Xu Fang was unaware that the gazes of the beings in the Primordial Era were mostly focused on him. After absorbing the merit that enveloped him, he felt his own realm and cultivation, and was quite dissatisfied.
Logically speaking, with so much merit, becoming a Saint should have been a certainty.
However, he was completely blocked by the Heavenly Dao, with no sign of any change. It felt like he was just a bystander, which was truly frustrating.
Therefore, when Xu Fang saw Yuan Shi and Tong Tian achieve sainthood, his spirits were low, and he quietly departed.
Forget it, it was impossible to expect the Heavenly Dao to be fair. He might as well go back to Penglai Immortal Island and cultivate obediently!
However, even with the Chaos Bead, Dao Seed, and Law of Strength all complete, Xu Fang still felt uneasy, lacking absolute certainty.
He wondered if it was truly as he suspected, that the restrictions on the Primordial Heaven and Earth would only be lifted and other Saints could emerge after the Six Saints were in place.
But if Xu Fang were to help the two from the West, he would absolutely refuse.
It was enough if he didn't cause trouble for them; how could he possibly help them?
And at this moment, seeing Yuan Shi and Tong Tian become Saints, Xu Fang was, without exception, a witness from the side. The beings of the Primordial Era increasingly believed Xu Fang to be the Saint-guiding master and Saint-witness, marveling at his deeds.
They all saw this as an arrangement by Ancestor Hongjun, or rather, an instruction from the Heavenly Dao, to have Xu Fang oversee and witness the birth of these Saints.
This included Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren from the West.
However, the more they confirmed this, the more hopeless their future seemed.
Xu Fang's status and position were already evident; it seemed impossible for them to achieve sainthood without bypassing him.
But upon remembering Xu Fang's past grievances with them, they felt immense suffering. Now, there was truly no hope.
They exchanged glances, filled with resentment. Why choose Xu Fang among the Ancestor Dao and Heavenly Dao? Wasn't this just causing them trouble?
However, they were unaware that both the Heavenly Dao and Ancestor Dao were filled with confusion at this moment.
"Has this Xu Fang become addicted to witnessing the achievement of sainthood? Perhaps we should eliminate him first?"
Ancestor Hongjun, sensing the Heavenly Dao's indecision, was the first to propose.
"It matters not. A fleeting appearance, an insignificant existence."
The Heavenly Dao rejected Hongjun's proposal. Although somewhat surprised by Xu Fang, the matter of Fu Xi had confirmed that Xu Fang was utterly incapable of opposing it, and thus, it did not take Xu Fang seriously.
"Our most important task is to proceed according to the plan. Those two from the West should also achieve sainthood, and the war between the Wu and Yao tribes should be accelerated."
The Heavenly Dao instructed and then vanished.
"I will manage this matter."
Hongjun responded. Sensing the complete disappearance of the Heavenly Dao's power, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Xu Fang, oh Xu Fang, don't be so high-profile! I've helped you evade this one by retreating to advance. Don't mess around anymore!"
As for the matters the Heavenly Dao had instructed, Ancestor Hongjun paid them no mind. He would delay as much as possible. Ideally, if the West never achieved sainthood, then Xu Fang and Yang Mei could prepare at their leisure.
Therefore, Ancestor Hongjun simply stood by and did nothing, allowing the achievement of sainthood by Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren to be continuously delayed, becoming a laughingstock of the Primordial Era.
After all, other destined Saints had achieved sainthood, and even Hou Tu, who was not originally destined, had become a Saint by transforming into the cycle of reincarnation with Xu Fang's help. Yet, Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren remained inactive. Wasn't this holding back the Saints?
Hongjun remained deaf to their plight, showing no intention of helping. He would drag it out as long as possible, and if the Heavenly Dao didn't come, he would continue to delay.
Ancestor Hongjun's original intention was good, to gain time for Xu Fang and Yang Mei. However, this time, it seemed to have backfired.
Boom!
On Penglai Immortal Island, Xu Fang failed to break through yet again and retreated from the chaotic space within the Chaos Bead, sighing incessantly.
"Alas, is my approach wrong? Shall I try a different posture?"
The Chaos Bead said cautiously. It had initially been filled with 98% hope, but now, after so many years and so many attempts, it had still not succeeded.
Even though Xu Fang did not blame it, the Chaos Bead felt ashamed.
"It has nothing to do with you."
Xu Fang said to comfort it, then sighed.
"It seems that as long as those two from the West have not achieved sainthood, it is a restriction. I simply cannot become a Saint!"
"What can be done? Those two from the West look not very intelligent and not very capable. When will such weaklings achieve sainthood!"
The Chaos Bead complained bitterly, filled with resentment.
It was bad enough that the West was useless, but they were also delaying their master. Truly unforgivable!
Xu Fang was also distressed. These Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren were so useless, yet they were blocking his path, sealing the door. What was this supposed to mean!
Just as Xu Fang was in distress, the voice of the Yellow Middle Plum reached him, echoing in his heart.
"Little Xu, come out for a moment. There are two unlucky fellows outside Penglai Immortal Island!"
"Unlucky fellows? Could it be!"
Xu Fang's heart stirred upon hearing this. He immediately activated his movement technique, leaving his secluded cultivation and appearing outside Penglai Immortal Island.
Looking out, as expected, those two unlucky fellows were Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren from the West.
Seeing Xu Fang arrive, Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren exchanged glances, nodded, and immediately went to greet him.
"Daoist Xu Fang, long time no see, your demeanor remains as elegant as ever!"
"Indeed, such grace, we admire it greatly!"
Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren forced themselves to greet him. Of course, they did not want to face Xu Fang, but they had no choice. Their expressions were extremely conflicted at this moment.
Seeing their state, Xu Fang immediately understood their intentions and smiled.
"Alright, enough with the pleasantries. You came here to find me, aren't you here for sainthood?"
"This!"
Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren were taken aback by Xu Fang's directness and were at a loss for words, remaining frozen.
Xu Fang's idea was simple: since these two were blocking him, he might as well help them through the gate quickly, so they wouldn't continue to obstruct his path to achieving sainthood!
Seeing their dazed appearance, he then said.
"So you're not here for that? Then there's nothing to discuss. Goodbye!"
As Xu Fang spoke, he made to leave. Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren snapped back to their senses and quickly called out.
"Daoist Xu Fang, please don't rush. We came precisely for this matter!"
"Yes, it's just that we didn't expect Daoist Xu Fang to be so forthright. Please, Daoist Xu Fang, guide us!"
The purpose of Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren's visit was precisely this matter. How could they let such an opportunity slip by?
Seeing this, Xu Fang wasted no more words and said.
"Alright, enough with the nonsense. Achieving sainthood is very easy for you. Make a grand vow and borrow merit from heaven."
"That's it. Hurry home, wash up, and go to sleep! You'll achieve sainthood when you wake up!"
Xu Fang waved his hand, wanting only to quickly send these two back to achieve sainthood. He was truly disgusted by being blocked!