Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1598 - 845: Doppelganger (Part 2)

The soul crystal ring transformed into energy, while the ’Phantom Clone’ placed the superior fourth-grade ’Heavenly Strike Thunder Hammer’ inside the soul crystal ring, permitting the ’Phantom Clone’ to transport the magical treasure that couldn’t be converted into energy, the ’Heavenly Strike Thunder Hammer’.

After manifesting the ’Phantom Clone’, Li Shiming left the Heavenly Person Cave Heaven together with the ’Phantom Clone’ and materialized inside his private cave dwelling.

At this point, he didn’t have to employ the Heavenly Person Cave Heaven with such caution anymore; even if some cultivator discovered its presence, none would risk snatching it away from him.

Snatching Li Shiming’s cave heaven would prove less practical than targeting the cave heaven belonging to a powerful sect.

The battle prowess of Li Shiming by himself rivaled the united might of several grand sects, rendering any attempt to plunder from him a foolish endeavor.

"Lan’er, you’ve returned from your master!" Li Shiming welcomed Yin Shilan, who had just stepped into the cave residence, with a warm smile.

In recent days, Yin Shilan devoted most of her daytime to being with Master Li the Great Cultivator, yet she always came back on time each day to recount her learnings with him.

"Shiming, why are there two of you?" Yin Shilan got a shock from seeing the duplicate Li Shiming appearances and gestured in astonishment.

Through her senses, she found it impossible to tell apart the genuine Li Shiming.

She had shed her former naivety; during her training under Master Li, she gained extensive knowledge about the Nascent Soul Stage.

Clones were something she understood existed, yet confronting two versions of Li Shiming left her unable to identify the clone.

"This is my energy clone; I plan to retreat for cultivation soon, and the clone can accompany you!" Li Shiming rendered the ’Phantom Clone’ more see-through, like a typical clone, prior to his explanation.

"Crafting an energy clone is too dangerous; quickly retract it!" Upon hearing this, Yin Shilan grew worried, recalling from Master Li’s teachings that forming an energy clone demanded splitting the spirit, which burdened the cultivator heavily, even demanding a steep price from a great cultivator.

"I know what I’m doing. The Ten Thousand Beast Sect also needs a clone for some matters, and besides, we promised not to be apart!" Li Shiming answered with a grin.

"My master wants me to head to Luanyang Palace in two months; it will be at least three months before I can return!" Yin Shilan brought up a key issue with evident hesitation.

"It just so happens that the clone can accompany you there, giving me peace of mind!" Li Shiming smiled once more.

A primary motivation for Li Shiming in forming the ’Phantom Clone’ revolved around Yin Shilan.

Having become part of Luanyang Palace, Yin Shilan faced frequent journeys to the Central State Continent.

Nevertheless, Li Shiming dared not venture onto the Central State Continent himself, wary that stepping there might draw the notice or interference of mighty beings.

However, dispatching the ’Phantom Clone’ avoided such dangers, since any entity strong enough to seize it would easily recognize its connection to him.

As for Yin Shilan’s protection, with great cultivators from Luanyang Palace escorting her alongside his ’Phantom Clone’, scarcely any cultivator at that tier could endanger her.

Moreover, beings possessing such strength generally refrained from such deeds, for as long as Li Shiming lived, any harm to his Daoist companion would provoke his fierce retaliation.

A fearsome force that had vanquished two pinnacle great cultivators remained unstoppable by any cultivator without superior might.

Merely three days following Li Shiming’s arrival back, Master Liu Ziyun from the Central State Commerce on the Dongqi Continent rushed to meet him.

Li Shiming had not notified Master Liu Ziyun, planning instead to reach out after some relaxation time.

The scouting prowess of the Central State Commerce left Li Shiming astonished; merely three days post-return, Master Liu Ziyun had learned of it and come over.

Li Shiming even pondered whether Master Liu Ziyun got wind of the news right on the return day but deliberately waited three days to let him handle personal affairs.

"I heard Mr. Li and Mr. Yin became a Daoist couple, so I came to congratulate you!" Naturally, Master Liu Ziyun wasn’t visiting to urge Li Shiming into alchemy; he offered a jade box as a celebratory gift.

"I didn’t expect my matter to trouble Mr. Liu!" Li Shiming responded with a faint smile.

With a gesture toward Yin Shilan, she offered a subtle smile and took hold of the jade box.

Ever since Yin Shilan assumed the role of mistress in the residence, Li Shiming delegated the routine management of the cave dwelling to her.

The vibrant blooms scattered across the cave had been personally selected by Yin Shilan daily from Baihua Peak, infusing the space with lively energy.

The presence of Yin Shilan turned the cave abode vibrant, and the lingering floral aroma invariably boosted Li Shiming’s mood.

Upon unveiling the jade box, Li Shiming cast a quick look inside and spotted that the present consisted of supplies for an initial fourth-grade Red Gold Phoenix.

Li Shiming inwardly praised the vast and efficient spy network of the Central State Commerce.

This present had been tailored for Yin Shilan, who hadn’t yet obtained a Red Gold Phoenix but received guarantees from Luanyang Palace for such a spirit beast companion.

Although it held no extravagant worth, the choice of gift displayed keen thoughtfulness.

"Mr. Liu, it’s very considerate!" Li Shiming remarked with a smile.

"As long as Mr. Li and Mr. Yin enjoy it. If Mr. Yin fancies spiritual pets, our Central State Commerce can keep an eye out!" Master Liu Ziyun chuckled deeply in reply to Li Shiming.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Liu. I believe Luanyang Palace will handle the spiritual pet matters well!" Li Shiming dismissed the offer with a wave of his hand.

In terms of ties with the Central State Commerce, Li Shiming upheld firm limits.

Their connection stayed purely transactional in nature.

Li Shiming grasped all too clearly the essence of the Central State Commerce.

If ever another faction presented a sufficient incentive, the Central State Commerce would unhesitatingly turn against him.

"Mr. Li, I wonder if you have time to work on alchemy recently?" Unable to hold back, Master Liu Ziyun posed the vital inquiry.

Aware that alchemy demanded utter focus and now that Li Shiming had a Daoist companion, it stayed unclear whether he’d continue with alchemy tasks.

Producing Great Cultivator Spirit Pills alongside Li Shiming had nearly consumed thirty days.

Considering the mounting pile of alchemy orders at the Central State Commerce, Li Shiming could face years of nonstop pill-refining.

"I need your commerce to exchange the alchemy rewards for cultivation resources suitable for Nascent Soul Middle Stage. If that condition is met, I can accept alchemy commissions immediately!" Li Shiming answered smilingly.

Cultivation resources denote those unique items that Nascent Soul cultivators can swiftly assimilate.

The ’Purple Thunder Plasma Liquid’ and ’Sword Transformation Spirit Liquid’ that Li Shiming obtained previously fell into this category of valuables, although such rarities ranked as premium assets hoarded by superpowers to groom their elite disciples, rarely circulating outside.

Li Shiming aimed to acquire these valuables for Yin Shilan.

Elevating Yin Shilan’s cultivation would bolster her defenses and prolong her life.

Furthermore, at Yin Shilan’s present realm, Li Shiming continually suppressed his aura inside the cave residence to prevent accidental injury to her.

A great cultivator’s aura, even unintentionally released, might injure Yin Shilan.

Yin Shilan stood silently nearby, her gaze brimming with soft affection that she couldn’t conceal.

The moments spent with Li Shiming outshone her wildest fantasies from her hundred years of isolation on the Beishu Continent.

"I truly envy your profound bond, though cultivation treasures are rare, I’ll strive to secure them, taking at least over half a year!" Master Liu Ziyun grinned.

"I trust Mr. Liu, and the alchemy commissions can proceed immediately!" Without additional stipulations, Li Shiming consented.

"Here are twenty-six sets of Great Cultivator Spirit Medicine, the priority batch; please help us, Mr. Li!" Upon Li Shiming’s agreement, Master Liu Ziyun promptly presented the ready Mustard Seed Ring without delay.