The Spirit Beast carriage stopped at the main entrance of the Kun Family mansion, hovering in the air before slowly descending.
The guards were heavily armed. Seeing the Spirit Beast carriage approach, the leading half-step Nascent Soul guard immediately led dozens of Golden Core guards forward to greet it.
“Welcome, Elder Kun Ling!”
The leading guards called out respectfully in unison.
Kun Ling Honored One pulled open the curtain and slowly stepped out, with Li Mu following closely behind.
The surrounding Kun Family guards proactively opened the main gate of the Kun Family Immortal Mansion, their gazes subtly falling upon Li Mu.
Who was this Nascent Soul cultivator?
The guards were very curious as to why this Early Stage Nascent Soul cultivator could be on equal footing with their own Elder, and what surprised them even more was that Kun Ling Honored One actually communicated with him as an equal. It was truly unbelievable.
Although Li Mu was a Nascent Soul True Lord, in the eyes of the Kun Family, Nascent Soul cultivators were as numerous as cattle. Their own branch alone had no less than three hundred Nascent Soul True Lords, and the entire Kun Family had over a dozen Venerable Deity Transformation.
Kun Ling Honored One was the most Senior Venerable Deity Transformation in this lineage of the Kun Family, having lived for several millennia; he was an Old Ancestor-level existence.
Even fellow clan Elders of the same Soul Transformation Realm treated him with utmost respect, and ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators dared not even breathe loudly in his presence.
Yet, this unfamiliar Early Stage Nascent Soul cultivator received such respectful treatment from him, which left all the guards in disbelief.
Under the astonished gazes of many guards, Kun Ling Honored One and Li Mu chatted and laughed, warmly leading him into the core residence of the Kun Family.
As Li Mu stepped into the Kun Family mansion, he immediately felt the surge of Formation power beneath his feet. With his level five Formation, his perception of Formations was exceptionally keen.
Li Mu's gaze fell to the ground, where he discovered powerful and mysterious Formation patterns hidden within. It was an extremely vast Gathering Spirit Formation, gathered beneath his feet.
Li Mu's gaze swept over it briefly, and under his Heavenly Talent - Identify Myriad Spirits, he immediately discovered it was a fifth-tier Spirit Gathering Great Array.
A glint flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he clearly knew how immense the resources and effort required to set up such a Formation were.
Li Mu secretly sighed at the Kun Family's grand scale. Such a Formation was not something an ordinary Sect could possess!
As far as his eyes could see, faint Spiritual Qi could be seen everywhere, condensing into a misty form.
The density of Spiritual Qi here far surpassed that of the Painting World Treasure Mansion, being extremely vigorous. In comparison, the Spiritual Qi scenes he had seen in the Qingxuan Sect and Yu Ling Sect were like heaven and earth.
At this moment, Kun Ling Honored One also noticed Li Mu's gaze, finding him studying the Spirit Gathering Great Array beneath his feet, his gaze locked onto the Formation core, his mind completely immersed in it.
Seeing this, Kun Ling Honored One couldn't help but sigh in his heart, “This child is truly a Prodigy!”
“Dao Friend Li, you must have discovered the Heaven Sealing Spirit Gathering Formation set up by Elder Feng, right!” Kun Ling Honored One asked Li Mu with a smile.
“Uh! I got carried away by the Formation for a moment, Senior, please forgive me!” Li Mu apologized awkwardly.
Kun Ling Honored One looked at Li Mu and praised him sincerely, “Little Friend Li, your Heavenly Talent is truly astonishing! Advancing to Nascent Soul in a hundred Years, possessing astonishing combat power, capable of fighting against the Soul Transformation Realm, having extremely outstanding Artifact Refining techniques, and also being incredibly impressive in terms of Formations. This kind of Heavenly Talent is simply a Prodigy among Prodigies; even the Saints and Saintesses of those great Sects in Central Continent cannot compare to you, Little Friend!”
“Senior, you flatter me!” Li Mu smiled modestly upon hearing this. He knew where his abilities came from and was not arrogant because of them.
Kun Ling Honored One was about to introduce the Heaven Sealing Spirit Gathering Formation to Li Mu when an anomaly suddenly occurred!
“Kun Ling, the Rear Divine Court is looking for this Old Man.” Suddenly, a majestic voice resounded.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu couldn't help but look up. The other party must have transmitted his voice from an extremely distant place, yet it sounded as if it exploded in his ear.
This person's True Essence was profound, and he directly called Kun Ling Honored One by his name, so he must be another Void Refining Realm, right!
“Little Friend Li, this time you have returned the Sect-protecting Magical Artifact to our clan, and you still need to report to the Grand Elder. You should come with me. This meritorious deed also needs to be clearly explained to him in person.” Kun Ling Honored One smiled through his beard, patted Li Mu's shoulder, and introduced him.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu initially wanted to decline, but after a quick thought, he gave up the idea.
The Five Elements Spirit Plant he had planted would mature in a few decades, and he would then need to purchase Spirit Seeds again, which would be quite troublesome. It would be better to accept this favor and take the opportunity to ask the Kun Family for something he needed.
Li Mu nodded and smiled, “Junior can only thank Senior for the introduction!”
“Haha, not at all!” Kun Ling was greatly pleased to see Li Mu being so sensible.
Kun Ling Honored One materialized a spiritual axe and traveled by controlling the Magical Artifact.
Li Mu followed closely, stepping on a spiritual sword.
On the journey, Li Mu did not release his Divine Sense. After all, the Kun Family had many experts, including Void Refining Realm existences, and releasing Divine Sense casually would be a great disrespect.
Li Mu looked down and saw many Kun Family Disciples moving among various buildings. Many Kun Family Disciples were either stepping on Spiritual Artifacts or riding Spirit Beasts, traveling through the sky for various purposes.
However, the Kun Family Disciples they passed by, upon seeing Kun Ling Honored One, respectfully bowed and greeted him, watching him leave before moving on.
Many Kun Family Disciples were extremely interested in Li Mu, who was walking alongside Kun Ling Honored One. After all, within the Kun Family, the family rules were strict; aside from the two Grand Elders,
Even other Soul Transformation Realm Elders, and even the family heads of branch families, had to respectfully stand behind Elder Kun Ling. As for Nascent Soul cultivators, there was even less need to mention it.
They arrived at the Rear Divine Court in just a few breaths, reaching a picturesque garden filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, dense Spiritual Qi, and a large number of Spiritual Plants and Spiritual Trees.
Within the garden, there was a ten-acre spiritual field, and next to it was a thatched hut. An elderly man in a white robe, with a hoe in hand, was weeding and removing pests in the spiritual field. From a distance, he looked like an ordinary old man. What he was planting in the spiritual field was a fourth-tier Illusion Moon Spiritual Plant.
Li Mu naturally saw that the old man in front of him was no ordinary person. His seemingly Spiritual Qi-less body actually contained immense power.
“Kun Ling greets Tianshang Honored One.”
Li Mu and Kun Ling Honored One lightly landed from the sky. The latter quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and respectfully greeted the other party.
However, the ancient old man in front of them seemed to turn a deaf ear, focusing entirely on his planting.
Li Mu and Kun Ling Honored One were left standing there, but both remained silent, waiting patiently.
Li Mu could tell that Tianshang Honored One was not truly planting the spiritual field, but rather cultivating his character and honing his Heart-Nature. Naturally, there were some shortcomings in his planting steps.
If he were to be rude and offer a reminder, it would only cause displeasure.
The other party was enjoying the process, not the result.
Finally, after he finished weeding and watered the gold sword grass with Spiritually-rich spiritual water, the gold sword grass emitted a shimmering golden light, and under the scorching sun, it had a sense of golden splendor.
“Kun Ling, I have already told Kun Yuan Venerable. You are seeking revenge on Ji Yun of the Ji Family again. Why bother? Cultivators have endless Years. Although our Dao of cultivation is Heaven-Defying and it is not easy to have children, we are not without ability. Now you only have a hundred Years of Lifespan left. You should fully commit to Breakthrough to Void Refining and clear your mind of Random Thoughts.”
Tianshang Honored One came to the front of the thatched hut, stomped his foot, and the ground trembled slightly. A pavilion made of earth rose from the ground.
Inside, there was a stone table and four chairs, all made of stone.
“Sit!”
Tianshang Honored One had a kind smile and invited Li Mu to sit down together.
Li Mu slightly cupped his hands and sat down with Kun Ling Honored One.
“You are 'Li Jianxian'?”
Tianshang Honored One clearly already knew Li Mu's identity. He lightly tapped the stone table with his fingertip, and a tea set appeared, with a pot of spiritual tea placed beside it.
“Senior, just call me Li Mu.” This was Li Mu's first time revealing his true name. He didn't know what Cultivation Technique Tianshang Honored One was cultivating.
The feeling he gave off was extremely peculiar, making people feel an urge to get close to him. This feeling wasn't forced upon one's emotions; rather, it seemed to naturally influence the surroundings.
He seemed to merge with heaven and earth, and with emotions, giving a profound sense of Incarnation into heaven and earth. It was simply incomparably mysterious.
“Not bad, not bad. At such a young age, you already have such good fortune. It seems you are a person of great luck.” Tianshang Honored One said frankly, while he had already brewed the tea. With his spiritual power, the teacups floated in the air, one landing in front of Li Mu and one in front of Kun Ling Honored One.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was startled. The moment his eyes met Tianshang Honored One’s, he felt as if his own secrets had been seen through.
Li Mu composed himself and respectfully took the spiritual tea, saying, “Senior, you flatter me!”
“Little Friend has a promising future. Revered Qing Wei has already discussed your Artifact Refining techniques with Kun Ling before. You must know about the matter of him seeking your help with Artifact Refining.” Tianshang Honored One took a sip of tea and said directly.
Kun Ling Honored One, on the other hand, was straightforward. He drained his spiritual tea in one gulp and introduced with a smile, “Honored One, Dao Friend Li accidentally found these two Magical Artifacts when he was slaying a Yao Beast in Wangxing Sea, and he has already returned them.”
After speaking, Kun Ling Honored One took out the Spirit Sealing Hammer and the God Severing Plate, two Formation Artifacts, and used his spiritual power to send them to Tianshang Honored One.
“This…”
Upon hearing this, even the usually composed Tianshang Honored One couldn't help but be stunned. He looked at the two regained Magical Artifacts and felt a sense of disbelief for a moment.
After examining the two Magical Artifacts for a while, Tianshang Honored One looked at Li Mu and couldn't help but smile, “It seems our Kun Family is fated with Little Friend. These two Magical Artifacts are extremely important to the Kun Family. Defense is one aspect, but their status and identity are the most important.”
“These two Magical Artifacts, any one of them used alone has extraordinary power. Even a Late Stage Soul Transformation Realm Formation Great Master skilled in Formations cannot break them. When both Magical Artifacts are used together, even a Void Refining Realm strong practitioner cannot break them in a short period of time. An ordinary person who obtains these items would surely claim them for themselves. Little Friend, you did not covet these items and were willing to return them. This kind of Heart-Nature, this Old Man admires.”
Tianshang Honored One's words were sincere, and his gaze towards Li Mu held a touch more appreciation.
Li Mu smiled calmly and explained, “A gentleman does not take what others cherish. These two Magical Artifacts are indeed extraordinarily powerful, but they are not mine after all. Returning them is simply common sense, Senior, you don't need to overpraise me.”
Li Mu's humble attitude also made Kun Ling Honored One stroke his beard and smile, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.
“A gentleman does not take what others cherish! Good, good, good. Revered Qing Wei said that you have great ambitions and uphold the strong and support the weak, truly a Cultivator of the Righteous Path. What I see today is indeed so. This kind of Heart-Nature, there are probably not many people in the world who can find it.” Tianshang Honored One's words were not polite remarks. In the cultivation world, anyone who obtains a treasure would keep it for themselves. Who would be as selfless as Li Mu?
“Little Friend, this time you have helped our Kun Family a great deal. Feel free to state any needs you have. This Old Man can make the decision and will surely satisfy you.” Tianshang Honored One put away the Magical Artifacts and said with a smile.
Finally, it's here!
Li Mu smiled slightly and humbly said, “Senior, you overstate it. I didn't help much at all. As the saying goes, 'one receives no reward without merit.' These two Magical Artifacts originally belonged to the Kun Family, so returning them is only proper!”
“Look at you, Little Friend, don't be so humble. We Cultivators are inherently wary of owing favors. You've helped us so much, so it's only right to give you some assistance in return. If you don't accept, it means you look down on our Kun Family!” Kun Ling Honored One genuinely wanted to help Li Mu acquire some Cultivation resources to foster a good relationship.
However, he was afraid that Li Mu would be too humble and unwilling to accept help, so he had to resort to this tactic.
Tianshang Honored One meaningfully glanced at Kun Ling Honored One. Having lived for several millennia, how could Kun Ling Honored One's thoughts escape his eyes? He saw through it but didn't expose it.
“This!” Li Mu was overjoyed. After a moment of thought, he stood up and cupped his hands, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, Seniors. In that case, I will shamelessly ask for some Cultivation resources.”
“Haha, that’s more like it. One should be more carefree as a person.” Kun Ling Honored One was naturally very happy to see Li Mu finally getting to the point.
Tianshang Honored One also showed a benevolent smile and nodded slightly, “Little Friend, just tell me what you need.”
“Senior, I currently need a batch of Five Elements Spirit Plants for my Cultivation, specifically the Golden Source Spiritual Fruit, Purple Yang Spiritual Mushroom, Yin Soul Fruit, nine-leaf azure lotus…” Li Mu decided not to be humble anymore and blurted out all the various Spirit Plants he needed. As for the quantity, he didn't specify; he just wanted to see how the other party would provide so many things.
As for Artifact Refining Materials, he didn't dare to ask yet, as this batch of Spirit Plants alone was already extremely valuable.
“This…”
Kun Ling Honored One couldn't help but be somewhat dumbfounded. He had thought Li Mu would ask for some extremely rare and expensive Cultivation resources, such as Nascent Soul cultivators' cultivation-boosting Nascent Soul Pills, or Xuan Spirit Pills specifically needed for Breakthrough to the Soul Transformation Realm, and similar auxiliary Medicinal Pills.
These Medicinal Pills were also extremely important and limited Cultivation resources within the Kun Family.
But he never expected that Li Mu would ask for a large batch of Spirit Plant seeds. What kind of play was this?
Tianshang Honored One was also slightly stunned. He exchanged glances with Kun Ling Honored One, and then both gave a bitter smile.
“I say, Little Friend, you should boldly state the Cultivation resources you need. Our Kun Family is vast and powerful, and we can definitely meet your requirements, and even help you raise your cultivation to the Nascent Soul Peak within eight hundred Years, and we will also provide a batch of Medicinal Pills you will need when you Undergoing Tribulation to the Soul Transformation Realm.” Tianshang Honored One didn't know the true purpose of Li Mu wanting the Spirit Plants. He mistakenly thought that Li Mu was embarrassed to ask, and decided to plant the Spirit Plants himself, collect the Materials, and then find someone to refine Medicinal Pills.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Raising his cultivation to the Nascent Soul Peak in eight hundred Years? That was far too slow compared to his own Spirit Plant cultivation. However, the Medicinal Pills used during the Soul Transformation Realm Undergoing Tribulation did catch his attention.
