The sudden attack caught Xu Fang and his two companions, who were immersed in the joy of finding a treasure, completely off guard, their faces paling in shock.
The fierce assault was aimed directly at the Golden-Winged Great Peng, its speed so swift that it left no time for defense. It was about to strike.
"Be careful!" Ao Xue exclaimed, her voice laced with extreme tension.
However, the Golden-Winged Great Peng, with its cultivation as a Great Luo Golden Immortal, knew it couldn't withstand the attack. It instinctively dodged to the side.
The attack landed, grazing the Golden-Winged Great Peng and creating a bottomless pit on the ground below, spewing billowing black smoke that was a terrifying sight.
Seeing that the Golden-Winged Great Peng was unharmed, Xu Fang felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, although the attack was sharp and ferocious, its primary purpose seemed to be to prevent the Golden-Winged Great Peng from obtaining the treasure. Otherwise, at this distance, the power released would have been enough to severely injure the Golden-Winged Great Peng.
Enraged at being thwarted in acquiring the treasure and nearly injured, the Golden-Winged Great Peng brandished the painting pole Fangtian halberd in its hand and bellowed, "Who dares to launch such a sneak attack and obstruct my treasure acquisition? Do you dare to come out and fight honorably!"
Xu Fang and Ao Xue also looked up towards the entrance of the cave, eager to see who had disrupted their treasure hunt. Xu Fang, however, felt a strange sense of familiarity with the voice, as if he had heard it somewhere before.
"Hmph! Kid, this treasure is not for you to covet. Move aside!" the voice sounded again, and a figure appeared at the cave entrance.
Xu Fang looked at the figure and immediately understood. "So that's why it sounded so familiar. It's an old acquaintance!" Xu Fang mused to himself, never expecting to encounter this person again upon returning to the East Sea.
As the figure landed, its gaze naturally fell upon the Golden-Winged Great Peng, who had spoken first. The newcomer shook its head with disdain. "Great Luo Golden Immortal? Heh, not even enough to tickle my teeth!" Although this great bird possessed the cultivation of an early-stage Great Luo Golden Immortal, the newcomer felt they could crush it effortlessly.
Its gaze shifted to Ao Xue, standing beside the Golden-Winged Great Peng, showing even more undisguised contempt. "Taiyi Golden Immortal? Dare to roam about with such a cultivation level?" This was merely a Taiyi Golden Immortal; dealing with such a being would be easy, a mere flick of the wrist to suppress.
"You!" Both the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue felt immensely indignant. However, they could also sense the mid-stage Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivation of the newcomer, and could only vent their fury impotently.
"Senior, this fellow is too arrogant. Please, senior, teach him a harsh lesson!"
"Indeed, senior, don't let him off! Senior, why are you standing in the darkness?" The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue knew they were no match for the approaching opponent and pleaded with Xu Fang to act. However, they were puzzled as to why their "senior" was hiding in the shadows, seemingly trying to conceal himself.
"Senior? Heh heh!" The newcomer stood at the cave entrance, following the gazes of the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue towards Xu Fang's location. "I'd like to see how your 'senior' intends to teach me a lesson! Wait, is that you!"
As Xu Fang saw the newcomer looking his way, he said no more. He stepped out of the darkness, revealing himself once more in the light, a smile on his face as he looked at the approaching figure. Upon seeing Xu Fang's face clearly, the newcomer, before even finishing his words, exclaimed in shock.
"It's me." Xu Fang waved at the figure, offering a greeting. "Long time no see. How have you been?"
"Senior, you know each other?" The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue were both astonished. This fellow clearly was accustomed to arrogance and looked down on everyone. His demeanor was completely different from their senior. How could these two know each other?
"More than just know each other, we're very well acquainted!" Xu Fang nodded, looking at the figure and speaking. "Right, Dong Wang Gong? Have you detoxified yourself from the Three-Light Divine Water yet?" The newcomer was indeed Dong Wang Gong, the first being Xu Fang had encountered after leaving seclusion. He hadn't expected to meet him again upon returning to the East Sea.
Dong Wang Gong, upon seeing Xu Fang, felt a headache coming on. Hearing about the Three-Light Divine Water brought back memories of that unpleasant experience. "Why is it you again! Why are you everywhere!" Dong Wang Gong cried out. He had finally detoxified himself from the Three-Light Divine Water and sensed an opportunity, coming to find treasure. He never expected to run into this bane of his existence again!
Just then, a clear, melodious female voice rang out. "What, Dong Wang Gong, haven't you resolved it yet?" As the voice faded, a graceful figure descended, appearing beside Dong Wang Gong.
Seeing this, Dong Wang Gong quickly stopped his outcry and responded hastily. "Almost, almost, just encountered an old acquaintance." Dong Wang Gong glanced at the woman, then at the composed Xu Fang, gritted his teeth, and immediately made a decision. He strode forward. Xu Fang and his companions grew wary, thinking Dong Wang Gong was about to attack.
However, Dong Wang Gong walked over without making a move and whispered to Xu Fang, "Fellow Daoist, a word in private." With that, he grabbed Xu Fang, regardless of his consent, and pulled him aside.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue exchanged glances. Dong Wang Gong's earlier demeanor suggested he had a significant conflict with their senior. Yet, now he was pulling their senior aside for a whispered conversation, as if they were friends who hadn't seen each other in years. They were utterly bewildered about Dong Wang Gong's relationship with their senior.
It wasn't just them who were confused; Xu Fang was equally bewildered, looking at the secretive Dong Wang Gong with a puzzled expression. "What are you doing? We have a feud!" Xu Fang stated. It was said that enemies meet with eyes burning red. Why was Dong Wang Gong, who had been shouting earlier, acting like this now? Xu Fang couldn't help but glance at the woman standing at the cave entrance. She possessed a graceful figure and a face of unparalleled beauty, truly a rare celestial being. Dong Wang Gong's expression had changed instantly upon her appearance. One moment he was about to confront Xu Fang, the next he was arm in arm. There had to be a significant issue here, and it was likely related to this woman!
"Fellow Daoist, speak softly, lest she overhears," Dong Wang Gong whispered to Xu Fang, seemingly afraid of the woman at the cave entrance. This only deepened Xu Fang's confusion. He couldn't help but ask, "Dong Wang Gong, what's going on? You don't mean...?" Xu Fang winked at Dong Wang Gong, implying that perhaps he had some unsavory business with the woman.
"Fellow Daoist, you see clearly!" Dong Wang Gong gave Xu Fang a thumbs-up, praising him. "Fellow Daoist, this is my destined Dao companion, a match made in heaven. I implore you to grant your favor!" Upon hearing this, Xu Fang confirmed his suspicions! He never imagined that Dong Wang Gong, too, would have his spring.