Zhao Gongming looked at Daoist Ci Hang, who was acting all coy in front of him.
He couldn't help thinking of Little Orchid from Douyin in his previous life.
At the same time, an impassioned tune began playing in his mind.
"I came from the mountains, carrying orchid grass!"
"Stop, stop, stop!"
Zhao Gongming hurriedly took two steps back, crossing his hands over his chest with a horrified look on his face.
"Senior Brother Ci Hang, let's talk this out. I've got goosebumps all over."
After Zhao Gongming's shout, Ci Hang came to his senses and realized how out of character he'd just been.
He coughed twice, trying to recover the aloof bearing of a direct disciple of the Chan Sect.
But the tear tracks at the corners of his eyes made it hard to conceal his disposition as a pushover.
"Ahem... Forgive me for making a fool of myself, Junior Brother."
Ci Hang took a deep breath, his gaze growing resolute.
"Junior Brother, my fellow disciples all call me Little Nanliang now. I really can't take it anymore."
"I'm not some Little Nanliang. I'm a real man!"
"I know you can refine Conceptual Grade magic treasures. Please, make one for me."
Zhao Gongming raised an eyebrow, slipping back into business mode.
"Oh? What kind does Senior Brother want?"
Ci Hang clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.
"Something mighty and imposing, brimming with masculine vigor."
"Something that'll let me shed the nickname Little Nanliang as soon as I use it."
"From now on, people will describe me with just two words: tough guy!"
Zhao Gongming chuckled inwardly.
Want to change people's preconceived notions?
Sure. I'll make it happen!
"Since Senior Brother has made a request, I'll naturally do my best to fulfill it."
"After all, this could be the start of improving relations between the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect."
Zhao Gongming changed his tone and rubbed his fingers together.
"But you know the rules, Senior Brother. A Conceptual Grade magic treasure requires top-tier heavenly materials and earthly treasures."
"Don't worry! Our Chan Sect may have few people, but we still have a decent fortune!"
Ci Hang had clearly come prepared.
He turned his palm over, and a piece of precious jade appeared in it, shimmering with a hazy light.
It seemed to contain the mysteries of endless space.
"This is Innate Mirage Spirit Jade."
"Master obtained it at Treasure Distribution Cliff. It contains the ultimate laws of illusion and manifestation."
"It's the perfect material for refining a manifestation-type magic treasure!"
[ Ding! High-grade crafting material detected: Innate Mirage Spirit Jade. ]
[ Rating: Excellent. ]
[ Compatible formula: Can be used to craft a summoning/transformation-type Conceptual Grade magic treasure. ]
"Now that's good stuff!"
Zhao Gongming's eyes lit up. He took the jade and immediately summoned the Nine Dragon Cauldron.
"Wait a moment, Senior Brother. I promise I won't disappoint you."
Roar—!
The Nine Dragon Cauldron began to turn again, and earthfire surged.
Ci Hang stood to one side, his eyes full of anticipation.
"It's done!"
Zhao Gongming gave a low shout, and the cauldron lid flew open.
A ray of pink light shot into the sky.
It was accompanied by the pleasant chime of wind bells.
[ Ding! Congratulations, host. You have successfully refined a magic treasure! ]
[ Magic treasure name: Divine King Magic Immortal Stick ]
[ Grade: Houtian Spirit Treasure (Conceptual Grade) ]
[ Conceptual attribute: Heroic Spirit Descent · Powerful Allies ]
[ Effect: Ignores space-time and causality, randomly summoning the projection of a top Great Expert from the Primordial Era to fight alongside the user. Sages excluded. ]
[ Hidden trait: Anything can be made cute. The summoned Great Expert's projection will be forcibly transformed into a second-dimensional girl, and her personality will undergo an uncontrollable cute-ification mutation. ]
[ Side effect: Full-body Magic Fairy transformation. ]
[ Restriction: When activating the magic treasure, the user must hold the Magic Fairy Stick, spin in place and strike a transformation pose, then loudly shout the incantation. ]
[ Let me dōu mì you! Balala Energy, Wukalaka, Little Magic Fairy, full-body transformation! ]
[ Note: After the incantation is completed, the user will be forcibly changed into a pink lace Magic Fairy Skirt outfit, including white stockings and butterfly-wing bows. The user cannot change clothes during the transformation, which lasts until the battle ends. ]
Ci Hang's eyes widened as he stared at the magic treasure slowly settling into Zhao Gongming's hand. He was completely dumbstruck.
It was a...
Pink stick with heart-shaped wings at the top.
A glittering, jeweled... fairy wand?
"W-what is this?"
Ci Hang pointed at the stick, his voice trembling.
"Junior Brother, did you make a mistake?"
"I asked for something mighty and imposing. Why did you give me a little girl's toy?"
Zhao Gongming kept a straight face and began spinning a tale.
"Senior Brother, you're looking at it the wrong way."
"The greatest skill seems simple, and the greatest sound is barely heard."
"This magic treasure is called the Divine King Magic Immortal Stick!"
"Don't be fooled by its cute appearance. It contains a terrifying power!"
"Its conceptual attribute is Heroic Spirit Descent · Powerful Allies."
"Just wave this stick, and it will randomly summon the projection of a top Great Expert from the Primordial Era to help you!"
"For example, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, the Twelve Ancestral Witches, or even ancient demon gods!"
"Anyone might be summoned, except for Sages!"
"Just imagine: when you summon Eastern Emperor Taiyi's projection, how mighty and imposing would he be?"
Ci Hang's breathing quickened at once.
Summon projections of top Great Experts?
Eastern Emperor Taiyi? The Twelve Ancestral Witches?
This was practically a divine ability!
"Can it really summon them?" Ci Hang asked, still doubtful.
"Honest service, no tricks!" Zhao Gongming vowed, thumping his chest.
"Then... how do I use it?" Ci Hang was tempted.
Zhao Gongming gave a light cough, his expression turning solemn.
"Since it's a Conceptual Grade magic treasure, it naturally requires an activation incantation."
"When using it, Senior Brother must hold the Magic Fairy Stick, strike a specific transformation pose, and loudly shout—"
"Let me dōu mì you!"
"Balala Energy! Wukalaka! Little Magic Fairy! Full-body transformation!!"
Ci Hang's face turned green.
"Dōu... dōu mì?"
"Little Magic Fairy?"
"And I have to transform completely?"
"Junior Brother, aren't those words a little too embarrassing?"
"And what does this full-body transformation mean?"
"Will something strange happen to me?"
Zhao Gongming remained calm and began working his persuasive magic.
"Senior Brother, a full-body transformation means filling your whole body with power and entering battle mode!"
"As for the embarrassment..."
Zhao Gongming sighed, speaking earnestly.
"Senior Brother, think of Bixiao."
"To make her magic treasure work, she even called someone an Unfilial Son and claimed to be his father."
"That's a serious violation of the natural order!"
"Compared to that, your incantation is a little strange, sure."
"But at least it doesn't involve family ethics or harm anyone, right?"
"Would you rather be called Little Nanliang for the rest of your life?"
"Or endure a moment of embarrassment, summon a peerless powerhouse, awe the masses, and restore the glory of a tough guy?"
Those words struck Ci Hang right in the depths of his soul.
The three words "Little Nanliang" had cut him to the quick.
"Fine! I'll do it!"
Ci Hang clenched his teeth, a fierce resolve flashing in his eyes.
"For the sake of my tough-guy image and the Chan Sect's honor!"
"It's just a few lines. I'll say them!"
Ci Hang snatched up the pink Divine King Magic Immortal Stick.
He tucked it away as carefully as if it were a priceless treasure, then clasped his hands toward Zhao Gongming.
"Thank you, Junior Brother. I'll remember this kindness!"
After that, afraid he might change his mind, he took off in a streak of light.
Watching Ci Hang disappear into the distance, Zhao Gongming's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
"Senior Brother, I hope that when you transform and put on the Magic Fairy Skirt..."
"...and summon Eastern Emperor Taiyi with twin ponytails..."
"...you'll still remember today's tough-guy oath."
Just then, the system reward arrived.
[ Ding! Congratulations, host. You have successfully given away the Conceptual Grade magic treasure Divine King Magic Immortal Stick! ]
[ Recipient: Daoist Ci Hang ]
[ Critical reward triggered! Congratulations, host. You have received: Supreme Grade Innate Spirit Treasure · Ancestral Dragon Pearl! ]
A golden pearl appeared slowly, swirling with primordial chaos dragon qi.
Inside it, an ancient azure dragon seemed to roar.
"The Ancestral Dragon Pearl?!"
Zhao Gongming was overjoyed.
This was the source pearl of the Dragon Race's progenitor!
"This pearl not only contains the Ancestral Dragon's supreme dragon might, allowing it to command the waterfolk of the world and suppress ten thousand dragons..."
"More importantly, it can command the Water Law!"
"Sea Calming Pearls, Sea Overturning Pearl, Ancestral Dragon Pearl..."
"Am I going to take the path of water all the way to the end?"
"If I combine all three treasures, I doubt anyone beneath the Sages could beat me in a water battle!"
Zhao Gongming reluctantly put away the Ancestral Dragon Pearl.
He felt even more confident about the future.
Meanwhile...
Daoist Ci Hang was carrying the Divine King Magic Immortal Stick as he headed toward Jade Void Palace, his feelings complicated.
"Sure, the incantation is strange, but if it can summon powerful allies, it'll all be worth it!"
"Once I summon an Ancestral Witch manifestation and punch a mountain to pieces, let's see who dares call me Little Nanliang!"
Just as he was encouraging himself—
Bong—!
A deep, sonorous bell suddenly rang out from the direction of Jade Void Palace, echoing across the skies over Kunlun Mountain.
It was the Jade Void Golden Bell!
"Is Master calling us?"
Ci Hang's heart tightened.
"Perfect!"
Ci Hang patted the Magic Fairy Stick tucked against his chest, a glint flashing in his eyes.
"This is the perfect chance to change everyone's preconceived notions..."
"...and show my fellow disciples the tough-guy side of Cihang!"
"Just you wait, Senior Brothers and Junior Brothers. I'm going to shock you all!"
Before you continue