Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1808 - 950: Harvest (Part 2)

A short while later, Li Yuanba encountered the formidable Red Demon amidst the vast oceans of the Central State Continent and subsequently brought it under his protection.

Consequently, the 'Infinite Fire Peak' changed custodians once more, returning to the possession of Li Yuanba.

The strategic decision to assign the Red Demon to Li Yuanba stemmed from the current circumstances, as it was only Li Yuanba who possessed the potential to confront adversaries at the Half-step Great Power level.

While the Duke of Thunder had demonstrated exceptional skill in combat against such formidable foes, it couldn't guarantee absolute suppression in every engagement.

Had the Half-step Great Power Zhao Zhao not misjudged the relationship between the Duke of Thunder and Li Yuanba, and had he launched a decisive assault on Li Yuanba from the outset, the subsequent turn of events could have been dramatically different.

However, with the Red Demon now by his side, the situation was significantly altered. The Red Demon offered not only potent long-range offensive capabilities but also provided Li Yuanba with crucial close-quarters defensive support.

Despite this considerable acquisition, Li Yuanba did not allow complacency to set in; he remained grounded, continuing his dedicated cultivation within the sacred mountain domains of the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion.

Precisely sixty days after the unsettling incident involving the Half-step Great Power Zhao Zhao, Sword Elder paid him a personal visit.

"Sword Elder, please, make yourself comfortable!" Li Yuanba extended a warm invitation, ushering Sword Elder into the main hall of his cave dwelling.

Sword Elder's personal appearance this time was a rare occurrence, signifying that the energy reservoir of his avatar, previously depleted while sealing a spatial rift, had been fully replenished; his true form was seldom seen in public thereafter.

"Hurry, fetch me a cup of Inquiry Tea!" Sword Elder commanded without preamble, gesturing towards the table positioned before him.

He had learned from Jian Wuwei that Li Shizhen's original name was Li Shiming, and crucially, that Li Shiming and Li Yuanba shared a past as acquaintances on the Beishu Continent.

Although he had previously acquired several portions of fourth-grade Inquiry Tea, such an esteemed brew could only unleash its full efficacy when bestowed upon the venerable cultivators of the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion.

For Sword Elder, the consumption of the fourth-grade Inquiry Tea was primarily for the sheer delight it offered his palate.

Yet, in Li Yuanba's presence, Sword Elder felt no reservation in making his request, fully aware that Li Yuanba undoubtedly possessed a more substantial reserve of this precious fourth-grade Inquiry Tea.

Li Yuanba responded with a chuckle, proceeding to meticulously prepare and serve a cup of the distinguished fourth-grade Inquiry Tea to Sword Elder.

Upon receiving the steaming cup, Sword Elder took a delicate sip, releasing a prolonged sigh of contentment, his expression radiating profound satisfaction.

"This time, after conferring with several esteemed elders from the Central State Continent, the Infinite Sect situated there has agreed to offer an 'Infinite Immortal Fire' as restitution. Furthermore, the other seven paramount forces have consented to grant you access to their foundational scriptures pertaining to attaining the Half-step Great Power level. However, you will be required to affix your signature to a confidentiality accord before perusing these vital texts!" Sword Elder announced with a triumphant flourish, setting his teacup down.

"And what are the stipulations I must adhere to, then?" Li Yuanba inquired, his mind already contemplating the terms presented.

"You are strictly forbidden from participating in any missions directly involving the paramount forces of the Central State Continent!" Sword Elder replied, a hint of resignation in his tone.

There was simply no alternative; Li Yuanba's sheer might was overwhelmingly potent.

With his proven record of vanquishing a half-step great power, Li Yuanba's combat prowess was now regarded as surpassing that of even the most accomplished great cultivators.

Should Li Yuanba persist in exerting dominance over the other major powers within the Central State Continent, they might be compelled to resort to retaliatory measures, potentially even involving the intervention of avatars belonging to established great powers.

Considering Li Yuanba's youth coupled with his extraordinary strength, if left unchecked, the preeminent forces of the Central State Continent could face a prolonged era of subjugation, potentially spanning millennia.

This was a precarious predicament that no supreme force could reasonably accept, compelling Sword Elder to seek a pragmatic compromise.

"In reality, you are securing an exceptional bargain. A solitary 'Infinite Immortal Fire' alone represents immense value. You likely possess no true understanding of what an 'Infinite Immortal Fire' truly entails, do you?" Sword Elder continued his explanation, observing Li Yuanba's seemingly impassive demeanor.

Li Yuanba felt a strong inclination to inform Sword Elder that he had, in fact, previously obtained an 'Infinite Immortal Fire.' However, given his inability to disclose its precise location, remaining silent seemed the wiser course of action.

"The 'Infinite Immortal Fire' is classified as a fifth-grade Immortal Fire. Beyond its utility as a Heavenly Mechanism Treasure for the construction of a Grotto Heaven, it also serves as a rare and superior substitute for conventional Spiritual Fire!

The ancient texts detailing the path to Half-step Great Power, provided by those supreme factions, will serve as invaluable aids in facilitating your advancement.

I comprehend the underlying motives of those venerable elders perfectly: they desire for you to rapidly achieve the Half-step Great Power stage, thereby ceasing your involvement in the intricate power dynamics among the paramount factions, effectively resolving the profound quandary you currently represent!" Sword Elder elaborated further.

"Many thanks, Sword Elder. However, could you clarify how I can substitute the Spiritual Fire within me with the ’Infinite Immortal Fire’?" Li Yuanba inquired, bowing respectfully to Sword Elder.

He understood that Sword Elder had gone to great lengths, involving powerful figures from the Central State Continent's major forces on his behalf, a complexity he could barely grasp.

The mention of the 'Infinite Immortal Fire' immediately captured Li Yuanba's attention.

Both he and his true form, Li Shiming, had previously attempted to cultivate this 'Infinite Immortal Fire' to replace their existing Spiritual Fire but had met with no success.

"Knowing your standing as an Alchemy Master and the presence of Spiritual Fire within you, I specifically requested the refinement method from the Infinite Sect when they offered the 'Infinite Immortal Fire'!" Sword Elder responded with a gracious smile.

With a mere wave of his hand, a jade box and a jade scroll materialized upon the table.

The jade box, a sealed artifact, revealed a flame of 'Infinite Immortal Fire' upon being opened by Li Yuanba.

This particular 'Infinite Immortal Fire' was less potent than the one he had acquired previously, which had been nurtured by the Half-step Great Power Zhao Zhao over an immeasurable span of time, explaining its superior strength.

Upon picking up the jade scroll and channeling his divine sense into it, the first element he perceived was a contract.

This contract stipulated a strict non-disclosure clause regarding the scroll's contents. Contracts within the cultivation world carried formidable binding power; transgression could lead to unforeseen complications in one's cultivation journey or severely amplify the Heavenly Tribulation during ascension, making adherence paramount.

Within the scroll, Li Yuanba discovered a Secret Technique dedicated to refining flames.

This technique was not confined to the 'Infinite Immortal Fire' but was applicable to refining virtually any kind of flame.

The immense value of this flame refining technique was evident, as it constituted a core secret of the Infinite Sect. It was highly probable that they would not have parted with such a foundational technique had they not sought to resolve their animosity with Li Yuanba.

Naturally, Sword Elder's intervention played a crucial role, consistently securing greater advantages for Li Yuanba.

While Li Yuanba was engrossed in studying this profound secret technique, his true form, Li Shiming, concurrently gained access to it.

The accompanying non-disclosure clause was deemed not violated due to the intrinsic connection between the avatar and the true form.

"Yuanba, while negotiations with the Central State Continent are feasible, the major forces of the outer continents are considerably more difficult to manage. Their immense distance limits the reach of my deterrence. Therefore, exercise extreme caution in your actions when you venture to the outer continents!" Sword Elder cautioned him earnestly.

Since participation in missions related to the Central State Continent was restricted for him, Li Yuanba needed to hone his combat prowess through missions originating from the outer continents.

Despite a relatively stable situation in the outer continents, numerous powerful factions harbored ill will toward Li Yuanba's burgeoning influence, perceiving his rise as a direct threat.

"I will be careful!" Li Yuanba affirmed with a nod.

"This is my sword token. Should you find yourself facing a Great Power, activate it, and I will step in to negotiate," Sword Elder stated after a moment's consideration, presenting a sword-shaped jade token to Li Yuanba.

Li Yuanba accepted the token, recognizing the superior quality of the Spiritual Jade it was crafted from – a top-tier fourth-grade material capable of containing a trace of Sword Elder's own energy.

The sword token itself was not designed for direct combat; even with Sword Elder's energy infused, its efficacy against a Great Power would be marginal.

Its primary purpose was to alert Sword Elder to unfolding events and enable remote communication with other Great Powers.

Within the cultivation world, Great Powers typically accorded Sword Elder a degree of respect.

This greatly bolstered Li Yuanba's safety. With his demonstrated capability of defeating a Half-step Great Power, he could pursue his goals with confidence, unburdened by concerns of intervention from other Great Powers.

Nevertheless, if Li Yuanba were to engage in excessively reckless behavior on the outer continents, even Sword Elder's influence might not suffice to guarantee his protection.

"For the ensuing period, you should dedicate your time to visiting the major forces and perusing their ancient texts. These classics are exclusively for your perusal!" Sword Elder concluded his advice with a smile.

Having spoken, he gestured, rose, and Li Yuanba escorted him to the threshold of the cave dwelling.