Zhao Gongming dismounted from his tiger before the cave abode and had an acolyte announce him. Yunxiao hurriedly led him into the cave.
When Ling Qing, Daoist Lingguan, and the others saw him arrive, they quickly clasped their hands in salute. "Greetings, Martial Uncle, from your martial nephews."
"Greetings, my martial nephews." Zhao Gongming returned the salute and sat down.
Lady Yunxiao asked, "Eldest Brother, where have you come from, and where are you going?"
Zhao Gongming said, "Grand Preceptor Wen marched against Western Qi but could not claim victory, so he invited me down from the mountain to face the Clarifying Sect disciples. I defeated them several times in succession.
"Later, Daoist Randeng came to meet me and spoke great boasts. I sacrificed the Sea-Settling Pearl, and Randeng fled. I pursued him at once.
"Unexpectedly, midway through the chase, I encountered the wandering men Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao, two nameless petty cultivators, who took my two treasures.
"Since the earth was split and heaven opened, I have attained the Dao's fruition. Only after obtaining these two treasures did I intend to refine my nature and cultivate the truth within Luofu Cave, to realize Yuanshi. Yet now they have fallen into the hands of those mere boys. My heart cannot find peace.
"I have come especially to borrow either the Golden Dragon Shears or the Primordial Chaos Golden Basin, and take it down the mountain. I must reclaim those two treasures before my heart can rest."
After hearing this, Lady Yunxiao merely shook his head. "Eldest Brother, this cannot be done.
"Back then, the three sects jointly discussed and signed the Investiture of the Gods. We were all at Green Tour Palace.
"Quite a number of our Interception Sect disciples are listed upon the Investiture of the Gods. That