Cultivation is just so scientific!

Chapter 1598: Chapter 845: Doppelganger (Part 2)

The soul crystal ring converted into energy, and the ’Phantom Clone’ stored the top-grade fourth-ranked ’Heavenly Strike Thunder Hammer’ into the soul crystal ring, allowing the ’Phantom Clone’ to carry the non-energy convertible magical weapon ’Heavenly Strike Thunder Hammer’.

Forming the ’Phantom Clone’, Li Shiming, accompanied by the ’Phantom Clone’, exited the Heavenly Person Cave Heaven and appeared within his own cave residence.

Now, he no longer needed to cautiously use the Heavenly Person Cave Heaven; even if a cultivator knew of its existence, they wouldn’t dare to seize the cave from him.

Rather than seizing Li Shiming’s cave heaven, it would be more fitting to seize the cave heaven of a major sect.

Li Shiming’s combat power alone could match the combined strength of multiple major sects, making it unwise to rob him.

”Lan’er, you’ve returned from your master!” Li Shiming greeted Yin Shilan, who had just entered the cave residence, with a smile.

These days, Yin Shilan spent most of her daylight hours with Master Li the Great Cultivator, though she returned punctually every day to share her experiences with him.

”Shiming, why are there two of you?” Yin Shilan was startled by the two Li Shiming figures and pointed in surprise.

With her perception, she couldn’t distinguish which was the real Li Shiming.

She wasn’t as ignorant as before; throughout her studies with Master Li, she learned much about the Nascent Soul Stage.

She knew of the existence of clones, but when faced with two Li Shimings, she couldn’t recognize one as a clone.

”This is my energy clone; I plan to retreat for cultivation soon, and the clone can accompany you!” Li Shiming made the ’Phantom Clone’ more transparent, resembling a normal clone, before explaining.

”Crafting an energy clone is too dangerous; quickly retract it!” Yin Shilan became anxious upon hearing this, knowing from Master Li that an energy clone requires slicing the spirit, which affects the cultivator, even if it requires a cost from a great cultivator.

”I know what I’m doing. The Ten Thousand Beast Sect also needs a clone for some matters, and besides, we promised not to be apart!” Li Shiming replied with a smile.

”My master wants me to head to Luanyang Palace in two months; it will be at least three months before I can return!” Yin Shilan mentioned an important matter with some reluctance.

”It just so happens that the clone can accompany you there, giving me peace of mind!” Li Shiming smiled again.

One major reason Li Shiming crafted the ’Phantom Clone’ was for Yin Shilan.

Yin Shilan, having joined Luanyang Palace, had to frequently travel to the Central State Continent.

However, Li Shiming couldn’t set foot on the Central State Continent, fearing that entering might attract the attention or actions of powerful figures.

Yet, sending the ’Phantom Clone’ wouldn’t raise such concerns, as anyone capable of capturing him would discern the clone’s origin.

Regarding Yin Shilan’s safety, with great cultivators from Luanyang Palace accompanying her and his ’Phantom Clone’, few cultivators could pose a threat to her at that level.

And those with such power typically wouldn’t commit such acts, as long as Li Shiming was alive, any threat to his Daoist companion would invite his vengeance.

A terrifying entity capable of slaying two peak great cultivators, in the absence of greater power, no cultivator could suppress Li Shiming.

Three days after Li Shiming’s return, Master Liu Ziyun of the Central State Commerce from the Dongqi Continent hurried over.

Li Shiming hadn’t informed Master Liu Ziyun, intending to contact him later after a period of rest.

The intelligence capability of the Central State Commerce surprised Li Shiming; only three days after his return, Master Liu Ziyun had already heard and arrived.

Li Shiming even suspected that Master Liu Ziyun received the news on the day of his return but allowed three days for him to settle matters.

”I heard Mr. Li and Mr. Yin became a Daoist couple, so I came to congratulate you!” Master Liu Ziyun, of course, wasn’t here to ask Li Shiming to start alchemy; he presented a jade box as congratulations.

”I didn’t expect my matter to trouble Mr. Liu!” Li Shiming smiled lightly.

Signaling to Yin Shilan, she smiled slightly and accepted the jade box.

Since Yin Shilan became the mistress here, Li Shiming entrusted the daily affairs of the cave residence to her.

The fresh flowers throughout the cave, arranged by Yin Shilan, were chosen by her every day from Baihua Peak, bringing vivacity to the residence.

With Yin Shilan around, the cave became lively, and the flower scent always lifted Li Shiming’s spirits.

Opening the jade box, Li Shiming glanced over, discovering the gift inside was a resource for an early fourth-grade Red Gold Phoenix.

Li Shiming couldn’t help but marvel at the formidable intelligence network of the Central State Commerce.

This gift was prepared for Yin Shilan, who, though not yet possessing a Red Gold Phoenix, was assured by Luanyang Palace of receiving such a spiritual pet.

Though not overly valuable, the gift was thoughtfully selected.

”Mr. Liu, it’s very considerate!” Li Shiming said with a smile.

”As long as Mr. Li and Mr. Yin enjoy it. If Mr. Yin fancies spiritual pets, our Central State Commerce can keep an eye out!” Master Liu Ziyun laughed heartily in response to Li Shiming.

”Thank you for your concern, Mr. Liu. I believe Luanyang Palace will handle the spiritual pet matters well!” Li Shiming waved his hand dismissively.

Regarding the relationship with Central State Commerce, Li Shiming maintained clear boundaries.

Their relationship was strictly commercial.

Li Shiming understood too well the nature of Central State Commerce.

Should a day come when another power offers enough, Central State Commerce wouldn’t hesitate to betray him.

”Mr. Li, I wonder if you have time to work on alchemy recently?” Master Liu Ziyun couldn’t resist asking the crucial question.

Knowing alchemy required full concentration and with Li Shiming now having a Daoist companion, it remained uncertain if he would pursue alchemy.

The process of crafting Great Cultivator Spirit Pills with Li Shiming almost took thirty days.

Given the current backlog of alchemy commissions at Central State Commerce, Li Shiming might need years of continuous alchemy.

”I need your commerce to exchange the alchemy rewards for cultivation resources suitable for Nascent Soul Middle Stage. If that condition is met, I can accept alchemy commissions immediately!” Li Shiming replied with a smile.

Cultivation resources refer to special resources rapidly absorbed by Nascent Soul cultivators.

The ’Purple Thunder Plasma Liquid’ and ’Sword Transformation Spirit Liquid’ Li Shiming once acquired belong to such treasures, though these are rare, top-tier resources treasured by superpowers for nurturing core cultivators, seldom found externally.

Li Shiming sought these treasures for Yin Shilan.

Yin Shilan’s higher cultivation level would enhance her protective capabilities and lifespan.

Moreover, given Yin Shilan’s current level, Li Shiming had to constantly restrain his aura within the cave residence to avoid inadvertently harming her.

The aura of a great cultivator inadvertently could harm Yin Shilan.

Yin Shilan quietly stood beside, her eyes unable to hide her gentle warmth.

Her days with Li Shiming surpassed her best dreams during her century of confinement on the Beishu Continent.

”I truly envy your profound bond, though cultivation treasures are rare, I’ll strive to secure them, taking at least over half a year!” Master Liu Ziyun smiled.

”I trust Mr. Liu, and the alchemy commissions can proceed immediately!” Li Shiming accepted without further demands.

”Here are twenty-six sets of Great Cultivator Spirit Medicine, the priority batch; please help us, Mr. Li!” Master Liu Ziyun, hearing Li Shiming agreed, without reservation, produced the pre-prepared Mustard Seed Ring.