Zhao Gongming

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Zhao Gongming 1 28
Identity	Eldest disciple of the Outer Sect of the Jie Sect 1 28, Last Master of the Dao of Artifacts in the Primordial World 28, Primordial World's number one Artifact Refiner 12
Master	Sect Master Tongtian 21 28
Cultivation	Mid Golden Immortal 1, Golden Immortal peak 26, Grand Unity Golden Immortal (physical body) 33
Abilities	Artifact refining (God-Tier Artifact Refining System) 1, Samadhi True Fire 46, Six Ding True Fire (Advanced) 30, True Sun Fire (Origin) 30, Eight Wonders (Complete Set) including Qi Body Source Flow, Summoning Spirits and Dispatching Generals, Tongtian Talisman, Feng Hou Qi Men 46
Notable Magic Treasures Refined	"100% Disarm - Holy Sword" 1, The Demonre You Hit, The Demonre Excited You Get Armor 30, Don't Even Think About Leaving Without Compensation Stretcher 30, The Dutchman's Gloves 35, 'Thousand Kills' 44, 'Overbearing President Gloves' 46, 'Lightning Five Consecutive Whips' 46, 'The Sound System of the Shadow Stream Master' 55, 'Liu Haizhu's Cleaver' 57, 'Yuan Hua's Trident' 57
Associates	Bixiao 1 5, Xuandu 21 35, Ci Hang 21 22, Medicine Master 21 22, Yellow Dragon True Person 32 46, Di Jun 27 30, Di Jiang 27 30, East King Duke 43, Ao Guang 32
Personality	Confident 28, Arrogant 22, Cunning 22, Manipulative 22, Mischievous 24 19, Righteous (feigned) 32, Unfazed by rage 28, Ambitious 46, Playful 55, Demonral compass 43
Affiliation	Jie Sect (Outer Sect) 1 28
Goal	Avoid being enshrined during the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation 1, Protect the Human Race 21 35
Catchphrases/Quotes	"I am the last Master of the Dao of Artifacts in the Primordial World, and also your male god!" 28, "I am Zhao Gongming, the Senior Disciple Brother of the Outer Sect under the Sage Tongtian of the Three Pure Ones!" 28, "A real man... should go for men!" 19
Reputation	Widespread, both good and bad 12, "Little artifact refining expert" 61, "Freak" 12

Physical Description

Zhao Gongming is described as having starlight flowing within his eyes 1. He is capable of striking a pose of a master burdened by loneliness 26. He has a powerful divine sense 24 and possesses a Great Accomplishment Sacred Body, allowing him to unleash terrifying physical power 53. He is also noted for his ability to exude maximum swagger 28.

• He has a "delicate and fair face" 53.
• His eyes are described as "large, watery" 53.
• He has "two long, fluffy rabbit ears" on top of his head 53.
• He appears "adorably naive and wronged" 53.
• He is often seen adjusting his robes 32 and tidying his hairstyle 28.
• He wears a "Qingping Sword Robe" 1.
• He is capable of "striking an extremely pretentious pose" 28.
• He has a "resolute expression" 46.

Background

Zhao Gongming, originally a corporate worker from Blue Star, transmigrated into the Primordial World, becoming the eldest disciple of the Jie Sect's Outer Sect under Sage Tongtian 1 28. He quickly adapted to his new identity, awakening the God-Tier Artifact Refining System 1. With this system, he refined his first conceptual magic treasure, the "100% Disarm - Holy Sword," which also granted him the "Heaven-Defying Comprehension" talent, allowing him to rapidly advance his cultivation to Mid Golden Immortal 1.

His unique artifact refining skills quickly gained him renown. He gifted the "100% Disarm - Holy Sword" to his junior sister Bixiao to help her seek revenge against Daoist Ci Hang 1 2. Later, he was summoned to Biyou Palace, where Yuanshi Tianzun attempted to poach him for the Chan Sect, but Zhao Gongming remained loyal to Tongtian 21. Laozi then tasked him with leading a team, including Xuandu, Cihang, and Medicine Master, to protect the Human Race during the Witch-Demon Tribulation 21. During this mission, he encountered and intimidated the Demon Master Kunpeng 21 22.

Zhao Gongming's influence grew as he repaired the Dragon Gate for the Dragon Race, helping Ao Lie become a Five-Clawed True Dragon and boosting the cultivation of the Four Sea Dragon Kings and countless other dragons 32 34. He also received the Ancestor Dragon Nine Heavens Art and a drop of Ancestor Dragon essence blood, instantly maxing out the technique and reaching the physical level of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal 33 35. His reputation as a master artifact refiner led to many, including Di Jun, East King Duke, and Ancestor Witch Di Jiang, seeking his services 43 57. He even refined the 'Thousand Kills' magic treasure, which injured Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun, leading to a confrontation where he was taken to Kunlun Demonuntain 44. Zhao Gongming's actions, including resolving conflicts between the Human and Demon Races and aiding the Dragon Race, significantly stabilized the Primordial World and earned him great merit 45. He was later tasked with preparing for the Kunlun Grand Ceremony, where his popularity and influence were evident 45 47 52. He also gained the Primordial World version of the Eight Wonders as a reward for refining a conceptual magic treasure 46. He has since met the core combat power of the Witch Race, offering to craft magic treasures for them in exchange for future assistance 63.

Power Progression

Cultivation Level	Chapter	Details
Mystic Immortal peak	1	Zhao Gongming's cultivation before breaking through.
Early Golden Immortal	1	Zhao Gongming breaks through from Mystic Immortal peak after receiving the "Heaven-Defying Comprehension" talent.
Mid Golden Immortal	1	Zhao Gongming's cultivation immediately after breaking through to Early Golden Immortal, noted by Sect Master Tongtian 1.
Golden Immortal mid-stage	26	Zhao Gongming's stable cultivation before receiving the "Cultivation Infusion" reward 26.
Golden Immortal late-stage	26	Zhao Gongming's cultivation increases after receiving the "Cultivation Infusion" reward 26.
Golden Immortal completion	26	Zhao Gongming's cultivation continues to increase after receiving the "Cultivation Infusion" reward 26.
Golden Immortal peak	26	Zhao Gongming's cultivation reaches this level, a step away from proving the Taiyi Dao fruit, after receiving the "Cultivation Infusion" reward 26.
Grand Unity Golden Immortal (physical body)	33	Zhao Gongming's physical body reaches this level after absorbing Chaos Essence Blood 33.
Great Accomplishment Sacred Body (physical body)	40	Zhao Gongming's physical body undergoes a qualitative leap, becoming comparable to a Quasi-Saint, after receiving the "Great Accomplishment Sacred Body" reward 40.

Abilities

God-Tier Artifact Refining System

Zhao Gongming possesses the God-Tier Artifact Refining System, which allows him to refine conceptual-level magic treasures 1. This system is standard equipment for transmigrators in the Primordial World 1.

• Applications:
  • Refines conceptual-level magic treasures with unique effects and side effects 1.
  • Guarantees conceptual effects within the same major realm, with effects across realms being weakened 1.
  • Provides system feedback rewards when a gifted magic treasure is given and when it is used by the recipient 1.
  • The first artifact refinement has no restrictions, but subsequent refinements require system-specified heavenly materials and earthly treasures 1.
  • Can repair and modify existing magic treasures 33.
• Limitations:
  • Requires top-tier heavenly materials and earthly treasures containing special Dao charm for conceptual magic treasures 5.
  • The materials required for each magic treasure are fixed and difficult to obtain without great fortune 5.

Heaven-Defying Comprehension

Zhao Gongming gained the talent of Heaven-Defying Comprehension as a critical strike reward for his first conceptual-level magic treasure refinement 1.

• Applications:
  • Makes previously obscure and difficult Great Dao concepts seem simple 1.
  • Allows him to break through insurmountable bottlenecks in cultivation 1.
  • Rapidly boosted his cultivation from the peak of Mystic Immortal to Mid Golden Immortal 1.
  • Contributes to his rapid cultivation advancement, such as reaching Golden Immortal peak after refining the Beast-Eared Girl's Crown 26.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Divine Fires

Zhao Gongming commands multiple divine fires, which he uses in his artifact refining process 40.

• Applications:
  • Samadhi True Fire: Used for refining artifacts 16 30 46.
  • Six Ding True Fire: Obtained as a double critical strike reward, it is a divine fire used by the Supreme Old Lord for alchemy and is capable of purifying all impurities 30. Used for refining artifacts 30 33.
  • True Sun Fire: Obtained as a double critical strike reward, it is formed from Pangu's left eye, embodying extreme yang and power, capable of burning heavens and boiling seas 30.
  • Lunar Sacred Fire: Obtained as a critical strike reward, it embodies extreme yin and gentleness, with the power to freeze space-time 36.
  • Combined Use: The divine fires can be intertwined for more potent refining, making his methods more unpredictable in artifact refining and combat 36 40.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for these abilities.

Nine Dragon Cauldron

Zhao Gongming possesses the Nine Dragon Cauldron, a Supreme Grade Innate Spirit Treasure specifically designed for artifact refining 6 16.

• Applications:
  • Serves as his primary artifact refining furnace 16 30 35 40 46.
  • Contains nine strands of Innate Dragon Fire, which greatly increases the artifact refining success rate and shortens refining time 6.
  • Has a chance to improve the magic treasure's grade and bestow a trace of dragon might 6.
  • Spews nine fiery dragon phantoms during refinement 16.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Primordial World Version - Eight Wonders

Zhao Gongming obtained the complete set of Primordial World Version - Eight Wonders as a supreme critical hit reward 46.

• Applications:
  • Qi Body Source Flow: Provides infinite magic power 46.
  • Summoning Spirits and Dispatching Generals: Allows for commanding all spirits 46.
  • Tongtian Talisman: Enables drawing talismans in the void 46.
  • Feng Hou Qi Men: Controls space-time 46.
  • These divine abilities are strengthened by the laws of the Primordial World, making them immensely powerful 46.
  • Tongtian Talisman and Feng Hou Qi Men, combined with his array mastery, can make him "invincible" 46.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Character Relationships

• Bixiao: Zhao Gongming's junior sister, whom he protects and crafts magic treasures for, including the "100% Disarm - Holy Sword" to help her get revenge 1 38. She seeks his help when pursued by East King Duke 38.
• Cihang: A fellow disciple who accompanies Zhao Gongming on a mission to protect the Human Race 21. Zhao Gongming sometimes teases him, leading to misunderstandings, such as when Cihang's gender is mistaken by Ao Guang 32. Cihang is also humiliated by Bixiao's magic treasure, leading to rumors involving him and Zhao Gongming 5.
• Di Jiang: An Ancestor Witch and one of the leaders of the Witch Race. He is a frequent client of Zhao Gongming's artifact refining skills, often seeking powerful magic treasures 30 52. Despite their initial conflict 28, Di Jiang comes to respect Zhao Gongming's abilities and even introduces him to other Witches 63. He often works with Di Jun and East King Duke in schemes, though they frequently bicker 31 42 43.
• Di Jun: The Demon Emperor and leader of the Demon Court. He is a client of Zhao Gongming's, seeking magic treasures to gain an advantage 30. He often allies with Di Jiang and East King Duke for various schemes, despite their rivalry 31 38 42 43. He shows respect for Zhao Gongming's artifact refining prowess 39 40.
• Dingguang Xian: A fellow disciple towards whom Zhao Gongming shows affection, leading to playful teasing from Golden Spirit Holy Demonther 55.
• Duo Bao: A fellow disciple who seeks Zhao Gongming's help in refining magic treasures, such as the 'Lightning Five Consecutive Whips' 46. Zhao Gongming later offers to craft a counter-treasure for Guang Chengzi to use against Duo Bao 50.
• East King Duke: Initially an antagonist who pursues Bixiao, he later becomes a client of Zhao Gongming's, seeking powerful magic treasures after being extorted and witnessing Zhao Gongming's skill 38 39 40. He often participates in schemes with Di Jun and Di Jiang 42 43 44.
• Golden Spirit Holy Demonther: A fellow disciple who observes Zhao Gongming's interactions with others, sometimes with ambiguous thoughts or teasing 5 55.
• Gong Gong: An Ancestor Witch and a member of the Witch Race. He seeks Zhao Gongming's help to craft a magic treasure to settle his rivalry with Zhu Rong 63. He is grateful for Zhao Gongming's help and offers future assistance 63.
• Guang Chengzi: A fellow disciple who seeks Zhao Gongming's help to refine a magic treasure to counter Duo Bao's 'Lightning Five Consecutive Whips' 50 55.
• Hong Yun: A powerful figure who, along with Zhen Yuanzi, confronts Zhao Gongming after being injured by a magic treasure he refined, seeking an explanation from Zhao Gongming's master 44. He is targeted by Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke for his Primordial Violet Qi 43.
• Houtu: An Ancestor Witch who welcomes Zhao Gongming to Pangu Hall and acknowledges his divine artifact refining skills 63.
• Huang Long (Yellow Dragon True Person): A fellow disciple who seeks Zhao Gongming's help to repair the Dragon Gate at the Dragon Palace and to refine magic treasures 32 46.
• Jie Sect Disciples: Many disciples of the Jie Sect admire Zhao Gongming's artifact refining skills and seek his help in crafting magic treasures, viewing him as a source of strength and prestige 5 47.
• Laozi: One of the Three Pure Ones and a senior figure who tasks Zhao Gongming with leading a team to protect the Human Race 21. He also awards Zhao Gongming for his contributions 15.
• Lu Ya: Di Jun's son, who shows hospitality and respect towards Zhao Gongming 31. He also helps his father, Di Jun, in various situations 42.
• Medicine Master: A fellow disciple who accompanies Zhao Gongming on a mission to protect the Human Race 21. He is also a recipient of Zhao Gongming's magic treasures 15.
• Sect Master Tongtian: Zhao Gongming's master, who is protective of him and expresses concern for his well-being, especially when other sages try to poach him 21.
• Xuandu: A fellow disciple who accompanies Zhao Gongming on a mission to protect the Human Race 21. He also uses Zhao Gongming's magic treasures to enhance his abilities 52.
• Yuanshi Tianzun: One of the Three Pure Ones who attempts to poach Zhao Gongming to his sect, leading to an argument with Sect Master Tongtian 21.
• Zhen Yuanzi: A powerful figure who, along with Hong Yun, confronts Zhao Gongming after being injured by a magic treasure he refined 44. He is targeted by Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke for his Primordial Violet Qi 43.
• Zhu Rong: An Ancestor Witch and a member of the Witch Race. He seeks Zhao Gongming's help to craft a magic treasure to settle his rivalry with Gong Gong 63. He is enthusiastic about Zhao Gongming's skills and offers future assistance 63.

Significant Events

• Zhao Gongming awakens the God-Tier Artifact Refining System (Undated, prior to Chapter 1): Zhao Gongming, a transmigrator, awakens a system on Kunlun Demonuntain that allows him to refine powerful magic treasures 1.
• Zhao Gongming refines the "100% Disarm - Holy Sword" (Undated, prior to Chapter 2): Zhao Gongming successfully refines a conceptual magic treasure with a unique effect and side effect, which he decides to gift to his junior, Bixiao 1.
• Zhao Gongming breaks through to the Golden Immortal Realm (Undated, prior to Chapter 2): Zhao Gongming achieves the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit, surprising his sworn sisters, the Three Xiaos 2.
• Zhao Gongming gifts Bixiao the "100% Disarm Holy Sword" (Undated, prior to Chapter 2): Zhao Gongming visits his sworn sisters and gifts Bixiao the "100% Disarm Holy Sword," which requires shouting "Unfilial Son! Your father's heart aches!" for activation 2.
• Zhao Gongming's magic treasure injures Daoist Duo Bao (Undated, prior to Chapter 8): Zhao Gongming's "Dragon Slaying Sword" deals true damage to Daoist Duo Bao, causing significant HP loss and leading Sect Master Tongtian to recognize the terror of true damage 8.
• Cihang is humiliated by Bixiao's magic treasure (Undated, prior to Chapter 5): Cihang is forced to kneel by Bixiao's magic treasure, causing him humiliation and leading to rumors about his relationships with Bixiao and Zhao Gongming 5.
• Pharmacist Daoist is severely injured by Zhao Gongming's magic treasure (Undated, prior to Chapter 15): Pharmacist Daoist is severely injured during a Dao discussion, leading to the Western Teachings' disciples blaming him 15.
• Zhao Gongming is rewarded for his victory in the Dao discussion (Undated, prior to Chapter 15): The Sages conclude the Dao discussion, and Zhao Gongming is rewarded for his victory, receiving rewards such as Martial Brother Tongtian's True Explanation of Formations and the Daluo Sarira from the two Martial Brothers of the West 15.
• Sect Master Tongtian summons Zhao Gongming to Biyou Palace (Undated, prior to Chapter 21): Zhao Gongming is summoned by Sect Master Tongtian, leading him to nervously wonder if he will be lectured 21.
• Yuanshi Tianzun attempts to poach Zhao Gongming (Undated, prior to Chapter 21): Yuanshi Tianzun, with uncharacteristic speed, tries to recruit Zhao Gongming to his sect, gripping his hands tightly 21.
• Laozi tasks Zhao Gongming with protecting the Human Race (Undated, prior to Chapter 21): Laozi assigns Zhao Gongming to lead a team, including Xuandu, Cihang, and Medicine Master, to protect the Human Race during the Witch-Demon Tribulation 21.
• Zhao Gongming and his team set off for the Human Ancestral Land (Undated, prior to Chapter 21): Zhao Gongming, Xuandu, Cihang, and Medicine Master embark on their mission to the Human Ancestral Land, with Zhao Gongming viewing it as an opportunity for System rewards 21.
• Di Jiang's feminized appearance causes chaos (Undated, prior to Chapter 28): Di Jiang appears feminized, shocking the Demon Master and Eastern Emperor Taiyi, and leading to a chaotic scene with his siblings 28.
• Zhao Gongming introduces himself as the "last Master of the Dao of Artifacts" (Undated, prior to Chapter 28): During the chaotic scene caused by Di Jiang's appearance, Zhao Gongming confidently introduces himself as the last Master of the Dao of Artifacts and a disciple of Sage Tongtian 28.
• Di Jun and Di Jiang bring materials for Zhao Gongming to refine magic treasures (Undated, prior to Chapter 30): Di Jun and Di Jiang present top-tier materials to Zhao Gongming for the refinement of conceptual magic treasures, intensifying their rivalry 30.
• Zhao Gongming refines "The Demonre You Hit, The Demonre Excited You Get Armor" and "Don't Even Think About Leaving Without Compensation Stretcher" (Undated, prior to Chapter 30): Zhao Gongming successfully refines two unique magic treasures for Di Jun and Di Jiang, which they immediately test 30.
• Di Jiang demands compensation from Eastern Emperor Taiyi (Undated, prior to Chapter 31): Di Jiang uses his new magic treasure to demand compensation from Eastern Emperor Taiyi, eventually settling for a Fusang branch 31.
• Lu Ya takes Zhao Gongming and others on a tour of the Demon Court (Undated, prior to Chapter 31): Lu Ya, at Di Jun's instruction, takes Zhao Gongming and his companions to explore the Demon Court, including a lavishly decorated hall 31.
• Di Jun and Di Jiang join forces against East King Duke (Undated, prior to Chapter 38): Di Jun and Di Jiang, despite their enmity, unite to support Zhao Gongming and Bixiao against East King Duke, who is demanding Bixiao's punishment 38.
• Zhao Gongming overhears Di Jiang's plans for "Thousand Kills" (Undated, prior to Chapter 40): Zhao Gongming overhears Di Jiang's intention to use the "Thousand Kills" magic treasure to stage accidents, causing Zhao Gongming to shiver at the thought of repercussions 40.
• Zhao Gongming arrives at the Five Villages Demonnastery (Undated, prior to Chapter 43): Zhao Gongming arrives at the Five Villages Demonnastery to find Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke confronting Zhen Yuanzi and Ancestor Hongyun over the Primordial Violet Qi 43.
• Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun are severely injured by Zhao Gongming's magic treasure (Undated, prior to Chapter 44): Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun are severely injured by Zhao Gongming's magic treasure, 'Thousand Kills,' used by Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke 44.
• Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke flee the scene (Undated, prior to Chapter 44): The instigators, Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke, flee after Zhen Yuanzi threatens to detonate the Earth Book, leaving Zhao Gongming to face the consequences 44.
• Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun confront Zhao Gongming (Undated, prior to Chapter 44): Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun confront Zhao Gongming, blaming him for the trouble caused by his magic treasure and deciding to take him to Kunlun Demonuntain 44.
• Zhao Gongming refines the 'Overbearing President Gloves' and obtains the 'Chaos Dragon Saint Dharma Image' (Undated, prior to Chapter 46): Zhao Gongming successfully refines the 'Overbearing President Gloves' and receives the 'Chaos Dragon Saint Dharma Image' as a reward, causing the Four Sea Dragon Kings to kneel 46.
• Duo Bao visits Zhao Gongming to refine a magic treasure (Undated, prior to Chapter 46): Duo Bao seeks Zhao Gongming's help to refine a magic treasure, resulting in the creation of the 'Lightning Five Consecutive Whips' 46.
• Zhao Gongming decides to make an appearance at the Kunlun Sacred Rite (Undated, prior to Chapter 46): After refining magic treasures, Zhao Gongming decides to attend the Kunlun Sacred Rite, where many powerful figures are gathered 46.
• The Kunlun Grand Ceremony concludes with Xuandu winning first place (Undated, prior to Chapter 52): Xuandu wins first place, Duo Bao second, and Guang Chengzi third at the Kunlun Grand Ceremony 52.
• Ancestor Witch Di Jiang demands Yuantu and Abi from Ancestor Minghe (Undated, prior to Chapter 52): Ancestor Witch Di Jiang demands the two swords, Yuantu and Abi, from Ancestor Minghe as compensation for being hit, causing a commotion 52.
• Hongjun acknowledges Zhao Gongming's contribution to the Witch-Demon Tribulation (Undated, prior to Chapter 62): During a meeting in Purple Cloud Palace, Hongjun states that Zhao Gongming's contribution was the greatest

Themes

The narrative explores several significant themes, often centered around power, reputation, and the consequences of actions in the Primordial World 5 6 31 44.

• Power and Influence: The importance of strength and unique abilities is a recurring motif, particularly through Zhao Gongming's artifact refining. His creations, though sometimes unconventional, significantly impact the power dynamics among disciples and even mighty figures 1 2 5 8 46 52. This is exemplified by:
  • The eagerness of Jie Sect disciples to obtain Zhao Gongming's magic treasures after witnessing their effects 5.
  • Golden Spirit Holy Demonther seeking a conceptual magic treasure to defeat Duo Bao 6.
  • The growing popularity and influence of Zhao Gongming's unique magic treasures among disciples and powerful figures 52.
• Reputation and Social Standing: The story frequently highlights how actions and rumors can build or tarnish one's reputation. Zhao Gongming's growing fame as an artifact refiner contrasts with the social embarrassment experienced by others due to his creations or associated rumors 5 6 28.
  • Zhao Gongming's reputation grows, while Cihang's is tarnished by humiliation and rumors 5.
  • Daoist Ci Hang suffers social embarrassment due to the spread of rumors about his relationship with Bixiao 6.
  • Di Jiang's feminized appearance causes a stark contrast to his usual image, leading to embarrassment and a struggle to maintain dignity 28.
• Consequences and Responsibility: Characters often face the repercussions of their choices, or attempt to evade them. This is particularly evident in the actions of the "Martial Uncles" and Zhao Gongming's role in the ensuing chaos 44.
  • Zhao Gongming's "Martial Uncles" display a lack of loyalty by abandoning him after causing trouble, leaving him to face the consequences 44.
  • The "Martial Uncles" evade responsibility for their actions, leaving Zhao Gongming to face the aftermath 44.
  • The consequences and side effects of one's actions and choices are explored through the use of magic treasures 30.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The dynamics of loyalty within sects and among individuals are explored, particularly when personal gain or self-preservation is at stake 21 44.
  • Zhao Gongming demonstrates loyalty to his sect and master by refusing Yuanshi Tianzun's offer to poach him 21.
  • The "Martial Uncles" abandon Zhao Gongming, highlighting a theme of betrayal 44.
• Rivalry and Competition: Competition among individuals and sects for power, resources, or simply to "show off" is a driving force in many events 1 6 30 46 49 63.
  • Bixiao seeks revenge against Daoist Ci Hang due to a previous defeat 1.
  • Di Jun and Di Jiang's rivalry intensifies as they try to outdo each other in providing materials for magic treasures 30.
  • Zhu Rong and Gong Gong's ongoing rivalry is a central theme, driving their actions and interactions 63.
• Duality and Hypocrisy: Characters often display contrasting public and private personas, or act in ways that contradict their stated principles 31 43.
  • Di Jun reveals a surprising personal interest, demonstrating a more human and flawed side 31.
  • Di Jun, Di Jiang, and East King Duke show cunning and shamelessness in their pursuit of the Primordial Violet Qi, despite their positions 43.