Although this was her own space, it was now occupied by Zhang Tian, who held half of the control. While unwilling, the Jingjue Queen had her own pride and bottom line. If Zhang Tian insisted, she would have nothing to say.
"You can keep this space, and you can also retain your half of the control. I can accept this," she said. "Consider it a thank you for saving us. Of course, we need to make three pacts!"
Zhang Tian held up three fingers. Zhang Tian was not an unreasonable person. After all, the Jingjue Queen had saved them. It would be inhumane to drive her away now. Moreover, Zhang Tian had his own principles. He would not be stingy with those who had helped him. Da Jinya could attest to this. Knowing that Zhang Tian's family ran an antique shop, Zhang Tian still allowed Fatty to sell items to Da Jinya, which significantly increased Da Jinya's income.
The Jingjue Queen was taken aback. She hadn't expected Zhang Tian to bring this up. Why would he do this? Even she, herself, would not accept half of her possessions being in someone else's hands. Yet, Zhang Tian readily accepted. This surprised the Jingjue Queen.
Seeing that the Jingjue Queen remained silent, Zhang Tian spoke again. "These three conditions are very simple. First, I can place things in here as I please, but naturally, there are some things you cannot touch. Second, you can absorb the spiritual water and spiritual energy from the surroundings to cultivate, but not too much at once, to avoid depleting it. Third, I haven't decided yet; we'll talk about it later." Zhang Tian waved his hand.
The Jingjue Queen furrowed her brows. These conditions were hardly anything. Zhang Tian was clearly going easy on her, perhaps so much that the Pacific Ocean would dry up.
"I agree, but I have a few requests," the Jingjue Queen's voice came.
Zhang Tian was slightly surprised. This girl still wanted to make demands? "If I cultivate here, I don't wish to be disturbed. Also, I hope you can take me out to see the world I conquered."
Zhang Tian's mouth twitched. Good heavens, the world she conquered? That was countless years ago. It had long since turned to dust. However, taking her for a tour was no trouble for Zhang Tian. It made sense; the Jingjue Queen had slept for a thousand years, and then ruled for another thousand. She must have been bored. Although modern Xia Guo had not yet entered an era of technological explosion, the changes outside would be enough to shock the Jingjue Queen for a thousand years.
"Alright, I can agree to that. Why don't you join our team?" Zhang Tian extended an olive branch. After all, the Jingjue Queen was very powerful, especially her eyes, which could turn anyone to stone upon seeing them. Her own strength was formidable, and recruiting her would greatly benefit Zhang Tian's team. Furthermore, it would make things easier when entering the Nine-Layer Demon Pagoda, Cloud Top Heavenly Palace, and so on.
With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Tian looked at the Jingjue Queen.
"Then, I shall be the leader," the Jingjue Queen stated.
Zhang Tian stumbled, almost falling. This woman, as expected, couldn't be reasoned with using normal logic.
"I'm sorry, my team has no leader. We are all brothers, on equal footing," Zhang Tian said softly. Since the Jingjue Queen no longer possessed that sharp edge from before, Zhang Tian's tone naturally softened.
"I will consider it."
Seeing the Jingjue Queen say this, Zhang Tian said no more. He nodded and took out a bead from his hand. This bead was passed to Zhang Tian after everyone else had used it.
When Zhang Tian produced the Mu Chen Bead, the Jingjue Queen was startled. "I didn't expect you to obtain the Mu Chen Bead," she murmured, contemplating the matter of destiny.
"I think this Mu Chen Bead should remain here, filling the entire illusory space with top-grade spiritual energy. Of course, you can also use this energy for cultivation, but on the condition that you don't lay a hand on the Mu Chen Bead. Besides, I have already bound it with my vital blood, so you can't take it anyway," Zhang Tian stated.
"I do not take things from subordinates," the Jingjue Queen replied haughtily.
Zhang Tian was used to this. He simply waved his hand, tossing the Mu Chen Bead into the air, and then left the illusory space. The Mu Chen Bead floated in the sky, generating a continuous stream of spiritual energy for the entire space. The Jingjue Queen looked at the bead, her eyes showing a flicker of desire, which she quickly suppressed. She hadn't reached that point yet.
Just then, as the Jingjue Queen was watching, a black bead fell. A supreme-grade ghost pill landed in the Jingjue Queen's hand. Zhang Tian had given it to her before, but she had refused it. Now, it had fallen into her possession again. Zhang Tian believed that the Jingjue Queen would eventually join his team; it was only a matter of time. The Jingjue Queen stared at the bead in her hand, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Zhang Tian had exited the space and was wandering aimlessly in the forest. He didn't know if the Jingjue Queen would take the Mu Chen Bead, but he chose to trust her this once. The Jingjue Queen was proud and had her own principles. As a queen, taking his belongings would truly go against her nature. However, when he saw that the Jingjue Queen did not take it, but merely suppressed her desire, Zhang Tian felt a measure of admiration for her.
Shaking his head, Zhang Tian thought no further. He scanned his surroundings, and with a flash of movement, captured a wild fawn. Carrying the deer, Zhang Tian headed towards the temple.
"Honestly, I wake up and the boss is gone."
"He must have gone to sweet-talk some girl. Second Brother, you should manage him."
Before he even entered, Zhang Tian heard Fatty's nonsensical chatter.
"Fatty, keep spewing nonsense, and I'll stuff your mouth shut." Zhang Tian's voice rang out, and Fatty immediately shut up.
"Boss, you're here! Haha, Fatty was just kidding." Fatty burst into laughter. Seeing the deer on Zhang Tian's back, a smile spread across his face. "So, the boss went hunting. Fatty's perspective was too narrow."
"Professor Li, hurry up and help the boss carry the venison!" Fatty shouted.
Zhang Tian dropped the deer on the ground.
"How is it?" Zhang Qilin looked at Zhang Tian.
"My cultivation has stabilized in the middle stage. How about you?" Zhang Tian couldn't discern Zhang Qilin's cultivation level.
"I'm about to enter the Shattered Core stage, but I'm just a step away." Zhang Qilin spoke, clearly perplexed by this.
"It's alright, take your time. We have plenty of resources. I believe once we find the Medicine King Valley, we'll have even more. We won't lack resources for cultivation," Zhang Tian said, patting Zhang Qilin's shoulder.
"Have you found the location of the Medicine King Valley?" Shirley Yang asked, her eyes filled with surprise.
"Yes, the approximate location. Everyone, follow me later, but first, let's have a good meal." Zhang Tian nodded.
Hu Bayi and the others appeared extremely happy. The happiest among them was Fatty, who had been craving meat for a long time.
Soon, everyone started a fire to roast the venison. The entire deer was quickly cut up and made into skewers. This was arguably the best meal Zhang Tian had eaten in a long time. Of course, Zhang Tian hadn't eaten much recently.