"Enlightenment Tea," Qian Ran said softly.
"Enlightenment Tea... what an apt name," Ye Xishui murmured, her eyes glinting with an unusual light. The tea's name reflected its true nature—it wasn't an exaggeration.
"Enlightenment Tea is a masterpiece of the heavens, infused with natural laws. Each leaf contains traces of universal truths," Qian Ran explained.
In different worlds, Enlightenment Tea's effects could vary, but it was always a supreme treasure.
For ordinary cultivators, it had limited impact—those lacking sufficient cultivation couldn't grasp its profound mysteries. But for someone with a deep accumulation of power, like Ye Xishui, it was invaluable.
To someone at her level, it was priceless.
Regularly consuming this tea was akin to having the laws of the universe laid bare before you, like being given the source code of existence.
Yet even that wasn't the most crucial aspect.
Drinking tea produced by the system meant being acknowledged by it. As long as one met the requirements for godhood, ascension would be almost guaranteed.
Without it, no matter how exceptional Ye Xishui was, she would at most remain a demigod. The Divine Realm's system didn't allow for multiple entities holding the same divine title, and the position of Death God was already occupied.
Now, having tasted the tea, Ye Xishui had set foot on this path.
"Name your price. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you. I need more of this tea—the more, the better," Ye Xishui said, her gaze fixed on Qian Ran with fiery determination.
"Ah?"
Qian Ran blinked. For a moment, he wondered if Ye Xishui was trying to seduce him.
Even though he knew better, he couldn't help the slight ripple of excitement in his heart.
Ye Xishui, ever perceptive, immediately noticed his reaction and snorted coldly. Her ears, however, turned slightly red.
For years, everyone treated her with utmost reverence. Even Long Xiaoyao, a perfect gentleman, only dared to praise her beauty in refined terms. No one had ever looked at her the way Qian Ran just did.
It left her feeling... odd.
Qian Ran—how dare he? Was he so used to indulgence that he forgot to restrain himself even before her?
"Ahem."
"Senior, as you surely know, in the face of Enlightenment Tea, worldly goods are meaningless. There's no way I would sell it," Qian Ran said. Good things were meant for his people—Snow Empress, Ice Empress, and others.
Even elders like Cai Meier and Xian Lin'er would eventually need some for their breakthroughs.
Supplies were limited.
Of course, Cai Meier and Xian Lin'er were far down the priority list. If Ye Xishui became his, he'd prioritize her needs. Heh.
"Hmph. You leave me no choice, then," Ye Xishui said, her gaze falling on the ring Qian Ran had used to retrieve the tea.
Even if she negotiated, she knew Qian Ran would only sell her a tiny amount. Better to take matters into her own hands—quick and efficient. She could always compensate him later.
Without hesitation, Ye Xishui acted.
Her aura erupted, overwhelming the space with the force of a Limit Douluo. Her sheer power left Qian Ran immobilized.
Qian Ran had anticipated this.
Just as I thought, this woman is going to act out.
Fortunately, the tea leaves were stored in the Xumi Ring. Ye Xishui wouldn't be able to access them.
"Forgive me, but treasures of this caliber are wasted in your hands. Don't worry—I'll leave some for you," Ye Xishui said, surprisingly apologetic for her actions.
Taking the Xumi Ring, she directed her formidable spiritual power into it. But no matter how hard she tried, she found nothing.
The ring seemed to swallow her spiritual energy, defying all attempts to probe it.
Her expression darkened.
"A ring that resists my spiritual power? What kind of item is this?"
After half an hour of trying every method she knew, Ye Xishui admitted defeat.
"This damn ring. Just who is Qian Ran? Even his ring is so bizarre," Ye Xishui muttered, frustrated and regretting her impulsive decision.
Not only could she not open the ring, but her actions had likely soured her relationship with Qian Ran.
Even the thought of beating him into submission to force his cooperation seemed out of the question. If Qian Ran had Enlightenment Tea, he likely had connections to other Limit Douluos—or even demigods.
A demigod with the Six-Winged Angel martial soul was beyond her ability to handle.
Resigned, Ye Xishui retracted her aura and returned the Xumi Ring to Qian Ran.
"Senior, don't you think that was... inappropriate?" Qian Ran said, though inwardly he was fuming. He fantasized about giving Ye Xishui a harsh lesson to teach her a bit of respect.
Thankfully, the Xumi Ring could only be accessed by him. No one else could force it open, no matter their strength.
"I was too hasty earlier, and I apologize. Tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen," Ye Xishui said, lowering her pride.
For Ye Xishui, the tea was simply too important.
Just one cup had brought her tremendous benefits.
It was the only thing she had found in her life that could help her achieve godhood.
No matter how proud Ye Xishui was, she was willing to humble herself for this opportunity.
Maintaining a friendly and close relationship with Qian Ran was now her priority. Just as she had previously obtained the Snow Renewal Pill and Eternal Youth Elixir from him, she believed they could negotiate mutually beneficial exchanges.
If Qian Ran wanted to become the ruler of this continent, Ye Xishui wouldn't hesitate to mobilize the Holy Spirit Cult in his service.
After all, what Xu Tianran offered the Cult was trivial compared to the Enlightenment Tea. Xu Tianran was also cunning and treacherous, likely to betray the Cult when it no longer suited him.
If Qian Ran could provide enough benefits, Ye Xishui wouldn't hesitate to turn against Xu Tianran.
As a collection of evil soul masters, the Holy Spirit Cult wasn't known for its loyalty.
(End of Chapter)