Xu Fang, carrying the Golden-winged Great Peng and Ao Xue, broke through the primordial membrane and appeared in the chaos.
Familiar with the route, they didn't need to search and headed directly towards Zixiao Palace.
Since Ao Xue had already reached the realm of Grand Unity Golden Immortal, there was no need for various magical treasures to escort them this time. Everyone flew at full speed and soon saw the Zixiao Palace plaza.
Looking out, many beings had already gathered on the Zixiao Palace plaza.
The great cultivators, sensing something, all looked up and saw Xu Fang and his group flying through the chaos. Their gazes converged.
"Is this Xu Fang? I heard he caused quite a stir in the East Sea not long ago!"
"That's Xu Fang! This guy is ruthless!"
"I knew from the start that fellow Daoist Xu Fang was extraordinary. I've wanted to befriend him for a long time!"
The Battle of Penglai Immortal Island, after the beings who participated returned to the Primordial Era, had already spread throughout the land, known to all.
Even without the awe-inspiring entrance with a myriad of magical treasures encircling him, Xu Fang was a figure of great attention from the moment he appeared, earning admiration from all present.
After all, to protect Penglai Immortal Island under the might of the Demon Clan and even manage to raid them was an unprecedented feat, fraught with immense difficulty. Everyone was filled with respect.
Of course, amidst the admiring and respectful gazes, there were also a few filled with venom and hatred, including but not limited to the Demon Clan and the West.
Xu Fang, amidst the waves of admiration, landed with the Golden-winged Great Peng and Ao Xue. Soon, greetings began.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, long time no see!"
Tongtian's voice rang out as he waved towards Xu Fang. Tai Shang and Yuan Shi nodded in greeting beside him.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you truly are the center of attention. Every appearance you make is so eye-catching."
"Indeed. When will I, Zhen Yuanzi, be like this too!"
Hong Yun Daoist and Zhen Yuanzi greeted Xu Fang with playful teasing.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you promised to visit my Blood Sea. Why did you break your word?"
St. Minghe's voice was filled with complaint, chiding Xu Fang for not visiting the Blood Sea as promised.
Xu Fang looked at them one by one and nodded, acknowledging their greetings.
Indeed, knowing too many people was a hassle when going out. Just nodding to everyone made him feel quite tired!
As Xu Fang was contemplating this, a figure rushed over and landed beside him.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, my dear fellow Daoist, I've finally been waiting for you!"
As the figure spoke, he immediately tried to give Xu Fang a bear hug, but Xu Fang pushed him away with a look of disdain.
"East Prince, that's enough. You're the Lord of the Immortal Court, try to be more composed."
The person was none other than East Prince, who kept calling Xu Fang his good Daoist friend.
"I'm just so excited to see you arrive!"
East Prince glanced at Xu Fang with a plaintive look, sending a chill down Xu Fang's spine. Why was this guy so strange!
Didn't we agree to avoid suspicion? Yet you're acting so intimately with me now. I truly don't understand what you're thinking.
Xu Fang recalled his past agreement with East Prince, and his gaze sharpened.
"Wait, East Prince, why are you still alive!"
Xu Fang exclaimed. After the Battle of Penglai Immortal Island, he had been busy handling subsequent matters and hadn't paid attention to East Prince's situation. Seeing him standing alive and well before him now, he remembered something.
According to the established trajectory, after East Prince established the Immortal Court and fulfilled the arrangements made by Dao Ancestor Hongjun, he should have perished under the Chaos Bell. How was he still alive and kicking now?
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, your words are rather hurtful. Do you wish I were dead?"
East Prince was dejected. After a long reunion, he came over with great enthusiasm to greet you, and you started by asking why I'm still alive. What did you mean by that!
Does my being alive bother you?
Xu Fang was speechless, realizing he might have gone too far.
But according to the established trajectory, East Prince should have been dead and would have had no part in this subsequent lecture.
Glancing at East Emperor Taiyi, who was hidden among the great cultivators, Xu Fang suddenly had a flash of insight.
The Witch and Demon clans were plotting against each other, neither of them attacked the Immortal Court. After the Battle of Penglai Immortal Island, although the Demon Clan wasn't critically wounded, they were also wary of the East Sea and dared not trespass easily.
With the Heavenly Dao oath not to encroach upon Penglai Immortal Island, East Emperor Taiyi's plan to conquer Yingzhou would naturally not be staged, and East Prince would be spared.
Thinking of this, Xu Fang couldn't help but pat East Prince on the shoulder.
"You, you are truly incredibly lucky!"
It was precisely because the Witch and Demon clans were plotting against each other, hoping the other would attack the Immortal Court first, that precious time was lost.
It was precisely because East Prince obtained Yingzhou Island that the Demon Clan became apprehensive.
Under these various coincidences, East Prince managed to escape his destined calamity and stand firmly beside him.
It had to be said, his luck was exceptionally good.
East Prince didn't understand why Xu Fang said this, but he was quite pleased.
"Of course, my luck has always been good!"
East Prince said proudly. Xu Fang looked at him, at a loss for words.
He wondered if he would be so lucky the next time he narrowly escaped.
"However, since this matter can be changed, can it be changed further?"
Xu Fang pondered in his heart, thinking about how to help this jester survive smoothly in the Primordial World, thus not failing the title of a good Daoist friend.
Kong Xuan appeared and saw Xu Fang deep in thought, so he didn't disturb him. The Golden-winged Great Peng immediately told his brother what Dragon King Ao Guang had said.
The brothers began to converse and engaged in a lively discussion about the peace between the three clans.
As more and more beings arrived, the three thousand guests of Zixiao Palace, after three thousand years, finally gathered together.
At this moment, the great doors of Zixiao Palace slowly opened. Haotian and Yaochi stood beside them.
Without a word, everyone filed in and entered Zixiao Palace.
Everything in Zixiao Palace was as before. Everyone took their seats as they had last time, waiting for Dao Ancestor Hongjun to arrive.
After a short while, auspicious light shone, and clouds accompanied the appearance of Dao Ancestor Hongjun on the uppermost cushion.
"Greetings, Dao Ancestor!"
All beings present rose and bowed in unison.
"Hmm, be seated!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun responded, waved his hand, and everyone returned to their seats, quietly awaiting Dao Ancestor Hongjun's lecture.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze swept over everyone. Good, as before, no one was missing.
"Hmm?"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze sharpened as it fell upon East Prince and Queen Mother of the West.
East Prince and Queen Mother of the West were overwhelmed with honor and immediately stood up, intending to bow and pay their respects.
Just then, Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke first.
"East Prince, Queen Mother of the West, you are still here?"
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, East Prince's words caught in his throat, and his body, which was about to bow, froze.
What did that mean!
What do you mean, you are still here!
Xu Fang said so, and now the Dao Ancestor also says so. Does my being alive, East Prince, truly bother you all?