Chapter 303: The Divine Ten Thousand Saints Tea and Liu Changkong's Request
Iron Sword City under the jurisdiction of Spirit Sword Mountain, was the second largest city within its domain.
Backed by the immense power of Spirit Sword Mountain and fortified with a city protection array crafted by a master formation expert, Iron Sword City had earned a reputation as a place of strict order.
Even the powerful Heavenly Vault Academy, the unchallenged hegemon of Tian Cang Continent, tread carefully when operating within this territory. While the academy was dominant, it did not govern the entire continent. Provoking Spirit Sword Mountain within its stronghold could lead to casualties even the academy would think twice about escalating such matters.
Iron Sword City, therefore, became a haven for major merchant guilds, auction houses, and rogue experts seeking refuge. The city charged protection fees six drops of Supreme Spirit Liquid annually per individual.
With thousands residing within the city, these fees alone brought in tens of thousands of drops of Supreme Spirit Liquid yearly for Spirit Sword Mountain. Those who dared to stir trouble paid with their lives, their corpses hung from the walls of the City Lord's mansion as a grim warning.
Xiao Tiance's Observations
When Xiao Tiance entered Iron Sword City, he had noticed several such corpses of Supreme level experts displayed on the walls.
However, he showed no particular interest in the macabre sight. To him, this was merely a standard practice for any major power. He thought back to the Black Corner Region of the Dou Qi Continent, where the Canaan Academy had a similar deterrent: the infamous Dead Spirit Tree, adorned with the bodies of powerful cultivators who dared disrupt the peace.
The warning served the same purpose absolute authority required both strength and ruthless deterrence.
Spirit Sword Mountain's Hospitality
Inside the City Lord's mansion, Xiao Tiance sat in a luxurious guest hall.
Spirit Sword Mountain's master, Wansui, personally served him a cup of tea, his tone respectful.
"Lord Tiance, please have a taste. This tea was brewed using Supreme Spirit Liquid. Let me know if it suits your palate."
Sitting to Xiao Tiance's left, Liu Changkong smiled. "Wansui, you are truly generous. Using Supreme Spirit Liquid to brew tea? I must thank Lord Tiance for the opportunity to taste Spirit Sword Mountain's finest offering."
Curious about Liu Changkong's comment, Xiao Tiance asked, "Lord Liu, is there something special about this tea?"
The Origin of Ten Thousand Saints Heavenly Tea
Liu Changkong chuckled. **"Lord Tiance, this is no ordinary tea. This is Ten Thousand Saints Heavenly Tea, cultivated from an ancient tree said to have been retrieved by a Heavenly Sovereign from a relic site during ancient times.
The tea tree belongs solely to Spirit Sword Mountain, producing just twenty pounds of leaves every century. Of these, only one pound qualifies as first grade tea.
What's more, the tea is brewed with Supreme Spirit Liquid infused with water element spiritual energy, which is exceedingly rare in both Tian Cang Continent and the Great Thousand World. This combination elevates the tea's quality, making its value comparable to a Lesser Divine Ability."**
Hearing Liu Changkong unabashedly describe him as stingy, Wansui's face turned dark. Resisting the urge to argue, he forced a smile. **"Lord Tiance, don't listen to his nonsense. I am anything but miserly.
However, Liu Changkong is right about the tea's rarity. Even I seldom drink it. If you enjoy it, Lord Tiance, I will gift you the remaining first grade leaves, along with the water element Supreme Spirit Liquid we've collected over the years."**
Xiao Tiance Samples the Tea
Despite Wansui's calm demeanor, Xiao Tiance could see the pained expression in his eyes as he made the offer. Chuckling softly, Xiao Tiance lifted the tea and took a sip.
As soon as the tea touched his tongue, a warm sensation spread through his body. To his amazement, a tenth of his Dou Qi was instantly converted into spiritual energy crystals, and his overall spiritual energy reserves increased slightly.
Xiao Tiance Responds
Setting the cup down, Xiao Tiance smiled. "A fine treasure indeed. Wansui, this tea is indeed of great value to me. I graciously accept your offer."
Wansui's smile brightened, though his heart bled at the thought of parting with such a treasure. "It's an honor that Lord Tiance appreciates it. I'll have the leaves and Spirit Liquid sent to you shortly."
Xiao Tiance's Promise
Laughing, Xiao Tiance added, **"Wansui, rest assured, your generosity will not go unnoticed. I plan to establish a supreme faction soon. Should Spirit Sword Mountain ever require my aid, feel free to seek me out.
Within ten years, I promise my name will be known across the Great Thousand World."**
Hearing this, Wansui's eyes lit up with joy. He had been hoping for such a commitment all along. "Thank you, Lord Tiance! Spirit Sword Mountain will forever remember your kindness."
Meanwhile, Liu Changkong watched enviously from the side. Unfortunately, Tianluo Palace lacked treasures comparable to Ten Thousand Saints Heavenly Tea to curry favor with Xiao Tiance.
Liu Changkong's Request
After Wansui excused himself, Liu Changkong turned to Xiao Tiance, his tone cautious. "Lord Tiance, I have a presumptuous request. I hope you won't take offense."
"Speak freely."
"If possible, I would like to ask for your assistance in recovering my son's sealed spiritual energy. While I dare not question your methods, the young one is foolish and rash, and I fear such a long term punishment may leave lasting damage."
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly. "I have no intention of permanently crippling your son. The seal will naturally lift in three years. If you truly wish to shorten the duration, you must find a way to refine the energy within the seal a task that will not be easy."
Liu Changkong nodded respectfully. "Understood, Lord Tiance. Thank you for your guidance."
Xiao Tiance sat calmly in the main hall of the Iron Sword City's City Lord's Mansion. Spirit Sword Mountain's master, Wansui, had brewed the legendary Ten Thousand Saints Heavenly Tea, a delicacy that even the strongest factions of the Great Thousand World coveted.
Wansui's decision to offer this rare treasure wasn't spontaneous. The tea tree had been fortified with a protective spirit formation crafted by a formation grandmaster at the cost of nearly a million drops of Supreme Spirit Liquid. This made Spirit Sword Mountain the sole supplier of the tea, allowing them to dictate its price. Even the Heavenly Vault Academy's Dean, a Lower Earthly Sovereign, had to purchase the tea through formal channels.
Departure Plans
After taking a sip of the tea, Xiao Tiance set the cup down and addressed Wansui:
"Wansui, your hospitality is appreciated, but I cannot stay any longer. Prepare the transmission array and the remaining Ten Thousand Saints Heavenly Tea leaves for me. I must find my companions quickly. Once I've reunited with them, I will return to visit Spirit Sword Mountain."
Wansui, eager to strengthen ties with Xiao Tiance, asked:
"Lord Tiance, must you leave so soon? Surely, staying a while longer would not harm your plans?"
Xiao Tiance shook his head.
"I've delayed long enough. My companions have only their physical strength to rely on until their internal energies are converted into spiritual energy. Every moment I delay, their lives are at greater risk. The Great Thousand World is vast, but it is far from safe."
His voice carried a tinge of worry. Xiao Tiance's intuition told him that one of his companions might already be in grave danger. This feeling had lingered since he forged the Heavenly Puppet, Qinghou, and had pushed him to expedite his plans.
Liu Changkong's Proposal
Seeing Xiao Tiance's determination, Liu Changkong, the master of Tianluo Palace, suddenly spoke:
"Lord Tiance, it seems you are unsure where to search for your companions. Why not join us on a journey to the Western Heaven Continent?"
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow. "Western Heaven Continent? Why should I go there?"
The Western Heaven Continent, Xiao Tiance recalled, was separated from the Tian Cang Continent by the King's Continent, a dangerous region dominated by the infamous City of Chaos. The city, similar to the Black Corner Region of the Dou Qi Continent, was a lawless area where murders and thefts were common even Sovereigns occasionally met their end there.
The Western Heaven Continent itself was the homeland of the Four Ancient Divine Clans: the Luo God Clan, Blood God Clan, Bone God Clan, and Strength God Clan. Xiao Tiance also remembered that in the original novel, Mu Chen's wife Luo Li hailed from the Luo God Clan and that the protagonist Xiao Yan first landed there upon entering the Great Thousand World.
The Relic in the Western Heaven Continent
Liu Changkong explained:
**"In one month, an ancient relic will open in the Western Heaven Continent. Powerful sects from across the Great Thousand World will send representatives.
If you're searching for your companions, Lord Tiance, such a gathering could provide valuable leads. Moreover, my Tianluo Palace would cover any Supreme Spirit Liquid costs required for your inquiries."**
Xiao Tiance fell silent, pondering the proposal. His intuition told him there was more to Liu Changkong's offer than simple generosity.
"I don't like owing favors, Liu Changkong," Xiao Tiance said coldly. "If your Tianluo Palace is willing to spend so much on my behalf, you must have something to gain. Speak plainly what do you want from me?"
Liu Changkong's True Intentions
Liu Changkong sighed, rising from his seat to bow deeply.
**"Lord Tiance, since you insist, I will be honest. I have an old nemesis an Upper Earthly Sovereign. For years, he has sought my whereabouts, and I've avoided him thus far.
However, I've received word that he will be present at the Western Heaven Continent's relic. My alliance with Spirit Sword Mountain is partly an attempt to secure support should I encounter him.
Your mastery of spirit formations, especially at the grandmaster level, is unparalleled. I was hoping to earn your favor and have you assist me in dealing with this threat. I understand that my request is selfish, but I have no other options. If my nemesis finds me, I will surely perish."**
Wansui's Reaction
Hearing this, Wansui's expression darkened.
"So that's your game, Liu Changkong? I thought our alliance was to resist the Heavenly Vault Academy, not to deal with your personal vendettas. And now you want to drag Lord Tiance into your mess?"
Wansui's anger was understandable. An Upper Earthly Sovereign was a terrifying opponent, and even a minor clash with such a figure could jeopardize Spirit Sword Mountain.
Xiao Tiance's Response
Xiao Tiance chuckled lightly. "Liu Changkong, if your nemesis is as strong as you claim, why not simply avoid the Western Heaven Continent altogether?"
Liu Changkong shook his head. "The relic is too important, Lord Tiance. Inside lies an ancient treasure that could help my Tianluo Palace rise to new heights. If I don't go, my faction may be left behind in the Great Thousand World's ever changing power struggles."
Xiao Tiance stared at Liu Changkong for a moment before nodding. "I understand your reasoning. Fine, I'll accompany you to the Western Heaven Continent. But don't think for a moment that my help comes without cost."
A wave of relief washed over Liu Changkong's face. "Of course, Lord Tiance. Whatever you ask, my Tianluo Palace will do our utmost to provide."
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