After tending to the Spiritual Plants, Li Mu entered the Cultivation Room of the four directions house, then, with a flash of his figure, he vanished from the spot, entering the Painting World Treasure Mansion, summoning the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and the Azure Moon True Dragon to begin the refinement of the Jade Green Spirit Sword.
The quantity of Six-Tier Artifact Refining Spirit Materials given by Celestial Venerable Kun Ling and Tianshang Honored One was quite substantial; the remuneration for over a dozen Artifact Refining commissions, plus the high-grade Materials in stock, with Jade Green Spirit Bamboo as the main material and a bit of savings on auxiliary Materials, was enough to refine two to three thousand Five-Tier Jade Green Spirit Swords.
As soon as Li Mu entered the Painting World Treasure Mansion, the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and the Azure Moon True Dragon swiftly flew to him.
"Master!"
Li Mu nodded to them, immediately summoned a Six-Tier Gold Element Spirit Sword from his nine storage spiritual pearl, formed a sword incantation with his hand, and slashed it down from afar.
With a "crack," a Jade Green Spirit Bamboo over ten zhang tall snapped in response, and a rich wood spirit Qi and bamboo fragrance permeated from the break.
The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and the Azure Moon True Dragon, with tacit understanding, flew to Li Mu's sides, one summoning the skyfire cauldron, the other summoning the Blue Spirit Glass Water, preparing to assist in the Artifact Refining.
Seeing that they were ready, Li Mu took a deep breath, his hands quickly forming incantations, executing the Vassal Soul Communion, using his mind for multiple tasks, and began to control them in Artifact Refining: the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire transformed into the Skyfire Refining Furnace, the Blue Spirit Glass Water drilled into it, and the Artifact Refining Materials were thrown in... the Artifact Refining proceeded in full swing.
— — — —
Time flew by, and five years passed in a flash.
As the Central Continent fleet's operations in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain became bogged down, many forces from the Central Continent Spirit Domain gathered their strength in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, including two Great Sects, small Sects, numerous Cultivation Families, ..., multiple factions, each with different objectives and interests, but on the issue of resisting the Nine Demon Sect and the Demon Abyss enemies, they chose to unite.
To better resist the invasion of the Nine Demon Sect, Demon Abyss, and other forces, the Sect forces of the Central Continent Spirit Domain united, almost using all their power, bringing hundreds of thousands of high and low-tier Cultivators from the Central Continent Spirit Domain; these Cultivators were the elites of various Sects and became the backbone for guarding the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
After these forces converged in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, they embarked on a magnificent defense line construction, using great Divine Ability, moving mountains and overturning seas, building majestic and spectacular cities on many core islands in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region; these cities not only had sturdy city walls and deep moats but also various mysterious Magic Arrays and defensive facilities.
In addition, they also built several lines of defense bristling with turret s on the islands. These turret s not only had powerful offensive capabilities but also could strike enemies from long range. In war, they became an important force in defending the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
In just five years, the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region underwent earth-shattering changes; the previously relatively backward Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region gradually became prosperous with the convergence of a large number of Central Continent Cultivators, and Wanxing Island, as the center of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, became a gathering and trading place for Cultivators.
On Wanxing Island, Li's Treasure Pavilion undoubtedly became the most popular trading place; relying on the reputation of the Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner, Li's Treasure Pavilion's business flourished, with frequent transactions of various precious treasures and Artifact Refining Materials within the pavilion; many Cultivators came admiringly, hoping to find their desired treasures or rare Materials here, and hoping to meet Master Li to commission the refinement of a Spirit Treasure.
Five years passed, and Li's Treasure Pavilion continuously developed and grew, not only expanding its building by several times but also expanding its business scope, inviting many excellent Artifact Refining Great Masters, Alchemy Great Masters, and Talisman Great Masters to join, increasing more types of traded goods, and also involving diversified trading areas such as Spiritual Plants, Medicinal Pills, and Talismans.
The pavilion gathered many Central Continent Cultivators of various levels; they either purchased needed items, sold their own collections, or exchanged experiences with other Cultivators.
Five years of time led to the great development of the entire Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region's economy; with the influx of Cultivators and the prosperity of trade, various commercial activities also gradually emerged. In addition to trading places like the Treasure Firm, many inns, repair shops, and other supporting facilities also appeared, providing various services for Cultivators.
In addition to economic development, the strength of the local Cultivators also significantly improved; with the gathering and exchange of Central Continent Cultivators, various Cultivation resources, secret arts, and Magic Treasures also spread in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, which led to an overall increase in the strength of the Cultivators in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
Li's Treasure Pavilion, meeting room on the fifth floor.
Li Mu stood by the window of the meeting room on the fifth floor, looking down at the bustling main street with people coming and going, his brows tightly furrowed, his eyes deep, seemingly pondering something.
At this moment, Li Mu's heart was filled with doubts and worries, thinking about how to act next.
He had just seen off Kun Ling and Chen Xuanzi, and at the same time, Li Mu also received a very unexpected piece of news from them.
The Nine Demon Sect forces seemed to be targeting him again, warning him to be careful when leaving Wanxing Island, as many Nine Demon Sect spies had recently been caught, and their gaze seemed to be fixed on Li's Treasure Pavilion, no, it should be fixed on him.
This news truly startled Li Mu; for the past five years, he had been cautious, trying his best not to attract others' attention, yet, now it seemed, it was useless!
During these five years, Tianshang Honored One, Ten Thousand Islands Sect, Sea God Sect, and other forces united all the power within the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, including various Sea Races, to jointly set up a dragnet in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region to search for the remnants of the Nine Demon Sect. During this period, battles of all sizes continuously erupted, and countless Cultivators paid a huge effort and sacrifice for it. However, despite such a huge price, they were still unable to completely eliminate the Nine Demon Sect's power in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
However, it was precisely because they couldn't completely eradicate the Nine Demon Sect's hidden forces scattered throughout the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region; on the contrary, as time passed and the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain campaign failed, the Nine Demon Sect's power in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region not only did not weaken but grew stronger and stronger.
This news made Li Mu uneasy, and he began to re-examine his own problem, unable to understand why he had been so low-key all these years, yet still got targeted by the Nine Demon Sect, as if an invisible net enveloped him, slowly tightening.
Unable to understand why the Nine Demon Sect was targeting him, Li Mu needed to re-plan his next course of action; he alone could not contend with the Nine Demon Sect and the vast power of the Demon Abyss behind it.
...
A few miles from Wanxing Island, in the White Sand Sea Region, there exists a sea trench thousands of zhang deep, perpetually gloomy, as if hiding endless terror and secrets. Within the sea trench, the Nine Demon Sect built a hidden underwater Demon Cave.
The entrance to the cave is hidden deep within the sea trench, surrounded by huge black reefs, forming a natural barrier. Near the entrance of the Demon Cave, a strong bloody Aura and resentful Devilish Qi gather, outlining the formation of a Demon Array.
The interior of the Demon Cave was even more eerie and sinister, with sharp rock spikes all around, as if they were torture instruments used by the Nine Demon Sect to imprison and torment Cultivators. From the depths of the Demon Cave, faint sounds of shrill screams and wild laughter could be heard, filled with a suffocating Aura.
The Demon Cave Great Hall was indeed the core area of the entire Demon Cave, not only grand in scale but also full of mystery and majesty. At this moment, seated on the main seat of the Great Hall was the Combined Body Realm powerhouse from the Demon Abyss—Blood Demon Lord - Dana.
Dana's head had a pair of striking horns, his skin was a deep blood-red, as if it contained endless Bloodline Power. His physique was burly, his ten-foot-tall body like a mountain, giving an indescribable sense of oppression, and the bloody and terrifying Aura emanating from his entire body was enough to make any living creature tremble.
On both sides of Dana, four Refining Void Blood Demons stood erect, their gazes respectful, their Aura awe-inspiring.
Below the Great Hall, several Demon Ancestors of the Nine Demon Sect and dozens of Soul Transformation Demon Lords stood solemnly, their eyes filled with reverence and fear. Hongshan and his sister Hong Shuang were also among them, not daring to breathe loudly.
At this moment, the atmosphere of the entire Great Hall was exceptionally solemn, permeated with a heavy Aura. Everyone's gaze was focused on Dana, waiting for him to speak.
Dana's gaze was cold and deep, staring at Wu Tian Demon Ancestor and the other Demon Cultivators, and he asked in an icy tone, "So, you have found the Sealed Land, located within the Restriction of Bi Yuan Dao Lord's Water Mansion?"
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor quickly replied, "Yes, after several years of searching, we have also found the whereabouts of the key to enter Bi Yuan Water Mansion. This item was originally a treasure guarded by the White Whale Race for tens of thousands of years. However, some time ago, this item was obtained by a Beast Tamer named Li Mu, who possesses a Seven-Tier Undergoing Tribulation Azure Dragon. This item should have fallen into the hands of this Nascent Soul cultivator."
"A mere Nascent Soul cultivator, able to control a Seven-Tier Azure Dragon as a Beast Tamer?" Blood Demon Lord - Dana was slightly stunned, asking in confusion. In his understanding, although Nascent Soul cultivators were powerful, it was almost impossible to control a powerful Yao Beast like a Seven-Tier Azure Dragon.
A Seven-Tier True Dragon, with a proud and unruly nature, and strength above that of a Refining Void cultivator, would such an existence submit to a Nascent Soul cultivator? It was simply overturning his understanding.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's expression turned serious, and he earnestly introduced, "This child must not be viewed as an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator. He advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm at the age of a hundred, and he Cultivates the ancient Five Elements Technique. His sword arts, beast-taming methods, and Body Refining arts have all reached extremely high Realms. What's even more shocking is that he is also a Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner... Furthermore, this child has already slain more than a dozen Soul Transformation Demon Lords and two Refining Void Demon Ancestors of our Sect..." Speaking of this, Wu Tian Demon Ancestor revealed a strong killing intent.
"If this child continues to grow, it's not impossible for him to advance to the Dao Lord Realm in the future!" Wu Tian Demon Ancestor paused, then concluded his assessment.
Hearing this conclusion, everyone's hearts trembled.
The Dao Lord Realm, that was the peak existence countless Cultivators dreamed of. Such talent was enough to make any force feel wary and vigilant.
Blood Demon Lord - Dana's eyes flashed with sharp killing intent as he deeply gazed at Wu Tian Demon Ancestor, and he said in an even colder voice, "Since that's the case, then this Nascent Soul cultivator cannot be allowed to continue living!"
"Since the key to this water mansion is in the hands of this Nascent Soul cultivator, why haven't you acted yet?" Blood Demon Lord - Dana's eyes were as cold as ice, staring intently at Wu Tian Demon Ancestor, his tone filled with dissatisfaction and anger.
Blood Demon Lord - Dana's voice echoed in the Great Hall, making everyone's hearts tremble.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor gave a helpless bitter smile, explaining with a hint of bitterness, "Sect Master, this child is naturally cautious. For several years, he has been holed up on Wanxing Island, not easily venturing outside. We have used various methods and dispatched many people, but none have been able to easily approach him, and we even lost many people."
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's voice revealed deep helplessness, clearly indicating his headache over this Nascent Soul cultivator who had been impossible to deal with.
"Moreover, Ten Thousand Islands Sect, Sea God Sect, and other Sea Race forces constantly monitor our movements. Our casualties are extremely heavy. Under these circumstances, besides forcefully breaking into Wanxing Island, I really have no way to kill him!" Wu Tian Demon Ancestor sighed deeply, responding.
After listening to Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's explanation, Blood Demon Lord - Dana also felt a headache. This Nascent Soul cultivator was indeed a huge threat, but eliminating him was not easy. Xuantian Sword Sect, Taiyi Sect, and other Central Continent forces continuously sent reinforcements to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, managing Wanxing Island like a porcupine, impenetrable. If this Nascent Soul cultivator continued to stay holed up, besides a forceful attack on Wanxing Island, there was truly no immediate way to deal with him.
Blood Demon Lord - Dana's eyes flickered with a thoughtful light. This Nascent Soul cultivator must be dealt with as soon as possible, and the key to the water mansion must be obtained early. The longer it drags on, the more variables there will be.
As for a forceful assault on Wanxing Island, for now, the accumulated strength is still insufficient, and it is not yet time.
Blood Demon Lord - Dana immediately abandoned the idea of a forceful assault.
"In that case, we can only try if an assassination will succeed! Mo Qian, you go and try!" Blood Demon Lord - Dana turned to look at a Refining Void subordinate beside him, saying in a deep voice.
Mo Qian is a Refining Void Blood Demon skilled in the Dao of assassination among the Blood Demon Race. He possesses the Shadowless Divine Ability, has cultivated the Shadowless Blood Domain, and is proficient in disguise and escape techniques. He can appear anywhere in an instant, and his speed and movement techniques are incomparable to ordinary people, making him the top-tier high-level assassin among the Blood Demon Race.
"Yes!" Mo Qian respectfully accepted the order, and his figure instantly vanished from the spot.
The next moment, Mo Qian's figure transformed into a streak of blood, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye. His Aura seemed to merge into the air and seawater, leaving no trace, making him elusive.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor looked in the direction Mo Qian disappeared, opening his mouth as if to remind him of something, but when he met Blood Demon Lord - Dana's gaze, he immediately swallowed his words. He knew that Dana's resolve was firm at this moment, and any words would be futile.
The entire Great Hall fell silent, everyone's gaze following the direction Mo Qian disappeared, and they all understood that Mo Qian's trip was extremely dangerous, and it would be very difficult to carry out an assassination operation while evading the powerhouses on Wanxing Island.
However, a Refining Void assassin, risking his life to personally act, should be able to completely eliminate that troublesome Nascent Soul cultivator, right!
Hongshan's face revealed a complex expression, a feeling of having his great revenge avenged, yet regretful that he couldn't do it himself. (End of Chapter)
