Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1322 - 707: Campaign_2

"Yuanba! You’ve actually broken through to the Nascent Soul mid-stage!" Wu Qi cried out in astonishment upon seeing Li Yuanba.

While Li Yuanba was busy advancing to the Nascent Soul mid-stage, Wu Qi had already departed from the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion to handle various matters.

Having returned just a few days prior, he had immediately accepted the trans-oceanic combat mission. He refused to miss an opportunity to battle right at the doorstep of a rival superpower.

Looking at Li Yuanba, Wu Qi couldn't help but reminisce about their initial meeting on the Dongqi Continent. At that time, Li Yuanba was merely at the Nascent Soul early stage, and his mastery of the 'Sky-Surging Sword Intent Technique' had been entirely self-taught.

To his surprise, Li Yuanba had returned from a single journey having already reached the Nascent Soul mid-stage, successfully catching up to his own level of Cultivation.

Sensing the aura radiating from Li Yuanba, he observed that the younger man's realm was remarkably stable, suggesting he had occupied this rank for a considerable duration.

"Since you are also at the Nascent Soul mid-stage now, you must call me Senior Brother from this moment on!" Wu Qi remarked with a grin.

"Yes, Senior Brother!" Li Yuanba replied, adjusting his form of address.

"Your master, Jian Wuwei, is still in seclusion; he’s going to be absolutely stunned when he emerges. I truly wish I could be there to see the look on his face!" Wu Qi laughed, finding the thought quite entertaining.

Li Yuanba was naturally worried about Jian Wuwei’s status, but the Sword Elder had forbidden him from visiting.

It appeared that Jian Wuwei’s current seclusion involved more than just physical recovery; other complex factors were at play.

"Senior Brother, have you also signed up for the West Yan Continent mission?" Li Yuanba asked to confirm, despite Wu Qi's obvious presence.

"I missed the previous conflict with the White Emperor Sect, so I cannot let this one pass me by. If you lack a partner, you should join me!" Wu Qi suggested after a moment's thought.

He felt a lingering sense of concern; after all, Li Yuanba was a fresh Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator and might lack sufficient combat experience.

In his mind, Li Yuanba was still that exceptionally talented youth destined to be a great Sword Cultivator.

"I shall follow your lead, Senior Brother!" Li Yuanba agreed. He intended to act on his own once they reached the West Yan Continent, but for now, he accepted.

With Wu Qi by his side, Li Yuanba didn't need to stress over the logistics of the trip.

"Let’s get on this long-distance flying boat. It belongs to Junior Master Lou, a senior from the Jian Family," Wu Qi explained as he guided Li Yuanba toward the vessel.

Li Yuanba scanned the area but saw no sign of Tang Xue Ning. He wasn't sure if she had opted out of the West Yan mission or if she was simply scheduled for a later departure.

This group of Nascent Soul Sword Cultivators was merely the vanguard; additional reinforcements would be dispatched as the war progressed.

"Little Wu, move to rooms three and four!" a voice boomed the moment they stepped onto the deck.

Only a Great Cultivator like Lou would dare to address Wu Qi so casually.

"Our thanks to you, Junior Master Lou!" Wu Qi bowed toward the empty air, and Li Yuanba followed his lead to show his appreciation.

Li Yuanba suspected that this Great Cultivator Lou was likely already acquainted with his reputation.

It was only natural. Within the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion, except for those like Wu Qi who had been away on missions for years, there were very few Sword Cultivators who didn't recognize him.

"Greetings, Junior Master Li!"

"Long time no see, Junior Li!"

"Junior Li, when might we share a cup of spiritual tea?"

As they walked across the long-distance flying boat, Wu Qi witnessed Li Yuanba’s immense popularity. Nearly every Sword Cultivator they passed offered a warm greeting.

Li Yuanba acknowledged each of them in turn. Those who spoke to him seemed thrilled to be sharing the same transport.

News of Li Yuanba’s alchemy prowess had permeated the entire Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion. Even though he demanded Fourth-grade Sword Intent Flying Swords as payment, his skills were so legendary that the cost was considered a bargain for the results.

Though many Sword Cultivators sought his services, he was often busy refining for the Sect itself. Consequently, only a select few—mostly personal acquaintances or members of the Jian Family—had successfully commissioned him.

Now, being trapped on the same flying boat was seen as a golden opportunity to build a rapport with him.

"Yuanba, is there some secret about you that I’m missing?" Wu Qi finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

"Senior Brother, I am also an Alchemy Master. I happen to have some expertise in refining Nascent Soul Middle Stage Fourth Grade Spirit Pills," Li Yuanba explained with a modest smile.

"Haha! If you only claim to have 'some expertise,' then no one in the entire Cultivation World would dare call themselves an Alchemy Master!" an interloping voice remarked, giving Li Yuanba a start.

Despite his sharp senses, Li Yuanba hadn't even noticed the cultivator appearing at his side.

He turned toward the speaker, squinting as if staring into a bright sun; the man before him gave off a dazzling, overwhelming radiance.

This cultivator was akin to a peerless divine sword. His edge was perfectly restrained, making him invisible to spiritual perception, yet he was blindingly obvious to the naked eye.

Sensing an extreme level of danger, Li Yuanba realized this man was incredibly powerful. Instinctively, he prepared his 'World Within Reach' technique, ready to flee in an instant if necessary.

"Junior Master Lou!" Wu Qi recognized the man immediately and bowed deeply.

Li Yuanba let out a breath of relief; so this was indeed Great Cultivator Lou. It made sense, as the flying boat was under his protection.

Still, the pressure from Great Cultivator Lou was so intense that Li Yuanba’s first thought had been survival.

"Li Yuanba pays his respects to Junior Master Lou!" Li Yuanba bowed, careful not to stare too directly at the elder.

"There is no need for such distance, Master Li!" Great Cultivator Lou replied, returning the bow slightly.

Wu Qi was stunned. By using that title and bowing back, Great Cultivator Lou was treating Li Yuanba as a social equal.

He grew even more intrigued by Li Yuanba’s recent history, deciding he would definitely interrogate him later.

"Master Li, I have a personal request. Would you be willing to refine a batch of spirit pills for me?" Great Cultivator Lou asked bluntly.

As he spoke, he produced two Fourth Grade Advanced Flying Swords. Both weapons were infused with the 'Void-breaking Sword Intent' unique to a Great Cultivator.

He was clearly aware of Li Yuanba's specific requirements and had come prepared with the appropriate payment.

Seeing the payment ready and noting that Great Cultivator Lou was treating him with great respect by offering such high-quality swords, Li Yuanba did not hesitate to agree.

While Fourth Grade Advanced Quality treasures were common to him—often just sitting in his storage space—he knew their true value.

For most, such treasures were priceless. Even mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators from major Sects usually relied on Fourth Grade Advanced Quality items as their primary life-bound treasures.

However, the real prize wasn't the metal, but the 'Void-breaking Sword Intent' within the blades.

Thanks to the unique nature of Ten Thousand Sword Peak, once these swords were absorbed and converted into energy-based Flying Swords, the Sword Intent would remain even after the energy was used.

Ten Thousand Sword Peak could regenerate that Sword Intent on its own, giving the peak unlimited growth potential.

At present, the peak only held five Fourth Grade Flying Swords with 'Void-breaking Sword Intent.' Adding these two would massively boost its offensive capabilities.

"I will utilize our travel time to refine your pills. Junior Master Lou, I may require your assistance with the environment," Li Yuanba said with a smile, accepting the swords.

"Security will not be an issue. Out here on the open sea, I still have quite a bit of influence!" Great Cultivator Lou laughed heartily.

He was genuinely happy. Li Yuanba had turned down requests to refine Great Cultivator-level pills before, so he had only hoped for the best. Even if he had been rejected, he would have gifted the swords anyway just to earn Li Yuanba's favor.