Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1633 - 863: Cui Cheng

"Mr. Li, have you ever considered finding a Dao companion?" the Phoenix Palace Master queried in a hushed tone.

Li Yuanba observed that instead of utilizing voice transmission, the Phoenix Palace Master employed spiritual power to create a localized barrier, ensuring her words remained audible only to him.

Taken aback, Li Yuanba turned to the Phoenix Palace Master, momentarily wondering if she was inquiring on her own behalf.

"Do not let your imagination run wild. Luanyang Palace is home to many female cultivators in your age bracket. If you are interested, I would be happy to facilitate an introduction!" Noticing his reaction, the Phoenix Palace Master realized her mistake and offered a light, chiding retort.

Li Yuanba let out an audible sigh of relief. While her exact age remained a mystery, he knew for certain that she was far more senior than he was.

"Remain single, then!" the Phoenix Palace Master exclaimed, her voice thick with a mixture of embarrassment and indignation, before turning her gaze away.

Great Cultivator Lin and Great Cultivator Yu observed the interaction closely. They had never witnessed such a range of emotions displayed on her face before.

To them, the exchange appeared like the flirtatious bickering of lovers—a sight that left them feeling as though a prize of great value was being snatched away, stinging their hearts like a blade.

Had the suitor been a powerhouse on the level of Cultivator Jian Tianyi, they might have conceded; however, the idea of losing out to Li Yuanba, a mere newcomer to the rank of great cultivator, was simply unacceptable.

Despite Li Yuanba having bested Great Venerable Ming Hai, their recent interactions allowed the two great cultivators to easily discern his limitations.

Li Yuanba’s mastery of Sword Intent was undeniable, enabling him to overcome a formidable opponent like Great Venerable Ming Hai despite his recent promotion. Nevertheless, they knew he could not withstand a direct, lethal strike from a peak great cultivator.

The moment a chance presented itself, the two peak great cultivators were confident they could eliminate Li Yuanba in one movement.

Great Cultivator Lin and Great Cultivator Yu exchanged a knowing glance, communicating volumes without a single word. Having spent years vying for the Phoenix Palace Master’s favor, they were well-acquainted with each other’s temperaments and motives.

A clandestine pact of cooperation was established in that very moment. Given their superior cultivation levels, Li Yuanba remained completely oblivious to their malicious intent.

Li Yuanba offered a faint smile, having fully grasped the implications of the Phoenix Palace Master’s suggestion.

Ever since the original Li Shiming enabled Yin Shilan to join Luanyang Palace, he had become familiar with the sect's alliance-building strategies: leveraging their female cultivators to cultivate ties with suitable male cultivators, forming lasting Daoist unions.

These male Dao companions served as a pillar for Luanyang Palace, providing the sect with access to significant, mobilizable strength.

He harbored no disdain for this practice; the sect never coerced its members into such pairings, leaving the choice entirely to the women themselves.

Furthermore, these alliances were not meant to fuel aggressive expansion, but rather to ensure the survival and protection of the sect.

A superpower comprised solely of female practitioners would find it nearly impossible to endure in the Cultivation World without such measures.

As for the Phoenix Palace Master’s offer, it was never a consideration for Li Yuanba.

Being a mere clone with his consciousness linked to the original Li Shiming, he knew that the original had only one true Dao companion: Yin Shilan.

"Yuanba, gathering with so many fellow cultivators is a rare occasion. Let us partake in some spiritual tea!" Cultivator Jian Tianyi gestured toward him.

Li Yuanba retrieved a jade box and passed it over.

Radiating pride, Cultivator Jian Tianyi pulled a tea set from his soul crystal ring and began the brewing process.

At first, the peak great cultivators ignored the gesture, preoccupied with their own discussions. But as the intoxicating aroma of the tea permeated the air, they fell silent and turned their attention to the kettle in Jian Tianyi’s grip.

"Come, Phoenix Palace Master, Master Ming Hai, Brother Ren, Mr. Le, sample this brew!" He produced several cups, filled them, and served his guests.

He pointedly ignored Great Cultivator Lin and Great Cultivator Yu. Compelled by the exquisite aroma, the two men sat angrily to the side, doing their best to steer clear of the intoxicating scent.

"This spiritual tea was hand-roasted by Li Shizhen himself; what a privilege to taste it. His technique has evolved once more—this is undoubtedly the finest spiritual tea in all the world!" Master Ren Mu, possessing the most refined palate, recognized the brew’s source after just one sip.

This Fourth Grade Spirit Tea had been prepared by Li Shiming for his own consumption, meaning only the most flawless leaves were selected.

Given his reputation and alchemy prowess, many great cultivators were more than eager to source top-tier leaves if it meant securing his favor.

Compared to the standard tea provided to others, the batch given to Li Yuanba was clearly of the highest quality.

"Amitabha, we owe today’s pleasure to Benefactor Jian’s generosity. This is truly the finest tea under the heavens!" Great Venerable Ming Hai praised.

The Phoenix Palace Master wore a serene smile, though her mind was busy plotting how she might procure some of this Fourth Grade Spirit Tea from Yin Shilan.

Even though Yin Shilan’s presence in Luanyang Palace was primarily for her connection to Li Shiming, the sect had certainly reaped the rewards. Obtaining a small portion of this tea seemed like a manageable goal.

The peak great cultivators sampled the beverage, their expressions shifting as they savored the tea, which was met with universal approval.