I tricked you into thinking you had the makings of an emperor, but you actually did it?

The Xuantian Mountains stretch for countless miles.

In the depths of winter, the mountains and valleys are deserted, and countless animals hibernate.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled continuously, and dark clouds rolled in from all directions.

Thick, dark clouds collapsed down, threatening to engulf the Xuantian Mountains.

Amidst the clouds, a magnificent city looms in and out of sight.

"Great Heavenly Hand!!!"

A loud voice rang out, and a pair of huge cyan handprints shot into the sky, mercilessly tearing apart the dark clouds.

That was Elder Yi Li from the 'Yi' generation of the Xuan Tian Sect who made the move!

After the dark clouds dispersed, the Taiyi Immortal City, resembling a celestial palace, came into view.

Around the immortal city, countless arcs of electricity were piling up and brewing, instantly forming a lightning bolt ten thousand feet long, which struck down towards Tongtian Peak.

A pure white light shield was placed upside down on the ground, absorbing the lightning strike.

The two major sects have begun to test each other!

Feeling the oppressive atmosphere of Taiyi Immortal City, many people in the Xuantian Mountains dared not even breathe.

Shen Ming was not among them; he traveled to Daqiong Peak by flying boat.

With a formidable enemy at hand, he had no will to break through.

The second level of the Innate Realm indeed cannot influence this battle.

But he had to do something.

He is the heir of the Jiang family, and the Jiang family should send someone over.

He wasn't entirely confident he could get reinforcements, but it was something he had to do.

The Elder who had been passing on his skills was deeply moved when he learned of his purpose.

"It's too late. Only those at the Sovereign Realm can decide the outcome of this great battle. By the time the Jiang family holds a meeting and reaches a decision, it may already be over," said the Transmission Elder.

The Xuantian Sect has no shortage of half-step Dominator Realm experts.

The Jiang family patriarch was a Sovereign Realm expert, but even if he came, it was only to ensure that Shen Ming would be safe and bring him back to the Jiang family.

"Don't worry, the Xuantian Sect isn't as weak as you think," the Transmission Elder said.

Left with no other choice, Shen Ming returned to Xiaoyao Peak.

Unexpectedly, at this critical juncture, there were outsiders waiting for her.

Li Miaozhen.

She exudes a transcendent and sacred beauty.

Her stunningly beautiful face seemed sculpted by nature itself; her eyebrows, like distant mountains, possessed a subtle upward curve that exuded ethereal beauty and wisdom.

Her hair was jet black and glossy, with a few strands occasionally fluttering in the breeze, adding to its lively beauty.

Her bare feet were as white as snow, slender and delicate, with each toe round and lovely.

Upon seeing Shen Ming arrive, Li Miaozhen smiled slightly, her beauty beyond compare.

"Are you able to move around on your own?" Shen Ming asked warily.

The entire sect is on high alert; how can we allow outsiders to move around freely?

"..."

Li Miaozhen felt somewhat uncomfortable that he completely ignored her beauty.

Unbeknownst to the Buddhist nun, Shen Ming's Ancient King Fist was stirring with anticipation.

"I heard that the Xuan Emperor obtained the Enlightenment Tea and the Green Lotus Seed from the Floating Pagoda. Both of these treasures have special methods of refining and should not be used blindly."

Like the tea leaves from the Enlightenment Tea Plantation, which require special brewing techniques.

If lotus seeds are swallowed directly, there will be serious consequences.

Miao Zhen was grateful to the Xuan Tian Sect for taking her in and came specifically to answer Xuan Tianzi's questions.

Her voice was clear and pleasant, and her words were impeccable.

"So troublesome?"

Shen Ming raised an eyebrow; he did indeed intend to refine these two treasures using common methods.

"It won't be too troublesome. Miaozhen will demonstrate it once, and Xuan Tianzi will be able to learn it."

Li Miaozhen said.

Shen Ming looked up at the sky and saw various commotions; the two major sects were clashing.

He used the Mountain and River Token to open the stone door of the cave.

"Are you a Taoist nun or a Buddhist nun?" Shen Ming asked casually.

The other person was with a Buddhist monk, but had long hair.

Li Miaozhen's eyes were deep and mysterious. Whether it was a Taoist nun or a Buddhist nun, both were derogatory terms.

Was the Xuan Emperor really not doing this on purpose?

The two entered the cave, where the enclosed space isolated them from outside interference, and they could hear each other's breathing.

Li Miaozhen extended her fair hand to him.

Shen Ming took out a tea leaf from the Enlightenment Tea Plantation.

Li Miaozhen's expression became calm and focused as she accepted the Enlightenment Tea.

She took out a tea set from her storage bag that was comparable to a heavenly-grade spiritual treasure.

There is also a kettle, the clear water inside is imbued with spirituality.

"Enlightenment Tea needs to be savored carefully in order to gain a glimmer of inspiration."

Li Miaozhen said softly, "Xuan Tianzi, you are facing a major breakthrough, it is a good time."

As she spoke, her slender fingers deftly dropped tea leaves into the teapot, her movements light and elegant.

As time went by, wisps of steam gradually rose from the teapot, swirling around it as if they possessed a spirit.

After a flurry of activity, Li Miaozhen picked up the teapot and slowly poured the amber-colored Enlightenment Tea into the teacup.

The tea rippled gently in the cup, creating delicate concentric circles. At that moment, the surrounding air seemed to become clearer, and an indescribable sense of mystery permeated the air.

"The remaining tea can be stored in the pot. Xuan Tianzi should first taste a cup and comprehend the Great Dao."

Li Miaozhen placed the teacup in front of him.

"Good work."

Seeing that she had been busy making tea for him, Shen Ming lowered his guard.

He picked up the teacup, brought it to his lips, and drank it all in one gulp.

"It's a bit bitter," Shen Ming said, frowning.

"..."

Li Miaozhen really didn't know if he was doing this on purpose to get her attention.

Enlightenment Tea should be sipped slowly and savored to experience the profound meaning of the Dao.

Such guzzling is a complete waste of resources!

"Looks like I was overthinking it..."

Li Miaozhen was genuinely thinking that she wasn't just there to make tea; she also wanted to confirm whether Shen Ming was the person she was looking for!

Previously, she had seen Shen Ming shake the Buddhist heart of Monk Wuhua, and learned that Shen Ming was not swayed by the chanting of Buddhist scriptures, which made her hopeful.

Now it seems that this is not the case.

"I understand now, it truly lives up to its name as the Enlightenment Tea."

Suddenly, Shen Ming spoke.

Soft rays of light emanated from his body, with ancient runes faintly flashing, as if the most mysterious laws of heaven and earth were surging within him.

The air in the cave was affected by this strange phenomenon, trembling slightly and emitting a low humming sound.

With a snap, Shen Ming broke through to the third stage of the Innate Realm, the Yuantai Realm.

If Li Miaozhen hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn't have believed it was true.

The commotion just now showed that Shen Ming had fully comprehended the Enlightenment Tea.

However, he didn't savor it at all and drank it down like a cow.

He didn't close his eyes to meditate or gain insight; it was just a sudden flash of inspiration that led him to break through to a higher realm.

The next second, Li Miaozhen stood up, slowly pushed her hands forward, and bent slightly forward, her movements gentle and fluid, as if paying homage to some sacred being.

Her long hair cascaded down like silk, covering half of her face, adding to her gentleness and grace.

Shen Ming was taken aback. The other party had personally come to make tea and offered such a grand gesture, which was quite puzzling.

It can't be that he's so charismatic that his mere presence causes people from all directions to come and worship!

"Please, Emperor Xuan, save my Dao Sect!"

Li Miaozhen remained bent over, her voice devout.

"Daoist Sect?"