Independent Cultivator, That's All

She stopped three steps in front of Gu Sheng and removed a jade token carved with a nine-headed serpent from her waist.

"As long as you agree to cooperate, any condition can be discussed."

She placed the jade token on the table.

"This is my clan's token. With it, you can travel freely through the thirty-six Grotto-Heavens of the Southern Frontier."

Gu Sheng's gaze fell upon the jade token, and his heart began to race.

The nine-headed serpent totem. This was the mark of the Southern Frontier's most ancient Sky Serpent Clan! No wonder she had dared to speak of borrowing a Grotto-Heaven.

"Two conditions."

Gu Sheng finally relented.

"First, I want to enter the Purple Cloud Divine Pool."

Miao Muqing did not even furrow her brow.

"Fine. The Divine Pool can heal a martial artist's hidden ailments and strengthen their foundation. It will indeed be useful to you."

"Second, I want an identity that lets me travel unimpeded through the Southern Frontier."

"Done."

Miao Muqing agreed without hesitation.

"Once this is over, you will receive the status of a Guest Elder of my clan. Among the Seventy-two Divine Sects, aside from the three great divine sects, everyone else will give you some measure of respect."

Gu Sheng was shaken.

A Guest Elder? This was even better than he had expected.

It seemed these sisters held a far higher position in the Sky Serpent Clan than he had imagined.

"Pleasure doing business with you."

He extended his hand.

Yet Miao Muqing did not shake it. Instead, she suddenly bit her index finger and drew a blood-red rune in the air.

The rune hovered in midair, giving off faint soul fluctuations.

"This is?"

Gu Sheng warily stepped back half a step.

"A Soul Rune."

Miao Muqing's face was slightly pale.

"My