The Rainbow Bridge rapidly contracted, and Xu Fang and others, caught within it, were soon dragged to the peak of Kunlun Mountain. From afar, they saw three figures waiting there.
Xu Fang quickly leaped down, landing beside the three figures and cupping his hands in greeting.
"Fellow Daoist Sanqing, it has been a long time. Are you all well?"
Taishang remained taciturn, merely cupping his hands and nodding slightly in greeting.
However, Yuanshi and Tongtian were more enthusiastic, returning the greeting and speaking.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, it has been some time since we last met. Your demeanor is as magnificent as ever!"
"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, what grand business are you engaged in now? Where are you digging for treasure?"
As Xu Fang and Sanqing exchanged pleasantries, the Golden-winged Great Peng Eagle and the other two also descended. The Golden-winged Great Peng Eagle and Ao Xue quickly bowed to Sanqing.
The little Qilin, however, landed with a dazed expression, appearing absent-minded. It was only when the Golden-winged Great Peng Eagle reminded it that it snapped back to attention.
Seeing the descendants of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin tribes gathered and accompanying Xu Fang, Sanqing were all astonished.
The three, led by the Golden-winged Great Peng Eagle, bowed. Taishang subtly raised his eyes, nodded, and suppressed his inner surprise.
Tongtian waved his hand, signaling the three to rise. He then patted Xu Fang on the shoulder with an air of familiarity.
"Well done, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang. You have gathered all three tribal descendants. You are truly capable."
Only Yuanshi's gaze swept over the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin representatives with clear displeasure. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, I know you originated from spiritual roots. However, you are vastly different from other beings of humble origins. The Great Dao is within your reach."
"Therefore, why must Fellow Daoist Xu Fang associate with those born of moisture and eggs, or those with fur and horns, and impede your own cultivation?"
These words fell, and the scene instantly became deathly silent.
The Golden-winged Great Peng Eagle and the other two bristled with indignation. They had always known Yuanshi to be arrogant, prioritizing lineage and origin above all else, yet to speak such words in front of them!
No matter how fallen they were, they were still the descendants of the three tribes that once dominated the heavens and earth. To be spoken of so disparagingly by Yuanshi!
Xu Fang could only offer a wry smile. While he appreciated Yuanshi's high regard for him, he wondered when Yuanshi's discriminatory views on origins would cease. Truly, his demeanor remained unchanged!
Tongtian, seeing the awkward atmosphere, felt a headache coming on.
His second brother was indeed like this, fixated on lineage and origin, and even promoting his beliefs without regard for the occasion. He truly didn't know what to say about him!
Seeing the displeased expressions of the three behind Xu Fang, Tongtian quickly changed the subject.
"Let's not dwell on such matters. By the way, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, what brings you to Kunlun Mountain this time?"
As he said this, Tongtian chuckled to himself.
"I heard you were digging three feet into the ground across the Primordial Era in search of treasure, with an insatiable look on your face, scaring countless beings. You wouldn't be here to dig up Kunlun Mountain, would you?"
"That's slander! Can the actions of a treasure hunter be described as digging three feet into the ground? That's called professionalism!"
"Fellow Daoist Tongtian, you shouldn't be like those ignorant beings who make baseless accusations and tarnish reputations!"
Xu Fang's face flushed slightly. He hadn't expected to be so famous in the Primordial Era, but the manner of his fame was rather peculiar!
Tongtian clearly didn't believe him, giving Xu Fang a knowing wink.
Xu Fang sighed in resignation and gave up on defending himself and his profession. Let the clear remain clear!
"Speaking of which, I have indeed come to Kunlun Mountain this time in search of treasure."
Xu Fang followed Tongtian's lead and explained his purpose.
Upon hearing this, Sanqing exchanged glances and all chuckled.
"Apologies, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, but it seems your reputation for unfailing treasure hunting might be dashed this time."
Tongtian said, shaking his head, and Yuanshi also found it amusing.
"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang. We have resided in Kunlun Mountain for ages. What treasure could possibly escape our eyes? As Tongtian said, Kunlun Mountain has long been dug three feet deep."
Yuanshi then added, with a hint of consideration.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang need not be disappointed. Since you are here, it is a good opportunity for us to catch up properly."
Taishang, who had remained silent, also nodded in agreement.
Sanqing's calm demeanor was observed by Xu Fang and his companions. The Golden-winged Great Peng Eagle and Ao Xue, seeing Xu Fang's composure, also showed little outward reaction.
However, the little Qilin became anxious. It worried that its family's Qilin Seal might indeed have been dug up by these Sanqing, and that their senior wasn't here to find treasure, but to reclaim it!
"If I believed what you said, I would almost be convinced. Fortunately, I took a glance at the treasure map."
Xu Fang looked at the treasure map floating beside him and thought to himself, then gave a slight smile and spoke softly.
"Fellow Daoists, do not speak too definitively. As the saying goes, even the wisest may err. Perhaps some treasures are right before your eyes, yet you fail to see them."
Xu Fang pointed to the ground beneath their feet. "If I am not mistaken, what lies beneath us is Qilin Cliff, formed from the transformation of the first Qilin."
Xu Fang then gestured to the little Qilin.
"I will not mince words. I have come here today to find the Qilin Seal for this little one. I ask that the three Fellow Daoists grant us convenience."
During the Dragon-Han Tribulation, the First Qilin perished at the peak of Kunlun Mountain, its body transforming into Qilin Cliff.
Upon hearing Xu Fang's words, the little Qilin's heart filled with sorrow, and it lowered its head, its emotions evidently low.
Sanqing exchanged glances upon hearing Xu Fang's words and then laughed.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, let alone granting convenience, if you wish, we wouldn't mind accompanying you on your treasure hunt."
Taishang finally spoke, though not with particularly kind words.
"However, there are truly no other treasures on Kunlun Mountain. Fellow Daoist Xu Fang will likely return empty-handed."
Taishang spoke, and Yuanshi and Tongtian followed suit.
"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you will be disappointed this time. We have thoroughly investigated this Qilin Cliff beneath our feet, and there is absolutely no Qilin Seal you speak of."
"Yes, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, don't waste your time. It's better to simply enjoy your time on Kunlun Mountain!"
Seeing Sanqing's resolute attitude and their doubt, Xu Fang was not bothered. Instead, he smiled.
"Since the three Fellow Daoists speak so confidently, I will make a bet with you."
"Originally, Kunlun Mountain is the dojo of you three Fellow Daoists, and any treasures here naturally belong to you. Now that you do not believe me, if I find a treasure, I hope you will not fight over it!"
Seeing Xu Fang speak with such conviction, Sanqing found it amusing.
"Very well, very well! As Fellow Daoist Xu Fang wishes, we accept!"
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you may search freely on Kunlun Mountain. If you find an ownerless item, we shall merely watch you take it, without contention!"
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, it is also fine if you do not find anything. I, Tongtian, am righteous and will not laugh in your face."
Sanqing spoke one after another, accepting Xu Fang's bet.
They were intimately familiar with Kunlun Mountain. What treasures were not already in their possession? They truly did not believe that Xu Fang could unearth anything on their doorstep!