Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1497 - 795: Battle

While savoring a cup of spiritual tea, Li Shiming contemplated his upcoming strategies, his gaze drifting toward the vast sea panorama beyond the window.

Seven days had passed since he set sail upon the waves, and at this point, he was far removed from the Central State Continent, venturing deep into the ocean's heart.

Throughout the entire seven-day voyage, no dangers had crossed his path. Thanks to the incredible speed of his flying boat, even a fourth-grade spirit beast would sense the formidable strength of its controlling cultivator.

Without question, those cultivators possessing sharper intellects stuck to the established paths set by the Central State Commerce.

Maybe it stemmed from Central State’s thriving economy, but over these seven days, he spotted three long-distance flying boats. Upon catching sight of the ’White Emperor Light Cloud Boat’ in the distance, those three vessels hastily accelerated to steer clear.

Far from being startled by this, Li Shiming knew well that the open ocean operated without laws, free from the constraints imposed by continental authorities. Acts of plunder and killing were commonplace in these waters.

Exactly because of that, the price gaps in goods between continents emerged, offering bold or mighty cultivators the chance to amass vast fortunes through these cross-continental trips.

At the same time, the relentless sea had claimed countless cultivators who pursued riches without sufficient might, acting as a harsh lesson for the overly ambitious.

The alert array on the "White Emperor Light Cloud Boat" suddenly activated, indicating the presence of yet another long-distance flying boat nearby.

At first, he dismissed it without concern, yet soon after, details from the alert array revealed that the approaching group formed a caravan, boasting five massive long-distance flying boats.

A touch of caution stirred in Li Shiming; these intercontinental trading fleets were bound to be guarded by powerful great cultivators, though the exact number of escorts remained a mystery.

One mustn’t be deceived by the upright facade of these long-distance trade routes, for they could swiftly transform into ruthless pirate bands, ambushing fellow long-distance flying boats amid the waves.

To them, the lawless ocean represented a savage arena where the mighty devoured the feeble.

Merely stepping foot into these waters thrust one into this perilous struggle for treasure and survival.

"Qian Yi from Central State Commerce greets fellow from the White Emperor Sect. Which fellow might I be addressing?" A great cultivator emerged from the oncoming caravan fleet, hovering in the empty sky and offering a respectful bow.

Upon catching this name, Li Shiming couldn’t suppress an inner laugh.

This great cultivator’s name evoked images of prosperity, but given the ties between Central State Commerce and his own faction, Li Shiming found himself letting out a quiet sigh.

Judging from great cultivator Qian Yi’s demeanor, the bond between Central State Commerce and the White Emperor Sect appeared remarkably positive.

He couldn’t help but ponder with a hint of pride whether Central State Commerce had betrayed him, fostering such a strong alliance with the White Emperor Sect.

In truth, Li Shiming had crossed paths with great cultivator Qian Yi earlier; the man had sought his skills in alchemy, and their encounter had barely lasted the time for a single cup of tea.

Li Shiming saw no point in hiding, especially since evasion proved impossible on the vast ocean.

Exiting the cabin, he positioned himself upon the deck of the ’White Emperor Light Cloud Boat’.

"Mr. Qian, long time no see!" he greeted with a faint smile.

"You are..." Great cultivator Qian Yi froze in surprise, staring at Li Shiming, momentarily unable to place which White Emperor Sect great cultivator stood before him.

The familiarity in the other’s voice suggested recognition on his end.

An awkward flush crept over him, as overlooking the identity would come across as quite rude.

"You are Li Shizhen!" Yet another great cultivator from Central State Commerce materialized next to great cultivator Qian Yi, blurting out in astonishment.

Li Shiming knew this arriving great cultivator as well, albeit through his alias Li Yuanba rather than his true self.

This cultivator Lu had shared almost a full year battling Hell Creatures alongside Li Yuanba in the Hell Cave Heaven. Naturally, no profound connection had formed between Li Yuanba and cultivator Lu.

The most vivid memory cultivator Lu imprinted on Li Shiming involved trading a bundle of jade scrolls for a healing session using the ’Innate Wood’ divine skill.

Within those jade scrolls from cultivator Lu was the close-quarters battle technique ’Nameless Sword Canon’, and without doubt, cultivator Lu had come out on the losing end of that deal.

It came as no shock that cultivator Lu identified Li Shiming.

The initial handling of Li Shizhen by Central State Commerce hadn’t won over many great cultivators. Still, back when Li Shiming operated within Central State Commerce, his interactions with great cultivators were limited.

In those days, Li Shiming stayed remarkably compliant, focusing intently on his alchemy duties without attracting notice from the great cultivators.

As a guest elder in Central State Commerce, a role outside the core ranks garnered little focus internally.

Only after his betrayal exposed his true prowess to numerous great cultivators did regret set in, but by then, it was far too late for any changes.

Even if certain great cultivators harbored doubts, the alliance between the two mighty powers—Central State Commerce and the White Emperor Sect—rendered a mere guest elder’s fate trivial.

Back then, cultivator Lu had taken note of Li Shizhen’s situation and felt it unfortunate that such potential went to waste.

"It’s really you, it’s truly you!" Great cultivator Qian Yi finally placed Li Shiming, prompted by cultivator Lu’s cue, recalling their brief past meeting.

His eyes bulged in sheer astonishment.

Who could possibly accept, who would even risk believing, that the Nascent Soul cultivator of those days had now risen to the ranks of a great cultivator.

"It seems Mr. Qian has recognized me!" Li Shiming replied, holding onto his gentle smile.

Great cultivator Qian Yi stared at Li Shiming with a complex look, since nobody could have foreseen his advancement to this level.

Earlier, tales of Li Shiming had circulated widely, but afterward, he completely disappeared from the cultivation realm, leading many, including Qian Yi, to presume the White Emperor Sect had eliminated him.