Within the Tianxia Palace of Tianmo Peak, Goddess Xia Qingying was also holding a meeting.
Preparations were being made for this Holy Crystal Competition.
...
Above the Central Continent, in a stretch of sky.
A colossal flying boat, like a behemoth that blotted out the sun, sped forward.
It cut through the clouds, stirring up a wisp of moisture.
A massive emblem adorned the top of the flying boat, emanating an incredibly potent aura.
Numerous cultivators were aboard the flying boat. These disciples either gazed into the distance or chatted in small groups, presenting a picture of perfect harmony.
In the left section of the flying boat.
Stood a peerlessly handsome young man. He stood by the side of the boat, feeling the strong winds generated by their rapid flight.
This young man was Jiang Li. He watched the passing scenery, savoring the sensation of the flying boat soaring through the air.
"Junior Brother Jiang seems to be in quite a leisurely mood, admiring the view all by himself!" As Jiang Li was sensing the surrounding energies, a crisp and pleasant voice reached his ears.
Immediately after, a fragrant scent wafted into Jiang Li's nostrils, captivating his senses.
'Senior Sister Xia?' Jiang Li slowly turned, and his eyes fell upon a slender, beautiful woman wearing a thin veil.
This woman was the Goddess of the Shimo Sect, Xia Qingying.
Xia Qingying now stood before Jiang Li, her alluring eyes fixed on him.
On the flying boat were disciples and elders of the Shimo Sect heading to the East Star Sea region of the Tianxing Sea for this event.
"What, you don't welcome me?" Xia Qingying's cherry lips parted slightly as she continued.
The rapid flight of the flying boat whipped up a great gust of wind, which played with Xia Qingying's hair, creating a captivating arc.
Her robes fluttered in the wind, and combined with her enchanting aura and exquisite bearing, it was like a perfect painting.
"And what if I don't welcome you!" Jiang Li asked, a faint smile on his lips as he looked at the captivating woman before him.
Xia Qingying had also greeted him when he boarded the flying boat.
It seemed that after their previous encounter, Xia Qingying's feelings towards Jiang Li were different from how she treated other disciples.
Jiang Li noticed that Xia Qingying's cultivation realm had now reached the second level of the Great Sage realm.
This was something Jiang Li had not anticipated.
It seemed he could not afford to be complacent; he wasn't the only one who encountered fortuitous encounters; others could also advance rapidly.
To be perpetually arrogant and self-satisfied would only lead to utter defeat.
"Whether I welcome you or not is your concern; I don't need your welcome!" Xia Qingying gave Jiang Li a playful glare, speaking in a charming tone.
Not far from them on the flying boat, many disciples were watching Jiang Li and Xia Qingying from a distance, their hearts burning with gossip.
Both of them possessed top-tier looks and temperament.
Standing together, they were incredibly well-matched, looking remarkably compatible.
"Speaking of which, this Holy Son Jiang Li is truly a goddess slayer. The Heavenly Poison Girl, the Saintess of Youmo Peak, and even the Goddess of Tianxia Palace all look upon him with favor..."
"Exactly, exactly! This Jiang Li is just a bit better looking, with stronger talent and ability. What's so great about him..."
...
Their conversation sparked much discussion among the disciples.
The intimate actions between Jiang Li and the Saintess of Youmo Peak previously had already spread.
Furthermore, the fact that so many beautiful female disciples joined Xingding Palace because of Jiang Li had further amplified his charm and reputation.
Now, to have attracted the attention of the Goddess as well, it was simply unimaginable.
"Now that you've broken through to the Saint King realm, your strength must have improved considerably. Are you interested in sparring with me!" Xia Qingying then said with a graceful smile.
Xia Qingying's bell-like laughter echoed in Jiang Li's mind, her voice exceptionally moving.
"Senior Sister Xia, are you joking? You've already broken through to the Great Sage realm." Jiang Li curled his lips.
Xia Qingying's cultivation realm had already reached the Great Sage realm.
Moreover, with her talent, skipping a few minor realms would be effortless.
Jiang Li himself was not entirely confident he could defeat this Xia Qingying.
More importantly, even if he defeated this "cheap Goddess" now, there would be no significant benefit.
Jiang Li had no intention of undertaking such a pointless endeavor.
"I was just joking, Junior Brother Jiang. I wanted to invite you to team up. This Holy Crystal Competition will undoubtedly be fierce. Other disciples have, more or less, formed teams. Do you intend to fight alone, Junior Brother Jiang?" Xia Qingying then asked with a smile, looking at Jiang Li.
The Shimo Sect had dispatched many talented young disciples this time.
Many of these disciples had formed small teams to advance and act together.
Even the Saint Son-level figures had banded together.
Jiang Li had naturally noticed the teaming up of many people long ago.
However, Jiang Li had no intention of forming a team at the moment.
"Thank you for the invitation, Senior Sister Xia, but I have no plans to form a team yet!" Jiang Li replied.
Upon hearing Jiang Li's words, a hint of surprise flickered across Xia Qingying's expression; she clearly hadn't expected Jiang Li to refuse.
However, Xia Qingying was not one to be indecisive. If Jiang Li refused, then so be it.
"Then Junior Brother Jiang, please take good care of yourself. I look forward to sparring with you again in the future!" Xia Qingying then said with a slight smile before departing.
Take good care of myself?
What did this Xia Qingying mean?
Jiang Li's brow furrowed. Why had Xia Qingying suddenly come to say this to him? It was truly puzzling.
Could it be that this Holy Crystal Competition would have some unexpected issues?
Never mind, he would just focus on improving his own strength.
With his current multitude of trump cards, even an expert of the Supreme level would find it difficult to kill him.
He should go back to cultivating.
Jiang Li suppressed his thoughts and headed towards the cultivation room within the flying boat.
Along the way, Jiang Li saw many unfamiliar faces on the flying boat.
Those were the Holy Sons and Saintesses from various other peaks, their strength quite formidable.
Most of them were in the late-stage Saint King realm, and a majority possessed powerful special physiques.
There were also elders from many peaks, present to protect these young prodigies.
After all, these disciples were the mainstays of the younger generation of the Shimo Sect.
If they were all wiped out in one go, it would be a loss the Shimo Sect would not wish to see.
This was also why the Shimo Sect used a flying boat to transport these disciples instead of a teleportation array.
They were willing to spend more time to ensure their safety.
Just as Jiang Li continued to move deeper into the flying boat.
A fierce fluctuation of energy suddenly erupted from within the flying boat.
A powerful wave of energy rippled through the vessel, as if something was unleashing immense power.
...