The beings gathered here originally intended to wait until the treasure was fully unearthed before rushing forward, each relying on their own strength to seize their fortune. Even Sanqing and the others had resolved to compete for the treasure among the crowd.
However, Xu Fang's actions had unexpectedly forged a temporary alliance. The assembled beings were momentarily stunned into silence. His maneuver had completely dashed their hopes of profiting from the chaos.
"Everyone, don't be misled by him! Treasures of the Primordial World belong to those destined for them. Why should he claim it simply because he arrived first?" a voice boomed. It was Kunpeng. Seeing his chance to fish in troubled waters extinguished by Xu Fang, he immediately rallied the others to oppose him.
Upon hearing this, the crowd, already feeling dissatisfied, were further incited by Kunpeng, and protests erupted.
"Isn't this too overbearing? Shouldn't treasures and opportunities be earned through one's own abilities?"
"Exactly! I believe everyone should rely on their own strength."
"Yes, yes, we should be reasonable!"
The beings began to clamor again, their gazes fixed on Xu Fang, clearly intending to pressure him further.
As Xu Fang was about to speak, Zhen Yuanzi could no longer contain himself and stepped forward.
"Reason is what you want? I believe you're not here to reason, but to fight with your fists!"
"Come, let me reason with you!"
Zhen Yuanzi assumed a fighting stance, ready to engage.
"Indeed. My Fuxi Qin also has some reasoning it wishes to share with you!" Fuxi stepped forward as well, speaking. He nodded to Xu Fang, signaling him to relax.
"Kunpeng, you creature of wet birth and hatching, do you truly think I dare not act?" Yuanshi, already displeased with Kunpeng, berated him sharply for stirring up trouble with his deceitful words.
Seeing this display, the assembled beings realized that these individuals had been swayed by Xu Fang and were now firmly on his side. They felt a sense of helplessness. Although they had all listened to the teachings in Zixiao Palace, there were still differences in their cultivation realms. Those whom Xu Fang had won over were clearly among the top experts of Zixiao Palace. Furthermore, Sanqing and Nuwa were the ones who had received the greatest opportunities in Zixiao Palace, occupying the foremost four futons. Even setting aside individual strength, with Nuwa and Fuxi, prominent figures of the demon race, on Xu Fang's side, and considering the demon race's current ascendance in the Primordial World, these individuals were high-ranking members of the demon race. Who would dare offend them?
Thus, understanding their inability to resist, they reluctantly accepted the arrangement.
Kunpeng, seeing this, could only sigh. Even if he wished to disrupt the situation, he was powerless now. However, he cast a cold glance at Xu Fang's companions and snorted.
"Hmph! I'll see how you distribute these treasures. If there's a dispute over the spoils, that will be my chance!" Kunpeng thought to himself, hoping that when they divided the treasures, internal strife would arise, giving him an opportunity.
"Alright, alright, Daoist friend Xu Fang, don't mind them. The treasure has finally appeared. Have you decided how to handle it?" Tai Shang, who had been observing, spoke up.
Everyone looked, and indeed, the treasure's radiance was gradually fading, the figure of the Innate Gourd Vine finally revealing itself as the formation slowly dissipated. The beings then turned their gaze back to Xu Fang, awaiting his next move.
Feeling the scrutiny of everyone, especially the meaningful glances from Sanqing, Xu Fang understood that if he mishandled this matter, another struggle might ensue, reverting to the previous chaotic situation. However, Xu Fang was not in a hurry. He had already made arrangements for this, and under everyone's gaze, he remained composed and spoke.
"Daoist friends Sanqing are the orthodox lineage of Pangu, with unparalleled origins. Since I have received your strong support this time, how can Xu Fang be oblivious?" Xu Fang cupped his hands to Sanqing, expressing his gratitude.
"Therefore, regarding the Innate Gourds on the Innate Gourd Vine, let each of you Daoist friends Sanqing take one!"
"Hmm, this is excellent." Tai Shang nodded, approving the suggestion and immediately led the way in plucking one Innate Gourd. With their elder brother agreeing, Yuanshi and Tongtian said nothing further and each took a gourd.
Seeing this, Xu Fang looked towards Fuxi and Nuwa and spoke.
"I am old acquaintances with both of you. Meeting again here under these circumstances, and encountering this fortunate opportunity, how can I keep it to myself?"
"Therefore, please take two Innate Gourds!"
Xu Fang's words caused Nuwa to feel overwhelmed. Her intervention earlier was merely to repay Xu Fang for a past kindness; she had never expected to obtain an Innate Gourd. Hearing Xu Fang's words, she immediately began to decline.
"Daoist friend, this..."
"Are you looking down on me, Xu Fang, by refusing so readily?" Xu Fang interrupted Nuwa. Having given her a treasure once before, he didn't mind doing so again. However, Xu Fang held back a particular Innate Gourd, intending to give it to Fuxi, the one meant for Donghuang Taiyi.
"Haha! Sister, there's no need. How generous is Daoist friend Xu Fang!" Fuxi stopped Nuwa's protest and cupped his hands to Xu Fang.
"However, Daoist friend Xu Fang, I must decline. I already owe you so many treasures."
"How about this, my sister takes one, and the other will be for the brothers Dijun and Taiyi!" Fuxi proposed, feeling too embarrassed to accept more treasures from Xu Fang and thus passing on this opportunity to the brothers Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi.
Upon hearing this, Xu Fang sighed internally, realizing that the Immortal Slaying Flying Knife would inevitably appear in the Primordial World in the future. Nuwa, seeing this, said no more. After accepting an Innate Gourd, she bowed deeply to Xu Fang in thanks.
After Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi discussed it, Donghuang Taiyi ultimately plucked the Innate Gourd. Seeing this, Xu Fang knew some things were difficult to change and said nothing more. He looked towards Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun Daoist.
"Daoist friends, thank you for your righteous words. I shall also give you an Innate Gourd as a token of my appreciation."
Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun Daoist looked at each other upon hearing Xu Fang's words and both shook their heads.
"Forget it, Daoist friend Xu Fang. I merely spoke up earlier because I disliked the injustice, not because I harbored any desire for the treasure." Zhen Yuanzi shook his head. He had seen Top Ten Spiritual Roots before; he even had a Ginseng Fruit Tree.
"Yes, there is only one Innate Gourd left. I, Hongyun, absolutely cannot accept it!" Hongyun also repeatedly declined, unwilling to accept the last Innate Gourd.
The others present also looked at the Innate Gourd Vine. Now, after Sanqing, Nuwa, and Donghuang Taiyi had each taken an Innate Gourd, only one Innate Gourd hung solitarily on the Innate Gourd Vine.
The crowd was speechless. So, despite his reasoning and attempts to rally support, he ended up acting as a treasure-delivering boy during the distribution, leaving none for himself?