Shen Mo once again met with Zhang Longxiang.
After so many years, the general of Xuanwu Fortress now had temples completely covered in silver.
Shen Mo suddenly recalled the first time he met Zhang Longxiang.
Back then, this senior had still been full of youthful vigor.
But in just a few years, he had changed so much.
For a cultivator at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, appearance was no longer an issue.
As long as they had life span left, they could maintain whatever appearance they liked.
If they appeared aged, it was either by choice, or because their strength had declined and they could no longer keep up appearances.
Zhang Longxiang’s change began after that joint assault on Xuanwu Fortress by An Chen and An Feng.
Zhang Longxiang had used himself as bait, drawing An Feng to strike in person.
Eight Flame Flood Cloudships surrounded and attacked, nearly killing An Feng.
The hidden injuries Zhang Longxiang carried were left behind from that time.
After that, his condition kept worsening, and he was no longer at his peak.
Shen Mo knew all this well.
That was why he respected Zhang Longxiang so much.
This plain-looking senior had protected him, and protected this fortress, so many times.
"Hmm? What brings you here?"
Zhang Longxiang was busy handling endless documents.
He didn’t react until Shen Mo walked up to the desk, showing a hint of surprise.
Shen Mo smiled. "The demons are on the verge of collapse, and you all want to know what’s happened. I’m guessing you plan to go check the ninth level together?"
Zhang Longxiang smiled and nodded. "You’re as sharp as ever."
"That’s right, I’ve already talked with General Bai Liejiu, General Tang Jinglong, General Ao Qin, and the others. We’re all going to the ninth level to see what’s really going on."
"The sudden collapse of the demons has taken us all by surprise."
Shen Mo gave a slight nod. "I want to go too."
Zhang Longxiang was startled, then immediately shook his head. "No, the ninth level is too dangerous. You’re still young—there’s no need to take that risk."
Shen Mo smiled. "Don’t refuse me so quickly. Let me give you something first."
He pulled out a jade bottle and handed it over.
Zhang Longxiang was surprised. "You want to heal my injuries? That’s too difficult. I’ve redeemed quite a few elixirs from the Heavenly Dao Treasury, but none of them worked well."
"Unless it’s a Saint Pill, but Saint Pills are too expensive, and I need my battle merits for other things…"
Shen Mo chuckled. "This pill was refined by me, not redeemed from the Heavenly Dao Treasury."
Zhang Longxiang froze and pulled out the stopper to sniff lightly.
His expression stiffened at once.
Then his eyes widened.
"You can refine Saint Pills?!"
Zhang Longxiang’s face broke into irrepressible joy.
Shen Mo nodded with a smile. "Jinyu Nirvana Pellet, Saint-grade pill—I refined it not long ago."
Hearing Shen Mo admit it himself, Zhang Longxiang looked even happier.
He never expected Shen Mo could actually refine Saint-grade pills.
"If you can refine Saint-grade pills, then you really shouldn’t go to the ninth level! As long as you stay alive, you can keep refining Saint Pills, and in time, more Dharma Manifestation Realm experts will emerge because of you!"
Zhang Longxiang said solemnly.
Shen Mo smiled. "Guess how many Jinyu Nirvana Pellets I’ve refined, and how many I’ve taken myself?"
Zhang Longxiang’s eyebrow rose.
He seemed to realize something, but the thought was so wild he didn’t dare voice it.
Shen Mo said seriously, "It’s because I’m prepared that I want to go with you to the ninth level."
"Think about it—what could possibly wipe out all the sovereigns?"
"It has to be the appearance of a being far stronger than them."
He looked into Zhang Longxiang’s eyes. "General Zhang, trust me."
Zhang Longxiang was silent for a long time before he finally spoke slowly. "Alright. I trust you."
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