Jiang Wuyou and Qi Xiao exchanged a few words via spiritual transmission before she descended from the main seat and walked directly to Jiang Wang. She handed him an object shaped like a finger, silver-white in color, with a hollow interior, perfectly sized to fit an index finger.

She didn’t explain what it was, but Jiang Wang knew the moment he held it. It was called the “Finger Cartographer.”

The true value wasn’t in the object itself, but in the information recorded within.

Placing it on his index finger and focusing his will, an incredibly intricate three-dimensional map materialized!

Most areas were shrouded in darkness, but even the illuminated sections contained a vast amount of information.

This was the culmination of Decisive Light Island’s years of exploration in the Maze Realm, its preciousness beyond words.

And for Jiang Wang at this moment, it was undoubtedly the most crucial item. It would largely prevent him from becoming lost in the Maze Realm due to his lack of connection to the Star Observing Sanctuary.

Jiang Wuyou simply stated, “I’ve taken a great risk to give this to you. Destroy it before you die. Understand?”

Her words were harsh, but they carried significant weight.

Before today, her relationship with Jiang Wang was purely transactional. But so far, she had been the one offering, demonstrating ample sincerity.

“I will certainly do so,” Jiang Wang replied.

Jiang Wuyou said nothing more and returned to her seat.

Xu Xiangqian approached at this moment, his sleeves billowing, his hands empty.

From the viewing platform, Zi Shu was about to stand, but Zhao Wuyan held her back.

“No need,” she transmitted. “Firstly, it’s not worth it. Secondly, he won’t accept anything you offer. The relationship isn’t strong enough; you’d only embarrass yourself.”

Zi Shu tried to stand twice but failed, and simply pouted.

Xu Xiangqian stood before Jiang Wang, and unlike the others, he offered nothing, only saying, “I’ve always lived for the moment, with no possessions of value, and even less money. I only have a folding fan, a gift from my master, which I cannot part with…”

He showed no embarrassment mentioning his lack of wealth, and continued, “So, I’ll gift you a poem instead!”

Without waiting for Jiang Wang’s response, he recited: “Farewell, traveler, tread slowly, for beyond the horizon lies another. The sea’s winds and waves are fierce, may you return home soon!”

Jiang Wang smiled and said, “A fine poem!”

Xu Xiangqian’s dejection vanished, his eyebrows dancing with delight, “Brother Jiang always had such discerning taste!”

“Of course!” Jiang Wang replied, “Especially the line about living for the moment! Truly excellent!”

Xu Xiangqian glared at him for a moment, then simply patted his shoulder and turned to leave.

Both were about to enter the Maze Realm.

Jiang Wang, on one side, had friends bidding him farewell, offering precious gifts, hoping for his safe return.

While Granny Bizhu stood alone, isolated.

Emerald Isle was originally her domain, a place she had cultivated for years… yet not a single person came to see her off.

Her treachery against her fellow disciples, and her ruthless manipulation of her adopted disciple as a pawn, had inspired fear and resentment.

For a person like her, could anyone be closer than Zhu Biqiong? Perhaps some would seek her favor when she held power, but before this perilous journey, no one was willing to invest in her.

Both emotional and material support came at a cost, and with her, there seemed no prospect of a return.

Jiang Wang’s journey was arguably more dangerous, yet all his friends present were willing to help him. Because everyone knew that any kindness they showed Jiang Wang would be repaid in kind, or even more.

The virtuous receive abundant support, while the wicked find themselves isolated. It was as simple as that.

Wei Xun watched this scene silently, not interfering with how these people were “arming” Jiang Wang.

Only after everyone had finished their farewells did he say to Jiang Wang, “Until you complete your redemption, Zhu Biqiong remains guilty. She will await you on Sky’s End Platform as a prisoner. You can take her away whenever you return.”

“But you’d better manage your time well,” he added, “Because she might not last that long.”

He seemed completely unconcerned with his status as a powerful True Lord, instead relishing the feeling of manipulating Jiang Wang.

After so many people had “armed” Jiang Wang, increasing his chances of survival, he immediately imposed a time limit.

Zhu Biqiong, stripped of her cultivation, was only sustained by a wisp of Qi from Master Chongguang.

No one knew how long she could endure…

In other words, Jiang Wang not only had to complete his redemption in the Maze Realm, but also do it as quickly as possible, forcing him to be proactive and take even more risks…

This was too harsh!

Yet Jiang Wang couldn’t refuse.

As he himself had said, he could only be grateful to Wei Xun for giving him this opportunity; he had no right to complain.

“I understand,” Jiang Wang nodded.

This young man possessed a calmness beyond his years.

But this calmness didn’t seem to satisfy Wei Xun.

He wanted something else.

This True Lord expert, who didn’t seem to care much about his position, looked at Jiang Wang, then at Granny Bizhu, “Before sending you to the Maze Realm, is there nothing you want to say to each other?”

Wei Xun seemed intent on watching a good show, needing to see some kind of twist.

Granny Bizhu seemed to have come to terms with everything. Throughout the various gift-givings and farewells to Jiang Wang, she hadn’t said a word, not even offering any perfunctory objections.

At this moment, her expression was surprisingly gentle.

She even bowed slightly, clasping her hands in greeting, “Young friend Jiang, no matter how many grievances we may have had in the past, in the Maze Realm, we’ll be comrades. Let us look out for each other.”

Jiang Wang didn’t even glance at her, remaining silent.

There was no longer any need for pretense.

Everyone knew, and they themselves knew, that only one of them could emerge from the Maze Realm. Or perhaps none at all.

Granny Bizhu could continue to perform, maintaining her so-called “dignity” before entering the Maze Realm.

But Jiang Wang refused to play along any longer.

Let life and death be decided then.

He had bowed too many times today, and he refused to bow again.

Ignoring Jiang Wang’s disregard, Granny Bizhu wasn’t offended in the slightest. She straightened up and said to Wei Xun, “Lord Master, before going to the Maze Realm, I’d like to say a few words to Biqiong.”

Wei Xun nodded slightly, signaling his consent.

She turned and walked towards Zhu Biqiong, but Zhu Biqiong only looked at Jiang Wang.

The foolish girl’s mouth had been opening and closing, constantly saying “don’t,” but no sound escaped.

Even now, she hadn’t fully grasped the complex matters behind everything.

She only knew that Jiang Wang was once again risking his life for her. She didn’t want him to.

Granny Bizhu crouched down, leaning close to her ear.

Zhu Biqiong flinched back violently, as if recoiling from a venomous snake. But bound by the Black Armor guards, she couldn’t escape far.

Granny Bizhu tugged at the corners of her mouth, appearing to force a bitter smile, but still said into her ear, “Do you know why I first crippled your cultivation?”

“I wanted to use that to replace your punishment, to save your life. But it wasn’t enough.”

“Very well. Jiang Wang has almost accomplished what I couldn’t. You’ve made a good friend… I’m sorry.”

The final “I’m sorry” was spoken so softly, almost silently, that it was barely a whisper, and seemed to barely move her lips.

Having said these words, she finally stood up.

But Zhu Biqiong’s gaze remained filled with fear. Clearly, she hadn’t understood a word.

“Alas.”

Granny Bizhu sighed deeply, and said, “I am ready to depart. Lord Master.”