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Liang Fu heaved another sigh before he made a final attempt. "Do show mercy and forgiveness to the East Heaven’s Gate’s sect leader, Shao Dongtian and the East Sea Holy Man. The Great Zhou Empire is willing to trade an entire Middle World in exchange for their release."

Lin Feng glanced at him calmly and said, "You can discuss the details of the negotiation with my Senior Disciple."

"However, there are some things that just do not have room for compromise or stepping back."

Liang Fu chewed on his words and said nothing more.

The Vast Sea Sword Sect’s Azure Pulses Grandmaster shot a look at Liang Fu but said nothing either as Liang Fu was ultimately the leader of the group.

The Vast Sea Swordmaster had been captured by Lin Feng, but the entire Vast Sea Sword Sect was grateful for Lin Feng’s beheading of the Saintly Celestial Sword. Thus, they possessed intensely complicated and mixed feelings and were not able to properly express themselves. The Azure Pulses Grandmaster and the others wanted to wait for the Vast Sea Swordmaster’s return before they held a discussion about the next step.

Xiao Yan and Li Yuanfang were responsible for the subsequent negotiations for redemptions.

Xiao Yan was the one that did the overall discussion while Li Yuanfang took care of the tiny details of the arrangement.

The cultivator that came for the Intense Flaming Swordmaster was one of his disciples – a nascent soul stage cultivator, who did not mince his words and was relatively straightforward.

He recognized the punishment and stated that the Celestial Sect of Wonders could have anything that was in his possession in exchange for the release of the Intense Flaming Swordmaster.

On one hand, the Intense Flaming Swordmaster was the pillar of the Intense Flaming Sword Sect. On the other hand, they also wished to express their gratitude towards Lin Feng’s defeat of the Saintly Celestial Sword.

Shen Qifeng of the Samsara Sect was also direct and clear-cut with his offers. He made it clear that he was willing to give the Red Lotus Fire, voluminous amounts of resources and exotic herbs, as well as the foundations and influences of the Samsara Sect within two Middle Worlds in exchange for Ming Zun and Wu Xusen.

The reason why he placed the Red Lotus Fire on the table was because he knew that Xiao Yan could control at least five different primordial fires.

He decided not to bring up the fact that Lin Feng had annihilated the immortal soul stage elders of the Path of the Heaven-Born.

Shen Qifeng was tactful and sensitive as he avoided discussing Zhang Enrui and the Heavenly Ghost Priest as well. However, he also wanted to retrieve the Asura War-Blade but that suggestion was irrevocably rejected by the Celestial Sect of wonders.

Once they knew that retrieving Shao Dongtian and the East Sea Holy Man was hopeless, the Great Zhou Empire had no choice but to leave them behind and try their luck with the others. They hoped to bring back the Vast Sea Swordmaster as well as the other immortal soul stage cultivators from the East Heaven’s Gate who were captured along with the Zhu Heaven Pagoda. They also wished to take back the various magic items such as the Xuan Heaven Seal and the Zhu Heaven Pagoda.

The Xuan Heaven Seal was arrested by the Celestial Sect of Wonders and there was no way they were going to return it; it was as such with the Yan Heaven Crucible as well.

The Yuan Heaven Emerald Needle was suppressed along with the East Sea Holy Man and redemption was disallowed.

This magic treasure was most sinister and malicious magic treasure out of the Nine Treasures of the Heaven’s Gate. It had taken countless lives under the sting of the toxic needle; the Mahayana-level Yuan Heaven Emerald Needle of the olden days had taken the lives of many third-level immortal soul stage cultivators.

Even though it was only a gestation-level magic treasure in its rebirth, the concept of power embodied within was of the same lineage as the Yuan Heaven Emerald Needle of old. A single stream of azure light that was meant to bypass defensive abhijna and went straight for the cultivator’s soul – there was nothing it could not pierce, yet it left no trace in its wake. Once it had locked in on a target, it would decay through everything like maggots corrupting the bone and it would never stop.

This magic treasure ended up in the hands of a second-level immortal soul stage cultivator, a man who harbored intentions to ambush and to kill. Such circumstances greatly increased the threat and danger of this magic item.

During the battle of Mount Yujing, Mister Dual Polarity Peak faced off the East Sea Holy Man and this magic treasure. Even though Mr. Dual Polarity Peak was already heavily injured, his foundations were still there and he managed to hold off the East Sea Holy Man and the Yuan Heaven Emerald Needle.

The Supreme Radiance Swordmaster substituted the Dual Polarity Heavenly Mountain afterward and channeled the superior speed of his sword to the highest level possible. He was able to counter the Yuan Heaven Emerald Needle to a large extent and prevented all chaos from breaking loose.

The Virtuous Zen Master and the Flowing Waves Holy Man, who were the two immortal soul stage cultivators under the wing of the Celestial Sect of Wonders, had to take special care when battling enemies with this particular magic item. A single lapse of concentration could lead to irreversible damage from the azure light that was designed to pierce through one’s defensive abhijna.

It was the same with the Yan Heaven Crucible, and the Celestial Sect of Wonders rejected proposals to retrieve it as well. This item was unassuming, did not seem like much and was only a gestation-level magic item – but it possessed great potential value.

Instead, it was the immemorial magic item, the metaplasia-level Zhu Heaven Pagoda that was allowed to be redeemed even though this magic treasure was relatively powerful. It was a pity that the day Yin Cangchen was caught, he revealed the original location of the pagoda even though it was eventually shifted away. Lin Feng used his mana and the special effects of the Green Glass Jade Stand and discovered its new location and eventually retrieved the pagoda.

The Celestial Sect of Wonders already had Mount Yujing, which had far superior effects, thus they had no need for that item.

The Great Zhou Empire would definitely be taking extra care in covering the tracks of the pagoda, and they would also choose its new location wisely before they sent it back into the void.

Lin Feng was not too concerned as he had already done it before and was confident that he could do it again. The only difference was that, if the opponent was more prepared than before, he had to expend a little more effort than he otherwise would have.

The Great Zhou Empire and the East Heaven’s Gate still wanted to redeem this magic item as the threats they faced did not comprise of just Lin Feng alone. These adversaries generally did not have enough rapport and camaraderie with Lin Feng to request his help to search for the Zhu Heaven Pagoda.

Xiao Yan’s final offer was that they would ensure the safe return of the Vast Sea Swordmaster, the various immortal soul stage cultivators of the East Heaven’s Gate and the Zhu Heaven’s Pagoda in exchange for the proposal that the Great Zhou Empire intended for Shao Dongtian and the Xuan Heaven Seal – the Celestial Sect of Wonders would get an entire Middle World.

The Great Zhou Empire’s Dongsheng World was not the same as the two Middle Worlds that were part of the Samsara Sect’s offer. The Samsara Sect was sharing in these two Middle Worlds with other powers, and one of them included the birthplace of Luo Qingwu – the Ancient Yuantian World.

The Dongsheng World enjoyed an independent and exclusive existence just like the Celestial Sect of Wonder’s Celestial Wonders World and was rich in resources as well.

Xiao Yan’s appetite grew so big suddenly that even the typically composed and easygoing Prince Yanliang briefly considered ditching the agreement and turning away. It took great effort to resist that temptation as he held down his temper and continued to haggle and negotiate with Xiao Yan and Li Yuanfang.

However, Xiao Yan and the others had the initiative as they were the ones that emerged victorious in the battle. Liang Fu had no choice but to give more and more as it was imperative that the Vast Sea Swordmaster and the others returned to the Great Zhou Empire in order to keep the morale of the other cultivators up and alive.

The most substantial consideration was that he needed to buy time for the Great Zhou Empire – he had to fight for a window for recuperation and development.

After the conflict in the Ying Sea, the rapid expansion and rise of the Great Zhou Empire had been forcefully interrupted and their circumstance had been going downhill ever since then. If they did not find ways to mitigate their losses and buy time for recovery, their situation could plummet even more to the point of no return.

The Great Zhou Empire shared a consensus after the battle of Mount Shu – they were thankful for the Golden Cicada Master.

The Golden Cicada Master had abducted one of Lin Feng’s grand-disciple, and this meant that right after Lin Feng had resolved his problems within the Divine Lands, he was definitely venturing into the Barren Expanses to find his grand-disciple and seek vengeance upon the Golden Cicada Master.

Without this intervention, it was more than likely that the Celestial Sect of Wonders would set their sights upon the Great Zhou Empire. Even though they would not execute something as dramatic as they did against the Mount Shu Sword Sect, they were bound to team up with the Great Qin Empire to pressure the boundaries and sovereignty of the Great Zhou Empire.

Thus, the opportunity arose where the Great Zhou Empire could find ways to pacify the rising tensions between the two parties. At the very least, they had to try their best to prevent the situation from deteriorating even further.

In the end, Liang Fu had to suck it up and accept the terms of negotiation. They were to use the Dongsheng World and all the resources contained within to trade for the Vast Sea Swordmaster and the two others. They added several other treasures and items in exchange for the Zhu Heaven Pagoda and the East Heaven’s Gate’s younger generation of cultivators.

Liang Fu and company wasted no time after settling the terms of the arrangement and left without looking back. It was the Vast Sea Swordmaster and the Intense Flaming Swordmaster who paid their respects to Lin Feng before they departed as well.

After settling all the terms of negotiation, Lin Feng personally thanked Shi Zongtang and the others for their aid.

Besides expressing his gratitude in person, Lin Feng was not stingy at all. He immediately transferred ownership of the Dongsheng World to the Great Qin Empire, and the two Middle Worlds there were the territories of the Samsara Sect were given to the Purple Clouds Sect.

The Royal House of the Northern Tribes were gifted with the Yan Heaven Crucible, which originally belonged to the East Heaven’s Gate. This was an opportune acquisition for the Royal House of the Northern Tribes, as resources were plentiful in their territory and this magic item would ensure that they could convert these materials much swifter, and would undeniably increase their strength.

The Eternal Heavenly Spear and the Royal House Priest were delighted with these gains. It was like relieving an itch deep in their hearts – even if the same choice was given between several magic items of equal value, they would have still chosen the Yan Heaven Crucible.

However, it was only right that it would depend on their own abilities to bend the magic treasure to their will and assume ownership of it.

As for the Sword of Radiance Sect, the Lightning Sword Sect, and the Great Barren Sword Sect, Lin Feng made his own displays of gratitude as well. However, all three parties were insistent on rejecting Lin Feng’s gifts as they felt guilty taking anything more from him.

After a few rounds of going back and forth, Lin Feng changed tack and said, "The Saintly Celestial Cataclysm has revealed the truth. I know the few of you have a strong opinion against the Mount Shu Sword Sect, and I’m sure they are aware of this as well."

"Whenever you guys decide to seek out the Mount Shu Sword Sect is up to you. The Celestial Sect of Wonders will not interfere, and if the Mount Shu Sword Sect ever takes up the offense against you, do not hesitate to let us know."

The Supreme Radiance Swordmaster, the Lightning Swordmaster, and the others nodded their heads in acknowledgment before they bent down towards Lin Feng again. "We will forever remember your favors and everything you’ve done for us. The debts we owe to the Celestial Sect of Wonders, and to you, are increasing and there is no way we can repay everything. We are at your service if you need anything from us."

"You speak far too seriously," Lin Feng waved his hands.

Lin Feng engaged in a discussion with Shi Zongtang, the Thunderclouds Holy Man and the others after the congratulations and whatnot had been settled. The key agenda of their discussion was regarding the growth and development of the Divine Lands in the future, especially during the period of time when Lin Feng would be absent during his expedition into the Barren Expanses.

Lin Feng eventually sent away Shi Zongtang and his other guests before he returned to the Grand Heavens Pavilion. Shadows flickered within the great hall as Xiao Yan, Li Yuanfang, Zhu Yi, Wang Lin and the other members of the Celestial Sect of Wonders appeared at the same time before him.

"Once we have settled everything here, I will prepare for my journey into the Barren Expanses," Lin Feng’s eyes paused on Xiao Yan, Zhu Yi, and Yue Hongyan. "Xiao Yan, Zhu Yi and Hongyan – when I’m away, the three of you will assume responsibility and hold down the fort. If there’s an emergency or if you need me, do not hesitate to establish communications and I will return as soon as possible."

"I will leave Mount Yujing and the Two Elements of Creation Formation behind. Mount Yujing would not show itself this time, and the Black Heavenly Treasure Tree’s will has also returned and will be regularly roaming the void."

"The Two Elements of Creation Formation has all forty-nine grains of the Two Elements Micro-Dust as the eye of the formation and it will be able to channel itself. You guys don’t have to bother yourselves with controlling it."

"In that case, the three of you and in addition to Zhu Yi’s Higan Golden Bridge, you should be able to hold out in the short term."

Xiao Yan appeared a little stunned. "Master, the Heaven-Destroying Sword, the Bell of Destiny and the Heaven-Destroying Sword Formation are sealed away for refining and cultivation. You’re not even bringing along the Two Elements of Creation Formation..."

Lin Feng chuckled and answered, "Do not fret, silly boy. I haven’t revealed everything during the battle of Mount Shu."