Wu Tian Demon Ancestor fell into deep thought, and the atmosphere in the main hall became oppressive.
"Old Ancestor, since this child is skilled in Artifact Refining, he must have designs on high-tier Artifact Refining spiritual materials. Why not send someone to lure him out of Wanxing Island and ambush him?" Hongshan's eyes were filled with killing intent as he continued to persuade.
After a pause, Hongshan added, "Our previous ambush was successful! However, I didn't know the depth of this person's strength, which led to our failure in the end!"
At this point, Hongshan's face turned crimson. As a dignified Soul Transformation Cultivator, he was forced to self-detonate his Physical Body by a mere Nascent Soul brat to escape, which was an utter humiliation.
"But this time is different. We know his background, so we can prepare in advance, set up an inescapable net, and ensure nothing goes wrong!" Hongshan took a deep breath and continued to persuade.
Upon hearing this, Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's brows furrowed, and he fell into a dilemma.
This time, the Nine Demon Sect came to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region with a more important mission: first, to find a Sealed Land in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region and further unlock the Demon Abyss Channel in the Southern Barren Continent; second, to gain control of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region to establish an outpost for their further advance into the Central State Spirit Realm. These matters concerned the Nine Demon Sect's long-term future and whether the Demon Abyss Channel could be completely opened. Everything revolved around these matters, and no mistakes could be tolerated.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor did not want to create new problems, but Hongshan's suggestion made his heart inexplicably stir. If he could eliminate this Nascent Soul brat, he could nip a huge hidden danger in the bud.
This Nascent Soul cultivator possessed the ability of a Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner. With him around, he could continuously refine six-tier spirit treasures for the Soul Transformation Cultivators and Void Refining Cultivators in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. This would undoubtedly increase their combat power significantly, severely impacting the Nine Demon Sect's subsequent actions in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
What bothered Wu Tian Old Ancestor even more was that this child had a blood feud with the Nine Demon Sect; more than a dozen Nascent Divinity Demon Lords and two Refining Void Demon Ancestors had perished at his hands. If there was an opportunity to eliminate this Nascent Soul cultivator, he would naturally be delighted.
However, if there was even a slight misstep in the operation, not only would they fail to eliminate this Nascent Soul cultivator, but it might also bring even greater losses to the Nine Demon Sect, consequences they could not bear. Furthermore, if the operation caused too much commotion, it might expose the Nine Demon Sect's activities in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, which would be more trouble than it was worth.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor sat on the main seat, his eyes flickering with deep light, his brows tightly furrowed, repeatedly weighing his options, trying to find a method that could both eliminate this Nascent Soul cultivator and not affect the Nine Demon Sect's overall plan. However, this was not easy.
Just then, Hong Shuang, in a red dress, walked into the main hall with hurried steps and a serious expression.
"Greetings, Demon Ancestor!" Hong Shuang and Hongshan exchanged glances, then came before Wu Tian Demon Ancestor and respectfully saluted.
"Hmm! How did things go? Any clues?"
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor nodded, looking at Hong Shuang as he asked.
"Reporting to Demon Ancestor, according to the clues you provided, I have had my subordinates conduct a comprehensive investigation and have discovered several suspicious sea areas with Sealed ruins, namely: Hongshan Island, Biyu Deep Sea, Yachi Trench, ..., seven sea areas. The exact locations will require some time to investigate," Hong Shuang respectfully replied.
"Very good, well done!" Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's eyes lit up, very satisfied with Hong Shuang's efficiency.
As expected of a leader capable of commanding an organization, she was astute and capable, and her work was meticulous, far more reliable than his younger brother, Hongshan.
"You came at the right time. There's something I need your opinion on. See if you can successfully lure that Nascent Soul brat out..." Wu Tian Demon Ancestor then thoroughly informed Hong Shuang about the matter of Li Jianxian from Li's Treasure Pavilion.
Beside them, Hongshan looked at Hong Shuang with concern, hoping his sister could provide a good idea for his revenge.
After listening to the intelligence recounted by Wu Tian Demon Ancestor, Hong Shuang showed a thoughtful expression, completely unresponsive to Hongshan's pleading gaze, instead pondering seriously.
"This child could cause two Demon Ancestors to perish simultaneously; he must possess extremely formidable means," Hong Shuang slowly said, her tone carrying a hint of solemnity. "However, in my opinion, it should be related to his several high-tier transformed spirit beasts. They are not only powerful, but their attributes seem to be related to the Five Elements. This person is also proficient in Artifact Refining, so it's not difficult for him to employ some means that allow him to fight above his cultivation stage."
Hong Shuang's analysis resonated with Wu Tian Demon Ancestor. He had also considered this issue; the simultaneous demise of Xue Ming and Yin Jiong had always puzzled him, and Hong Shuang's deduction coincided with his own speculation.
"If we can use some means to separate him from his spirit beasts, this child, with his mere Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, should not be able to withstand the Old Ancestor's decisive methods!" Hong Shuang continued to analyze, her tone carrying a hint of confidence.
"That's not difficult. As long as he can be lured into a trap, this Ancestor has plenty of ways to make him surrender," Wu Tian Demon Ancestor frowned, confidently saying, "However, how to lure this Nascent Soul brat out of Wanxing Island is a difficult problem."
Hong Shuang smiled slightly and replied, "Demon Ancestor, the means to lure him out of Wanxing Island are not difficult. Isn't he willing to accept Artifact Refining commissions now?"
"Oh? What do you mean?" Wu Tian Demon Ancestor asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I'll have my subordinates commission him for Artifact Refining, then find an excuse for him to collect the reward outside," Hong Shuang explained. "The only problem is what kind of Artifact Refining reward would tempt him enough to fall for the trap!"
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor was silent for a moment, then explained with some confusion, "I know this. This child is extremely eager for Seventh-Order Heaven Fire. Previously, we also used this method to lure the enemy, but unfortunately, something went wrong in one of the steps, and the message couldn't be sent out, and this child hastily left the Southern Barren."
"Seventh-Order Heaven Fire. This child is a Grandmaster Refiner; this item indeed has an inexplicable attraction for him," Hong Shuang's eyes lit up slightly, and she added, "Coincidentally, Heaven Fire, being such a spiritual object of heaven and earth, is usually refined and collected by ordinary means. Using it as bait to lure him out of the island is reasonable and most suitable!"
"Very good, this matter will be handled by you," Wu Tian Demon Ancestor pondered for a moment before saying, "Find a clever subordinate and see if they can lure him out of Wanxing Island!"
Hong Shuang nodded, readily accepting the order: "Hong Shuang accepts the command!"
----
Wanxing Island, Li's Treasure Pavilion.
Li Mu enthusiastically saw off the last Soul Transformation Cultivator who had commissioned Artifact Refining, then turned and returned to the shop, his steps slightly heavy, his smile-free face showing a hint of fatigue.
Looking at Li Mu, Liu Yalan stopped her abacus and asked with concern, "Pavilion Master, you don't look so good. Are you too tired?"
Li Mu smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over the empty shelves. After a moment of thought, he said to Liu Yalan, "Everyone has been exhausted these past two days. Let's close the shop early today! Also, most of the spiritual items in the shop have been sold, not enough to meet customer demand. Starting tomorrow, we will close the shop for half a month to let everyone rest in turns."
Hearing Li Mu's words, Liu Yalan felt a touch of relief. She knew that Li Mu always cared deeply for the shop's employees, and to ensure everyone got enough rest, he was even willing to temporarily close the shop. This filled her with respect and gratitude for Li Mu.
However, Liu Yalan was still a little worried, "If we close the shop for half a month, will it affect business? Business is great right now, and if we miss this opportunity, who knows how long it will be before we encounter so many customers again!"
Li Mu shook his head, "Business is important, but the rest and health of the employees are more important. Moreover, we also need time to prepare and replenish our inventory. This half-month closure is also for long-term development."
Liu Yalan heard the firmness in Li Mu's words and knew he had made up his mind, so she said no more.
Subsequently, Liu Yalan conveyed this decision to the other shop assistants.
Upon hearing this, joyful cheers erupted from the shop assistants in Li's Treasure Pavilion. Everyone was very happy; they had indeed been exhausted these past few days, and they had also earned quite a lot of Spirit Stones.
Li Mu smiled, the tension and anxiety in his heart instantly dissipating considerably. He walked straight to the secret chamber.
The heavy secret chamber door slowly opened, accompanied by a slight mechanical whirring sound. Li Mu closed the secret chamber door and activated the chamber's protective formation.
Then, Li Mu summoned the Painting World Treasure Mansion, a mystical Ruyi scepter radiating five-colored spiritual light and containing powerful Spiritual Pressure.
The Painting World Treasure Mansion, a seven-rank dao tool, originally had the artifact form of a jade Ruyi scepter, like green jade, condensed with the Spiritual Qi of heaven and earth, containing profound mysteries, quite extraordinary. After Li Mu took it over from Celestial Evolution Divine Lord, he melted the Five Elements Spirit Mountain into it, giving it a Five Elements Foundation. Its artifact form also changed accordingly; it was no longer the green jade Ruyi scepter but transformed into a jade Ruyi scepter shimmering with five-colored spiritual light.
Now, as it advanced to an eight-rank dao tool, the Painting World Treasure Mansion's artifact form radiated even more brilliant light. The five-colored spiritual light intertwined, as dazzling as a rainbow. The patterns on its body became even more mystical, and the artifact form was enveloped in a dense spiritual mist. The Dao of space filled it, making it difficult to look at directly.
Li Mu's eyes narrowed slightly, his eyes in both yin and yang states. His Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits was activated, and the attribute information of the Painting World Treasure Mansion immediately appeared on the panel.
【Painting World Treasure Mansion】
【Grade: Eight-Tier Grotto-Heaven Supreme Treasure】
【Features: Size as desired, Myriad Square Grotto-Heaven, Spirit Devouring Refinement, Supreme Purity Spirit Realm, Spirit Sealing and Essence Devouring, Lord of One Domain.】
【Status: Successfully advanced, spiritual essence severely depleted, artifact spirit in deep slumber.】
【Forged from Profound Mother Divine Stone, Myriad Splendor Divine Marrow, Ethereal Realm Stone, and eight-tier Dao Artifact fragments tempered by Eight-Layer Heaven Fire. Later, it devoured a Dragon-shaped Spiritual Vein, refined the Five Elements Dao Foundation, absorbed earth vein spirit marrow, integrated the Supreme Purity Moon Bamboo, refined and devoured myriad spiritual resources, and completed the Foundation of the Grotto-Heaven, successfully advancing to an eight-tier Grotto-Heaven Magic Treasure. It is an independent Grotto-Heaven, forming its own stable domain. Holding this treasure, one can be the Lord of one domain, expand Spiritual Qi by a thousandfold, lure enemies into the mansion to suppress their cultivation, Seal spirits and devour essence, refine their Souls, ..., and many other means. The artifact spirit is in deep slumber; investing a massive amount of spiritual items can help it awaken early.】
Gazing at the Painting World Treasure Mansion's new attributes, Li Mu's face broke into a brilliant smile, feeling immense satisfaction and pride. The Painting World Treasure Mansion had successfully advanced to an eight-tier Grotto-Heaven Supreme Treasure. As its master, it meant Li Mu would become the Lord of one domain, wielding a 'nuclear bomb' level of power.
However, the only thorny problem for Li Mu was that the Painting World Treasure Mansion's artifact spirit had fallen into a deep slumber due to the enormous consumption during this advancement process. It would probably not awaken anytime soon, and to awaken the artifact spirit, a large amount of spiritual items would need to be invested, which was not a small sum.
The importance of an artifact spirit to a Spirit Treasure goes without saying; it is the Soul of the Spirit Treasure and can communicate with its master. If the cooperation of the artifact spirit cannot be obtained, with Li Mu's current Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, he would certainly not be able to fully unleash the power of the Painting World Treasure Mansion, an eight-tier Grotto-Heaven Supreme Treasure.
"To awaken the artifact spirit of the eight-tier Painting World Treasure Mansion, low-tier spiritual items probably won't work. A large amount of six-tier and seven-tier spiritual items must be used."
Thinking of this, Li Mu couldn't help but feel a headache. Six- and seven-tier spiritual items were not only incredibly precious but also extremely rare, certainly not something ordinary Cultivators could easily possess.
"This thing is truly a money pit." Li Mu gave a bitter smile and sighed, "It seems I'll have to work even harder to earn Spirit Stones in the future!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu's figure flickered and disappeared from his original spot, then immediately appeared within the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
As soon as Li Mu entered the Painting World Treasure Mansion, he felt a powerful Spiritual Qi rush towards him. This was a grotto-heaven space full of vitality.
A vast and boundless space came into Li Mu's view. The air was filled with dense Spiritual Qi, making one feel refreshed. Looking up, there was a five-colored Spirit Mountain nearly a thousand zhang high. The mountain body was radiant and emitted brilliant light. The Five Elements Spiritual Qi emitted by the five-colored Spirit Mountain permeated the air, filling the entire grotto-heaven space with vibrant vitality. Large expanses of verdant bamboo forests occupied the vast majority of the Treasure Mansion Space.
As for the various high-tier spiritual plants and Five Elements Spirit Plants Li Mu had planted within the Painting World Treasure Mansion, they occupied less than one-twentieth of the entire Treasure Mansion Space.
【Jade Clear Spirit Bamboo】
【Grade: Six-Tier Spirit Wood】
【Features: Jade Clear Spiritual Moistness, Bamboo Tough as Rock, Inner Vitality, Abundant Bamboo Spirit,】
【Status: Thriving, Tranquil Bamboo Forest, Self-Contained Vitality】
【The Jade Clear Spirit Bamboo born from the special vital Spiritual Vein of the eight-tier Supreme Purity Moon Bamboo is a nourishing substance for the Supreme Purity Moon Bamboo Spirit Realm. Its bamboo leaves are like peaks, its bamboo body like jade, its bamboo spirit tranquil, filled with wood spirit. After tens of thousands of Years of baptism, the bamboo body contains powerful vitality. When this spiritual bamboo forms a forest, it is filled with purifying power, capable of dispelling all Evil Qi and Evil Qi. Through this, one can comprehend the Dao of Life and the mysteries of the growth of all things.】
Li Mu looked at the spiritual bamboo before him, each one as green as jade, mystical and extraordinary, and dripping with verdant color. Under his Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, its attribute information was revealed.
After the Painting World Treasure Mansion absorbed the eight-tier Spirit Wood, Supreme Purity Moon Bamboo, and successfully advanced, the grotto-heaven space underwent earth-shattering changes. The grotto-heaven space not only expanded by hundreds, even thousands of times, but also gained a large area of six-tier bamboo forest.
Li Mu had never imagined that the Treasure Mansion would yield such abundant gains after absorbing the Supreme Purity Moon Bamboo.
The bamboo forest before him, every single bamboo, appeared exceptionally thick, clearly having experienced tens of thousands of Years of growth. They stood in the wind, their bamboo bodies incredibly hard, each one containing extremely powerful spirituality.
This was an extremely precious Artifact Refining spiritual material, its value far exceeding that of ordinary six-tier spiritual items.
However, the only thing that made Li Mu feel a hint of regret was that this bamboo forest consisted of six-tier spiritual bamboo, not six-tier spiritual wood.
If it were six-tier spiritual wood, Li Mu could use it to refine countless six-tier Puppets, or powerful six-tier spiritual ships.
Of course, even six-tier bamboo spirit, for Li Mu, was a huge fortune.
How to make good use of this six-tier spiritual bamboo! Refining spiritual bamboo swords was a good choice.
Li Mu couldn't help but think of his personal Spirit Treasure - Myriad Swords Mountain, a composite Spirit Treasure containing countless spiritual swords. If he used this spiritual bamboo to refine the myriad swords for Myriad Swords Mountain, and gathered all the myriad swords, would Myriad Swords Mountain have a chance to advance to a seven-rank dao tool?
Thinking of this, Li Mu's heart couldn't help but pound. (End of Chapter)
