Xu Fang’s retort made Mile’s heart skip a beat, his face changing drastically as he hurriedly spoke.
"Daoist Xu Fang, isn't this your usual rule? We have already offered our treasures. Are you going to go back on your word and not let us leave?"
Not just Mile, but the other Western disciples were also startled, speaking out one after another.
"Yes! Daoist Xu Fang has always had integrity. Is he going to break his promise this time?"
"Exactly, Daoist Xu Fang, breaking a contract might feel good for a moment, but it will affect your reputation!"
"Daoist Xu Fang, why would you damage your prestige for our sake? Just let us go, as if nothing happened!"
The Western disciples couldn't fathom Xu Fang's intentions, but they knew their lives hung in the balance based on his thoughts. They had no choice but to plead.
Fearing that Xu Fang might renege on his promise after receiving their treasures, they even emphasized his reputation. Even if Xu Fang didn't care about their lives, he should care about his prestige, right?
However, as Xu Fang listened to their words, his smile grew even wider.
"Heh heh! I never thought the most immoral West would be so adept at moral blackmail!"
Xu Fang clicked his tongue in admiration. These fellows were quite clever; instead of just begging for mercy, they tried to leverage his reputation and prestige to save their lives.
If it were any other being, they might have felt immense pressure. But what kind of person was Xu Fang? As long as he had no morals himself, he was fearless against their moral blackmail!
"Are you all being too presumptuous? Did I personally agree that you could leave after handing over your treasures?"
Xu Fang countered, and Mile, with a bewildered face, stammered,
"Isn't that usually the case?"
"Is 'usually the case' always correct?"
Xu Fang continued, posing a soul-searching question.
Mile and the Western disciples were on the verge of tears.
So it turned out they had been too hasty, rushing to hand over treasures and money for their lives before Xu Fang had even agreed!
The Golden-Winged Great Peng and the other two, each holding a pile of glittering treasures, also chimed in.
"Senior is right. I thought you were admiring Senior and offered gifts upon meeting him!"
"Exactly, who knew you had such intentions!"
"Do you lack reverence for Senior and wish to take back your treasures?"
The three followers’ chorus left the Western disciples speechless.
Xu Fang neither let them go nor attacked them.
However, if they truly tried to reclaim their treasures, Xu Fang would likely retaliate!
Looking at the treasures in the hands of the Golden-Winged Great Peng and the other two, they felt utterly helpless.
Not only were their treasures gone, but their lives were also uncertain. This deal was a complete loss!
They exchanged glances, thinking that while the West had always been invincible, they were utterly powerless against Xu Fang.
This Xu Fang was indeed the great enemy of the West, specialized in countering them!
Seeing the dejected and silent Western disciples, Xu Fang ignored them and turned to the Queen Mother of the West, saying,
"Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West, this matter arose because of the female immortals of the Immortal Court. Whether these Western disciples live or die is up to you to decide."
The Queen Mother of the West had just finished comforting the female immortals. Upon hearing Xu Fang's words, she glanced at the Western disciples and pondered.
The female immortals of the Immortal Court, seeing the Western disciples in such a sorry state, were overjoyed and began to offer suggestions.
"Elder Sister Queen Mother of the West, these fellows are truly detestable. Why not just kill them all?"
"Precisely! We are here to cultivate in the Western Kunlun, so let's use them to establish our authority!"
"These guys are too disgusting; keeping them would be a disaster!"
The female immortals of the Immortal Court were not about to be lenient with these Western disciples. They remembered how arrogant and ferocious they had been earlier. If the Queen Mother of the West and Xu Fang hadn't arrived in time, who knew how many sisters would have fallen victim.
Listening to the indignant words of the female immortals and looking at the Western disciples, the Queen Mother of the West hesitated before looking to Xu Fang for help.
Xu Fang shook his head. The Queen Mother of the West understood immediately and said,
"Alright, sisters, no need to say more. I have made my decision."
The Queen Mother of the West then looked at the group of Western disciples and said,
"You offended our sisters of the Immortal Court, which is an unforgivable crime, deserving of death."
"However, I will spare you this time, considering the difficulty of your cultivation. If you dare to offend again, you will be executed without mercy!"
The Queen Mother of the West announced her verdict on the Western disciples. The female immortals were all indignant, feeling that these Western disciples had gotten off too lightly.
The Western disciples breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the Queen Mother of the West's words. Mile quickly cupped his fists in a salute.
"Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West is right. We will not offend here again, and we will strictly order other beings not to disturb your cultivation!"
It was best to survive. Since Xu Fang protected this place, it was best to stay far away!
Seeing the situation, Xu Fang nodded.
While the Western disciples deserved to die, the Western Teachings governed the Western lands, and the Western Kunlun was adjacent to the West.
Killing so many Western disciples right away would completely sever ties with the West.
Even with his protection, the West wouldn't act rashly, but who knew if they might resort to underhanded schemes.
Therefore, it was better to compromise and coexist peacefully. He could then worry less and not constantly have to concern himself with matters of the Western Kunlun.
However, seeing the indignant expressions of the female immortals of the Immortal Court, Xu Fang knew that the Western disciples had gotten off too easily. He quickly spoke,
"Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West is magnanimous, and I have no objections. However, these Western disciples ultimately offended us. Letting them off so easily would make people think our Immortal Court sisters are easy to bully!"
Upon hearing Xu Fang's words, the Western disciples' hearts sank. Things were going so well, why was this great demon causing trouble again?
The Queen Mother of the West and the female immortals were also curious, and all eyes turned to Xu Fang.
Xu Fang chuckled and said,
"Since that is the case, the Western disciples' death penalty is waived, but they cannot escape punishment. They must still be disciplined."
Xu Fang spoke, looking at the area of the dojo and continued,
"Your dojo, Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West, although a blessed land, seems a bit small to accommodate so many sisters of the Immortal Court."
"However, this is not a problem. If the Western disciples sincerely wish to atone, they will help you all establish your dojos here."
As Xu Fang spoke, he looked at the Western disciples, his expression darkening, his smile chilling.
"If anyone is unwilling, I will personally send them to the West to meet Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti!"
Upon hearing this, the Western disciples looked at Xu Fang, feeling even more like crying without tears. Sending them to the West himself, wasn't that just killing them with a palm strike?
They never imagined that they, distinguished disciples of the West, under the tutelage of two future Sages, would end up losing treasures in the small Western Kunlun and being forced into labor to help others build their dojos!