"Look how embarrassing this is. However, since Fellow Daoist has gone to such expense, I can only accept it."
Fuxi put on an expression as though he had just noticed the spiritual treasure in Zhunti's hand. He stepped forward, picked it up, examined it carefully, and then stuffed it into his sleeve.
"???"
Zhunti was completely dumbfounded. When did I ever say I was giving it to you?!
Before Zhunti could explode, Fuxi enthusiastically took his hand and said, "Don't worry. I'll make sure to properly persuade this child later and have him join the Western Sect."
Shen Hongfei stared at Fuxi, who had not even blushed or skipped a beat. My heavens, is this really that stupid uncle of mine?
Who did he learn this shamelessness from?!
The corner of Zhunti's mouth twitched, and his heart bled. Now that you've taken the Five Elements Pearl, what are we supposed to give this child?!
He did not think that giving the spiritual treasure to Fuxi would make Nuwa's son change his mind. That boy was the type who would not make a move until he saw the rabbit!
Fuxi, however, did not care about any of that. When he saw the Flat Peaches on the table, his eyes lit up. Another chance to enjoy some good food!
Thinking of how that brat usually kept these things under such tight guard that he never had a chance to taste them, Fuxi stepped forward, picked one up, and stuffed it into his mouth.
"Little sister, you chat with them. I'll be leaving first."
Watching Fuxi leave, Zhunti and Jieyin exchanged glances. They both sensed that something was strange, but neither could put a finger on it.
"Uncles, didn't you just say that you had prepared a gift for me?"
"What is it?"
A trace of a smile appeared at the corner of Shen Hongfei's mouth, and his innocent voice rang out.
At his words, Zhunti's heart trembled. It's here. I'm really going to suffer a major loss!
Seeing the hesitation on the two men's faces, Shen Hongfei continued, "Uncles, you aren't trying to deceive me, are you?"
"Hmph! I don't like you anymore. You came empty-handed and still want me to take you as my masters."
"Are you bullying me because I'm young and don't know any better?"
Jieyin sighed softly upon hearing this. He took something out from his robes. A thousand petals bloomed from it, radiating a faint Buddhist light.
"Child, this is the gift your uncle prepared for you!"
Shen Hongfei's eyes lit up. The Western Sect's supreme treasure, the Thousand Leaf Golden Lotus!
I never expected them to give this treasure to Young Master. It seems they really value me.
A smile curled up at the corner of Shen Hongfei's mouth. This is probably the Western duo's final bottom line.
"Thank you, Uncle Jieyin."
"You're both so kind. I'll consider taking you as my masters!"
Wonderful!
Zhunti was delighted. If this child truly joined the Western Sect, what did one or two supreme treasures matter? Much of his heartache faded.
"However, we'll have to wait until I'm born before we talk about it!"
"Of course, of course!"
As long as you have that thought, it's enough!
Zhunti and Jieyin exchanged a glance and prepared to leave. Although they did not know why the Three Xiaos had not informed Tongtian, this place was not suitable for lingering. If they delayed, something might change.
"Fellow Daoist Nuwa, the matter is settled. The two of us will take our leave first."
"Uncle Zhunti, why are you leaving already?"
"Won't you stay and chat with me a little longer?"
Having gained some benefits, Shen Hongfei found the two men much more pleasing to look at, so he spoke with a hint of reluctance.
"Hongfei, stop fooling around. The two uncles should have matters to attend to."
Nuwa hurriedly spoke, then gave Zhunti and Jieyin an apologetic look. "I'll see the two of you out."
Once the two men had left, Shen Hongfei immediately shouted toward Fuxi's cave abode, "Deadbeat Uncle, get over here!"
"Brat, show some respect! I'm your uncle!"
Fuxi emerged from the cave abode with a face as dark as ink. He pulled the Five Elements Pearl from his sleeve and tossed it over.
"Here!"
Watching Nuwa catch the Five Elements Pearl, Fuxi felt a pang of pain, but he could not refuse. If this brat tells others about what happened, won't all those great powers hate me to death?!
Seeing her brother's displeased expression, Nuwa shook her head. She took the green pearl Daoist Mu had gifted her earlier from her sleeve and tossed it toward Fuxi.
"Big brother, here."
"The mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Yimu Pearl!"
Fuxi gazed at the pearl in pleasant surprise. My little sister really does care about me.
He glanced at Nuwa's slightly protruding belly, quickly put the pearl away, and walked toward his cave abode, afraid she might ask for it back.
"Oh, my goodness! Mother, you're far too wasteful!"
Shen Hongfei could not help complaining. Finally, he curled his lips and said, "Forget it. Let's just consider it alms for this poor uncle and let Mother be happy too."
The Three Xiaos also secretly giggled nearby. This young master is so adorable. If only he could stay here forever.
They exchanged a glance, and a hint of determination appeared in their eyes.
Meanwhile, Zhunti and Jieyin walked down Mount Buzhou, completely satisfied. Suddenly, they saw a young Daoist walking toward them.
"Tongtian!"
Zhunti's expression changed. He hurriedly pulled Jieyin behind a nearby rock and secretly peered down the slope.
Why would Tongtian come here? Could it be that the Three Xiaos informed him?
No, it shouldn't be. If the Three Xiaos had informed him, the Three Pure Ones would have come together to settle accounts with the two of us by now!
Zhunti fell into deep thought, and a strange glint flashed through his eyes. Could Tongtian have the same goal as us? If so, the Three Pure Ones aren't a single united whole either. Perhaps I can make some plans.
Seeing that Tongtian was about to arrive, Zhunti put those thoughts aside. He did not want to run into Tongtian. Looking around, he found nowhere suitable to hide.
"If we use magic power at this distance, Tongtian will certainly notice. It seems we can only temporarily return to Fellow Daoist Nuwa's place."
Zhunti sighed softly, grabbed Jieyin, and ran back.
"Hm? What was that noise?"
Hearing movement ahead, Tongtian looked forward but saw nothing. He could not help shaking his head.
"Looks like I'm being too sensitive. It was probably some mountain spirit or monster passing by."
"However, I need to speed up as well!"
Thinking of how he had come here without informing his elder and second brothers, and fearing that something might happen if he delayed, he began moving faster.
Sensing Tongtian speeding up behind them, Zhunti and Jieyin were afraid he would catch up. They moved their legs even faster and soon arrived at Nuwa's small courtyard.
"Fellow Daoists, why have you returned?"
Nuwa was preparing to return to her cave abode for a short rest. Seeing Zhunti and Jieyin rushing over in panic and repeatedly looking behind them as though hiding from someone, she asked curiously.
When Zhunti saw Nuwa, his eyes lit up. Without even pausing to bow, he pulled Jieyin and hurried over.
"Tongtian is here!"
"Nu... Nuwa, Fellow Daoist, quickly find somewhere for the two of us to hide!"
Nuwa was startled upon hearing this. Why is he here?
"Master is here?"
The Three Xiaos also cried out in alarm. They had no time to keep watching the excitement, and a trace of panic appeared on Yunxiao's usually cool face.
"We can't let Master see them!"
"Otherwise, he'll definitely blame us for concealing this from him!"
Seeing the worry on the Three Xiaos' faces, Nuwa thought of how this had all been the baby's idea. She could not let the Three Xiaos be punished, so she hurriedly said,
"Three Xiaos, quickly take these two Fellow Daoists into the cave abode and hide them."
"Thank you, Your Ladyship!"
The three sisters hurriedly pulled Zhunti and Jieyin into the cave abode. They looked around, but could not find anywhere to hide, so they anxiously asked, "Seniors, can you use a transformation technique?"
Before you continue