Xu Fang, who was preparing to rush to Dong Wang Gong's location, attempting to race against death and save him, was startled by these words.
Xu Fang quickly looked around, but found the East Sea vast and empty, with no living beings in sight. Only the inhabitants of Penglai Immortal Island looked at Xu Fang with confusion, wondering why the master of Penglai Island had rushed out midway through his sermon.
As Xu Fang was filled with surprise and uncertainty, the voice spoke again, resonating in Xu Fang's mind.
"No need to look around. I am on my way. I went to great trouble to send you a message, hoping you wouldn't make a wasted trip."
Sensing Xu Fang's confusion, the voice then explained.
"Oh, right, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Zu Long Zhu!"
"Zu Long Zhu!"
Xu Fang couldn't help but exclaim, causing Liang Tian Chi and the other spiritual treasures to be utterly bewildered.
"Zu Long Zhu? What did Zu Long Zhu do?"
"Master, aren't we supposed to be heading to Dong Wang Gong's side? Are we still going?"
"Yes, if we delay any longer, Dong Wang Gong will truly be finished!"
The spiritual treasures, not understanding, began to urge him on.
Xu Fang was also inwardly shocked, unsure how to explain. He truly couldn't fathom why Zu Long Zhu would transmit a message to him, preventing him from going to Dong Wang Gong's location.
However, listening to Zu Long Zhu's words and recalling what he knew about Zu Long Zhu, a thought sparked in Xu Fang's mind.
"Wait! Just a moment longer."
Xu Fang said, signaling the spiritual treasures to be patient. The spiritual treasures, though reluctant, obeyed Xu Fang's command and waited in place.
Meanwhile, Xu Fang unfurled the treasure map. As expected, the treasure map showed that Zu Long Zhu was rapidly approaching Penglai Immortal Island, along with a series of spiritual treasures belonging to Ao Xue, such as the Heavenly Silkworm Silk Kasaya.
There was no need to guess; it was undoubtedly the Heavenly Silkworm Silk Kasaya guiding Ao Xue to Penglai Immortal Island to rejoin the treasure-hunting team.
Xu Fang, anxious, now that he knew Zu Long Zhu's location, could no longer hold back. He immediately commanded Fen Bao Yan to head in Zu Long's direction.
Fen Bao Yan moved swiftly. Not long after, Xu Fang saw two figures flying towards him in haste. Upon seeing the immense Fen Bao Yan, a voice shouted with surprise.
"Fen Bao Yan? Senior!"
Fen Bao Yan stopped. Xu Fang looked up and indeed saw Ao Xue's figure excitedly rushing over, with Ao Guang following closely behind.
Ao Xue landed on Fen Bao Yan, put away the Heavenly Silkworm Silk Kasaya that was flying beside her, and said to Xu Fang with great surprise.
"I never thought this Heavenly Silkworm Silk Kasaya could truly guide me and allow me to find Senior!"
"Mmm."
Xu Fang nodded, not saying much. His gaze fell upon Ao Guang, or rather, upon Zu Long Zhu, who was on Ao Guang.
Sensing Xu Fang's gaze, Ao Guang quickly clasped his hands in greeting.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, it has been a long time. Your demeanor is as radiant as ever!"
"Indeed, it has been a long time. Fellow Daoist Ao Guang, how have you been recently?"
As Xu Fang chatted with Ao Guang, he transmitted his voice, eagerly inquiring about Zu Long Zhu.
"Zu Long Zhu, why did you stop me from saving Dong Wang Gong just now?"
This was Xu Fang's most pressing question. Now that Zu Long Zhu was within reach, Xu Fang naturally wanted to get to the bottom of it.
"It wasn't stopping you, it was unnecessary."
Zu Long Zhu's voice came, resonating in Xu Fang's mind.
"You and I both know that Dong Wang Gong is destined to die, and it is unchangeable. Even if you save him this time, what about next time?"
Hearing Zu Long Zhu's rhetorical question, Xu Fang was momentarily stunned, then quickly responded.
"I can save him once, and I can save him twice!"
"Enough, don't say such things. You and I both know that heavenly will is hard to defy. Don't waste your efforts."
Zu Long Zhu chuckled, unfazed by Xu Fang's words.
"Are you asking me to stand by and watch Dong Wang Gong die, just like that?"
Xu Fang was getting a little agitated. Zu Long Zhu acted as if they understood each other, speaking in a profound and mysterious manner. He had no time to engage in such matters.
"Alas! So be it. Anyway, the Dragon Head Crutch and I are good internet friends. You don't need to ask about these things. Just know that I have a connection with the Dragon Head Crutch."
Zu Long Zhu's voice made Xu Fang extremely surprised. When did Zu Long Zhu get involved with the Dragon Head Crutch?
Before Xu Fang could ask, Zu Long Zhu's voice continued.
"Never mind, to make you give up, I will tell you something that cannot be spoken!"
Zu Long Zhu paused, calming himself, and then began to recount some unspeakable secrets to Xu Fang.
Initially, Xu Fang paid little attention, but the more he listened, the more he was shocked. So, it was like that!
Meanwhile, Ao Guang, seeing that Xu Fang had finished his greetings and had been silent for a long time, lost in thought, had to speak up.
"I have come not only to escort my daughter but also to explain something to Fellow Daoist Xu Fang."
Ao Guang seemed hesitant at this point, but eventually, he pressed on.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang asked our Dragon Clan to protect the Human Race. Our Dragon Clan, of course, did not shirk our duties and has always sent troops to protect the Human Race."
"However, the Dragon Clan has major affairs recently and does not have surplus troops to dispatch. We may find it difficult to care for the Human Race. I hope Fellow Daoist Xu Fang can understand us."
As Ao Guang spoke, he became increasingly embarrassed. Xu Fang had bestowed such great kindness upon the Dragon Clan, yet they couldn't even handle these small matters well, which was truly a disservice.
However, as Ao Guang had said, the Dragon Clan was about to gather their strength, leaving them with no time for other matters. Therefore, they had specifically come to inform Xu Fang and apologize.
Xu Fang listened silently as Zu Long Zhu recounted his story. Upon hearing Ao Guang's words, he already knew what the major affairs of the Dragon Clan were.
For the Dragon Clan, compared to these major affairs, they truly couldn't spare any attention to protect the Human Race. He immediately spoke.
"Fellow Daoist Ao Guang, there's no need to feel burdened. The Dragon Clan's help was always out of goodwill. Now that the Dragon Clan has matters to attend to, I will find another way."
"Thank you to the Dragon Clan for protecting the Human Race for so many years. The Dragon Clan is free to act as they see fit!"
Xu Fang did not want to make Ao Guang difficult and quickly expressed his understanding, which greatly surprised Ao Guang. He had prepared himself for the worst, thinking that if necessary, he would reveal some information to Xu Fang to let him know the Dragon Clan's predicament.
Now, it seemed that Fellow Daoist Xu Fang was unexpectedly easy to talk to.
Since that was the case, Ao Guang wasted no further time and clasped his hands in farewell.
"Our Dragon Clan has matters to attend to. We shall meet again another day. Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, farewell!"
Xu Fang said nothing more, returned the salute, and watched Ao Guang depart.
Seeing Ao Guang leave, the spiritual treasures could no longer contain themselves and spoke.
"Alright, alright, Master, let's set off!"
"Yes, that Ao Guang talks too much. Zu Long Zhu didn't even greet us. What a waste of time!"
"Hurry, hurry, let's see if Dong Wang Gong is still alive!"
The spiritual treasures urged Xu Fang to set off. After a moment of rapid thought, Xu Fang waved his hand.
"Set off! Return to Penglai Immortal Island!"
"Alright! Here we go… huh?"
Fen Bao Yan responded cheerfully, then suddenly reacted. Wasn't he going to try and save Dong Wang Gong? Why were they returning to Penglai Immortal Island?