Hearing Duobao's complaints from within the ruins, Xu Fang paused, his expression awkward as he scratched his head.
He had been so focused on dealing with Zhunti Daoist that he lost track of his direction and ended up burying Duobao Daoist again.
Given how Duobao had protected the treasure earlier, Xu Fang felt a bit ungrateful.
"I think Duobao Daoist can be saved. You can try," Xu Fang said, clearing his throat.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and the other two chuckled and immediately flew down to the ruins to retrieve Duobao Daoist.
Xu Fang stood on the Treasure Distribution Rock and shouted, "Alright, Zhunti Daoist, stop playing dead. I know you're still alive!"
Although the Treasure Distribution Rock had struck with immense force earlier, and Zhunti Daoist was unable to resist, as a future Great Sage, how could he possibly die so easily?
However, as Xu Fang's voice faded, Zhunti Daoist offered no response, as if truly dead.
Seeing this, Xu Fang couldn't help but laugh and patted the Treasure Distribution Rock. "It seems our Great Sage can't hear from such a distance. Old Fan, Treasure Distribution Rock, send him a message."
The Treasure Distribution Rock was very obedient and acted according to Xu Fang's instructions.
How could the Treasure Distribution Rock send a message? It could only erupt in light and burrow into the mountainside again.
As the Treasure Distribution Rock moved, from the other end within the mountain, Zhunti Daoist's voice finally came through. "Ahhh, stop! Stop! I'm alive, not dead! If you continue, I'll truly die, ahhh!"
Zhunti Daoist cried out in pain. This demon Xu Fang didn't even give him a chance to play dead. If he didn't respond now, he might really be finished!
"Hmph! If you had responded earlier, you wouldn't have to suffer like this. Why go through all this trouble?" Xu Fang snorted coldly and waved his hand, summoning all his treasures. "Watch him. We'll deal with him later!"
Upon hearing this, the treasures all erupted with their oppressive aura, cooperating with the Treasure Distribution Rock to surround Zhunti Daoist firmly.
"Zhunti Daoist, weren't you shouting loudly just now? We are right here. Come and get us!"
"Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree, have the guts to come out and fight, you lackey of the West!"
"Forget it, cowards who don't dare to utter a sound, hehe!"
The treasures jeered, but Zhunti Daoist naturally couldn't hear these words. Even if the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree could hear, it would understand the situation and pretend to be dead.
Xu Fang ignored them and directly landed next to the Enlightenment Tea Tree, speaking into it. "Enlightenment Tea Tree, I've heard much of your fame. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation!"
"Little Xu, your reputation precedes you, and it's like thunder in my ears. To see you today is a blessing in three lifetimes!"
Xu Fang exchanged pleasantries with the Enlightenment Tea Tree, and the tree, being tactful, engaged in some polite flattery with Xu Fang.
Of course, Xu Fang was merely being polite, while the Enlightenment Tea Tree was genuinely impressed. Although it had seen the miraculous uses of Xu Fang's treasures through video streams before, seeing Xu Fang's prowess firsthand now filled it with even greater admiration. It felt that joining Xu Fang's side would be a fortunate turn of events and eagerly spoke, "Enough said. Has Quantity Measuring Ruler already told you about the situation?"
"Of course. You haven't reached your time to emerge, and your whereabouts have been discovered. This place is certainly not safe for you anymore." Xu Fang glanced at Guangchengzi, who was still staring blankly beside him, clearly not having recovered from the shock. Duobao Daoist was different; even if he desired the Enlightenment Tea Tree, his greedy nature would compel him to wait for it to mature. However, Guangchengzi and Zhunti Daoist were more problematic. They only cared about obtaining treasures and holding onto destiny, regardless of whether they were damaged.
The Enlightenment Tea Tree understood this situation and quickly asked, "So, do you have a plan now?"
"Of course I do. I..." Xu Fang was about to answer the Enlightenment Tea Tree when Duobao Daoist's voice rang out from behind.
"Senior, you mustn't! This Enlightenment Tea Tree has not yet matured. If you force it now, you will ruin this unique treasure of the Primordial Era!"
Duobao Daoist had been retrieved by the Golden-Winged Great Peng and the other two. Seeing Xu Fang pondering by the Enlightenment Tea Tree, he disregarded his own dishevelled state and flew over. Although he deeply respected Xu Fang, he did not want to see such a precious treasure destroyed.
"Yes, Senior, please reconsider. If you forcibly obtain it, the Enlightenment Tea Tree will be truly ruined!" Guangchengzi had also recovered his senses and advised.
Duobao Daoist looked at Guangchengzi's pained expression and snorted. Why hadn't he shown such kindness earlier? Now he was only asking the Senior to leave so that he could monopolize the destiny. However, since Guangchengzi was on his side, Duobao Daoist didn't fuss about it and pleaded with Xu Fang. "Senior, think twice! Don't be too hasty!"
"Don't be too hasty? Oh, I have no objections, but do you think the one beside you, and the one being suppressed by the Treasure Distribution Rock, will give up such thoughts?" Xu Fang looked at the sincere Duobao Daoist and reminded him.
"This..." Duobao Daoist was at a loss for words. If Senior Xu Fang left, and these two had ulterior motives, he truly wouldn't know how to handle it. But, could he only watch as Xu Fang forcibly obtained the treasure? In that case, how would Senior Xu Fang be any different from those two? Both would show no regard for treasures, which contradicted his good impression of the Senior.
"Alright, Duobao, you don't need to say more. I am taking the Enlightenment Tea Tree today. I, Dao Ancestor Hongjun himself, couldn't argue with this decision." Xu Fang saw Duobao Daoist's dilemma and decisively declared. He had paid such a heavy price to come here for the Enlightenment Tea Tree, how could he give up now? Moreover, if truth be told, he had known the Enlightenment Tea Tree longer than Duobao. Duobao had almost taken it away earlier, and now he was trying to stop him?
"Senior!" Duobao Daoist cried out, feeling utterly devastated. Senior Xu Fang was his idol. Whenever he saw him surrounded by treasures and magical artifacts, he was envious and longed for such a life. How could Senior Xu Fang be like this? However, no matter how Duobao Daoist called out, Xu Fang did not look back and proceeded with his plan.
Duobao Daoist watched Xu Fang's silent actions, feeling increasingly hopeless. This wasn't just watching the Enlightenment Tea Tree die before his eyes; it was also watching his idol crumble before him.
However, Duobao Daoist soon noticed something was amiss. "Hmm? Senior, what are you doing?" Xu Fang had spoken so resolutely, yet he was calmly fiddling with his Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda. Wasn't he going to forcibly claim the Enlightenment Tea Tree?