Xu Fang had been hiding on Penglai Island, quietly observing the situation outside.
When he saw these powerful beings, only now realizing that the two immortal islands beneath them were the legendary Penglai and Fangzhang Islands, Xu Fang knew his covert observation had to end.
"Hongyun, Hongyun, no one would think you're mute if you just kept quiet!"
Xu Fang grumbled. If this Daoist Hongyun hadn't spoken unnecessarily, he could have stalled for more time.
However, complaining was useless now. Daoist Hongyun had alerted the powerful beings, and they had discovered the secret of Penglai Immortal Island.
Seeing that the assembled great beings were about to join forces to break through the defensive array of Penglai Immortal Island and decide its ownership, Xu Fang naturally could not stand by any longer.
"You two stay here and don't act rashly,"
Xu Fang instructed the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue. He then soared into the sky, speaking loudly as he flew, to stop the great beings' actions.
As the powerful beings were about to combine their strength to break the array, they were startled by the sudden shout. Caught off guard, they immediately cursed.
"Who? Who dares to play tricks here! Get out!"
"Indeed, to dare to frighten us like this, you truly don't know your place!"
"Listening to the voice, it seems to be coming from within this defensive array?"
The great beings quickly pinpointed the source of the voice, which was indeed from Penglai Immortal Island within the defensive array, and were greatly astonished.
Wasn't Penglai Immortal Island unclaimed territory?
How could there be a living being making a sound from within?
Furthermore, they were being called impolite for trespassing, clearly acting as if Penglai Immortal Island was their own territory.
The great beings grew suspicious and hesitant. Their actions stopped, their magical powers were withdrawn, and their gazes followed the sound as they spoke.
"I want to see who is so blind as to dare steal my opportunity!"
"Hmph! Penglai Immortal Island belongs to me in my heart. Someone has gotten here first, and I will not agree!"
"No matter who it is, anyone who dares to stand between me and Penglai Immortal Island will die without a burial place!"
The great beings were growing impatient. The legendary Penglai Immortal Island was right before them, the very moment for each of them to showcase their abilities and contend for its ownership.
And now, before they had even broken through the defensive array, a living being had appeared from within. Wasn't this stealing their opportunity?
A dark shadow flew out from one of the islands and quickly appeared on the other side of the defensive array, facing the great beings from afar.
"Opportunity? Heh heh!"
The figure stopped, having just heard the words of the great beings, and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Esteemed sirs, my apologies, but Penglai Immortal Island has long been my dojo. Please return to your respective homes and disperse."
Upon seeing the figure, the great beings instantly recognized him.
"Xu Fang!"
One of the great beings exclaimed, speaking Xu Fang's name. The other great beings frowned.
It was indeed Xu Fang, the one who claimed to possess countless treasures, known as the walking treasure rack.
His appearance with numerous treasures at the Chaos Purple Heaven Palace had amazed many great beings and had since become a beautiful tale in the Primordial Era.
If it were anyone else, it would have been easy to handle. But if it were Xu Fang, it would be quite troublesome.
Who didn't know that he possessed many treasures and could wield multiple treasures simultaneously, making him an extremely formidable opponent?
"So it's Fellow Daoist Xu Fang. It's been a long time."
"Indeed. Since we parted at Buzhou Mountain, we haven't met in ages. We've missed you dearly!"
Fuxi and Nuwa were the first to react, cupping their fists in greeting to Xu Fang.
Xu Fang had gifted them treasures several times, and the siblings held him in high regard. They were naturally overjoyed at this reunion after a long separation.
As Fuxi and Nuwa greeted Xu Fang, the other great beings also reacted and followed suit.
"So it's Fellow Daoist Xu Fang. Why didn't you visit the Sea of Blood?"
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, feel free to visit Wuzhuang Temple sometime. We can have a good discussion about the Dao."
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, long time no see. Your demeanor remains as splendid as ever!"
Regardless of whether they were familiar with him or not, since they had met, the great beings could not ignore Xu Fang and began to exchange pleasantries.
Xu Fang didn't want to waste time with such talk. He waved his hand, silencing the great beings.
"Esteemed sirs, as I just said, Penglai Immortal Island is already my dojo. This time, I'm afraid you've all made a wasted trip."
Xu Fang spoke without any ambiguity, directly announcing his claim of ownership over Penglai Immortal Island.
These words caused the expressions of the great beings to freeze.
Penglai Immortal Island was a legendary land of cultivation. The fact that they had encountered it was an immeasurable stroke of luck.
Now that their opportunity was within sight, only to have someone seize it first, was something they were unwilling to accept.
If they had heard Xu Fang declare his ownership of Penglai Immortal Island while in the Primordial World, it would have been one thing. But now, it was so close, so within reach, that it was too difficult for them to give up.
Therefore, after a brief silence, the great beings who had just been exchanging pleasantries with Xu Fang immediately began to speak.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang is joking. Penglai Immortal Island is a treasure of the Primordial World. How can it be yours just because you say so?"
"Precisely. We are all mighty beings of heaven and earth, with status and prestige. How can we be so frivolous? We should discuss this matter properly."
"Indeed, indeed. I believe the issue of Penglai Immortal Island's ownership requires thorough discussion!"
Fuxi and Nuwa, deeply indebted to Xu Fang, remained silent. Hearing the words of the great beings, they both frowned.
Didn't this feel like these guys were trying to force his hand?
Xu Fang chuckled coldly as he listened to their words.
Just now, they were acting as if they were overjoyed at their reunion, but now, as soon as their interests were involved, they revealed their true colors.
These so-called mighty beings of heaven and earth, claiming to have status and prestige, were merely thick-skinned, which was certainly true.
"How do we discuss it? How do we talk?"
Xu Fang, filled with anger, spoke loudly, posing the question back to the great beings.
Upon hearing Xu Fang's words, the great beings ignored his anger, feeling that there was room for negotiation. Their eyes lit up, and they quickly spoke.
"Fellow Daoist, back on Buzhou Mountain, you were so generous, sharing the先天葫芦 (Xian Tian Hu Lu - Innate Gourd). Why not do as you did then?"
"That's right. If you are generous again, Fellow Daoist, it will be another beautiful tale for the Primordial World!"
"We all admire your noble character, Fellow Daoist. We hope you won't disappoint us!"
Hearing this, Xu Fang's face immediately darkened.
Well, these guys were truly shameless to the extreme!
Now that they had the advantage of occupying Penglai Immortal Island, and not giving up, they even wanted to share Penglai Immortal Island with him?
This was utterly outrageous. How could these guys have the nerve to say such things?
And weren't they going a bit too far? Targeting him alone, did they really think Xu Fang was easygoing and a pushover?