"Does he... intend to use the 'life-saving grace' to try to get close to the General?"

He spoke, feeling that this might explain some doubts.

"With Zhang Feng's strength, he doesn't need to do this." The old cultivator quickly denied: "Anyone with a keen eye would know Zhang Feng's strength is above ours, at the very least he's on the level of 'Earth Immortal!' at Foundation Establishment.

Such strength makes him a distinguished person anywhere! Why would he need such tricks?"

"Right." Another cultivator agreed: "With the level of power Zhang Feng demonstrated today, as long as he's cautious about traps and schemes, he can absolutely traverse the world unchallenged.

If I had strength like his, why would I need any tricks?

I could easily walk into any General's mansion, and whichever General saw me would undoubtedly treat me as a prestigious guest!"

As he said this, even though he wasn't Zhang Feng, nor did he possess Zhang Feng's strength.

But just the mere thought felt exhilarating.

He felt envy, and jealousy, a great deal of jealousy.

Plus, Zhang Feng's youthful appearance didn't resemble a seasoned, learned old Daoist.

This kind of genius only fueled his 'fires of jealousy' further.

"That's true." The old cultivator nodded in agreement, "So now, since Zhang Feng hasn't set things up in advance, his talisman drawings must be at an extraordinary level!

And yet such an eminent figure has been cooking in the General's mansion?

Especially for a steady two years?

What is the reason behind this?"

The old cultivator didn't understand.

And not just him, everyone didn't understand.

None of them believed there was anything in the General's mansion that could captivate such a master.

From beginning to end, they never thought this 'master' came to learn.

Nor did they consider that someone could 'self-learn' the way of talismans within two years and replicate and instantly cast a 'two-stroke talisman.'

Especially the absurd optimization of Earth Spike?

In their view, it was impossible, so they never considered this possibility.

Because it's just like Spirit Cultivation or apprenticeship; without a teacher, never mind awakening Spiritual Thought, even the initial Visualization is difficult.

And even if one can visualize, spirits may be unstable, leading to disorder in Spiritual Qi and mind, damaging both spirit and body.

The way of talismans is no different, requiring high support from both Spiritual Qi and mind.

Self-learning is unrealistic.

They also didn't think Zhang Feng was in the General's mansion for learning.

Because this notion of learning is even more terrifying.

Imagine, a cultivator who knew nothing of talismans two years ago, then in just two years, mastered the 'Second Stone Fire Spirit Talisman,' which has perplexed cultivators all their life, and even optimized a 'Second Stone' Earth Attribute.

This isn't a matter of whether one is a cultivator or not; this person could establish a sect and become a founding ancestor.

Still, even with all their disbelief and lack of understanding, they couldn't deny the fact that Zhang Feng is a master.

And they knew that with such a master present, their status within the General's mansion would naturally decline.

But just then.

The old cultivator suddenly thought of something and spoke to those pondering or feeling envy: "Everyone... Zhang Feng two years ago or so... seemed to be just a shop assistant...

How... how did he reach such a realm in just two years..."

Swish—

Upon hearing this, the man suddenly stood up, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Because it was too bizarre.

Including others also felt uneasy, coupled with Zhang Feng's ability to easily spot assassins three hundred meters away. They all felt as if eyes around them were watching.

"Could it be..." One cultivator shuddered and spoke, "He's truly the reincarnation of legendary spirits and demons? Or..."

Saying this, he revealed a touch of greed: "Or perhaps... he possesses a rare treasure?"

"Or maybe he's hidden his identity." Seeing his greed, the man interrupted quickly: "His hiding in the General's mansion may be to wander the mortal world, searching for some breakthrough method."

Speaking, the man distanced himself from the greedy individual.

Including others, creating some distance from him.

Because knowing Zhang Feng is a master, yet still harboring greed and schemes.

It's practically courting death.

Though they're cultivators, they're still human and don't wish to be dragged down to death.

Moreover, they thought this person foolish; such thoughts of killing and seizing treasures are better kept private.

But to say them outright, aren't they afraid of being reported?

...

In truth.

A few days passed.

None of them reported.

Because 'betraying friends for honor' is disgraceful.

Plus, they've worked together for over a decade, so even if one reports, Zhang Feng might not believe the person is innocent.

Much likely, he'd kill them all and then establish his own General's mansion group.

Especially this 'betrayal' issue, once there's a first time, there could be a second.

So they kept quiet, fearing Zhang Feng might methodically get rid of them later in a 'turn on the grindstone' approach.

Thankfully, Zhang Feng remained as before, at most asking for a few magic manuals.

They continued as usual, holding together for stability.

Regarding the assassin incident.

That night, after thorough investigation.

Zhang Feng discovered the intruder wasn't from outside but internally connected within.

This person was General Hang's confidant, wielding some military power.

Then observing General Hang's utter focus on business, without greater aspirations, gave rise to evil thoughts, planning to take advantage and replace during chaos.

Upon reflection, it seemed reasonable.

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