In the vast and ancient wilderness, treasures abound, and among them, countless pagoda-like magical artifacts exist. Within this myriad of pagoda treasures, four stand out, hailed as the Four Great Pagodas of the Primordial Era.
The foremost among these is, of course, the Heaven and Earth Profound Yellow Exquisite Pagoda. This pagoda, much like the Measure Heaven Ruler, is a treasure of merit, possessing astonishing power and unparalleled defense.
Ranking second is the Haotian Pagoda, a supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure. This was a gift from Dao Ancestor Hongjun to Haotian, along with the Mirror of Haotian and the Emperor Sword of Heaven, when Haotian ascended to rule the Heavenly Court, aiding him in stabilizing its dominion.
Third in line is the Four Symbols Pagoda, a acquired spiritual treasure. It is one of the four major magical artifacts of Jin Ling Sheng Mu, the senior disciple of the Jie Teachings, and is known alongside the Dragon-Tiger Ruyi, the Seven Fragrance Chariot, and the Flying Gold Sword as the Four Symbols Treasures.
The fourth pagoda is the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda, the very item Xu Fang is currently examining.
Recalling the events involving the Li family father and son, Xu Fang traced the origins of this treasure. The Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda did not originally belong to Li Jing. It was the magical artifact of Randeng Daoren, who resided in the Yuanjue Cave of Mount Lingjiu. During the Investiture of the Gods calamity, upon witnessing Li Jing being relentlessly pursued and battered by Nezha, Randeng Daoren bestowed this artifact upon Li Jing to counter Nezha. With this treasure, Li Jing managed to subdue Nezha and subject him to fiery torment. While it didn't completely tame the rebellious son, it at least spared Li Jing from the constant pursuit and escape.
"So, this item rightfully belonged to Randeng Daoren?"
This thought led Xu Fang to consider the future Vice-Leader of the Chan Teachings, Randeng Daoren. Randeng Daoren was indeed a mighty figure in the world, and among the future quasi-saints, his abilities might not have matched those of immensely powerful beings like Donghuang Taiyi or Kong Xuan. However, what Randeng Daoren was most celebrated for was not his power, but his foresight.
When the Six Sages were established, knowing his own path to sainthood was blocked, he decisively pledged allegiance to Yuanshi Tianzun, thus securing the position of Vice-Leader. Within the Chan Teachings, he became second only to the Heavenly Lord, enjoying a status where even Guangchengzi, Yuanshi Tianzun's senior disciple, had to address him as "Martial Uncle."
After the Battle of Investiture of the Gods, Randeng Daoren clearly perceived that the Chan Teachings had no future. He then decisively switched his allegiance to the West. Furthermore, not only did Randeng Daoren change his own affiliation, but he also took along several Golden Immortals from the Chan Teachings, such as Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun and Cihang Daoren, rendering the title of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Teachings a mere mockery.
Setting aside considerations of morality, Randeng Daoren's vision was undeniably sharp. By joining the Western Teachings, he eventually rose to become the Past Buddha, Randeng Buddha.
"Hmph! In the end, he's nothing more than a self-serving individual, a scoundrel who abandons righteousness for profit!" Xu Fang scoffed inwardly, utterly disdainful of Randeng Daoren's actions. Since this treasure had no definitive owner, Xu Fang saw no reason why he shouldn't claim it before Randeng Daoren.
Despite being an acquired spiritual treasure, the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda possessed immense power and housed seven unique artifacts. With the prospect of acquiring eight treasures from this treasure hunt, Xu Fang was certainly not going to let this opportunity slip away.
If the treasure had originally belonged to someone else, Xu Fang might have hesitated, contemplating whether his actions were truly honorable. However, given that it was Randeng Daoren, there was no issue. If Randeng Daoren could be opportunistic and change loyalties repeatedly, why couldn't Xu Fang seize the initiative?
With a thought, Xu Fang moved the cursor on the map to the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda, marking its location. Opening his eyes, he met the expectant gaze of the Golden-Winged Great Peng. Seeing this, Xu Fang nodded and waved his hand.
"The treasure has been confirmed! Let's go! Treasure hunting!"
"Excellent! My Primordial Era treasure hunting journey has finally begun!" The Golden-Winged Great Peng was immensely excited, finally to embark on a legendary quest alongside a senior figure!
Xu Fang glanced at the ecstatically agitated Golden-Winged Great Peng with a hint of helplessness. "It's just treasure hunting, isn't it? Look at you getting so worked up. Alas!" Having already acquired so many treasures, Xu Fang had long lost his initial excitement and now felt utterly indifferent. This filled the Golden-Winged Great Peng with admiration. Indeed, a senior who had walked the path of treasure hunting for so long had reached a point where he viewed treasures as mere dirt; he was truly a paragon of treasure hunters! With trembling hands, he suppressed his excitement and followed behind Xu Fang.
Following the map's guidance, Xu Fang led the Golden-Winged Great Peng at full speed. The journey was uneventful, and they soon approached the location of the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda.
"The treasure is not far ahead. Let us proceed with caution." Xu Fang slowed his pace and turned to instruct the Golden-Winged Great Peng.
Although the Golden-Winged Great Peng followed Xu Fang's instructions and reduced his flying speed, he was still perplexed and asked, "Senior, why is this so? The treasure is right before us. We should just descend directly to that spot, why the need for such caution?" The Golden-Winged Great Peng could not understand why they should slow down when the treasure was within reach.
"Ah, there's something you don't know yet, Great Peng." Since the Golden-Winged Great Peng had joined his treasure hunting team, Xu Fang felt it was only right to impart some of his treasure hunting experience and teach him how to hunt for treasures.
"The first rule of Primordial Era treasure hunting: if nothing unexpected happens, something unexpected will. When a treasure appears, it is inevitably accompanied by fierce competition and struggle among countless cultivators. One must be extremely cautious, extremely cautious." Xu Fang explained that any treasure or sacred land, upon its emergence, would invariably attract opportunities, drawing beings who could sense these opportunities, leading to inevitable conflicts to determine its ownership. Such occurrences were commonplace in the Primordial Era. Hearing Xu Fang's words and recalling his own experience of being surrounded and attacked by demons, the Golden-Winged Great Peng understood.
"Senior is indeed a senior. Great Peng has learned a great deal!" The Golden-Winged Great Peng was thoroughly convinced. His senior was vastly experienced, and there was still much for him to learn.
Xu Fang nodded, saying no more. He then led the Golden-Winged Great Peng, concealing their presence, and moved towards the direction of the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda. The reason for his caution was twofold. Firstly, this was indeed a common occurrence in the Primordial Era, almost unavoidable. Secondly, the map indicated that the location of the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda was not the only treasure present; there were several other items there.
"The Spirit Casket Lamp!" Xu Fang looked at the most conspicuous treasure and sighed inwardly. The Spirit Casket Lamp was Randeng Daoren's companion artifact. Since the Spirit Casket Lamp was located where the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda was, Randeng Daoren would naturally be present. Initially, Xu Fang had no intention of getting involved with Randeng Daoren, planning to take the Seven Treasure Exquisite Pagoda and leave immediately, thereby causing Randeng Daoren to unknowingly lose a treasure. He hadn't expected to encounter Randeng Daoren here after all. Was this treasure hunt about to turn into a treasure snatch?
As Xu Fang pondered, the Golden-Winged Great Peng suddenly spoke. "Senior, it is just as you predicted. There are people fighting over treasure ahead!"