"Lord Li!"
Xue'er gently called out to Li Mu, her voice like a clear spring hitting stones, crisp and pleasant to the ear.
After the baptism of the Lightning Tribulation, Xue'er had perfectly transformed, like an ice-clear and jade-like Fairy, with a graceful figure. At this moment, she floated in front of Li Mu, already a stunning beauty with skin as white as fresh snow and eyes as deep as a cold pond, sparkling with firm yet gentle light.
Xue'er gazed at Li Mu intently, boldly and passionately, her eyes filled with love. It was a deep and pure emotion, like the rising sun, warm and dazzling. Her gaze revealed her admiration and dependence on Li Mu, as if only by his side could she find her true home.
Having gone through the Heart Demon Tribulation, a test of nine deaths and one life, Xue'er completely understood her state of mind. She was willing to abandon even the revenge for her clan's destruction if she could be with Li Mu.
At this moment, Xue'er's smile was as radiant as a flower, and happiness overflowed on her Face. Only she knew the hardship and difficulty of successfully passing the Lightning Tribulation and perfectly transforming. And all of this was inseparable from Li Mu's support and encouragement. She looked at Li Mu gratefully, her eyes shimmering with tears, her heart filled with endless gratitude and love.
"Well done!" Li Mu met Xue'er's fervent gaze, stunned ing slightly, then nodded in appreciation, recalling how Xue'er had followed him since she was a naive young girl. Now, she had grown up and could stand on her own.
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xue'er, on successfully passing the transformation Lightning Tribulation. This is a small gift, a token of my respect!" Fang Shixing stepped forward, smiling as he congratulated Xue'er and presented a carefully prepared gift.
"Fellow Daoist Xue'er, your Bloodline is profound. With this successful Breakthrough, the great Dao is within reach in the future!" Qin Wentong also stepped forward to congratulate Xue'er, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Fellow Daoist Xue'er..." Others also came forward to congratulate Xue'er, their voices converging into a harmonious melody, full of joy and blessings.
Xue'er paused, looking at Li Mu to ask for his opinion. These people were giving her gifts entirely out of respect for Li Mu's Face.
Li Mu smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, everyone." Xue'er immediately understood and quickly thanked everyone, accepting their gifts.
When Xue'er emerged from the crowd, her little companions immediately excitedly surrounded her.
"Xiao Xue, are you okay! This is the Ice Spirit Fruit you love most." Xiao Jin presented a spiritual fruit to Xue'er as if offering a treasure.
"Xiao Xue, congratulations, you've also transformed!" Xiao Wa, Azure Jade Ginseng King, and the others surrounded Xue'er, asking with concern.
Xue'er helplessly glanced at Li Mu, dealing with her enthusiastic companions.
Seeing this scene, Li Mu was quite relieved. Xue'er had overcome this hurdle, and there was nothing left to worry about.
In the following days, Li Mu led his spirit beasts to live a semi-reclusive life in Seven Profound Sect, meticulously caring for high-grade spiritual plants, pouring endless effort into them.
In addition to caring for spiritual plants, Li Mu also continuously attempted the Heavenly Puppet Heart Palace trial in his daily life. Through repeated challenges and tempering, he learned and studied a vast amount of Heavenly Puppet Spirit Runes, trying to obtain the Heavenly Puppet Legacy from them.
Furthermore, Li Mu also delved into the Divine Inscription True Explanation, a Domain he had always been extremely interested in. He immersed himself in it, exploring the mysteries of Divine Inscriptions, hoping to improve his Refining Skill Rank through this. Otherwise, he would specialize in sword formations and spell formations, and Spiritual Charms Drawing. His days passed by, full and peaceful.
During his leisure time, Li Mu often chose to go to the Sword Heart Hall and Sword Tower of Xuantian Sword Sect to further Cultivate his sword techniques and attempt to comprehend Sword Intent.
As for the change in Xue'er's attitude towards him, Li Mu noticed it but didn't take it too seriously.
Li Mu had raised Xue'er himself, and his feelings for her were like those for a younger sister or a daughter; he couldn't develop any other thoughts.
Xue'er was extremely sensitive to emotions and clearly perceived Li Mu's attitude. Besides being frustrated, she inevitably felt a bit disheartened.
The Heavenly Fox Bloodline endowed Xue'er with powerful allure, a perfect transformation, a devastatingly beautiful appearance, and a unique temperament. However, if Li Mu treated her like a younger sister or a daughter, without any romantic feelings, these external attributes would have no effect at all.
However, Xue'er also came to terms with it. She was content as long as she could always be by Li Mu's side. Perhaps one day, Li Mu would be moved by her and change his attitude!
After Li Mu finished tending to the spiritual plants, he flew to the Sword Heart Hall and then prepared to challenge the Sword Tower.
The Sword Heart Hall and Sword Tower, both transformed from seven-rank dao tools, are the Foundation of Xuantian Sword Sect's standing in the Central Plains Spiritual Domain, the very essence of the Sect's heritage. They each possess unique and mystical functions, attracting countless Xuantian Sword Sect Disciples to immerse themselves within them.
Once a sword challenger enters the Sword Heart Hall, they will fall into an illusion.
The Sword Heart Hall will generate one or even several phantoms with the same strength as them, and the sword challenger will Face their own phantom in fierce sword skill competitions.
These phantoms possess exactly the same strength as the sword challenger, and even stronger, relying on the Sword Heart Hall's heritage, as if they are another self from the depths of the sword challenger's heart. By continuously competing with their phantoms, the sword challenger's sword skills gradually improve.
Over three years, Li Mu continuously challenged himself in the Sword Heart Hall. Now, he could barely defeat three phantoms of equal strength simultaneously. To advance further in the Dao of the Sword and challenge more phantoms, he needed to achieve another self-Breakthrough, surpassing the next limit.
The Sword Tower, on the other hand, is another vast world. This towering structure, reaching into the clouds, has a hundred floors, each possessing endless space, as if they are independent worlds. Entering the Sword Tower, Li Mu can compete in sword skills with the Disciples of Xuantian Sword Sect in real combat, challenging the Peak of the Dao of the Sword.
Inside the Sword Tower, mysterious sword patterns will appear on the sword competitors. These sword patterns can protect every competitor who enters. Once the sword patterns are broken, the competitor will be transmitted out of the Sword Tower, thus ensuring their personal safety.
Each of the hundred floors of the Sword Tower has a defender, all of whom are elite Disciples, Core Disciples, or even Elders of Xuantian Sword Sect.
Entering the Sword Tower for sword Dao competition requires paying a certain amount of Sect contribution points. However, for Li Mu, this was not a problem. Additionally, each floor of the Sword Tower has a defender, and successfully defending the challenge earns a large amount of Sect contribution rewards, making it a place that easily ignites the competitive spirit of Disciples.
For three years, the hundred-story Sword Tower became one of Li Mu's favorite places. Here, he could compete and engage in real combat with the elite Sword Cultivators of the entire Xuantian Sword Sect, continuously improving his sword skills and combat mindset.
Today, Li Mu once again arrived at Heaven Sword Peak on his sword. He wore a blue sword robe, his sleeves fluttering, appearing dashing yet reserved. He chose not to wear the conspicuous Elder's robe, opting for a low profile, because he knew that in the Sword Tower, strength was the only hard truth.
Li Mu quietly landed among the crowd in the Sword Tower Plaza, looking around. The Sword Tower Plaza was bustling, with elite Disciples from various Peaks of Xuantian Sword Sect gathered. They were either in groups of three or five, or alone, all looking in a certain direction.
Li Mu looked up at the towering giant Sword Tower, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. This was the Sword Tower, the Holy Land in the hearts of Xuantian Sword Sect Disciples. Every time he looked up at it, he could feel the majestic Aura of Sword Intent soaring to the sky, making his heart surge.
This time, Li Mu came to Heaven Sword Peak to climb the Sword Tower with a plan already in mind: he intended to challenge the master of a certain floor of the Sword Tower and defend it for a period of time to earn some Sect contribution points.
This was not only a test of his own strength but also a tempering of his sword skills. Li Mu yearned to engage in extensive real combat sparring with Disciples from various Peaks in the Sword Tower to improve his mastery of the Dao of the Sword.
Three years passed, and Li Mu vaguely touched the threshold of comprehending Sword Intent. However, he still couldn't enter its gate. Next, Li Mu planned to have a vigorous battle in the Sword Tower to help him comprehend Sword Intent.
Heaven Sword Peak Plaza was bustling and lively, with thousands of Xuantian Sword Sect Disciples gathered. They were either queuing to enter the Sword Tower or gathered in front of the Sword Tower battle record board, checking the Sword Tower ranking. Everyone's Face was filled with excitement and anticipation, discussing and gossiping endlessly, as if all were expecting something.
The Sword Tower Battle Board is a unique sight around the Sword Tower. It displays the real-time battle records of competitors inside the Sword Tower. Every change in the ranking on the battle board draws exclamations from the onlookers.
In literary arts, there is no first; in martial arts, there is no second. The Sword Tower Battle Board ranking is a stage for Xuantian Sword Sect Disciples to compete for honor and display their strength.
Li Mu's gaze involuntarily turned to the Sword Tower Battle Board, full of curiosity, wanting to know what kind of strength those top-ranked Disciples possessed.
"The master of the 93rd floor – Senior Brother Qin was actually defeated!" Exclamations erupted from the crowd, as if a stone had stirred up a thousand waves. Chen Xuyuan's name echoed in everyone's ears, all with admiration and awe. The title of the new generation Sword Son, he deserved it.
Chen Xuyuan's strength was like a brilliant star, shining brightly among the Disciples of Xuantian Sword Sect. After entering the tower, he attacked the challenges all the way, irresistible, unmatched. He continuously defeated several powerful defenders, and each victory elevated his status in everyone's hearts, making him the focus of attention.
However, just as everyone thought Chen Xuyuan would continue to advance triumphantly and climb to the Peak of the Sword Tower, someone voiced a different opinion. A scoff sounded in the crowd, with a hint of disdain, scoffing, "Chen Xuyuan is too arrogant. He even dares to continue challenging higher. Soon, he will understand what it means that there are always people beyond people, and heavens beyond heavens!"
As soon as these words came out, they immediately drew agreement from others. Someone sighed, "Yes, the master of the 92nd floor of the Sword Tower is the second Disciple of Taijian Peak - Zhang Yi. Chen Xuyuan definitely can't pass this level."
"Indeed, facing Senior Brother Zhang, Junior Brother Chen's Foundation is insufficient. He is still a bit weaker!"
Zhang Yi's name was known to everyone in Xuantian Sword Sect. As the second Disciple of Taijian Peak, his strength was unfathomable, and he was already a top-tier expert in the Dao of the Sword. If Chen Xuyuan continued to challenge higher, he would inevitably Face this formidable opponent.
However, some in the crowd held different views, and someone immediately spoke up to defend Chen Xuyuan: "Not necessarily. Senior Brother Chen must have come prepared this time. Perhaps he still has some killer moves he hasn't used yet!"
As soon as this was said, it was immediately refuted by others: "Hehe, Senior Brother Zhang's Profound Sword Move is not to be trifled with. If Chen Xuyuan wants to defeat him, he probably needs to Cultivate for another few decades!"
...
For a time, everyone discussed animatedly, each silently predicting the upcoming battle. Chen Xuyuan, meanwhile, seemed to become the center of this storm. His tower-climbing record became the focus of everyone's attention, tugging at everyone's heartstrings.
Seeing this scene, Li Mu frowned, hesitating about his previous decision. He didn't want to be too high-profile in Xuantian Sword Sect. If he climbed the tower too high, he would definitely become a topic of discussion among Xuantian Sword Sect Disciples, which would undoubtedly bring him unnecessary trouble.
However, if he didn't climb the tower to defend, he could only continue to compete in sword skills with lower-level Disciples. Although this was also a form of training, Li Mu was sure that his Dao of the Sword path could not stop there. He needed stronger opponents and more intense challenges to continuously improve his combat power.
Li Mu took a deep breath, his eyes firm, having already made his decision.
He couldn't back down just because he was afraid of trouble. Li Mu still decided to continue climbing the tower and defending, but he planned to lower his target for defending the Sword Tower. He would defend the 100th floor of the Sword Tower, so he could continuously Face those who challenged him.
Soon, Li Mu walked towards the entrance of the Sword Tower, queuing to enter.
The line moved slowly, and half an hour later, it was finally Li Mu's turn to enter the tower.
The Disciple guarding the Sword Tower looked at Li Mu with sharp eyes, stopping him and reaching out to demand, "To enter the tower, please show your Disciple token first and pay 10,000 Sect contribution points."
Li Mu nodded upon hearing this, indicating understanding. With a slight movement of his palm, he took out his Disciple token from the nine storage spiritual pearl and handed it to the guarding Disciple.
The guarding Disciple took Li Mu's token, his expression slightly startled. He immediately poured in his Divine Sense, instantly learning Li Mu's identity.
Upon seeing the information on the token, the guarding Disciple's Face immediately became respectful. He looked at Li Mu with utmost deference, bowing and greeting, "Disciple - Liu Qiang, greets Elder Li."
After greeting, the guarding Disciple - Liu Qiang looked at Li Mu, indicating with some embarrassment, "Elder Li, do you confirm you want to enter the tower? If an Elder Rank enters the Sword Tower, the Sect contribution points required are 100,000, not 10,000. This is a Sect rule, please understand."
Li Mu smiled slightly, as if he had long known there would be such differential treatment. He nodded calmly and said, "Yes, I confirm I want to enter the tower. You can deduct it!"
The guarding Disciple dared not neglect in the slightest and immediately deducted 100,000 Sect contribution points from the token as Li Mu instructed.
"Elder Li, please keep your token. After entering the tower, the Tower Spirit will bless you with a sword charm. You don't need to be nervous." The guarding Disciple respectfully returned the token to Li Mu, reminding him.
Li Mu understood, took the token, nodded, indicating he understood, and turned to walk into the Sword Tower.
Watching Li Mu's retreating figure enter the Sword Tower, the guarding Disciple showed a smile of anticipation. With an Elder-level Sword Cultivator entering the tower to challenge, the Sword Tower Battle Board was probably about to set off another craze! (End of this chapter)
