"Fellow Daoist Shi Sanniang, it is not that I am unwilling to lend the Shi Family a hand. It is simply that I am but a Rogue Cultivator, with neither handy spiritual treasures at my side nor life-saving means to protect myself. My strength is meager, and I fear I would only drag down the Shi Family's grand plans." Song Wen wore a look of shame.
"I see." Shi Sanniang smiled brightly. "Fellow Daoist, you may visit the Shi Family's secret treasury and choose any two spiritual treasures. In addition, I will gift you three Luo Smoke Talismans and three Black Tortoise Heaven-Bearing Talismans. What do you think?"
Both the Luo Smoke Talisman and the Black Tortoise Heaven-Bearing Talisman were ninth-rank talismans.
Once activated, the former allowed a cultivator to transform into wisps of smoke and flee far away.
The latter was a defensive talisman.
"This..."
Song Wen hesitated.
"I'll add one more spiritual treasure," Shi Sanniang said.
"Very well." Song Wen finally nodded. "Since Fellow Daoist is so earnest in her generosity, I will do my utmost to give it a try. I only hope I can help the Shi Family recover something useful."
"Then I'll have to trouble Fellow Daoist."
Shi Sanniang's face was full of smiles.
Shi Qi and the others also smiled.
Only Shi Min's gaze toward Song Wen carried a trace of hidden worry, yet it was inconvenient for her to say more.
An hour later, Song Wen entered the Shi Family's secret treasury and selected three spiritual treasures: the Qingming Lamp, the Cloud-Stacking Umbrella, and the Startling Swan Blade.
Other than the Startling Swan Blade, which left Song Wen fairly satisfied, the other two spiritual treasures could only be considered better than nothing.
The Startling Swan Blade was a short blade about a