Previously on Cultivation is just so scientific!...
Li Shiming's phantom doppelganger informed Grandmaster Hu and Grandmaster Chai that the Half-step Great Power from the Yuqing Sect had been dealt with. News spread that the Yuqing Sect's Half-step Great Power, Lian Lei, had fallen, leading to Li Shiming refusing further alchemy commissions from them. This decision gained wide support, benefiting the Ten Thousand Beast Sect and other forces eager for shorter waiting times. Li Shiming retrieved Lian Lei's soul crystal ring, finding it filled with numerous cultivation classics.
He also found related secret texts from the Yuqing Sect concerning promotions to the Great Power realm, which are indeed crucial secrets.
Only cultivators within the Yuqing Sect's core, after achieving the peak of the Great Cultivator level and preparing for further advancement, are granted the right to receive such inheritances.
Even upon receiving these inheritances, very few cultivators would dare to transcribe the sect’s paramount inheritances, as this action is strictly forbidden by all major powers.
Of course, being a Half-step Great Power and having only one remaining path toward Great Power, with no possibility of leaving the sect, it hardly mattered whether these texts remained with him or within the sect’s archives.
Half-step Great Power Lian Lei, after attaining the Half-step Great Power status and establishing his own Grotto Heaven, was truly left with only two potential outcomes: successfully advancing to Great Power or perishing due to the exhaustion of his lifespan.
Regardless of which result materialized, nothing belonging to him was meant to leave the Yuqing Sect.
Yet, who could have possibly foreseen that as his lifespan dwindled, Half-step Great Power Lian Lei would be dispatched by Great Power Luo Yuan and meet his end in a distant land?
Every single text he had gathered throughout his life subsequently became the possession of Li Shiming.
This acquisition was precisely what Li Shiming required. As he was intending to attempt a breakthrough to Half-step Great Power, the more knowledge he possessed on the subject, the greater his chances of success would become.
While the soul crystal ring did not contain the precious treasures he had envisioned, the sheer volume of texts, especially those he had never encountered before, brought him more joy than acquiring any rare artifact.
Li Shiming extended an invitation to Master Ren Mu through the Central State Commerce.
He intended to confront the Yuqing Sect and required intelligence support for this significant undertaking. This was not a minor affair, thus he couldn't simply approach any cultivator but needed someone dependable.
Initially, the most optimal strategy would have been to gather intelligence via the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion, but disrupting the training of his avatar, Li Yuanba, was not ideal as it would adversely affect his progress.
Consequently, he selected Master Ren Mu, whose character was impeccable despite their brief acquaintance.
Given that this matter demanded utmost discretion, inviting Master Ren Mu was somewhat discourteous, as such a request typically warrants a personal visit. However, considering his unique circumstances, leaving the Dongqi Continent was not a simple matter.
If he absolutely had to depart from the Dongqi Continent, extensive arrangements and meticulous planning would be necessary before any departure.
Fortunately, Master Ren Mu happened to be available recently and graciously accepted his invitation.
Upon Master Ren Mu's arrival at the Ten Thousand Beast Sect, Li Shiming was observed standing beyond seven floating mountains, awaiting to greet him.
"Mr. Li, it has been quite some time!" Master Ren Mu approached with a smile and stated.
"It is my misfortune, having been compelled to leave the Dongqi Continent and wander abroad for many years!" Li Shiming replied, shaking his head with a wistful smile.
Being forcibly expelled from one's homeland is an unfortunate experience, yet the severity depends on the instigator. Being forced out by a Great Power, only for that Great Power to fail in its objective, presents a different scenario.
"I have heard about the Yuqing Sect incident; I find it hard to believe Great Power Luo's disposition is so petty!" Master Ren Mu commented, shaking his head.
He struggled to comprehend how a cultivator could reach the Great Power realm with such a narrow-minded attitude.
Li Shiming couldn't possibly reveal to him that he had acquired Great Power Luo Yuan's prized possession, the 'Shenxiao Thunder Pearl.'
He harbored concerns that news of the 'Shenxiao Thunder Pearl' might leak, potentially leading to unforeseen complications.
Although the 'Shenxiao Thunder Pearl' exclusively benefited Thunder Cultivators, at the Great Power level, employing Thunder Skills should not present a significant challenge.
"Mr. Ren, shall we proceed inside to discuss matters?" Noticing his guest still standing outside, Li Shiming smiled and gestured for him to enter.
They passed through the protective formation and entered the main chamber of the cave dwelling.
Yin Shilan had already prepared the Spirit Fruits and stood ready to bow as Master Ren Mu entered.
"Ren Mu pays his respects to Fairy Yin; my apologies for the intrusion!" Master Ren Mu hastily returned the bow.
Observing the cave dwelling, Yin Shilan, and Li Shiming, he couldn't suppress a feeling of envy.
Many individuals in the Cultivation World seldom seek Dao companions, as the path of cultivation consumes the majority of their time and necessitates continuous resource acquisition.
Finding a Dao companion would undoubtedly detract from a cultivator's focus, and additional considerations regarding resources would arise.
Numerous cultivators have seen their progress stagnate after forming a Daoist union, and such instances are far too common.
Yet, observing Li Shiming, not only had he attained the peak of the Great Cultivator level, but he had also found a Dao companion at such a young age; how could Master Ren Mu not feel envious?
"Before we delve into our discussions, allow me to prepare a cup of Spiritual Tea for you!" After ensuring Master Ren Mu was seated, Li Shiming said with a smile.
A jade box was produced, and as it was opened, a distinct tea fragrance filled the air. A Fourth Grade Pill Furnace was then brought out, signaling the start of his renowned tea brewing demonstration.
"Is that the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea?" Master Ren Mu’s voice betrayed his surprise as he instinctively rose from his seat, drawn by the captivating aroma.
The Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea, a recent sensation within the Cultivation World, was hailed as an unparalleled spiritual brew.
Whispers claimed that only Li Shiming possessed a limited supply, and a mere handful of cultivators had ever had the privilege of tasting it.
While Li Shiming's own brewed spiritual tea was already celebrated as the finest in the Cultivation World, the emergence of an even superior Inquiry Tea had sparked fervent longing among all cultivators.
Spiritual tea held a revered status among those who cultivated the Dao, serving as a daily companion from the initial Qi Refinement Realm all the way through their journey.
Even Master Ren Mu, despite his extensive experience managing commerce in the Central State, found himself unable to contain his eagerness in the face of the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea.
"Indeed, this is the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea, with only a scant amount remaining. I am reluctant even to partake myself!" Li Shiming explained as he meticulously prepared the tea using the Fourth Grade Pill Furnace.
Recognizing that the initial infusion of the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea offered the most potent effects, he was unwilling to squander it merely for personal indulgence in its flavor.
He had not foreseen his Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea's reputation reaching such distant ears.
The information likely originated from Master Hu or a select few other prominent Cultivators. These were the true connoisseurs who had savored the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea; Sword Elder at Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion should not have been privy to such details.
Jian Wuwei, due to his insufficient cultivation, had not yet tasted it, despite owning some of the precious tea.
This revelation was met with indifference by Li Shiming, who gave it little further thought.
Without delay, he presented the cup of Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea to Master Ren Mu.
Master Ren Mu accepted the cup with utmost care, took a delicate sip, and then entered a profound state of enlightenment.
Li Shiming signaled Yin Shilan, and together they quietly withdrew from the main hall.
Given Master Ren Mu's cultivation level, he would instantly emerge from his enlightenment should any disturbance arise, regardless of his meditative state.
Li Shiming departed the main hall to ensure Master Ren Mu could fully immerse himself in the enlightenment brought forth by the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea.
After approximately thirty minutes had elapsed, Master Ren Mu's eyes fluttered open, his countenance illuminated by the joy of profound realization.
Li Shiming and Yin Shilan then resumed their positions within the hall.
"Thank you kindly, Mr. Li. This tea has provided me with immense benefit!" Master Ren Mu expressed his deep gratitude with a respectful bow.
"Cease your thanks; I invited you here to request a favor!" Li Shiming assisted Master Ren Mu to his feet, a smile gracing his lips.
"Mr. Li, please do not hesitate to ask. As long as it does not compromise the secrets of my commerce, I shall fulfill your request!" Master Ren Mu pledged readily, without even needing to inquire about the favor's nature.
Although the exact benefits derived from the Fourth Grade Inquiry Tea remained unclear, one certainty persisted: the advantages gained were substantial enough to warrant such a binding promise.
Such a commitment could potentially enable Li Shiming to seek assistance with numerous endeavors, even those fraught with extreme peril, representing perhaps the sole avenue through which Master Ren Mu envisioned repaying his debt to Li Shiming.
