"Dao Ancestor, are you telling the truth?"
"Dao Ancestor, my cultivation is low, don't fool me!"
"If this is truly the case, how could we not have a chance, haha!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words made the assembled mighty beings excited.
Initially, they thought the distribution of the Primordial Purple Qi had sealed the positions of Saints. They never imagined there was such a concept as nine Saints of Heaven and Earth.
The Primordial Heaven and Earth were destined to have nine Saints. Excluding the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the Westerners Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist, there were still three Saint positions left for the beings of the Primordial Era to compete for.
Even if Dao Ancestor Hongjun, who was about to merge with the Dao, was included, there were still two Saint positions left!
How could the mighty beings not be overjoyed and excited?
Dao Ancestor Hongjun looked at the restless mighty beings below and smiled faintly.
"I am about to merge with the Dao myself for the stability of Heaven and Earth. How could I lie to you all? Strive hard, and Sainthood is within reach!"
Upon hearing this, the mighty beings became even more ecstatic, each vowing to cultivate diligently and strive to be like Dao Ancestor Hongjun, contributing to the stability of Heaven and Earth.
Xu Fang looked at Dao Ancestor Hongjun's smiling face, then at the visibly excited mighty beings, and couldn't help but silently praise Dao Ancestor Hongjun's marketing strategy.
He had first inflated the importance of Sainthood, then used the allure of Saint positions to trap the mighty beings, making them unable to extricate themselves.
Xu Fang understood that this was the true purpose of the lecture in Zixiao Palace. Just as Dao Ancestor Hongjun had predicted, after the lecture in Zixiao Palace, the era of Saints in the Primordial Heaven and Earth was quietly dawning.
"However, no matter what, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's actions are beneficial to my subsequent plans."
Xu Fang rejoiced in his heart. He had been worried about losing his opportunities for magical treasures, but now he had found a way to recover and compensate.
"Alright, the third lecture in Zixiao Palace is concluded. You may all depart!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, issuing the order to leave. The mighty beings bowed in succession.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded slightly, glanced at the Three Pure Ones and others, his heart moved, and his figure disappeared from Zixiao Palace.
Tai Shang sighed, accepting the Nine Dragon Golden Staff that floated beside him. His master was about to merge with the Dao, and whether he was willing or not, he had to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Xuanmen.
After Dao Ancestor Hongjun departed, the three thousand guests of Zixiao Palace bowed their respects again and left Zixiao Palace.
"Dao Ancestor Hongjun merged with the Dao himself, making such a sacrifice for the stability of Heaven and Earth. How can we not emulate him in some way?"
"Indeed, I have decided to contribute my strength to the Primordial Heaven and Earth, just like the Dao Ancestor!"
"Everyone, I shall take my leave first!"
Outside Zixiao Palace, the mighty beings spoke, expressing their respect for Dao Ancestor Hongjun and showcasing their determination to depart immediately.
Xu Fang, upon hearing these grand and hollow words, looked back at Zixiao Palace and could no longer stand it. He sneered disdainfully.
"You are all truly talented individuals, speaking so eloquently. I truly cannot bear it."
"You talk about contributing strength and making sacrifices, but aren't you just eager to return and cultivate, striving for Saint positions?"
Xu Fang's words instantly deflated the spirits of the mighty beings who were filled with grand ambitions. Those who had lifted their feet to leave stopped, looking at Xu Fang with considerable resentment.
Why was this fellow so detestable? Couldn't he see and not speak, or not know?
Now that Dao Ancestor Hongjun was about to merge with the Dao, and only with the emergence of the second Saint could the situation remain uncertain. Was this not the perfect time for everyone to cultivate diligently and strive for Sainthood?
This Xu Fang, however, had openly brought up what everyone tacitly understood.
Xu Fang paid no mind to their gazes. If they wanted to do something but didn't want it to be said, who would indulge them?
"Alright, everyone, I have no objection to you striving for Saint positions."
Xu Fang looked at the mighty beings and spoke, then his tone shifted.
"However, we still have an unsettled score. Don't rush off!"
As Xu Fang spoke, the Seven Treasures Linglong Pagoda instantly flew out, emitting resplendent light, and a multitude of magical treasures flew out, enveloping the plaza of Zixiao Palace.
And the Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist, who were attempting to sneak away, were poked back by the Ruyi Golden Cudgel.
"This is!"
"The Treasure Formation!"
Seeing the Seven Treasures Linglong Pagoda standing at the center, with all the other treasures surrounding it like stars around the moon, the mighty beings immediately realized that this was Xu Fang's masterpiece, the Treasure Formation!
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, why are you doing this?"
"Indeed, we are all determined to become Saints. You may still have opportunities. Why act like this?"
"Xu Fang, don't waste everyone's time and delay our opportunities!"
The mighty beings spoke one after another, wanting Xu Fang to open the Treasure Formation and let them leave.
Once this Treasure Formation was activated, there was no end to it. They did not want to waste time here and delay their opportunities for Sainthood.
"Delaying opportunities? Heh heh!"
Xu Fang scoffed upon hearing this.
"If it weren't for you scoundrels, why would I have lost so many opportunities just now? I dare not provoke Dao Ancestor Hongjun, but can't I deal with you all?"
"That's right, I am indeed delaying your opportunities. This is the retribution you deserve!"
Xu Fang berated them, gnashing his teeth. If these fellows hadn't held him back just now, those thousands of magical treasures would have already been in his possession, and he wouldn't have ended up with just the Treasure Distribution Rock.
"This!"
Upon hearing this, the mighty beings exchanged glances.
If they were to be honest, it was indeed them who had caused Xu Fang to lose so many opportunities. At this moment, even if they wanted to argue, they had no basis to do so.
The two from the West possessed the ability to quibble, but before they could speak, they were targeted by Xu Fang. The power of the magical treasures directly pressed down, preventing them from uttering a word.
The Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and others saw this and exchanged smiles. It seemed Fellow Daoist Xu Fang still couldn't swallow his anger.
But it was understandable; those were opportunities for thousands of treasures, how could one simply give them up?
In any case, they were definitely not on Xu Fang's list of those to settle scores with. At this moment, they also spoke out to support Xu Fang.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang is right. Obstructing someone's opportunities is no different from killing them. This is your retribution."
"If you had known this would happen, why did you act that way in the first place?"
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, rest assured, we will seek justice for you."
These words made the mighty beings even more regretful, as if they were back at the Treasure Distribution Assembly, facing each other once again.
Moreover, this time, there was no movement from within Zixiao Palace. It seemed that Dao Ancestor Hongjun had no intention of intervening in this matter, making it impossible to expect him to break the deadlock again!
The mighty beings looked up at the swirling light above their heads and shook their heads. This Treasure Formation, with the combined efforts of everyone, might be broken.
However, Xu Fang was unyielding, and a battle was inevitable, which would likely result in a mutually destructive outcome.
At that time, let alone accelerating their cultivation to become Saints, even their original realm and status would be difficult to maintain!
Therefore, the mighty beings quickly abandoned the idea of a direct confrontation and looked at Xu Fang, asking.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, what do you propose?"
"Indeed, the magical treasures have been scattered throughout the Primordial Era by the Dao Ancestor. We can't possibly help you search for them one by one, can we?"
"Even if we were willing, who knows when this task would be completed? Isn't this asking the impossible?"
The mighty beings complained a little, feeling that their cultivation would be delayed once again.
Xu Fang looked at the mighty beings and smiled faintly.
"Rest assured, since everyone sincerely admits their mistake, I, Xu, am a reasonable person and will not make things difficult for you."