This voice echoed within the collapsing congenital great array, accompanied by a radiant spectacle that startled Xu Fang and all the magic treasures.
"What's going on? Is it a case of 'speak of the devil'? It's happening just as we mention it!"
"Wait! Doesn't this voice sound a bit familiar?"
"Gou Shen Qiang, are you slacking off again? Hurry up, everyone, snap to it! Something unexpected has happened!"
The magic treasures spoke one after another. Even though the voice and the scene were sudden and strange, they weren't afraid.
Not only were they not afraid, but they sounded eager and ready to fight!
Xu Fang, listening to their words, understood the reason for their restless excitement.
After all, they had been on high alert the entire journey, and it would be a bit disappointing if nothing happened!
However, Xu Fang wasn't as relaxed as they were. After all, it concerned his fellow穿越者 (chuānyuè zhě - transmigrator), whose cultivation level was unknown, and whether they were friend or foe was unclear.
Fortunately, Xu Fang had already considered a retreat. While remaining vigilant, he looked at the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda, which had been resting on the Treasure Distribution Rock.
The Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda stirred, signaling Xu Fang to relax.
Xu Fang nodded. This way, if any unforeseen circumstances arose that he couldn't handle, the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda could help him escape.
As for the other magic treasures, there was no need to worry; they could instantly flee the battlefield through the teleportation channel.
With everything confirmed to be foolproof, Xu Fang's gaze returned to the collapsing great array. He calmed himself and spoke loudly.
"Have you been waiting for me for a long time? Coincidentally, I've also been searching for you. Since we've met here, why must you continue to play coy? Please reveal your true form!"
Xu Fang's words fell silent, and he stared intently at the spot, eager to see the appearance of this being and understand the purpose behind these actions!
As Xu Fang's voice faded, the voice responded, but it no longer held the mysterious tone from before. Instead, it was filled with confusion.
"Hmm? You're looking for me? Do you also have a grudge against Hongjun?"
"Hmm?"
Xu Fang heard the voice, feeling perplexed. However, seeing the light gradually dissipate, he couldn't afford to overthink it. He stared intently at the spot, his fists clenched nervously.
As the light completely dispersed, the figure fully revealed itself to Xu Fang and the assembled treasures.
Xu Fang sighed inwardly, finally seeing the true face of this individual after so many years!
"Who are you?"
Xu Fang asked in a deep voice. To his surprise, the figure also uttered the same question.
Xu Fang heard this and, seeing the unfamiliar face filled with confusion, let out a cold chuckle.
"Sir, you've gone to such lengths to lure me here. Stop pretending. Let's be frank: do you want to fight or make peace?"
Xu Fang refused to believe that this fellow was truly clueless. He was still plotting some scheme, and Xu Fang had no idea what it was.
The figure stared at Xu Fang for a long time, shaking its head repeatedly.
"I truly don't recognize you. I've never seen you before. You must have misunderstood."
Having said this, the figure chuckled.
"However, I can guess a thing or two about what you're referring to. You've come for this, haven't you?"
As the figure spoke, it flipped its wrist, revealing a key in its hand – the very last key Xu Fang had been searching for.
Seeing this, Xu Fang was even less inclined to believe the figure's evasive words. His expression grew solemn.
If this fellow had directly attacked him, it would have been simpler; he could run if he couldn't win.
But now, with the figure pretending to be ignorant, Xu Fang was truly at a loss. He had no idea what its ultimate goal was!
"Since you know I'm looking for this item, why don't you understand what I'm saying? Stop pretending; we're all in a hurry."
"Wait! This guy really isn't pretending; he probably genuinely doesn't know you!"
Just as Xu Fang was speaking, Gou Shen Qiang's voice suddenly rang out. It left the array of magic treasures and floated before Xu Fang.
"Gou Shen Qiang!"
Upon seeing Gou Shen Qiang, the figure became visibly excited and instinctively moved forward. However, the other magic treasures were not to be trifled with. They unleashed their power, successfully blocking its path.
Xu Fang was astonished and quickly inquired.
"Gou Shen Qiang, what's going on?"
Gou Shen Qiang shifted its orientation, as if turning to look at the figure, and spoke slowly.
"I don't know anything about what happened with the Nine Gates of Kunlun Mountain and Lu Wu, the Open Heaven Beast. However, I can confirm with absolute certainty that this is not his doing."
Xu Fang was even more astonished, unsure of what was happening. Before he could speak, Liang Tian Chi couldn't contain himself and shouted.
"How can you be so sure? Stop talking nonsense and come back here! Don't slack off!"
"Of course, I'm sure. When I followed him, he was merely a mere Da Luo Golden Immortal, busy traveling through the Primordial Era with Hongjun. How could he have caused all this?"
Gou Shen Qiang retorted indignantly.
"Even if Patriarch Luohu is capable, that's a matter for later. I've been watching him the whole time. How could he have done this?"
"Patriarch Luohu!"
Upon hearing Gou Shen Qiang's words, Xu Fang exclaimed, his gaze falling upon the figure.
When the figure heard Xu Fang's words, it was startled, but then it became overjoyed.
"You recognize me? Did Gou Shen Qiang tell you? You are indeed the one I've been waiting for!"
Saying this, the figure no longer concealed itself, or perhaps it hadn't concealed itself from the beginning.
"That's right, I am Patriarch Luohu, and I have been waiting here for you for a long time!"
As Patriarch Luohu spoke, his gaze upon Xu Fang became increasingly radiant.
Listening to his words and observing his actions, this was indeed the being he had been waiting for!
"Patriarch Luohu, you really aren't dead!"
Xu Fang had already suspected that Patriarch Luohu was lurking somewhere in the chaotic sea, secretly observing the Primordial World and waiting for an opportunity.
However, he never imagined it would be him, and that he would encounter him here!
After the initial shock, he regained his composure.
The most pressing matter now was to clarify what was happening here. Therefore, Xu Fang pushed Gou Shen Qiang aside and busied himself with questioning.
"So, what do you mean by misunderstanding? These events here, they weren't caused by you?"
"Of course not. I, Luohu, stand by my actions. If I did it, why wouldn't I admit it?"
"Heh! You destroyed the West, ran away, and are now plotting to return to the Primordial World. Is that what you call standing by your actions?"
Xu Fang couldn't help but mock him, which visibly displeased Patriarch Luohu. Before he could retort, Xu Fang spoke first.
"You say these things weren't done by you, yet you also say you've been waiting for me here for a long time. Isn't that a contradiction?"
Even with Gou Shen Qiang's assurance, Xu Fang found a flaw in Patriarch Luohu's words.
Xu Fang already had a suspicion forming in his mind: could it be that his fellow transmigrator had, by sheer bad luck, transmigrated into the destined-to-fail Luohu?
And since he hadn't succeeded in defying fate, he had left behind a contingency plan, intending to trick Xu Fang into helping him?