After brewing the tea, Li Jiudao poured three cups and politely said, "Please, let's enjoy the tea together," inviting Lu Liang and the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect to join him in savoring the tea.
Lu Liang was relatively unfazed by the situation. His exposure to fine teas was limited compared to the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect, and while he understood that the tea and utensils were extraordinary, he didn't grasp the full extent of their rarity. As he slowly sipped the tea, he felt no significant difference.
However, it was a different story for the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect. His hand trembled as he held the teacup, despite his best efforts to control himself. He was accustomed to gods and emperors consuming tea the size of rice grains, yet here he was drinking tea brewed from three whole leaves of Enlightenment Dao Immortal Tea. How could he contain his excitement? It was impossible to restrain himself.
Li Jiudao wasn't paying attention to Lu Liang and the ancestral master's reactions at that moment. If he had seen the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect in such a state, he would undoubtedly have been curious. Did cultivators also suffer from trembling hands?
Li Jiudao was wholly focused on appreciating the tea. Normally, he would be hesitant to drink such precious tea, but how could he resist the temptation?
After taking a sip, the subtle aroma of the tea filled his mouth, and the taste was indescribably exquisite and delicious. "I wonder when the system will reward me with another can of this tea. The tea is so scarce that I'm hesitant to drink it," he thought to himself.
However, he believed the likelihood of the system rewarding him with another can of tea was slim. His tea-making skills had already reached the highest level, and there seemed to be no further room for improvement. The system might not grant him any more rewards.
"Perhaps the system has more in store for me? I think it might even level up and introduce new features," he continued to muse. He had a feeling that the system might still have more surprises in store.
"Well, this might just be wishful thinking. All my skills are already at their maximum levels, and the system hasn't shown any new changes," he pondered further.
On the other side, the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect and Lu Liang took cautious sips of the tea, refraining from drinking too much at once. Such transcendent tea required delicate appreciation, not hasty consumption.
As they sipped the tea, a surge of enlightenment washed over them. Previously vexing questions about their cultivation were instantly resolved, and their understanding of their respective paths deepened. They gained a newfound comprehension of their cultivation, and even a short period of meditation would surely elevate their realms and abilities significantly.
However, they refrained from cultivating at that moment. It would be impolite to do so in the presence of a senior master. Their cultivation issues had been resolved, and there was no rush to progress further right now.
"Is there something you wanted to discuss with me this time?" Li Jiudao asked Lu Liang.
"I've come here specifically to express my gratitude for saving my life," Lu Liang replied nervously. He then retrieved a box and continued, "This is a small token of appreciation to thank you for saving my life. Please, you must accept it."
Lu Liang felt anxious, knowing that anything he gave to a senior master would be of little value. Nevertheless, after witnessing Wen Wuyou presenting a gift to the senior master earlier, he understood the importance of showing his gratitude for the help they had received.
He opened the box, revealing a token engraved with the words 'Falling Cloud Sect.' "This token can be used for communication. If you ever need any help or have any tasks that need to be done, please contact me using this token, and I will immediately come to your aid," Lu Liang explained.
As soon as he returned to Falling Cloud Sect after his previous visit, he discussed everything with the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect. They carefully considered what gift to offer, and this token was the result of their deliberation. They realized that no matter what they gave, it would pale in comparison to the treasures owned by a senior master. However, they believed that offering their assistance in times of need would be the most meaningful gesture.
Li Jiudao initially hesitated to accept the token. However, upon seeing the 'Falling Cloud Sect' inscription, his perspective shifted. Falling Cloud Sect was a prominent sect in the Eastern region, comparable to Tai Hua Sect in terms of prestige. He couldn't believe that someone with Lu Liang's relatively low cultivation level was affiliated with such a sect.
Lu Liang was no longer a young man; he must have some special connection to be associated with Falling Cloud Sect. Li Jiudao thought to himself, "Lu Liang's strength seems lacking, but he's still a member of Falling Cloud Sect."
Li Jiudao received the token, and Lu Liang and the ancestral master of Falling Cloud Sect couldn't have been happier. Having the senior master accept their token meant that they now had a connection to him, and it promised a bright future for Falling Cloud Sect.
"As the saying goes, 'Courtesy demands reciprocity.' I can't accept this without giving you something in return. How about I present you with one of my paintings? I remember you were quite fond of the landscape painting I created earlier," Li Jiudao suggested.
"What! Is this really happening?" Lu Liang was ecstatic. He had been longing for that landscape painting and almost asked for it during his previous visit.
"Haha! Senior masters are truly considerate; they don't let the younger generation suffer any losses!" he thought to himself with a laugh.