These days, Nie Li had been using spiritual stones to tempt Jindan and heâd finally been able to thoroughly establish a firm connection with it. Basically, he didnât have to worry about Jindan getting out of his control anymore.
After Jindan entered the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting, it immediately awoke to the rich Heavenly Energy. It appeared extremely excited as it opened itâs mouth and started to frantically suck the energy in. Instantly, Jindan turned into a huge round ball twice its former size. Even the face shrank back until it almost disappeared.
That little guy became round and plump and was no longer able to move. It landed on the flat ground between the hills. Itâd probably take a long time to digest the Heavenly Energy within its body.
This little guyâs ability to absorb Heavenly Energy was simply too powerful. Originally, Nie Li was a little worried that Jindanâs terrifying appetite might suck the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting dry. However, he realised that Jindan only absorbed a small portion of the Heavenly Energy within the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting and that the painting was still producing Heavenly Energy.
Although Jindan still looked like a little guy, according to in Nie Liâs estimations, its strength shouldnât be below a 3-fate expert. Its physical body was nearly invincible; right now, even a Martial Ancestor Realm expert would have an extremely hard time killing it.
As of now, Jindanâs body wasnât fully developed yet, and was still unable to enter combat. But if Jindan continued to absorb Heavenly Energy at this rate, then who knows?
Yu Yan also looked extremely excited upon entering the painting. Her body was ignited with golden flames that burned several times stronger than when she was outside.
Her cultivation had been increasing extremely fast and sheâd already reached the 3-fate realm, at least. As to her actual level, Nie Li still couldnât be sure. Furthermore, the might of those golden flames that Yu Yan unleashed were so frightening that even Nie Li couldnât figure out their origins.
âBig Sister Yu Yan, you can stay here to cultivate!â Nie Li lightly smiled.
Yu Yan opened her eyes, pursed her lips into a smile, and nodded. âOkay.â
Nie Li looked at the distant Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains. This place was equivalent to a realm of his own, where he could do quite a few stuff!
A few thoughts flashed through Nie Liâs brain and he smiled. Heâd already formulated his plans.
Nie Li exited the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Paint and walked out of his room.
Xiao Ningâer hadnât moved a step as she guarded the door. When Nie Li came out, she finally loosened herself up and asked, âNie Li, how did it go?â
âItâs done. Itâs already merged with my soul realm.â Nie Li nodded.
Xiao Ningâer was a little astonished. She never imagined that Nie Li could actually break the seal on the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting. She started to admire him even more because of that fact. That was something that even that higher-up couldnât accomplish. Nie Li had always been their leader, whether it was in the Tiny World or in the Draconic Ruins Realm. Therefore, her heart was filled with adoration towards him.
Nie Li was together with Xiao Ningâer and he also tactfully declined a few gathering invitations. Xiao Ningâer also wanted to cherish the time she had with him.
Nie Li and Xiao Ningâer stopped by Gu Beiâs courtyard to pass the counterfeit Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting to Gu Bei and remind him that this Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting was to quietly âdisappearâ.
Nie Li had forged this Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting after heâd noticed the trance of intent left behind by that Martial Ancestor Realm expert. Gu Bei was shocked; at the same time, he couldnât help admiring Nie Li a little. He never thought that Nie Li could actually come up with such an ingenious idea.
âI understand! You can leave this to me! By the way, here are the newly acquired Dragon Bloodline Ordinary Level growth rate demon spirits!â Gu Bei passed an interspatial ring to Nie Li before getting busy with other matters.
After receiving all those demon spirits from Gu Bei, Nie Li found a secluded place and started refining them inside the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting.
Twilight slowly descended.
Unlike the usual night, todayâs night in Skysoul Institute was especially bustling. Almost all the instituteâs students were moving along the paths that wound through the forest.
The geniuses of the Skyblaze and Divine Feathers Sects were organising a grand gathering. Rumors claimed that thereâd be sparring matches between the geniuses. The higher-ups of the three major sects had apparently arranged a generous award for the winner.
However, Nie Li wasnât interested that kind of sparring.
Nie Li and Xiao Ningâer returned to their courtyard just as Xiao Yu walked in with his head lowered. When Xiao Yu raised his head, he saw them.
âNingâer, youâre here too?â Xiao Yu was rather surprised and showed an embarrassed and unnatural expression on his face.
âYep! Xiao Yu, we meet again.â Xiao Ningâer said with her lips pursed.
âXiao Yu, where have you been for past two days? Why havenât I seen you at all?â Nie Li suddenly felt that there was something wrong with Xiao Yuâs aura and he couldnât help frowning. âWait, you already reached 4-fate a while back. So, why have you dropped back to 3-fate? Youâve gone to the outside world?â
âYeah.â Xiao Yu replied as he bitterly smiled. Heâd wanted to conceal that fact, but heâd been instantly exposed by Nie Li.
âWho was it?â Nie Liâs face suddenly darkened as he emitted killing intent. With a flash of his thoughts, he understood that there was only one person who might go after Xiao Yu. Nie Li sought confirmation, âWas it Hua Ling?â
Nie Li had experienced too many stuff in his previous life. Because of those experiences, the one thing he couldnât tolerate was people hurting his friends!
âYeah.â Xiao Yu knew that he couldnât hide it any longer and smiled bitterly. âI made a trip to the outside world. Originally, I wanted to send some stuff to an uncle of mine, but I never thought that Hua Ling would track me. After several twists and turns, I got killed by one of his underlings.â
Luckily, before Xiao Yu headed for the outside world, heâd placed his fate soul in the soul hall.
âHow many forces does Hua Ling control in the outside world? Whatâs their location?â Nie Li asked while furrowing his brows.
âHua Lingâs forces in the outside world are pretty much concentrated in the norther region, near the Ling Jade Deityâs Lake. He has about sixty people, all of whom are Heavenly Fate Realm experts. Ninety percent of them are from the Little Heaven Realm,â said Xiao Yu. His heart trembled when he saw how enraged Nie Li was acting. Nie Li looked to be truly enraged; Xiao Yu was worried that heâd take rash actions. âForget about it. They have too many people. With our strength, itâs impossible for us to confront them!â
Xiao Ningâer also jumped to try and calm down Nie Li. âNie Li, you havenât reached 2-fate yet. Heading to the outside world is still too dangerous; furthermore, the other party has so many people!â
Nie Li was well aware of the Ling Jade Deityâs Lake. It was a low-grade Deityâs Lake that was on the verge of drying up. Originally, itâd be impossible for people like Hua Ling to gain control of an entire Deityâs Lake. The only reason why Hua Ling could occupy it was because it produced too few spiritual stones!
In the outside world, all kinds of forces were fighting for Deityâs Lakes. The more Deityâs Lakes a force could occupy, the more underlings theyâd be able to recruit and expand their power. A small force like Hua Lingâs group was basically the pit bottom in the outside world.
Hmph!
âThey killed someone from my side! How could I possibly not make them pay the price?â A chilling light flashed from Nie Liâs eyes as he patted Xiao Yuâs shoulders. âDonât worry, Iâll help you get revenge!â
When Nie Li patted his shoulders, Xiao Yuâs face turned slightly red as he winced a little, appearing embarrassed.
Nie Li and Xiao Ningâer did not notice his expression.
âNie Li, what are you planning to do?â Xiao Ningâer asked as she looked at him. Sheâs worried that Nie Li might be acting rashly. After all, Nie Li is just a 1-fate.
âDonât worry, I know my limits. I wonât be the one to take actions!â Nie Li pondered for a brief moment, then continued, âFollow me, weâre going to meet someone!â
With Xiao Yu and Xiao Ningâer in tow, Nie Li headed to Li Xingyunâs courtyard.
Li Xingyunâs courtyard.
One of Li Xingyunâs underlings, Li Hu, led the party inside. When they entered, they heard a dispute echoing from the hall.
âYoung Master Li has a guest?â Nie Li asked, looking at Li Hu with a puzzled expression.
âYes.â Li Hu nodded. His mood didnât seem too good. âPlease wait outside.â
Nie Li looked in the direction of the hall and concentrated his attention on the dispute.
Inside the hall were two well-dressed elders. One of them was having a dispute with Li Xingyun.
The elder said in a solemn voice, âXingyun, even we have to admit that your talent is indeed pretty good. But compared to Li Yufengâs, itâs still inferior. Among the ten elders of our Ashen Flames Family, six of them have already decided that Li Yufeng should be the next Patriarch. As for the remaining four elders, two of them support Li Liushui, one supports you, and the other one gave up his vote. Li Liushui has already decided to step down from the Patriarchâs competition and is fully assisting Li Yufeng. We all wish for you to take the big picture into consideration.â
Li Xingyunâs face was dull, but he looked unresigned, âThird elder, since Li Liushui has withdrawn from the competition, Iâll withdraw as well. However, I cannot agree to what youâve requested. On what basis should I, Li Xingyun pass all my forces and business to Li Yufeng? How is he qualified to command my brothers and my businesses?â
The third elderâs voice went cold, âIn the Ashen Flames Family, only one Patriarch is enough!â
âI never said that the Ashen Flames Family requires two Patriarchs. For all the previous patriarchs, none of them have ever taken over the forces of successor candidates. Why should I?â Li Xingyun said proudly.
âLi Xingyun, are you pretending not to know?â
âPretending not to know? I donât understand. He, Li Yufeng, is indeed stronger than me in terms of strength. But his underlings are pitiful! He wants to have all my brothers follow him? Sure! If he can gain the consent of all my brothers. No matter what terms you offer, as long as they are willing to leave, I will not prevent them!â Li Xingyun said in a solemn voice as he looked at the third elder.
The third elder frowned. Even he couldnât help admiting that Li Xingyun was indeed capable, since all of his underlings were unswerving in loyalty. Theyâd all tried several methods to threaten and bribe them, but no one was willing to submit to Li Yufeng.