As Wu Long approached the Alchemy Tower’s headquarters, he was greeted by General Feng, his son Feng Huan and Xia Jung and each leading a small squad of elite fighters from their forces.

This small group managed to break the defenses and completely subdue the city-fortress.

Wu Long knew there would be no Transcendents left to guard it.

“Master Wu, we have took hold of the treasury and storage facilities, sweeping and collecting everything. But as you expected, we could not breach Gu Zhen’s personal vault deep within the Main Tower.

For the fighters, those who fought were neutralized, those who surrendered had their cultivation erased.

For non-combatants, those on the list Old Yen provided were executed, others released as you instructed”

General Feng cupped his fists with a report, and Wu Long nodded with a satisfied smile.

“Great work everyone, casualties?”

“Hahaha! Master Wu must be joking.

Who would dare die in such a squabble after receiving your support and guidance”

The red-haired man’s laugh resounded as his soldiers behind his back gulped, knowing full well that even receiving an injury in this battle was a grave offence to Wu Long’s generous patronage in General Feng’s eyes.

Though even though he called it a squabble, the fact they brought down arguably one of the most secure places on this continent with a small force not exceeding 200 people was a tremendous achievement.

But in General Feng’s eyes, it was a given they did.

After all, in the past few months, both Feng Family troops and Yin Yang Unity Palace Disciples that Xia Jung led received access to cultivation chambers with rich and high-quality Spiritual Qi, techniques that they could not dream of, and Pills distributed by the Soaring Feather Trading Company.

If they still did not possess the power to overwhelm Wu Long’s enemies after all that, in the mind of General Feng they did not deserve that support at all.

“Mm, good.

You can retreat to the Yin Yang Unity Palace now, while I take a look at that vault and then deal with the Azure Eagles”

Wu Long chuckled, patting General Feng on the shoulder as the latter’s chest puffed with pride at the gesture.

It took him no more than three seconds to unravel the formation set to protect Gu Zhen’s vault, which was actually the Vault of the Alchemy Association’s Branch, and after sweeping it clean, he came out of the Main Tower to see distant figures which quickly grew to become Giant Azure Eagles.

As they changed to human form and floated down, they could see Wu Long standing with a smile amid the ransacked city, narrowing their eyes at him.

“So it is you…”

The youngest of them that Wu Long has met twice before spoke with a slightly menacing tone.

“It is me”

Wu Long nodded with a lighthearted voice.

“Hah! How arrogant!

And shameless!

You have yet to answer us for killing one of ours, now you want to sneak away the spoils of war?!”

The Azure Eagle spoke raising his voice, visibly irritated by Wu Long’s nonchalant attitude.

“Hmm, I am not exactly sneaking away, more like just taking it?

Not to mention that weren’t you thinking of doing just that while Old Man Zhao was fighting Gu Zhen?”

Wu Long traced his chin with a thoughtful look and then raised his eyebrows in an innocent expression.

While Azure Eagles were technically allies in the battle with Gu Zhen and his Alchemy Tower, they were not someone who could be considered friends, and thus were not told of the distribution of forces.

Thus in their perspective, naturally, the one facing Gu Zhen was Old Man Zhao, the two likely locked in a long confrontation, which was why they took this chance to ransack the spoils of war, arriving here.

“Hah!”

Caught off-guard with the second question, the Azure Eagle only snorted, but could not answer as the oldest of them narrowed his eyes.

“This Little Friend.

While I understand that you have the strength to deal with a Transcendent, surely you must know that dealing with us all will be difficult.

Not to mention that as was already mentioned, the issue of you killing one of ours is yet to be resolved.

How about this?

You give out what you took, and we will forget all disputes”

“…! But-…!!!”

The old Azure Eagle spoke with a decrepit voice, and as the youngest Azure Eagle expressed shock, the former raised his hand to silence any objections, the other Azure Eagles also making bewildered faces at this sudden turn.

‘Haha, this sly old bird…

If he did it this way, later when Old Man Zhao arrives he would be able to say that they did not steal the spoils of war, but exchanged them with me in good faith’

Wu Long inwardly chuckled, instantly seeing where this decision came from.

“While it is not your fault, I am afraid you misunderstand something.

The war has already ended, since Gu Zhen is already dead.

The only reason Old Man Zhao has yet to arrive is because he had a different role in this conflict all along.

While the one who took down Gu Zhen is me.

Thus, not only do I not fear your repercussions for killing one of yours, I also do not intend to share the spoils with you as you are the beneficiaries of my and Old Man Zhao’s efforts in this war”

He calmly and patiently explained, not willing to complicate this manner by hiding information that no longer was required to keep as a secret, and thus if possible end it without spilling unnecessary blood.

“Bull**!!!

You?! Killing Gu Zhen?! Ha! Don’t yo-…”

The youngest Azure Eagle exclaimed with obvious anger in the first word, and blatant mocking in the latter half when he was stopped by his elder with the motion of a hand once more.

The old Azure Eagle narrowed his eyes reflecting Wu Long, descending into thoughts.

‘How strange…

Why tell such an easily disprovable lie? Is it possible it is true?

It should be impossible… but why do I feel like we should not press this young man?’

He thought as the strange feeling did not give him any way to relax, something in Wu Long simply standing there telling the experienced old-timer that this situation was not as easy as he initially pictured.

“Hmm, this Little Friend’s words are quite strong…

I don’t know… if there’s a way for us to be sure…?”

The Azure Eagle spoke with an uncertain tone, and Wu Long smiled, nodding as it was natural to doubt, disappearing from his spot and arriving in front of the group of Azure Eagles.

“…!”

“Wha-…?!”

“Impossible…!!”

The Azure Eagles who could see his movement, but could not keep up with it widened their eyes in shock.

“This here is my souvenir from the battle”

Wu Long chuckled, giving them more concrete proof by taking out a golden furnace, bound in glowing chains as he did not take ownership of it, only subduing it for Yu Huan.

“… no way…”

The youngest Azure Eagle opened his mouth, not closing it after as the others shuddered from the realization, the way they looked at Wu Long with their silver eyes changing.

“…I see, this Little Friend’s strength and abilities truly are enviable.

And as someone who benefitted from your efforts, it is natural for us to express our gratitude.

Of course, we would not pursue the matter with our foolish traitor finding trouble with you and dying for that. Rather, let us express our sincere apology for it to have bothered you.

This old one proposes we let bygones be bygones, and bury any animosities and negative feelings”

The old Azure Eagle’s tone became extremely polite as Wu Long chuckled at how quickly the dead Azure Eagle went from ‘one of ours’ to ‘foolish traitor’.

“No need for formalities, I won’t pursue any past matters with you as long as you don’t bother me”

“Thank you, Littl-… no, Respectable Daoist”

Wu Long’s words, while being not polite, made a smile bloom on the face of the old Azure Eagle, as he bowed while cupping his hands, others reluctantly following his actions, and the group turned back into eagles that flew away without any delay, in a hurry to put as much distance between them while Wu Long lightly laughed and turned to disappear in the other way.

This chapter is updatd by f(r)eewbn(o)vel.com