CHAPTER 72: FIRST MEET WITH MING GONG

On Bai Island, Li Shen did not use it to rest and sleep. Instead, he chose to sit in the lotus position on a large rock by the shore, meditating.

The spiritual energy was absorbed well in that place, slowly entering Li Shen’s body without any turmoil. Although it was not abundant, it was more than enough for him.

This was in stark contrast to Bai Zhang. The man was focused on resting in his room due to the fatigue he felt in his body.

For an alchemist like him, creating a third-level pill was quite exhausting, but it didn’t drain his spiritual energy.

’The next round and the main event are still left. I must remain patient and not act rashly,’ replied Li Shen.

The best revenge was served cold. It was not just a figure of speech, but a sentence full of deep meaning.

Taking revenge in a planned manner without anyone suspecting it was the best thing Li Shen could do.

He had no history of grudges with Ming Gong, his purpose in coming was to ask the man to remove the Blood Seal on Wang Zhao’s body.

Just as he was meditating in peace, Li Shen opened his eyes and saw three lights arriving at Bai Island from the center of the sect. The three emitted different lights according to their spiritual auras.

At first, Li Shen thought they were ordinary sect disciples. But then, he felt a burst of spiritual energy in the center of Bai Island. A Core Formation cultivator would not be able to create such a burst of energy.

Ming Gong, Yun Zhi, and Ming Yue arrived at the center of Bai Island and were immediately greeted by the outer disciples of the Ming Yuan Sect who were standing guard. They knew why the three had come to Bai Island.

"Shen Li?" Ming Gong called out in a voice that echoed throughout the area, reaching the farthest corners of the island.

Li Shen heard the voice. Shen Li was the name he used as a disguise. He did not want them to know that he was from the Li Family in the Qing Yan Kingdom.

In an instant, Li Shen left the beach area and flew quickly toward the center of the island. When he was so close, Li Shen was startled when he saw Ming Gong coming for him.

Ming Gong, Yun Zhi, and Ming Yue turned their heads. A Middle Nascent Soul level cultivator stepped out from a different direction from the dormitory. It was quite a surprise to the three of them.

’A cultivator with a blue robe with an Azure Dragon pattern. He is Shen Li,’ said Yun Zhi.

Li Shen acted innocent and clueless. He stepped forward with his hands clasped and bowed his head in respect.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist," said Li Shen.

"You are Shen Li?" asked Ming Gong. Li Shen cleared his throat in acknowledgment.

Without further questions, Ming Gong began his inspection by forming a hand formation and directing his spiritual energy toward Li Shen. Ming Gong’s qi energy continued to swirl around Li Shen, but Li Shen felt nothing.

This was Ming Gong’s high-level cultivation detection technique, capable of detecting any cultivator whose actual cultivation base was below Soul Ascension.

If Li Shen was a Soul Formation cultivator disguised as a Nascent Soul, Ming Gong could easily detect it.

However, if Li Shen’s cultivation was higher than Ming Gong’s, the Cultivation Detection technique would be useless.

About five minutes passed, Ming Gong sighed and stopped the detection technique. Yun Zhi and Ming Yue saw Ming Gong’s attitude, and they both began to show signs of surprise.

"He is a true Nascent Soul cultivator," Ming Gong replied.

"Damn Elder Mo! He has tricked you, Ancestor Ming," Yun Zhi said.

"The Mo family is known for being trouble-makers. I will report this directly to my older brother. Let him talk to the Patriarch of the Mo family," said Ming Gong.

"Did something happen, Senior?" asked Li Shen, pretending.

"Yes. Elder Mo reported you to us. You are suspected of hiding your cultivation," replied Yun Zhi.

"You also seize Mo Ni’s soul essence," continued Yun Zhi.

"About that... if the Mo Elder doesn’t like it, I can return Mo Ni’s soul essence," said Li Shen.

Li Shen touched his forehead and brought forth the three soul essences belonging to Mo Ni and his two friends. Li Shen hoped that his kindness would make Ming Gong and Ming Yue take an interest in him.

Sure enough! Ming Gong was impressed by Shen Li’s humble attitude. He said that he would hand over the soul essence once the matter with the Mo Family was settled.

Ming Gong accepted the soul essence and handed it to Ming Yue for safekeeping. The man stepped forward, curious about Shen Li’s attitude.

"Tell me, are you from outside the Ming Zhao Kingdom?" asked Ming Gong.

"Yes. I am from the Shen Family in Mu Yao City, which is in the Shen Nan Kingdom."

The Shen Nan Kingdom was a neighboring kingdom of Ming Zhao. The two kingdoms had a very good relationship despite being on different continents. Ming Gong laughed loudly as he patted Shen Li on the shoulder, feeling impressed.

"I didn’t expect news of the Ming Yuan Sect Pill Tournament to reach the Shen family in the Shen Nan Kingdom," Ming Gong replied.

"The Ming Yuan Sect has the best reputation in the southern region. Of course, I’ve always heard about and looked forward to this tournament," said Li Shen.

"HAHA! Good, I like you, fellow Daoist."

"If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask the disciples of the Ming Yuan Sect. We will be happy to welcome you here," explained Ming Gong.

"Senior Ming Gong is too kind. I will repay your kindness," said Li Shen.

"Try your best to reach the main round. That way, you will have a chance to become the champion of this tournament."

"Junior Shen Li will try to live up to your expectations, Senior Ming."

Ming Yue was taken aback. Her father was a typical man who was stern, cold, and didn’t beat around the bush.

He didn’t easily get close to anyone, even strangers. However, what Ming Yue saw tonight was something beyond her expectations.

"Then we’ll take our leave, Daoist Shen," said Yun Zhi.

"Please, Daoist."

Ming Gong, Ming Yue, and Yun Zhi flew far away from Bai Island with results that proved Shen Li’s cultivation was real.

Now, Li Shen no longer had control over Mo Ni. He was also unable to order Mo Ni to do anything.

"HAHA! It seems that my uncle has let you hand over my soul essence," Mo Ni said sarcastically, causing Li Shen to turn his head.

"Elder Mo has accused me and embarrassed Ming Gong. Do you think Senior Ming Gong will just stand by and do nothing?" asked Li Shen, startling Mo Ni.

"Your problem with me may be over. However, it is not over with your family," explained Li Shen, making Mo Ni curious.

"What do you mean?"

"Ming Gong is the younger brother of King Ming Zhao. Elder Mo has humiliated him because Elder Mo’s accusations are false. Perhaps he will take his anger out on the Mo family," replied Li Shen.

"YOU?!" shouted Mo Ni, becoming even more angry and furious.

Mo Ni flew forward until he was directly in front of Li Shen, and the man drew his magic sword and pointed it at Li Shen’s neck.

"Are you going to kill me? Do you have the courage to do that?" asked Li Shen.

"I will kill you!" shouted Mo Ni.

Li Shen sighed. He raised his hand and pushed Mo Ni’s body away, sending him far away from him.

Mo Ni was injured and knelt on the ground, but his movements were restricted due to the pressure of Li Shen’s spiritual energy.

"SHEN LI!" Mo Ni shouted.

The man slowly approached Mo Ni, who lay helpless on the ground, a sneering expression clearly visible on his face.

"You must stay alive to witness the destruction of the Mo family!"