Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1736 - 914: News (Part 2)

While the Bitao Sect stands as a formidable power, its concern typically doesn't extend to combat prowess below the Great Power realm. He now possesses a profound grasp of the challenges faced by half-step Great Powers, recognizing the immense difficulty in making a move, and how even mere distraction can impede their own cultivation. Therefore, in any clash with the Bitao Sect, the sole focus of concern would be their Great Powers.

"The Ancestor and the Guiyuan Sect's Jiang Great Power have already conveyed to the Bitao Sect's Great Powers that during this war, the Great Powers from both sides will abstain from intervention, confining the conflict to the Great Cultivator level!" the Phoenix Palace Master responded with a cordial smile. She grasped Li Shiming's underlying intention; he was preparing to involve himself in this war between major powers. Given Li Shiming's astonishing combat record, his participation would undoubtedly render the war exceedingly straightforward and effortless.

"I shall first escort Lan'er back to the Ten Thousand Beast Sect, after which this avatar will engage in the conflict accompanied by four late-stage Golden Corpses!" Li Shiming assured. Even without Li Shiming's personal involvement in the war, the deployment of four late-stage Golden Corpses would inject power equivalent to more than four Peak Great Cultivators into the Luanyang Palace's side. This strategic move would allow the Luanyang Palace to maintain a virtually unassailable position, enabling them to approach the war with a sense of ease. This presents a long-awaited opportunity for the Luanyang Palace to assert its strength, and the Phoenix Palace Master is keen to ensure a smooth progression without any complications. Furthermore, she has no intention of seeking external assistance, as Li Shiming's involvement provides a perfectly justifiable reason for his participation.

The Bitao Islands are situated to the south of the Central State Continent, a territory under the Bitao Sect's control, where they have established a settlement. They benefit from the ocean's resources while simultaneously facing threats originating from the sea. In reality, after years of engagement, the Bitao Sect has long established a mutual understanding with powerful oceanic spirit beasts, minimizing direct conflicts between them. Due to its geographical isolation from other continents, the Bitao Sect maintains absolute dominion over the Bitao Islands.

Within the main hall of the Bitao Sect's mountain stronghold, located at the heart of the Bitao Islands, two Peak Great Cultivators are seated opposite each other, both wearing extremely grave expressions. "Yi Xiao, I must admit I somewhat regret agreeing to your protection," Great Cultivator Hua Ying declared in a deep tone. Great Cultivator Hua Ying is recognized as the most powerful cultivator within the Bitao Sect and holds the status of a Peak Great Cultivator.

The Bitao Sect harbors a significant secret: they possess an unique Inheritance Technique known as the 'Frost Condensation Divine Book'. The Guiyuan Sect, in turn, holds an Inheritance Technique called the 'Cold Heaven Scripture'. Historical records within the Bitao Sect's archives indicate that these two techniques, the 'Frost Condensation Divine Book' and the 'Cold Heaven Scripture', were originally a single entity. The amalgamation of the 'Frost Condensation Divine Book' and the 'Cold Heaven Scripture' results in a supreme Water Element Cultivation Method designated as the 'Qingning Forbidden Scripture'. It was this profound secret that motivated the Bitao Sect's desire to collaborate with the Guiyuan Sect in order to acquire the 'Cold Heaven Scripture' Inheritance Technique.

However, it was an impossibility for the Guiyuan Sect to relinquish one of its foundational Inheritance Techniques. Despite the Bitao Sect's persistent efforts, all the immense sacrifices they had endured previously only yielded a modest fragment of the 'Cold Heaven Scripture'. Without the complete 'Cold Heaven Scripture', the fusion of the two techniques remains an unattainable objective. The Bitao Sect even harbors the suspicion that the fundamental requirement for merging these techniques necessitates the possession of both complete Inheritance Jade Scrolls. Consider the implications: the 'Frost Condensation Divine Book' alone represents the Bitao Sect's core inheritance, and the 'Cold Heaven Scripture' is a cornerstone inheritance of the Guiyuan Sect. If these two paramount inheritances were to be merged, the resulting 'Qingning Forbidden Scripture' would undoubtedly ascend to an unprecedented level of power.

Fueled by the allure of such an extraordinary reward, the Bitao Sect has never abandoned its pursuit. Ultimately, the opportune moment presented itself. Great Cultivator Yi Xiao, who had been diligent in monitoring the Bitao Sect, was fully aware of their keen interest in the 'Cold Heaven Scripture'. On this occasion, he arrived bearing the Inheritance Jade Scroll of the 'Cold Heaven Scripture', proposing that the Bitao Sect pledge their protection to him in return for surrendering the 'Cold Heaven Scripture'. The Bitao Sect readily accepted Great Cultivator Yi Xiao's proposition. The commitment required to protect Yi Xiao was deemed to outweigh the potential benefits of acquiring the 'Qingning Forbidden Scripture', leading the Bitao Sect to offer sanctuary to Great Cultivator Yi Xiao. Nevertheless, the subsequent unfolding of events far surpassed Great Cultivator Hua Ying's expectations. What he had perceived as a minor dispute between two major powers escalated into a full-blown war involving two opposing forces.

The involvement of Li Shiming, a renowned Peak Great Cultivator in the Cultivation World, has cast a significant shadow, leaving Great Cultivator Hua Ying in considerable distress.

"Fellow Hua, you should concentrate more on finding a solution!" Great Cultivator Yi Xiao stated with composure.

Before seeking refuge with the Bitao Sect, he had meticulously examined every potential outcome, specifically exacting an oath from the sect to ensure they would not betray him for personal gain.

The Bitao Sect had sworn an oath with Great Cultivator Yi Xiao to obtain the 'Qingning Forbidden Scripture'.

A sect's sworn oath is practically an inviolable pact.

Should the Bitao Sect contemplate breaking this oath, the price would be far too steep for them to bear.

Within the Cultivation World, cultivators hold oaths in high regard, particularly those made under the decrees of Heaven and Earth Rules, which are enforced by celestial mandates.

Violating such a vow results in repudiation by the Heaven and Earth Rules.

For a cultivator ascending to the Great Cultivator Realm, further progress necessitates a profound comprehension of Heaven and Earth Rules.

Even disregarding the other dire consequences of defying Heaven and Earth Rules, the sheer impediment to deepening one's understanding of these rules is sufficient to deter any Great Cultivator from breaking their oath.

When a sect takes an oath, it binds all of its Great Cultivators.

"The cultivators of Luanyang Palace are exclusively female, and their combat effectiveness is dependable. The Guiyuan Sect has sustained casualties and lacks Peak Great Cultivator strength, which considerably diminishes their threat to us.

Li Shiming is the sole individual of concern. His might is overwhelming, and we possess no means to counter him!" Great Cultivator Hua Ying declared gravely, having thoroughly dissected the situation.

"There is no necessity to fret over Li Shiming; it is improbable that he will personally intervene!" Great Cultivator Yi Xiao asserted with unwavering confidence.

Great Cultivator Hua Ying, not being a cultivator native to the Central State Continent, and the Bitao Sect's somewhat detached position within the Cultivation World, leads to fewer channels of intelligence regarding the Great Powers.

His assessment of Li Shiming's capabilities is based entirely on prevalent rumors.

"Li Shiming is under the watchful eye of Great Power Luo from the Yuqing Sect. Should he venture beyond the Dongqi Continent, Great Power Luo might take direct action. In fact, I would welcome Li Shiming's arrival, as it would expedite the resolution of this significant predicament!" Great Cultivator Yi Xiao elaborated.

"If that is indeed the case, then matters are considerably simplified!" Great Cultivator Hua Ying responded with evident relief and nodded.

Great Cultivator Yi Xiao omitted to inform the other party that even without Li Shiming's personal involvement, the forces at his disposal would be more than adequate to obliterate any Peak Great Cultivator.

Regardless, the Bitao Sect commands the presence of Great Powers, thus any assault from the Guiyuan Sect and Luanyang Palace would merely result in the loss of some Bitao Sect cultivators, achieving little else of substance.

Once they navigate this impending trial, the most substantial challenge would be maintaining their standing in the Cultivation World, as the Guiyuan Sect and Luanyang Palace would persistently pursue him.

He cast a glance at Great Cultivator Hua Ying, aware that he had sought sanctuary with the Bitao Sect under the promise of protection.

Should Great Cultivator Hua Ying meet his demise, Yi Xiao would stand as the sole Peak Great Cultivator within the Bitao Sect, presenting an opportunity to earn favor with the Great Powers and potentially secure command of the Bitao Sect.

With such authority, he could leverage the Bitao Sect's resources to progress to the half-step Great Power stage, serving as a contingency.

Conversely, the Guiyuan Sect merely sought him as a Peak Great Cultivator enforcer, with no intention of fostering his further advancement; otherwise, they would not have compelled him to reach the Peak Great Cultivator realm, thereby complicating his future cultivation trajectory.

Fully cognizant of which cultivators the Guiyuan Sect genuinely intends to groom, Great Cultivator Yi Xiao is keenly aware that this distinction belongs to Great Power Jiang's descendant, Great Cultivator Jiang Hao, a scion of the direct lineage.

Great Cultivator Hua Ying could never have fathomed that Great Cultivator Yi Xiao had already incorporated him into his elaborate schemes.