Xu Fang glared at the Golden-Winged Great Peng, thinking that if he couldn't speak, he should say less. No one would mistake him for a mute.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng immediately fell silent under Xu Fang's glare, afraid that Xu Fang, enraged, might beat him.
However, after this incident, Kong Xuan and the other two relaxed their expressions, showing no intention of attacking.
But seeing them surround him without leaving, Xu Fang understood that they wouldn't completely let go of their guard without a proper explanation.
Xu Fang didn't hesitate. The method of cultivation wasn't a secret that couldn't be spoken of. He immediately explained the Great Dao of Devouring in detail.
Kong Xuan and the other two listened, clicking their tongues in amazement.
"Fellow Daoist, although you only have spirit roots, this Dao is most suitable for you!"
Kong Xuan praised him highly, greatly approving of Xu Fang's cultivation method.
Xu Fang, born with spirit roots, was naturally better at absorbing the spiritual energy and power from spirit herbs and roots than other beings. Now, by using the method of devouring, he could better utilize the value and effect of every spirit root and herb.
"Yes, senior, with your Great Devouring Law, I even feel that my Phoenix tribe origin was a mistake. If I could cultivate like you, wouldn't that be wonderful!"
The Golden-Winged Great Peng was full of envy. Cultivating by devouring spirit roots and herbs to increase one's cultivation was much better than diligently practicing step by step like them.
Unfortunately, being from the Phoenix tribe, he couldn't imitate it at all. He couldn't possibly catch a member of the Phoenix tribe every day to devour, could he?
If he actually did that, he wouldn't even need anyone else to expel demons and uphold the Dao. His big brother, who was glaring at him now, would be the first to take action to purge the clan.
Ao Xue also said with envy.
"Yes, senior, if only we could be like you!"
Xu Fang felt deeply helpless. Weren't they ungrateful for what they had?
If he had their origins, why would he resort to this act of devouring?
However, Xu Fang was still quite happy in his heart, thankful for his background and innate advantages that allowed him to act this way.
Kong Xuan looked at the half-chewed spirit grass in Xu Fang's hand and frowned.
"However, fellow Daoist directly eating grass is indeed ungraceful and seems to indicate a lack of understanding of the Dao of Devouring."
"Indeed."
Xu Fang nodded. He wasn't some evil cultivator, so why would he pay attention to such methods?
"No matter. My Phoenix tribe's cultivation techniques include many regarding devouring. I will give you some to help you comprehend and study."
As Kong Xuan spoke, his hand flashed with light, striking towards Xu Fang.
Xu Fang knew Kong Xuan was about to impart cultivation techniques and was not surprised. The light struck his forehead and then disappeared.
In Xu Fang's mind, many cultivation techniques related to devouring had appeared.
"Senior, my Dragon tribe also has some. I'll give them to you too!"
Seeing this, Ao Xue also didn't want to be left behind. Following Kong Xuan's example, she gave Xu Fang some cultivation techniques.
Xu Fang was not overly surprised by this. The Dragon and Phoenix tribes were once great powers, and it was not unusual for them to possess devouring techniques, considered heretical in the Great Wilderness, in their struggle for dominance over heaven and earth.
Of course, although these were all devouring techniques, Xu Fang could not use them directly.
After all, most of them involved devouring living beings. There were virtually none like Xu Fang's method of devouring spirit roots.
Therefore, Xu Fang needed to study them and, based on these techniques, summarize a devouring method suitable for himself and perfect the Great Dao in his heart.
"Thank you for your help. I will begin comprehending them here."
After cupping his hands in thanks to Kong Xuan and the others, Xu Fang immediately sat down, perused the cultivation techniques, and began his research.
Kong Xuan and the other two followed suit and sat down with Xu Fang.
They cultivated themselves while also guarding Xu Fang.
The Great Wilderness disregards years; time flies by.
After an unknown period, Xu Fang finally opened his eyes, his face filled with joy.
As Xu Fang awoke, Kong Xuan and the other two sensed it, their gazes falling upon him.
"How is it, fellow Daoist? Have you gained anything?"
Although Xu Fang's expression suggested he had succeeded, Kong Xuan still asked.
Xu Fang's face was filled with joy and pride.
"Although my cultivation technique is not yet perfect, it can now help me cultivate."
As Xu Fang spoke, he bowed solemnly to Kong Xuan and the other two.
"Thank you, fellow Daoist Kong Xuan, for your help, and also thank you, Dapeng and Xiao Xue."
Without their reference techniques, it would have taken him who knows how long to succeed if he had figured it out alone!
"That's good. It is my good fortune to be able to help fellow Daoist."
Kong Xuan returned the bow. If Xu Fang hadn't intervened that day, the Phoenix tribe would have long since fallen and become vassals of the demon tribe.
Such kindness made a few cultivation techniques insignificant.
"Yes, senior, don't be so polite. We are a treasure-hunting team, so of course, we should help each other!"
Ao Xue nodded repeatedly, happy that Xu Fang had found his cultivation technique.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng's heart stirred, and he quickly said,
"Speaking of which, senior, now that you are fine, our treasure hunting pace cannot lag. Let's hurry and begin our treasure hunting journey!"
"That is natural."
Xu Fang replied, then looked at Kong Xuan.
"Fellow Daoist, if you have nothing to do, why don't you join us in treasure hunting?"
"I will not."
Kong Xuan shook his head. "I am now in charge of the Phoenix tribe and have been away for a long time. It is time for me to return and see."
Kong Xuan had long wanted to return to the Phoenix tribe, but his departure was delayed due to Xu Fang's affairs.
Now that Xu Fang was fine, he naturally had to rush back to the Phoenix tribe as soon as possible.
Otherwise, with the Phoenix tribe without a leader, who knew if the demon tribe would get any ideas.
Seeing this, Xu Fang also understood Kong Xuan's responsibilities and didn't insist on keeping him.
"Alright! Go then, fellow Daoist."
"Good! Take care, fellow Daoist."
Kong Xuan bid farewell to Xu Fang, glanced at the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue, and then at Xu Fang.
Xu Fang understood his meaning and nodded.
Kong Xuan immediately felt at ease, strode away, and disappeared into the vast mountains.
"Alas, what's so good about being the Emperor of the Phoenix tribe? Treasure hunting is much more enjoyable!"
The Golden-Winged Great Peng sighed as he watched his elder brother depart.
Although his elder brother had not yet declared himself to heaven and earth and officially become the Emperor of the Phoenix tribe, the Phoenix tribesmen had already tacitly agreed to it.
His elder brother, therefore, was not free, unlike himself who was so carefree!
"Enough, stop being ungrateful for what you have."
Xu Fang said, then looked at the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue, and under their expectant gazes, he slowly said.
"Now, I declare, the treasure-hunting team shall set off again!"