Cultivation is just so scientific!

Chapter 409: Chapter 251 Trade

What particularly caught Master Luo’s attention was the sense that, while observing Li Shiming, his Array Formation Starlight Sea had nearly reached the level of an Array Master.

Li Shiming was only a step away from becoming an Array Master, just one insight short of a breakthrough, which could happen tomorrow or perhaps not until several years later.

But no matter how long it took for that insight to occur, the inevitability of Li Shiming becoming an Array Master was certain.

“Shilan, you’ve had a breakthrough?” It was only when Master Luo was appraising Li Shiming and Yin Shilan that she realized Yin Shilan had made her breakthrough.

Additionally, Li Shiming’s strength also struck Master Luo as incredible; her senses informed her that his cultivation had reached the same Mid-stage Foundation Establishment level as Yin Shilan.

“Master, I’ve also just had a breakthrough. I drank the Spiritual Tea that Shiming brought, and I broke through!” Yin Shilan answered with a happy smile on her face.

Master Luo’s gaze swept over a nearby jade cup. She exchanged looks with a fellow Golden Core cultivator beside her, both somewhat astonished by Li Shiming’s generous gesture.

Even for an elder of a major sect like Master Luo, Third Grade Spirit Tea was a rarity obtained only once every five years or so, amounting to just over a dozen leaves; it was usually reserved for close friends and was not something offered casually.

However, considering Li Shiming’s status in the Shushan Sect, it was possible that he had access to rare resources like Third Grade Spirit Tea, normally reserved for Golden Core cultivators.

Master Luo had few regrets in life, especially after achieving Golden Core status when she hadn’t regretted anything.

Today, however, she felt a twinge of regret. If only she had taken Li Shiming as her disciple back then, what great benefits he would have brought her and the sect.

“Disciple Li Shiming pays respects to Master Luo!” Li Shiming respectfully bowed deep, performing the junior’s salute to Master Luo.

Whether because she was Yin Shilan’s master or because of the courtesy once extended to him as a Thousand Illusion Sect outer disciple, he held her in great respect.

Even though he hadn’t made use of that outer disciple status, it was precisely the guarantee of belonging to the Thousand Illusion Sect that had led him to travel the great distances to the Beishu Continent.

“Li Shiming, I misjudged you. If I had known, I would have kept you by my side!” Master Luo did not disguise her emotions and shook her head in regret, turning to the Golden Core cultivator beside her, she introduced him, “This is Elder Niu, and this is his disciple, Xiao Ke!”

Clearly aware of what had transpired, Master Luo made no attempt to use her slight connection with Li Shiming to plead for Xiao Ke. She simply made the introductions.

The favor of someone like Li Shiming was extremely valuable, and she had no intention of wasting it on such a matter.

Merely bringing Elder Niu and Xiao Ke along for an introduction was already a token of consideration for their sect affiliation.

“I pay my respects to Elder Niu!” Li Shiming bowed to Elder Niu.

“Mr. Li, I am here on behalf of my disciple to ask a favor. It’s only right that Xiao Ke receives a lesson for his unbecoming behavior outside, but I plead for you to show mercy and dispel the Sword Intent from within him!” Elder Niu did not accept Li Shiming’s kowtow as a junior, but replied with an equal salute.

Upon Elder Zheng’s return with Xiao Ke, and seeing the disastrous state of Xiao Ke’s Spirit Lake, Elder Niu was extremely angered.

But after Elder Zheng recounted the incident outside the sect gates, Elder Niu was furious enough to wish he could slap Xiao Ke to death on the spot.

While other cultivators sought to befriend Li Shiming, Xiao Ke had gone looking for trouble, offending him directly.

Still, as Xiao Ke was Elder Niu’s disciple, it was imperative to dispel the Sword Intent within him regardless.

After a thorough examination, Elder Niu dared not act recklessly; the slightest mistake could lead to the collapse of the Spirit Lake, ending the cultivator’s path forever.

So, Elder Niu turned to Master Luo, asking her to make an introduction, which led to this visit.

“Elder Niu, removing the Sword Intent from Xiao Ke is not difficult. I ask that you keep him in line and ensure he no longer harasses Yin Shilan!” Li Shiming was not looking to make a mortal enemy; he merely intended to teach Xiao Ke a lesson.

Since Elder Niu had taken the trouble to come forward personally, and with Master Luo present, it would be improper to refuse.

Although Master Luo was aware of the incident outside the sect gates, she was not privy to the reason for the conflict. Upon hearing Li Shiming’s words, she fixed her eyes on Xiao Ke.

She regretted again; had she known Xiao Ke’s harassment of Yin Shilan was the cause of the trouble, she would not have bothered with his fate.

Being a female cultivator herself, she naturally understood the difficulties female disciples often faced within the sect. She had assumed that with her protection, no cultivator would dare to trouble her disciple.

“Mr. Li, rest assured, as soon as we return, Xiao Ke will enter secluded cultivation for a year. If he disturbs Yin Shilan again, I will put an end to this unfilial disciple myself!” Elder Niu’s face was difficult to read, and before Master Luo, it burned with shame. He fiercely glared at Xiao Ke and spoke.

Xiao Ke shrank his neck; though his Spirit Lake was non-responsive, he could still feel the piercing gaze of his master and Master Luo.

Li Shiming smiled lightly, his Divine Thought sweeping over Xiao Ke as he retracted the Sword Intent left within him.

Both Master Luo and Elder Niu were inwardly impressed; no wonder Li Shiming had achieved such success in Alchemy. Even at the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, he managed to wield Divine Thought.

Master Luo was now even considering whether Li Shiming should be re-tested for his spirit root seeds. Could it be that the Sky Sea Sect’s test was inaccurate, misjudging Li Shiming’s potential? Otherwise, how could such a talented cultivator, so outstanding in both cultivation speed and in the fields of Formation and Alchemy, have only been identified with a mere third-grade spirit root?