With a creak.
The door opened automatically with a burst of internal energy.
The interior is decorated with the feel of a scholarly family, with bookshelves filled with antique books.
As Li Ming slowly walked in, he immediately saw a middle-aged man dressed in white, with an extraordinary air about him and refined manners. The man held a fan inscribed with the words "Heavenly Secrets." The man spoke softly:
"Young friend Li, please sit down."
"Greetings, Senior Sun."
Li Ming cupped his hands in greeting, without overstepping his bounds, and then sat down beside him.
The other party's strength indicated that he had reached the Martial Saint realm. Li Ming could not see through his specific cultivation level or character, but he could tell that the other party wanted to befriend him.
If such a powerful person wanted to make things difficult for him, they would have already unleashed their aura and pressure...
Sun Hai greeted Li Ming politely, nodded, and said with a smile:
"As expected of Li Jinbu, who has made such a great name in the martial arts world, you truly live up to your reputation. Your ranking on the Human Ranking still doesn't reflect your talent."
"You flatter me, senior. I was just doing what I was supposed to do."
"Haha... Young people don't need to be so modest."
Sun Hai praised Li Ming again, then waved his hand, and two jade teacups landed in front of him. With another wave, a teapot floated in the air and instantly poured into the two cups.
"This tea is called Bodhi Tea. It has the effect of refreshing the mind and nourishing the soul. Over the years, no more than five geniuses have been able to drink this tea."
Sun Hai slowly began to explain the effects of the tea to Li Ming.
Upon hearing this, Li Ming raised an eyebrow and said with delight:
"Then this junior is in for a treat."
Li Ming picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and immediately felt refreshed.
There was nothing wrong with the tea. After taking a few sips, Li Ming could feel his spiritual power increase.
"Refreshing and nourishing the soul" doesn't refer to ordinary refreshment, but rather to a spiritual tea that helps one reach the Refining Spirit Realm. This is an extremely precious spiritual treasure of heaven and earth.
Not only does it have no side effects, but it also has obvious effects.
After a few casual words, Sun Hai got down to business, speaking gently:
"Young friend Li, do you know why I'm looking for you?"
"I truly do not know Senior Sun's purpose."
Li Ming looked at the other person calmly, without showing any unusual expression.
"In such a short period of time, it has risen to the top of the list of people with great momentum. It is truly a blessing for Cangzhou."
"However, I must apologize on behalf of my friend Li."
"By using your demon-slaying feat, your ranking has been elevated, and you have even attracted the hatred of many people."
Sun Hai slowly recounted his story, then sighed.
"Within the Great Xuan, quite a few people have been corrupted for a long time..."
"Oh?" Li Ming couldn't help but show surprise, and frowned as he said:
"Can the existence of demons be kept secret forever? Do you mean that humans also resent me?"
"If you have something to say, please speak plainly."
Sun Hai took a few sips of the spiritual tea and sighed:
"The conflict between demons and humans is not a recent phenomenon; it dates back to the time of the Immortal Path. After so many years, humans have a clear understanding of the characteristics of demons."
"They are also well aware of the benefits that demons and monsters gain."
After saying that, he gave Li Ming a meaningful look.
Li Ming's expression was stern, and he said in a deep voice:
"Senior, are you referring to... the essence blood of a demon?"
Sun Hai smiled wryly:
"Of course, do you know the function of this thing?"
"I don't know."
Li Ming shook his head and said frankly.
Sun Hai nodded slightly and said in a low voice:
"The essence of demon blood is very useful. If you remove the side effects, it is comparable to dragon blood. The essence of demon blood like the one you killed can enhance physical or mental strength after being neutralized and refined with suitable materials."
It is especially useful for families of martial saints and martial gods, as it can, through special processing, have the effect of restoring ancestral bloodlines.
"If used in conjunction with longevity-extending spiritual items, it can also extend one's lifespan."
“Powerful demons may even possess something called a demon crystal core. If one could obtain this, a first-grade Martial Saint could use it to advance to the realm of Martial God.”
"Although it is officially forbidden for humans to collude with demons, ... for the sake of profit, there will always be people who take risks, or those who exchange benefits with each other."
Upon hearing Sun Hai's words, Li Ming felt a chill run down his spine, a chilling thought that filled him with dread.
Humans are the absolute rulers of this world, but demons have always existed.
Is it because demons are stronger than humans...?
In the Great Xuan Kingdom, and even in the surrounding countries, every dynasty that fell was due to the emergence of powerful demons.
As a result, the legend that a nation on the verge of collapse will inevitably be accompanied by monstrous evil spirits has been passed down to this day.
Thinking about it now, this may not be a coincidence.
Despite the changing dynasties, the forces that dominate the country rarely change.
Demons wreaked havoc, causing widespread suffering, but in the end, they were eliminated.
Just as justice always prevails in movies, fairy tales also have a beautiful fairy tale ending.
Li Ming now seems to have become a thorn in the side of demons and certain people.
Seeing Li Ming deep in thought, Sun Hai chuckled:
"Young friend Li, you don't need to think too much. As for demons, it's naturally best to exterminate them all."
I've come here for no other reason than to give you the method for refining demon blood essence.
"Thank you very much, Senior Sun."
Li Ming bowed and thanked him.
"Don't be so polite, consider this my apology. In the end, the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion also took advantage of you, young friend Li, and ranked you very high on this year's Human Ranking."
"The outside world has been saying that the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion was trying to ruin you by praising you too much. It's the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion that didn't do a good job."
"However, Li Xiaoyou's strength is indeed formidable, silencing others' doubts and making him famous throughout the world."
Although it was somewhat expected, it still surprised us how quickly it happened. Perhaps the next time we meet, you'll be in the top three.
After speaking, Sun Hai used telepathy to impart the method, which consisted of about a hundred words, to Li Ming.
He also specifically instructed that one should be very careful and not be careless when refining the essence of demons and monsters.
If one refines it directly without following the proper method, one may be affected by the essence of demons and blood, causing a drastic change in temperament.
And the results were not satisfactory.
"As expected, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion deliberately ranked it so high..."
Li Ming thought to himself.
He thought the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion was so powerful that it could deduce the secrets of heaven and know his specific combat strength and then rank him accordingly. He didn't expect that the other party was afraid that he would be embarrassed and ranked him inflated first.
To be honest, he wasn't really interested in becoming famous.
His happiest days were when he was an unknown constable in Qing Shi City.
However, he can be considered one.
Let's develop quietly first, and then make a name for ourselves?
"Hiding one's talents and biding one's time, a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss"—this is how the outside world describes him.
Sun Hai saw that Li Ming remained calm and composed. As someone who had seen countless geniuses, he could naturally tell that Li Ming's demeanor was not an act.
It's very natural.
He remained unfazed even when the sky seemed to fall, as if nothing could affect him.
At the same time, he was more optimistic about Li Ming's future. Talent is certainly very important, but character is also crucial in martial arts. People with both good character and talent have all gone far on the path of martial arts.
The most difficult part of the middle three-grade stage is the cultivation of spirit. At this stage, one's character and temperament are more important.
In other words, it is about cultivating a heart that yearns for the Tao.
With a temperament like Li Ming's, he probably wouldn't last long in the Refining Spirit Realm...
"The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion values young talents like you highly. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to seek help from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion using this token. The Heavenly Secrets Pavilions in various places will be at your service."
As he spoke, Sun Hai pulled out a golden Heavenly Secret Token from somewhere and placed it on the table.
"This item has another great advantage: if you carry it with you, ordinary divination techniques will have no effect on you."
Li Ming looked at the small token, his eyes gleaming.
He had heard of the Heavenly Secret Token; it was a token reserved for VIPs of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.
It is divided into white, cyan, gold, and purple grades.
Even the white Heavenly Secret Token is only possessed by those who frequently do business at the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.
Gold is something that only a very few people possess; even some royalty and nobles only have this item.
The purple tokens are said to be no more than a handful, and Li Ming has no idea what kind of person possesses them.
Unexpectedly, Sun Hai really thought highly of him and gave him something so valuable.
With this thing, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion could be said to have almost complete freedom over him, and he could buy a lot of information.
For example, some unknown opportunities and some confidential matters.
As for its ability to conceal one's own secrets, that was something he hadn't expected.
This feature can be quite useful sometimes.
Inside the Tianji Pavilion.
People like Li Ming, who possess the Golden Heavenly Secret Token, are under the special care of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, and ordinary forces cannot even buy their information.
After all, this is a distinguished guest of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.
But some people insist on wanting it...
You have to pay more!
"Thank you for your high regard, Senior Sun."
Li Ming weighed the pros and cons and felt that accepting the item would be beneficial and harmless.
Sun Hai laughed:
"Of course."
These words came from the bottom of his heart. His original intention was to befriend Li Ming, a prodigy with great potential, who, if he survived, would surely stir up a storm in the Great Xuan Dynasty.
If Li Ming achieves success in the future, he will naturally feel a sense of affection for him. If Li Ming were to perish along the way, he would not lose anything.
In fact, many prodigies have said these words.
This token meant nothing to someone like him.
These are all mass-produced items by the General Headquarters, and he also has quotas for them.
Afterwards, Li Ming discussed the matter with Sun Hai for a while, and then pondered:
"I do have some questions to ask you."
"It's alright, just ask. I'll tell you everything I can."
Sun Hai laughed.
Then, Li Ming laughed and said:
"It's nothing major...just some personal issues."
"I am in dire need of a fine weapon, but I do not know where I can find one."
"Weapons... The top ten martial artists on the Human Ranking almost all wield pseudo-divine weapons. Young friend, you really need to consider this matter in advance."
Sun Hai replied without hesitation:
"I do know a place that can fulfill your request, young friend."
Pseudo-divine weapon?
Is there really such a good thing?
Li Ming was overjoyed. He had originally intended to obtain a first-grade spiritual weapon rather than settle for inferior quality.
Unexpectedly, the other party gave him a big surprise: a good weapon, which would greatly improve his current abilities.
He rarely uses his swordsmanship now, not because his swordsmanship is not good enough, but because the sword can hardly keep up with the intensity of his current combat.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com