Chapter 392: Blade

"You see, I said we would definitely find it, right?"

"After the exclamation, Luote Sinuo proudly turned to look at Lin Ke, showing off his foresight."

"Lin Ke remained silent, but he was complaining in his heart."

"Is this what you found?"

"What you're looking for is clearly in the Ancestral Heavenly Master's hands."

"Your coming to the Heavenly Master's Residence was also an invitation personally extended by the Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master, not something you sought out yourself."

"In other words, what the Ancestral Heavenly Master holds is not just a star, but also a bait or a bargaining chip."

"\"What kind of look is that? \""

"His showing off didn't get the expected response; instead he got a glare. Luote Sinuo was unhappy and kept questioning, \"What kind of look is that? Is rolling your eyes at me a sign of contempt? I'm so perfect—what part of me deserves your scorn? \" He snorted."

"At the end of his questioning, Luote Sinuo gave a heavy snort, no longer looking at Lin Ke, but turning his gaze to the Ancestral Heavenly Master and the dark little stone in his hand."

"The longer and clearer he looked, the less excitement Luote Sinuo felt about finding a star on his face."

"Later, Luote Sinuo's face fell for a moment, then he straightened his back, becoming serious and solemn."

"\"The influence of the Metamorphosis Stage vanished suddenly. \""

"Luote Sinuo assumed the bearing of a Reincarnated Saint, facing the Ancestral Heavenly Master."

"\"Lin Ke, would you please follow the Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master to sample the tea that this poor Daoist personally planted, picked, and processed? \""

"The Ancestral Heavenly Master did not immediately discuss matters with Luote Sinuo, but first extended an invitation to Lin Ke."

"Or more directly, first send Lin Ke away."

"\"Thank you, Ancestral Heavenly Master. \""

"Lin Ke bowed, then followed the Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master aside and left this great hall."

"As soon as Lin Ke stepped out of the hall's door, he felt that the great hall behind him had become unknowable, inaudible, and untraceable."

"The great hall clearly stood there, solemn and majestic, truly real."

"Yet an invisible barrier completely encircled the great hall, making it the most independent space."

"Without the Ancestral Heavenly Master's permission, no one could enter the great hall."

"Even heavenly immortals and venerables of the Immortal-Deity Civilization, or saints of the Wizard Civilization of the same rank, could not."

"\"Please come this way, Grand Wizard. \""

"The Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master gestured, and the light gate reappeared."

"High-level cultivators never take the ordinary path."

"Lin Ke followed the Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master through the light gate to another great hall."

"In terms of structure, this great hall is exactly the same as the one where the Ancestral Heavenly Master resides."

"The only thing missing is an ineffable feeling or aura that can only be sensed, not described."

"If Lin Ke were to describe it in detail, he could only quote a saying from his past life: 'Climb Dongshan and feel like a minor Lu; climb Taishan and feel like the world is small.'"

"The comparison between the two great halls is roughly like that."

"After the necessary exchange of pleasantries between host and guest, Lin Ke and the Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master each took a seat."

"The Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master personally boiled water, washed the tea, rinsed, poured, and divided the cups, brewing a pot of tea with a delicate, lasting fragrance; even before drinking, Lin Ke felt his mouth water and his whole body refreshed and clear, as if he had just taken a sauna."

"This feeling was quite wonderful."

"Lin Ke couldn't help but compare the tea he himself had planted, picked, fried, and brewed with the tea the Ancestral Heavenly Master had planted, picked, fried, and the Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master had brewed."

"Then he reached an expected conclusion."

"It was inferior in every way."

"The Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master seemed to see what Lin Ke was thinking, smiled and said, \"This tea of the Ancestral Heavenly Master yields only eight taels every hundred years; today I am fortunate enough to drink it thanks to the Grand Wizard's favor. \""

"\"Thank you, Ancestral Heavenly Master, for the tea; thank you, Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master, for the honor. \""

"Lin Ke immediately voiced his thanks."

"\"No more pleasantries—come, drink tea. \""

"The Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master smiled faintly, lifted his teacup first, and calmly drank his tea."

"Lin Ke did the same."

"The better the tea, the more it needs to be savored, so as not to be wasted, like an ox chewing on peonies."

"The two said nothing more; in the tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, they set aside all external distractions, focused inward, and enjoyed the flavor of the tea."

"After slowly downing a cup of tea, Lin Ke's entire condition could not be better."

"The usual subtle 'heat' that he had neither noticed nor been able to dispel was silently resolved in the soothing comfort brought by the tea."

"His cultivation foundation was further strengthened."

"The promotion to Fifth-level Sage was no longer urgent, and he no longer needed to constantly suppress it."

"If nothing unexpected happens afterward, he can leisurely pass the days, waiting to return to his own universe, to the starry expanse shrouded by the will of the Wizard World, and then proceed with promotion."

"\"Thank you, Ancestral Heavenly Master, for the tea. \""

"After setting down his teacup, reflecting on the changes in himself, Lin Ke once again sincerely thanked."

"\"Another cup? \""

"The Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master did not directly respond to Lin Ke's thanks, but lifted the teapot and asked whether to add another cup."

"Lin Ke shook his head to decline, then explained, \"Contentment brings happiness; one cup is enough, I dare not be greedy. \""

"\"Good. \""

"The Illusory Tranquil Heavenly Master's eyes showed unreserved appreciation, and he then set down the teapot."

"How is the tea personally planted, picked, and fried by the Ancestral Heavenly Master?"

"The Immortal-Deity Civilization is the best!"

Would drinking more bring more benefit?

Not necessarily.

One must know that when water is full it overflows, when the moon is full it wanes; in all things, one should not go to extremes.

Lin Ke can restrain himself and cherish blessings; his mind and character cultivation is truly not bad.

The Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master's rank is extremely high, equivalent to a Ninth‑Level Great Sage of the wizard civilization, so he can naturally continue drinking tea.

However, Lin Ke could not continue, and the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master also stopped, waving his hand to make the tea set disappear.

After doing this, the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master did not let the hall's atmosphere return to silence; he opened his mouth and said: "Grand Wizard, taking this opportunity of the Ancestral Celestial Master seeking the Saint Lootsenos, I have some things I wish to say to you."

"Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master, please speak; I am listening attentively."

Lin Ke, upon hearing this, immediately adjusted his sitting posture, making it more solemn.

The Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master stared directly into Lin Ke's eyes and said solemnly: "Great Sage Michel has already reached an agreement with the Heavenly Court; the Heavenly Court helps him complete his advancement, and he serves as a bridge between the Heavenly Court and the Supreme Council. Originally this matter was not his to handle, but unfortunately, the last time I went to your universe and spoke a few words at the Supreme Council, the Supreme Council and the Ruowosuosi Academy where you are have put you on the shelf."

After a pause, the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master emphasized: "Grand Wizard, your arrival in our universe has been a little late. The Heavenly Court cannot always let the Supreme Council profit unilaterally; it must take action, thus it has devised a plan to win over Great Sage Michel. If you had come four or five days earlier, you could enjoy the support that Great Sage Michel is currently receiving. This support is immense; just the resources alone would be enough for two Ninth‑Level Great Sages to attempt advancement to Saint. Moreover, the Heavenly Court will also ensure that Great Sage Michel's advancement succeeds."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ke's heart was certainly moved, but his expression remained unchanged; he calmly asked: "What does this have to do with me, Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master?"

"You have missed a superb opportunity; it is truly a pity."

The Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master answered Lin Ke's question with a sigh.

Lin Ke shook his head and said in a low voice: "There is no free lunch. The greater the support one enjoys, the greater the price one must naturally pay. I do not think this is a superb opportunity; rather, I feel it would become a shackle and hindrance. Even if I had indeed come four or five days earlier, I would probably not agree to accept the Heavenly Court's support."

After a brief pause, Lin Ke softened his tone, nodded, and said: "Still, I should thank the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master for his goodwill and concern."

The Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master smiled faintly and accepted Lin Ke's thanks.

At that moment, the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master slightly tilted his head; someone was sending him a voice transmission, and he listened attentively.

After a moment, the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master finished listening to the transmission, rose, and said: "Let's go, Grand Wizard; the Ancestral Celestial Master and Saint Lootsenos have finished their talk there, and I will see you off."

"All right." As the guest follows the host, Lin Ke rose and followed, walking out of this hall.

Once again, they traversed space through a light gate; Lin Ke met with Lootsenos, and under the Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master's seeing‑off, they left the Celestial Master's Mansion.

The Virtuous Quiet Celestial Master remained in the Celestial Master's Mansion and did not come out again.

Lin Ke and Lootsenos each went through some talks, each having things on their mind that needed careful thought.

Neither rushed to communicate; they walked in silence for a while.

Lootsenos even took out a starlight skyship, carrying Lin Ke away from the planet into outer space.

After an extremely elaborate setup, Lootsenos activated the highest‑level anti‑eavesdropping and anti‑surveillance measures.

Lin Ke silently watched Lootsenos's actions, silently sitting and waiting.

Waiting for another conversation to arrive.

After finishing his tasks, Lootsenos sat opposite Lin Ke, remaining silent for a long time.

Just as joyful times are always brief, silence is always eventually broken.

Lootsenos's expression was solemn, his voice slightly low, and he said: "I have obtained the awakening."

"Hmm."

Lin Ke nodded briefly, giving a short reply.

"I have agreed to a condition set by the Ancestral Celestial Master."

"Hmm."

"Don't you want to know what the condition is?"

"No."

"Even if it concerns you, you still don't want to know?"

"No."

"Hmph! Whether you want to or not, I'm going to say it."

Lootsenos glared at the uncooperative Lin Ke, flushed with anger and let out a low growl.

Lin Ke curled the corners of his mouth, a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

From the moment Lootsenos began employing anti‑eavesdropping and anti‑surveillance measures, Lin Ke realized that the bearing expected of a reincarnated Saint was gone; Lootsenos was still under the influence of the 'transformation phase' and had started joking again.

One does not know whether the Saint Nostradamus before his reincarnation also had such a mischievous personality and love of pranks.

The contrast is indeed quite large.

"Fine, fine, I didn't trick you—this isn't fun at all, not fun in the slightest."

Lootsenos waved his hand, his ears drooping, looking quite dejected.

"Let's talk about the serious matter; if you don't, I'm leaving."

Lin Ke wasn't buying it, and said coldly:

"Leave? Where would you go?"

Lootsenos lifted his head, curiously asking: "You won't keep me company wandering anymore? I still have a beam of light I haven't found."

"That's your business. Moreover, times change. Originally I was worried about dragging trouble onto Mo Li, which is why I chose to accompany you out for a random wander. Now, whether I go or not, Mo Li will surely encounter great trouble, so I naturally must return to her side."

Lin Ke explained his considerations in detail.

After hearing this, Lootsenos put away his playful thoughts and began to concentrate deeply.

As a reincarnated Saint of the mystical school specializing in prophecy and curses, once Lootsenos focuses his thoughts, it is tantamount to making a prophecy.

After a moment, Lootsenos withdrew from his focused state, his brows slightly furrowed, and he said displeasedly: "Indeed, my sister‑in‑law is about to encounter great trouble, and this trouble will also affect me—how annoying."

Lin Ke remained silent.

The prophecy from the Saint Nostradamus, Lin Ke truly did not want to hear again.

Even though the Saint Nostradamus is now a thing of the past, the one making the prophecy now is actually the reincarnated Saint Lootsenos Grand.

At this point, Lootsenos suppressed his displeasure, shifted the topic, and said: "If my foresight is not wrong, you should all the more listen to what condition I have agreed to with the Ancestral Celestial Master."

Why?

Lin Ke was somewhat doubtful.

Because the best way to help my cheap sister-in-law get rid of her troubles is hidden in the condition I promised to the Ancestral Heavenly Master.

Luòtèsīnuò hehehed with a smug grin and said, "Who do you think I am, Luòtèsīnuò? How could I possibly make a loss-making deal?"

Lin Ke heard that, gave Luòtèsīnuò a strange glance, and without hesitation added: "You've been screwed by the Wizard World's Will, free labor, three things. To find the stars, you also agreed to a condition with the Ancestral Heavenly Master. You're really making a killing, winning big!"

Luòtèsīnuò's smug expression froze instantly, as if he heard a pfft.

It felt as if a dagger had pierced straight through his heart.

Really, bringing up the pot that shouldn't be opened!

Not a shred of tact!

Luòtèsīnuò glared fiercely at Lin Ke and said in an annoyed tone, "Are you listening or not? If you're not listening, I won't say anything else. See how you'll help your wife!"

Listen.

Then prick up your ears and listen carefully.

Okay, I've pricked them up.

Luòtèsīnuò gave a light cough, cleared his throat, and solemnly said, "The Ancestral Heavenly Master asked me to keep an eye on that guy Michel. If he does anything out of line, I'm to spot it promptly and report it to the Ancestral Heavenly Master."

Michel the Great Sage?

Hearing that name, Lin Ke couldn't help but feel suspicious.

What the Ancestral Heavenly Master and Luòtèsīnuò talked about, Lin Ke didn't know and didn't want to know; whatever Luòtèsīnuò said was the truth.

But the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master had deliberately reported the collusion between Michel the Great Sage and the Heavenly Court of the Immortal God Civilization, and then Luòtèsīnuò said the Ancestral Heavenly Master wanted him to keep an eye on Michel the Great Sage.

How could this not be a coincidence?

With the Ancestral Heavenly Master at its helm, the Heavenly Master's Manor surely has some scheme.

As for what that scheme is, Lin Ke dares not guess.

Setting aside his mixed feelings, Lin Ke decisively shifted his focus to matters directly concerning him and asked, "Just say it straight: what does the big trouble Mo Li is about to face have to do with you keeping an eye on Michel the Great Sage?"

Huh?

Luòtèsīnuò leaned back suspiciously and said, "The big trouble my cheap sister-in-law is about to face comes from that old bastard Michel, who dares to steal my position—you didn't know?"

I guessed as much.

Lin Ke replied calmly.

Since the trouble comes from that old bastard Michel, it's easy to handle.

How?

Borrow a knife to kill!

Whose knife?

Whoever has a knife, borrow theirs.

I'm worried you might not be able to borrow one.

Then I'll wield the knife myself.

You?

Lin Ke sized Luòtèsīnuò up from head to toe, shook his head, and pursed his lips without saying a word.

Luòtèsīnuò felt insulted!