Essence was the most precious treasure of a cultivator. A single drop could take years, even decades, to condense.
The higher the cultivation level, the more precious the essence became. Even if a powerful being suffered a devastating blow and was reduced to dust, they could still rely on a single drop of essence to reconstruct their body and be reborn!
Moreover, essence contained a cultivator's insights into cultivation, as well as their magical techniques and divine abilities. When absorbing essence, one might even be able to deduce some of these techniques and abilities.
After storing the vial of essence, Xu Fang turned his attention back to Kun-Peng's avatar. Since he had already obtained the essence, why not ask for more? He doubted the avatar would refuse.
This was a rare opportunity. After all, the system had clearly stated that this ability was a one-time use. If he didn't seize this chance to make a fortune, Xu Fang would feel like he was wasting this hard-earned opportunity.
Besides, this was Kun-Peng's avatar! It had to have plenty of treasures.
Rare cultivation materials, secret techniques, and divine abilities—these were all excellent items.
Meanwhile, Kun-Peng's true form, who was in deep meditation, trembled with rage. This was his essence, an extremely precious resource. He only had a few drops in his body, and now one had been taken by Xu Fang. How could he not be furious?
If he weren't in seclusion, he would have already rushed out and crushed Xu Fang into paste.
What infuriated him even more was that his avatar was still acting friendly toward Xu Fang. This was driving him mad.
...
In the heavens, the Jade Emperor, the Buddha, and the others watched in astonishment as Kun-Peng's avatar obediently handed over its essence to Xu Fang. This was Quasi-Sage-level essence! How could it just be given away like this?
Wasn't this a bit too reckless?
"Brother Kun-Peng, what is this?"
The Buddha tightly gripped his prayer beads, staring at Kun-Peng and Xu Fang below. He was at a loss for words. The atmosphere was becoming increasingly bizarre.
Being friendly to Xu Fang was one thing, but giving away essence? He was starting to doubt whether what he was seeing was real.
The Jade Emperor was equally stunned. What kind of spell had Xu Fang used to make Kun-Peng, who had been eager to skin him alive, act like a doting elder now?
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This was almost like dark magic.
...
"By the way, do you have anything else? Like cave treasures, magical techniques, or divine abilities? Can you give them all to me? I think you won't refuse, right?"
Xu Fang smiled warmly at Kun-Peng's avatar, repeating his earlier approach.
Deep down, Kun-Peng's avatar wanted to refuse and crush Xu Fang on the spot. But its body acted against its will, taking out its cave treasures and handing them over to Xu Fang, all while maintaining a friendly expression.
"This is really useful!"
Xu Fang happily stored Kun-Peng's avatar's storage pouch. If the system could remain this overpowered in the future, wouldn't everyone in the world become his ally?
"The magical techniques and divine abilities are all contained within that drop of essence. I can't teach them to you directly. You'll have to comprehend them yourself," Kun-Peng's avatar explained with a smile.
"Alright, thank you! This matter is settled. I'll see you again if fate allows!"
After storing his loot, Xu Fang patted Kun-Peng's avatar on the shoulder and transformed into a streak of light, speeding away from the Northern Continent.
Kun-Peng's avatar stood in place, waving reluctantly at Xu Fang's retreating figure. Only after Xu Fang had completely disappeared from sight did it seem to snap out of its trance. It looked around, realizing Xu Fang had long since fled.
A terrifying killing intent erupted from its body, shrouding the heavens and earth.
"Brat! Next time, I'll tear you to pieces!"
Its furious roars shook the earth, causing the demons of the Northern Continent to flee in panic.
In the heavens, the Buddha snorted in displeasure and left the Northern Continent. The Jade Emperor also hurried back to the Heavenly Court.
This time, Xu Fang had shocked everyone, including the Jade Emperor, nearly causing his jaw to drop.
...
Meanwhile, Xu Fang, fully loaded with treasures, left the Northern Continent and headed straight back to the Heavenly Court. He needed to return the Primordial Qi to Sun Wukong before Laozi could reduce him to ashes.
This way, he could ensure Sun Wukong survived this ordeal. Even if Sun Wukong's fate to journey to the West couldn't be changed, at least he would live.
Moreover, once Sun Wukong broke free, he would surely cause chaos in the Heavenly Court again. Returning the Primordial Qi early would give Sun Wukong an extra layer of protection.
After reaching the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, Xu Fang's mastery of the Flowing Clouds and Rainbows technique had improved significantly. A long trail of crimson light followed him, dazzling and eye-catching.
Soon, Xu Fang reached the gates of the Heavenly Court. The Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the gates, quickly saluted Xu Fang as he passed by.
Xu Fang nodded slightly and hurried into the Heavenly Court.
"Divine General Xu looks so disheveled. I've never seen him in such a state before!" Demon King Mo Li Hong whispered as he watched Xu Fang's retreating figure.
Xu Fang's reputation in the Heavenly Court was unmatched. He had always struck fear into his enemies. Yet this time, he looked so disheveled. It was truly surprising.
"Could he have encountered a powerful enemy? It looks like he's back to seek reinforcements!" Demon King Mo Li Hai speculated.
"Whatever the case, it's none of our business. Loose lips sink ships. Let's just focus on guarding the gates," Demon King Mo Li Shou said calmly.
The four brothers, though known as the Four Heavenly Kings, were essentially just gatekeepers in the Heavenly Court. Xu Fang was currently favored by the Jade Emperor. If their gossip reached his ears and displeased him, they would be the ones to suffer.
