Chapter 193: Eight Demon Pirs
<span style="font-weight:400">“Umm, I’ve always taken an interest in Ascension Pills from the moment I learned about them. Back when I lived in Yellow Qilin, you should know that I was assessed with grade one aptitude. Maybe that’s why I’ve always longed for them,” Li Lang said. “That’s why I want to learn how to refine Ascension Pills. I want to help those who were like me, talentless, but still desired to be a cultivator.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see. You should know that those who take Ascension Pills don’t be like normal cultivators, right?” Sima Yueling asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">Li Lang nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, I’ve heard. Even then, it’s better thannguishing as mortals their entire lives.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“But they can simply practice demonic techniques. As long as they have enough determination, it is the better alternative.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That—as the leader of Nightmoon Valley, you should know what people living under the righteous sects think of demonic cultivation. I want to help those people too. Plus, even in the Luminescent Domain, numerous people give up due to theck of resources.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The clean-shaven man furrowed his brows as he stared down at his desk.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You want to help those in the righteous sects’ territories?”
<span style="font-weight:400">His tone made Li Lang realize he may have blundered. He was spewing words to the leader of one faction about helping those under the opposing faction. His mind raced to find a way to justify his words.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Umm—yes. Maybe then, people of different character will start joining the ranks of the orthodox sects. It is my hope that will change their ways for the better. After all, I believe they are currently so—<em><span style="font-weight:400">rotten</em><span style="font-weight:400"> because most orthodox cultivators believe themselves to be the chosen ones. Those who weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouths should have better dispositions.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Sima Yueling didn’t say anything. He fellpletely silent with a thoughtful look. It was apparent he was dwelling on Li Lang’s words. After a few minutes, he finally shifted his gaze back to the young man before him.@@novelbin@@
<span style="font-weight:400">“While there are some truths to your words, just handing out Ascension Pills around their territory will do nothing. Even if the sects don’t take action to line their own pockets, the cultivators who broke through using the pills won’t be able to stand on equal footing with the others. Theirbat ability would be non-existent.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“But it’s better than being treated as disposable mortals,” Li Lang argued. “Besides, do they truly have zerobat potential? Maybe with some targeted training, they would be able to exert their cultivation.”
<span style="font-weight:400">His words caused the head of Nightmoon Valley to shake his head.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Enough. You won’t understand until youe across someone who had used Ascension Pills yourself. There’s no way for them to practicebat techniques like we do.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Umm, but can I still get some Ascension Pills? I’d love both some samples and its pill recipe.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see that you’re a talented alchemist. If that’s what you want to study, then it’s not my ce to stop you. I’ve said my piece. I’ll let little Beiyun know, and he can bring you to our Pill Hall. If you want to sign a binding contract regarding the matter with the pocket realm, let him know as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you, Senior Sima!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’ve taken enough of your time. I believe you said your chauffeur was waiting for you?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s right, Senior. Thank you so much for being so amodating.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The powerful senior simply nodded and gestured for Li Lang to exit by himself. Li Lang sped his fist toward him before walking away. He only made it a few steps before he abruptly turned back.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, one more thing. If you don’t mind me asking. Why did you choose to invite me at this time? If you wanted to talk about the pocket realm, shouldn’t you invite me when we had just exited from it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">The Valley Master continued looking over the paperwork on his desk and answered without looking up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Our investigation wasn’tplete then, and there’s no rush. We judged you were more likely to take action and approach the pocket realm once your group started breaking through. Your friend’s breakthrough was also a good excuse to invite you without arousing too much suspicion from the other organizations.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Even Nightmoon Valley has to tread so carefully around all the other organizations?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Human rtionships are never simple and are ever-changing. However, it isn’t the job of you young people like you to worry about the politics among organizations. Go on now. You’ll find Beiyun outside.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Being tantly asked to leave, Li Lang could only do as asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">He walked back through the door that was covered in clouds and found himself in an unfamiliar cave. It caught him off-guard as he thought he would return to the same chamber where he previously parted ways with Tai Xilun.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">So—That door with clouds is some sort of teleportation artifact?</em>
<span style="font-weight:400">Before his thoughts could wander further, the sound of movement caught his attention. It came from the only corridor present. With the giant door closed shut to his back, he simply stood there and waited for whoever it was to approach. It didn’t take long before the shadow of two figures could be seen.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Li Lang,e on out with us. There’s not much to see in here, right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">The young man immediately sped his fist toward the neers.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Senior Jian, you’re here. With Senior Tai as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“My master sent for me to pick you up. Let’s go. I’ll show you around.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Without waiting for a reply, Jian Beiyun turned around to lead the way out of the cave. Upon exiting, Li Lang found that he had been transported to the halfway point of one of the mountains that looked down on the rest of Nightshade Valley.
<span style="font-weight:400">Residences were built all over the mountain incline, and Jian Beiyun went straight into one of them nearby.
<span style="font-weight:400">“This here is my humble abode.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Li Lang didn’t need a tour and could see all there was to the small house from the entrance. It only had a firece in the center with a pot over it, while the rest of the room was devoid of any furniture. Instead of chairs, the floors were covered by rattan mats.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Senior Jian, is this where the pills are?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh right, Master did mention that. We’ll go after. I thought you could get something to eat after your long day of traveling and meeting. Am I right? Or should we go to the Pill Hall right away?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Li Lang took a peek at Tai Xilun. He didn’t react at all.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Umm—no, it’s fine. Thank you for your consideration. I’ll happily take you up on your offer.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No problem. I’ll have something ready real soon."
<span style="font-weight:400">The head disciple of Nightmoon Valley proceeded to open the pot and began stirring its contents. He then materialized some extra ingredients from his space ring and threw it in. He tasted the results and continued to add to the pot.
<span style="font-weight:400">He waspletely absorbed in cooking and appeared no different from a typical gourmet.
<span style="font-weight:400">Seeing him in his own little world, Li Lang chose to talk to Tai Xilun instead.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Were you just here the entire time, talking to Senior Jian?”
<span style="font-weight:400">The man in red and ck robes simply nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Should we spend the night here before returning?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No need to be considerate of me. A measly day or two of traveling won’t take a toll on Foundation Establishment cultivators.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm, I guess you’re right. You must have better things to do than to babysit me. Regardless, thank you for taking the time to apany me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“As if that workaholic has anything better to do,” Jian Beiyun chimed in as he continued to stir the pot. “If you leave him be, he’ll end up just training or patrolling the streets. He’s too serious for his own good.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I simply carry out my duty.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right. See what I mean, Li Lang? It’s both his best and worst quality.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Jian Beiyun, I think it’d be good if <em><span style="font-weight:400">you</em><span style="font-weight:400"> took things more seriously once in a while,” Tai Xilun retorted. “The Dark Sea Arena will be taking ce again in three years. There’s not much time left. As head disciple of Nightmoon Valley, you can’t afford to tarnish your name as one of the Eight Demon Pirs.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I could say the same to you. If you settled into an unchanging routine, I fear your cultivation could stagnate. Please don’t let that happen and let one of those annoying brats take your title.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The tension in the room was rising to the helplessness of Li Lang. He slowly steered clear of the argument, as even he realized the banter was heating up. After all, with Tai Xilun bing more talkative, even the most socially inept person could notice his agitation.
<span style="font-weight:400">The exchange between the two Foundation Establishment cultivatorssted for some time before Li Lang tried to defuse the situation.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Umm, is the food ready yet?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh yes, it should be ready. It’s my special porridge recipe. Feel free to take some yourself. As for you,” he said, turning back to Tai Xilun, “Why don’t we go for that spar we were talking about?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Without a word, the Bloodwave Conve disciple stormed out of the house, with Jian Beiyun following close behind. Li Lang watched the scene and shook his head. He then went over to the pot and poured himself a bowl.
<span style="font-weight:400">The steaming porridge let out an appetizing aroma that made his stomach grumble. It made him realize how famished he was.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ahh, this is good,” he loudly eximed.
<span style="font-weight:400">He wasn’t sure if Jian Beiyun had heard him, but he thought it was necessary to givepliments to the chef.
<em><span style="font-weight:400">Eight Demon Pirs, huh? We really need to socialize with the other cultivators more. If only there is an easier way to gather information. Maybe like a newspaper or even a ce of gathering like that teahouse back by the pocket realm. Too bad that ce was only temporary. </em>
<span style="font-weight:400">As Li Lang mused to himself, the sound of metal shing could be heard outside.