All sentient beings looked up simultaneously, gazing at Dao Ancestor Hongjun, who had opened his eyes. Instantly, their confrontational stance vanished, and they quickly bowed in greeting.
The Western cultivators, Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist, acted as if they had found a savior, scrambling to kneel on the ground.
"Master, look how abominable Xu Fang is, monopolizing the Treasure Distribution Rock all by himself, right under your nose! You must punish him!"
"Indeed! This child, in order to seize treasures, has even abandoned his closest loved ones and friends. He is truly an object of universal indignation. Please strike him down!"
Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist immediately listed Xu Fang's crimes.
They had clearly witnessed earlier that the Three Pure Ones and others were itching for action. Had Dao Ancestor Hongjun not intervened, they would have been in trouble.
The root of all this evil was Xu Fang. How could they let Xu Fang off the hook? Of course, they had to cling to Dao Ancestor Hongjun's coattails and ensure Xu Fang's utter annihilation!
Upon hearing the words of the two from the West, the other great cultivators scoffed. Who was it that had just made that shameless threat, taking the Golden Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue as hostages?
However, the Treasure Distribution Rock was currently with Xu Fang. No matter how unwilling they were, they had to echo the sentiments of the two.
"That's right, Dao Ancestor. You are distributing treasures so generously, and yet Xu Fang is so greedy and covetous, actually wanting to monopolize it!"
"To be so disrespectful in the face of Dao Ancestor, he truly deserves death!"
"Dao Ancestor, you promised that treasures would be distributed based on individual skill and destiny. Xu Fang is too abominable!"
In any case, to regain the chance to acquire treasures, the great cultivators could only endure their disgust and stand with the two from the West.
As these words fell, Xu Fang didn't feel anything, but the Golden Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue were displeased.
"You said it yourself, it's based on individual skill and destiny. The fact that the Treasure Distribution Rock came to Senior proves Senior's capabilities, doesn't it?"
"Exactly! If you don't have the destiny, fine, but you threatened Senior using us, and now you're biting the hand that feeds you. Why don't you just die!"
The Golden Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue cursed incessantly. The great cultivators, hearing this, had no retort.
Indeed, it was based on individual skill and destiny. The Treasure Distribution Rock came to Xu Fang, which proved his capabilities and destiny.
Their actions were rather unsportsmanlike, weren't they? How could they still speak up?
"Enough! Silence!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun boomed. He looked at the dejected great cultivators and then at Xu Fang, who stood alone. He couldn't help but sigh.
Originally, this treasure distribution assembly was proceeding according to his plan. Who would have thought that Xu Fang possessed such immense divine power as to directly summon the Treasure Distribution Rock?
"It seems this child is indeed as extraordinary as Yang Mei said. I have underestimated him."
Hongjun marveled inwardly. While his own carelessness was a factor, he simply couldn't fathom that, apart from himself, there was another being who could command the Treasure Distribution Rock without it having been submitted to their will.
But didn't this indirectly prove Xu Fang's uniqueness? And that Yang Mei's words were not baseless rumors?
Dao Ancestor Hongjun now felt a sense of unexpected joy, having witnessed Xu Fang's distinctiveness.
Of course, while holding Xu Fang in higher regard, the immediate situation still needed to be properly resolved.
"Xu Fang, you obtained this Treasure Distribution Rock through your own abilities, proving your destiny. Logically, the treasures on it should also belong to you."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke to Xu Fang. Xu Fang remained noncommittal, quietly awaiting Dao Ancestor Hongjun's "but."
As expected, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words then took a turn.
"However, these magical treasures were promised by me to the three thousand guests of Zixiao Palace. For you to monopolize them all is indeed a bit too overbearing."
Upon hearing this, Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist's eyes lit up. Here it comes, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's punishment was imminent!
They rejoiced and cast smug glances at Xu Fang, thinking, "Let's see how you die this time!"
Xu Fang's expression darkened. Was Dao Ancestor Hongjun also unable to play by the rules?
Had he overestimated Hongjun's magnanimity this time, making things too big?
"Never mind. Since the Treasure Distribution Rock came to you, it has acknowledged you as its master. You shall preside over this treasure distribution!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words laid down the solution.
"This!"
Not only Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist were stunned, but all the great cultivators were perplexed. Why did Dao Ancestor Hongjun not display his thunderous might and punish Xu Fang?
He had directly handed over the authority of treasure distribution to Xu Fang. Was this really alright?
"What? Are you all dissatisfied?"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun swept his gaze over all the sentient beings and asked.
How dared any of them be dissatisfied? They could only nod silently, accepting the arrangement.
Otherwise, if Xu Fang wasn't dealt with and this elder was displeased, he might just wave his hand and give all the Treasure Distribution Rock and numerous treasures to Xu Fang, which would be a loss far outweighing any gain.
Seeing this, Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded to Xu Fang and closed his eyes again.
Punishment was out of the question, especially after witnessing Xu Fang's mysterious and unfathomable divine abilities, which further validated Yang Mei's words.
However, with so many great cultivators present, if he allowed Xu Fang to swallow all the treasures, it would not only incite public anger but also shatter his plan to win people's hearts.
Since that was the case, it was best to go with the flow and let Xu Fang preside over the distribution!
Upon hearing this, Xu Fang felt a great sense of relief and quickly said,
"Thank you, Dao Ancestor, for your bestowal. Xu Fang is immensely grateful!"
"Do not worry, Dao Ancestor. I am most adept at distributing treasures. I will definitely complete this task well!"
Not only did Dao Ancestor Hongjun not blame him, but he had also granted him ownership of the Treasure Distribution Rock. This was a great boon!
The great cultivators also felt a pang of envy. The Treasure Distribution Rock, capable of holding tens of thousands of magical treasures, was itself a treasure. Xu Fang, before distributing anything, had already acquired this treasure. Wasn't that enviable?
Xu Fang, moreover, knew exceptionally well that the Treasure Distribution Rock was a supreme divine treasure of the Heavenly Dao. Its ability to contain treasures also meant it possessed the power to suppress them.
With this single treasure alone, he had already profited. Why would he refuse?
Besides, even if he refused, under Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze, could he truly consume so many treasures? It was better to go with the flow and hold another treasure distribution assembly!
The great cultivators looked at Xu Fang's confident demeanor and felt a sense of realization. They recalled the scene at Mount Buzhou, where this same person, witnessed by all, had distributed the innate gourds.
Unexpectedly, as time passed, Xu Fang was once again advocating for treasure distribution. His title as the "Treasure Delivering Boy" was truly well-deserved!
Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist exchanged glances, their faces filled with bitterness.
The scene at Mount Buzhou resurfaced in their minds. That time, they hadn't gained even a single hair and had been thoroughly humiliated.
Now, the authority of treasure distribution had fallen into Xu Fang's hands again. Having just offended him, they were in dire straits this time!
Xu Fang was truly their nemesis!