The Sea King looked at the object in his hand. A cloudlike mass of golden filaments, like smoke and mist, floated inside the bottle, radiating an intoxicating brilliance.
This was the true gift the Sea King had obtained from Feng Jide, and the opportunity for advancement Li Ling had personally promised him in his earlier secret message!
For a cultivator like him, ordinary benefits had long ceased to matter. They were far less worthwhile than preserving the status quo. There was one exception, however: an opportunity to break through and advance.
As long as there was hope of reaching Nascent Soul, he could abandon most of his current interests, even take risks without hesitation.
Although many cultivators sank into despondency during their long stagnation and lost the will to forge bravely ahead, the sight of hope could still stir them to strive.
As it happened, the fragrance of wisdom in Li Ling's possession was extraordinarily miraculous. Soon after its introduction, it had successfully helped cultivators of the Immortal Sects break through and advance. During his subsequent lectures, many low-level cultivators had advanced on the spot. This naturally inspired the Sea King to place himself under his protection.
He forcibly suppressed the urge to test its effects immediately. First, he used his own methods to disperse his aura and muddle the workings of fate, making it harder for the various senior experts to divine his choice. Then he carefully studied the secret letter Li Ling had provided.
"Ward Master, word has come from the Sea King. He says he recently acquired a batch of fine goods and is waiting for us to inspect them."
"More news already?"
"Of course. We paid a hefty price, so they have no choice but to put some effort into it. According to his people,