After Xiao Zhan left, Jiang Feng entered a state of cultivation, trying to shake off that feeling of weakness and keep himself at his peak at all times, so he could handle any unexpected crisis.

As the saying goes, a single strong punch keeps a hundred punches away.

Just as Jiang Feng had predicted from the changes in Fortune Point, peace finally descended upon Dragon Capital, and his Fortune Point would increase daily.

Though Blood Sea Immortal Venerable kept making small moves, he no longer dared to provoke Dragon Capital, even staying holed up within the Divine Sect, with the Sect Protection Array constantly active.

Soon, two months passed.

With day-and-night cultivation and nourishment from Spiritual Spring Water, Jiang Feng finally rid himself of that weakness. Rarely having free time, he took Han Dong on a leisurely stroll around Dragon Capital.

When the two returned to the Imperial City, they found Xiao Zhan waiting at the gate of the courtyard.

Jiang Feng had made it clear: unless it was important, no one should come find him. He had been in seclusion for two months, so Xiao Zhan hadn’t dared to disturb him. Now, seeing him out and about, he got wind of it and came to meet him, clearly with matters to relay.

"Immortal Master, I have something important to report to you."

Sure enough, as soon as Jiang Feng and Han Dong appeared arm-in-arm, Xiao Zhan hurried forward, bowed deeply, and greeted.

"If you have something to say, come inside." Jiang Feng was in good spirits. "Sister Dong, prepare a pot of salted vegetable tofu for me. I want to drink a bit with King Xiao."

"Alright."

After Han Dong prepared tea for Xiao Zhan and Jiang Feng, she ran into the kitchen to get busy.

In this courtyard, usually just she and Jiang Feng lived together. They disliked being interrupted, never keeping any attendants—whenever they needed something, it was only sent to the gate.

"King Xiao, your skills have made much progress again. Truly worth celebrating."

Jiang Feng sensed Xiao Zhan’s cultivation had reached mid Divine Realm, taking one further step he’d rival the late Qi Condensation Stage.

He knew Xiao Zhan must have encountered a fortuitous encounter, to advance so rapidly. As for what sort of encounter, Jiang Feng had no clue, but he suspected it had something to do with the Underground Palace key. Still, he didn’t press.

Because Xiao Zhan was his partner, not his enemy.

Both sides needed mutual respect.

"Immortal Master, your eyes miss nothing. There’s just no hiding from you."

Xiao Zhan wore a humble look, though inwardly shocked; his Cultivation Technique could conceal his aura, but even when fully hidden, he couldn’t escape Jiang Feng’s eyes, which proved how powerful Jiang Feng truly was.

"If peace is to last, Dragon Capital can’t rely on me alone. Next time danger comes, I hope King Xiao can handle it himself."

Jiang Feng spoke sincerely.

"Immortal Master."

Xiao Zhan was startled, rising as if to kneel.

But his body was held upright by Jiang Feng’s Spiritual Power.

"King Xiao, don’t misunderstand. What I said comes from the heart—please don’t overthink it."

Jiang Feng explained.

"As long as Great Tang has Immortal Master here, chaos cannot prevail in this land."

Xiao Zhan replied with utter reverence and awe.

Then, he took a letter out of his robe, offering it with both hands to Jiang Feng: "This is a letter sent by Blood Sea Immortal Venerable. Please, Immortal Master, open it yourself."

Jiang Feng glanced at the envelope. On it were Spiritual Power Shackles and a Restriction Talisman, making it impossible to open with brute force.

But his Five Elements Array was already cultivated to Great Perfection; such crude restrictions could be undone with a flick of his finger, and the Spiritual Power Shackles could be dispelled with a single breath.

He waved his hand casually.

The letter floated into the air. With a soft pop, like a fire blossoming, a ghostly image appeared before them. The figure cupped his fists toward Jiang Feng and spoke: "Fellow Daoist Jiang, I, Lin Zhensong, on behalf of the Lin Family and Blood Sea Loose Cultivators, sincerely wish to make peace with you. From now on, we will not touch Dragon Capital Underground Palace, and hope you will not interfere with the Lin Family’s exploration of Divine Sect Mansion. Let us refrain from infringing on each other—would that be agreeable?"

After Blood Sea Immortal Venerable’s apparition finished speaking, he cupped his fists to Jiang Feng and disappeared.

"Seeking peace with me?"

Jiang Feng’s face was full of surprise.

"This could be a delaying tactic on their part."

Xiao Zhan said worriedly.

Jiang Feng frowned in thought, then took out a piece of Talisman Paper, flicking a rune technique into it through the air.

"Go to Divine Sect in person and hand this to Blood Sea Immortal Venerable."

Jiang Feng passed the Talisman Paper to Xiao Zhan.

"This... I understand."

Xiao Zhan hesitated slightly, took the Talisman Paper, pondered carefully, then bade Jiang Feng farewell and set off, taking two mages and flying toward Divine Sect.

"Where’s King Xiao?"

Han Dong had just finished braising the salted vegetable tofu and came to call Jiang Feng and Xiao Zhan to eat, only to find Jiang Feng sitting alone in the tea room.

"He went to handle something important; he won’t be eating with us for now. Let’s eat ourselves!"

Jiang Feng didn’t explain much, wrapping his arm around Han Dong as they went to the dining room. The two ate salted tofu and drank Yellow Rice Wine, looking quite at ease.

Xiao Zhan moved quickly.

On the third day, he arrived at Divine Sect’s gate.

Several Lin Family guards, once they knew he was the real authority of the Great Tang’s territory, did not block him, instead leading Xiao Zhan to Blood Sea Immortal Venerable.

Blood Sea Immortal Venerable was now at the same strength level as Jiang Feng—Qi Condensation Peak. When he met Xiao Zhan, he released an intense pressure.

Unfortunately, while Xiao Zhan’s power was inferior, his mind was resolute and audacious. Back when he served under Li Yang, he commanded a million soldiers, repelled the Blood Wolf Army, and turned the Turks into a vassal state.

Over the years, he’d perfected his Divine Skill, managing a group of Purple Bamboo Forest Cultivators and keeping them completely in line; crushing his mental defenses with pure Martial Power wouldn’t be so easy.

He took out the Talisman Paper Jiang Feng had given him and, neither arrogant nor servile, said: "This is from our Great Tang State Preceptor, entrusted to me for you."