"Esteemed guests, you have all come to my Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao, and thus we are fated. Why then should you be disheartened?"
"I will surely not let you return empty-handed. All of you, look!"
As Ancestor Hongjun’s words fell, all the living beings immediately felt their feet lighten. Upon looking down, they realized they were no longer in Zixiao Palace, but in an unknown space!
The beings looked at the empty space beneath their feet. Scanning their surroundings, they saw only a great mountain standing not far away. Ancestor Hongjun’s figure was suspended above that mountain.
"What is this!"
The gazes of all the living beings turned towards Ancestor Hongjun, full of inquiry. They did not understand why Ancestor Hongjun had moved them to this space.
Ancestor Hongjun did not keep them in suspense and spoke loudly.
"You have all come to my Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao, and each of you is fated with me. How could I let you return empty-handed?"
"Fortunately, when I traveled through the Primordial Era in my early years, I collected many spiritual treasures. They are gathered here on this rock."
Ancestor Hongjun pointed at the towering mountain. With a wave of his hand, all the living beings' eyes lit up.
This was no ordinary mountain; it was a mountain of treasures! The rock was piled with countless treasures, all of which were now shining brilliantly, making the faces of the beings present gleam.
"Today, I, Ancestor Hongjun, will release these treasures and distribute them to those who are fated. This rock shall henceforth be known as the Treasure Distribution Rock."
"All of you, if you wish to obtain treasures, go and take them according to your own fate and ability!"
After Ancestor Hongjun finished speaking, he closed his eyes and remained silent.
The three lectures at his Zixiao Palace were of immense importance in the Primordial Era. Naturally, it was to have a grand finale, ensuring that all the beings present returned with their hands full, singing his praises upon their return to the Primordial Era, and spreading his fame throughout the land.
The living beings were greatly astonished upon hearing this. How generous and magnanimous was Ancestor Hongjun to place so many treasures before them for the taking!
"Are these treasures all ours?"
"Haha! I knew it! Who is Ancestor Hongjun if not someone who would treat us generously?"
"Thank you, Ancestor. I will surely sing the praises of Ancestor Hongjun when I return. Fellow Daoists, I shall take my leave first!"
Despite their impatience, the living beings did not forget to kowtow and thank Ancestor Hongjun. Then, they all propelled their bodies and headed towards the Treasure Distribution Rock.
Ancestor Hongjun had said that the treasures were to be obtained by fate and ability. Regardless of one's status, this was an immense opportunity. How could they miss it?
Even the Sanqing and others, who had just become disciples of Hongjun and received his rewards, now moved swiftly towards the Treasure Distribution Rock.
After all, who would complain about having too many magical artifacts?
As everyone surged towards the Treasure Distribution Rock for the treasures, they felt a great pressure barring their way, as if preventing them from proceeding.
At this moment, the disparity in cultivation realms became extremely evident. The Sanqing, with the highest cultivation, took the lead, followed closely by Nuwa.
Other great beings, such as Zhen Yuanzi, were not willing to fall behind and kept pace with them.
Everyone came to understand that Ancestor Hongjun's "fated" condition was still the same as when they came to Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao – one had to possess ability.
However, no one objected. After all, even in the Primordial Era, such treasures would require great fortune to obtain.
Now that the trouble of searching for treasures was eliminated, and they only needed to display their abilities, it was already a considerable simplification!
Therefore, all the beings went all out, scrambling towards the Treasure Distribution Rock to acquire the treasures.
Amidst this scramble, Xu Fang, who had remained motionless, appeared rather peculiar.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue, initially filled with joy and preparing to snatch some treasures, found themselves not moving after flying for a while. Looking back, they saw Xu Fang still standing dumbfounded in the same spot.
"Senior, what's wrong? Wake up quickly and go snatch treasures!" the Golden-Winged Great Peng shouted, reminding Xu Fang.
"Yes, Senior, hurry up!" Ao Xue also urged loudly, anxious.
Now that all the beings were rushing towards the Treasure Distribution Rock like hungry wolves, if they were delayed, there wouldn't even be a feather left!
Didn't Senior always like treasures? Why was he so sluggish now!
Xu Fang looked at the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue from afar and waved his hand.
"It's nothing. Let them fly for a bit, or you can accompany them." Xu Fang spoke, showing no intention of moving.
"What do you mean 'fly for a bit'? If we're any later, we won't even have a feather left!"
"Yes, Senior, what's wrong with you!" The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue were both surprised, not knowing what had happened to Xu Fang.
However, Xu Fang, like Ancestor Hongjun, closed his eyes at this moment and did not respond to them further.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue looked at the beings flying towards the Treasure Distribution Rock, then at the unmoving Xu Fang. They exchanged glances, filled with anxiety.
"Fine, fine. Let's go faster, we mustn't let others snatch them all!"
"Forget it, forget it, we'll just grab a few more treasures for Senior!"
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue ultimately could not abandon the imminent opportunity. Seeing Xu Fang unmoving, they said no more and flew rapidly towards the Treasure Distribution Rock.
Senior didn't know what was going on. At worst, they would just snatch a few more treasures and give them to Senior. They mustn't miss this chance!
Hearing their words and sensing their departure, Xu Fang nodded slightly.
They are thoughtful. It was not in vain that I treated them as I did. I will give them a few more treasures later!
At this moment, all the beings flew towards the Treasure Distribution Rock in unison. The Sanqing took the lead and soon landed above the Treasure Distribution Rock, followed closely by other great beings.
"Fellow Daoists, let us rely on our own abilities!"
"Agreed!"
After brief exchanges, they wasted no time. Their auras surged, and their magical power flowed, preparing to use their divine abilities to obtain the treasures on the Treasure Distribution Rock.
Just then, Xu Fang, who had been standing at the back, suddenly opened his eyes.
"Treasure Distribution Rock, you are still motionless. When will you act!"
Xu Fang shouted loudly. Immediately, the Treasure Distribution Rock beneath the feet of the great beings trembled, and it began to shine with light.
"This is!"
The great beings were stunned, looking at the anomaly on the Treasure Distribution Rock, not knowing what had happened.
What followed next made the great beings even more incredulous.
"The Treasure Distribution Rock is moving!"
They exclaimed in surprise. The magical artifacts on the Treasure Distribution Rock were now all shining. As the light flowed, the entire Treasure Distribution Rock trembled incessantly. Then, they saw the Treasure Distribution Rock lift off.
The Treasure Distribution Rock flew up with unparalleled speed, soaring past the great beings and the beings that followed, moving away from them. It flew straight and steady, landing right in front of Xu Fang.
"I do not go to the mountain, and the mountain comes to me. Excellent, excellent!"
Xu Fang spoke again, looking at the Treasure Distribution Rock before him and smiling.