"Ding Hai Shen Zhu!"
Ao Guang heard Xu Fang's words and looked at the twenty pearls slowly rising amidst the light. He immediately recalled the legends surrounding the Ding Hai Shen Zhu.
These Eastern Sea Divine Pearls were innate spiritual treasures, totaling twenty-four in number, strung together.
Each one was of the innate spiritual treasure grade, and when all twenty-four were gathered, their power was no less than a supreme innate spiritual treasure.
From what Ao Guang could see, the Ding Hai Shen Zhu emitted a five-colored radiance that dazzled the enemy's spiritual consciousness and senses.
It was said that their power was akin to the might of the Four Seas, overwhelming and unbearable.
For this very reason, Ao Guang had previously sent people to search for the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, hoping to use its power to stabilize the Dragon Clan's rule over the Four Seas.
He never expected that after searching high and low, the Ding Hai Shen Zhu would have been hidden within the Dragon Clan's treasure vault all along!
"This treasure is so grand, no less than the might of the Four Seas. It is truly a rare treasure!"
Ao Guang gazed at the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, his eyes fixed upon it.
He naturally desired the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, but having already promised that Xu Fang could choose any treasure from the vault, he found it difficult to go back on his word.
In such a situation, attempting to win over Xu Fang would be counterproductive, potentially damaging their relationship.
"Far more than that, the power of the Ding Hai Shen Zhu is far from limited to this!"
Xu Fang added in agreement. Ao Guang was unaware, but Xu Fang knew very well that the true purpose of the Ding Hai Shen Zhu was not for combat, but to aid in achieving enlightenment.
Wasn't it precisely with this treasure that Ran Deng joined the Western Faction, evolving the Twenty-Four Heavens and skyrocketing his power to become the Past Buddha, Burning Lamp Buddha?
If it weren't for the Heavenly Dao deliberately suppressing the West, Ran Deng could have achieved enlightenment with this and become a Saint.
The only other treasure Xu Fang could recall that could be refined into a complete world was the Chaos Pearl, another bead-like artifact.
However, the Chaos Pearl was a Chaos Supreme Treasure, so possessing such power was only natural.
Therefore, for the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, merely an innate spiritual treasure, to possess such might was truly remarkable.
Before Xu Fang could elaborate on the Ding Hai Shen Zhu's potency, Ao Guang hastily interrupted him.
"Stop talking, stop talking. Since this item has a connection with you, Daoist friend, it shall be yours from now on."
Ao Guang did not wish to hear more, fearing that further knowledge would make him even more reluctant to part with the treasure. He made a decisive statement.
Xu Fang turned back and, seeing Ao Guang's expression, understood his reluctance.
However, Xu Fang did not stand on ceremony and simply replied.
"Good! I shall accept this treasure. Thank you for your generosity, Daoist friend!"
Xu Fang, of course, wished to fulfill Ao Guang's unspoken desire and leave the Ding Hai Shen Zhu with him. Yet, he knew that even if he intended to do so, the Dragon Clan could not keep this treasure.
If he did not take this treasure, it would likely follow the predetermined path, fall into Zhao Gongming's hands, and then to Ran Deng Daoist, aiding him in evolving the Twenty-Four Heavens.
Since he intended to target Ran Deng, he naturally had to obtain the Ding Hai Shen Zhu beforehand, cutting off Ran Deng's access to it at the source.
As Xu Fang spoke, he reached out and collected the twenty gleaming pearls floating in the air.
Ao Guang sighed, unsure if it was a sigh of regret or relief.
Seeing this, Xu Fang offered comfort.
"Do not worry, Daoist friend. Since the Dragon Clan has gifted me such a treasure, how could I forget? From now on, our two families shall be allies, supporting each other!"
Upon hearing this, Ao Guang's spirits lifted, and he immediately clasped his hands towards Xu Fang.
"Indeed, what you say, Daoist friend, is most reasonable. Ao Guang thanks you here!"
To gain the friendship of such a powerful being was far more important than a mere innate spiritual treasure. Ao Guang knew this clearly and was now immensely pleased.
"It is nothing. Our two families should be close from now on and visit each other often. Now, please find me a place to cultivate!"
Having acquired the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, the objective of this trip had been achieved, and Xu Fang was naturally overjoyed.
He was not greedy and did not ask for other treasures. Instead, he requested a place to cultivate from Ao Guang.
Ao Guang, understanding that Xu Fang intended to refine the treasure, immediately ordered his people to make arrangements and prepared an excellent place for Xu Fang's cultivation.
Xu Fang entered the area, sat down cross-legged, and after setting up several protective barriers, took out the Ding Hai Shen Zhu from his embrace.
The twenty-four pearls hovered before Xu Fang, gleaming brilliantly.
Gazing at the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, Xu Fang began to ponder.
"In this way, even if Ran Deng Daoist later joins the Buddhist sect, he will not be able to achieve great things."
Xu Fang smiled faintly. Since Ran Deng Daoist had intended to kill him that day, he could not be blamed for now going to such lengths to tread on Ran Deng Daoist's path, leaving Ran Deng with no path forward!
There was no choice. Ran Deng Daoist was a powerful figure in the Great Desolation, with significant influence in the future. He was undoubtedly a piece on the Heavenly Dao's chessboard.
He could not truly obliterate Ran Deng Daoist, as that would greatly alter the established trajectory of the Great Desolation and attract the attention of the Heavenly Dao.
However, while overt revenge was not possible, it did not prevent him from causing trouble in secret.
Ran Deng Daoist probably had no idea how much he had lost unknowingly.
Even if he could still become the so-called Past Buddha, Burning Lamp Buddha, his power would be greatly diminished.
"Alright, this matter can finally come to a close. Next is to properly refine this treasure!"
Xu Fang thought to himself and then looked at the Ding Hai Shen Zhu.
"This spiritual being does not seem to have much fate with me. Are you truly going to refine me?"
A fluctuation emanated from the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, and a voice sounded out, clearly indicating its reluctance to be refined by Xu Fang.
Upon hearing this, Xu Fang immediately became displeased and retorted.
"What do you mean by fate? Among so many treasures in the Dragon Clan, I chose you alone. Isn't that fate?"
"Wait, you can hear me?"
"Isn't that obvious? If I couldn't hear you, would I be talking to myself?"
"I understand now. So you are the one they spoke of!"
The Ding Hai Shen Zhu suddenly realized that the person before it was the "Little Li Zi" mentioned in the chat group, the one who could communicate with treasures.
Xu Fang understood.
It was natural that a treasure like the Ding Hai Shen Zhu, even if unable to speak in the chat group, could likely see messages and know his name.
Since it knew his name, things would be much easier!
"So, do you think we have fate?"
Xu Fang gazed at the Ding Hai Shen Zhu and asked meaningfully.
"Of course, we do! Among countless treasures, you chose me specifically. Isn't this a match made in heaven? Hurry up, stop the nonsense, and refine me quickly!"
The Ding Hai Shen Zhu certainly would not miss an opportunity with a master who could communicate with treasures. This was a great fortune!
Not only did they have fate, but it was destiny!