Xu Fang heard this, raised his head, and refocused on the unfolding situation.
Indeed, after a brief exchange with Zhao Gongming, Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao found themselves gradually at a disadvantage.
Zhao Gongming's whip techniques were a blur of motion, his whip trails flashing. Despite being outnumbered, he pressed Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao to the point where they could only parry and defend, unable to leverage their numerical advantage.
"As expected of the foremost outer disciple of the Jie Teachings in the future!"
Xu Fang mused inwardly. Zhao Gongming's willingness to openly challenge two opponents indicated his absolute confidence in victory.
Now, it was evident that even with equal cultivation realms and the advantage of numbers, Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao were no match for Zhao Gongming, and were on the verge of defeat.
Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao's expressions turned grave, their previous composure gone, replaced by a flustered urgency.
"Brother Xiao, Zhao Gongming is so formidable. If this continues, we will surely be defeated. We must find a solution!" Cao Bao shouted during a lull in the fighting, addressing Xiao Sheng.
They had initially believed their numerical superiority would pose no problem against Zhao Gongming. At worst, they expected to fight him to a stalemate, forcing him to retreat.
However, Zhao Gongming's prowess far exceeded their imaginations. At this rate, defeat was inevitable.
Before Xiao Sheng could reply, Zhao Gongming, overhearing Cao Bao's words, burst into laughter.
"Hah! Am I, Zhao Gongming, such a brute? Did you truly think that by outnumbering me, you could bully me? Surrender quickly. I only desire the treasure, not your lives!"
Zhao Gongming's confidence in engaging them earlier stemmed from his absolute certainty of victory. Seeing Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao struggling, he exuded an air of triumph, speaking with authority.
"Hmph!"
Xiao Sheng, provoked by Zhao Gongming's words, let out a cold hmph.
"Fellow Daoist, it is too early to declare victory or defeat. I had not intended to use this treasure, but now it seems I must test its might upon you!"
As Xiao Sheng spoke, he produced the treasure he had recently acquired.
Instantly, a golden coin appeared before him, emitting boundless golden light as it surged towards Zhao Gongming.
Cao Bao rejoiced at this sight. Outmatched in direct combat, using this treasure against Zhao Gongming was an excellent strategy.
However, Zhao Gongming showed no fear upon seeing the treasure; instead, he appeared pleased.
"Excellent. I was hoping to test the power of this treasure. I shall trouble both of you Daoists!"
Zhao Gongming's words implied that the treasure was already as good as his. Seeing Xiao Sheng produce it, he saw an opportunity to gauge its capabilities.
Thus, he put away his steel whip and conjured a rope.
"This is the Dragon Binding Rope, possessing the divine power to capture dragons and bind immortals. It will automatically ensnare any enemy it is thrown at."
With victory seemingly assured, Zhao Gongming openly revealed the power of his treasure, his gaze fixed on Xiao Sheng.
"Fellow Daoist, please endure for a moment, as I wish to test this golden coin treasure!"
Cao Bao felt deeply insulted by this statement and protested loudly.
"Fellow Daoist, your words are truly excessive!"
It was as if the golden coin treasure belonged to Zhao Gongming, and Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao were merely his tools. What an insult!
"Do not worry, Brother Cao. Watch as I wield this treasure!"
Xiao Sheng remained outwardly calm. As the Dragon Binding Rope flew towards him, he calmly channeled his spiritual energy into the golden coin treasure.
The golden coin treasure quivered, wings emerged, and it radiated a brilliant light as it soared towards the Dragon Binding Rope.
The two treasures collided, unleashing a surge of immense power. The Dragon Binding Rope dimmed and fell to the ground alongside the golden coin treasure.
With a thought from Xiao Sheng, the golden coin treasure, along with the Dragon Binding Rope, returned to his hand.
"This!"
Zhao Gongming was utterly astonished. Though the Dragon Binding Rope was merely a Houtian Lingbao, it should not have been defeated so quickly, even with his full power.
"Heh heh! Fellow Daoist, you claimed to have a connection with this golden coin. Do you know its function?"
Xiao Sheng chuckled, finally having a moment of triumph after being suppressed.
"What is the function of this treasure?"
Zhao Gongming turned his gaze towards Xiao Sheng, his curiosity piqued. Cao Bao also looked on with interest.
"This treasure is named the Treasure Dropping Golden Coin. It is the first golden coin in existence and possesses the ability to make both magical artifacts and money fall from one's grasp. Fellow Daoist, no matter how many treasures you possess, you cannot win through them!"
Xiao Sheng beamed with pride. With this treasure in hand, Zhao Gongming's artifacts would be rendered useless, and he might even become a gift-giving attendant!
Zhao Gongming nodded upon hearing this.
"I understand. So that's how it is. This treasure is indeed powerful and perfectly suits my desires!"
In the Great Desolation, battles were not solely contests of cultivation realms; the clash of magical artifacts was an indispensable element.
A treasure that could disarm others was akin to a divine artifact. Imagine the opponent constantly producing treasures, only for them to be seized, while one's own strength grew. Wouldn't victory be easily achieved?
Therefore, Zhao Gongming was overjoyed. Such a treasure was a truly great fortune!
"Wait, why do you seem so happy?"
Cao Bao asked, perplexed. Shouldn't Zhao Gongming be upset at losing the Dragon Binding Rope?
Why did he appear so pleased?
Xiao Sheng was also bewildered. Zhao Gongming's reaction was entirely unexpected. What was he thinking?
"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist, for enlightening me. I shall accept this treasure."
Zhao Gongming cupped his hands towards Xiao Sheng in thanks.
Without hesitation, he picked up his steel whip and attacked once more.
Seeing this, Xiao Sheng abandoned his attempts to decipher Zhao Gongming's thoughts and quickly activated the Treasure Dropping Golden Coin.
The Treasure Dropping Golden Coin glowed, its wings reappeared on either side, and heavenly inscriptions pulsed as it emitted light towards Zhao Gongming's steel whip.
However, the light passed through it without effect, unlike with the Dragon Binding Rope.
The steel whip continued its unstoppable descent, propelled by Zhao Gongming's charge, directly towards Xiao Sheng.
"This!"
Xiao Sheng was utterly astounded. He couldn't fathom why the Treasure Dropping Golden Coin had suddenly failed.
Cao Bao's face turned ashen with alarm. He watched as Zhao Gongming charged towards Xiao Sheng with his steel whip, the treasure rendered useless. If Xiao Sheng took a direct hit, he would be crippled, if not killed!
At that moment, a voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Is Xiao Sheng an idiot or something? That steel whip is just a weapon, not a magical artifact. I'm rich and powerful, but I can't even communicate with it to bribe it to fall!"
While others seemed oblivious, Xu Fang heard this voice with perfect clarity and couldn't help but be amused.
"Well, it turns out this Treasure Dropping Golden Coin is quite the miser!"