The Kongtong Seal, situated within the Grand Formation of Innate Power, was exposed the moment the formation manifested. Being thus revealed, it felt an immense awkwardness at the little Qilin's words.
Did this little one not know how to speak? If it remained silent, no one would mistake it for a mute Qilin!
However, it was too late. As the little Qilin spoke, the multitude of spiritual treasures in the sky burst into laughter.
"Haha! I was wondering where you, Kongtong Seal, had hidden. So, you intended to burrow underground!"
"Kongtong Seal, are you trying to make us die of laughter? With the chat group in existence, even if you escaped to the ends of the earth, we would still be able to track you down!"
"Kongtong Seal! You're something else, what a brilliant idea!"
The spiritual treasures found it amusing. The Kongtong Seal's idea was indeed clever, attempting to escape by digging underground.
But its thoughts were far too naive. Did it truly believe it could escape their clutches with this? Justice's decree!
It was futile. As long as this chat group existed and they knew of the Kongtong Seal's whereabouts, no matter where it fled, they could guide Xu Fang in pursuit.
The Kongtong Seal might escape for a moment, but could it escape forever?
Besides, it was merely a spiritual treasure. Where could it possibly go?
Hearing their words, the Kongtong Seal understood the logic and reluctantly gave up.
"Then what can be done? I am merely an Innate Spirit Treasure. Why do you insist on pursuing me so relentlessly?"
The Kongtong Seal chuckled bitterly. It did not wish to be captured without a fight, so it had taken steps for self-preservation.
However, plans could not keep up with change. Who knew these fellows would arrive so quickly? It had barely begun its escape when it was caught red-handed.
These fellows were here, mocking it. The Kongtong Seal felt utterly despondent, only able to embrace its weak, pitiable, and helpless self with heartache.
Who had it offended? It merely wished to dwell among the human race, live a leisurely life as a 'salted fish' treasure, and yet even this was not permitted?
Seeing his spiritual treasures behaving in such a manner, making it seem like a band of robbers, Xu Fang was utterly speechless. He quickly waved his hand to stop their taunts and transmitted his voice to the Kongtong Seal.
"Enough, Kongtong Seal. There's no need for further talk. You know me, and you should know why I am here."
"I naturally know!"
The Kongtong Seal exclaimed loudly upon hearing this.
"Your reputation, Xu Fang, is known from Penglai Immortal Island to the Heavenly Court of the Demon Race. No treasure is unaware of it. How could I not know?"
Xu Fang looked at the Kongtong Seal's boisterous display with helplessness. If you know, you know. Why shout so loudly?
It made it seem as though he had done something to you. Can you not speak normally?
However, since the Kongtong Seal was aware of these matters, Xu Fang wasted no more words and got straight to the point.
"Since you know, let's dispense with the pleasantries. I am here for the sake of the human race. As a supreme treasure of the human race, are you willing to contribute?"
Upon hearing this, the Kongtong Seal hesitated but soon replied.
"I regret to decline! Although I dearly wish to go with you, the destiny I sense is not meant to be this way. My belonging lies with another."
The Kongtong Seal ultimately decided to refuse Xu Fang and truthfully conveyed its thoughts.
Every treasure that emerged into existence had its destiny and rightful owner. Even if it could not perceive it clearly, a treasure could sense it subconsciously.
In the Kongtong Seal's view, this was not the opportune moment for its emergence, and Xu Fang, despite his renowned reputation in the world of treasures, was not its destined owner.
The Kongtong Seal had grown accustomed to its life of ease here and preferred to follow its destiny without unnecessary complications.
"Heh heh! Destiny?"
Xu Fang let out a cold laugh.
So, this whole charade of burrowing underground and attempting to escape was merely because of this so-called 'destiny'?
If not for the mention of destiny, Xu Fang would have been fine. But the moment it was brought up, he felt a surge of anger and immediately questioned it.
"Is it destiny that the human race is being oppressed by the demon race? Is it destiny that I stand by and watch the weak human race be bullied?"
"If what you say is true, the human race would have been extinct long ago. How could it exist today?"
"Destiny is immutable. If everything is already predetermined, why should we, sentient beings and treasures, strive? Wouldn't it be better for everyone to just lie flat?"
Xu Fang himself had once firmly believed in the immutability of destiny, acting with caution and restraint.
The result of this was the tragic death of Dong Wang Gong, leaving Xu Fang with nothing but regret.
Xu Fang could not bear to experience such powerlessness again. He no longer feared destiny or hesitated to act.
With this barrage of reprimands, the Kongtong Seal was at a loss for words, stammering and unable to respond.
Xu Fang paid it no further mind and directed the assembled treasures to break the formation.
With the efforts of the multitude of spiritual treasures, the Grand Formation of Innate Power was easily breached, collapsing with a roar and fully exposing the Kongtong Seal.
The Kongtong Seal dared not make any move, as the treasures now surrounded it completely, leaving it with no chance of escape.
"Kongtong Seal, I intend to defy the heavens. Today, I shall have you emerge prematurely to aid me and the human race."
Xu Fang gazed at the Kongtong Seal, encircled by the treasures, and spoke with a smile.
"It would be best if you comply. If not, having them beat you up first and then comply is also acceptable."
"Destiny is immutable? I want to see what happens if it is defied!"
Looking at Xu Fang's smiling yet somewhat deranged expression, and the eager treasures around him, the Kongtong Seal sighed helplessly and said.
"Alas! You truly are a lunatic! Fine, fine. Since things have come to this, there's nothing I can do."
What else could it do? It was merely an Innate Spirit Treasure.
Under such circumstances, no matter how displeased it was with Xu Fang's talk of destiny, it had no choice but to submit to the power of Xu Fang's treasures.
If you can't beat them, join them. At least Xu Fang's intentions were for the good of the human race. As a treasure of the human race, going with the flow might indeed benefit them.
And if it dared to refuse, it would have to fight the assembled treasures. Facing so many, even with its confidence, it wouldn't be so foolish as to court death.
"Alright, then let's not waste time. I wish to comprehend the cultivation techniques from you and impart them to the human race."
Xu Fang stated. Under the pressure of the assembled treasures, the Kongtong Seal obediently flew over and landed beside Xu Fang.
Xu Fang sat cross-legged, his magical power surging forth. He soon established a magical link with the Kongtong Seal and began to refine this treasure, intending to comprehend its inherent cultivation techniques.
"This!"
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and the other two exchanged bewildered glances.
It was over just like that?
It felt as if nothing significant had happened, yet everything had been decided.
What had they missed? They couldn't understand at all!
However, seeing Xu Fang sitting cross-legged and entering a state of seclusion, they dared not ask further questions. They quietly sat down, guarding him.
A sense of loss lingered in their hearts. How come they felt no sense of participation in this treasure-seeking endeavor?