The Sect entry procedures went quite smoothly. Elder Qiu led Li Mu to the Ancestor Hall to complete all the entry formalities, and finally, he solemnly handed a Sect token to Li Mu.
The azure token was engraved with the four characters "Xuantian Sword Sect" and emitted a faint mystic light.
"Elder Li, this is your Elder token, please keep it safe," Elder Qiu said seriously.
"Many thanks, Elder Qiu!" Li Mu took the token and immediately felt the mystic power fluctuations contained within it, knowing that this token represented his identity and status within the Sect, and even more, it was an honor.
During the process of entering the Sect, through Elder Qiu's introduction, Li Mu finally understood what kind of existence the Xuantian Sword Sect was: two Great Vehicle Dao Lords, seven Combined Body Realm Sword Masters, three hundred Void Refinement Elders, a thousand Soul Transformation Cultivators, nearly ten thousand Nascent Soul True Lords, and countless Disciples. However, low-Realm Disciples were all located in the outer Sect or subordinate Sects. If their cultivation did not reach the Nascent Soul Realm, or they lacked exceptional Aptitude, or failed to pass some strict assessments, they were not qualified to become Core Disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect.
The entire Xuantian Sword Sect almost occupied the best blessed lands within the Central Continent Spirit Domain. Its territory was vast and boundless, covering tens of millions of miles. In this vast Spirit Domain, the vast majority of high-grade Spirit Mountains and Spiritual Veins almost all belonged to the Xuantian Sword Sect. These Spirit Mountains and Spiritual Veins were not only Holy Lands for Cultivation but also contained endless resources and Opportunities... As a Guest Elder, Li Mu, after completing the Sect entry procedures, was also qualified to be allocated a large area of high-grade Spirit Mountains as a spiritual land for establishing his mansion and Cultivation.
In addition, the value of 300,000 Sect Contribution points was immeasurable, as it could be exchanged for tens of thousands of high-level spiritual resources or even Dao Realm level Cultivation Technique Legacies within the Xuantian Sword Sect.
"Elder Li, you are new here and may not be familiar with some of the Sect's rules and customs. If you have any questions or need any help, you can always come to me. I will do my best to answer them and provide assistance," Qiu Changming said kindly to Li Mu.
"Okay!" Li Mu smiled and nodded, putting away his Elder token.
"Currently, Sword Master Feng is still waiting for you to set up the Ancient Teleportation Array in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. As for allocating your contribution and selecting a Spirit Mountain, wait until you return. At that time, I will personally take you to find a high-grade blessed land," Elder Qiu said with a smile to Li Mu, then added enthusiastically.
Sword Master Feng's regard for Li Mu was self-evident. He did not hesitate to lower his status, allowing them to accompany him and persuade Li Mu to join the Sect. This was enough to show Sword Master Feng's high regard and trust in Li Mu.
As a high-ranking member of the Xuantian Sword Sect, Elder Qiu naturally dared not disobey Sword Master Feng's command. Moreover, this newly promoted Guest Elder, possessing both artifact and formation mastery, had clearly demonstrated his value to them, making them understand Li Mu's worth. For such a highly regarded talent, he naturally dared not show the slightest neglect.
"Good! I will complete the task of setting up the Ancient Teleportation Array as soon as possible, and then I'll come back to find Elder Qiu!" Li Mu nodded knowingly, feeling quite expectant.
Soon, accompanied enthusiastically by Elder Qiu, Li Mu met Sword Master Feng again. Immediately, they flew away on their swords, once again speeding towards the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
Time flew by, and half a month passed.
At this moment, behind the Sword Heart Hall of the Xuantian Sword Sect, a dazzling light suddenly shot up into the sky, illuminating the entire Sword Ling Peak.
That was the array light bursting forth from the Ancient Teleportation Array, extremely powerful, as if it could tear through heaven and earth. The powerful spatial-temporal force caused the Spiritual Qi in the surrounding area of the entire Sword Ling Peak to fluctuate. Many Soul Transformation Cultivators nearby were attracted by the suddenly activated Ancient Teleportation Array.
With a 'whoosh', the array light suddenly dissipated, and a large amount of spatial-temporal array power was absorbed by the jade wall. That powerful force seemed to be drawn away in an instant, causing the entire Ancient Teleportation Array to fall into a brief calm.
As the teleportation array light disappeared, two figures appeared on the massive Ancient Teleportation Array.
Li Mu and Sword Master Feng appeared in the center of the teleportation array. Sword Master Feng had a calm expression, while Li Mu's face was pale, his body trembling slightly, as if he had suffered a huge impact.
At this moment, Li Mu only felt light-headed and weak-kneed, as if he could collapse at any moment. The spatial-temporal protection power of the teleportation array had disappeared, leaving only emptiness and dizziness.
Li Mu did not panic because of this. He closed his eyes, took several deep breaths, and relying on his powerful internal Cultivation and the nourishment of the Spirit Devouring Body Nourishing Art, he quickly dispelled the discomfort in his body, and his complexion soon returned to normal.
The power of this Ancient Teleportation Array far exceeded any teleportation array Li Mu knew. Its teleportation distance was thousands, even tens of thousands of times farther than the Illusory God Sect's spatial-temporal teleportation array. Correspondingly, the negative effects were also much greater. One needed to reach a certain Cultivation Realm to take this teleportation array!
"Greetings, Sword Master Feng!"
Several Xuantian Sword Sect Elders, and a group of Soul Transformation Cultivators, simultaneously saluted Sword Master Feng, greeting him in unison.
"Mm!" Sword Master Feng smiled and waved his hand, signaling the Cultivators to cease their greetings.
"Sword Master Feng, Master Li, the teleportation array is complete!" Elder Ling looked at Li Mu and Sword Master Feng who appeared in the array and asked excitedly.
"Yes, Elder Ling, if you're interested, you can take this teleportation array to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region to have a look," Li Mu replied with a smile to Elder Ling and the surrounding Cultivators.
After a pause, Li Mu looked at the eager crowd and quickly spoke to seriously remind them: "However, this Ancient Teleportation Array has an extremely long teleportation distance and requires sufficient Cultivation and strength to control it. If one forcibly takes it, they might not be able to withstand the negative effects within it, and there might even be a risk to their life."
Hearing Li Mu's words, the Cultivators' expressions changed slightly, and they dared not take it lightly.
"Master Li, do you mean that if one's Cultivation is insufficient, taking this teleportation array will be life-threatening?" Elder Ling looked at Li Mu and asked in surprise.
"The teleportation distance of this Ancient Teleportation Array is extremely far, and the side effects caused by releasing its array power are also very great. It requires at least Void Refining Realm cultivation or a Soul Transformation Realm expert who specializes in Body Refining techniques to withstand the negative effects within it. Nascent Soul Realm cultivation and below are not permitted to take the array," Sword Master Feng issued his command.
"Yes!"
All the Cultivators responded in unison.
"Elder Ling, Elder Qiu, prepare the array-setting materials and confirm a suitable location for the array. If this teleportation array is utilized properly, it will be quite crucial for the spiritual lands under our Sect's control!" Sword Master Feng instructed the two executive Elders.
"Indeed, that's true. It's just that there are many spiritual lands where this array needs to be set up. At that time, I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Elder Li," Qiu Yuanhong said with a smile, looking at Li Mu.
Li Mu had somewhat expected this and sighed inwardly. Having joined the Xuantian Sword Sect and received great benefits from them, he naturally had to be prepared to work hard.
"Elder Qiu, you're too kind. Li will certainly do his best!" Li Mu replied with a smile.
"Elder Li, if you don't mind, I can bring a few Disciples from the formation hall to help out. This way, it can save you a lot of effort," Elder Ling suggested to Li Mu.
"That's fine!" Li Mu smiled and nodded, accepting Elder Ling's suggestion.
Soon, Li Mu descended from the teleportation array. Sword Master Feng formed hand seals, and with a series of flashing array lights, his figure gradually disappeared from everyone's sight. He returned to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region to oversee things.
Li Mu then went to Elder Qiu to hand over the array-setting mission, submitting his Elder token to receive 300,000 Sect Contribution points. At the same time, he received other array-setting missions, and then asked Elder Qiu to take him to choose a blessed land.
"Elder Li, these are several excellent spiritual lands I carefully screened for you over the past few days. These spiritual lands are not only rich in Spiritual Veins but also have their own unique characteristics. I believe there must be one you like. Please take a look at these materials first. If you have any questions or need further understanding, I will then take you to the site for inspection," Qiu Yuanhong said with a smile, handing a white Jade Slip to Li Mu.
Within the Xuantian Sword Sect, there were numerous high-grade spiritual lands, each possessing unique attributes and characteristics. These spiritual lands, after countless years of evolution, had formed their own unique Spiritual Qi fields. Some spiritual lands leaned towards the fire attribute, while others leaned towards the water attribute; some were more suitable for Cultivating sword techniques, while others were more suitable for Body Refining. It was precisely because of these differences that choosing a suitable spiritual land was crucial for a Cultivator.
As one of the Elders of the Xuantian Sword Sect, Qiu Yuanhong was intimately familiar with the spiritual lands within the Sect. Li Mu was someone Sword Master Feng highly regarded, so he specifically spent several days conducting a comprehensive inspection and screening of the Sect's spiritual lands, ultimately selecting over a dozen spiritual lands he deemed most suitable for Li Mu, for him to choose from.
Li Mu was naturally very grateful for Qiu Yuanhong's thoughtfulness. After receiving the white Jade Slip, he immediately immersed his Divine Sense and carefully read its contents.
The Jade Slip recorded detailed information on each spiritual land, including its attributes, Spiritual Qi concentration, Spiritual Vein strength, and its location relative to other spiritual lands, providing him with important reference points for his selection.
While reviewing these materials, Li Mu occasionally frowned, clearly deep in thought. Choosing a suitable spiritual land was crucial for him, and he absolutely could not be careless at this moment.
All the spiritual lands provided by Elder Qiu were blessed lands, each possessing a seventh-grade Heavenly Spirit Vein. If a Gathering Spirit Formation were set up, they would be more than sufficient for Void Refining and Combined Body Realm Cultivators to Cultivate.
However, most of these spiritual lands had special additional attributes, such as being near volcanoes, having underground cold springs, or even some places having Restrictions laid down by Ancient Cultivators.
These additional attributes were extremely beneficial for those who cultivated certain Cultivation Techniques or required specific environments. However, these spiritual lands with additional attributes, due to their extremely high Spiritual Vein quality, developed exclusive properties, which forced Li Mu to abandon these places.
Li Mu cultivated the Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture, a Cultivation Technique that gathered the Five Elements and Yin and Yang. Besides the Cultivation requirements, the growth of various high-grade spiritual plants was the core factor in his selection of a spiritual land.
Li Mu planned to transplant all the high-grade spiritual plants cultivated in the Painting World Treasure Mansion, which was crucial for the growth and recovery of the Painting World Treasure Mansion. Therefore, he needed to find a spiritual land that could meet the growth needs of most high-grade spiritual plants.
After the Painting World Treasure Mansion advanced to the eighth grade, the demand for spiritual power within the Grotto-heaven space became extremely high, leading to immense spiritual power consumption. The originally abundant spiritual power became scarce and of lower quality due to the expansion of the space after advancement, and the artifact spirit even fell into slumber due to insufficient spiritual power within the space.
As for the growth status of those high-grade spiritual plants cultivated in the Treasure Mansion Space, one can imagine.
In order not to hinder the recovery of the Painting World Treasure Mansion and to be able to Cultivate various high-grade spiritual plants of different attributes, Li Mu needed to find a spiritual land with relatively balanced attributes and without overly unique qualities. Only then could he successfully transplant those high-grade spiritual plants and ensure their growth.
"Elder Qiu, these spiritual lands are indeed excellent, and the quality of their Spiritual Veins is extremely high," Li Mu praised, looking at the information in the Jade Slip. The quality and quantity of the Xuantian Sword Sect's spiritual lands were absolutely beyond reproach.
"However, it seems they are not quite suitable for Li," Li Mu's Divine Sense withdrew from the Jade Slip, and he said apologetically to Qiu Yuanhong.
"Uh? It's fine if they're not suitable. Our Sect has plenty of spiritual lands, all kinds are available," Qiu Yuanhong was stunned for a moment, then laughed heartily.
"Elder Li, just tell me what kind of spiritual land you need, and I'll select it for you," Qiu Yuanhong was not displeased or disappointed by Li Mu's rejection. On the contrary, Qiu Yuanhong appreciated Li Mu's caution and seriousness even more, saying patiently.
"Many thanks, Elder Qiu!" Li Mu thanked him gratefully and quickly indicated, "Actually, the spiritual land I'm looking for doesn't need to be too unique or special. It just needs to have balanced Spiritual Qi, complete Five Elements, balanced Yin and Yang, and a quiet environment."
"Oh? Elder Li Cultivates Five Elements Technique, does he?" Hearing Li Mu's words, Qiu Yuanhong looked at Li Mu in surprise.
"Yes!" Li Mu smiled and said frankly.
"Elder Li, that's truly impressive!" Qiu Yuanhong naturally understood the significance of cultivating all Five Elements. He looked at Li Mu with admiration, then pondered, "Such a spiritual land... Let me find it!"
Saying that, Qiu Yuanhong took out a purple Jade Slip from his storage ring and immersed his Divine Sense to preview and search.
Qiu Yuanhong's Divine Sense moved through the Jade Slip as if reading a thick ancient book, while Li Mu waited patiently beside him.
After a long while, Qiu Yuanhong's Divine Sense finally withdrew from the Jade Slip, and he looked at Li Mu with a faint smile, "Elder Li, I'm not boasting, but I've found a few spiritual lands that meet your requirements. You can choose one first."
"Oh? That's great!" Li Mu's heart filled with joy, and he said, "Please, Elder Qiu, elaborate."
"Mm!" Qiu Yuanhong nodded and said, "The first spiritual land is located near our Sect's Profound Azure Valley, and it might suit Elder Li's requirements. It's called Mount Qiong. That Spirit Mountain is quite large, with a main peak of three thousand zhang and seventy-eight secondary peaks. It has two sixth-grade main Spiritual Veins, and dozens of fifth-grade and fourth-grade secondary Spiritual Veins. The terrain is surrounded by mountains, and the Spiritual Qi is abundant and evenly distributed, with all Five Elements gathered: earth fire Spiritual Veins, spiritual spring water veins, and gold-grade Spiritual Veins are all present."
"Oh? That's truly a blessed land!" Li Mu was overjoyed and quickly said, "Please, Elder Qiu, lead the way."
"Elder Li, aren't you going to look at the other spiritual lands?" Qiu Yuanhong asked in surprise.
"Let's look at this one first, then we'll see!" Li Mu indicated.
"Good! Since Elder Li intends to go, I shall lead the way," Qiu Yuanhong readily agreed.
Soon, Qiu Yuanhong led Li Mu, flying swiftly through the air, heading towards Mount Qiong. (End of Chapter)
