Each harbored their own thoughts.

The previously opposing sides, seemingly shifting from a life-or-death struggle to amicable conversation, even with the prospect of a transaction and the forging of an alliance, were in reality still tense, with undercurrents surging. Both parties were ready to resume their mortal combat at any moment, requiring no heated words or glares; death could occur at the slightest provocation.

Wu Shuangjiang suppressed her thoughts slightly, pointing to the azure talisman and saying to Chen Ping’an, “My Fourteenth Realm Dao Companion, as long as Natural and I are not slain simultaneously, neither of us will perish. As for the extent of the Great Dao’s damage and my methods of recovery, these involve the very core of the Dao, so I shall not divulge them to you. Regarding today’s spar, I will individually compensate you for your losses. For example, this Superior Corpse Dissolution Talisman can transform a Land Immortal, hopeless of reaching the Fifth Realm and nearing death, into a Ghost Immortal, allowing them to ascend to the Jade Purity Realm. Whether they choose to forge a Golden Body and become a Mountain and Water Spirit, changing their path from a dead end to a new road of cultivation, is up to them. Moreover, this talisman is precious due to the material of the talisman paper itself. This serves as compensation for your physical injuries.”

Only then did Chen Ping’an wave his hand and store the talisman in his sleeve.

Wu Shuangjiang continued, “The reason Jiang Shangzhen and Master Cui were able to appear so abruptly was due to the activation of that Three Mountains Talisman, correct? The talisman-drawing technique itself is sound, but unfortunately, the problem remains the same: the talisman material is too inferior to bear the weight of too much Dao Intent. Therefore, the Three Mountains Excursion provided too little benefit to your three souls.”

Wu Shuangjiang then produced four “Subduing True Azure Green Talismans,” rarely seen even in White Jade Capital, and with a gentle wave of her sleeve, tossed them to Jiang Shangzhen and Cui Dongshan.

In the vastness of the Great World, all the lower sects of the White Jade Capital’s Three Veins of Daoism, such as the Divine Edict Sect of Treasure Bottle Continent and Mount Taiping of Firmament Leaf Continent, would burn this talisman whenever someone ascended to the rank of Celestial Sovereign, inviting down their respective revered three Founding Ancestors. Its preciousness is evident.

Wu Shuangjiang noticed Chen Ping’an’s expression and smiled, “That’s all there is.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Tell that to the ghosts.” Such a stingy and unforthcoming Fourteenth Realm Great Cultivator was rare indeed.

“I truly only have these five on me, but the Ancestral Hall of the Year-End Palace holds three more. Why don’t you come with me to retrieve them?”

Wu Shuangjiang smiled slightly, seeing through Chen Ping’an’s thoughts, and playfully said, “Besides, you and Daoist Sun are old friends, perhaps one of the Three Grand Masters of White Jade Capital will take a liking to you and reminisce. Years ago, when you traveled to the Mysterious Capital Temple together, he lectured you quite a bit along the way. With such friends, you can wander anywhere in the Azure Heavens, let alone my Year-End Palace.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “How is Daoist Sun doing?”

Wu Shuangjiang nodded, “Full of energy.”

Wu Shuangjiang seemed to remember something, shook her sleeves, and instantly, two more treasures appeared: a sword sheath and the “Qi-Circulating Inscription” green bamboo staff. She tossed them once more to Jiang Shangzhen and Cui Dongshan, “The sword sheath is forged from the Dragon-Slaying Platform, and the sheath itself is a talisman array. I have already removed all thirty-six layers of restrictions. It can be used to nurture that willow leaf segment and, if it cannot elevate the flying sword’s rank, consider it a pre-celebration of Sect Master Jiang’s ascension to the Soaring Ascension Realm.”

“This mountain-walking staff is a meeting gift for Master Cui. Its various wonders are for Master Cui to discover on his own.”

Cui Dongshan received the green bamboo staff, and Jiang Shangzhen grasped the sword sheath. The two exchanged smiles, thinking, “If we had truly killed Wu Shuangjiang earlier, wouldn’t we be rich beyond measure and live a life of boundless extravagance?!”

Wu Shuangjiang then turned to Ning Yao and said, “After returning, I will issue a decree to the disciples of the Fifth Heaven, ordering them to serve Flying Ascension City once, regardless of the cost.”

After all, it was that Boy Grotto.

Such an ally was unique and unparalleled throughout the entire world.

Ning Yao gave her thanks.

Wu Shuangjiang said, “Natural visited the Sword Qi Great Wall and was a guest in your state of mind, encountering three people in succession. The first of whom was the one with whom I conducted the transaction. Had it been anyone else, they would not have been able to take Natural away, or would have left too many traces. Therefore, when Natural saw him at the Sword Qi Great Wall and even suggested sparring with her, she was terrified out of her wits. She has always been timid.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “It was Daoist Sun’s junior apprentice brother.”

The Five Elements Wood Abode’s middle-aged Daoist’s divine statue was carved from a Patriarchal Peach Tree of the Great Mysterious Capital Temple, while Chen Ping’an’s Five Peaks Mountain Root was forged from the temple’s blue bricks, imbued with the Dao Intent of the Sword Immortal lineage of the Great Mysterious Capital Temple.