A flash of spiritual light, and three six-tier spirit swords appeared.
One gold, one wood, and one water, they released powerful sword auras, instantly transforming into three Artifact Spirits: a small golden eagle, a water spirit fish, and a small azure python.
They seemed to be condensed from the essence of heaven and earth, full of spirituality, swirling around Li Mu.
The three Artifact Spirits seemed to have lives of their own; after gaining freedom, they played and chased each other around Li Mu.
Upon discovering Xuanling Venerable and Venerable Lei Hong, they hid behind Li Mu, tilting their heads, looking at them with curiosity and wariness, releasing waves of sword might.
Just like a bristling young tiger, they released the sword might and Spiritual Pressure that only a six-tier spirit sword possesses.
Feeling the power released by the three spirit sword Artifact Spirits, Venerable Lei Hong and Xuanling Venerable's expressions changed simultaneously, a mix of surprise and joy, for they could all sense the terrifying power contained within the three spirit swords.
Any one of these spirit swords, if placed outside, would surely attract countless high-level Cultivators to fight over them, causing a bloody storm.
However, what was astonishing was that Li Mu actually possessed three such spirit swords.
In the circle of Transformation God cultivators, perhaps not one in ten would possess a six-tier spirit treasure, yet he possessed three six-tier spirit swords.
Without a doubt, these three six-tier spirit swords were indeed refined by Li Mu himself!
“Little Friend Li, by the looks of it, you’re preparing to refine a set of Five Elements six-tier spirit swords!” Venerable Lei Hong looked at Li Mu with envy, asking with concern.
“I do have that intention, but fire and earth six-tier Materials are too hard to find; these past years, I’ve only refined these three spirit swords!” Li Mu smiled slightly, introducing them: “They are: Gold Cloud, Azure Python, and Exquisite!”
Hearing Li Mu’s call, the small golden eagle, water spirit fish, and azure python all nimbly flew to him, dispelling their artifact forms and revealing their true appearance: three spirit swords radiating powerful spiritual essence and sharp sword light.
Originally, the Azure Water Spiritual Pond was a space with only two types of Spiritual Qi, thunder and water.
With the emergence of the three spirit swords, it was immediately filled with sword essence, and the spiritual essence of gold, wood, and water became incredibly abundant.
“Amazing, amazing, Little Friend Li, you possess a Five Elements Spiritual Root and are skilled in setting up sword formations.
If this set of Five Elements six-tier spirit swords can be successfully refined, you will easily defeat Late Stage Soul Transformation Cultivators in the future!” Venerable Lei Hong examined the three six-tier spirit swords, his eyes filled with envy, praising continuously.
He already had some plans in mind, preparing to assist Li Mu in gathering the other two types of six-tier spiritual Materials.
“Senior, you flatter me!” Li Mu smiled humbly, looking at Xuanling Venerable and asking with a smile: “Senior, they can confirm my words now, right?
My promise to help you refine a six-tier spirit treasure is absolutely true!”
Li Mu’s face carried a faint smile, exuding a powerful, trustworthy aura.
“That is natural, Little Friend Li’s talent and strength deeply impress this old man.” Xuanling Venerable expressed his respect to Li Mu, even bowing to him.
In the Hundred Refinements Sect, what was revered was not the level of Cultivation, but the mastery of the Artifact Refining lineage.
Regardless of one’s Cultivation level, as long as one could refine high-tier Spiritual Artifacts, one would attain a lofty status within the Sect.
For instance, the Sect Master of the Hundred Refinements Sect, though only a Nascent Soul True Lord in Cultivation, could refine supreme-grade five-tier Spiritual Artifacts, thus his position within the Sect was unshakable.
And now, Li Mu, with the Cultivation of a Nascent Soul True Lord, could refine six-tier spirit treasures, which filled Xuanling Venerable with immense respect for him.
Xuanling Venerable pondered for a moment, then began introducing the Hundred Refinements Sect’s Heavenly Fire Dao to Li Mu: “Little Friend Li, our Hundred Refinements Sect’s Heavenly Fire is called Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire.
This is a Heavenly Fire descended from the Nine Heavens, containing the Dao essence of purple mist.
It possesses powerful effects such as melting all things, dispelling evil and avoiding demons, and incinerating Divine Souls.”
“Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire can be used for Artifact Refining or for fending off enemies; it is a divine object coveted by all fire-element Cultivators.
If a fire-element Cultivator can integrate and refine this fire into his Divine Soul, then even if he has an ordinary Spiritual Root, he can ascend to the heavens in one step, advancing to an Extreme Fire Spiritual Root, or even a Fire Dao Spiritual Root, and his Cultivation will progress by leaps and bounds from then on.
However, integrating Heavenly Fire into oneself is extremely dangerous…”
…
Xuanling Venerable spoke endlessly, detailing the characteristics of Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire to Li Mu.
Hearing the name Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire, Li Mu couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy.
This type of Heavenly Fire could actually boost Cultivation, which was undoubtedly good news for him, possessing the Five Elements Dao Body.
However, for Li Mu, the primary function of Heavenly Fire was still Artifact Refining, used for advancing the Heaven Rank Artifact Refining method—the Eightfold Heavenly Fire Tempering Method.
As Xuanling Venerable spoke of the Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes, and unbearable memories surged in his mind.
Xuanling Venerable gritted his teeth and continued, looking at Li Mu: “This time, the Ten Thousand Ghost Demonic Venerable, Howling Heaven Demonic Venerable, and Tianjue Demonic Venerable from the Nine Demon Sect, along with three six-tier demonic beasts, launched a surprise attack on our Hundred Refinements Sect.
They colluded with internal traitors and destroyed our Sect’s mountain-protecting formation…”
“Knowing that the tide had turned, we scattered and fled… The Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire was on Venerable Ziyu’s person, and he must have fallen; the Heavenly Fire was also obtained by Tianjue Demonic Venerable.
However, the Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire was inscribed by our Sect with an extremely subtle tracking Spell—the Spirit Planting Art—planted within the soul of the Heavenly Fire, which even a Void Refining Cultivator cannot detect.”
“As for the Magical Artifact for tracking the Heavenly Fire, it is a four-tier Spiritual Artifact, a matching Divine Soul tracking disk.
When I fought the Ten Thousand Ghost Demonic Venerable, knowing I had no chance of survival, I hid this Magical Artifact somewhere outside the Sect.
If you help me refine a six-tier spirit treasure, I can go with you to retrieve this Magical Artifact and help you seize the Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire.” Xuanling Venerable explained in detail to Li Mu and proposed.
After hearing the other party’s request, Li Mu nodded without hesitation.
The other party’s objective was simple: to help him find the Purple Rhythm Heavenly Fire, and more so, to avenge the Nine Demon Sect members they killed!
“Senior, helping you refine a six-tier spirit treasure is naturally not a problem, however, six-tier Artifact Refining Materials are scarce and valuable, this…” Li Mu looked at Xuanling Venerable, who was only a remnant, and said awkwardly.
“This naturally won’t make things difficult for Little Friend Li; the Hundred Refinements Sect’s assets weren’t entirely seized by the Nine Demon Sect.
I will prepare the Artifact Refining Materials myself!” Xuanling Venerable waved his hand, interrupting Li Mu’s words.
“Alright then! Senior, once you gather the Materials, I will help you with the Artifact Refining!
I won’t disturb your recuperation any further!” Li Mu nodded and bid farewell to Xuanling Venerable.
“Xuan Ling, you should rest and recover well!” Venerable Lei Hong followed suit and bid farewell to Xuanling Venerable.
Xuanling Venerable nodded, watching Li Mu and Venerable Lei Hong leave together.
…
Back at the spiritual dwelling, Tian Shang Honored One and Kun Ling Honored One were still chatting and reminiscing with Qingwei Venerable.
On the table, delicious food and spiritual wine emitted enticing aromas.
Venerable Lei Hong, his face beaming with joy, enthusiastically pulled Li Mu to the table and announced the news of his ability to refine six-tier spirit treasures to everyone.
“What? Little Friend Li, you can already refine six-tier spirit treasures?” Even Tian Shang Honored One, a person usually so composed and calm, upon hearing this shocking news, couldn’t help but tremble, spilling some of the spiritual wine from his cup.
Qingwei Venerable and Kun Ling Honored One were dumbfounded, looking at Li Mu in disbelief, unable to trust their ears.
In the Cultivation world, six-tier spirit treasures were extremely precious treasures, and the Artifact Refiners capable of refining them were as rare as Phoenix feathers and Qilin horns.
They were either Grand Elders of major immortal Sects or reclusive masters, whose identities were incredibly noble.
However, Li Mu, with his mere Middle Stage Nascent Soul Cultivation, had reached a level they all had to look up to.
This news was truly astounding!
…
Seeing the shocked and dumbfounded expressions of the Seniors, Li Mu couldn't help but feel a tingling scalp.
He could only brace himself and respond with a smile: “This retreat’s Epiphany benefited me greatly, and incidentally, I broke through the Artifact Refining bottleneck.
The success rate for refining six-tier spirit treasures isn’t very high.”
“Another Epiphany?” Kun Ling Honored One and Tian Shang Honored One exchanged glances, their faces showing peculiar expressions.
They suspected that Li Mu had obtained some special Opportunity, but it was inconvenient to make it public!
It took them a while to digest this shocking news, and they quickly adjusted their mindsets and their attitudes toward Li Mu.
A Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner, wherever he went, would be highly respected and eagerly courted by various powers.
Their ability to forge a friendship with Li Mu was simply a stroke of immense fortune.
The early bird catches the worm; in the future, when refining six-tier spirit treasures, they wouldn't have to worry about finding a Grandmaster Refiner anymore!
Qingwei Venerable and Venerable Lei Hong were ecstatic.
Li Mu’s advancement to a Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner was not unrelated to their gift of Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire; there was an element of a gamble involved.
However, they had never imagined that this day would come so soon.
Everyone excitedly pulled out high-tier spiritual items to gift to Li Mu, celebrating this monumental good news and taking the Opportunity to strengthen their relationship, their intentions clear.
Li Mu, unable to refuse, could only accept with a smile.
Seeing Li Mu accept his congratulatory gift, Revered Qing Wei struck while the iron was hot, saying with a smile: “Little Friend Li, I have an impolite request that I’d like your help with.
I’ve just broken through to Void Refining, and five-tier Spiritual Artifacts are no longer suitable for me.”
Hearing Revered Qing Wei say this, Li Mu knew what the other party wanted him to do!
Li Mu interrupted with a smile: “Senior, I know what you mean.
Just tell me what Spirit Treasure you want to refine, and it’s best if you can gather all the Artifact Refining Materials first.
Refining a six-tier spirit treasure is quite difficult, and the failure rate is rather high, so it’s best to prepare more six-tier Spiritual Root Materials.
If you want to refine a Spirit Treasure of even better quality, it’s best to try and collect a seven-tier spiritual Material.”
Qingwei Venerable hadn’t expected Li Mu to guess his intention before he even spoke and agree directly, which made him genuinely grateful.
“I know! I know, I’ll immediately have someone prepare them!” Qingwei Venerable nodded happily.
“Little Friend Li, I also want to refine a six-tier spirit treasure!” Kun Ling Honored One looked at Li Mu, grinning as he pleaded.
“Naturally, no problem.
Once Senior has the Materials ready, I’ll help you refine it, but it won’t be free, you know!” Li Mu smiled cheerfully, saying playfully.
“Haha, that’s natural.
Once this trip is over, I’ll go collect the spiritual Materials!” Kun Ling Honored One said somewhat impatiently.
“This old man also has a request; I’ll have to trouble Little Friend Li!” Tian Shang Honored One looked at Li Mu with a face full of joy.
Li Mu smiled and nodded, accepting all comers.
For clients who wish to refine six-tier spirit treasures, the more the merrier.
Firstly, he could earn a considerable Artifact Refining fee; secondly, it was beneficial for improving his Artifact Refining skills; and thirdly, refining each six-tier spirit treasure also brought improvements to his Cultivation and Primordial Spirit… killing several birds with one stone.
Currently, Li Mu had other itineraries and wouldn't stay in Yu Ling Sect for too long.
Qingwei Venerable and Venerable Lei Hong seized this Opportunity, emptying the Sect’s warehouse and issuing high-tier spiritual Material bounties to their Disciples, collecting six-tier Artifact Refining spiritual Materials at extremely generous prices and Sect contributions.
Soon, a large quantity of six-tier spiritual Materials gathered in Venerable Lei Hong’s hands, and he transferred them to Li Mu.
“Little Friend Li, here are all the six-tier spiritual Materials of our Yu Ling Sect.
I trouble you!” Venerable Lei Hong looked at Li Mu and entrusted him.
Li Mu took the storage ring, and with a sweep of his Divine Sense, he found a considerable amount of fire and earth six-tier Artifact Refining Materials, as well as many thunder-attributed six-tier Artifact Refining spiritual Materials.
All the six-tier spiritual Materials combined, with his Artifact Refining skills, refining seven or eight six-tier spirit treasures was well within his capabilities, a truly substantial quantity.
“Lei Sect Master, Senior Qing, thank you for your trust.
I will do my utmost to complete this Artifact Refining!” Li Mu put away the storage ring, looking at Qingwei Venerable and Venerable Lei Hong, and solemnly promised.
Venerable Lei Hong and Revered Qing Wei both nodded and respectfully saw Li Mu off.
“Little Friend Li, please be careful on this trip.
If you need anything, just crush my scale token, and I will arrive immediately within a thousand miles.” The Seventh-Order True Spirit - Azure Thunder Beast of Purple Firmament walked through the air, watching Li Mu leave, not forgetting to instruct him.
“Understood! I’ve noted it down! Beast God, two Seniors, no need to see me off anymore!” Li Mu nodded cheerfully, responding.
Tian Shang Honored One took a sip of wine, then stood up and interrupted: “Little Friend Li, we will take good care of him.
There will be plenty of time in the future to catch up.
Kun Ling’s matter is of utmost importance, so we won’t stay any longer!”
Having said that, Tian Shang Honored One released the tianyun spirit ship, activated its power formation, and flew onto the ship with Li Mu and Kun Ling Honored One.
Soon, under the watchful eyes of the Yu Ling Sect’s high-ranking officials, the tianyun spirit ship transformed into a streak of white cloud and light, vanishing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.
On the other side, a vast and enormous spirit ship of the Loose Cultivator Alliance hovered in the air.
Venerable Tianyin, Venerable Linhai, and Fire Tian Venerable, these three Soul Transformation powerhouses, flew to the front of the spirit ship, waiting respectfully for the appearance of the important figures.
Suddenly, two streaks of light flashed and appeared before them.
Venerable Fallenwood’s gaze coldly swept over Venerable Tianyin and the other two, his eyes carrying a hint of indifference.
Honorable Being Ji Yun revealed an extremely beautiful smile, introducing: “Three Fellow Daoists, hello.
This is our Ji Family’s Grand Elder, Master Fallenwood.”
Venerable Tianyin and the other two sensed Venerable Fallenwood’s disdain for them, but whether in terms of strength or influence, they were far inferior to the Ji Family, so the other party’s disdain was only natural.
“Tianyin, greetings Senior!” Venerable Tianyin was the first to bow in greeting.
“Greetings Senior!”
Venerable Linhai and Fire Tian Venerable quickly greeted in unison.
Venerable Fallenwood nodded slightly, his expression cold.
He glanced at the three of them, then urged Honorable Being Ji Yun: “Stop wasting words; let’s immediately set off for the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range!”
Venerable Tianyin and the other two exchanged glances, a hint of displeasure flashing in their eyes.
They were prominent figures in the Southern Spirit Great Wilderness, but now the other party was treating them like grandchildren, which made them very uncomfortable.
Honorable Being Ji Yun was very skilled at handling people; she smiled at Venerable Tianyin and the other two, whispering: “Three Fellow Daoists, I’m truly sorry.
Elder Fallenwood has a rather cold personality and dislikes socializing, so please don’t take offense!”
Venerable Tianyin and the other two were not fools; they naturally knew what kind of person Honorable Being Ji Yun was—nothing more than a smiling tiger.
The three of them each had their own objectives, some for the Cave Heaven Spirit Treasure, others to reclaim what they needed, and they had come together because of a common enemy.
Even if they were dissatisfied with the other party’s attitude, they dared not show it.
“It’s nothing; we should rather thank Fellow Daoist for providing the information, letting us know where the enemy who killed my brother is!” Venerable Tianyin showed a half-smile, expressing his gratitude.
Seeing the other party so understanding, Honorable Being Ji Yun was very pleased.
Immediately, she invited Venerable Tianyin and the others to board the spirit ship together.
After the three boarded the ship, they were arranged to rest in a room at the stern.
Inside the room, the formation that blocked Divine Sense prying was activated.
“Both of you, it seems this trip, we are going to be cannon fodder for them.” Venerable Tianyin sat cross-legged on the bed and immediately transmitted a message to the two.
Fire Tian Venerable’s face was grim, and he transmitted back: “Brother Tianyin’s thoughts coincide with mine.
With such a formation, the Ji Family’s intentions are not small!”
“Brother Fire Tian, in this operation, the three of us must work together wholeheartedly.
This Ji Family probably doesn’t have good intentions!” Venerable Tianyin then reminded them.
“No matter what, let’s kill that bastard first.
This time, even Void Refining realm powerhouses have been dispatched, so things are definitely not as simple as they seem.” Venerable Linhai, for once clear-headed, frowned directly into a deep furrow.
Venerable Tianyin took out his guqin and gently plucked its strings, a melodious sound rippling out: “The boat will naturally straighten when it reaches the bridge.
If the situation truly goes awry, do not linger in battle; preserving your life is paramount!”
“Hmph, no matter what, this time I will kill that thief who stole my treasure, and I will flay him alive.” Fire Tian Venerable’s eyes gleamed with ferocity, speaking with resolve.
Venerable Tianyin and Venerable Linhai exchanged glances, holding the same thought in their eyes.
