Jin Fuxi's cultivation level was modest—merely that of a Nascent Soul cultivator—and his standing within Hongfu Peak was far from prominent. Fearing that facing the sect leader alone would leave him disadvantaged, he shamelessly dragged his own peak master, Zhan Fan, along for support.
At Zhuxing Peak, Lian Xing and Zhan Fan locked gazes, neither willing to concede.
Lian Xing: "Peak Master Zhan, isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill? According to sect rules, the cost of disciples' training is the responsibility of their respective peaks."
Zhan Fan: "I'm not shirking responsibility, but as you can see, this burden is simply too overwhelming."
Lian Xing, unperturbed, adopted a thick-skinned approach: "Well, my young disciple is genuinely studying and earnestly practicing. There's no frivolity involved, so the cost should naturally fall under Hongfu Peak's educational budget."
Zhan Fan's lips twitched, his mind seething with curses. You clearly know your disciple lacks spiritual energy. No matter how well she paints, even if she paints masterpieces, her talismans will never succeed. You're blatantly using my Hongfu Peak as a scapegoat to indulge your disciple!
"Absolutely not! Sect Leader, you must cover this deficit yourself!"
"Now, who's being unreasonable here?"
"...Who's unreasonable, indeed?"
Zhan Fan's tiger-like eyes burned with determination, locking onto Lian Xing, whose confidence wavered ever so slightly under the intense scrutiny.
With a soft cough, Lian Xing picked up a talisman and said, "Look here, my disciple's talisman is remarkably flawless."
Zhan Fan, of course, knew how perfect it was.
If not for Ji Wushuang's evident talent—albeit hampered by her lack of spiritual energy—he would have long instructed Jin Fuxi to expel her.
Eyes narrowing with sudden inspiration, Zhan Fan broke into a cunning smile: "Sect Leader, if you're unwilling to fill this gap, you could simply increase Hongfu Peak's budget next year."
Lian Xing: "???"
Well, well, Zhan Fan, with your righteous demeanor, you're plotting against me?
"Absolutely not!"
"Then cover your disciple's material costs yourself!"
"This is a legitimate educational expense!"
"Sect Leader, you're shamelessly exploiting your seniority!"
"Utter nonsense!"
The argument grew increasingly heated until a distant crane's cry interrupted the escalating tension. Lian Xing, smoothing his robes, stood up with a beaming smile.
"Ah, my dear disciple has returned!"
That radiant grin startled both Zhan Fan and Jin Fuxi.
Those in the know recognized this as the sect leader's beloved disciple. Outsiders, however, might mistake her for his ancestor.
And truly, those outsiders wouldn't be wrong.
Ji Wushuang approached, glancing at the talismans with a confident smile. "Sect Leader, how are my talismans?"
Never doubting her success, Ji Wushuang trusted her semi-saintly instincts, believing she was merely lacking the means to activate them.
Lian Xing, unwilling to disappoint his little darling, hurriedly responded, "Excellent, excellent! Your talismans are magnificent!"
"Really?"
"Truly!"
To prove his sincerity, Lian Xing injected his spiritual energy into one of the talismans.
The next moment, a dazzling golden light erupted, so brilliant it nearly blinded him!
When the radiance subsided, Lian Xing stared in shock at the talisman in his hand—a supreme-grade Swift Talisman. He could scarcely believe it.
The bond he felt with the talisman… the unmistakable connection as if he himself had created it!
What kind of sorcery is this?!
This was undoubtedly Ji Wushuang's work!
Before he could delve deeper, the talisman was snatched away.
Zhan Fan, cradling the talisman like a priceless treasure, scrutinized it with wide, fervent eyes, mumbling incessantly, "How could this be… It's incredible… Jin Fuxi! Come and see this!"
Jin Fuxi waddled over, his rotund frame unceremoniously shoving Lian Xing aside.
Lian Xing: "???"
Does the sect leader mean nothing here anymore?
The two examined the talisman for ages before Jin Fuxi picked up another one, injecting it with his own spiritual energy.
Again, a burst of golden light illuminated the room, yielding yet another supreme-grade Swift Talisman!
This time, the talisman bore Jin Fuxi's imprint.
Zhan Fan tested one as well, producing identical results.
The two men were utterly astounded, their jaws practically unhinged in disbelief.
"Unthinkable!"
"How could this be?"
"This… This must be a breakthrough in inscribing talismans with universal activation properties, allowing anyone to imbue them with energy and achieve peak-grade results!"
"No, no, no. Perhaps the talisman's success is linked to the user's cultivation level?"
"Let's test it with a few Qi Refinement disciples..."
As they conversed, both Zhan Fan and Jin Fuxi turned their fervent, ravenous gazes toward Ji Wushuang, as if she were a juicy bun.
In unnaturally high-pitched voices, they asked in unison, "Little Wushuang, how exactly did you create these talismans? Could you sense their success?"
Their syrupy tones sent shivers down Lian Xing's spine.
Ji Wushuang twitched slightly before replying, "I could feel they were complete."
Their eyes softened even further. "Oh, our Little Wushuang is truly remarkable!"
"A genius! A genuine prodigy!"
"Little Wushuang, why not join Hongfu Peak and become one of my disciples?"
Lian Xing: "???"
Am I invisible? Are you really trying to poach my disciple right in front of me?