Just as the Earth Element Spirit Ship flew from Ten Thousand Flowers Manor, in the Ji Family's station in Barren Ancient City, a green Spirit Ship streaked across the sky like a meteor, soaring upwards and speeding towards the Earth Element Spirit Ship.
Barren Ancient City, as one of the most fertile cities in the Southern Wilderness Region, has always been a focal point of contention for various forces. As a powerful force in this city, the Ji Family's station was naturally grand and imposing.
At this moment, three Soul Transformation cultivators stood on a high tower, watching the green Spirit Ship disappear into the sky. While their expressions were slightly relaxed, they also couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
"Brother Yan, is it really alright for us to do this? The Old Ancestor went after Master Li, and if he doesn't find the Sky Puppet Spirit Token after capturing him, how will we explain ourselves when we're held accountable?" Ji Wuji looked at Ji Yan, asking worriedly.
The three Soul Transformation cultivators of the Ji Family were given a deadline by Venerable Fallenwood to identify the owner of VIP Room 7, or else they would be punished.
The three Soul Transformation cultivators were forced to use various methods, trying every possible way to gather information from Wanbao Pavilion. However, the Great Power who caused the demise of Blood Nether Demon Ancestor and Old Ancestor Yin Jiong seemed to not exist; no matter how they inquired, they couldn't find any information about him.
Instead, they learned other news: the Grandmaster Refiner, Master Li, lived in Ten Thousand Flowers Manor, arranged by Wanbao Pavilion, and he had a very high chance of being the mysterious buyer of the Sky Puppet Spirit Token in VIP Room 7.
So, the three of them, going all out, directly pinned the title of VIP Room 7's owner on 'Master Li' and sent subordinates to monitor 'Master Li's' movements, notifying Venerable Fallenwood immediately when he left Barren Ancient City.
"Brother Wuji, don't worry too much. When the Old Ancestor deals with 'Master Li' and makes a fortune, he'll at least calm down. Even if he doesn't find the Sky Puppet Spirit Token, his punishment for us should be lighter!" Ji Yan sighed helplessly, gesturing.
"Indeed! That person's existence is truly not to be trifled with. We've already done our best for the Old Ancestor. If the intelligence was wrong, the Old Ancestor's punishment for us should also be lighter!" Another Soul Transformation cultivator nodded in agreement, saying expectantly.
The atmosphere in the tower was somewhat heavy. The three Soul Transformation cultivators all knew in their hearts that this time they had pinned the title of VIP Room 7's owner on 'Master Li,' reporting Master Li as a suspect for the Sky Puppet Spirit Token to Old Ancestor Fallenwood.
If Old Ancestor Fallenwood really captured Master Li but didn't find the Sky Puppet Spirit Token, they would definitely face punishment.
Now, they could only hope that Master Li would successfully escape from Old Ancestor Fallenwood's grasp, leaving no evidence. However, how could 'Master Li,' with his mere Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivation, escape the pursuit of a Void Refining Great Power!
The three Soul Transformation cultivators felt heavy-hearted and had no desire to speak. They were completely unaware that they had made a mistake that led them in the right direction.
Inside the Spirit Ship, Venerable Fallenwood was fully activating it, his Divine Thought firmly locked onto the Earth Element Spirit Ship ahead.
If Ji Yan had discovered the identity of the Great Power who caused the demise of Old Ancestor Blood Nether and Old Ancestor Yin Jiong, Venerable Fallenwood would not have dared to make any drastic moves. However, he reported the whereabouts of 'Master Li.'
Venerable Fallenwood was overjoyed and immediately chose to pursue him to avenge the previous humiliation.
Venerable Fallenwood's motive for driving the Spirit Ship to pursue the Earth Element Spirit Ship immediately drew the attention of other forces.
Kun Family, Rear Divine Garden.
A gust of wind suddenly swept by, and the figure of Celestial Venerable Kun Ling suddenly appeared before Tianshang Honored One, who was busy with farm work.
"That old ghost Fallenwood seems to be chasing 'Master Li.' Should we go help?" Celestial Venerable Kun Ling looked at Tian Shang, a hint of concern in his expression as he asked.
Hearing Celestial Venerable Kun Ling's words, Tianshang Honored One didn't even lift his head, his farm work not stopping, as if he had everything under control, and said calmly, "You can go check the situation, but don't rush to act. It's good for him to experience some setbacks, lest he gets too used to his freedom outside and is unwilling to easily accept others' good intentions."
The Kun Family had always intended to take Li Mu under their wing, even wanting him to participate in the Cang Yuan Secret Realm, which only Kun Family Core Disciples could enter, and promised various benefits. However, no matter how the Kun Family persuaded him, Li Mu always politely refused.
Despite being very optimistic about Li Mu, Tianshang Honored One couldn't help but feel a little annoyed after being constantly rejected.
"Alright!" Celestial Venerable Kun Ling understood Tian Shang's meaning, and his figure flickered, disappearing from the spot like a gust of wind.
Tianshang Honored One continued his farm work, no hint of worry or tension on his face, his eyes deep and steady, as if everything was within his control.
Li Mu was not an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator; his strength was comparable to some seasoned Soul Transformation cultivators, and he had many Vassal Beasts in his possession. He should not suffer a great loss at the hands of Venerable Fallenwood.
At the Xuantian Sword Sect's station, in the main hall, Fang Yunjian sat in the main seat, his gaze deep as he looked at the sky, not too surprised by Venerable Fallenwood's actions.
Fang Yunjian had always paid close attention to Li Mu. He was not only a Grandmaster Refiner, but what was even rarer was the unique Sword Intent emanating from him. This Sword Intent resonated with the Dao of the Sword in Fang Yunjian's heart, making him feel an inexplicable fondness for Li Mu.
However, Li Mu refused Xuantian Sword Sect's invitation, which made Fang Yunjian somewhat disappointed. Therefore, although he had a good impression of Li Mu, he would not help him because of it.
In Barren Ancient City, at the Taiyi Sect's station, Hu Elder looked up at the direction where the two Spirit Ships disappeared, his brows furrowed, hesitating whether to follow personally. However, recalling Li Mu's previous rejection of his good intentions, he hesitated.
"Alas!" Hu Yiming sighed and shook his head. He summoned a Soul Transformation cultivator and ordered him to follow and observe. Although he would not personally help Li Mu, he would not easily give up his attention to him.
The Soul Transformation cultivator took the order and flashed across the sky, chasing in the direction of Li Mu and Venerable Fallenwood.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship was moving rapidly through the air.
Inside the cabin, Li Mu sat on the platform, his gaze solemn. He immediately noticed the green Spirit Ship pursuing them from behind, and his heart involuntarily tensed. However, he did not lose his composure and immediately urged the Earth Element Spirit Ship to sail at full speed.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship seemed to transform into a bolt of lightning, cutting an dazzling light through the air, moving with lightning speed.
However, the speed of the Spirit Ship behind them was not much different from the Earth Element Spirit Ship, and it seemed in no hurry to attack, merely following closely behind the Earth Element Spirit Ship, as if playing a game of endurance.
The green Spirit Ship behind them, under Li Mu's Divine Thought, clearly revealed its form.
The Spirit Ship was entirely jade-green, with a streamlined hull shaped like a crescent moon, appearing incredibly luxurious. Wisps of green light flickered on its hull, emitting a powerful Spiritual Pressure. Driven by a Void Refining Great Power, this sixth-tier Spirit Ship gained a tremendous speed boost.
Its speed was getting faster and faster, showing a tendency to overtake the Earth Element Spirit Ship.
Li Mu frowned, increasing his Origin Qi support to the Earth Element Spirit Ship, raising its speed by another level.
"Boy, you can't escape. Hand over the Azure Jade Ginseng King, and this old man might consider sparing your life."
Soon, a wisp of malicious Divine Thought transmission entered Li Mu's mind. It was a vast, majestic Divine Thought, as if a giant was roaring in his mind, attempting to launch a Divine Thought attack on him.
Li Mu fully activated the Star Origin Contemplation method, calming his mind and spirit, maintaining the Divine Thought Divine Ability - Divine Soul Star Transformation, allowing his Divine Soul to transform into a brilliant star, stubbornly guarding his Divine Soul and resisting the Divine Thought impact of the Void Refining Great Power.
"Boy, you can't escape. Hand over the Azure Jade Ginseng King, and this old man might consider sparing your life."
"Boy, you can't escape. Hand over the Azure Jade Ginseng King, and this old man might consider sparing your life."
...
Soon, the Divine Thought transmission rang out again, filled with threats and intimidation, like surging waves crashing against the shore, launching continuous Divine Thought attacks at him.
Li Mu sneered inwardly and did not reply, knowing full well the other party's intention. The other party was merely trying to disturb his mind and reduce the speed of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, their purpose self-evident.
The two Spirit Ships, one chasing and one fleeing, moved at lightning speed, covering tens of thousands of miles in an instant, arriving at an unknown sea area.
The vast and boundless ocean was deep and mysterious. In the sky ahead, thunderclouds gathered, layers of dark clouds rolling in the sky, obscuring the sun.
Within the thunderclouds, tens of thousands of fourth and fifth-tier thunderbirds gathered in flocks, playing under the thunderclouds, occasionally emitting flashes of electricity, chasing each other, and using lightning to transmit some kind of information.
The spectacular scene was as if the thunderbird flock was performing some kind of tribal ritual.
Li Mu activated the Earth Element Spirit Ship's magnetic shield and, without hesitation, piloted the Earth Element Spirit Ship straight into the thunderclouds.
The green Spirit Ship behind them followed closely, fearlessly chasing after them.
The thunderbird flock was instantly startled by the two Spirit Ships, and the area immediately erupted. Bolts of lightning, like raindrops, fell onto the magnetic shield. The violent energy shockwave seemed to want to engulf the entire Spirit Ship.
Li Mu tightly gripped the Spirit Ship's helm, allowing the Earth Element Spirit Ship to bounce in the thunderstorm. His outward Divine Sense monitored the condition of the green Spirit Ship behind him, and a look of joy appeared on his face.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship suffered a torrential lightning strike from the thunderbird flock. However, relying on the special properties of the magnetic shield, it successfully avoided a large amount of damage from the violent thunder Origin Qi. The Earth Element Spirit Ship's speed was not significantly affected by the thunderstorm, and it continued to fly at high speed.
In contrast, the green Spirit Ship was clearly hindered by the thunderstorm, its speed significantly reduced, and its wood-element hull suffered immense damage under the impact of the violent thunder Origin Qi.
Time flew by as the two Spirit Ships rapidly traversed the thunderclouds. Li Mu was preparing to use the thunder Origin Qi attacks of the thunderbird flock to try and shake off the green Spirit Ship behind him.
"Scram!"
However, at this moment, a vast Divine Thought erupted from the green Spirit Ship, like an ancient beast awakening, shocking all who heard it. The powerful mental fluctuations instantly spread throughout the entire thundercloud sea, causing the previously violent thunderbird flock to be instantly terrified, no longer daring to attack the green Spirit Ship.
Instead, the startled thunderbird flock furiously charged at the Earth Element Spirit Ship, launching attacks as fierce as a storm, completely surrounding the Earth Element Spirit Ship and venting their panicked emotions.
For a moment, the area around the Earth Element Spirit Ship was filled with intense energy collisions and violent thunder Origin Qi. This powerful force directly blocked the Spirit Ship's path forward, putting Li Mu in a difficult situation.
In a critical moment, Li Mu had no choice but to pilot the Earth Element Spirit Ship in a graceful arc through the air, then instantly accelerate and flee towards the sea below, escaping the encirclement of the thunderbird flock.
Just this moment of delay, the green Spirit Ship caught up, and a green light shot out from the green Spirit Ship directly towards him.
With a loud "boom!" the green beam struck the magnetic shield fiercely. At that moment, the entire Earth Element Spirit Ship trembled, as if it was about to shatter. However, the magnetic shield successfully withstood this wave of attack.
However, what worried Li Mu was that the effect of the green beam did not end there. The green beam spread out into a net, turning into a green wooden net, intending to envelop the entire Earth Element Spirit Ship.
"Boy, let's see where you'll run now!"
Venerable Fallenwood's Divine Thought transmission followed closely, his voice filled with triumph and arrogance, as if victory was already in his grasp.
Subsequently, the green Spirit Ship once again activated wood-element light beams, striking the Earth Element Spirit Ship one after another, taking advantage of its weakness to finish it off. Each attack caused the Earth Element Spirit Ship to shake violently, as if it could collapse at any moment.
Li Mu was forced to fly out of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, abandoning the Spirit Ship, and charged towards the seabed with his Sword Control Technique.
Li Mu's Perfection-level Sword Control Technique was surprisingly fast. A flash of sword light passed by, and he plunged into the seabed, instantly disappearing from the surface of the sea.
Venerable Fallenwood naturally wouldn't let his prey escape. His figure also flew out from the green Spirit Ship, like a fierce sea eagle, swooping down to kill Li Mu. His speed was extremely fast, leaving trails of afterimages in the air, making it impossible to see his true form.
Previously, this Nascent Soul boy had escaped from his grasp, so he knew this boy's abilities were extraordinary. This time, Venerable Fallenwood was fully focused, knowing he had to go all out to capture him.
Just then, Li Mu stopped fleeing. His Divine Thought flickered, and he instantly summoned several Guardian Vassal Beasts from the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
"Roar!"
The Twin-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon appeared, letting out a dragon's roar. Its hundred-zhang body, with a sweep of its tail, instantly stirred up millions of pounds of seawater, engulfing Venerable Fallenwood.
Besides the Twin-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon, Li Mu also summoned four other Vassal Beasts: the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, the Azure Jade Ginseng King, the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, and the Ink Jade Rock Lizard.
Li Mu formed the Vassal Spirit Contract seals, activating the Vassal Spirit Contract Divine Ability - Vassal Soul Possession and Vassal Soul Communion, controlling the five Vassal Beasts to release their innate Magical Artifacts and form a battle array against the enemy.
Vassal Soul Possession!
A portion of Li Mu's Divine Soul suddenly left his Physical Body and attached itself to the five Vassal Beasts, sharing life and Soul with them. This was an extremely energy- and Soul Power-consuming Spell, but also a very powerful Divine Ability.
The five Vassal Beasts sensed Li Mu's presence, and their minds immediately formed a wondrous connection with Li Mu. They seemed to become extensions of Li Mu, and Li Mu became their core.
Vassal Soul Communion!
Through the activation of Vassal Soul Possession and Vassal Soul Communion, Li Mu completely integrated the five Vassal Beasts with himself. He could clearly feel the sensations and emotions of each Vassal Beast and precisely control their actions and skill releases.
...
Venerable Fallenwood waved his hand, releasing a giant withered hand that successfully blocked the incoming sea wave. Then, he looked at his prey's battle-ready state, and his expression instantly changed drastically.
At this moment, four sixth-tier Yao Beasts and one seventh-tier Azure Jade Ginseng King appeared beside Li Mu. They were fully armed, adorned with golden armor Spirit Treasures and protective Spirit Treasures, with each Vassal Beast having two or three Spirit Treasures enhancing its body.
This was not a weak, easily bullied lamb ready to be slaughtered! This was clearly a porcupine!
This was a big problem now!
Venerable Fallenwood couldn't help but regret it immensely. If he had known that the other party had so many powerful Guardian Vassal Beasts by his side, he would never have rashly attacked him. (End of Chapter)
