However, there is another one called the Golden Dragon Scissors. This item is extremely powerful, and ordinary immortals dare not easily confront it because of its immense power. Therefore, no one dares to provoke the Three Immortals of Sanxiao. Now, Zhao Gongming is probably out of options and only has this one path left. Why don't we go and meet him?"

Chapter 1145 The Antarctic Immortal Enters the Battle

"But Master, are we capable? Who should we send to fight?" Ji Fa asked Jiang Ziya with some concern, seeking his opinion.

"You don't need to worry about that. We need to go out first and test the power of the magic weapon he borrowed so we can have a countermeasure. We still need to ask the opinions of all the immortals to see who should be sent out to fight." Jiang Ziya looked relaxed and didn't seem to care much about Zhao Gongming's challenge.

"Why don't I go and see the Golden Dragon Scissors and the Primordial Chaos Golden Cauldron first? I've only ever heard of these two magical treasures, but I've never truly witnessed their power. I have some knowledge of these magical artifacts, and I'm sure I can thoroughly examine their flaws. Please, Your Majesty and Jiang Ziya, allow me to go!"

At this moment, the Old Man of the South Pole stepped forward, preparing to go and fight Zhao Gongming.

Since they had already spoken, Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa had no choice but to agree. After all, Jiang Ziya had gone to great lengths to invite them, and it would be embarrassing for everyone if they were to offend them like this. Moreover, the Antarctic Immortal had volunteered for Jiang Ziya's sake and for the sake of Xiqi, so he naturally couldn't say anything.

So, without any serious discussion, the immortals just went about their business, and the Antarctic Immortal took his weapons and went out of the city to fight. At this time, the Antarctic Immortal was still thinking of giving Zhao Gongming a hard time.

In fact, everyone knows that the Antarctic Immortal is highly respected and has great prestige. Almost every household in the world knows the name of the Antarctic Immortal, and almost every household will set out fruits and other offerings to worship this legendary immortal during festivals.

The Old Man of the South Pole was revered by the people of that time. He was the God of Longevity in human mythology, also known as the True Lord of the South Pole, the Emperor of Longevity, the True King of Jade Purity, and so on. The Old Man of the South Pole had a very important background; he was the ninth son of the Primordial Celestial Venerable. Because the Primordial Celestial Venerable appointed him to be in charge of longevity, he was also called the "God of Longevity" or the "Old Man Star".

People believe that as long as they regularly make offerings to this deity in charge of longevity, they can stay healthy and live to be a hundred years old. Therefore, the Antarctic Immortal receives offerings from the people and is revered by the world, holding a status that ordinary immortals cannot match.

Because of his high status, good background, and the worship and adoration he received from the world, the Antarctic Immortal had always disregarded other matters. As for Zhao Gongming, he was no match for him. This time, he took the initiative to accept the challenge only to help Xiqi get rid of Zhao Gongming. So he confidently went out to meet the enemy.

However, what happened on the battlefield was completely unexpected for the Old Man of the South Pole. The one-sided crushing victory he thought he had achieved did not happen to him at all.

Then, the Antarctic Immortal rode his sika deer and strolled leisurely out of the city gate. The sika deer stopped opposite Zhao Gongming.

“Old Man of the South Pole, you shouldn’t have gotten involved in this matter. If you turn around and leave now, we can avoid this battle. I will never make things difficult for you in the future. We can pretend that nothing happened. What do you think?” Zhao Gongming hoped that Old Man of the South Pole would not get involved in this matter, because Zhao Gongming did not want to offend Old Man of the South Pole, or more accurately, offend the Primordial Heavenly Venerable. The Primordial Heavenly Venerable was very powerful, and even Zhao Gongming’s master had to think twice. Zhao Gongming naturally had his concerns and dared not easily provoke the Heavenly Venerable Palace.

Unexpectedly, the Antarctic Immortal left Zhao Gongming no room for maneuver and went straight up to declare war.

"You little brat, why are you talking so much? Didn't you come to challenge me first? If you want to fight, then fight. Stop dawdling and talking so much. Or are you afraid to fight me because you're afraid I'll beat you to a pulp?"

It must be said that although the Antarctic Immortal is an elderly immortal, he is not calm at all in his speech and actions. You can tell from his tone of voice that this immortal has a fiery temper, but he is straightforward and much better than the likes of Shen Gongbao.

"What a joke, you think I'm afraid of you? I'll fight you if you want, but let me make this clear first: if I hurt you, don't blame me for not holding back."

"Come on, I won't say anything. Enough with the nonsense, let's fight!" The Antarctic Immortal made the first move. He picked up his gourd, opened the lid, and aimed it at Zhao Gongming, intending to put him inside. However, Zhao Gongming blocked the attack with the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron. For a moment, the two were locked in a stalemate. As time passed, the two fought fiercely, and the world was filled with flying sand and stones, creating chaos.