The great cultivators, originally trapped within this treasure array, were already struggling to cope with the surprise attacks from the myriad magical artifacts, lamenting their plight.
Once Xu Fang unlocked the hidden functions of the treasure array, the artifacts became even more formidable, their movements more unpredictable and their attacks impossible to defend against.
The situation for the great cultivators worsened. Those led by Kunpeng, who had attempted to break the array and kill Xu Fang, were forced to retreat and regroup with the remaining cultivators.
Their intention was to combine their forces, leverage their numbers, and turn the tide of the battle.
However, the artifacts would not allow them to succeed. They weaved and darted through the array, launching continuous attacks. Amidst the flashes of light, great cultivators began to fall.
Zhen Yuanzi and others also seized the opportunity. Whenever these great cultivators were in disarray from the sneak attacks of the artifacts, they would launch their own assaults.
This synchronized assault of living beings and artifacts, working in concert, caused immense suffering to the great cultivators, who could only cry out to heaven and complain to the earth.
"Really, I only knew that the Yellow Middle Fruit was one of the ten great innate spiritual roots of heaven and earth, and that Penglai Immortal Island was an immortal island beyond the mortal realm, but how could I not have known how terrifying Xu Fang was! Truly!"
"I regret it now. I shouldn't have come to the East Sea at all. I want to go home!"
"Go home? How? Unless this treasure array is dismantled, we cannot escape. Are we to continue this stalemate with Xu Fang?"
The great cultivators were filled with regret. If they had known Xu Fang's power was so fearsome, they would never have come to the East Sea. This was not a treasure hunt; it was a quest for death!
But what was the use of regretting it now? Trapped within this treasure array, they could not escape.
The idea of prolonging this struggle with Xu Fang, seeing who would break first, was utterly ridiculous.
As Tongtian had surmised, they were within the treasure array, with enemies on all sides. They had to remain vigilant, constantly on guard and maintaining their defenses.
Such intense mental focus and consumption of mana were even greater than in a normal battle. How could they last long?
And Xu Fang? He was likely lounging in the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda, quietly observing all this, perhaps even with the leisure to hold a cup of tea, sipping it slowly as he watched!
Thinking of this, the great cultivators were left speechless. Why had they come to the East Sea? Now they were in a dilemma, with no way forward or backward.
They cried out to heaven but no one answered, they called to earth but no help came. What a torment!
Seeing the dejected state of the great cultivators, Kunpeng felt helpless.
"Why are these fellows so useless? They claim to be great cultivators, yet they are a disgrace!"
Kunpeng was furious at their lack of progress and looked down on these great cultivators from the bottom of his heart.
However, now that they were all trapped in the treasure array, whether they wanted to strike back at Xu Fang or break free and escape, he needed their strength.
Therefore, despite his disdain, Kunpeng smiled and tried to rally the great cultivators.
"Fellow Daoists, as long as we unite..."
Kunpeng intended to inspire them, to make them pull themselves together and be of use to him.
But before he could finish, he was instantly interrupted by the great cultivators.
"Fellow Daoist my foot! Who is your fellow Daoist? We have no connection to you!"
"Exactly! If it weren't for you and those two from the West stirring up trouble, how would we have ended up like this!"
"Kunpeng, I've tolerated you for a long time. You think you're so great, leading us? I'm done with this!"
The great cultivators suddenly turned on Kunpeng, directing their accusations at him. Kunpeng was utterly bewildered. What were these fellows up to?
Xu Fang's side was also confused. Zhen Yuanzi and the others, who were preparing to attack, involuntarily stopped and looked at them.
Was this an internal conflict?
After berating Kunpeng, the great cultivators ignored him, as he had not yet reacted, and turned towards the direction of the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda, clasping their hands in salute.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you see? I have severed ties with this Kunpeng. Can you spare me now?"
"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Xu Fang. We were all deceived by this Kunpeng and those two from the West, blinded by greed, which led us to attack. Now I have a sudden realization and am ready to turn back to the right path!"
"Yes, yes, we all live in the Great Wilderness. It's always good to leave some room for future encounters!"
As they saluted Xu Fang, the great cultivators spoke, shifting all the blame onto Kunpeng. Of course, they didn't forget the two from the West.
During the instigation, those two had been very active, working in perfect harmony with Kunpeng.
Now that they were trapped in the array and couldn't escape, they looked back and saw those two outside, watching the show. How could they stand it? Were they being treated as fools?
The great cultivators collectively turned their coats, and of course, they took the opportunity to report the two who were trying to stay out of it, dragging them into the mess.
"I really thank you all!"
Zhunti Daoist and Jieyin Daoist, watching the situation within the array, couldn't help but curse loudly.
These useless wretches, unable to deal with Xu Fang, had now dragged them down with them. They were truly hateful!
They were already unsure how to deal with Xu Fang later, and these fellows were bringing up sore points!
The situation for the two from the West was dire, and Kunpeng, trapped within the treasure array, was even more enraged.
"How dare you do this! I've been working tirelessly, even leading you to break free, and this is how you repay me?"
"Speaking of which, weren't you all driven by greed in the first place? My words were merely to act on your intentions. Why are you placing all the blame on me?"
Kunpeng accused them. These fellows made it sound as if he had incited them, but everyone knew they had been greedy from the start.
His so-called instigation was merely to follow the trend and ignite their greed, prompting them to act.
To defect at the critical moment and then attack him back – did they really think he, Kunpeng, was so easily bullied?
Hearing this, the great cultivators, knowing they were in the wrong, remained silent.
However, their strong desire to survive made them fly away, distancing themselves from Kunpeng to show their severance of ties.
They believed that no matter how powerful Xu Fang was, he could not possibly exterminate all the great cultivators present.
Therefore, since they were incapable of dealing with Xu Fang's treasure array, it was better to admit defeat and surrender.
Of course, Penglai Immortal Island was Xu Fang's dojo. Their aggression and transgression against Xu Fang due to their greed would not be resolved by mere words of surrender.
To appease Xu Fang's wrath, while admitting their mistakes, they had to show sincerity. The best way was to offer one or two individuals for Xu Fang to deal with.
This way, everyone would have a way out, leading to a happy resolution for all, wouldn't it?
Of course, Kunpeng was not part of this "happy resolution." He couldn't feel happy at all.
Because, at this moment, he clearly understood that he was the scapegoat, the unlucky one being pushed out to take the blame!