The collaboration between Ji Wushuang and Hongfu Peak was thus finalized, though any hope of obtaining a true talisman treasure was out of the question. To elevate an ordinary talisman into a talisman treasure required not only Ji Wushuang's rare ability to "harmonize with the heavens" but also the perilous intervention of a cultivation expert in the Integration Stage to activate it. Most crucially, crafting such a treasure demanded materials from eighth-tier spiritual beasts—bones, blood, and fur—to complete the process.
Among these requirements, Ji Wushuang's contribution was the easiest to secure. As for the other two? Even with the collective strength of Hongfu Peak, accomplishing them was little more than a fantastical dream.
While Hongfu Peak had elders who hailed from Yulan Sect's illustrious lineage, persuading a Tribulation-Stage master to risk their life activating a talisman treasure for personal use was beyond absurd.
Truthfully, even a sixth-grade talisman was more than satisfactory for Zhan Fan.
Zhan Fan himself, at the Nascent Soul Stage, could craft fifth-grade talismans with ease—low-grade success rates were high, mid-grade fairly reliable, but high-grade and peak-grade talismans often escaped his grasp.
The higher a talisman maker's cultivation, the more challenging it became to advance, for beyond a certain level, talent alone dictated success.
With Ji Wushuang's assistance, Zhan Fan might yet shatter his own limits...
Naturally, outside the sect's core leadership, none knew Ji Wushuang's true identity. Not even the other peak lords were aware.
To the general public, Ji Wushuang was simply the Sect Leader's personal disciple.
So why had she suddenly become Zhan Fan's "treasured gem"?
When other sects and reclusive talisman experts sought an audience regarding the talisman treasure, Zhan Fan barely entertained them—offering only perfunctory greetings before returning to Ji Wushuang's side.
Not content with mere companionship, Zhan Fan would frequently lavish Ji Wushuang with sect contribution points in an unprecedented display of generosity.
Contribution points were the lifeblood of every disciple's survival within the sect.
From cultivation manuals to pills, from spiritual tools to life-saving treasures—all could be exchanged for points.
The Yulan Sect's extensive heritage included countless top-tier manuals and ancient techniques, alongside miraculous elixirs capable of resurrecting the dead and authentic spiritual treasures.
Such treasures were exorbitantly priced, with contribution points being the sole currency of trade.
Each peak operated within a strict annual point budget, ensuring smooth operations and equitable resource distribution. For Zhan Fan to redistribute peak resources so liberally was a rarity.
After all, every point gifted represented a depletion of Hongfu Peak's "budget," directly impacting the benefits available to all disciples.
Thus, when Hongfu Peak's disciples learned of Zhan Fan's extraordinary favoritism toward Ji Wushuang, their hearts were filled with envy and resentment.
They labored tirelessly day in and day out for a meager allowance of points.
And Ji Wushuang? Without lifting a finger, she reaped riches simply by existing.
Was it because of her beauty? Or that radiant smile?
Unforgivable!
In the Huangfa Pavilion of the Dao Academy.
Though Ji Wushuang had ceased attending talisman courses, Mo Lanyi continued her diligent participation. After all, the old ghost immortal who instructed her had yet to fully recover; he had merely forced himself awake upon sensing the talisman treasure's power.
Following that, he had returned to slumber for another month of recuperation.
With the ghost immortal absent, Mo Lanyi adopted a more subdued and tactful demeanor. Not only had she cultivated amicable relationships with fellow students, but her natural fortune earned her the nickname "Little Lucky Carp."
Whenever disciples accompanied Mo Lanyi on tasks—whether watering the spirit fields or feeding spiritual beasts—they would invariably receive unexpected blessings.
With her striking appearance and exceptional talent, and without Ji Wushuang overshadowing her, Mo Lanyi's status within the academy seemed destined to rise.
On the day of a talisman lecture, Mo Lanyi noticed the sour expressions on the faces of Hongfu Peak's disciples. Her eyes gleamed with intent as she feigned innocence.
"Your peak's treatment is enviable. I truly admire all of you."
A Hongfu Peak disciple raised their gaze, voice tinged with bitterness.
"Senior Sister, you jest. You are the direct disciple of the Zilin Peak Master. Surely you have no need to envy mere inner disciples like us."
"Indeed."
"Senior Sister, please don't tease us."
Mo Lanyi blinked in mock surprise.
"Why would I jest? I heard that your peak lord dotes on Little Junior Sister Wushuang, showering her with hundreds of contribution points at a time. If that's how he treats an outsider, surely his own disciples receive even greater rewards, no?"
The disciple's face darkened. Yet, though resentment burned in their hearts, none dared criticize their peak lord openly.
But within their minds, Ji Wushuang became the target of their ire.
No doubt, Ji Wushuang was a genius, but her inability to cultivate due to her flawed spiritual root should have relegated her to obscurity.
What was the point of excelling in the six foundational arts if she couldn't even draw a basic talisman?
To them, cultivating Ji Wushuang was nothing but a waste of sect resources.
After class, several disgruntled disciples sought out Zhan Yuan, a newly inducted disciple of Zhan Fan.
"Junior Brother, what is the peak lord thinking?"
"Everyone's mocking us!"
"Why is Ji Wushuang favored so much?"
"She's just a burden! Giving her so many points undermines us all!"
Zhan Yuan, though harboring some doubts himself, remained composed.
"Who's been filling your heads with such nonsense? The peak lord has never misused the peak's resources. What he gives comes from his personal points. He can spend them as he pleases—what right have you to object?"
Though young, Zhan Yuan's imposing presence silenced the crowd.
"If you continue spreading baseless rumors, I'll personally see to it that you're expelled from Hongfu Peak!"
With that, Zhan Yuan turned and left without looking back.
Fearing Zhan Fan's wrath, Zhan Yuan instead sought out Senior Brother Zhuang Xuan for guidance.
After hearing Zhan Yuan's concerns, Zhuang Xuan also felt something was amiss.
"Leave this matter to me."
When Zhuang Xuan arrived at the peak's main hall, he was greeted by an astonishing sight: Jin Fuxi had prepared an elaborate feast for Ji Wushuang, while Zhan Fan eagerly served her dish after dish.
"Here, Little Wushuang, try this braised ox tail. It's made from the tail of a fourth-tier Water Crystal Ox. These beasts thrive only in areas rich with spiritual energy, making their meat exceptionally tender."
Ji Wushuang beamed with childlike delight, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "Thank you, Peak Lord Zhan. Thank you, Steward Jin. I love it!"
"Good, good! Eat as much as you like."
Not only was Zhan Fan doting, but Jin Fuxi—a man known for his sharp wit and cunning—was smiling so broadly he looked like a Buddha.
Zhuang Xuan, well acquainted with Jin Fuxi's reputation, was utterly baffled.
"...Could it be that both Master and Steward Jin have been cursed with a spell?"
Grasping at his own arm, Zhuang Xuan pinched hard, confirming the sting of reality.
"No... this isn't a dream. They're truly cursed with a spell."