Zhao Ge immediately showed a look of astonishment.

Lady Lian brought out this identity with intent. Although Divine House Mountain is located in a remote area, the Zhongtai Sect is nominally its Upper Sect, and it remains one of the Five Major Sects of the era. By borrowing this title, she could present her terms with more ease.

However, she was also very measured, not putting on an overbearing attitude. If she did, others would suspect she was here to seize the Dharma Treasure, rather than negotiate properly, which would first create resistance, making it unwise.

Seeing Zhao Ge moved, she felt a tinge of pride in her heart, but when she noticed Zhang Yan remained expressionless, she had to tuck away her bit of joy, and thought to herself, "This True Master Zhang is indeed someone not to be underestimated."

She knew her own situation. Although within the sect, the disciples showed her respect, when it really came down to it, they might not truly regard her much, mainly because her husband has over sixty concubines, yet she hasn’t given birth to a son or daughter, thus not being much favored.

Zhang Yan didn’t need much thought to see that Lady Lian’s position in the Zhongtai Sect wasn’t high; otherwise, why would she need to come here to exchange for some Dharma Treasure?

But even if she was a cherished concubine of the Zhongtai Sect Leader, his attitude wouldn’t change a bit.

After pondering for a moment, he smiled and said, "I can lend out the Dharma Treasure, but there is one condition."

Lady Lian was invigorated in spirit and said, "Please, Sect Leader Zhang, go ahead."

Zhang Yan said, "I ask that your two sworn brothers come here in person; only then can the treasure be loaned out."

Lady Lian straightened slightly and raised her voice, asking, "True Master, are you afraid I’ll take without returning? No worries, I can write a document."

Zhang Yan smiled without speaking.

Zhao Ge timely interjected, "It is our first meeting with fellow Daoist Lian, and we’ve not seen Lady Lian’s two sworn brothers, which leaves a layer of doubt and confusion."

Lady Lian realized that they did not trust her, but even knowing it was reasonable, she still felt slightly uncomfortable. Moreover, she was unwilling because she could have bestowed a great favor on her two sworn brothers, but asking them to come in person would diminish the weight and likely not earn their gratitude.

She forced a smile and said, "My two sworn brothers are diligently cultivating Daoist Skills for the fighting happening in two months and cannot make it here. Is there perhaps room for some flexibility?"

Though speaking to Zhao Ge, she looked at Zhang Yan.

Zhao Ge calmly said, "Waiting is no problem. Whenever the two fellow Daoists arrive, Zhao will be here to welcome them, so there’s no rush."

Before coming here, Lady Lian had also inquired about the Han Yuan Sect’s situation and felt somewhat confident, cleared her throat, and said, "True Master Zhang, the Earth Lotus you need, even with twelve stalks, may not be enough. If given ample time, I could easily find dozens or even hundreds; perhaps, today, considering the friendship between Divine House Mountain and our Zhongtai Sect, you could do me this favor?"

"This..."

Zhao Ge was somewhat uncertain.

At this, Lady Lian fixed her bright eyes on Zhang Yan and continued, "When I came, I heard there’s some misunderstanding between you, Daoist Zhang, and Brother Hui Xuan. I won’t hide it, my master is related to yours, and I could help mediate and resolve any enmity. What do you think?"

Zhao Ge was somewhat taken aback and glanced at Zhang Yan, who remained silent, giving him clarity and shook his head, "This is a matter of our Han Yuan Sect; there’s no need for fellow Daoist to worry about it."

Though Lady Lian’s status in the sect isn’t high, as the concubine of the Zhongtai Sect Leader, wherever she goes, she is given some respect. Having spoken these words both soft and hard, seeing that Zhao Ge still wouldn’t concede, she became a bit impatient, raised a brow, and said, "With my status, you two still don’t trust me?"

Zhang Yan had been an observer, letting the two speak, but he had already noticed that Lady Lian was reluctant about his proposal. He still needed to focus on cultivation and didn’t wish to drag this out any longer. With a slight smile, he said, "Even if the Zhongtai Sect Leader himself were sitting here today, I would respond the same way."

What arrogance!

Lady Lian turned her gaze, and her eyes instantly became colder. Who did he think he was? Just a cultivator from the Outer Continent, comparing himself to her master?

Did he really think they were so easy to deceive because she tried to negotiate courteously?

She snorted, stood up, and without saying a word of farewell, turned and left the room.

Zhao Ge was a bit worried, saying, "Senior Brother, after all, she is the concubine of the Zhongtai Sect Leader, and offending her now might cause future trouble."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, "Junior Brother Zhao, if Lady Lian were genuinely sincere, she could have immediately sworn an Oath to guarantee her two sworn brothers, saving a lot of words. Yet she hadn’t mentioned how long she needed to borrow it, indicating she had no intention of returning it. Ultimately, her intentions were improper. In my opinion, even if the Dharma Treasure is lent, when you go to claim it later, she would come up with various excuses to shirk it. At that time, it would be no different from losing it." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Zhao Ge thought carefully, without the binding of an oath, she indeed might do so, and he would be powerless against it. In his heart, he thought, "Senior Brother makes a valid point, this matter absolutely cannot concede an inch."

At that moment, he hesitated for a moment and said, "Senior Brother, there’s something I need to report, and it might be related to that Lady Lian."

After leaving Cangzhu Peak, the more Lady Lian thought about it, the angrier she became, wanting to find someone to level the Han Yuan Mountain Gate. But now the Zhongtai Sect was dealing with the Xuanyue Sect and had no energy to focus here. Even on ordinary days, given her status, she couldn’t do such a thing.

Just then, she suddenly remembered Elder You’s words, and a hint of hatred flashed in her eyes as she turned her body and headed south in a swirl of Elixir Evil.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)