Golden Ao Island, Biyou Palace.
After taking Nezha as his disciple, Zhao Gongming brought the sealed Taiyi Zhenren to Sect Master Tongtian to claim credit.
"Master, I went to Chentang Pass and took Nezha as my disciple."
"Taiyi Zhenren spoke arrogantly, saying that everyone in the Interception Sect was a bunch of lowly creatures born from dampness or eggs. In a fit of anger, I destroyed his physical body. I ask Master to punish me!"
Zhao Gongming brought out the Mountain and River Diagram, then knelt before Sect Master Tongtian and kowtowed, putting on a show of someone who knew he was wrong and was ready to accept his master's punishment.
His real aim was to advance by appearing to retreat, to play the fool while secretly holding the upper hand.
Nezha and the Mountain and River Diagram represented Holy Mother Nuwa's position. Compared with the offense of gravely injuring Taiyi Zhenren, Zhao Gongming's ability to bring Holy Mother Nuwa over to the Interception Sect's side was an immeasurable achievement.
The many Interception Sect disciples in the hall drew in sharp breaths.
Zhao Gongming had really outdone himself this time!
Seeing this, Daoist Duobao hurried forward to speak up for Zhao Gongming. "Master, Taiyi Zhenren insulted our Interception Sect first. Junior Brother Gongming was a little too harsh, but his actions were understandable."
"If Master wishes to punish Junior Brother Gongming, then punish me first!"
His tone was earnest, his manner sincere.
As expected of the Interception Sect's chief disciple. Daoist Duobao hoped to win everyone's praise and earn a reputation for compassion, kindness, and caring for his junior brother.
But in Zhao Gongming's eyes, the whole performance was utterly revolting.
For ten thousand years, Daoist Duobao and Zhao Gongming had openly and covertly contended within the Interception Sect, each