Chapter 638: Lobbying Zhao Gongming

Even for Top-grade Innate Spirit Treasures, the power they unleash is certainly different in the hands of different people.

Jin Ning is merely borrowing hers, so the power she can unleash from the Map of Mountains and Rivers is limited; how could she compare to Zhao Gongming, who has already refined the Sea-Calming Pearl?

Precisely because of this, Shen Gongbao believes that Zhao Gongming can defeat Jin Ning.

The reason he sought out Zhao Gongming is, firstly, that he has a fairly good relationship with him, and secondly, his relationship with the four Inner Disciples of the Jie Sect is actually quite average, so he might not be able to persuade them.

When it comes down to it, Shen Gongbao is only a Mysterious Immortal, and a disciple of the Chan Sect at that.

Zhao Gongming and his peers are willing to associate with Shen Gongbao, but Duobao Daoren and his peers might not necessarily be willing.

Yin Qi feigned delight and said, "Zhao Gongming of the Jie Sect—I, the Human Emperor, have also heard of his great name. If we can persuade him to take action, perhaps we truly can repel Jin Ning. Daoist Shen, I entrust this matter to you."

"Great King, please just await my good news."

Shen Gongbao left, full of confidence.

……

Emei Shan, Luofu Dong—this is the Daoist temple of Zhao Gongming.

Upon seeing Zhao Gongming, Shen Gongbao stated his purpose directly: "Brother Daoist, I have been entrusted by the Human Emperor to come and invite you to descend the mountain, repel Jin Ning, and resolve the plight of the Yin-Shang."

As he spoke, he recounted the events of the war between the Yin-Shang and Qingzhou.

"This..."

Zhao Gongming hesitated and said with difficulty, "Brother Daoist, logically speaking, given our friendship, I would help you if I could. But this matter involves not only Aunt-Master Nuwa but also the Investiture of the Gods. Our Master has long since issued a decree ordering us to remain in seclusion for diligent cultivation, to recite the Yellow Court scriptures, and not to participate in the affairs of the Investiture of the Gods."

Shen Gongbao's expression turned solemn as he shook his head and said, "Brother Daoist, that is where you are mistaken. This is not helping me, but helping your own Jie Sect; you should be duty-bound to do so."

Zhao Gongming was speechless: "Brother Daoist, why do you say that?"

Shen Gongbao spoke eloquently: "Brother Daoist, there is a saying: one is caught in the situation and cannot act according to one's own will. The matter of the Investiture of the Gods was approved by the Dao Ancestor and concerns the stability of the Heavenly Court and the Honghuang. Do you think that if the Jie Sect does not participate, the Chan Sect alone can gather thirty-six or fifty righteous gods, along with countless subordinate gods?"

Zhao Gongming thought for a moment and finally shook his head.

The Ren Sect has only one personal disciple, Xuandu Dafa Shi; Nuwa has no disciples at all; and the Western Sect is far away in the Primordial West. Even if all the disciples of the Chan Sect were placed on the list, it would likely be difficult to gather enough people.

Shen Gongbao continued: "Not to mention whether the Chan Sect can gather enough people, let us talk about my Master, your Uncle-Master. He is an extremely proud person; how could he possibly allow his disciples to obey the edicts of Haotian?

Therefore, there is no doubt that my Master will certainly try every possible means to drag the Jie Sect into the water, and Uncle-Master Tongtian is broad-minded and straightforward by nature; I fear he will be unable to escape my Master's schemes.

The Chan Sect has already chosen Xiqi, and Aunt-Master Nuwa has also entered the fray and chosen Qingzhou.

Many of your Jie Sect disciples serve as officials and generals in the Yin-Shang; you are naturally on the same side as the Yin-Shang.

Therefore, at this moment of crisis for the Yin-Shang, you must naturally step forward, first defeat Qingzhou, and allow the Yin-Shang to free up enough energy to deal with the upcoming Xiqi."

Zhao Gongming looked at Shen Gongbao with a strange expression; after all, the other party is a disciple of the Chan Sect.

Being so blunt—is that really okay?

However, he also knew that Shen Gongbao did not live happily in the Chan Sect and had long held grievances against the sect.

He lowered his head and pondered.

It must be said that what Shen Gongbao said made a lot of sense.

Since it is impossible to stay out of it, it is better to strike first and plan for the future of the Jie Sect than to be forced to passively respond to the schemes of the Chan Sect in the future.

Thinking of this, he nodded solemnly and said, "Very well, then I shall descend the mountain for a trip. I hope that Jin Ning knows when to advance and when to retreat; otherwise, I do not mind sending her to the list."

A look of joy flashed in Shen Gongbao's eyes.

………

Two days later.

Qingyang City.

Shen Gongbao and Zhao Gongming entered the city quietly.

Yin Qi (Yang Spirit) was already waiting in front of the City Lord Mansion. Seeing the two walk out from the void, he cupped his hands and said, "I am Yang Spirit; I have met the two Brothers Daoist. The Great King has already informed me, and I am here to thank you both for your help."

Shen Gongbao returned the salute: "I am Shen Gongbao; I have met the National Teacher."

"Zhao Gongming has met the Brother Daoist."

Zhao Gongming smiled warmly and returned the salute with cupped hands.

On the way here, he had already learned about this National Teacher, who not only made extraordinary contributions to the Yin-Shang but, with only the cultivation of a Golden Immortal Initial Stage, was actually able to contend against the Peak Golden Immortal Jin Ning—truly a brilliant and talented individual.

Yin Qi gestured with his right hand: "Two Brothers Daoist, please come inside. I have prepared some light wine to welcome you."

"Very well!"

Shen Gongbao and Zhao Gongming nodded in succession.

After entering the City Lord Mansion, Yin Qi introduced the two to Ding Ce and the others. Ding Ce and his peers were quite respectful, serving wine diligently at the table while finalizing the plan for tomorrow.

In truth, there was no real plan, other than for the Yin-Shang army to take the opportunity to march out of the city and completely defeat the Qingzhou rebel army after Zhao Gongming defeated Jin Ning.

………

The next day.

The morning sun began to rise.

The million-strong army of Qingzhou surrounded the city once again.

As usual, Jin Ning stood in the void and issued a challenge: "Yang Spirit, come out and fight me!"

"Very well, I accept."

Just as Jin Ning was about to continue her "sarcasm and mockery," she suddenly heard a voice coming from the city, which left her stunned.

He accepted?

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two streaks of light shot into the sky and arrived in front of Jin Ning.

It was none other than Yin Qi and Zhao Gongming.

Jin Ning's eyes narrowed instantly, and she said in a deep voice, "Zhao Gongming!"

Zhao Gongming cupped his hands and said, "Fairy Jin Ning, we have not met in over a hundred thousand years; I trust you have been well?"

Jin Ning gave a cold snort and said, "I am naturally unharmed. What is the meaning of this? Could it be that you intend to assist the Yin Shang? You had better think this through, Fellow Daoist; I have descended to this boundary under the orders of the Lady."

Zhao Gongming was an honest man; he did not come up looking to fight or kill, but instead persuaded her, "Fairy, regarding the matter of the Human Emperor offering incense, I am also aware. It was because the Human Emperor fell for the schemes of the Demon Dao that he committed such a reckless act."

"As the Holy Mother of the Human Race, you, Uncle-Master, should rightfully be understanding."

"Furthermore, ever since the Human Emperor Di Qi ascended the throne, he has worked from dawn until dusk for the Human Race, bestowing countless favors upon the common people."

"Even I cannot help but feel a sense of admiration."

"The existence of Di Qi is a blessing for the Human Race."

"Since that is the case, why must you be so aggressive, Fairy, supporting Qingzhou in rebelling against the Shang? In the end, it is the Human Race that will be harmed."

"Why not listen to my advice, Fairy, and withdraw now?"

"You are the Holy Mother of the Human Race, Uncle-Master. The better the Human Race develops, the more it actually benefits you. Moreover, your elder brother, the Saint Emperor Fuxi, is also the Heavenly Sovereign of the Human Race; I imagine he would not wish to see you act in this manner."

Jin Ning's eyes flickered, and she gritted her teeth, saying, "You are glib, Fellow Daoist, and I cannot out-argue you, but I must fulfill the Lady's command no matter what. If you insist on interfering, then we can only settle this with our skills."

Zhao Gongming was very strong, and she had no certainty of victory; furthermore, with Yin Qi nearby, if she were not in possession of the Map of Mountains and Rivers, she would truly have no choice but to withdraw.

Even among Top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures, there are differences in power.

The Map of Mountains and Rivers, for instance, is the treasure of Nuwa's Dao-proclamation, and it is also a top-tier Top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, possessing forty-eight Innate Restrictions, second only to an Innate Supreme Treasure.

As for the Sea-Calming Pearl, it only has forty.

As she spoke, she spread out her right palm, and after various colors of Immortal Light flashed, a scroll quickly appeared.

Instantly, an aura of extreme terror began to permeate the area.