What May Be Measured and Ruled Is Called a National Scholar

Wu Shuangjiang raised the rustic, partridge-speckled teacup in his hand and took a small sip. He looked at Chen Ping'an and smiled. "Lord Yin Guan, name your price. Let me hear it first. Don't worry that I'll think you're asking for the lion's share. My Taoist Companion and I make two lives. No price you name could be too high."

Cui Dongshan sneered. "Forcing a sale on someone isn't the conduct of a master, is it?"

Wu Shuangjiang nodded. "It does look that way. But with my life at stake, I can't afford to fuss over an Immortal's bearing."

Jiang Shangzhen sighed. "How candid. Old Immortal Wu truly is a great cultivator of the Fourteen Realms. His words and deeds match, and he acts openly and honorably."

Wu Shuangjiang smiled. "You've already hacked me to death once. A few barbed remarks won't hurt."

This was a struggle for the Great Dao, one in which only one side could survive. Jiang Shangzhen was so incensed that he started to rise and argue, but Cui Dongshan planted both hands on his shoulders and shoved him back down. "What are you doing? We can't beat him in a fight, so save your strength. If these talks fall through, the weighty task of kowtowing to old Immortal Wu and begging for mercy will fall to you, our Chief Guardian."

After sitting down, Chen Ping'an took out a Porcelain Bottle and applied a salve specially made by the Yang Family Pharmacy to both hands. He bandaged them with practiced ease, then drew out several talismans for growing flesh over bone. Only after tucking his hands into his sleeves did he say, "Please tell us some old history, senior. Once I've heard it, I'll decide."

Wu Shuangjiang studied the young man, who had remained calm throughout,