"Many thanks to Sister Huang for bestowing the Innate Fruit. We are eternally grateful!"
"Sister Huang is truly generous. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
The Golden-winged Great Peng and Ao Xue repeatedly thanked Huang Zhongli, overjoyed.
Although they had already reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm and could not experience the wondrous effect of the Huang Zhongli, which could instantly elevate a being to that level, it was still a fruit from the Heavenly Dao's Ten Great Spiritual Roots. It could help them improve their strength, a rare and sought-after treasure.
The Little Qilin was also extremely excited. To show his sincerity, he immediately bowed his head.
"Many thanks to Sister Huang for bestowing upon me the fruit of an innate spiritual root and helping me improve. I will never forget this!"
The Little Qilin raised his head, his eyes filled with gratitude, boundless joy, and anticipation.
Indeed, the two princes' thoughts were correct in having him follow the senior.
It had only been a short while, and through the senior's connections, he had gained the opportunity to advance to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.
It wouldn't be long before he could progress further, not only making himself stronger but also, with the senior's help, finding opportunities to strengthen the Qilin tribe!
Xu Fang, seeing the three of them so respectful towards Huang Zhongli, was quite pleased.
Of course, Xu Fang still had a minor, nagging worry.
They called him senior and referred to Huang Zhongli as sister. This generational relationship seemed a bit delicate.
However, these were minor matters. Xu Fang quickly cast them aside and said.
"Alright, you three go play for now. I have something to discuss with Big Sister."
The Golden-winged Great Peng and the other two heard Xu Fang's instructions and knew that whatever Xu Fang discussed with Huang Zhongli would undoubtedly concern Penglai Immortal Island.
They had no objections to this. Although they followed Xu Fang, they were ultimately not true inhabitants of Penglai, and some matters were not theirs to participate in.
So, they all agreed, cupped their hands in farewell to Xu Fang and Huang Zhongli, and went to play elsewhere, leaving the place to Xu Fang and Huang Zhongli.
Huang Zhongli watched the departing three with a smile.
"Little Li Zi, now that the three tribes are all gathered, are you really planning to orchestrate some kind of tribal alliance!"
Xu Fang let out a wry smile at Huang Zhongli's teasing.
"Big Sister, please stop joking. Others may not know, but you do, don't you?"
Currently, he was accompanied by the Golden-winged Great Peng, Ao Xue, and the Little Qilin. These three were all members of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin tribes. Anyone who saw this entourage would surely think he had ulterior motives and was planning something with the three tribes.
However, Xu Fang knew very well that he had no ulterior motives towards these three tribes. Accepting them to follow him was merely a matter of fate and a series of beautiful misunderstandings.
Huang Zhongli naturally understood Xu Fang's thoughts. But looking in the direction where the Golden-winged Great Peng and the others had disappeared, she felt a sense of unease and cautioned him.
"Even if you don't have such intentions, you must guard against other beings using this to their advantage and pushing you into an abyss."
"Moreover, the three tribes once shattered the Primordial Era and bear karmic debt. You must not become too deeply entangled."
Xu Fang's expression grew solemn upon hearing this. He bowed to Huang Zhongli.
"Big Sister, rest assured. I understand these matters and will proceed with caution."
Xu Fang knew the dangers involved. Although he appeared majestic leading the inheritors of the three tribes through the Primordial Era, they were in fact three ticking time bombs. If they were to detonate, he would naturally bear the brunt of it.
Therefore, Xu Fang understood that his journey ahead required absolute caution and prudence.
As soon as the matter of the three tribes was brought up, the atmosphere in the hall became rather somber. Just as Xu Fang was contemplating how to diffuse this mood, other voices chimed in.
"Enough, enough, they're just three little fellows. Our Penglai possesses countless treasures. Let alone these three, we can protect even the three tribes behind them!"
"Although Ruler Elder is a bit arrogant, with so many of our treasures gathered here, are we afraid of not succeeding?"
"Haha! Indeed. Aren't we showing the beings of the Primordial Era our might this time? I'm really looking forward to the next!"
It was the magical artifacts that had been floating around them, unable to contain themselves any longer, expressing their opinions.
Having just returned victorious, they were still filled with exhilaration. Even if Xu Fang genuinely harbored ambitions of inciting the three tribes, they would not have batted an eye.
Xu Fang, listening to their grand pronouncements, did not take them to heart. He maintained his clear consciousness and naturally would not experience anything like being bestowed with imperial robes.
"By the way, Big Sister, now that you have transformed, do you want to go out and travel extensively?"
Xu Fang ignored the artifacts and asked Huang Zhongli.
However, after some thought, Huang Zhongli immediately shook her head.
"No, I think I'll stay here."
"Hmm?"
This surprised Xu Fang. In his opinion, Huang Zhongli had stayed on Penglai Immortal Island for countless years. Now that she had transformed, she would naturally yearn for the outside world and be eager to explore.
Yet, here was this Big Sister, with such a great opportunity before her, choosing to remain a recluse on Penglai Immortal Island?
Xu Fang was perplexed. The answer came not from Huang Zhongli, but from the Liang Tian Ruler.
"Little Xu, we've already discussed this. You're a restless soul. You won't be able to stay put on Penglai Immortal Island and will definitely go out roaming again."
The Liang Tian Ruler spoke, landing between Xu Fang and Huang Zhongli.
"Penglai Immortal Island has now appeared in the world, unlike before. To prevent the situation of Dong Wang Gong sneaking into our home, there must be someone to guard Penglai Immortal Island."
Xu Fang suddenly understood.
After this battle to defend Penglai Immortal Island, although they had declared their ownership of Penglai Immortal Island to the beings of the Primordial Era and showcased its strength, there was always a chance of accidents. There were always beings who courted danger. If Penglai Immortal Island had no guardian, the incident of Dong Wang Gong sneaking into their home might indeed occur.
Currently, among the Penglai lineage, only he and Huang Zhongli had transformed into beings. He would be guarding Penglai Immortal Island, so this task naturally fell to Huang Zhongli.
Upon understanding this, Xu Fang felt a surge of guilt and looked apologetically at Huang Zhongli.
"Big Sister..."
Xu Fang wanted to say something but didn't know where to begin. It felt as though he was sacrificing Huang Zhongli to fulfill his own desires.
"No need to dwell on it. We are all beings of Penglai. Penglai Immortal Island is our home, and it must not be lost."
Huang Zhongli said cheerfully.
"Besides, I've been here for so long that I'm used to it. Don't you want someone to welcome you home next time you return?"
Huang Zhongli chuckled. After all, Penglai Immortal Island needed a guardian. If her dear younger brother were to be confined here, it would only hinder his future.
Since that was the case, as the elder sister, she had to step forward and allow her younger brother to pursue his ambitions without any worries.