Yang Mei, ever since meeting Xu Fang and recalling his parting question, had been increasingly unsettled and unable to find peace. At the same time, a feeling arose within him, difficult to dismiss.
Without much hesitation, Yang Mei immediately returned to the peak of Mount Buzhou.
Unexpectedly, it was here he encountered the emergence of the Qing Wei White Lotus. With the connection between Yang Mei and the Qing Wei White Lotus, he quickly understood the cause and effect. This Qing Wei White Lotus had been born because of his actions back then. Yang Mei naturally intended to take the Qing Wei White Lotus, but upon seeing Xu Fang appear, he sighed and gave up, remaining hidden.
Now, witnessing Xu Fang suppressing a multitude of beings and successfully obtaining the Qing Wei White Lotus from Daoist Ran Deng, Yang Mei felt not the slightest disappointment but instead growing joy and immense praise for Xu Fang.
"I said this Xu Fang was extraordinary and worth investing in. This further validates my thoughts!"
With his own connection to the Qing Wei White Lotus, he could not fully comprehend the situation, only sensing its appearance when the treasure emerged. Yet, Xu Fang, an outsider, gained insight merely by listening to his words about heavenly principles and came to Mount Buzhou to seek treasure. This must mean Xu Fang possessed unfathomable divine abilities, whether for deduction or sensing treasures. Regardless, Xu Fang could find traces of treasures through subtle clues.
Recalling Xu Fang's title of "Primordial Treasure Hunter" in the Primordial Era, Yang Mei became even more certain. The power of Xu Fang's divine ability was something even he, a Chaos Demon God, could not fathom.
"It's fine if I can't fathom it. After all, the more powerful Xu Fang becomes, the greater the chance of our plans succeeding."
Yang Mei smiled. It was precisely for this reason that he was willing to cede the opportunity of the Qing Wei White Lotus and help Xu Fang grow stronger.
Looking up at the heavens, Yang Mei felt a slight regret. It was a shame he couldn't share this good news with Hong Jun and show off his discerning eye. However, with Xu Fang's rise, the day he would meet Hong Jun again should not be far off. And all of this hinged on the mysterious Xu Fang. Yang Mei was filled with confidence in Xu Fang at this moment, believing the young man's future was bright and that their hopes rested entirely on him!
Meanwhile, Xu Fang, the object of Yang Mei's high expectations, was seated opposite Tai Shang within the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda.
"Fellow Daoist Tai Shang, it's just the two of us here. Feel free to speak your mind!" Xu Fang stated directly, unwilling to waste any time.
However, facing Xu Fang's inquiry, Tai Shang was still hesitant as before, his gaze drifting towards the beings peeking from the doorway, clearly still apprehensive.
"Oh, you don't need to mind them. They are merely manifestations of the treasures. This is the marvel of the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda," Xu Fang explained, then immediately ordered the treasures.
"Alright, what are you all gawking at? Don't you have anything else to do? Go hang Ran Deng up and beat him!"
"You got it!"
The treasures, hearing Xu Fang's command, cheerfully responded and rushed off, eager to hang Ran Deng up and beat him. Tai Shang, watching the treasures vanish instantly, remained utterly astonished.
"Treasures manifesting? This is truly unheard of!" Tai Shang looked up at the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda, filled with disbelief. Could this Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda be so miraculous that it could make treasures manifest? Such a thing had never been heard of before. Even Tai Shang, a powerful being, was deeply shaken.
Then, a thought struck Tai Shang. "Since Fellow Daoist Xu Fang's treasures can manifest, then my treasures..."
Before Tai Shang could finish speaking, several voices suddenly sounded from behind him.
"Enough, put away that look of yours, like someone who's never seen the world. You're still a future sage!"
"Exactly, dawdling around here like this, I'm getting anxious for you!"
"Indeed, Tai Shang, you're a seasoned and powerful being. Can you act like one and not disgrace us?"
Hearing these words, Tai Shang's heart jolted, and he turned around abruptly. As expected, three beings, both unfamiliar and familiar, had appeared behind him. Unfamiliar, of course, were their faces; Tai Shang could swear he had never seen such beings before. However, their aura was incredibly familiar, making it impossible for Tai Shang to ignore.
After carefully sensing them, Tai Shang's eyes widened, and he looked at the three beings before him in utter astonishment.
"Nine Dragon Gold Staff!"
"Taiji Diagram!"
"Coiled Dragon Flat Crutch!"
Tai Shang cried out in surprise. With such familiar auras, could these be anything other than his three prized treasures?
"Heh heh! You recognize us, but we really don't want to recognize you. I, the Taiji Diagram, must have been blind to follow such a useless person like you." The Taiji Diagram responded rudely, pushing Tai Shang aside along with the Nine Dragon Gold Staff and the Coiled Dragon Flat Crutch, and sat down.
"This!" Tai Shang was already finding it hard to believe that his three treasures had manifested. What was even harder to accept was their attitude towards him. They seemed quite resentful!
The Taiji Diagram and the other two treasures ignored Tai Shang, letting him mumble to himself. They occupied Tai Shang's seat and looked at Xu Fang.
"Little Li Zi, please don't take offense. This Tai Shang is simply too incompetent, making you look bad."
"Exactly, don't let him affect your evaluation of us. Beings are beings, treasures are treasures, you must differentiate."
"Alas, don't mind him. Let's discuss the important matters!"
Xu Fang listened to the three treasures' words, cast a silent glance at Tai Shang, and shook his head. Fellow Daoist Tai Shang was truly in a difficult situation, being so disdained by his own treasures. He wondered what Tai Shang was thinking at that moment. Alas, Tai Shang and his troublesome treasures!
Seeing Tai Shang still muttering about impossibilities, clearly unable to recover anytime soon, Xu Fang naturally ignored him and turned his attention to the three manifested treasure beings.
"Alright, forget about him for now. You came with him, so you must know why he's here."
Upon hearing this, Tai Shang's three manifested treasures had plenty to say.
"What else could it be? Coming to see you, of course, is about becoming a sage!"
"Exactly, do you think we're just visiting for no reason? It's about the momentous occasion of becoming a sage!"
"Indeed, it is precisely for becoming a sage. You have a good relationship with Tai Shang, and we have a good relationship with your Sky Measuring Ruler. You must help him!"
Facing the pleas of these three treasure beings, Xu Fang was utterly bewildered and spread his hands.
"I haven't even become a sage myself yet, how can I help your Tai Shang become a sage? Aren't you making things difficult for an honest old immortal like me?" Xu Fang sighed helplessly. If he had a method to become a sage, he would have done so himself. You want me to help Tai Shang? A clever cook cannot make a meal without ingredients. Are you deliberately teasing me, Xu Fang?