"Mr. Deng, you misunderstand. How can we dare to covet the micro spirit veins? If it wasn''t for our watch, those Loose Cultivators who don''t understand the severity would have targeted the micro spirit veins long ago!" Deng Clan Chief hastily interjected to explain.

    "There''s no need to explain. Take this command banner with you, place it at the ruins of the Hao Family, and at least until the Ascension Conference is over, that micro spirit vein is off-limits to everyone. During the Ascension Conference, a Foundation Establishment Master from the sect will come, and it will be dealt with by the master at that time!" Gu Jia took out a flag inscribed with ''Heavenly Sea'' and placed it on the table, speaking in a gravely tone.

    The four clan leaders displayed a look of helplessness. They indeed wanted to take control of that micro spirit vein.

    But after seeing the shattered Array Plate, they didn''t dare make a move and instead thought of involving Gu Jia.

    Little did they know that Gu Jia was planning to take the entire micro spirit vein for himself; it seemed their efforts were in vain.

    "A micro spirit vein, do you really think the sect''s masters would care about such a thing? The micro spirit vein will still be there, but when the time comes, you''ll have to contribute some spirit stones. The master can''t bear the risk for you and get nothing in return, can he?" Gu Jia waved his hand and said.

    "We will consider the micro spirit vein as divided into five parts!" Mr. Liu said this and glanced at Li Shiming beside him but did not continue further.

    However, Li Shiming understood his meaning; this was giving Gu Jia an extra share of the income.

    No matter what use the spirit vein is put to, the benefits obtained will include a portion for Gu Jia.

    The four clan leaders needed to manage the micro spirit vein, while Gu Jia needn''t do anything. Why so? It was none other than the Sky Sea Sect''s backing.

    Only Li Shiming was clear that there wasn''t actually any Foundation Establishment Cultivator involved, and the share that Gu Jia received was entirely for nothing.

    Of course, he wouldn''t point it out; such matters simply couldn''t be explained.

    "Mr. Li, do not fixate on petty gains. Once you join the sect and pass the assessment to become an official disciple, with your abilities, you will be able to choose a cultivation site for yourself that has a secondary spirit vein!" Gu Jia turned to speak to Li Shiming.

    Gu Jia''s words made the four clan leaders realize why he valued Li Shiming so highly.

    At the same time, envy appeared in the eyes of the four clan leaders as they looked at Li Shiming.

    Even though it''s termed a secondary spirit vein, it''s still a grade spirit vein, unlike the micro spirit veins these Loose Cultivators control, which haven''t even reached a grading level.

    Once the "Invisibility Technique" was used, ordinary people couldn''t see the cultivator at all, let alone oppose them.

    Without a means to counter the "Invisibility Technique," a cultivator in the world of the commoners would be an invincible force, with the ordinary people not even knowing how they perished.

    No wonder the Sky Sea Sect had sent Gu Jia to stay in Great Xia. Without the suppression of sect cultivators, a single lawless Loose Cultivator could wreak unimaginable havoc in the Mortal World.

    "Congratulations, young master, on becoming a scholar!" The voice of Mo Yan resonated from outside the courtyard as he ran towards the main room.

    "Si Qin, give him two taels of silver to quiet him down," Li Shiming instructed Si Qin outside the door.

    "Young master, becoming a scholar is a happy occasion. According to the household rules, we should reward everyone!" Si Qin peeked in and reminded with a smile.

    "You handle it. Just don''t disturb me," Li Shiming waved his hand dismissively.

    Si Qin knew about the young master''s cultivation; she was extremely happy that no matter how the young master pursued cultivation, he never abandoned his studies.

    "Young master, the imperial trials are in ten days. Don''t forget!" she added, not forgetting to remind him once more.

    Li Shiming nodded, estimating that after the imperial trials, his ties with the secular world would be significantly reduced.

    Time flew swiftly, and before long, the day of the imperial trials arrived.

    The day was clear and sunny as a group of scholars, clad in Confucian robes, were led by the palace guards to the gate of the Fengtian Hall in the Imperial Palace.

    These scholars were the elite talents cultivated by Great Xia over three years, each one a genius among geniuses.

    Yet among them, Li Shiming was still the most exceptional, standing out distinctly among a group of scholars mostly in their thirties.

    Li Shiming saw a figure beside the Fengtian Hall; it was Gu Jia.

    At this moment, Gu Jia was also looking at him with a smile. To Gu Jia, his participation in the imperial trials was but a youthful dalliance. It wasn''t that Gu Jia scorned the highest level of secular examination; he simply didn''t take it seriously.

    With control over means that could easily obliterate ordinary people, cultivators naturally stood on a pedestal high above.