Xu Fang, initially maintaining a composed demeanor upon seeing a treasure appear, even considering mocking Yang Mei Da Xian for years of fruitless observation. However, upon seeing the treasure after the light faded, Xu Fang was startled and exclaimed, losing his composure.
"This is!"
"Dao Seed!"
Xu Fang gazed at the treasure floating before his eyes. It was not a magical artifact, nor a spiritual root, but a Dao Seed, similar to what he had seen in the Crystal Palace. It appeared unremarkable, yet upon closer inspection, one could perceive an unfathomably profound and immensely powerful aura. Although he had only glimpsed it in front of Zu Long, Xu Fang had remembered it clearly. Even with a slight difference in aura, after careful examination, Xu Fang confirmed it was indeed a Dao Seed. After all, a mere glance at the treasure map beside him was enough to cross-reference it with this Dao Seed. He had been so focused on the treasure map earlier that he had forgotten to search this space for treasures.
"Yang Mei Da Xian, how can you possess such a thing?" Xu Fang shifted his gaze from the Dao Seed to Yang Mei. He wondered how Yang Mei had obtained such an item, and if he had heard correctly, Yang Mei had intended to give it to him as a meeting gift?
"So, Xu Fang, you recognize this item. That saves me quite some trouble." Yang Mei responded, though his tone suggested less delight than his words implied. After all, his grand entrance and introductions were skipped, and now even the treasure's explanation was unnecessary. Yang Mei had meticulously planned this encounter for a long time, but his efforts seemed to have been in vain. Nevertheless, Yang Mei's displeasure was fleeting, and he soon regained his smile, continuing to answer Xu Fang's question.
"Since you know my origins as a Chaos Demon God and you also know of this Dao Seed, it is only natural that I carry a few Dao Seeds with me, isn't it?"
Xu Fang's expression darkened, and he stared intently at Yang Mei. If his memory served him correctly, Zu Long had indeed mentioned that all three thousand Demon Gods possessed a Dao Seed, offering them a chance to attain the Great Dao Sage realm. However, each Chaos Demon God could only possess one Dao Seed at most. Yang Mei, having attained Hunyuan, had clearly relied on a Dao Seed, leaving no surplus. The claim of casually carrying several Dao Seeds was preposterous; did Yang Mei truly consider him a child?
Sensing Xu Fang's unfriendly gaze, Yang Mei also suppressed his smile. "Alright, this Dao Seed was obtained by me when Pangu killed the Chaos Demon Gods." Yang Mei sighed, revealing the origin of the Dao Seed. "Honestly, why does meeting Xu Fang feel so different from my expectations? It's not just that he isn't awed and respectful; it feels like I have to constantly appease him!"
However, Xu Fang appeared satisfied with this explanation and nodded. "That makes sense." Xu Fang looked at Yang Mei and said, then changed the subject. "However, Yang Mei Da Xian, for such a precious item, what is your intention in giving it to me as a meeting gift?" The Dao Seed was a higher-level existence than the Primordial Violet Qi. They were not close, yet he was giving such a valuable item upon their first meeting. If he claimed there was no ulterior motive, Xu Fang truly wouldn't believe it. Therefore, despite his covetous desire for the Dao Seed, Xu Fang suppressed his inner urges. Unsolicited kindness often hid malicious intent; it was better to clarify things!
"Xu Fang, you are too cautious. However, this caution only further proves that my choice was correct." Yang Mei praised Xu Fang, then smiled. "But you don't need to worry. I have no ill intentions. My intentions have already been stated as clearly as possible." With that, Yang Mei stared intently at Xu Fang, appearing confident of his success, and awaited Xu Fang's reply.
Xu Fang looked at Yang Mei's demeanor and the floating Dao Seed, his thoughts racing. After a moment of consideration, Xu Fang abandoned the idea of snatching the Dao Seed and teleporting away, shaking his head in resignation. "Yang Mei Da Xian, what you have spoken of is of great importance, and I cannot give you a satisfactory answer at this moment. This Dao Seed..." Xu Fang's words implied he was forfeiting this fated encounter. While the Dao Seed was indeed excellent, if he were to accept it greedily and agree to Yang Mei's terms, escaping later might not be so easy. Furthermore, with the treasure map in hand, finding Dao Seeds wouldn't be difficult; there was no need to put himself in jeopardy for a single one.
However, as Xu Fang spoke halfway, Yang Mei directly interrupted him. "Xu Fang, you need not worry. You can just consider what I've said, the outcome is not important." Yang Mei did not use the treasure as leverage but instead comforted Xu Fang. "Moreover, as I said, this is a meeting gift for you. If I were to add any conditions, it would cease to be pure." Yang Mei also wanted it to be pure, but in that case, Xu Fang truly wouldn't accept the Dao Seed.
Hearing Yang Mei's words and seeing his sincere expression, Xu Fang pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, this item is exactly what I need. I shall accept it." Xu Fang spoke, collecting the floating Dao Seed. However, he added, "But I cannot guarantee that I will give you a satisfactory answer regarding what you mentioned, Yang Mei Da Xian. You must understand."
"I naturally understand." Yang Mei nodded, quite satisfied, as if he were the one receiving the treasure, not the one giving it. This made Xu Fang even more bewildered. What exactly was Yang Mei Da Xian up to?
Yang Mei's thoughts were actually quite simple. Even if Xu Fang hadn't agreed, Xu Fang's current actions, such as assisting Hou Tu in forming the Samsara and revealing the Primordial Earth Dao, were already in line with his expectations. In that case, Xu Fang's lack of verbal agreement did not hinder the things he was doing. And he, having placed his hopes on Xu Fang, naturally wished for him to go further. Giving him a Dao Seed was precisely to empower him and facilitate his actions. It was a win-win situation, and the more, the better!
"I have accepted the Dao Seed, and I have not yet agreed to your terms." Xu Fang couldn't fathom Yang Mei's intentions. Since the Dao Seed was safely in his possession and there seemed to be no hidden tricks, he decided to put the matter aside and inquire about something else. "However, I am curious, Yang Mei Da Xian, you mentioned you and your friends. May I ask who are among them?" Xu Fang was genuinely curious this time. In his memory, the powerful beings on par with Yang Mei had all perished in the conflict between the Dao and Demonic realms, with figures like the Chaos Sect Master and the Yin-Yang Holy Lord being dead and gone. If Yang Mei was undertaking such a grand endeavor, he wouldn't truly be lacking in manpower, thus intending to recruit him, a mere shrimp stuck at the Quasi-Saint stage, would he?