Golden-Feathered Griffin

The Exchange Gathering within the Wizards' Mutual Aid Alliance had two parts. First came free discussion among the Great Shamans.

It was like a salon, with a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone took turns sharing insights from their cultivation or things they had heard during their adventures.

Anything of value could be brought up for discussion.

As a newcomer, Gao Jing did not have to speak at his first gathering. He could simply listen.

That was the only privilege new members received.

Gao Jing had no desire to draw attention to himself. His earlier clash with Great Shaman Carson had already shown his edge.

A blade too sharp was not always a good thing.

Gao Jing listened closely.

He found much of what the Great Shamans discussed enlightening.

It broadened his horizons, too.

Of course, Gao Jing knew everyone present was shrewd. No one would reveal the secrets they kept at the bottom of the chest.

Even so, this level of exchange was rare and precious.

Nothing like it would happen even at the Wizard Academy!

Each member could also ask three questions, which the others could choose to answer or ignore.

Gao Jing noticed that more than half the questions received answers.

That made things interesting.

But Gao Jing had no right to ask questions yet, because the Wizards' Mutual Aid Alliance operated on the principle of equal exchange.

If he did not share his own insights, he could not question anyone else.

Fair enough.

Still, Gao Jing did not sit idle throughout the free discussion.

He shared the red wine he had brought with the other members.

Without adding any fire, of course.

The red wine was no spirit wine, but several wizards clearly enjoyed it.

That did much to ease their wariness of Gao Jing.

The free discussion lasted