Taishang heard Xu Fang's words and was dismissive, shaking his head as he spoke.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you are worrying a bit too much. The power of a Saint has already been proven by Dao Ancestor Hongjun to be the ultimate aspiration of the cultivators in the Primordial Era. Since I have this opportunity, why would I stop?"
"Rest assured, as Dao Ancestor Hongjun's eldest disciple and holding the Primordial Purple Qi, my heart for the Dao is unshakable. Fellow Daoist Xu Fang need not test me further."
Listening to Taishang's sincere words, Xu Fang felt a sense of helplessness.
So, all his efforts, Taishang hadn't listened at all, thinking he was testing his resolve for the Dao?
To convince Taishang, Xu Fang decided to reveal some information. After a moment of thought, he spoke.
"Fellow Daoist Taishang, in truth, becoming a Saint is not as you imagine. After Nuwa became a Saint, have you ever seen her walk among the Primordial World?"
"This..."
Hearing Xu Fang's words, Taishang finally showed a hint of emotion.
Indeed, ever since Nuwa became a Saint, except for a visit to Mount Kunlun, he had never seen her again.
When Xu Fang caused havoc in the Demon Clan, Nuwa only made a brief appearance and then did not show herself in the Primordial World, as if she were simply retiring to Wa Palace.
Seeing Taishang moved, Xu Fang pressed his advantage and said.
"No need to think further. Everything has its price. Fellow Daoist Nuwa paid a price for becoming a Saint."
As for what that price was, Xu Fang did not elaborate. He believed that with Taishang's comprehension, he would have already figured it out.
Taishang could indeed figure it out. Reflecting on it now, it was terrifying.
Nuwa's price was her freedom!
Once, Fuxi and Nuwa, siblings, loved to wander the Primordial World, enjoying the scenery, exploring treasures, and discovering hidden wonders. But after Nuwa became a Saint, such things were never seen again!
This was certainly not because Nuwa, upon becoming a Saint, felt superior and no longer wished to appear in the Primordial World.
The Three Pure Ones might have such thoughts, especially Yuanshi, but with Nuwa's nature, she would definitely not think that way.
Therefore, the only possibility was that Nuwa was confined to Wa Palace and forbidden to leave.
And what power in this Primordial World could imprison a Saint like Nuwa? The answer was self-evident.
Thinking of this, Taishang suddenly looked up at Xu Fang and said blankly.
"Could it be..."
"Exactly. Fellow Daoist Taishang, it is good that you know. That one stabilizes the heavens and earth with this. This is merely a deception. Speak with caution!"
Xu Fang interrupted Taishang's unspoken thought, nodding in agreement with Taishang's unvoiced conclusion.
Alerted by Xu Fang, Taishang quickly shut his mouth, but his heart remained turbulent.
If this were true, then a Saint was not a transcendent being, but someone under the surveillance of another, with no freedom.
In that case, if he achieved Sainthood, would he also be confined to Mount Kunlun like Nuwa?
If so, what was the use of becoming a Saint? It would be better to remain at his current late-stage Quasi-Saint cultivation and be a free-spirited great power in the Primordial World. Wasn't that more appealing?
However, even though Taishang had thoughts of backing out, he couldn't help but sigh and say.
"As Fellow Daoist Xu Fang says, what we pursue is merely what that one wants us to pursue. I now understand the situation and naturally do not wish to be a part of it."
Taishang certainly did not want to be manipulated. He expressed his attitude at this moment, but his face still showed difficulty.
"However, I possess the Primordial Purple Qi and am a preordained future Saint. Even if I do not pursue this, I cannot escape it. I can only be propelled forward, unable to control myself!"
Taishang was filled with regret. Knowing the supposed Saint deception, the Primordial Purple Qi opportunity, which he once prided himself on, had now become his greatest trouble.
Speaking of this, Xu Fang's expression was no longer as grave. He looked at Taishang for a moment, confirmed something, and then chuckled.
"Fellow Daoist Taishang, do not panic. Since that is the case, you must not give up on becoming a Saint, but rather actively pursue it."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Taishang and the three spiritual beings manifested from his magic treasures all looked at Xu Fang with four bewildered faces.
My goodness, you were the one vehemently dissuading Taishang from becoming a Saint just now, and now you are strongly recommending it! Your change of heart is too rapid!
Taishang and his three magic treasure manifestations looked at Xu Fang with suspicion and doubt, backing away repeatedly.
They suspected that Xu Fang's mind might have been affected or even that he had been possessed, perhaps due to revealing heavenly secrets just now.
Otherwise, how could his words and actions be so inconsistent and contradictory in such a short period?
Seeing their fearful expressions, Xu Fang helplessly spoke quickly.
"Alright, why are you acting like this? I am fine, I am Xu Fang, the genuine article!"
Xu Fang spoke to prove his innocence, but Taishang and his magic treasures clearly did not believe him, continuing to retreat and shake their heads.
"Fine, I will just tell you directly. I have already found a way to help Taishang resolve this Primordial Purple Qi matter."
Seeing this, Xu Fang felt quite helpless and decided to reveal his thoughts.
"Since Fellow Daoist Taishang and those two fellow Daoists on Mount Kunlun all possess the Primordial Purple Qi and cannot easily escape, then the only way is to go with the flow and achieve Sainthood."
"You still dare to claim you are Fellow Daoist Xu Fang? Fellow Daoist Xu Fang just wanted to save me from the fire pit, but you only want to push me into it!"
Taishang reacted extremely strongly, increasingly suspecting the identity of the Xu Fang before him.
"Fine, if I were that one, you would have all your memories erased by me, and I wouldn't be wasting my breath on you?"
Xu Fang laughed in exasperation and spoke. These words made Taishang and the three magic treasure manifestations look at each other with uncertainty.
Indeed, that one's power surpassed all beings in the Primordial Era. If he were to appear here, while he might not kill them, would he allow his plans to be leaked? Would he engage in such wordplay with them?
"You are truly Fellow Daoist Xu Fang?"
"Genuine!"
"Then why did you just tell me not to become a Saint, and now you tell me to become one? Isn't this harming me?"
"Yesterday was yesterday, and today is today. Moreover, with the Primordial Purple Qi, Fellow Daoist Taishang cannot escape. Just go with the flow!"
"..."
Taishang was rendered speechless after this conversation with Xu Fang.
So, Xu Fang thought that since he possessed the Primordial Purple Qi and couldn't escape, he should just give up?
After all these years, calling him a good friend, and Xu Fang gave up on him without the slightest hesitation!
"Alright, put away that mournful look. When I told you to go with the flow, I didn't mean for you to jump into the fire pit."
Seeing Taishang looking as if he were about to cry, Xu Fang couldn't stand it and quickly said.
"Rest assured, I have already devised a method to break this Saint deception."
Upon hearing this, Taishang's heart suddenly rejoiced. Xu Fang actually had a way to deal with even that one's scheme?