Visiting the Sect of Interception! The Generous Zhao Gongming!

Golden Ao Island, a Sage's dojo suspended above the East Sea.

Four streaks of light pierced through the clouds and mist, descending upon the White Jade Square at the island's periphery.

Ye Xuan looked up and saw the entire island shrouded in purple mist, spirit peaks towering, with countless immortal cranes and spirit birds dancing among the clouds, their clear cries ringing through the air.

From time to time, cultivators with formidable auras shuttled between the mountain peaks atop magic treasures, some in groups of three or five, discussing the Dao and sparring.

"This is Golden Ao Island, the ancestral court of the Sect of Interception."

Yun Xiao Fairy spoke with a gentle smile, introducing it to Ye Xuan.

"Ten thousand immortals paying homage—truly worthy of its reputation." Ye Xuan praised. Even in the Primordial Wilderness, this scale of immortal grandeur was unmatched.

Before they could steady themselves.

"Hahaha! Three little sisters, you've finally returned!"

A hearty, thunderous laugh rang out from afar.

A divine and extraordinary Black Tiger came galloping on demonic winds, carrying a Dark-faced Man on its back.

The man had a full, bristly beard, wore a white robe, and exuded the formidable aura of a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal.

He was none other than Zhao Gongming, the senior outer disciple of the Sect of Interception.

The Black Tiger stopped before the group. Zhao Gongming dismounted in a single leap, his gaze sweeping over the Three Fairies. Seeing them safe and sound, he finally let out a breath of relief.

Then, his lightning-sharp eyes landed on Ye Xuan.

"And this young brother is?" Zhao Gongming raised an eyebrow slightly. He could sense the unique and powerful aura emanating from Ye Xuan. Though only at the Golden Immortal Realm, the vitality of his flesh and blood was so vigorous that even he found it striking.

Bixiao quickly hopped forward, cheerfully grabbing Zhao Gongming's arm.

"Big brother, let me introduce you. This is Daoist Ye Xuan."

"He's the current Human Emperor! Not only does he bear great merit, but he also saved us once in the East Sea!"

She made no mention of Penglai Immortal Island or the Yellow Middle Plum.

The four of them had already sworn a Heavenly Dao oath—this matter must never reach a fifth pair of ears, or Great Karma would ensnare them.

"Oh? The Human Emperor?"

Zhao Gongming's eyes flashed with Essence Light at the words, then he burst into laughter, stepping forward boldly to clap Ye Xuan on the shoulder.

"Hahaha! So you're Daoist Human Emperor! I've heard much about you!"

"I've long heard that the Human Race produced an extraordinary figure, but I never thought I'd meet you in person today. Thank you for looking after my three good-for-nothing little sisters!"

Ye Xuan's shoulder trembled slightly under the palm as large as a winnowing fan, but he kept a humble smile on his face.

"You're too kind, Daoist Zhao."

Ye Xuan cupped his hands. "In truth, the three fairies have taken great care of This Humble One. If not for their guidance, I would never have had the chance to witness the immortal grandeur of Golden Ao Island."

"Ah! Don't call me 'Daoist'—that's too formal!"

Zhao Gongming waved his hand grandly, his temperament exceedingly straightforward.

"Since you're a friend of my sisters, you're a friend of Zhao Gongming! Just call me Big Brother Zhao!"

"Come, come, come! Meeting today is fate. Let's go to my cave dwelling, and we brothers will have a good drink!"

With that, Zhao Gongming grabbed Ye Xuan by the arm and pulled him toward the island's interior, not caring whether Ye Xuan agreed.

Ye Xuan, infected by this warmth, did not refuse.

Zhao Gongming's cave dwelling sat atop a mountain peak rich with spiritual energy.

Around a stone table, the group sat down.

Zhao Gongming took several jars of long-aged immortal brew from his storage pouch, slapped off the Mud Seal, and the fragrance of wine immediately filled the air.

"Come! Little Brother Ye, this is my treasured 'Drunken Immortal Brew.' I wouldn't bring it out for just anyone!"

Zhao Gongming poured a full bowl for Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan didn't hold back. With a sweep of his sleeve, he retrieved the flesh and blood of the Red Dragon King he had hunted earlier from the System Space.

He flicked his finger, and the Vermilion Bird Divine Fire rose. In moments, a plate of fragrant roasted Dragon Meat was set on the table.

"Good wine deserves good meat."

Ye Xuan smiled. "Big Brother Zhao, this is the flesh and blood of a Primordial Unity Golden Immortal true dragon. The taste is passable—care to try?"

"Dragon Meat from a Primordial Unity Golden Immortal?"

Zhao Gongming's eyes lit up. He picked up a piece and tossed it into his mouth, chewing vigorously before bursting into praise.

"Excellent! Full of kick! The meat is firm and contains the Dragon Race's origin essence—truly a great tonic!"

"Little Brother Ye, this move of yours is absolutely brilliant!"

The two clinked cups and downed their drinks, quickly becoming fast friends.

The Three Xiāo Fairies sat nearby, occasionally chiming in with jokes, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

After several rounds of wine.

Zhao Gongming found himself liking Ye Xuan more and more with each passing moment.

Though young, this man spoke with remarkable grace, and his straightforward nature, free of any devious twists, suited Zhao Gongming perfectly.

"Brother Ye."

Zhao Gongming set down his wine bowl and suddenly reached into the void.

A divine sword appeared in his hand, its entire body wreathed in azure light, with seven star patterns carved into the blade.

"Today is our first meeting, and I, as your elder brother, have nothing much to offer."

"This 'Seven Star Dragon Abyss Sword' is a top-grade Houtian Spirit Treasure, forged from seven ancient stars and the dragon bone of a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal. Though it can't compare to innate treasures, it's still quite sharp. Take it for self-defense!"

With that, he thrust the sword into Ye Xuan's arms.

Ye Xuan was taken aback, a mix of amusement and helplessness washing over him.

Was this the legendary Zhao Gongming, "dripping with wealth"? Giving away a top-grade spirit treasure at their first meeting?

"Brother Zhao, this is far too precious. I can't accept it." Ye Xuan quickly declined.

"What's this about precious or not! Are you looking down on your brother?" Zhao Gongming's eyes widened, feigning anger. "Take it if I give it! It's just a broken sword—I've got plenty more!"

Yun Xiāo, sitting nearby, smiled and urged, "Daoist Ye, accept it. My elder brother has always been like this. If you refuse, he'll only be displeased."

Bixiao joined in the teasing: "That's right, that's right! Big brother is famous for being a rich man—this little thing is just a drop in the bucket to him!"

Left with no choice, Ye Xuan cupped his hands and accepted.

"In that case, many thanks to Brother Zhao."

Having received a gift, it was only proper to return one.

Ye Xuan pondered for a moment, then turned his palm over. A jade box, sealed with the Yellow Middle Plum, appeared on the table.

"Brother Zhao, as the saying goes, courtesy demands reciprocity."

"Your younger brother has something here to offer you. I hope you won't disdain it."

Zhao Gongming glanced curiously at the jade box. "Oh? What fine thing is this?"

He didn't think Ye Xuan could produce anything to rival a top-grade spirit treasure, given the shallow foundations of the human race.

Yet.

The moment Ye Xuan opened the jade box.

A thick, almost tangible aura of Chaos Origin flooded the entire cave dwelling.

Inside lay a crystalline fruit, etched with Dao Patterns, resting quietly.

"Clatter."

The wine bowl in Zhao Gongming's hand fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.

His tiger-like eyes bulged as he stared fixedly at the fruit, his breathing instantly turning heavy as an ox's.

"This... this is..."

"The Yellow Middle Plum?!"

As the senior disciple of the Sect of Interception, he had naturally heard of the fame of this Innate Spiritual Root.

But this thing was a legendary divine object, rarely seen even once in tens of thousands of years.

"Indeed."

Ye Xuan's expression remained calm. "During my travels in the East Sea, I obtained it by chance. This one I gift to Brother Zhao, to aid you in attaining the perfection of the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal realm as soon as possible."

Zhao Gongming abruptly lifted his head, staring at Ye Xuan, his eyes filled with shock and complexity.

A fruit from an Innate Spiritual Root!

The value of this thing—even a hundred top-grade Houtian Spirit Treasures couldn't trade for it!

"Brother, this... this is far too precious!"

Zhao Gongming waved his hands repeatedly, trying to decline. "This is a foundation for attaining the Dao—I cannot accept it!"

"Elder brother, accept it."

Yun Xiāo spoke up at this moment, her tone gentle yet firm. "This is a shared opportunity for all of us. Since Daoist Ye has this intention, if you refuse again, wouldn't it seem distant?"

Zhao Gongming glanced at Yun Xiāo, then back at Ye Xuan.

He took a deep breath and nodded heavily.

"Fine!"

"Since we are brothers, I won't stand on ceremony!"

Zhao Gongming took the jade box and stored it away with solemn care.

Then, he rose to his feet, his gaze burning as he looked at Ye Xuan.

"Brother Ye, from this day forward, you are Zhao Gongming's own blood brother!"

"If anyone in this Primordial Wilderness dares to bully you, you come find me! Though your big brother's skills are limited, I'll stake my life to get you justice!"

These words landed with weight, clearly straight from the heart.

Ye Xuan felt a warmth in his own heart at this.

He blinked, then suddenly smiled. "And what if it's Yun Xiao Fairy and the others who bully me?"

"Uh..."

Zhao Gongming froze, glanced at his three sisters who were smiling sweetly beside him, and found himself at a loss for words. His old face flushed bright red, unsure what to say.

Fight his brother for his sisters? That wouldn't do.

Fight his sisters for his brother? That wouldn't be honorable either.

This was practically a death sentence of a question!

"Pfft."

Bixiao gave a light snort, lifted her chin, and said with playful pout, "Hmph! Daoist Ye, stop being so glib. We wouldn't bully you!"

"Exactly, we sisters would dote on you if anything." Qiong Xiao also made a rare joke.

Yun Xiao shook her head helplessly, her beautiful eyes brimming with laughter.

Seeing this, everyone burst into laughter, and the cave dwelling filled with cheerful voices.