God Emperor Death Departure and Immortal Lord Deepgloom had agreed to a hostage exchange treaty.... That was not something Xu Qing had anticipated would happen, much less that the Immortal Lord would assign him to be the escort.3

As the lieutenant general explained things, a thoughtful look appeared in Xu Qing’s eyes. Previously, he had come to the conclusion that the goddess was important because of the blood of the imperial clan that ran in hēr veins, and how it contained the godhood power of hēr father, God Emperor Death Departure. Capturing hēr could give the Immortal Lord a much deeper understanding of how to deal with Death Departure’s godhood. By extension, that would enable him to gain an advantage in the war. But now... the goddess was being returned.0

Xu Qing’s eyes narrowed. He gripped the blade as he listened to the lieutenant general. When it was appropriate for him to speak, he said, “Lieutenant General, is there any chance you know why the exalted Immortal Lord has agreed to a hostage exchange with the god emperor?”1

The lieutenant general glanced out at the starry sky briefly. “Because God Emperor Death Departure made a few concessions that we Fifth Star Ring cultivators simply couldn’t reject!”0

Xu Qing was instantly curious about what sort of concessions could have been offered...0