BXBX NOVEL Chapter 156 - 155: Opening of the Conference
Dream Yu Yu swayed her slim waist like a water snake, sauntering towards
Jiang Li, her voice as fragrant as orchids, “It’s because I like you, of course.”
The Pure Heart Saintess’s eyes widened, her heart trembling. This woman, has she no sense of shame?
“Come, come, come. These are the unique sunflower seeds of my East Sea. They’ll leave a fragrant taste on your lips. And also, our huge and round sea watermelons are extremely juicy.” The East Sea Dragon King started promoting the specialties of the East Sea at such an inappropriate time. He began distributing them among everyone.
“Give me a pack of sunflower seeds.” Ji Zhi wasn’t shy at all, grabbing a pack and starting to crack open the shells right away.
“Hand me half a watermelon.”
“Eat, eat. There’s plenty for everyone.” The East Sea Dragon King continued passing around the watermelon slices and sunflower seeds, and everyone thanked him.
“Pure Heart Saintess, would you like a piece too?” The East Sea Dragon King asked enthusiastically. The other three Dragon Kings promptly dragged their oblivious brother away – couldn’t he see the Saintess glaring at him?
Even though the Pure Land Sect did not have any Transcendence Tribulation Stage experts or any sect-defending Immortal Artifacts, it was still listed as one of the top six major sects and absolutely nobody was able to shake them. Why? Because they owned a Peach Tree, which was a formidable force that could serve in battle.
If the Pure Heart Saintess really got angry, what would they do if she ordered the Peach Tree to crush the Dragon Palace?
The master of the Sky Mechanism Tower was watching Jiang Li intensively, planning the headline for the next edition of Sky News.
The Lord of the Sky Mechanism Tower had been specially invited by Ji Zhi to give commentary and analysis about the conference.
“Why would you like me?” Jiang Li was puzzled.
Dream Yu Yu’s eyes were seductive, “Of course, it’s because of your strength.
You’re the strongest in all the Nine Provinces, the only one at the Mahayana
Realm. As a woman, what’s wrong with wanting to find a safe harbor?”
“Therein lies the problem.” Jiang Li analyzed, “If you only like me because I’m stronger, then you don’t really like me, you like the Mahayana Realm.”
Dream Yu Yu was stunned, “But aren’t you at the Mahayana Realm?”
“I am in the Mahayana Realm, but the Mahayana Realm isn’t me. Do you understand what I mean?”
Jiang Li’s words seemed natural, as though it was the simplest thing in the world. Dream Yu Yu involuntarily nodded.
“Then, I like your determination. You act with principles, your initial resolve never changes, and you stay true to your course.”
Jiang Li continued his analysis, “Right now, I don’t like you. However, if I do grow to like you, it would mean that I’m no longer steadfast. Consequently, you will not like me because I have changed.”
Dream Yu Yu sat pondering for a moment before saying, “You uphold justice and are fair in your dealings. Ever since you became the Human Emperor, the atmosphere in the Nine Provinces has become much more relaxed; there has been a lot less scheming and fighting.”
“Then you are supposed to like Ji Zhi, because there are times when I have personal interests and I’m not completely fair.”
“You’re knowledgeable and experienced?” Dream Yu Yu asked uncertainly.
Jiang Li still disagreed with Dream Yu Yu’s reasoning, “In terms of experience, I’m not as knowledgeable as the senior Immortal. So you are supposed to like him, not me.”
“Let me ask you again, why do you like me?”
“Yeah, why do I like you?” Dream Yu Yu mumbled to herself, her eyes lost. Left speechless by Jiang Li’s counter-argument, she couldn’t think of a good reason for her admiration and began to ponder again.
This seemed to be a really difficult question. Dream Yu Yu plunged into deep thought, but she couldn’t figure out the answer.
Everyone turned to look at the Pure Heart Saintess. She hadn’t spoken a word from the beginning to the end, but a beautiful smile danced on her lips, her chin raised just a bit, making her look enchantingly beautiful. As if she was the real victor all this time.
The Pure Heart Saintess had chosen a path even more difficult than becoming an immortal. The crowd admired her from their hearts. “Found the suitable candidates yet?” Ji Zhi approached and asked.
“Don’t worry. They’re all the best talents. I promise an eye-opening experience.” Jiang Li patted his chest, assuring him.
“Then I can rest assured.” Initially, Ji Zhi planned to use his Pupil Technique to see the activities of the conference in advance. But now, the way Jiang Li spoke was making him feel very expectant. So, he decided to wait and enjoy the conference.
“Long time no see, Emperor Jiang Li.”
“Emperor Jiang Li, you haven’t changed at all.”
After the commotion, everyone else began to greet Jiang Li.
“The time is almost up. We should begin.” Ji Zhi reminded everybody. Jiang Li had almost arrived on time.
This conference was extremely important for the Zhou Dynasty as they utilized a great amount of resources constructing a massive platform specifically for this event. It was built of sturdy stone which could withstand even a strike from a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator without leaving a mark. If used for
Artifact Refining, who knows how many Spiritual Treasures could be created.
The platform where Jiang Li and company were situated was on the side and slightly above the ground. This vantage point allowed them to view everybody on the platform, as well as the spectators around it.
“On this harvest season filled with hope and anticipation, we are here to solemnly kick off this grand event. First, representing the Great Zhou Dynasty, I’d like to express heartfelt thanks to all the guests here and extend warm greetings to all the cultivators participating in this conference…”
“…Respected cultivators, the importance of spiritual treasures is self-evident.
Now, with the touch of the Nine Provinces’ ultimate treasure, the Yin Yang Heaven Seal, our spiritual treasures have become more intelligent and convenient. Our goal is to enable a trustful co-evolution and co-development of cultivators and their spiritual treasures, striving to achieve a mutual benefit and win-win cooperation…”
While Ji Zhi was talking, everyone, be it Jiang Li sitting beside him or the audience below, seemed to feel sleepy.
Buddhist Law is at least effective and learning it leads to real gains, but Ji Zhi’s long and tedious speech didn’t have a shred of usefulness!
Everyone started to envy the Fragrant Elephant Bodhisattva who was closing his eyes. Nobody knew if he was cultivating his Heavenly Vision or just sleeping.
They were all seated on the platform while everyone’s eyes below were on them. It would be rather inappropriate if they were caught sleeping while Ji Zhi was talking.
…Lastly, I wish all of you achieve great results and high standards!”
Finally, Ji Zhi finished his speech and added, “Let us welcome the 72nd Emperor of the Tian Yin Hall, Jiang Li.”
There was sporadic applause from below the stage.
A drowsy Jiang Li stood up, “Let’s begin the competition. That is all.”
The applause below was thunderous.
The Master of the Sky Mechanism Tower, Monk Tian Ming, was a cultivator at the peak of the Body Integration Realm. His love of Spirit Stones had made him known far and wide. No one dared question his expertise. From the Qi Cultivation Stage to the Body Integration Realm, characteristics of all the stages, the various cultivation methods, hundreds of ways to use Spirit Stones, and endless ways of fighting – he was like an encyclopedia bringing a wealth of knowledge everywhere he went.
Monk Tian Ming was the most suitable candidate to commentate.
Ji Zhi did not use a lot of Spirit Stones to ask him for help, but instead promised him that after the conference, the tax for the Sky Mechanism Tower would be halved.
Naturally, Monk Tian Ming agreed to the terms. The Sky Mechanism Tower had a booming business in the Great Zhou Dynasty, but the high tax rate was a sore spot. If he could halve his tax, he’d be laughing in his dreams.
In fact, the White Marsh Emperor, White Snow Spirit, was also a suitable candidate for commentary. However, she held a rank equal to Ji Zhi. It would be inappropriate for her to commentate.
The conference featured Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul tiers. The matches would be held in this order, starting with the Foundation Establishment cultivators first.
“The first ones on stage are Yun Fan from the Transform Cloud Sect of the Zhou Dynasty and Tiger Bone from the White Marsh Empire.”
The Transform Cloud Sect was the first sect Jiang Li had joined, and it was also the second task assigned by the system that brought Jiang Li to Transform Cloud Sect, challenging him to defeat Yun Bo.
“Being surnamed Yun, he’s most likely a descendant of Yun Bo.” Seeing an old acquaintance, Jiang Li’s lips formed a slight smile..