Chapter 572 - 571: Do You Want to Hang Out with Me?

Just saying.

Qiu Suyong, with her long ears, enjoys quite a high prestige in the Sky-net Sect and is generally well-regarded.

Since entering the Sky-net Sect...

All the disciples of Sky-net bow in respect when they see her, greeting her with the phrase "Greetings, Master".

Those of a higher status, however, greet her with "Greetings elder fellow disciple".

As Qiu Suyong continues into the Sky-net Sect.

Li Jing doesn’t see a single person harboring hostility towards her as Xu Qianwen does along the way.

At first glance...

This woman seems to have a natural charisma that makes her a fitting leader of the Sky-net Sect.

Isn’t that interesting?

One thing that can easily be observed.

Qiu Suyong has contributed greatly to Sky-net Sect and won the respect of its disciples.

But are they all oblivious?

Is it suitable for Xu Qianwen who is closely connected with God to be assigned to guard the mountain gate?

From what I see...

Xu Qianwen’s popularity is dismal.

Despite her close connection with the founder of Sky-net Sect, most people hope to see her sabotaged, while a small group feel she needs a reality check.

As Li Jing contemplates, an extravagant complex in the distance attracts his attention.

Looking at it...

A massive palace complex dominated by a gold hue stands in the distance. Even from afar, one can sense the strong spiritual vibe emitted by the palace structures.

Inside the complex, various uncommon spiritual trees are planted everywhere.

Oh my!

Is this the Daoism I have known, known for frugality and humility?

Isn’t it quite different from my perception?

Li Jing is questioning.

But on a second thought, he makes sense of it.

Even brothels are accepted in Dao culture.

So, there’s nothing strange about some ostentation in their dwellings, right?

This lavish palace complex before him is the main property of the Sky-net Sect.

At least several thousands of disciples move in and out of the complex.

Instead of heading into the complex, Qiu Suyong leads Li Jing up the hill through a hidden trail.

Soon...

They reached the hilltop.

Then Qiu Suyong leads Li Jing into a bamboo forest, and they stop at a humble thatched-roof cottage.

After glancing at the cottage and recalling the monumental palaces at the foot of the mountain, Li Jing remarks in surprise,

"Is this where you live?"

"I personally prefer to be in seclusion."

Qiu Suyong responds.

"Living alone up here gives me more freedom in my actions."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing finds it reasonable.

After all, Qiu Suyong plays multiple roles.

She not only presides over the huge Sky-net Sect but also performs various duties as a Venerable One.

At times...

She needs to move under Karan’s command.

The plethora of disciples of Sky-net Sect in the mountain valley would, inevitably, obstruct her.

"Venerable Jing, please come in."

Qiu Suyong opens the door of the thatched cottage and steps aside, inviting,

"Pardon my humble lodgings that lack the ability to provide adequate comfort for you."

Li Jing nods and walks in with confident strides.

Qiu Suyong follows him in, shuts the door, and traces a handprint effortlessly, sealing the entrance with a Taoist spell.

Observing Qiu Suyong employing Taoist spells so proficiently, much more deftly than Nangong Zhi, even without reciting incantations, Li Jing raises his eyebrows, then speaks,

"In my possession, I need a copy of the original teachings of Sky-net Sect."

About to invite him to sit down, Qiu Suyong pauses at his words, frowning, replies,

"Venerable Jing, being a demon cultivator, what use could you have for these Daoist teachings?"

Li Jing remains silent, smiling affably.

Seeing this, Qiu Suyong stiffens, then obediently retrieves a golden jade scroll from her storage space.

"This is the top-secret script, the True Explanation of Sky-net, of Sky-net Sect. Only senior members and a proportion of core disciples are qualified to study it."

What does one call an opportunist?

So called top-secret script is produced without hesitation, following her demand.

Li Jing is quite pleased with Qiu Suyong’s cooperativeness.

Lucky she is there.

If it was any other Sky-net disciple qualified to access the True Explanation of Sky-net, even with a knife to their throats, they might still refuse to part with it.

The longer the inheritance of a sect, the stronger the fellowship of disciples tended to be.

There is a good reason why only senior members and some core disciples are allowed to access the Teachings of the Sky-net Sect.

Accepting the jade scroll, Li Jing casually toys with it in his hand, swiftly scanning through the Teachings of Sky-net Sect with a thought, then silently logs in.

"Login successful, obtained Second Breakthrough skill, the True Explanation of Sky-net."

Squatting comfortably, Li Jing pulls up the status board to check it out.

Controller: Li Jing

Rule control: Thunder Penalty, Space, Shadow, Heavenly Fire.

Heaven and Earth Essence Source: 1342210/53338667

Level: 455 (Return to Origin) /Next stage level???

Skill points: 140

Strength of Thunder Penalty: 207480

Lifebound Magic Tools: Linglong (Immortal Item Level 10 99%), Smoky Eye (Immortal Item Level 10 99%), Qingfeng, Unnamed, Snow Sound.

Equipment: None

Passive Skills: Little Universe, Reverse Space

Active Skills: Zhou Tian Talisman

Limit Breakthrough (passive): Divine Might, Moon Shadow

Limit Breakthrough (active): Spirit God Whisper, Heaven’s Creation Skill, Eye of True Vision

Forbidden Skills: Body of Thunder Punishment in All Worlds, Burn the Sky

Second Breakthrough: Heaven and Earth Return to Heart, Wind Thunder Domain, Eternal Elegy, Blood Rage, Formless Divine Skill, True Explanation of Sky-net (0/100).

The True Explanation of Sky-net is a Second Breakthrough skill.

No surprise there.

Upon a brief scanning of the skill, Li Jing has already paid attention to the context.

True Explanation of Sky-net, true to the Daoist tradition, advocates the natural flow of Tao.

The deeper one cultivates with it, the more and more easily they can control power through Tao.

Essentially...

This is a passive skill.

Without any hesitation, Li Jing directly maxes it out

As soon as the skill has been maximized, he can immediately sense...

The ability to use any Daoist spell without obstacles, even though he’s never been exposed to Daoism before, based on having knowledge of the hand signs and incantations.

The True Explanation of Sky-net, being the highest teaching of Sky-net Sect...

The beautiful results of maxing it out on the spot are admirable.

Pocketing the jade scroll, Li Jing looks at Qiu Suyong.

"I’m not just taking your stuff for nothing."

As he spoke, he casually took out a bag of Life Tree Leaves and tossed it over.

Qiu Suyong had never expected Li Jing, the domineering snake monster, to reward her; she had only revealed the Heavenly Net solution due to the threat to her life.

Unpredictably, someone took out a bag of leaves and tossed it over, leaving her slightly stunned.

Unconsciously reaching out to catch it, her complexion immediately changed.

She was a high-level Elf, renowned for her affinity with nature.

Born with the gifted ability to manipulate the forces of nature, she was extremely sensitive to anything related to life.

As soon as she held the bag of Life Tree Leaves in her hand, she was shocked.

What...

What kind of leaves are these?

Why is there such a magnificent life force within them!?

Could it be that these leaves come from the Life Divine Tree, the origin of the Elf Clan, that is mentioned in the Elf mythology!?

Full of surprise and doubt, she looked at Li Jing and asked out loud.

"Great God, these leaves..."

"They were obtained by chance."

Li Jing replied casually, "They are quite good, you could use them to make tea."

"..."

Qiu Suyong.

This stuff...

For making tea!?

That’s too extravagant!

Even though she was not certain whether these leaves were truly from the Life Divine Tree, in the hands of Elves, these leaves held great potential.

Every Elf is born with the ability to control plants.

At the level of the high-level Elves, they can control the force of nature directly.

Many things that require the control of natural laws could be accomplished with just a thought, even incorporating rules of life that are closely related to natural rules to some extent.

For example, at present.

Qiu Suyong could slowly absorb the hidden life force in these Life Tree Leaves, which could greatly enhance her vitality and to some extent, strengthen her physical body.

The Life Tree held special significance for High-level Elves and Li Jing naturally had some understanding of this.

If you know your enemy and yourself, you can win every battle.

Having encountered an Elf as cunning as K’lan, it was hard for him not to learn more.

There wasn’t much information about high-level Elves in the Immortal Realm.

However, there was on Blue Star.

After all, in some western Secret Realms, the Elf Clan were well-known humanoid Alien Species who were friendly to humans.

In Elf mythology.

The origin of the Elf Clan is the Life Tree.

They were born from the roots of the Life Tree.

Of course, the reality wouldn’t be so simple.

Li Jing was one who had planted the Life Tree.

He knew it more clearly than anyone else.

While the Life Tree has many magical uses, even influencing the evolution of life within its vicinity, it does not have the ability to create life itself.

The myths of the Elves’ origin probably arose because the ancestors of the Elves once came into contact with the Life Tree and obtained benefits significant enough to influence the entire Elf Clan.

Moving past that.

Li Jing was not sure if the Life Tree Leaves would have any special use in Qiu Suyong’s hands, but seeing her shock to the point of trembling, he figured they must be of some value.

He casually took out a teapot.

Li Jing stuffed a few Life Tree Leaves into it and added some Spirit Spring water up to the brim.

"May I borrow some fire?"

"..."

Qiu Suyong.

She was no fool.

When Li Jing took out the Life Tree Leaves, it was clearly a tactic of ’giving honey after the hit’.

After reprimanding her, he gave her some benefits to evade her resentment.

But that’s not the point.

The point is.

This confirmed that he not only knew she wasn’t a human or monster, but explicitly knew she was an Elf.

Moreover, he had taken special time to learn about Elves.

Only then could he cater to her preferences with a flick of his wrist.

Qiu Suyong originally thought that Li Jing had not yet touched upon the thunder zone behind her.

However, the reality told her otherwise.

The man was already dancing in the thunder zone.

Knowing she’s an Elf.

Wouldn’t he have guessed that she’s from the Western Immortal Realm and has ties with the Emperor of the Western Earth?

Usually speaking.

Upon knowing this relationship, even Emperors would avoid it at all costs.

An Emperor who controls an Immortal Realm is unlike ordinary Emperors...

Not only in personal strength.

The resources, manpower, and everything else they control is something other Emperors could only look up at.

Even though Li Jing already knew the inside story, he didn’t show any fear. In fact, he made it clear through his actions that he knew everything he should know. If this wasn’t dancing in the thunder zone, what was it?

Without uttering a word, she made a handprint and slapped it in the air, causing the Spirit Spring water in the teapot to heat up.

As Li Jing poured two cups of tea, he said, "Don’t stand, sit down and talk."

While Qiu Suyong followed his instruction, she looked at him with hesitation.

"Say whatever you want, there’s no one else here. As for the guy to the west, he can’t reach here."

Li Jing sipped his tea casually and then looked at her.

"Do you want to join me?"

???

Qiu Suyong.

Since they met, every word and action of Li Jing had been continually shocking her.

Step by step, pushing her boundaries.

Just a moment ago, he made her realize that he knew her identity very well and was already messing around in the thunder zone.

Before they even exchanged many words, he directly brought up the person on the western side and put it on the table.

Then he changed his tone and asked her if she wanted to join him...

Was he trying to dig into Emperor K’lan’s corner!?

Frankly speaking.

Qiu Suyong couldn’t keep up with Li Jing’s pace.

Seeing Qiu Suyong looking at him with a stunned face, not knowing how to react, Li Jing said indifferently,

"Your reaction has disappointed me a bit. You naively thought your actions were flawless, but when you encountered a little right shock, you fell apart. You’re not cut out for big things."

"..."

Qiu Suyong.

Is Li Jing...

Reprimanding her?

Opening her mouth in dumb silence, Qiu Suyong straightened up.

"If I agree with you, what can you give me?"

"A safe shelter where no one will command you, and then freedom," Li Jing said immediately.

"You might think I’m rather domineering, but that’s because you’re not one of mine. I don’t consider you a disposable tool like that person in the west, nor will I put you in danger. However, I don’t keep useless people. If you join me, you will need to bring value to your position."

Qiu Suyong fell silent upon hearing this.

She could tell.

Li Jing’s words seemed casual, but they were indeed sincere.

He offered her the best conditions he could.

The chance that he was just making empty promises is very small.

But Qiu Suyong didn’t understand.

Why would Li Jing suddenly want to recruit her?

After some hesitation, Qiu Suyong spoke up.

"May I be so bold as to ask, why have you taken an interest in me? We just met not long ago, and I’m the one being coerced."

"I’m short of people, capable people."

Li Jing responded without hesitation.

Qiu Suyong’s expression changed slightly at his words.

Li Jing’s words were easy to understand.

But she didn’t understand.

How did she become someone that he saw as usable in his eyes?

Wasn’t he worried that she would pretend to join him and then suddenly betray him?

At this moment, Li Jing spoke again

"You don’t have to answer me right away, I can give you time to consider. But before the issue of joining the Greedy Wolf is settled, you’d better give me a clear answer."

Seeing that he did not insist on an immediate answer, Qiu Suyong frowned slightly.

Li Jing’s sincerity was deep.

He didn’t even require an answer from her now.

Despite her surprise, Qiu Suyong was more shaken than anything.

Li Jing before her did offer her a choice and gave her time, which was good.

But she knew.

If she didn’t choose to follow, she would probably be killed without mercy after all this.

Li Jing has already laid his cards on the table.

If she knew what was good for her, that would be nice.

If not, then she could only die.

A simple fact.

Simply dealing with Xiang Dong was tough enough for Li Jing.

If he were to face off against the Emperor of the Western Earth, he, an obscure Monster Emperor, would undoubtedly have trouble protecting himself.

What was that saying?

The more you know, the faster you die.

Qiu Suyong was in a similar situation right now.

Li Jing was treading on thin ice in the Emperor of the Western Earth’s territory.

She was the only one who knew.

And she was the most likely one to "betray" him and reveal to Kalan that his identity has been exposed in the Eastern Immortal Domain.

Taking a deep breath, Qiu Suyong looked up.

Just as she was about to speak, Li Jing beat her to it.

"If you can answer me now, you can have as many Life Tree Leaves as you want."

!!!

Qiu Suyong.

That!?

Are those really the leaves of the Life Divine Tree?

Has Li Jing obtained a Life Divine Tree?

Otherwise, how dare he say that you can have as many as you want!?

Is there any hesitation at all?

With an endless supply of Life Tree Leaves.

Given time, she could surpass the one in the west.

Looking serious, Qiu Suyong said.

"I can agree to you, but my God Soul Brand is in the hands of the one in the west, he can obliterate me with a single thought. Even without this issue, I can’t just cut off my ties with the west."

Hearing Qiu Suyong speak, Li Jing shook his head.

"These are not problems."

As he spoke, he calmly said.

"I can help you with the God Soul Brand. As for the relationship with the west, we can cut it off."

???

Qiu Suyong.

She could understand Li Jing’s words and actions before.

But now, she simply couldn’t comprehend his words.

Having the God Soul Brand in someone else’s hands was not something that could be easily resolved, right?

It’s impossible for her to break ties with the West just like that.

Why did Li Jing make it sound so easy?

Why does it seem like he has the ability to deal directly with Kalan?

As she was dazed, Li Jing stood up and sighed lightly.

"Plans can’t keep up with changes, it seems we’ll have to change the order of things. We can talk about the Greedy Wolf issue later, let’s settle your matter first."

???

Qiu Suyong.

Her issue?

What issue?

Without giving her time to react, Li Jing looked over at her.

"Do you know the fastest way to Zhong Shen Zhou?"

"..."

Qiu Suyong.

Zhong Shen Zhou!

Is Li Jing planning to go and find the Emperor of the Western Earth?!

Qiu Suyong was somewhat dazed.

She found that she seemed to be completely unable to understand Li Jing.

If he dares to go,

Then he must be confident.

With the confidence to face Kalan, does he need to join the Greedy Wolf to deal with Xiang Dong?

While she was puzzled, a gentle male baritone suddenly sounded.

"Friend, I have a precious treasure handed down by a senior of my school, which can traverse to any Earth Realm he has set foot in."

???

Qiu Suyong.

The ancestor of the Heaven Luo Sect?!

How did he pop out?!

Without her opening the seal or external stimulation, he should be in a state of soul sleep.

Ignoring making a sound, he doesn’t even qualify to sense the surroundings!

Li Jing’s Emperor aura earlier was an external stimulation.

After he woke up, she had clearly let him go back to sleep.

He’s awake now.

This means that the seal has failed...

Qiu Suyong’s face turned white, and she moved closer to Li Jing.

She doesn’t have the ability to deal with the Heaven Luo Emperor, she completely relies on Kalan’s methods.

Having lost her means now and after causing havoc in the Tanner Sect for so many years, one can only imagine the rage of the latter.

Upon hearing the voice of the Founder of the Tanner Sect, Li Jing was somewhat surprised.

He could sense where the founder of the Tanner Sect was, but could not clearly determine his state.

Previously, someone came out and spoke a few words then remained silent, as if they were severely constrained.

But it wasn’t quite like that.

Glancing sideways at Qiu Suyong, whose pretty face had turned pale, Li Jing quickly understood what was going on.

The founder of the Tanner Sect was indeed constrained.

But in reality, he had already broken free, only choosing to transform into an old, duplicitous figure to bide his time.

Understanding this, Li Jing allowed a smile to appear on his face.

"Judging from what I’ve heard, the treasure in your hands seems to be branded with the corresponding spatial rules, I presume it has the spatial coordinates of Zhong Shen Zhou?"

"Not only that, but you can even go directly to the Donghua Immortal Palace."

The founder of the Tanner Sect responded.

"The Donghua Immortal Palace?"

Li Jing raised an eyebrow.

"That sounds good. I wonder if you would be willing to let me borrow this treasure?"

"Certainly."

The founder of the Tanner Sect responded.

"However, I hope you can promise to return the treasure afterwards, also give back the true jade scroll of the Heaven Luo. Besides, about the Emperor of the Western Earth..."

Not allowing him to finish his sentence, Li Jing smirked.

"Your demands are a bit too much."

On that note, he continued.

"I can help you handle the issue between Kalan and the Tanner Sect, and I will also return the secret treasure. But in terms of the true teachings of the Heaven Luo, I can only promise you that I will not reveal them to others."

Without waiting for the founder of the Tanner Sect to respond, Li Jing let out a light laugh.

"There’s no need for me to teach you the way of the Immortal Realm. Here, he who has the biggest fist makes the rules. Considering that you are not even a match for Kalan, you are not qualified to negotiate terms with me."

The barrage of statements left the founder of the Tanner Sect, who had been interrupted numerous times, in complete silence.

On the other hand, Qiu Suyong was looking sideways frantically.

She knew Li Jing was arrogant, but she never expected him to be this arrogant.

If you can’t match Kalan, you’re not qualified to negotiate with him!?

Not to mention that Kalan, the Emperor of the Western Earth, is now considered a measure of combat power.

From the way Li Jing spoke, it was as if he didn’t take the former seriously at all.

While staring sideways, an old Taoist with white hair and a youthful face quietly appeared before them, offering them a salute.

"You’re right, it was my greed that got the better of me."

After saying this, he took out a long shuttle and handed it over.

"I earnestly request you to stay true to your promise and not divulge the teachings of the Heavenly Luo."

"..."

Qiu Suyong.

The old man who suddenly popped up in front of her was, of course, the founder of the Tanner Sect.

He readily accepted Li Jing’s "principle", letting his own teachings fall into the hands of others, which Qiu Suyong never expected.

And it was apparent.

He believed that Li Jing could "handle" the Emperor of the Western Earth...

Could it be...

Is Li Jing really that powerful?

The strength of the Emperor level, ordinary people simply can’t measure.

Because they are not on the same level at all.

At most, they can determine someone is an Emperor by sensing their aura.

However, between Emperors, they can somewhat gauge each other’s level by sensing each other’s aura.

But it wouldn’t be very accurate.

The founder of the Tanner Sect showed up and conceded. He probably felt something from the small glimpses of Li Jing’s aura that ordinary people can’t sense and only Emperors can get a feel for.

And thus confirmed someone’s strength...

Over here.

Seeing that the founder of the Tanner Sect had showed up to hand over the treasure, Li Jing took the shuttle and looked at it. He said,

"Rest assured, I always keep my word."

As he spoke, he used the shuttle to cut open a spatial rift in the air.

Being proficient in the laws of space, he immediately understood how to use the shuttle upon receiving it.

"Let’s go. We’ll go to the Donghua Immortal Palace first."

After saying this to Qiu Suyong, Li Jing stepped towards the spatial rift.

At this moment.

The founder of the Tanner Sect spoke up.

"Please wait a moment."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing paused and turned his head with a bewildered look.

"You’re a practitioner of Taoism, so you should understand that this phrase has caused a lot of people trouble, right?"

???

The founder of the Tanner Sect.

Seeing Li Jing full of question marks, he realized he had mentioned a concept specific to the modern Blue Star.

The founder of the Tanner Sect wasn’t even a Blue Star person, there’s no way he would know.

Coughing once, Li Jing asked.

"What can I do for you?"

"I have a question and hope to get an answer."

The founder of the Tanner Sect began, and then stared straight at Li Jing.

"Who are you, really?"

Upon seeing this, Li Jing laughed and said.

"My name is Li Jing, from Chen Tang City."

???

Qiu Suyong.

Li Jing from Chen Tang City!?

My God!

So it was him!?

The person who suddenly emerged with the cultivation level of an Emperor and disrupted the entire plan against Star God Temple!

Such a fine name he never changes!

Damn it, it’s not just his name that changed, but his species too!

The founder of the Tanner Sect looked thoughtful upon hearing Li Jing’s name.

He had been out of touch for too long.

Li Jing.

This was not a name that he was familiar with or had heard of.

Chen Tang City?

He had never even heard of it...

A rising star?

The founder of the Tanner Sect looked closely at Li Jing, nodded, and disappeared.

Li Jing watched as the man walked away, and then looked at Qiu Suyong.

"What’s your real name again?"

Qiu Suyong, who was still furiously muttering to herself, paused upon hearing this and then responded faintly.

"The full name of an elf is very long. Usually, people of the same race call me Haithi Vila; my Lord, you can call me Vila."

Li Jing nodded and stepped into the spatial rift.

Vila hurriedly followed suit.

...