Chapter 968: Heading to Pei Hai

Jin Shi stared at Ye Mo, his grip tightening on his spear. "You're not a Golden Core State Level Two cultivator?" Shock and concern etched his face.

Ye Mo raised his Zi Xu. "I've killed several Golden Core State peak-stage cultivators. Since you sought me out, why inquire about my cultivation level? It's irrelevant. Big Sister Lian, step aside. I'll handle the rest. Thank you for your help."

Big Sister Lian, recovering from her surprise, offered a seductive smile. "Little Brother Mo, you're quite the actor! Even I was fooled. You likely knew Jin Shi was coming when I offered assistance."

Ye Mo, goosebumps rising, quickly replied, "Those two were weak; I didn't use my full power. I only hope this Jin fellow proves more challenging."

Turning to Jin Shi, Ye Mo said slowly, "I accept your challenge. As for the Crisp Green Vine, I wouldn't give it to you even if I could—you couldn't use it."

Unexpectedly, Jin Shi saluted. "Dao Friend Mo, I was unaware of your Golden Core State peak-stage cultivation. Forgive my transgression. As compensation, I offer you a middle-grade spirit artifact."

A dark, ruler-shaped artifact materialized in his hand—a counterfeit universal ruler. Having witnessed Ye Mo instantly kill Sun Houchang, Jin Shi felt a potent threat. He wasn't necessarily afraid, but Ye Mo's clear superiority, coupled with Lian Yuzhi's presence, meant certain injury, if not death. He was on the verge of Nascent Soul formation; injury was unacceptable.

Seeing the universal ruler, Ye Mo hesitated. He longed to test himself against a Golden Core State peak-stage opponent since reaching Level Two, to gauge his capabilities without formations or Shadowless. However, this wasn't the ideal time; he was responsible for Su Jingwen's safety. A confrontation could jeopardize her well-being.

Noticing Ye Mo's hesitation, Jin Shi said, "Dao Friend Mo, were we to fight, the outcome wouldn't be certain. Moreover, this isn't a suitable time for either of us. A truce, perhaps?"

Ye Mo's cold gaze confirmed that Jin Shi would fight to the death if attacked. Seeing Ye Mo's continued hesitation, Jin Shi tossed the ruler. "I'm leaving." He then flew away.

Ye Mo didn't pursue. He gave the ruler to Li Jingwen, then took Ming Yujiang's storage ring, extracting the Blue Moon Ore and Du Lan Chun Xiao before giving the remainder to Li Jingwen. Li Jingwen, aware of Ye Mo's wealth, didn't refuse.

Big Sister Lian complained, "Brother Mo, I helped you considerably. Jin Shi won't let me go easily…"

Ye Mo understood. He examined Sun Houchang's ring, removing an extreme-grade spirit stone before tossing the ring to her. "The contents should suffice as compensation. Enjoy your private amusement."

Ye Mo signaled Li Jingwen, and they departed. Lian Yuzhi, initially dissatisfied with the extreme-grade spirit stone, discovered a jade bottle containing a Soul Forming Pill within the ring. This unexpected find, far exceeding the spirit stone in value, revealed Ye Mo's probable intent behind his earlier words. The realization of Ye Mo's immense wealth and disregard for the pill left her awestruck. Securing both the blue wen pills and the Soul Forming Pill, she focused on finding a secluded location for her soul formation.

Initially, Ye Mo planned to travel to Pei Hai separately, but knowing Li Jingwen was with him, he realized Jin Shi and Big Sister Lian might locate Li Jingwen and follow them to Pei Hai City. He decided to study Su Jingwen's condition aboard his newly purchased flying ship, with Li Jingwen as its pilot.

This ship, acquired from Jia Renjiu, far surpassed his flying pike. Larger, with three rooms and ample living facilities, its speed and comfort were unparalleled. Ye Mo named it the Flying Cloud Ship. Its only weakness was its poor defense, easily remedied by Ye Mo's skill in formations. After enhancing its defenses, he entrusted its control to Li Jingwen, settling Su Jingwen in a room before examining the Du Lan Chun Xiao.

Li Jingwen followed Ye Mo's instructions to travel through less populated areas, encountering no obstructions. He used his free time for cultivation, respecting Ye Mo's focus on refining the Du Lan Chun Xiao into a pill.

Ye Mo initially believed this task would be easier than his work with the Spirit Attraction Grass, but he was mistaken. Adding the Du Lan Chun Xiao greatly reduced its efficacy in treating mental conditions. Six attempts yielded no success. He mentally thanked Ming Yujiang for providing extra herbs; otherwise, he would have been seriously concerned.

The herb essence whirlpool he'd invented allowed for the inclusion of the Du Lan Chun Xiao, but significantly diminished its potency. Unlike the Spirit Attraction Grass, the Du Lan Chun Xiao's potency dissipated rapidly. On the third day, excessive spirit sense expenditure prompted him to recall the 10,000-year stalagmite marrow. Its ability to absorb and fuse the potency of other herbs without loss offered a possible solution—a solution he'd overlooked due to the significant difference in the items' level.

As Ye Mo prepared to test his new method, the warning card in his room illuminated, signaling trouble for Li Jingwen. Dropping his work, Ye Mo rushed to the ship's helm.