Was Zhao Gongming Taking Shen Gongbao as His Disciple?

Since Senior Lin Tian is no longer here.

Even if they had many more questions, they couldn't ask any more.

Perhaps, to the older generation, those warnings were just now...

That's already said enough.

If the secrets of heaven are revealed one day, one's destiny may change accordingly, which may also affect one's predecessors.

After all, the older generation dislikes getting involved in karma the most.

The elders usually revealed these secrets to them because they had a special connection with them.

Only.

Those words seemed to be only half-said.

Some things were not explained clearly.

But I always felt that the senior seemed to know something important.

Thinking about this...

Zhao Gongming also felt somewhat heavy-hearted and uneasy.

Before he came, he intended to bid farewell to his seniors and then return to his sect for seclusion.

This is how one breaks through to a higher realm.

But to his surprise, his farewell to his senior brought him less-than-friendly news...

He had a vague premonition—

Perhaps it won't be long before he visits his senior again...

That's what I was thinking.

Zhao Gongming knew he couldn't ask any more questions at this point.

Suppressing his astonishment, he slowly bowed towards Lin Tian's house.

"Thank you for informing me, senior. I am very grateful."

"We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you, senior. We will take our leave now."

"If fate allows, I will meet you again, senior."

Zhao Gongming, being the most senior and strongest among them, led the farewells before leaving the courtyard with Shen Gongbao and the Three Xiaos.

Then, they headed down the mountain.

We remained silent the whole way until we reached the foot of the mountain, where we gazed at the boundless blue ocean stretching out before us.

Zhao Gongming, who was walking ahead, then stopped.

He turned his head to the side, looking at Shen Gongbao with a scrutinizing gaze, and released a wisp of the unique power and pressure of a Mid-stage Quasi-Sage.

They seemed to be on guard against Shen Gongbao.

Since his senior had asked him to join the Interception Sect, he dared not refuse.

However, there are some things that need to be clarified.

"Shen Gongbao, tell me, why did you suddenly leave the Chan Sect, why did you meet the senior, and why did you join the Interception Sect?"

Upon hearing Zhao Gongming's question...

Shen Gongbao had already prepared himself mentally, so he quickly cupped his hands and said in a bitter tone.

"I have already betrayed the Chan Sect, and from now on I am no longer considered Chan Sect Disciple..."

"Jiang Ziya was ordered to go to Xiqi, the Human Clan, carrying the Investiture of the Gods, the God-Beating Whip, Sibuxiang), which can enable all second- and third-generation disciples of the Chan Sect to enter the Investiture of the Gods Calamity."

"He has already become the spokesperson for the Chan Sect during the Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods Calamity."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming wasn't surprised by Jiang Ziya's identity, but he was somewhat displeased with the matter of Xiqi: "Go to Xiqi?"

"Does the Chan Sect intend to support a marquis of a vassal state against the legitimate Shang dynasty? How laughable!"

"How is this any different from rebellion?! It's an act of defying the heavens!"

Zhao Gongming's eyes flashed with disdain.

However, he realized his reaction was inappropriate the next moment, and waved his hand dismissively at Shen Gongbao, saying...

"I was just saying it casually, please continue."

Shen Gongbao was startled by the aura emanating from Zhao Gongming and spoke somewhat cautiously.

"I originally intended to follow Jiang Ziya down the mountain to Investiture of the Gods upon the gods, but Jiang Ziya is a hypocrite and a petty person. He mocked and ridiculed me and suppressed his disciples."

"Not only that, the Sage Chan Sect all beings of the Chan Sect are extremely harsh on a being of my humble origins. Their ridicule and sarcasm are minor matters, which I have endured for a thousand years, but the refusal to impart knowledge and skills is the real issue."

"I suffer there day after day, my cultivation makes no progress, and I have no way to go down the mountain to make contributions, so I no longer wish to stay..."

Shen Gongbao recounted his experiences within the Chan Sect and the true state of the Chan Sect to Zhao Gongming in detail.

He then explained why he joined the Interception Sect and spoke highly of it.

Only then did Zhao Gongming's slightly wary demeanor lessen.

He breathed a sigh of relief and continued speaking.

"Originally, I came to seek out the Interception Sect, but I got lost on the way. A flash of white light, and I ended up here in a daze."

"I received some guidance from my seniors, which improved my cultivation level, and then I met you all."

Shen Gongbao naturally did not mention that he had read the Daoist books.

This matter involves his senior's plans, and he doesn't want to affect his senior because of it.

But everything else was explained in detail, without any false information.

After hearing Shen Gongbao's words...

Zhao Gongming's eyes narrowed instantly.

Shen Gongbao suddenly appeared in the senior's courtyard, and he looked so much like Wen Zhong!

Wen Zhong was the spokesperson for the Interception Sect in the Investiture of the Gods.

Shen Gongbao was Jiang Ziya's mortal enemy from the Chan Sect, yet now he's been introduced to the Interception Sect by his senior?

So... huh?

Will these two meet in the future?

... Could it be that the senior is plotting to be Investiture of the Gods?

The thought flashed through my mind.

Zhao Gongming's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment he forgot to respond to Shen Gongbao's words.

Shen Gongbao wisely remained silent.

Yunxiao, standing to one side, moved gracefully forward, a knowing look flashing across her beautiful face.

"Senior brother, Shen Gongbao is right."

"None of the disciples of the Chan Sect like beings who are inferior in rank."

"Our Interception Sect's doctrine of teaching without discrimination is unacceptable to the Chan Sect, which regards it as dross."

"My junior sister has actually heard a little about Shen Gongbao's experiences in the Chan Sect."

"He must have had enough of life in the Chan Sect, and could no longer tolerate it, so he defected from the Chan Sect."

"This is perfectly understandable; choosing a religious sect is a matter of personal freedom."

"Now that we've had the chance to meet this senior, and with your introduction, his character must have been tested by you, so we can rest assured."

"Furthermore, the senior has shown us immense kindness, and we are only obliged to fulfill his requests."

Hearing Yunxiao's suggestion.

Zhao Gongming agreed, because his senior was very accurate in judging people.

The last time he encountered that fake Jie Sect Disciple, the senior recognized that the other party was two-faced and refused to let him into the courtyard.

Shen Gongbao's ability to freely enter the courtyard signifies that he has gained the approval of his seniors.

Thinking of this, Zhao Gongming's eyes flickered, and he gave Shen Gongbao a meaningful look before speaking.

"Junior Sister Yunxiao is right. Since it was Senior who made the connection, then I will naturally take you to the Interception Sect."

"However, have you thought this through? The senior's words of advice just now weren't just hints at me and the Interception Sect; they were more of a warning to you."

Did you understand what your senior meant?

Hearing Zhao Gongming's meaningful tone.

Shen Gongbao's expression changed slightly. He had been silent the whole way, pondering the meaning behind his senior's words.

Ultimately, a conclusion was reached.

That is: now that the Investiture of the Gods Calamity has broken out, it is still possible to go to the Interception Sect, but it may not have a good outcome.

Relying on others or on a great religion does not guarantee a good end!

Ultimately, you have to rely on yourself.

Why did his senior tell him all this?

Does this mean that the Interception Sect will not have a good outcome in this great calamity?

But why didn't they stop him, instead acting as a go-between, having Zhao Gongming take him to the Interception Sect?

Shen Gongbao couldn't understand it, and to be honest, he hesitated as well.

If it were someone else's suggestion, that would be fine.

But that was a suggestion from a senior colleague, which means that at some point in the future, his elaboration might very well come true!

Only.

That fleeting hesitation had barely formed when it transformed into resentment!

He also wanted to rely on himself.

However, the feud between Jiang Ziya and him has not yet been resolved.

He would never have peace of mind for the rest of his life unless he sought revenge on Jiang Ziya and proved himself to the Chan Sect.

However, if he wanted to defeat Jiang Ziya, he couldn't do it with his own strength alone.

He was all alone and had no right to confront the Chan Sect Disciple.

If one were to kill a Chan Sect Disciple Chan Sect as a traitor to the Chan Sect, one would inevitably be subject to boundless karmic retribution.

The consequences of karma may be something one cannot bear.

Moreover, it would offend Sage.

By joining the Interception Sect, he would have a legitimate identity to oppose the Chan Sect!

His senior's words may have been meant to persuade him, but they did not stop him from joining the Interception Sect.

I thought about it carefully in my mind.

Shen Gongbao gritted his teeth, made a firm decision, and without further hesitation, made his choice!

But before he could speak, Zhao Gongming's voice came from the side again.

"Shen Gongbao, I understand your feelings. Since you met me through a senior's connection, I can choose to believe you out of respect for that senior."

"Perhaps I should first take you to the Interception Sect to meet our master, and then we can ask him for his decision?"

"If your master is unwilling to accept you as a disciple, that's fine too. You can choose any of his personal disciples as your master... That way you'll have more freedom and won't be bound by those rules and regulations."

"Of course, senior has a lot of influence, and Master certainly won't refuse."

"However, whether you stay or leave is ultimately up to you."

Upon hearing Zhao Gongming's suggestion, Shen Gongbao was somewhat surprised by Lin Tian's standing in the eyes of Zhao Gongming and the others, and said somewhat resentfully.

"But wouldn't that be an insult to the dignity of the Sage?"

Zhao Gongming shook his head and said.

"How could you, a Profound Immortal, possibly dishonor the dignity of Sage?"

"Besides, you know someone who has been kind to you, so you have the right to choose your own path."

Upon hearing Zhao Gongming's words...

Shen Gongbao felt his primordial spirit resounding loudly.

My heart was filled with horror.

It seems he underestimated the strength of his senior.

Just because someone knows a senior figure, does that give them the right to negotiate with Sage?

Could it be that even the Jie Sect Leader, Saint Tongtian, is not as powerful as this senior?

Thinking about this...

Shen Gongbao was so excited that he immediately bowed deeply to Zhao Gongming.

Although Zhao Gongming was wary of him, he was extremely polite to him and did not speak to him with the arrogant and domineering attitude of the Chan Sect Disciple.

He was very polite, which made Shen Gongbao feel respected.

He was already insecure, and he even felt honored when others respected him.

"Thank you so much, then I'll have to trouble you, fellow Daoist..."

Zhao Gongming nodded and said, "Then come with me."

Shen Gongbao, with a pious expression, politely cupped his hands and said.

Thank you.

Zhao Gongming nodded, then asked the Three Xiaos.

"My three junior sisters, do you choose to return to Three Xiaos Island, or would you like to go and see Master?"

The Three Xiaos' beautiful eyes flickered slightly as they exchanged a glance, each seeing a hint of hesitation in the other's gaze.

The words their senior had spoken before they left had left them feeling incredibly heavy-hearted.

I had a feeling that the senior's words were implied, suggesting that the Interception Sect was doomed.

Because I had some concerns in my heart.

Therefore, after a brief hesitation...

Yunxiao slowly spoke, "Senior brother, let us go back with you and tell Master what the senior said, and see what Master decides."

"Good."

Zhao Gongming was also feeling somewhat depressed, and nodded slightly.

Now that they were far from Senior Lin Tian's main peak, Zhao Gongming was no longer so worried.

With a thought, he suddenly released a domineering aura unique to the Mid-stage Quasi-Sage.

White dust billowed up beneath their feet, instantly enveloping the bodies of the Three Xiaos and Shen Gongbao.

Buzz!

The surrounding space trembled slightly.

Zhao Gongming and the others vanished from their spot in an instant.

Whoosh!

Several streaks of light flashed.

In no time at all, they successfully entered the Jin'ao Island of the Interception Sect.

Led by Zhao Gongming, they quickly traversed tens of millions of miles.

From the edge of Jin'ao Island, we arrived directly at the center of Jin'ao Island: Biyou Palace, the Daoist temple of the Sect Master Tongtian!

The five of them slowly landed on the open ground in front of the Biyou Palace.

Shen Gongbao stared in shock at the astonishing phenomena surrounding Biyou Palace.

A look of shock flashed in his narrow eyes!

This is in stark contrast to the desolate state of the Chan Sect.

Jin'ao Island was bustling with activity, and many disciples would frequently fly away from there from the nearby void.

Even Biyou Palace over there is much more magnificent than Yuxu Jade Void Palace Chan Sect.

The Jade Void Palace is built on the mountaintop, shrouded in clouds and mist all day long.

There was Sage living in seclusion, so that no one from the Chan Sect dared to approach him within a radius of 100,000 li—except on special days.

Jin'ao Island, however, is different; it is enveloped in azure light waves, drifting like ocean waves.

There were no laws or forces around to hinder it.

Golden light repeatedly gathered, malevolent energy permeated the air, and the power of the Sage's Laws surged.

Golden lotus blossoms emerge, auspicious clouds gather, fortune abounds, and the aura is magnificent!

Every now and then, creatures would fly by on swords, free and peaceful.

Shen Gongbao witnessed this and was deeply shocked: perhaps, this is the difference between the two sects!

That's something to look forward to!

Zhao Gongming and the Three Xiaos were used to the strange phenomena around them.

Zhao Gongming glanced at Shen Gongbao and said.

"Shen Gongbao, this is Biyou Palace."

"Master should be in seclusion and shouldn't be disturbing his cultivation, but you are a special case. Just answer whatever they ask you later, and don't say anything more."

"Besides, our master should already know that we've come here."

Upon hearing Zhao Gongming's instructions, Shen Gongbao quickly nodded in agreement.

Zhao Gongming stepped forward and respectfully addressed the direction of the Biyou Palace.

"Disciple Zhao Gongming!"

"While visiting the front lines just now, I happened to encounter Shen Gongbao of the Chan Sect. Because of the Chan Sect's unscrupulousness, he clashed with Jiang Ziya, the Chan Sect's representative in the Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods, and suffered repeated injustices, thus defecting from the Chan Sect."

"Furthermore, because the Jie Interception Sect had ten thousand immortals paying homage to them, and because they taught without discrimination, Shen Gongbao greatly admired them and wanted to join the Interception Sect."

"During this time, he was originally searching for the Interception Sect ground, but he was swept into a senior's courtyard by a cloud of white mist and received guidance from the senior."

"Just now, the senior instructed me to bring him into the Interception Sect."

"This disciple has no authority to make such a decision, so I have taken the liberty of disturbing Master's seclusion. Please forgive me, Master."

After Zhao Gongming finished speaking...

So he stood quietly and waited.

Always maintain a respectful attitude.

No words were spoken.

Shen Gongbao, standing beside him, also bowed respectfully.

For a moment, I felt a little nervous and didn't know what to say.

This was the first time he had ever faced Sage. Back when he was in the Chan Sect, he had no right to directly approach Sage!

Now, because of my seniors...

Not only did they meet Zhao Gongming, but they also had the opportunity to meet the Sage directly.

This was something he never dared to even imagine before!

After a while...

Biyou Palace, a magnificent and incomparable holy sound resounded.

The sacred sound, like a resounding bell, echoed throughout the heavens and earth!

The sound was enormous, but it resounded deep within their respective primordial spirits.

Majestic, solemn, and dignified!

"Gongming, I am already aware of this."

"Since it is a request from our senior, then the Interception Sect should naturally accept Shen Gongbao."

"However, I am Heavenly Dao Sage, and my eight personal disciples were predetermined. Now that the Investiture of the Gods Calamity has broken out, I cannot accept another disciple, lest I disrupt the heavenly order."

"Currently, I am in seclusion and unable to find the time to teach my disciples."

"Therefore, I entrust this important task to you."

"Gongming, you have already entered the Mid-stage Quasi-Sage, your talent is even more outstanding, your cultivation is very high, and you possess the comprehension and execution ability that I had before I became a Saint."

"Then you shall take Shen Gongbao as your personal disciple and teach him with utmost care."

Shen Gongbao: "???"

Zhao Gongming: "???"

Three Xiaos: "???"