Chapter 2777: Recruitment

Chapter 2777: Chapter 2777: Recruitment

Although Tianbei retreated quickly, how could he retreat faster than the shockwave from Xiemei’s self-detonation?

Watching as the vast starry sky and huge stones shattered into dust under the impact of Xiemei’s shockwave, a trace of despair appeared in Tianbei’s eyes.

If he formed a defense Qi shield to fully withstand the shockwave, his life might be preserved, but severe injuries would be inevitable.

However, as the Sect Leader of the Starshine Commerce Assembly, Tianbei had made quite a few enemies over the years. If these enemies learned that he was seriously injured, they would definitely seize the opportunity to provoke him.

Even some strong individuals with ulterior motives within the assembly might use this opportunity to overthrow Tianbei and replace him as the new Sect Leader.

Fang Bai wasn’t concerned about who became the Sect Leader of the Starshine Commerce Assembly, but Tianbei had caused Xiemei’s self-detonation in order to stop Xiemei from attacking him.

Therefore, both emotionally and rationally, seeing Tianbei threatened, Fang Bai couldn’t stand by idly.

Just as Xiemei’s shockwave was about to engulf Tianbei, Fang Bai appeared in front of him, wielding the Five Elements Origin Qi Cauldron to keep the shockwave at bay.

"Thank you, Alchemist Fang."

Once the shockwave subsided, Tianbei, having narrowly escaped, breathed a sigh of relief and clasped his fists towards Fang Bai, showing a look of gratitude.

Then, he glanced at the Five Elements Origin Qi Cauldron blocking him and Fang Bai, sensing its ancient aura, and exclaimed in admiration, "What a divine artifact!"

Fang Bai smiled faintly and put away the Five Elements Origin Qi Cauldron.

He was not worried that Tianbei would harbor any covetous desire for the Five Elements Origin Qi Cauldron.

Firstly, he had essentially saved Tianbei’s life, and Tianbei would surely feel grateful. If he coveted Fang Bai’s Five Elements Origin Qi Cauldron and word got out, he would earn the infamy of being ungrateful.

Secondly, Fang Bai had now entered the True God Realm, and although outwardly his realm seemed comparable to Tianbei’s, Tianbei no longer held any weight in his eyes. If he wished, defeating Tianbei would only take a few seconds.

Thus, Fang Bai was fearless about revealing the Five Elements Origin Qi Cauldron to any strong entities on Jade Dragon Star.

"I also must thank the Sect Leader for the favor of your obstruction earlier!"

Fang Bai laughed as he spoke to Tianbei.

Tianbei chuckled wryly, "Actually... without my obstruction, Xiemei wouldn’t have been able to hurt you, right?"

When Fang Bai blocked the shockwave from Xiemei’s self-detonation, Tianbei realized that his previous actions against Xiemei were entirely redundant.

Even if he hadn’t acted, Xiemei might already have been slain by Fang Bai.

He looked at Fang Bai, who nodded with a smile, feeling intensely shocked. He hadn’t expected Fang Bai’s combat power to be so immense after advancing to the True God Realm.

Although Fang Bai had blocked Xiemei’s shockwave using the advantage of the divine artifact, without strong power, how could he wield such a powerful artifact?

Besides, before his advancement, Fang Bai could already hunt Xieying, who was a realm higher than him, suggesting his combat power was already comparable to the True God Realm. After this advancement, his combat power surpassing the initial stage of the True God Realm was only natural.

Understanding that Fang Bai’s combat prowess greatly surpassed his own, Tianbei decided to show Fang Bai more respect in the future.

The dozen True God Realm powerhouses who came with Xiemei escaped hastily aboard the starship after leaving behind a few lives. The strong entities of Starshine Commerce Assembly gathered around Tianbei and Fang Bai instead of pursuing them.

"Let’s return to Yulong City! I want to throw a grand banquet to celebrate Alchemist Fang’s advancement to the True God Realm!"

Tianbei waved his hand grandly, leading the divine beings of Starshine Commerce Assembly back to Yulong City.

Apart from the divine beings of Starshine Commerce Assembly, those from the Emperor’s Palace were also pleased upon learning of Fang Bai’s advancement to the True God Realm.

Their pleasure was due to Fang Bai being able to refine the Divine Elixirs they needed now that he had reached the True God Realm, genuinely recognizing the role of the Elder of Tribute.

Meanwhile, the divine beings of the Emperor’s Palace were purely happy for Fang Bai becoming stronger.

That day, Starshine Commerce Assembly hosted a grand banquet to celebrate Fang Bai’s advancement.

Tianbei personally invited influential figures from Yulong City, even Huang Ji, the Jade Dragon Starlord, honored the occasion by attending.

Huang Ji came due to Fang Bai’s status as a True God Realm Pill Master, unaware that Fang Bai’s true battle strength had reached a level that even Tianbei revered.

Ignoring combat prowess, Fang Bai’s identity as a True God Realm Pill Master alone was enough to make him a focus of attention.

Among the many strong divine entities attending the banquet, arguably, the one with the most complex feelings was the Jade Dragon Starlord Huang Ji.

In recent years, Starshine Commerce Assembly had rapidly expanded its strength, to the point of disregarding him as the Starlord. The assembly hadn’t paid the tribute that should have been given to the Starlord Mansion in years.

Though Huang Ji was secretly annoyed, he had no choice but to maintain amicable relations with Starshine Commerce Assembly on the surface.

He felt like a coward in his role as Starlord, so he trained hard in secret, hoping to surpass Tianbei in strength and teach him some lessons, making Starshine Commerce Assembly understand the rules.

However, as his strength improved, so did Tianbei’s, especially now that the assembly possessed Fang Bai, a True God Realm Pill Master, causing him further unease.

With a True God Realm Pill Master, Starshine Commerce Assembly would never lack True God Pills, aiding Tianbei’s future advancement possibly faster than his own.

Huang Ji attended the banquet not genuinely to give Tianbei face but to meet Fang Bai, hoping to find a chance to draw Fang Bai to the Starlord Mansion.

However, upon arriving at the banquet, Huang Ji was surprised to find Tianbei had seated Fang Bai at the same table as them.

By convention, Fang Bai as the Elder of Tribute, ranked lower than them, should have sat with other elders, but Tianbei’s arrangement carried extraordinary significance.

Huang Ji believed Tianbei’s wisdom wouldn’t allow any mistakes in banquet arrangements; certainly, Fang Bai’s capability had reached a level that commanded Tianbei’s respect, prompting such an arrangement.

Thus, Huang Ji became even more eager to recruit Fang Bai.

Yet, every time Huang Ji probed Fang Bai during the banquet, Tianbei would timely interject, defusing the attempt.

He understood that Tianbei was guarding against him, preventing any chance for in-depth interaction with Fang Bai.

Huang Ji felt both angry and helpless.

"If you have time, please visit the Starlord Mansion as a guest!"

Following the banquet, Huang Ji extended an invitation to Fang Bai in Tianbei’s presence.

Fang Bai agreed with a smile.

"This Huang Ji, he comes with ill intent! I can see he’s eager to recruit Alchemist Fang!"

After Huang Ji left, Tianbei gathered with a few trusted confidants and spoke angrily and nervously about the matter.

Over the years, the Starshine Commerce Assembly had heavily invested cultivation resources in Fang Bai, hoping he would advance to the True God Realm soon. Fang Bai’s departure would mean not only wasted resources but also a blow to the morale of the assembly’s divine beings.

However, Fang Bai’s current power seemed far superior to his own, and if Fang Bai wished to leave, he could not stop him.