Seeing that the matter was almost settled, Li Mu had agreed to his invitation.
Hu Elder finally stood up and said, “Then I will first take this good news back to the Sect. If Master Li has any needs for Artifact Refining, please speak directly. I will do my best to assist you if I can.”
Li Mu quickly stood up to see him off, saying, “Thank you, Hu Elder.”
After seeing Hu Elder off, Li Mu came to the Spirit Field. Looking at the purple jade spirit plants and Yin Soul Fruit seedlings in the Spirit Field, which would still need about twenty Years to mature, he sighed heavily with a heavy heart.
Since the Taiyi Sect Elder could find Yin Yang Valley, more forces would definitely visit later.
Yin Yang Valley was no longer hidden. This batch of spirit plants was hard to come by, and whether his Cultivation could Breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm depended on them. If it weren't absolutely necessary, Li Mu truly didn't want to give up this batch of spirit plants.
But if it truly came to a moment of life and death, he would still have to abandon the car to protect the general. If a person was alive, anything was possible, and he must not be a miser.
After setting a few boundaries in his heart for when he must abandon the spirit plants and retreat, Li Mu then returned to Yin Yang Valley, preparing to digest the Artifact Refining insights gifted by Hu Elder.
Time flew by, and another month passed.
While Li Mu was studying the Artifact Refining insights, he spent more time on the Spiritual Vessels Refining of the Earth Element Spirit Ship. Finally, he carved the core of the Earth Element Formation on the seven-rank spiritual Material - luo fu yuan magnetic, completing the Artifact Refining of the entire Six-Tier Spiritual Vessels.
In the Painting World Treasure Mansion space, Li Mu summoned all the refined Spiritual Vessels Materials, which floated in the air. He cast Daoist Magic one after another, activating the spirit patterns of the ship body parts.
Li Mu took out a massive amount of High-Grade Spirit Stone without regard for cost. With a burst of spiritual power, it transformed into a torrent of spiritual power, surging into the Formation eye—the Earth Element Formation eye refined from the seven-rank spiritual Material - luo fu yuan magnetic.
Immediately, the luo fu yuan magnetic, inscribed with countless powerful spirit patterns, suddenly erupted with powerful Formation pattern Spiritual Pressure. Subsequently, hundreds of ship body Materials were attracted and gathered by the powerful Earth Element Formation patterns, assembling precisely like building blocks, joining together.
“Clang, clang, clang…!”
One by one, the Spiritual Vessels spiritual Materials instantly combined into a Formation, transforming in a blink of an eye into a giant ship-shaped object, floating in the air, radiating spiritual light, and releasing powerful Earth Element Spiritual Pressure.
It's done!
The Six-Tier Spiritual Vessels has been refined!
Li Mu's eyes were blurry, and his face was full of joy. Under his Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, the attributes of the Spiritual Vessels appeared before his eyes.
【Unnamed】
【Grade: Six-Tier Medium Spiritual Vessels】
【Characteristics: Great Earth Element Magnetic, Primordial Magnetic Shield, Primordial Magnetic Spirit Cannon, Magnetic Element Space, Primordial Magnetic Myriad Jun, Instant Magnetic Shadow, Primordial Magnetic Extraction.】
【Status: Spiritual Vessels newly born, ship spirit awaiting nurturing】
【A Primordial Magnetic Spiritual Vessels refined with seven-rank - luo fu yuan magnetic as the core, Six-Tier - Earth Element Gold Crystal, Six-Tier - Beast Subduing Exuviae, Five-Tier - star wood, ..., and other High Grade spiritual Materials. The ship body is 23.7 zhang long, 3.2 zhang wide, and 2.1 zhang high. The luo fu yuan magnetic naturally comes with a magnetic field. This ship can travel by magnetic force, consuming less energy, silently, with a maximum daily speed of 300,000 Li.】
“Hahaha! This is great! With this Spiritual Vessels for self-preservation! I can go anywhere!”
After looking at the detailed attributes of the Spiritual Vessels, Li Mu laughed happily and then named it Earth Element Spirit Ship.
Li Mu's Divine Thought attached to the Formation eye of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, branding his Divine Soul to refine it.
After all this, Li Mu eagerly left the Painting World Treasure Mansion, preparing to take care of the purple jade ganoderma and Yin Soul Fruit. During this period, he had been busy refining the Spiritual Vessels and had somewhat neglected them.
However, as soon as Li Mu walked out of the Artifact Refining Room, what met his eyes was Xue'er's anxious report.
“Lord Li, something’s wrong. Someone is breaking into the Formation outside! It’s been several days!”
“I know, there’s no need to panic!” Li Mu said indifferently, instead reassuring her with a smile.
The grand Formation he had set up in Yin Yang Valley, utilizing the terrain of Yin Yang Valley, was the Yin Yang Chaotic Heaven Formation, plus the Five Elements Protection Formation, Eight Extremes Mist Formation, and so on. It was a complex series of nested and linked Formations! Even a Void Refining Realm Cultivator would be trapped if they entered the Formation and wouldn't be able to break it easily.
Moreover, in the Painting World Treasure Mansion, Li Mu had already learned everything happening outside through the monitoring Puppets scattered outside the Formation.
There were only three Nascent Divinity Demon Lords attempting to break the Formation. They must be remnants of the Nine Demon Sect. Li Mu wasn't too worried. Even if they broke the first Yin Yang Chaotic Heaven Formation, the Six-Tier Earth Element Spirit Ship was already refined, so escaping would still be very easy.
“I hope the two spirit plants are fine!”
Thinking of this, Li Mu immediately rushed to the Spirit Field to check the status of the purple jade ganoderma and Yin Soul Fruit.
Seeing Li Mu so relaxed, Xue'er couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her small face as she followed him to inspect the Spirit Field.
However, with three powerful Cultivators outside the Formation, eyeing them menacingly, Xue'er still felt somewhat uneasy.
“Lord Li, those three outside are breaking the Formation. Are you really not worried at all? What if…” Xue'er looked at Li Mu, hesitated for a moment, and asked worriedly.
Li Mu chuckled, gently stroked Xue'er's head, and comforted her, “It’s fine, there’s nothing to worry about. They can’t get in. Before long, they’ll have something to cry about.”
Worried? There’s nothing to worry about!
In the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, the Nine Demon Sect might have the right to be arrogant, but Barren Ancient City was close at hand, and the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect allied army was in Barren Ancient City. Before long, it would be their turn to suffer.
What Li Mu didn't know was that during the time he was refining the Spiritual Vessels, the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect allied army had launched an attack on the Nine Demon Sect's ambush location, where the strong Cultivators of the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain were gathered. The Nine Demon Sect was not to be trifled with either, and a great battle erupted between the two sides, with casualties on both sides, some fleeing and some dispersing.
However, the ‘Li Jianxian’ whom the Nine Demon Sect truly wanted to deal with was not drawn out. Instead, they attracted people from the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect.
Following the orders of Wu Tian Demon Ancestor, three Nascent Divinity Demon Lords—Myriad Ghost Demon Lord, Evil Deduction Demon Lord, and Crimson Blood Demon Lord—were forced to sneak into Yin Yang Valley to deal with the ‘culprit.’
“Let’s retreat! The Formation set up in this valley is very profound. Since ‘Li Jianxian’ is cowering and not coming out, I’m afraid we won’t be able to complete Old Ancestor’s order!” Crimson Blood Demon Lord gritted his teeth and suggested.
“No! If this task is not completed, we definitely won’t be able to explain it to Old Ancestor.” Thinking of the punishment for failing the task, Myriad Ghost Demon Lord immediately fearfully rejected it.
Hearing this, Crimson Blood Demon Lord and Evil Deduction Demon Lord's expressions turned cold simultaneously.
“What ‘Li Jianxian’! He’s just a coward!” Evil Deduction Demon Lord looked at the inside of the Spirit Valley and roared like a madman.
...
Responding to Evil Deduction Demon Lord was the strong wind outside Yin Yang Valley. Inside Yin Yang Valley, it still looked calm and serene.
Clearly, Evil Deduction Demon Lord's angry shouts and taunts were all in vain. Li Mu was leisurely sitting in the pavilion, drinking spiritual tea.
“Oh no! Go! Hurry, it’s the Xuantian Sword Sect’s Spiritual Vessels, they’ve come to kill us!” Crimson Blood Demon Lord suddenly discovered something and shouted in panic.
“How could this be? What is the Xuantian Sword Sect doing in this valley!” Evil Deduction Demon Lord also panicked.
The three Nascent Divinity Demon Lords each used their great escape Daoist Magic, transforming into blood shadows and ghost mists, scattering and fleeing.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, nine golden longswords, like piercing rainbows, descended from the sky with thunderous might, catching up to the three Nascent Divinity Demon Lords one after another.
“Nowhere to escape, Xuantian Nine Swords, kill!”
Fang Yunjian arrived through the air, man and sword as one. With a wave of his hand, Sword Qi surged, and cold light overflowed, filling a world with the Dao of Sharp Gold.
Inside Yin Yang Valley, Li Mu's pupils constricted. He was amazed by the incoming person's Sword Intent and sword moves. The other party was clearly using Sword Formation techniques, which bore some resemblance to the Profound Heaven Sword Formation he had learned.
Connecting this with the name of the Sword Formation, Li Mu couldn't help but wonder if the Profound Heaven Sword Formation he learned originated from the Xuantian Sword Sect?
Just as Li Mu was wondering, the white-robed Sword Cultivator effortlessly dealt with the three Nascent Divinity Demon Lords. A pair of sword-like eyes, with a half-smile, met his gaze.
The white-robed Sword Cultivator's robe corner fluttered in the wind, and a slender sword blade hung horizontally behind his waist.
As his white robe danced, one could vaguely see the bold characters embroidered on his brocade clothing: “Xuantian Sword Sect - Executive, Fang Yunjian.”
Embroidering one's name and position on brocade clothing was a clear statement to the Xuantian Sword Sect's enemies: “We, the Xuantian Sword Sect, mark our important members for you. If you have the guts, come and take them.”
After dealing with the three Nascent Divinity Demon Lords of the Nine Demon Sect, the white-robed Sword Cultivator directly flew through the air, heading straight for Yin Yang Valley.
“The visitor means no good!”
Li Mu sighed and got up, preparing to greet him.
Hu Elder of Taiyi Sect had just left not long ago, and it was something Li Mu had long anticipated that people from the Xuantian Sword Sect would visit sooner or later.
Li Mu formed a Daoist Magic seal with his hand, one by one unlocking several Formations.
“Is Master Li within the valley? Fang Yunjian of Xuantian Sword Sect is visiting!”
Seeing all the Formations unlocked, Fang Yunjian smiled slightly and flew into the Spirit Valley. He smiled as he introduced himself to Li Mu, saying in surprise, “I didn’t expect Master Li to not only be skilled in Artifact Refining but also quite proficient in Formation techniques!”
“I heard you also have the title ‘Li Jianxian.’ Such Talent is indeed extraordinary. Now, on behalf of the Xuantian Sword Sect, I formally extend an invitation to you.”
“Join my Xuantian Sword Sect. The Elders have discussed and decided to grant you the position of Hall Master. What do you think, Master Li?”
Before Li Mu could respond, Fang Yunjian, full of confidence, continued speaking voluminously.
Such assertiveness left Li Mu speechless.
Was this the confidence of the Central Continent’s top Sect? Compared to Taiyi Sect, this was not an invitation at all; it was clearly a notification!
Not to mention the difference in treatment between the two sides!
Taiyi Sect promised him the position of Guest Elder, requiring no duties while still enjoying Sect treatment.
However, Xuantian Sword Sect offered the position of Hall Master, which meant Li Mu would at least need to fulfill the duties of a Hall Master, and only the remaining time would be his own.
It was only because Xuantian Sword Sect was powerful; if it were any other Sect making such an invitation, it would be rare for anyone to join.
Li Mu gave a light cough. "Senior Fang, I appreciate your Sect's kind intentions! I'm afraid I cannot join your Sect."
"Hm!"
Fang Yunjian's sword-like eyes narrowed, looking at Li Mu in surprise, never expecting his invitation to be rejected.
This was the first time he had ever been rejected.
Xuantian Sword Sect was the largest Sect in Central Province, capable of providing resources far exceeding any other force. Even a reclusive Genius yearned to enter it.
Under this premise, Xuantian Sword Sect's invitations to other Cultivators were naturally more than just a formality.
It was more like a notification: You have been chosen by my Xuantian Sword Sect.
Even so, no one had ever refused.
Li Mu was the first person Executive Fang had ever encountered who refused.
Recalling the Sect Master's instructions, Fang Yunjian immediately felt a surge of murderous intent.
In the Central Province Spirit Domain, while Xuantian Sword Sect's combat power was unparalleled and held the top position, it also faced immense challenges. If an outstanding talent like Li Mu did not join Xuantian Sword Sect, they would have to be relentlessly suppressed.
"Are you really not joining?"
"Every year, at least a hundred thousand Cultivators sign up for my Xuantian Sword Sect, but only ten can join Xuantian Sword Sect."
"Moreover, those who enter Xuantian Sword Sect must start as Utility Disciples, while you would directly be a Hall Master."
"Are you dissatisfied with the treatment?"
Fang Yunjian stared at Li Mu, asking in a deep voice.
Li Mu quickly shook his head: "No!"
Executive Fang frowned slightly: "Then why?"
Before Li Mu could answer, Elder Hu, who arrived late, burst into laughter, shrinking the ground into inches. As his laughter arrived, he was already seated.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the pavilion dropped to freezing point.
"Elder Hu, why are you here?" Fang Yunjian stared at Hu Yiming, getting straight to the point with his question.
"Executive Fang, don't pressure Master Li anymore. Master Li has already agreed to my invitation to join Taiyi Sect."
"He will be the third Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner of my Taiyi Sect, and also a Guest Elder of my Taiyi Sect."
"Your Xuantian Sword Sect already has enough Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiners, don't you? You don't lack Master Li, do you!"
Executive Fang's sword-like brows furrowed tightly, and he immediately understood the Sect Master's command even more. Staring at Hu Yiming, murderous intent surged.
A Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner, there was only one such person, Li Mu, in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, showing how rare he was!
Even with the resources of the Central Province Spirit Domain, the number of capable Six-Tier Artifact Refiners was no more than a handful, and those willing to serve a Sect were even fewer.
Xuantian Sword Sect's Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner passed away a hundred Years ago, and no one has filled that vacancy since. This was precisely Xuantian Sword Sect's pain point.
The two Sects had been secretly contending for a long time, and today's verbal battle would clearly not be so easy.
Li Mu quickly got up and called out to Xue'er, who was watching the show.
"Xue'er, why aren't you serving Spiritual Tea to the two Seniors?"
Xue'er secretly stuck out her tongue, then hurried away. Li Mu also took this opportunity to cup his fists and bow to the two, saying:
"Both of you are Great Sects of Central Province. It's not that Li is seeking fame or holding himself in high regard."
"I couldn't accept Xuantian Sword Sect's invitation simply because I had already agreed to Taiyi Sect a few days ago. How can a gentleman's word be changed so easily?"
"Moreover, the conditions Taiyi Sect offered were also something I couldn't refuse, allowing me to wait for my missing old friend to return. There is absolutely no intention to slight Xuantian Sword Sect."
Li Mu spoke very cautiously.
Whether it was Taiyi Sect or Xuantian Sword Sect, both were powerful forces he couldn't afford to offend.
Although he subtly indicated that he had joined Taiyi Sect, he also explained the reasons and the necessity of doing so.
His sincere attitude also gave Xuantian Sword Sect a way to save face.
Executive Fang fell silent upon hearing this.
Xuantian Sword Sect could also agree to these conditions. It seemed the only difference was that he was a few days late?
Elder Hu of Taiyi Sect was secretly pleased.
How could someone I admire be lured away by a few words from you?
"Please, both of you, do not get angry. To eliminate the hidden danger of Nine Demon Sect for the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain is an immeasurable Karma. Why quibble over such trivial matters?"
Li Mu appeased both of them with a few words, thus avoiding a verbal war.
Elder Hu sighed deeply.
"Master Li, these past few days, I have specifically sent someone to report to Taiyi Sect. I will stay in Barren Ancient City, firstly to ensure the elimination of the Nine Demon Sect remnants, and secondly, any of your needs, I can directly report to Taiyi Sect to facilitate things for you."
Executive Fang directly threw out four words as an evaluation.
"Trying to cover up."
As a Central Province Sect, when did they ever truly care about a place like Southern Wilderness?
It wasn't as if Central Province was invincible and expanding outwards; it wasn't time to take that step yet.
Even Xuantian Sword Sect's current trip was only to enhance its prestige in Southern Wilderness, not to rapidly expand there.
Taiyi Sect's feigned concern had only one goal: to win over Li Mu, this Six-Tier Artifact Refiner.
To add fuel to the fire in an area that was already a disaster zone for Xuantian Sect!
After his sarcasm, Executive Fang's heart was heavy.
He thought to himself.
"It seems Taiyi Sect's method of contending with my Xuantian Sword Sect is to tamper with Artifact Refiners and Alchemists."
Spirit Treasures, though good, also had a time when they became scrap.
If Taiyi Sect controlled most of the Artifact Refiners and Alchemists flowing into the Sects, Xuantian Sword Sect would face an extremely awkward situation.
Spirit Treasures and Medicinal Pills sold at high prices by hostile Sects, buy or not buy?
If they didn't buy, they would have nothing to use, and the Sect would gradually decline.
If they bought, they would have to pay multiple times the price, slowly depleting the Sect's foundation.
The main reason was that Taiyi Sect was not afraid of Xuantian Sword Sect. There was a gap between them, but it was not insurmountable.
Thinking of this, Executive Fang's gaze shifted, finally landing on Li Mu.
"Hu Yiming, this isn't about first come, first served! This matter still needs to ask Master Li which Sect his heart belongs to." Fang Yunjian glared at the other party, then looked at Li Mu and promised: "Master Li, my Xuantian Sword Sect has incredibly abundant Artifact Refining resources. If you join our Sect, you can use Artifact Refining resources as you wish. Moreover, currently, there are only a few Five-Tier Artifact Refiners being trained. If you are willing to join my Xuantian Sword Sect, I can do my best to secure benefits for you."
"You can use Xuantian Sword Sect's Cultivation Tower without restriction. For the Sect treasury, you only need to report, and you can obtain items from it. At least ten portions of rare mineral Materials will be provided free of charge each month..."
"Finally, if there are no unexpected circumstances, you have a great chance to become the first Chief Artifact Crafting Elder of my Xuantian Sword Sect." Fang Yunjian threw out a bunch of benefits, looking at Li Mu with a sincere invitation.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu couldn't help but be moved. However, Elder Hu on the side couldn't sit still.
Hu Yiming quickly said to Li Mu: "My Taiyi Sect has a seven-rank dao tool Master who can freely impart his skills to Master Li!"
"Don't bring up that old Lei Daozi again. He hasn't refined a single Dao Artifact. What kind of Dao Artifact Master is he?" Fang Yunjian glared angrily and reprimanded.
"Heh!" Hu Yiming sneered, preparing to retort.
"Two Seniors, please don't quarrel over Li." Seeing that the two seemed about to fight, Li Mu was startled and quickly spoke to stop them.
Being fought over today seemed like he was in the limelight, but in reality, it was fraught with danger. If he agreed to one Sect, it meant he would be targeted by the other Sect in the future.
The better the conditions he received now, the higher the probability of being silenced by the other Sect. No one would allow someone to gradually grow stronger within another Sect.
To strengthen a hostile force!
"Two Seniors, there's no need to argue. I've always been casual and used to freedom. As for joining a Sect, I think it's better to forget it!" Li Mu said evasively, offending neither side.
Elder Hu looked at Li Mu and quickly said with a smile to appease him: "I've made things difficult for Master Li. My original intention was just to provide Master Li with a suitable place for Artifact Refining, I didn't expect to cause Master Li trouble."
After speaking, Elder Hu looked at Fang Yunjian and said in a deep voice: "Executive Fang, how about we temporarily put Master Li's whereabouts aside? Let's discuss it again after the Nine Demon Sect matter is completely resolved!"
Fang Yunjian met Elder Hu's gaze, glanced at Li Mu, and slowly nodded.
Seeing the tension between the two ease, Li Mu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. If the two Void Refining powerhouses were to fight, the entire Yin Yang Valley would probably suffer devastating damage!
Just as the three were chatting, a 'sword-shaped' warship swiftly arrived, reaching the outskirts of Yin Yang Valley.
"Executive Sir, we followed the clues and found the Nine Demon Sect's lair, but..." A Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage flew to Fang Yunjian's side and reported via sound transmission.
Upon hearing the subordinate's report, Executive Fang's expression instantly changed, and he hurriedly stood up.
"Both of you, I have some personal matters, so I'll take my leave for now." Not long after, Taiyi Sect's Disciples also rushed over, reporting to Hu Yiming as well.
A moment later, Hu Yiming also solemnly stood up and bid farewell to Li Mu.
"Master Li, if you make up your mind, please move out of the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain as soon as possible. The sky here is about to change." Hu Yiming looked at Li Mu, saying with a solemn expression.
As his voice fell, Hu Yiming, accompanied by his Disciples, piloted the warship and sped away.
Watching the warship speed away, rapidly disappearing as a black dot in the sky, Li Mu was momentarily lost in thought. He couldn't help but recall the four future scenes he had seen when peeking into the River of Years before, and his mood inexplicably became heavy.
