After more than a month of travel, Li Mu and his group finally arrived at the Central Plains Spirit Domain.
"We're finally here!"
On the deck, Li Mu looked at the gradually clearing continent ahead, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and he couldn't help but exclaim.
This journey was not as easy as he had imagined; besides encountering groups of Thunder Roc monsters and rogue Cultivators blocking their way, they also encountered many unexpected incidents, such as violent large-scale storms and foggy weather that led to getting lost, among various other things.
It was by no means easy for the Earth Element Spirit Ship to successfully arrive after crossing such a long distance.
"Shopkeeper, is that the Central Plains Continent ahead?"
Liu Yalan asked in surprise. She had never seen such a vast and boundless continent. The Spiritual Qi was so dense that it gathered into clouds, as white and soft as marshmallows, yet also like auspicious clouds in a wonderland, giving people a sense of transcendence from the mundane world.
"Yes! However, we are still on the edge of the continent; it will take another half day's journey to reach our destination!" Li Mu smiled and introduced.
"Sister Liu, once we return to the Seven Profound Sect, you'll understand the difference in spiritual power between Wanxing Island and the Sect!" Xue'er said with a proud smile.
Liu Yalan nodded, looking at Li Mu with admiration.
Half a day passed in a flash, like a fleeting white colt. The Earth Element Spirit Ship streaked across the Void Realm like a shooting star chasing the moon, arriving above the Seven Gods Mountain in an instant and slowly descending.
Li Mu stood on the deck of the Spirit Ship, gazing into the distance, seeing the familiar scenery of the Seven Gods Mountain. He smiled softly, waved his hand to put away the Earth Element Spirit Ship, and then, carrying Liu Yalan and Xue'er, flew like lightning towards the Sect Leader's Mansion.
Sensing Li Mu's return, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, Azure Jade Ginseng King, and other Beast Companions leaped out from several Ling Peaks and gathered to welcome Li Mu's return.
The Elders of the Seven Profound Sect also emerged from their respective residences, their faces beaming with anticipation and excitement, welcoming the Sect Master's return.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape walked up to Li Mu, its deep eyes revealing a hint of resentment as it said, "Master, you're finally back. Why didn't you call us when you left? We should have been by your side to share some of your burden."
"That's right! Master, take us with you. If anything happens, it's good to have helpers!" The Azure Jade Ginseng King also chimed in.
Li Mu looked at the expressions of the several Beast Companions, a warm current welling up in his heart. He laughed heartily and quickly motioned, "It was a last-minute decision. Next time I go out, I'll definitely take you all with me."
Just then, Fang Shixin hurried over, a hint of nervousness on his face, and motioned to Li Mu, "Sect Master, the Xuantian Sword Sect has sent people several times to inquire about your whereabouts. You should go see them quickly! They seem to be in a hurry."
Li Mu nodded knowingly upon hearing this.
Throughout his journey, his Elder token had been constantly receiving messages. The Xuantian Sword Sect sending people to inquire about his whereabouts must be related to what happened on Wanxing Island.
Li Mu turned to Xue'er and motioned, "Xue'er, please take good care of Shopkeeper Liu for me. I'll go for a bit, and we can talk about anything when I get back."
After speaking, Li Mu turned and flew towards the Xuantian Sword Sect on his sword, leaving the Elders and Beast Companions to watch his departing back.
Xuantian Sword Sect, Xuantian Grand Hall.
As Li Mu stepped into the hall, he immediately felt a solemn atmosphere.
In the center of the hall, several Elders with serious expressions were discussing something important. Seeing Li Mu's arrival, their faces showed a hint of surprise and joy.
"Elder Li, you're finally back!" Qiu Changming was the first to stand up, looking at Li Mu with a relieved expression and a face full of joy.
"Elder Li, are you alright? It's good to have you back, it's good to have you back!" The other Elders also stood up, their faces showing relieved smiles, as if all their worries and anxieties had vanished at that moment.
"That's right! I'll go inform Sword Master Feng right away; he's been so concerned about your whereabouts!" An Elder said eagerly. As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately took out a spiritual token to make contact.
Watching the Elder's urgent actions, Li Mu couldn't help but frown, deep in thought. He could feel everyone's concern for him, which brought a warm feeling to his heart. However, he also keenly perceived that this matter seemed to be more complex than it appeared.
Li Mu pondered to himself, his face remaining impassive. He knew that at this critical moment, he must remain calm and composed, not revealing any flaws.
"I encountered some things outside that delayed me, causing the Elders to worry. However, does this matter still require Sword Master Feng's attention?" Li Mu asked with slight doubt. He wanted to know more details about the matter but didn't want to appear too eager.
Qiu Changming smiled wryly upon hearing this, looking at Li Mu and explaining, "Elder Li, this matter is a long story. You'll understand once Sword Master Feng arrives."
Li Mu nodded silently, saying nothing more. The most important thing now was to remain calm and patient, waiting for Sword Master Feng's arrival. Only then could he better understand the entire sequence of events and respond accordingly.
They were so concerned about him, even Sword Master Feng personally inquired; it must be because the battle on Wanxing Island has been exposed!
Time passed bit by bit, and the atmosphere in the hall gradually became a bit awkward. Several Elders continued to discuss Sect matters in low voices, while Li Mu sat quietly in his seat, not disturbing them, just silently waiting for Sword Master Feng's arrival.
Just then, a sword shadow suddenly flickered, and Sword Master Feng's figure gradually became clear. He wore a green robe, his gaze like a sword, sharp and profound. He walked into the hall and immediately locked onto Li Mu, who was seated, as if to see through his heart.
"Greetings, Sword Master!"
All the Elders, including Li Mu, stood up and greeted him in unison.
Sword Master Feng nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally resting on Li Mu again. A hint of appreciation and satisfaction flashed in his eyes, as if he was very pleased with Li Mu's return.
"Elder Li, you've had a hard journey! Why didn't you return to the Sect via the Ancient Teleportation Array? Why did you choose to travel by yourself? If it weren't for your Elder token, we would have thought you were captured by the Blood Demon Lord - Dana!" Sword Master Feng asked Li Mu with concern.
Li Mu's face flashed with a hint of embarrassment upon hearing this, and he explained somewhat awkwardly, "To be honest, Sword Master, Li's trip to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region was to find some rare Artifact Refining spiritual materials. However, on the way, I encountered the Demon Cultivators' attack on the island, and the battle on Sky Spirit Island was exceptionally busy. Li knew that his Artifact Refining was acceptable, but his combat power was insufficient, and he already had the suspicion of being afraid of battle. How could he dare to privately occupy the Sect's Teleportation Array to return to the Sect?"
As Li Mu's words fell, a relaxed burst of laughter immediately erupted in the hall.
Immediately, an Elder spoke up teasingly, "Elder Li is truly too modest. Who doesn't know that you are the Xuantian Sword Sect's greatest Artifact Refining Great Master? Even the Sword Master has to respect you by three points! How can there be any reason to send you to the battlefield?"
Qiu Changming added with a smile, "Indeed, Elder Li's Artifact Refining skill has reached the pinnacle of perfection. It is the Xuantian Sword Sect's most precious treasure. Your safety is of utmost importance to the Sect. Let the other Disciples in the Sect handle the matters of fighting Demon Cultivators on the battlefield."
"Exactly, exactly. Elder Li's mastery of both Artifact Refining and Formation is renowned throughout the entire Eastern Continent. If anything were to happen to him on the battlefield, that would be the greatest loss to our Sect!" Another Elder echoed.
Their words were filled with respect and reverence for Li Mu. His contributions to the Sect in the fields of Artifact Refining and Formation were indelible, and he held an extremely important position within the Sect.
If the Xuantian Sword Sect were to face a battle, at this moment, they would prefer Li Mu to focus on Artifact Refining, crafting more Magic Treasures and Spiritual Artifacts for the Sect, rather than putting him in a dangerous battlefield.
"What the Elders said is correct, Elder Li. Your act of avoiding battle this time was not only faultless but meritorious. It completely thwarted the Nine Demon Sect's conspiracy." Sword Master Feng's voice was gentle and firm. He looked at Li Mu with a smile, his eyes sparkling with appreciation and deep meaning.
Li Mu was slightly stunned, as if he doubted whether he had heard correctly. He frowned, deliberately showing a bewildered expression, and asked in confusion, "Li is faultless yet meritorious? And thwarted the Nine Demon Sect's conspiracy? Sword Master, what do you mean by that?"
Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu's reaction, a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes. He couldn't be sure whether Li Mu's confusion was genuine or deliberate, and he needed to probe for more information.
Therefore, Sword Master Feng decided to explain in detail.
"Elder Li, according to our investigation after the war, the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord hastily launched a major battle against Wanxing Island, seemingly targeting you." Sword Master Feng paused, then continued, "The Nine Demon Sect suffered enormous losses in their attack on Wanxing Island this time, almost dismantling their decades-long 布局 in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. However, you successfully avoided their trap, not only escaping danger yourself but also completely foiling their plan, hence this saying."
Li Mu was secretly surprised upon hearing this, never expecting that his act of avoiding battle would have such a huge impact on the Nine Demon Sect. At the same time, he also admired Sword Master Feng's insight.
Sword Master Feng observed Li Mu's expression, and seeing a hint of understanding flash in his eyes, he continued to press, "Elder Li, do you know why the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord would go to such great lengths to target you?"
Li Mu frowned, pondered for a moment, and then shook his head, guessing, "Li truly doesn't know. If it's because of my Artifact Refining skill, then the Nine Demon Sect should have known long ago. If they wanted to target me, they should have acted in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region much earlier, rather than choosing to launch a major battle outside Wanxing Island now."
Sword Master Feng nodded, agreeing, "Elder Li's words make sense. We were also initially puzzled by this. But after in-depth investigation, we found that the true purpose of the Nine Demon Sect's actions this time was not merely to target your Artifact Refining skill."
Li Mu's brows furrowed slightly upon hearing this, and a ripple stirred in his heart. He quickly guided the conversation, looking at Sword Master Feng and motioning, "Sword Master, what is the true purpose of the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord? I seem to have become their thorn in the side. Previously, I was once assassinated by a Void Refining stage Demon Cultivator. He seemed to intend to capture me alive. Fortunately, two good friends came to my aid in time, and I was able to escape."
Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng's eyes flashed with a hint of concern, and he quickly pressed, "Oh? When did this happen?"
Li Mu recalled for a moment and replied, "That was before I joined this Sect. It was that assassination that made me think about leaving the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. If it weren't for you, Sword Master, inviting me to repair the Ancient Teleportation Array, I might have already left the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region."
Sword Master Feng nodded in understanding, gazing at Li Mu, and said in a deep voice, "Elder Li, the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord targeting you in such a way must have a major scheme. Did that Void Refining assassin say anything? Please recall carefully; this is crucial for us to understand their actions."
Li Mu pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head, guessing, "I truly can't recall exactly what the assassin said. However, if their goal is my Formation techniques, then it's very likely related to breaking Seals or Restrictions. Could it be that the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord want to capture me alive and force me to help them break certain Seals or Restrictions?"
Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng's eyes flashed with a hint of solemnity. This conjecture was not impossible. Li Mu's Formation mastery was extremely high. If the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord truly had their sights set on this skill of his, then things would be troublesome.
"Sword Master, they should have found the World Dao Seal in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, which is why they are targeting Elder Li's Formation ability," Qiu Changming said with a solemn expression.
Sword Master Feng frowned deeply and said in a deep voice, "Legend has it that in ancient times, there were seven World Dao between this realm and the Demon Abyss. These World Dao were once the source of great wars between the two realms. Later, seven Dao Lords jointly sealed these World Dao to maintain the balance between the two realms. This time, the fall of the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain was due to a crack appearing in one of these World Dao Seals."
After speaking, Sword Master Feng added gravely, "If the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord have indeed found the World Dao Seal in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region and intend to use Elder Li's Formation ability to break it, the consequences would be unimaginable. We must quickly investigate the location of the Sealed Land."
"Yes!" All the Elders responded in unison, their voices firm and powerful.
Sword Master Feng looked deeply at Li Mu and said solemnly, "Elder Li, regarding the Seal matter, I hope you can temporarily remain within the Sect during this period and avoid going out. This is to ensure your safety and also for the safety of the entire Spirit Realm."
Li Mu immediately understood Sword Master Feng's intention upon hearing this, and quickly nodded, respectfully responding, "Understood, Sword Master. Li also plans to enter seclusion for a period of time to focus on Cultivating, and will not go out for a long time."
Sword Master Feng was quite satisfied to see Li Mu being so understanding and nodded. He looked at Qiu Changming and instructed, "Elder Qiu, Elder Li's accidental exposure of the Nine Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Lord's hidden intentions, indirectly causing them severe damage, is a great merit. Remember to record Elder Li's Sect contributions as a commendation."
Qiu Changming readily accepted the order, nodding with a smile, "Understood, I will record Elder Li's deserved merits shortly."
Just then, Sword Master Feng seemed to remember something. He took out a Qingyu Jade Slip from his 懷 and handed it to Li Mu, saying with a smile, "Elder Li, you have already Cultivated your Sword Domain, but your Sword Heart has not yet been comprehended. This is my personal reward for you, a fragmented Saint-rank Sword Scripture. I hope you can study it well and comprehend the Sword Heart as soon as possible. If you have free time, you can go to the Sword Heart Hall to study swords, or climb the Sword Tower; perhaps you will gain something."
"Thank you for the Sword Master's generous gift! Li will not disappoint you!" Li Mu's eyes lit up. He took the Qingyu Jade Slip, felt the powerful Sword Intent contained within it, and bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude.
Soon, Sword Master Feng gave them some more instructions, and then hurried away.
Everyone quickly stood up and respectfully saw him out of the hall. (End of Chapter)
