Although he had vaguely guessed it, Xu Taiping still froze when he actually heard that name.
Years ago, at the Listening Wind Tower, he had first heard that name from Duan Tianya.
After arriving in Youyun Heaven, especially here in Tianhai Town, he had heard people mention it countless times.
And everyone who mentioned that name, even demonic beasts, always had a trace of awe in their eyes.
But that was not why Xu Taiping lost his composure at that moment.
What truly unsettled him was that this man's appearance meant the sacrifices of the Old General and all those Red Armor Cavalry soldiers had been worthwhile.
"My name is..."
Xu Taiping forced himself to raise his hand, but before he could touch Zhang Tianze's outstretched hand, it fell limply.
Zhang Tianze immediately bent even lower, grasped Xu Taiping's hand, and sent a breath of true essence into an acupoint in his palm.
At the same time, he flicked his other hand lightly, sending a pill into Xu Taiping's mouth.
In an instant, Xu Taiping's body, which had become unbearably heavy from depleted qi and blood and true essence, suddenly felt light.
"Thank you, Great General."
Xu Taiping thanked him before answering:
"My surname is Xu, my given name Taiping. I am a disciple of the Azure Profound Sect in True Martial Heaven."
He felt there was no need to conceal his identity.
A clear flicker of surprise crossed Zhang Tianze's eyes when he heard the names "True Martial Heaven" and "Azure Profound Sect."
But he immediately regained his expression, as still as an ancient well, before speaking with a solemn face and the utmost gravity:
"Daoist Taiping, thank you for winning a chance at survival for the people of my Tianhai Pass and its town today. I, Zhang Tianze,