NOVPUB
Chapter 1161: Chapter 1049: Surplus_2
"You’re already very capable, taking on three opponents at once and still managing to subdue one Demon Cultivator in the end. Such skill is not something every cultivator can boast of," the Golden Eagle remarked upon hearing Li Zhirui’s sigh, unable to resist commenting.
It was clear that the Golden Eagle was envious.
Unfortunately, it would likely never achieve such feats in its lifetime.
"Well then, now that matters here are resolved, we should return to Taisui Immortal City."
As for the cultivator Li Zhirui rescued and confined in a separate space, he remained unconscious under Liuerde’s control.
Although he was the spark that ignited this battle, it was Li Zhirui who orchestrated everything behind the scenes. Furthermore, he seized this opportunity to address the problem within his Mental State, allowing his own Dao to progress even further.
With today’s gains, Li Zhirui only needed to cultivate his Dharma to a size of sixty-seven zhang before he could enter seclusion and break through to the later stages of Integration!
In other words, the only obstacles left for him now were his Mana and Dharma, eliminating any need to concern himself with other issues.
Li Zhirui moved with remarkable speed; in just the blink of an eye, he stood before the gates of the Immortal City. After verifying his identity, he strode confidently inside.
Using his Mana to support the unconscious cultivator, he attracted the gaze of many passersby, some of whom harbored greed.
But seeing Li Zhirui enter the courtyard of Senluo Squad, they panicked and quickly fled.
He paid them no mind, heading directly to the Task Hall, where he handed over Shaluo’s corpse and the rescued cultivator from the Demon Cultivators.
"Fellow Daoist, do you know who this person is?" The Task Hall steward responsible for the handover was initially surprised but not overly concerned. However, upon seeing the cultivator’s appearance, his demeanor shifted significantly, and he regarded Li Zhirui with newfound admiration.
"I just arrived here recently and have no knowledge of notable figures," Li Zhirui replied. Nonetheless, judging by the steward’s reaction, he surmised that the individual was someone of considerable standing.
"This person is Ling Daoxiao, hailing from the Human Immortal Ling Clan. He is the direct descendant of a prominent Individual Immortal and possesses exceptional talents, making him highly valued. That Great Ability has issued widespread rewards across multiple Immortal Cities."
Pausing briefly, the steward’s tone betrayed his own envy as he continued: "Just rescuing Ling Daoxiao entitles you to three conditions that the Individual Immortal will fulfill, or the redemption of three Immortal Grade Spiritual Objects."
A true Individual Immortal!
Even though Individual Immortals represent only the initial step of the Immortal Realm, to those in the Mortal Realm, they are exalted existences who could crush them as effortlessly as they would an ant.
"I never expected my outing to yield such fortune—a chance encounter with such a distinguished Fellow Daoist in need of rescue," Li Zhirui remarked, pleasantly surprised and grateful for the serendipity.
After some thought, Li Zhirui added, "I come from humble origins and am new to this area. I would be grateful if the Squad could assist in handling this matter."
He said this with the intention of leveraging Senluo Squad’s reputation.
Although the squad was composed mostly of Mortal Realm cultivators, many of its members hailed from influential backgrounds. Recognizing the forces behind them, others would be less likely to deceive Li Zhirui or renege on their word.
The steward scrutinized Li Zhirui carefully before saying, "This matter is beyond my authority. I will inform the squad’s captains immediately. Please, Fellow Daoist, wait a moment."
Upon receiving the steward’s message, several captains and vice-captains arrived together, underscoring Ling Daoxiao’s significance.
They soon engaged in a heated discussion with Li Zhirui regarding task delivery.
Each of them wanted the opportunity to appear before the powerful Individual Immortal!
Even though each family and sect had their own Individual Immortal ancestors, gaining favor with an additional one was a chance few would pass up.
Li Zhirui ultimately chose Feng Santree and Wang Jingrun as his representatives, considering their advice.
The decision to pick Wang Jingrun was entirely due to his earlier secret transmission, where he had offered a Seventh Rank Spiritual Object as collateral. 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓅𝓊𝒷.𝓬𝓸𝓂
With the team selected, the three proceeded to the Task Hall within the Immortal City, attracting widespread attention and promptly arranging for cultivators to assess Ling Daoxiao’s condition.
"Fellow Daoist, please wait a moment; the Ling Clan’s Individual Immortal will arrive shortly," the welcoming cultivator said as he escorted the trio to a rear courtyard to rest.
Meanwhile, he inquired where Li Zhirui had found Ling Daoxiao and how he had rescued him.
These were critical questions that had to be recorded in detail.
Li Zhirui answered each one thoroughly.
After waiting a little longer, Ling Daoxiao’s direct elder, the Individual Immortal, arrived in the rear courtyard.
"Who was it that rescued my beloved descendant?"
"Greetings, Senior," Li Zhirui stepped forward respectfully and bowed deeply.
"Hmm, excellent. Your foundation is solid, your essence profound, and your Realm surpasses your current Cultivation," the Individual Immortal observed, immediately discerning numerous details about Li Zhirui, including minor issues, which he casually suggested solutions for.
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior. This junior is eternally grateful," Li Zhirui said as he bowed once more, expressing heartfelt emotion and gratitude.
Glancing briefly at Feng Santree and Wang Jingrun standing nearby, he also offered them a few insightful pointers.
Even such slight advice left them deeply appreciative, as a single tip could yield tremendous benefits, especially when facing bottlenecks during Cultivation.
"No need for formalities."
The Individual Immortal then fixed his gaze on Li Zhirui. Although he didn’t exert any Mana or imposing pressure, Li Zhirui still felt a palpable sense of oppression.
"What do you wish for or aim to accomplish? You may request three conditions."
Without hesitation, Li Zhirui, who had already contemplated his choices on the way, responded with a bow: "This junior seeks an Immortal Grade Spirit Seed, insights for breaking through to Mahayana, and wisdom regarding Tribulation Transcendence and Ascension."
Of his requests, only the Spirit Seed was of Immortal Grade; the others weren’t comparably extravagant. Nonetheless, Li Zhirui preferred to prioritize his future cultivation endeavors over indulging in excess Immortal Grade items.
Although Li Zhirui had acquired the Earth Spirit Sect’s vast and immaculate inheritance during his time in the Earth Spirit Realm, the discrepancies between the two realms were undeniable.
Moreover, the Earth Spirit Sect had never produced a successfully ascended cultivator, nor possessed experience with Tribulation Transcendence.
"Oh? It seems your aspirations are rather lofty—not bad at all," Ling Immortal replied with quiet praise.
Without scrutinizing the worth of these items relative to his offered conditions, he promptly etched the relevant insights and wisdom onto a Jade Slip, along with an Immortal Grade Spirit Seed, which he handed to Li Zhirui.
"Thank you, Senior! We shall not disturb you further."
At that moment, Ling Daoxiao awakened from his unconscious state. The timing was perfect, and Li Zhirui took the chance to bid his farewell.
The Ling Immortal’s focus shifted entirely to Ling Daoxiao, dismissing them with a wave of his hand, allowing them to leave on their own.
The three soon returned to the squad’s residence.
Although Wang Jingrun and Feng Santree admired Li Zhirui’s luck, they were content with their own gains, as even accompanying him allowed them to benefit from the Individual Immortal’s advice—an invaluable boon for their future cultivation.
Wang Jingrun remained unaffected, as his participation had been part of a discreet transaction. Feng Santree, however, was indebted significantly as a result.
"Fellow Daoist, I noticed your fondness for collecting various Spiritual Objects. Here are several Spirit Seeds I came across incidentally; consider them a gift," Feng Santree offered.
"Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated, Fellow Daoist," Li Zhirui replied earnestly, accepting the gesture.
"Fellow Daoist has just returned from the battlefield today, so we won’t disturb you further," Wang Jingrun said, bidding his farewell to Li Zhirui.
Feng Santree also followed suit.
Li Zhirui then turned and returned to his Cave Mansion.
"Should I head back to Mount Wanxian now, or remain here in the Immortal Demon Battlefield?"
Li Zhirui hadn’t anticipated that, within merely a few days at the battlefield, he would not only resolve his Mental State issues and advance his Dao, but also secure such a remarkable opportunity.
Having already exceeded his original goals and completed his task to perfection, Li Zhirui now found himself hesitating about his next course of action.
