As the Heavenly Dao labeled Xu Fang a criminal who had disrupted heaven and earth, countless beings were moved by the decree. Under the guise of acting on behalf of heaven, they set course for Penglai Immortal Island.
Xu Fang was renowned throughout the Primordial Era as a treasure hunter, possessing an immeasurable fortune. Now, with Xu Fang punished by the Heavenly Dao and having fled, he had no remaining power to protect Penglai Immortal Island.
Naturally, these beings intended to seize this opportunity. Even if they couldn't claim Penglai Immortal Island, they planned to at least plunder it thoroughly.
However, they never could have imagined that the current occupants of Penglai Immortal Island were not Xu Fang's loyal followers, but rather dense armies from the three major races.
Upon witnessing the three great armies standing in formation, the approaching beings halted their advance, daring not to make any rash moves.
Of course, this did not mean they would give up. They stopped outside the grand formation of Penglai Immortal Island and began to speak.
"Fellow tribesmen of the three races, we are not your enemies. We are acting on behalf of heaven."
"Indeed, Xu Fang's sins are heinous. The Heavenly Dao has instructed us to punish Penglai Immortal Island. Will you aid Xu Fang?"
"Precisely, it is widely known that the three races are close to Xu Fang. Are you seeking to defy heaven?"
These beings were adept at leveraging power, directly invoking the name of the Heavenly Dao in an attempt to pressure the three races into retreating.
However, facing this grave accusation of defying heaven, the leaders of the three races—the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, Kong Xuan, and Mo Yu Qilin—remained unfazed and retorted.
"Even if we are friends with Xu Fang, and he has committed such a grave offense, would we continue down the same path with him?"
"Exactly, we heard the will of heaven and immediately rushed to Penglai Immortal Island!"
"Penglai Immortal Island is now occupied by us, and not a single Penglai resident remains. We thank you, fellow cultivators, for your concern. Our three races have already accomplished their great task, please return!"
"This is now the territory of our three races, no longer Xu Fang's Penglai Immortal Island. If you linger here any further, our armies will not be polite!"
The representatives of the three races spoke, clearly stating their stance.
Since Daoist Xu Fang would not be returning anytime soon, their combined efforts could manage to protect Penglai Immortal Island without issue.
Of course, despite their loyalty to Xu Fang, they presented themselves as sworn enemies.
Even if these beings harbored suspicions about their motives, the armies of the three races were already encamped on Penglai Immortal Island, ready to engage in combat at the slightest provocation.
Ultimately, under the pressure of the situation, the beings reluctantly withdrew.
As they watched the beings gradually depart, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas and others breathed a sigh of relief.
It was fortunate that they had acted swiftly after receiving Xu Fang's message; otherwise, Penglai Immortal Island would indeed have been ravaged.
However, their relief was short-lived. Gazing up at the heavens, they were filled with emotion.
Xu Fang had offended the Heavenly Dao. Who knew when or if he would ever return to the Primordial Era and Penglai Immortal Island!
More importantly, with the Heavenly Dao's punishment, Xu Fang now had no place to shelter in the Primordial Era. Where could he go?
Unbeknownst to the three races who were worrying about him, Xu Fang was currently in the Sea of Chaos. Using a treasure he had previously gifted to Luohu, he quickly appeared before him.
Seeing Xu Fang suddenly materialize with a pile of treasures, Luohu was startled, nearly shouting for help.
However, upon recognizing Xu Fang, Luohu quickly regained his composure. Once calm, Luohu immediately began to complain.
"Xu Fang, why didn't you listen to advice? Didn't that person say you should only open the Nine Gates of Kunlun Mountain at a critical juncture?"
"Now you've acted rashly for your own temporary satisfaction, losing the advantage of being hidden while they are exposed. Are you happy now?"
"Alas, I was counting on you to help me seek revenge against the Heavenly Dao. It seems my expectations were misplaced!"
Xu Fang, having just arrived, was subjected to Luohu's incessant complaints. It took him a while to recover and wave his hand to silence him.
"Esteemed Demon Ancestor Luohu, my appearance was incredibly magnificent. Could you at least show a little surprise and not act so nonchalant!"
"I haven't seen it, but I've heard of it. Do you think I wanted your treasures back then because I coveted your old junk!"
Luohu's matter-of-fact tone left Xu Fang speechless.
There was no need to elaborate; this was undoubtedly the work of Luohu's mysterious confidant, his fellow transmigration acquaintance.
It seemed this individual had foreseen Xu Fang's impatience and his eventual opening of the Nine Gates of Kunlun Mountain, having made arrangements accordingly.
However, Xu Fang, still filled with doubt, had made his own arrangements and ultimately escaped the Primordial Era using the artifact he had placed in the Sea of Chaos.
"Luohu, you know what has happened, so I won't say too much."
Xu Fang steadied his mind and spoke.
"I have come to ask if you can reveal more. I can sense that the Nine Gates of Kunlun Mountain hide something that the Heavenly Dao fears."
As he spoke, Xu Fang's gaze towards Luohu intensified.
"Luohu, don't you wish to seek revenge against the Heavenly Dao? This is your chance!"
"Enough, don't try to tempt me with that. I will tell you what I can, and what I cannot, I cannot."
Luohu replied. Hearing this, Xu Fang's expression darkened. It seemed Luohu was still restricted and could not obtain any more useful information.
Seeing this, Luohu chuckled and continued.
"Don't be like that. While I cannot say more, in accordance with that person's wishes, if you were to seek me out again, he has further arrangements."
"Further arrangements?"
Xu Fang was astounded. Was this person truly this prescient?
"The answers you seek are here."
Luohu waved his hand, and a ball of light appeared, engulfing Xu Fang. Before Xu Fang could react, he was instantly swallowed by the radiance.
Xu Fang's figure vanished. The surrounding magical artifacts sensed something was wrong and quickly tried to communicate with Xu Fang. When they found they couldn't, they cried out in alarm.
"We're doomed! Luohu played a trick, and master has fallen for it!"
"Luohu, what do you think you're doing?"
"Luohu, it seems you're tired of living. We'll deal with you first!"
Luohu hastily retreated, shouting in defense.
"I'm just following orders, can't you leave me alone?"
The magical artifacts did not believe Luohu's fabricated story and were enraged, their magical light flashing as they prepared to attack him.
Just as Luohu was at a loss for words, Xu Fang's voice echoed.
"Do not panic, I am unharmed. Please remain calm."
"Xu boy, what happened? Are you alright?"
Hearing Xu Fang's voice, the Liangtian Ruler quickly inquired.
"I am fine, but I am temporarily unable to leave. You all should..."
Xu Fang's voice trailed off, weakening, and finally fell silent.
"Fine! We'll kill Luohu first!"
The Liangtian Ruler immediately roared, and all the magical artifacts flew up in unison.
Luohu was on the verge of tears. Did they not understand? He had said to remain calm and wait patiently!