Cultivation is just so scientific!

"Master Jing Mo, why have you come before the appointed time?" Li Shiming looked at Master Jing Mo and asked curiously.

Master Jing Mo was not a man of haste. In the past six months or so, he had accepted three alchemy orders from the Beishu Trading Company.

Master Jing Mo always came at the two-month deadline, never before. He did this to avoid disturbing Li Shiming.

No matter Li Shiming's reasons for coming to the secular world, it was a rare opportunity for cultivation of the mind.

As a late-stage Golden Core Cultivator, how could Master Jing Mo not understand the importance of this.

Thus, when Li Shiming saw Master Jing Mo's unexpected visit, he was quite surprised.

"Master Li, you're in some trouble. According to spies I left in the Mingxin Sect, the False Infant Ancestor is conditioning his body and is preparing to leave seclusion to come find you!" Master Jing Mo replied anxiously.

Li Shiming was taken aback; he hadn't expected it to be about this matter.

Elder Zang was the most powerful existence on Sky Sea Island. With the power of the Fake Infant Stage, although not significant on the Beishu Continent, he was invincible on Sky Sea Island.

"Master Li, you should leave first. I believe Elder Zang won't strike against mortals. I've also informed the company; Ancestor Ling will come as soon as possible, but it will take at least a few days!" Master Jing Mo said urgently, trying to persuade him.

It was for Li Shiming's own good. No matter how close Elder Zang was to the end of his life span, he was still a Fake Infant Cultivator.

If he really took action against Li Shiming, Li Shiming would not be able to face him.

"Thank you. I will remember this favor!" Li Shiming said seriously, bowing.

He knew that getting such information was not as simple as Master Jing Mo had made it sound.

A power like the Beishu Trading Company would not and did not need to plant spies within a sect like Mingxin Sect. The only reason for doing so must have been for Li Shiming's safety.

The cost and effort invested in this were something Li Shiming had to acknowledge and return the favor.

Li Shiming also guessed why Elder Zang would personally take action against him. On the one hand, Elder Zang feared his days were numbered. Given that Mingxin Sect had Li Shiming, a formidable enemy, resolving the issue of Li Shiming before running out of time would rid Mingxin Sect of a major problem.

One should not trust the saying that all grievances can be forgotten. If it weren't for the presence of Elder Zang, a False Infant Ancestor within Mingxin Sect, Li Shiming would have likely taken the fight to their doorstep long ago.

Of course, Elder Zang was aware of this. Even the Great Elder Fan Xi had died at the hands of Li Shiming, which proves that Li Shiming's combat power is indeed unbeatable at the Golden Core Stage.

If Elder Zang didn't deal with Li Shiming, once he fell, Mingxin Sect would undoubtedly be annihilated by Li Shiming.

On the other hand, the "Seven-leaf Jade Lotus" that Great Elder Fan Xi had held was now in Li Shiming's possession, thwarting Mingxin Sect's plan to produce another Nascent Soul Ancestor.

Without the "Seven-leaf Jade Lotus," once Elder Zang fell, it would be nearly impossible for Mingxin Sect to acquire another Spiritual Medicine of such caliber with their capabilities.

Elder Zang was no longer concerned about retaliation from the Shushan Sect because he didn't have the time. If Li Shiming were killed, Shushan Sect's retaliation would still be uncertain, but the sheer value of the "Seven-leaf Jade Lotus" was worth the risk.

For a Fourth Grade Spiritual Medicine that could promote one to the Nascent Soul Stage, even the greatest risks were worth taking.

Master Jing Mo thought that Li Shiming had heeded his advice to leave, so he bid farewell.

After giving instructions, Li Shiming left his ancestral home and the capital of Xia Country. He did not choose to leave but instead headed directly towards his anticipated encounter.

He analyzed Elder Zang's possible route. Given Elder Zang's condition and strength, choosing the direct line towards Xia Country was the best option, as it was the shortest and fastest. He would have made the same choice.

At the border of Xia Country, he took out the Fourth Grade Heavenly Gang Four Phase Array Plate and activated the Formation.

The Fourth Grade Heavenly Gang Four Phases Array shielded the space, preventing any aura within from leaking out.

Only then did he summon both his Nascent Soul Body and Fake Infant Body. The Heavenly Ghost could now control the Fake Infant Body. Although it was not yet ready for combat, it could move freely.

He also summoned Venerable Huijing. Although her injuries were still healing slowly, she was a true Nascent Soul Ancestor.

He released a drone into the high skies, reaching an altitude of ten thousand meters, which allowed him to surveil a vast area.

After everything was prepared, he used "Divine Vision" to watch the distance. With his eyesight, plus the drone's assistance, he could detect Elder Zang as soon as he was within a thousand li range.

About four hours later, he spotted a Flying Boat sailing in this direction.

The Flying Boat was of the third-grade, belonging to the level of Flying Boat Magical Treasure.

Such an item was extremely rare on Sky Sea Island. Even for Mingxin Sect, such high-grade Flying Boats were scarce.

Flying Boat Magical Treasures were not necessities; they were more a means of displaying one's status.

Unless one had an abundance of third-grade resources, cultivators would not consider having a Flying Boat Magical Treasure; it was simply too wasteful.

A Flying Boat Magical Treasure, if converted into Magical Treasures, could be exchanged for several high-grade ones.

Seeing a Flying Boat Magical Treasure appear at this time highly likely indicated Elder Zang's arrival.

It made sense as well. Given Elder Zang's condition, using his life force sparingly and relying on a Magical Treasure level Flying Boat was the best choice.

Conserving any bit of strength could result in an extra bit of combat power when needed.

Elder Zang was extremely frustrated. His life span was nearing its end, and he was already settling his affairs, handing over some treasures to the sect.