Li Shiming followed Master Jiang Hong into the upper level of the palace, a luxurious hall decorated with various rare treasures on the walls and intricate patterns on the ceiling that glowed, illuminating the hall.
But no matter how luxurious the hall was, it could not overshadow the female cultivator seated at the head of the room.
One couldn’t tell her age; she could appear to be around twenty, or she could be several hundreds of years old.
The appearance of twenty was that of the female cultivator, while the age of several hundred reflected her aura, the aura of someone who had wielded power for years, a quality forged over time that could not be obtained in a short period.
This female cultivator could not be described as beautiful; she was like the most intense light in the hall, illuminating every person’s heart, leaving no room for any neglect.
Li Shiming sensed the realm of this female cultivator and carefully withdrew his ’Divine Eye’ and ’Telepathy,’ daring not to reveal the slightest hint.
The female cultivator’s realm was Nascent Soul Middle Stage, a presence he had encountered on the Beishu Continent before; both Elder Jin Kai and Ancestor Luo Wei were Nascent Soul Middle Stage practitioners.
Yet, they could not compare to the oppressive force emanating from this female cultivator, not to mention the dragon-like spirit beast crouched beside her, all black and exuding an aura of the Dragon Clan.
The grade of this Dragon Clan spirit beast reached fourth grade, comparable to a Nascent Soul Middle Stage practitioner by its aura.
Even if the female cultivator’s combat power matched that of Elder Jin Kai or Ancestor Luo Wei, with the dragon-like spirit beast beside her, her combat strength could rival that of two Nascent Soul Middle Stage practitioners.
"Master Li, come quickly and meet Sect Master Ji!" Master Jiang Hong softly reminded Li Shiming.
Li Shiming was startled; this Nascent Soul female cultivator was actually the sect master of the Ten Thousand Beast Sect, a female cultivator holding such a position as sect master was certainly indicative of her capability.
Despite the cultivation world’s emphasis on cultivation over other aspects, in truth, there was still some disparity between male and female cultivators.
In the majority of powers, a portion of authority could be reserved for female cultivators, but they only occupied a small fraction of power, most of the authority still rested in the hands of male cultivators.
Li Shiming had never seen any sect entrust the position of sect master to a female cultivator; his surprise was not due to underestimating female cultivators, but due to the commonality of this norm in the cultivation world.
"Li Shizhen greets Sect Master Ji!" Li Shiming suppressed his thoughts, bowed, and said.
"Master Jiang, is this the Alchemy Master you recommended for entry?" Sect Master Ji asked casually, glancing at Li Shiming before turning to look at Master Jiang Hong.
"Indeed!" Master Jiang Hong bowed in response.
"Since you recommended him, proceed with the sect entry procedures. Haven’t you stopped accepting disciples? Why are you preparing to accept one now?" Sect Master Ji waved a hand and asked, recalling some details.
"Sect Master Ji is jesting; Master Li’s alchemical talent surpasses mine. How could I be qualified to be his teacher? I’m merely ensuring such alchemical talent isn’t wasted outside!" Master Jiang Hong laughed, shaking his head.
He was aware of his own abilities; Li Shiming’s exhibited alchemical prowess, even with some concealment, exceeded his own by a notch.
His invitation for Li Shiming to join the Ten Thousand Beast Sect was partly due to Li Shiming’s remarkably extraordinary alchemical talent; this was his appreciation of talent.
On the other hand, if he didn’t extend the invitation, Li Shiming would soon attract the attention of other major sects, and it would benefit them instead, which wasn’t something Master Jiang Hong wanted to see.
"Master Li, is it? I apologize for my rudeness earlier!" Sect Master Ji altered her expression after hearing Master Jiang Hong’s explanation, reassessed Li Shiming and slightly bowed.
One couldn’t blame her previous lack of courtesy; in her position as the sect master of the Ten Thousand Beast Sect, she constantly represented the sect.
She couldn’t lower herself for an alchemy master of Loose Cultivator origin, considering the reputation of Loose Cultivator alchemy masters was often overrated.
However, it was different having Master Jiang Hong’s endorsement. She was very aware of Master Jiang Hong’s character, knowing he wouldn’t praise someone lightly.
Capturing Master Jiang Hong’s attention was extremely difficult, much less his admission of being inferior to Li Shiming’s alchemical talent.
"I dare not!" Li Shiming quickly returned the courtesy.
"Master Li, welcome to the Ten Thousand Beast Sect; regardless of any trouble you’ve faced before, the sect will be your strong backing!" Sect Master Ji promised Li Shiming.
She understood that a talented alchemist who fell to such a level certainly encountered some troubles.
If Master Jiang Hong agreed, it meant the problem wasn’t significant; even if it were larger, how could it matter? The Ten Thousand Beast Sect never feared trouble.
"Sect Master Ji, here is the ’Great Sun Qi Union Pill’ crafted by Master Li as per my request, please take a look!" To heighten the sect’s attention on Li Shiming and to build a rapport with him, Master Jiang Hong handed the ’Great Sun Qi Union Pill’ Li Shiming crafted earlier to Sect Master Ji.
Sect Master Ji took the jade bottle, and upon observing the quality of the three pills inside, her gaze toward Li Shiming softened further.
The sect had the most Nascent Soul Early Stage practitioners, and the consumption of Nascent Soul Early Stage Fourth Grade Spirit Pills was also the greatest.
Despite the intermediate quality of the ’Great Sun Qi Union Pill’ in hand, the sect had three alchemy masters capable of producing intermediate quality Nascent Soul Early Stage Fourth Grade Spirit Pills, but it depended on chance, not every attempt was successful.
The ’Great Sun Qi Union Pill’ in hand was just a step away from high quality, indicating Li Shiming’s probability of crafting Nascent Soul Early Stage Fourth Grade Mid-level Spirit Pills was very high.