Chapter 22

The news of Li Luowu obtaining a Fifth Rank Water Phase quickly spread throughout the entire Nanfeng Academy, naturally causing a stir and heated discussions.

"I never thought Li Luowu could turn things around... I've never heard of a Phase of the Afterbirth before."

"Apparently, it's due to the heavenly materials and treasures left by his parents, which are extremely rare."

"Having good parents really makes one envious and jealous."

"Well, it's not that impressive. It's just a Fifth Rank Water Phase, which isn't particularly special. Moreover, the academy's major exam is less than a month away. In such a short time, can he really catch up to the top students?"

"Indeed, the three he defeated, Bai Kun and the others, couldn't even make it into the top ten of the First Hall. It's said that the top ten in the First Hall are all at the Seventh Seal Realm. Song Yunfeng and Lu Qing'er are the most formidable, reportedly reaching the Eighth Seal, and the latter might be even higher..."

"Right, Li Luowu has lost a crucial period of time. I don't think he can catch up in the last month..."

While the academy was buzzing with discussions about Li Luowu, he himself had already finished his practice for the day and quickly left the academy.

"Today's battle with Bai Kun, although I won in the end, was more challenging than I expected. If I hadn't used the 'Water Light Phase' to create a visual distortion, the battle would have dragged on longer."

In the carriage on his way home, Li Luowu was reflecting on today's battle, his expression not at all relaxed, but rather somewhat dissatisfied and serious.

Considering this, even with the unique properties of the 'Water Light Phase' and his proficiency in phase techniques, his combat strength should be formidable against Sixth Seal Realm opponents. However, if he faced a Seventh Seal Realm opponent, his chances of winning would be much lower.

"Not enough, far from enough."

Li Luowu muttered to himself. His goal was to enter the Holy玄Star Academy, and the number of students from Nanfeng Academy who could enter each year was very limited. Unless he was among the top few, his chances were slim.

With less than a month until the major exam, if he wanted to catch up, he not only needed to improve his phase power level but also advance his Fifth Rank 'Water Light Phase' further.

Only then could he have the confidence to face opponents like Lu Qing'er.

But, as they say, advancing a Fifth Rank 'Water Light Phase' to Sixth Rank is no easy task...

"I'll go talk to Sister Cai Wei first."

Li Luowu smiled, thinking that if he said he needed a large amount of Fifth Rank Spirit Water Light, Cai Wei might swallow him whole?

...

Old Residence, Account Room.

Cai Wei sat at her desk, carefully reviewing the account books. Today, she wore a light yellow long dress, her oval face delicate and charming, exuding a grace that young girls lack.

After a long time, she seemed a bit tired and subtly leaned forward, her ample bosom gently resting on the desk.

Sigh.

Cai Wei's entire body relaxed slightly, and she quietly exhaled.

Bang!

At this moment, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Li Luowu stepped in: "Sister Cai Wei."

As soon as he spoke, he saw the scene before him, and Cai Wei, taken aback, stared at him with wide eyes.

The atmosphere froze for a few moments.

Cai Wei's body, which had been leaning forward, suddenly straightened as if electrocuted, her oval face flushing slightly, and she glared at Li Luowu with a mix of embarrassment and anger.

"Didn't you know to knock before entering?"

Li Luowu was drenched in cold sweat and quickly bowed his head: "Sister Cai Wei, I'll definitely be more careful next time!"

Seeing his sincere attitude, Cai Wei's anger subsided somewhat, but she still said with a hint of displeasure: "What does the Young Master need?"

Li Luowu glanced behind him, then closed the door and said: "I want to show you a treasure, Sister Cai Wei."

As soon as he spoke, he froze, for he saw Cai Wei raise her hand, holding a bow and arrow that glinted with a cold light, and her beautiful oval face wore a dangerous smile: "Young Master, I am at the Phase Master Realm."

Li Luowu quickly raised his hands, smiling bitterly: "Sister Cai Wei, what are you doing?"

Cai Wei's delicate eyebrows arched, scrutinizing Li Luowu: "What treasure are you talking about?"

Li Luowu felt a bit puzzled but didn't say more. With a thought, blue phase power began to rise from his body, and faintly, it seemed like the sound of flowing water.

He revealed his Fifth Rank phase.

Snap.

Cai Wei's bow and arrow fell to the ground, her eyes wide with shock: "You, you have a phase?"

Li Luowu nodded: "Fifth Rank."

Cai Wei's oval face was full of shock. After a long moment, she gradually regained her composure: "Was it the means left by the two Masters that helped you?"

Li Luowu nodded with a smile.

Cai Wei understood and then recalled her earlier actions, her face turning hot. Li Luowu's words had a deep double meaning, and she wasn't a naive girl, so she had momentarily thought Li Luowu was up to something.

She couldn't help feeling embarrassed and angry, thinking, "Cai Wei, you really are a disgrace."

However, Cai Wei had seen many storms and quickly composed herself, smiling as if nothing had happened: "Congratulations, Young Master. If Qing'e knew about this, she would be happy for you too."

Li Luowu nodded: "There's another matter, and I think Sister Cai Wei might have guessed."

"More Spirit Water Light?" Cai Wei's delicate eyebrows furrowed.

"Yes, and this time, it needs to be Fifth Rank Spirit Water Light. The item left by my parents needs to be continuously nourished with Spirit Water Light, or it might dissipate over time." Li Luowu didn't mention that he could use Spirit Water Light to infinitely improve his phase rank, instead lying, as this matter was too important, and he didn't want to reveal it yet.

"Fifth Rank Spirit Water Light..." Cai Wei's eyebrows knitted tightly together.

Fourth Rank Spirit Water Light costs about a thousand Heavenly Quantums, but Fifth Rank costs a full five thousand Heavenly Quantums.

This was definitely an expensive consumable.

If Li Luowu only needed a few, it might not be a problem, but from previous experience, Cai Wei knew that Li Luowu would likely need hundreds...

That would be a significant amount.

Cai Wei's expression changed, but to Li Luowu's surprise, she didn't find any reason to refuse. Instead, she nodded: "I understand. I will do my best to meet your needs."

She looked up and saw Li Luowu's slightly surprised face, smiling: "Do you think I would refuse you?"

"You are the Young Master of Luolan Manor, and all of Luolan Manor's assets belong to you and Qing'e. As long as you don't do something overly absurd, you can do as you please."

"Moreover, having a phase will have a far greater impact on Luolan Manor than the cost of these Spirit Water Lights. Why would I have any reason to refuse you?"

Li Luowu was moved: "Sister Cai Wei, you are truly understanding."

"Can you get me a few dozen Fifth Rank Spirit Water Lights first?"

Cai Wei's fair hand rubbed her temples: "It's possible, but if you need so many again, our funds will be insufficient."

Luolan Manor's annual income from various industries and the chamber of commerce in Tianshu Prefecture was about 300,000 Heavenly Quantums. The previous purchase of Fourth Rank Spirit Water Lights for Li Luowu had already cost about 150,000. If they now bought a few dozen Fifth Rank Spirit Water Lights, the remaining funds would be almost depleted.

Cai Wei pondered for a moment and said: "Young Master, I plan to sell some of Luolan Manor's industries and the chamber of commerce in Tianshu Prefecture."

"Luolan Manor's current strength in Tianshu Prefecture is limited, leading to an overly bloated industry. Many industries are a burden to us. Additionally, the three major families in Tianshu Prefecture are constantly causing trouble, leading to greater losses and diverting our attention."

"Furthermore, these three families are showing signs of uniting against Luolan Manor due to their aligned interests. If we divest some of our industries, it could create competition among them, leading to conflicts and making it harder for them to coordinate against Luolan Manor."

Li Luowu also pondered for a moment and nodded, praising: "Sister Cai Wei, this is a bold move, like cutting off a limb to save the body."

"I don't understand these matters well, so I'll leave everything to Sister Cai Wei. I support you no matter what." Li Luowu waved his hand and said directly.

"Thank you for your trust, Young Master." Cai Wei smiled.

Li Luowu waved his hand and then remembered something: "By the way, doesn't Luolan Manor have industries in Tianshu Prefecture that produce 'Spirit Water Light'? If we can produce it ourselves, it would be much cheaper than buying it on the market."

Cai Wei said: "Luolan Manor is a large and prosperous family, and we do produce 'Spirit Water Light.' This consumable is in high demand, and the profit is significant. However, we generally focus on producing Third Rank and lower 'Spirit Water Light.' Higher ranks are produced by very few people, so the output is small."

"Moreover, in Tianshu Prefecture, there are probably only a few people who can refine Fifth Rank 'Spirit Water Light.' Most of the Fifth Rank 'Spirit Water Light' available in Tianshu Prefecture comes from other prefectures or even the capital."

Li Luowu understood. Indeed, someone who can refine Fifth Rank 'Spirit Water Light' is a Fifth Rank Phase Master, and such individuals can easily secure a good position in the capital, so it's normal that they are rare in Tianshu Prefecture.

Li Luowu thought for a moment and said: "Can Sister Cai Wei take me to see where Luolan Manor refines 'Spirit Water Light'? I am a Water Phase and want to learn more about Phase Masters."

The cost of purchasing 'Spirit Water Light' is too high, and if he needed Seventh, Eighth, or even Ninth Rank 'Spirit Water Light' in the future, where would he find it? As far as he knew, the entire Daxia Kingdom produces very few 'Spirit Water Light' above Seventh Rank each year.

At that time, he would likely have to rely on himself to meet his needs.

Therefore, he should also prepare to become a Phase Master.

Cai Wei had no objections and nodded.

"Sure, I'll take you there tomorrow."