Ming Zhitian noticed the numerous female disciples in the distance and quickened his pace to investigate.
It was the eight sect mistresses of Wan Li Sen Mu, no, nine? One extra.
Ming Zhitian asked, "Greetings, senior sisters. Are there any places with abundant refining materials?"
"Ming Zhitian?!"
Ming Zhitian turned to face the speaker. A graceful, pink-clad woman ran towards him – it was Xiao Linglong.
"Xiao Linglong?"
Xiao Linglong was overjoyed. "What are you doing here?"
Ming Zhitian replied, "If you can be here, why can't I?"
Xiao Linglong said, "I heard you were expelled from the Five Peaks Sect. It's been two years since I received your reply. Where have you been?"
Ming Zhitian wanted to explain, "I've been to many places, all to improve my strength. The reasons are complex, and it's inconvenient for me to say more. Xiao Linglong, you've become slimmer."
Xiao Linglong smiled radiantly. The eight sect mistresses beside her immediately became displeased and berated him, "You, boy, get lost! With us here, how can we allow you to sweet-talk our Saintess!"
"Saintess?" Ming Zhitian couldn't help but look at Xiao Linglong. "Xiao Linglong, you've become a Saintess?"
Xiao Linglong nodded, then coldly declared, "When has it been your turn to butt in when I'm speaking to him? Retreat!"
The eight women's hairs stood on end, and their scalps tingled. "Yes!..."
Ming Zhitian was astonished. "Impressive, Xiao Linglong. Why are they so afraid of you?"
Xiao Linglong smiled proudly. "Do you remember my master, Dong Qian Yue? She took me as her personal disciple because I possess the Strong Spirit Sacred Body, and my cultivation has been increasing rapidly. Therefore, I was designated to be the next Sect Master of Wan Li Sen Mu. Now that I've been crowned the Saintess of Wan Li Sen Mu, I wouldn't be punished even if I annihilated a mere sect mistress."
"..."
"Amazing," Ming Zhitian exclaimed, "What is your current cultivation level?"
Xiao Linglong replied, "I'm already a master at the first level of the Asura Realm! Impressive, right? Of course, here, I'm suppressed to the first level of the Alchemy Realm."
Ming Zhitian nodded. "If I hadn't had many opportunities, I wouldn't have been able to surpass your Strong Spirit Sacred Body. Perhaps one day, you might even surpass me."
Xiao Linglong became curious. "And you, what realm are you at now?"
Ming Zhitian waved his hand. "It's not worth mentioning. I think it's best to stay here for a short while. Danger breeds everywhere. It's best to find the materials and leave immediately."
Xiao Linglong agreed. "You're right. I also find this place extremely bizarre."
As Ming Zhitian was about to move, Xiao Linglong said, "Where are you going? I found a good spot. Come with us."
Ming Zhitian looked at the women. "They're all women, isn't that awkward?"
Xiao Linglong glared at him. "Pure heart, clear mind. What are you thinking? I've really found a good place, you absolutely wouldn't imagine it."
"What is it?"
Ming Zhitian followed Xiao Linglong to a cave dwelling. Ming Zhitian was taken aback. "Another cave dwelling?"
"Another one?" Xiao Linglong asked, confused.
Ming Zhitian explained, "I found a cave dwelling before, and it contained countless treasures. I presume this one does too."
Xiao Linglong's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Then let's go in."
Suddenly, the twelve sect mistresses of Lan Shan Hu Hai arrived and shamelessly said, "Those who see it share it!"
Xiao Linglong commanded, "Stop them!"
"Yes!"
The eight women immediately drew out their top-grade magical artifacts and pointed them uniformly at the newcomers. "Please halt! The path ahead is blocked."
Ruo Xue Li, the sect mistress of the Iron Gate of Li Shang Sect, stepped forward. "What? You are all fellow disciples, united against a common enemy. We should strike out at the Demon Sect, not cause internal strife. Is this what you want?"
Xiao Linglong found it hard to listen. "Don't lecture me with such platitudes! Who is your fellow disciple! We are rivals. Although it's strictly forbidden to engage in combat, it shouldn't be a problem if I beat you up a little, right?"
"Moreover! This cave dwelling was found first by me, and it has nothing to do with you."
Gao Shi Tu, the sect mistress of the Copper Gate of Li Shang Sect, said, "Just because you say you found it first, does that make it so? That's utter nonsense! You haven't even entered yet, and we discovered it too, so it's not too late. Either we enter peacefully together, or... hehe, we fight."