The Thousand Illusion Sect’s Ancestor Zhan stood silently by the side, but the eagerness in his eyes could not be hidden.
He looked at Elder Zuo, his gaze carrying an indescribable meaning.
Elder Zuo exchanged a glance with him, understanding his intention, questioning whether the Shushan Sect was hoarding information, concealing the news of Li Shiming advancing to the late-stage Golden Core.
Elder Zuo genuinely wanted to explain to him that Li Shiming truly had just recently advanced to the late-stage Golden Core.
Although the Shushan Sect indeed had the intention to conceal the news of Li Shiming’s advancement to the late-stage Golden Core, it hadn’t been hidden for long before Yin Shilan also advanced, making it impossible to hide Li Shiming’s advancement any longer.
"Master Li, Shilan has just advanced and is still cultivating at the moment; let’s go in first!" Ancestor Ge Yuqing said with a smile, gesturing invitingly to Li Shiming.
"Thank you, Ancestor Ge!" Li Shiming bowed in gratitude.
Although Ancestor Ge could initiate a peer-level friendship, he couldn’t. Such is the rule in the Cultivation World. Having the treatment of a Nascent Soul Stage does not equate to being a Nascent Soul Cultivator, and he understood this very well.
Ancestor Ge led the way for Li Shiming, while Ancestor Zhan intentionally lingered behind with Elder Zuo.
"Mr. Zuo, has Master Li managed to refine a fourth-grade Spirit Pill?" Ancestor Zhan grabbed Elder Zuo’s arm, transmitting the question.
This matter was more important than anything else. The reason Ancestor Ge invited Li Shiming alone into the sect and not along with Elder Zuo was to coordinate with Ancestor Zhan.
These Nascent Soul Ancestors had been acquainted for centuries, incredibly familiar with each other, and a mere glance was enough to ensure cooperation.
"Shiming successfully refined the first batch of fourth-grade Spirit Pills!" Elder Zuo thought for a moment before replying.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to lie, but he couldn’t. The relationship between the Shushan Sect and the Thousand Illusion Sect was extremely close. Besides, he and Fan Ancestor had already secured their slots with Li Shiming; those who came afterward would be in the back of the line.
Moreover, with Li Shiming already making appearances and showcasing his late-stage Golden Core cultivation, it was impossible to conceal his alchemy skills. Telling the truth would prevent any damage to their relations.
"Succeeded on the first batch? How many fourth-grade Spirit Pills? What quality?" Ancestor Zhan asked urgently.
"Complete success, three high-grade Spirit Pills in total!" Elder Zuo responded with a smile.
"Ha!" Ancestor Zhan exclaimed in shock, without using voice transmission, startling both Li Shiming and Ancestor Ge, who were flying in front, causing them to turn around.
"It’s nothing, just feeling excited after not seeing Mr. Zuo for many days!" Ancestor Zhan waved his hand awkwardly.
Fortunately, he had already sent the accompanying Golden Core cultivators away; otherwise, it would have been quite embarrassing.
However, Ancestor Ge seemed to have speculated something, casting a questioning glance at Ancestor Zhan.
Ancestor Zhan nodded, and without further explanation, Ancestor Ge understood the meaning.
"Master Li, during Shilan’s advancement, I was constantly watching. Shilan has excellent talent, and I am very fond of her. I intend to discuss with you about accepting Shilan as my disciple!" Ancestor Ge turned and said to Li Shiming with a smile.
Yin Shilan already had Master Luo as her teacher, but in the Cultivation World, a teacher is not exclusive. With the original teacher’s consent, one can apprentice under other cultivators.
Not to mention, having Ancestor Ge, a Nascent Soul Ancestor, as her master would greatly enhance her status and treatment within the Thousand Illusion Sect.
Li Shiming’s face lit up with joy upon hearing Ancestor Ge’s words.
If Yin Shilan truly became a disciple of Ancestor Ge, she would have a strong backing, which was extremely important for her.
Just like the avatar Li Yuanba, known as the number one Golden Core on the Beishu Continent, had no trouble because of his formidable background. Anyone considering competing with Li Yuanba had to take into account not only his combat power but also the two Nascent Soul Ancestors standing behind him.
"I thank Ancestor Ge on Lan’er’s behalf!" Li Shiming bowed again in gratitude.
"No need for such formality, I merely appreciate her talent!" Ancestor Ge waved her hand lightly to stop Li Shiming from bowing.
Behind them, Elder Zuo rolled his eyes, thinking how Ancestor Ge was leveraging the situation. Upon learning of Li Shiming’s alchemy skills, she immediately proposed accepting Yin Shilan as her disciple.
With Ancestor Ge as Yin Shilan’s teacher, anytime she wished to request alchemy from Li Shiming, a word to Yin Shilan would suffice to jump the line.
Meanwhile, Ancestor Zhan could only shake his head helplessly since this tactic worked solely for Ancestor Ge. As a female cultivator, she had a natural advantage in accepting Yin Shilan.
As a male cultivator, even if he wanted to take Yin Shilan as a disciple, it would depend on the willingness of both Yin Shilan and Li Shiming.
As they were speaking, they arrived at Yin Shilan’s peak. The formation on the peak was already open. At the top, Master Luo was waiting outside the cave dwelling, which was closed, indicating Yin Shilan was cultivating inside.
"Greetings to all the ancestors and Master Li!" Master Luo stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings, Master Luo, long time no see!" Li Shiming returned the courtesy with a smile.
Meanwhile, the other four Nascent Soul Ancestors merely nodded. Though Master Luo was an Array Master, his status was evidently far below that of Li Shiming, the Alchemy Master, and far from the level of a Nascent Soul Ancestor, such an attitude was normal.
The simple act of nodding to Master Luo already demonstrated great friendliness toward him.