The four scenes, like thorns, pierced Li Mu's heart, making it difficult for him to let go for a long time.
Not only Human Race Cultivators, but Yao Race also suffered in this catastrophe. Now, is this a premonition? Li Mu frowned, his mood becoming heavy.
"Master Li, it was a bit presumptuous to ask you to accept this request, but Xue'er has excellent Aptitude, the potential of an ancestor, she is clever and skillful, and understanding. Having her follow you will not only allow her to serve you at all times, but if there's ever a need for her in the future, you can command her as you wish," Senior Jin Ling restrained her sorrow, looking at Li Mu with a smile as she recommended her.
Li Mu, at such a young age, had already achieved Nascent Soul Breakthrough, and was even a Great Master of Alchemy capable of refining six-tier Spirit Pills. He must be backed by a great immortal sect, and his origins must be extraordinary.
Now, the Snow Fox Clan was in crisis. With such a strong backing right in front of them, when else would be a better time to hold on tightly? Moreover, Xue'er was not happy staying in the clan, so it was only natural to send her out to embrace this powerful support.
If Xue'er were to stay by her side, firstly, if something truly happened to the Snow Fox Clan, she might not be able to take care of her. Secondly, a daughter grown up will not stay, forcing her to stay might lead to resentment in the future. Thirdly, letting Xue'er follow Li Mu might, in the future, allow the Snow Fox Clan a glimmer of hope on Xue'er's Face.
Killing several birds with one stone!
Fearing that Li Mu would not agree, Senior Jin Ling even took out her treasured heavy treasure.
"Master Li, thank you for all this trouble. Please accept this gift with a smile. Xue'er will be entrusted to your care from now on!" Senior Jin Ling said solemnly, holding the jade box in both hands and presenting it to Li Mu.
"This, alright!"
Li Mu thought for a moment, then awkwardly reached out and took the jade box.
Sending Xue'er back from thousands of miles away, resolving the previous hidden dangers, and fulfilling his promise to Xue'er, he didn't expect the little Snow Fox to be so clingy, circling back to his side. Li Mu could only believe in such a thing as having a predestined relationship with her!
The jade box had not yet been opened, and the Qi and Spiritual Qi were sealed within. However, under the Heavenly Talent, Li Mu learned the specific attributes of the jade box and was immediately curious about what kind of valuable treasure was contained within, so much so that it required a Rank 4 Spiritual Artifact refined primarily from Rank 4 Spirit Materials - Spirit-Isolating Jade.
Rank 4 Spirit Material - Spirit-Isolating Jade, colorless and odorless, extremely pure, incredibly hard, and capable of isolating Spiritual Qi and nurturing. It is precisely these characteristics that lead to its frequent use in refining storage Spiritual Artifacts for storing and preserving valuable Spirit Objects.
When storage Spiritual Artifacts are refined with this Material, Spirit Objects stored for hundreds or even thousands of years will not have their spirituality or Spiritual Rhyme significantly diminished. It is an extremely excellent and rare Material for refining treasured storage Spiritual Artifacts.
Li Mu possessed many high-Rank Spirit Objects and had considered acquiring some Spirit-Isolating Jade to refine storage Spiritual Artifacts, but he had never had the Opportunity to encounter it.
Now, with the small jade box refined from Spirit-Isolating Jade in his hand, Li Mu was very curious about what valuable treasure was stored inside, but he felt awkward opening it in front of the person who gave the gift.
Senior Jin Ling was an old Snow Fox who had lived for thousands of years. She saw through Li Mu's expression at a glance and said with a smile, "Master Li, open it and take a look. See if this treasure is suitable for you. If you are satisfied, I hope that for the sake of this treasure, you will take good care of Xue'er for me."
"Lord Li, this gift was meticulously prepared by the Clan Chief. I believe it will not disappoint you," Bai Tianya said, looking at Li Mu with envy, his words implying something.
For the future of the Snow Fox Clan, and for Xue'er, the Clan Chief had even given up the Material she had prepared for her own future Dao foundation. This willingness to sacrifice, this intention, was all placed on this young Human Race Cultivator before them.
This was something Bai Tianya never expected when he first encountered Li Mu and tried to attack him.
Seeing that both of them had said so, Li Mu no longer stood on ceremony and opened the jade box with a smile.
As the jade box opened, a white gelatinous substance inside came into view, and an extremely strong, thick, and unyielding earth-elemental Spiritual Qi rushed out. Li Mu's Five Elements Dao Body involuntarily began to circulate, eagerly wanting to absorb it into his body.
This was the first time he had seen such a Spirit Object that could make his Cultivation Technique lose control. Li Mu took a careful look, and the Talent Divine Power - Identify Myriad Spirits immediately obtained all of its attributes.
【earth vein spirit marrow (Earth)】
【Rank: Rank 7 Mineral Spirit】
【Characteristics: Origin of Spiritual Vein, Embryo of Earth Spirit, Reassembling Spiritual Veins, Essence of the Earth, Gathering Spiritual Qi from all directions, Forming its own Earth Domain.】
【Status: Marrow Spirit dormant, Spiritual Qi not manifest.】
【Rank 7 - earth vein spirit marrow, born from the nurturing of a top-grade great earth Spiritual Vein, contains a vast amount of Spiritual Essence. A hundred drops, its spirituality is not yet formed, dormant for ten thousand years. Consuming one drop can thoroughly transform the body, changing the Spiritual Root attribute. For the same earth-elemental Spiritual Root, it will elevate the Spiritual Root's Rank. It is a top-grade Material for Transformation God cultivators to forge their Dao foundation, refine earth-elemental Spirit Treasures, and refine earth-elemental Pills.】
With a quick glance, he learned all the attributes of the treasure. A hint of shock flashed in Li Mu's eyes. He quickly re-covered the Spirit-Isolating Jade box, looking at Senior Jin Ling in shock, a mix of surprise and joy.
"How is it? Master Li, do you like the treasure in the box?" Seeing Li Mu's surprised expression, Senior Jin Ling smiled contentedly, asking with a laugh.
"Senior, this item is extremely valuable, and it should be very precious to you as well. Are you truly going to give it to me?" Li Mu asked with concern, unable to believe that she would be willing to give him such a valuable Dao-building item.
Rank 7 Spirit Objects, even for Soul Transformation Cultivators, are rare treasures. Comprehending the Dao within them, refining them, shaping Soul Transformation Clones, and transforming Void into reality are the only ways to glimpse the Great Dao.
This Rank 7 Spirit Object, the earth vein spirit marrow, perfectly matched Senior Jin Ling's Spiritual Root attribute. Bai Tianya's statement that this item was prepared by her for her own Dao foundation was not an exaggeration.
Such a valuable Spirit Object was also extremely rare for Li Mu. Using it to refine Rank 6 Spirit Treasures or Spirit Pills would be somewhat wasteful. The Painting World Treasure Mansion was currently undergoing an upgrade. Using this earth vein spirit marrow would definitely greatly increase its advancement speed and success rate, or he could save it to use as a Dao-building item after advancing to Soul Transformation, which would certainly not be a waste.
"Hehe, I can't use it anymore. My Primordial Spirit is afflicted by a strange Devilish Qi, and it's impossible for me to Breakthrough again!" Senior Jin Ling gave a self-deprecating smile, her expression a little dejected.
"Giving this item to Master Li, firstly, I hope Master Li can advance further as soon as possible, to see if he can refine higher-Rank Spirit Pills within my lifetime to help me remove the Devilish Qi from my body. Secondly, I hope Master Li can, for the sake of this treasure, take good care of Xue'er on my behalf!" After a pause, Senior Jin Ling looked at Li Mu expectantly, explaining.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu immediately understood and was moved. A mother's love for her daughter would always plan far ahead. Senior Jin Ling, for Xue'er's future, did not hesitate to bestow him with a heavy treasure, sacrificing her own potential for further Cultivation. This intention was truly rare.
Regarding the predicament Senior Jin Ling faced, Li Mu thought seriously for a moment. It was not impossible for his Alchemy skill to advance further within her lifetime, but the Spirit Medicine required to refine Rank 7 Spirit Pills might not be so easy to collect, which could be a problem.
"Senior Bai, this treasure is invaluable and has important uses for me. I will shamelessly accept it. For the few things you requested, I will definitely do my best to help Xue'er achieve success as soon as possible. As for refining the Devilish Qi-removing Spirit Pill, it will probably take a hundred years." Li Mu estimated the time, looking at Senior Jin Ling and solemnly promising.
Upon hearing this, Senior Jin Ling was overjoyed. To have Li Mu agree to help the Snow Fox Clan refine high-Rank Spirit Pills and Spiritual Artifacts, and lead Xue'er's growth, was already a huge gain. She hadn't expected him to agree immediately to help her refine high-Rank Spirit Pills to remove Devilish Qi within a hundred years.
"Master Li, are you confident in refining a Rank 7 Spirit Pill in a hundred years?" Bai Tianya looked at Li Mu in shock, asking incredulously.
Among the hundreds of Cultivation arts, each skill is extremely difficult to master, let alone the leap to each higher Rank after breaking through Rank 5 and Rank 6, which requires great Luck and great Opportunity.
If it weren't for Li Mu already being a Rank 6 Great Master of Alchemy, his confident tone would only be a ridiculous joke that would make others laugh.
A mere hundred years! From Rank 6 to Rank 7, what a terrifying number is that? Even Saint of immortal sects, or unparalleled Prodigies, wouldn't dare to think like that, right? If he were to achieve this, how would those Great Masters of immortal sects who have been stuck at the Alchemy Great Master Realm for hundreds or thousands of years feel!
"A hundred years, Master Li, do you have this confidence?" Upon hearing this, Senior Jin Ling also realized something and asked in surprise.
"I do! Senior Bai, the Devilish Qi in your Primordial Spirit is difficult to suppress. It might be challenging to endure for a hundred years. How about finding a Spirit Fire and refining it? High-Rank Spirit Fires naturally counter Yin demons. Although their power is not as great as Heavenly Fire, they can help you suppress the Devilish Qi, and enduring for a hundred years won't be a problem," Li Mu smiled confidently, suggesting to Senior Jin Ling.
Upon hearing this, Senior Jin Ling's eyes lit up, and she quickly thanked Li Mu gratefully: "Thank you, Great Master, for your guidance. I was just worried about how to spend these hundred years! If I find and refine a Spirit Fire, then I will patiently wait for a hundred years for Master Li to Breakthrough his Alchemy skill!"
"Haha! That's easy to say!" Li Mu chuckled, then his expression became somewhat heavy as he said, "Senior Bai, I am confident in advancing my Alchemy skill by another level within a hundred years. However, to refine a Rank 7 Spirit Pill, it might not be easy to gather all the required Spirit Medicine. You must be mentally prepared!"
Alchemy and Artifact Refining had already reached Rank 6 Perfection and could not be upgraded to Rank 7. One of the reasons was insufficient Cultivation. Refining Rank 7 Spirit Pills and Rank 7 Spiritual Artifacts required comprehending Dao, condensing Primordial Spirit power into Soul Transformation Divine Power, and reaching the Soul Transformation Realm.
The Soul Transformation Realm was the minimum requirement for Artifact Refining, Alchemy, and other hundreds of arts. Spirit Pills and Spiritual Artifacts of this Rank possessed Dao power, thus called Dao Pills and Dao Artifacts.
Another reason was insufficient spirituality, which also prevented further point allocation for improvement.
The amount of spirituality gained from consuming Nine Yin Spirit Grass and Nine Yang Spirit Grass was just barely enough to raise his Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and many other hundred arts skills to Rank 6. Rank 7 and above still required a large amount of spirituality.
However, Li Mu was confident in overcoming both of these problems within a hundred years.
To improve his Cultivation, he only needed to plant another batch of Rank 4 Five Elements Spirit Plants and Yin and Yang Spirit Plants. The plant spirit attributes obtained would allow him to continue improving his Cultivation and Breakthrough from Nascent Soul to Soul Transformation Realm.
Rank 6 Nine Yang Spirit Grass and Nine Yin Spirit Grass were also very easy to resolve. With the Breakthrough of Artifact Refining and Alchemy skills, the Rank 6 Spirit Treasures and Rank 6 Spirit Pills refined by Li Mu were rare items in short supply. The trading partners he interacted with had all advanced by one Realm, from Venerable Deity Transformation to Void Refining Venerable.
They treated him with utmost respect, almost worshiping him. If he needed any high-Rank Spiritual Plants, he only needed to propose the trading conditions, and almost all non-scarce Spirit Objects could be satisfied.
It was precisely because of this that Li Mu was so confident. If nothing unexpected happened, within a hundred years, he would be able to advance further, Breakthrough to the Soul Transformation Realm, and become a Rank 7 Dao Artifact Master and Dao Pill Master.
However, even if he could Breakthrough to Soul Transformation and become a Dao Pill Master within a hundred years, the Rank 7 Spirit Medicine required to refine Rank 7 Spirit Pills might not be something Senior Jin Ling, or even the entire Snow Fox Clan, could provide!
The smile on Senior Jin Ling's Face froze, and she replied with a bitter smile, "Master Li, I understand that. We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate!"
"Master Li, which Rank 7 Spirit Pill can completely remove the Devilish Qi from the Clan Chief's body, and which Spirit Medicine should we collect?" Bai Tianya looked at Li Mu, asking inquisitively.
It was rare to have hope of helping Senior Jin Ling remove the Devilish Qi from her body, so Bai Tianya resolutely decided to do his best.
Senior Jin Ling also looked at Li Mu nervously. It concerned her own life, and even if there was only a glimmer of hope, she longed to know which Rank 7 Spirit Medicine she needed to gather.
Meeting their gazes, Li Mu gave a bitter smile and replied, "I really don't know about that. The number of Pill Formulas for Rank 7 Dao Pills is scarce. I need to specifically collect some before I can know the Spirit Medicine required."
Li Mu could refine many Rank 6 Spirit Pills. After upgrading his Rank 6 Alchemy, he specifically purchased them from Return to Heaven Pavilion, or obtained them from Wanbao Pavilion or through trades with Venerable Deity Transformation Cultivators, spending a considerable price.
If he were to specifically collect Rank 7 Pill Formulas to remove the Devilish Qi from Senior Jin Ling's body, it would likely cost an even greater price and effort.
Upon hearing this, Senior Jin Ling's Face showed disappointment. She had thought that Li Mu, backed by an 'Immortal Sect', already had some understanding of Rank 7 Pill Formulas!
If he still had to specifically collect the corresponding demon-removing Pill Formulas, the cost would probably be even greater than finding the relevant Rank 7 Spirit Medicine.
It seemed that the Rank 7 Devilish Qi-removing Spirit Pill a hundred years from now was just a beautiful idea!
Senior Jin Ling smiled bitterly, just about to say something to give up, when Li Mu's expression became solemn, and he suddenly said, "Senior Bai, please rest assured, I will find a way to find the Pill Formula. I will do everything possible to refine this type of Devilish Qi-removing Spirit Pill. Currently, the Demonic Technique cultivated by that demonic Cultivator is extremely extraordinary, but their target is not just you. Their subsequent schemes and goals might be even greater, and we must guard against them!"
"Therefore, removing the Devilish Qi is not just about solving your problem, but a major matter that concerns the leaders of all races and the Human Race!" Li Mu looked at Senior Jin Ling and Bai Tianya, saying solemnly.
Upon hearing this, Senior Jin Ling and Bai Tianya exchanged glances. After Li Mu's reminder, they both felt the seriousness of the situation.
"Indeed! If this Devilish Qi is allowed to run rampant, within a few years, the various races in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range will fall into great chaos. At that time, the Human Race, living in a corner, will probably not fare much better," Bai Tianya nodded solemnly, responding affirmatively.
"Therefore, I plan to leave as soon as possible and return to the Human Race city domain to report this matter to the Immortal Sect. Seniors, when the time comes, you can send the Alchemy Spirit Medicine and Artifact Refining Materials to Yin Yang Valley next to Ancient Desolate Mountain!" Li Mu looked at Senior Jin Ling and Bai Tianya, proposing his departure.
"Ancient Desolate Mountain, Yin Yang Valley, alright. I will personally escort the Spirit Materials to that valley to find you," Bai Tianya nodded understandingly.
"Master Li, the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range is extremely dangerous. I'll have someone escort you!" Senior Jin Ling quickly suggested.
"Senior Bai, that's not necessary! I have a Dragon partner. With its escort, there will be no problems," Li Mu smiled slightly, gently declining.
"Alright! Master Li, could you leave tomorrow? I want to have a good talk with Xue'er," Senior Jin Ling forced a smile, trying to persuade him to stay.
"Okay!" Li Mu smiled helplessly, nodding in agreement.
Soon, Senior Jin Ling, as if in a hurry, bid farewell to him with Bai Tianya and left in a rush.
Watching the two Snow Foxes leave, Li Mu solemnly placed the jade box containing the Rank 7 - earth vein spirit marrow into his storage compartment. He would decide later whether to use it for the upgrade of the Painting World Treasure Mansion or save it for comprehending Dao and refining Soul Transformation Realm Dao Spirit Clones in the future.
After putting away the Rank 7 - earth vein spirit marrow, Li Mu looked at the black broken wood in his storage compartment, one of the three treasures obtained from the Fox Clan's treasure vault, and couldn't help but have some Artifact Refining ideas.
