Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1735 - 914: News

The unobtrusive stance adopted by the Guiyuan Sect successfully defused what could have rapidly escalated into a major conflict between formidable powers.

It should be noted that the concessions made by the Guiyuan Sect were kept entirely confidential.

Nonetheless, the Ten Thousand Beast Sect rescinded its restrictions on the Guiyuan Sect's Grand Cultivators, an action that stirred considerable debate throughout the Cultivation World.

As a form of compensation from the Guiyuan Sect, Yin Shilan was presented with a complete set of fourth-grade top-quality jewelry and a matching fourth-grade top-quality magical robe designed for females.

While Li Shiming possessed the capability to craft numerous such items, the evident earnestness displayed by the Guiyuan Sect in providing these gifts was undeniable.

Approximately half a month subsequently, within the grand assembly hall of Fengqi Palace, the Palace Master of the Phoenix Palace made a personal visit. Li Shiming, in the guise of his phantom clone, alongside Yin Shilan, extended a welcome to her.

The Phoenix Palace Master made a point of offering her apologies and deliberately refrained from occupying the primary seat, instead gesturing for the phantom clone to assume the position of honor.

"Mr. Li, I have received some information concerning Yi Xiao. While it is yet unconfirmed, the indications strongly suggest its veracity!" the Phoenix Palace Master conveyed in a hushed tone.

"Pray, enlighten me, Palace Master Phoenix!" Li Shiming responded, extending a hand in invitation.

He surmised that given the Palace Master's personal attendance, the unverified news regarding Yi Xiao could not be insignificant.

If it were merely routine information, a simple relay or a messenger cultivator would have sufficed; there would have been no necessity for the Palace Master herself to be present.

The Phoenix Palace Master initiated her discourse but then paused, her gaze drifting towards Yin Shilan.

In response, Yin Shilan produced an exquisite set of fourth-grade top-quality tea utensils. The Phoenix Palace Master's attention, however, was not captured by the tea set itself but by the verdant tea leaves Yin Shilan was carefully arranging within it.

Li Shiming maintained his composure; he had specifically arranged for a consignment of fourth-grade Inquiry Tea from the Dongqi Continent, transported via a Thunder Beast, as a token of gratitude for the Phoenix Palace Master's previous assistance.

After a period of preparation, only a modest amount of the precious fourth-grade Inquiry Tea remained.

Though Yin Shilan lacked Li Shiming's particular expertise in tea preparation, her constant proximity to him and her practice with the finest Spiritual Teas available in the Cultivation World had honed her skills to a considerable degree.

As the warmed Fourth-grade Spiritual Spring water was introduced into the teapot, an intoxicatingly refreshing aroma of tea began to unfurl.

"I find it quite astonishing to realize my own ignorance, to only now experience such a sublime Spiritual Tea!" the Phoenix Palace Master exclaimed, accepting the fourth-grade top tea cup that Yin Shilan reverently offered, filled with the fragrant fourth-grade Inquiry Tea.

She became acutely aware of the tea's profound value, noticing the limited quantity available, sufficient for just a single serving.

Conversely, Li Shiming's phantom clone, unable to partake in beverages, observed while Yin Shilan, though capable of drinking, had not prepared a cup for herself.

"This is fourth-grade Inquiry Tea; please savor it, Palace Master!" Yin Shilan announced with a gentle smile.

"Fourth-grade Inquiry Tea, my deepest thanks!" The Phoenix Palace Master wasted no further time. Despite her palpable eagerness, her refined upbringing allowed her to maintain an air of elegance and poise as she commenced sipping the tea.

Following the consumption of the fourth-grade Inquiry Tea, her gaze turned distant, and her spiritual aura began to surge uncontrollably.

Li Shiming and Yin Shilan maintained a respectful silence, observing from the periphery without intervention, allowing her ample space.

The duration required for the Phoenix Palace Master to emerge from her state of profound enlightenment was equivalent to the burning time of two incense sticks.

"Mr. Li, I am indebted to you for this profound favor; this single cup of fourth-grade Inquiry Tea has demonstrably enhanced my prospects of achieving the Half-step Great Power realm by no less than ten percent!" the Phoenix Palace Master declared, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She managed to contain her elation, offering Li Shiming a sincere nod of acknowledgement.

"Provided this tea proves beneficial to you, esteemed Palace Master, I must express my gratitude for your manifold assistance!" Li Shiming reciprocated the gesture with profound respect.

A knowing smile touched the lips of the Phoenix Palace Master, who inwardly registered this significant exchange. At her level of cultivation, a favor carried immense weight, akin to a solemn vow. Regardless of whether Li Shiming explicitly accepted it, she was resolved to reciprocate at the opportune moment.

"Intelligence acquired from the Guiyuan Sect indicates that Yi Xiao absconded with an entire inheritance. Furthermore, current information strongly suggests that Yi Xiao is likely seeking refuge with the Bitao Sect!" she continued, resuming the thread of their earlier discussion.

"The Bitao Sect stands as another major power; why would they extend sanctuary to Yi Xiao?" Li Shiming inquired, voicing his perplexity.

He considered the intricate dynamics that governed relationships between paramount powers. Despite Yi Xiao's formidable status as a Peak Grand Cultivator, offering him protection at the risk of incurring the Guiyuan Sect's wrath seemed an imprudent course of action.

Moreover, preceding intelligence had suggested a deeply entrenched cooperative relationship between the Bitao Sect and the Guiyuan Sect, rendering the Bitao Sect's potential involvement even more perplexing and convoluted.

"It’s likely a result of that comprehensive legacy. The Guiyuan Sect has mastery over ice attributes, while the Bitao Sect focuses on water attributes. Perhaps this complete inheritance holds vital, undisclosed components, compelling the Bitao Sect to acquire it at a great expense!" the Phoenix Palace Master offered her analysis.

"And what are the Luanyang Palace's intentions?" Li Shiming pondered aloud, posing the query.

"As the Bitao Sect has provided refuge to Yi Xiao, they have subsequently implicated themselves in his deceit of Luanyang Palace's female cultivators and his attack on the core cultivators beyond our sect's boundaries. Consequently, Luanyang Palace and the Guiyuan Sect will unite their forces to declare war upon the Bitao Sect!" the Phoenix Palace Master declared with outward composure.

However, beneath this placid exterior, a faint iciness could be detected; as the Palace Master of Luanyang Palace, her resolution almost singularly ensnares Luanyang Palace in the conflicts between major powers.

It was perfectly justifiable for the Guiyuan Sect to take punitive action against the Bitao Sect: their core inheritance and a Peak Great Cultivator, nurtured with immense effort, had been harbored and safeguarded by the Bitao Sect—such an act was utterly intolerable.

"Might this impending war draw the attention of the Great Powers for intervention?" Li Shiming inquired, voicing his most critical apprehension.