Li Mu gathered his five Spirit Beasts, the Azure Moon True Dragon, the Azure Jade Ginseng King, and the others, to discuss the upcoming Secret Realm expedition, asking them to protect him closely.
“This is great, Master! It’s been a long time since I’ve had a chance to move around.” The Green-Eyed Golden Ape was the first to excitedly leap up, its green eyes sparkling with excitement, its golden fur shimmering in the sunlight.
“Master, aren’t you bringing Miss Xue Er? If she finds out, she’ll definitely be unhappy, and then she might track us down and chase after us. Something unexpected might happen.” The Ink Jade Rock Lizard reminded him.
Hearing this, Li Mu frowned. He had indeed planned it this way; this Secret Realm trip contained a certain amount of danger, so he didn't intend to bring Miss Xue Er. However, as the Rock Lizard mentioned, if Miss Xue Er found out and chased after their tracks, it would be easier for other accidents to occur.
“Yes, Master, please bring Miss Xue Er along! She has also passed her form-transforming Lightning Tribulation; perhaps she can lend a hand.” The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix also advised.
“Alright then! Little Gold, go fetch Miss Xue Er.” Li Mu pondered for a moment, nodded, and then instructed the Green-Eyed Golden Ape to find Miss Xue Er.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape, receiving the order, vanished from its spot in a flash, clearly using its unique movement technique to search for Miss Xue Er.
Before long, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape returned with Miss Xue Er.
Miss Xue Er flew down beside Li Mu and anxiously asked, “Lord Li, are you preparing to go on an adventure? Why aren’t you taking me with you?”
Li Mu quickly explained, “The place we are going this time is somewhat dangerous, and I was afraid you would get hurt, so I originally planned to have you stay in the Sect. But then I worried you would be anxious, so I decided to bring you along. However, I must say this beforehand: you must obey orders during this operation and not act on your own.”
Hearing this, Miss Xue Er breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry, Lord Li, when have I ever not listened to you? I will definitely not act on my own.”
Li Mu nodded, thoroughly explained the situation of the Secret Realm to all his Spirit Beasts, and then told them to prepare themselves for departure tomorrow.
The next morning, above the Seven Profound Sect, the Earth Element Spirit Ship hovered over the Sect, emitting a faint spiritual glow.
The Elders of the Seven Profound Sect all came to bid them farewell. Smiles were on their faces, but their eyes revealed reluctance and worry.
Li Mu stood on the deck of the Spirit Ship, cupping his hands to bid farewell to the Elders. As the Earth Element Spirit Ship slowly ascended, Li Mu, accompanied by his Spirit Beasts and Wang Wenbao, embarked on the journey to the Secret Realm.
Soon, the Earth Element Spirit Ship transformed into a streak of light, speeding towards the north.
The Elders of the Seven Profound Sect watched the Earth Element Spirit Ship disappear until it was out of sight, then they withdrew their gazes, their faces showing complex expressions. They knew that Li Mu and his Spirit Beasts would face many unknown dangers on this trip to the Secret Realm, and they only hoped for Li Mu's early return.
As the Earth Element Spirit Ship sped along, the surrounding scenery constantly changed like a flowing scroll. Mountains and rivers, undulating and grand, seemed like the Context of the earth, one by one unfolding and then sweeping past their eyes as the Spirit Ship flew rapidly.
On the spacious deck of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, Li Mu and Wang Wenbao stood side by side, discussing important matters of their journey, talking about the agreed meeting point with the Wanbao Pavilion exploration team, and meticulously planning the route and actions. Wang Wenbao was thoroughly introducing the exploration team's situation to Li Mu.
“Great Master Li, the collaborating party this time is our Wanbao Pavilion’s most experienced exploration team. They have successfully explored various Secret Realms and ancient ruins multiple times. The leader is a Void Refining Senior named Qian Wantong. He has profound cultivation, extensive knowledge, and is skilled at identifying various traps and Restrictions.” Wang Wenbao looked at Li Mu, introducing the exploration team’s situation.
Li Mu nodded, indicating his understanding. Cooperating with such a team would not only increase the safety of this Secret Realm trip but also allow him to learn much valuable experience during the exploration process.
“What is the composition of the exploration team’s members?” Li Mu asked Wang Wenbao for a deeper understanding of the exploration team.
Wang Wenbao quickly introduced, “This exploration team has over a hundred people. Besides the leader, Commander Qian, who is a Void Refining Late Stage Cultivator, there are three other powerful Void Refining experts. They each specialize in different Domains: Pang Long, a Body Cultivator skilled in close combat; Han Yi, skilled in wood-element spells; and Xiao Xiangyun, who is good at tracking and proficient in insect-controlling techniques. Additionally, there are over fifty Soul Transformation combat personnel. Besides them, there are logistics support team members: alchemists, poison masters, pharmacists, bookworms, and so on. Although their cultivation is not high, they each have their specialized Domains and are indispensable roles in Secret Realm exploration.”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu immediately gained a clearer understanding of the exploration team's strength and configuration, and he smiled with satisfaction, “This exploration team's strength is good. With such a configuration, whether for combat or exploration, they can handle it with ease. Not bad.”
“Great Master Li is absolutely right. Now with your addition, this Secret Realm trip will definitely be smoother. As long as we can break through the Restrictions in the Secret Realm, the heavy Treasure Trove within will be as easy as taking something from one’s pocket.” Wang Wenbao smiled fawningly at Li Mu, subtly flattering him.
“Don’t speak too soon. I’m not entirely confident about this Secret Realm Restriction. Let’s assess the Restriction's situation first. But it’s agreed beforehand, the reversing death spirit grass must belong to me!” Li Mu shook his head and chuckled, speaking humbly.
“Of course!” Wang Wenbao quickly nodded in agreement.
“Where do we meet up with this exploration team?” Li Mu changed the subject, asking with concern.
Wang Wenbao quickly replied, “Because the exploration team couldn’t break through the Secret Realm Restriction, they had to retreat from the Ice Abyss Deadland and request aid from the Wanbao Pavilion headquarters. They set up camp in a Spirit Valley near the Secret Realm entrance, waiting for reinforcements.”
He paused, then Wang Wenbao added, “It was I who applied to the Grand Manager Wan to invite you to participate in this Secret Realm exploration. We will first go to the Wanbao Pavilion headquarters to report to the Grand Manager Wan, and then we will proceed to the Ice Mountain Spirit Valley to rendezvous with the exploration team.”
Li Mu frowned, asking somewhat urgently, “How far is the Wanbao Pavilion headquarters from here? How long will it take to get there?”
Wang Wenbao quickly replied, “The Wanbao Pavilion headquarters is on the other side of the route to the Northern Domain. The Earth Element Spirit Ship is heading in the correct direction, but at its current speed, it’s about a four to five-day journey.”
“Oh!” Li Mu nodded in understanding, then formed a hand seal and sent a surge of spiritual power into the Earth Element Spirit Ship.
With this infusion of spiritual power, the Earth Element Spirit Ship’s magnetic array was instantly activated. The entire Spirit Ship seemed to be lifted by an invisible force, suddenly rising dozens of feet in height, and continuously gaining altitude, beginning a frantic acceleration. The Earth Element Spirit Ship sped forth like an arrow loosed from a bowstring.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship, which had been flying steadily, now transformed into a streak of lightning tearing through the sky, its speed astonishingly fast. Yet, what was even more surprising was that despite the speed increasing by dozens of times, there was no sensation of bumping or vibration in the cabin or on the deck. On the contrary, the entire Spirit Ship seemed to be enveloped by a gentle force, as stable as if walking on flat ground.
The surrounding scenery rapidly receded, as if time itself was stretched in this moment.
“At this speed, we should arrive tonight, right?” Li Mu smiled slightly at Wang Wenbao, asking.
“Definitely no problem, Great Master Li, what splendid skill!” Wang Wenbao was overjoyed at the sight, couldn't help but give a thumbs-up in admiration, and at the same time didn't forget to inquire, “With such excellent quality and performance, I wonder which Great Master of shipbuilding this Spirit Ship comes from.”
Li Mu was slightly taken aback, not expecting Wang Wenbao to ask him about the shipbuilder's information. However, it was not appropriate to tell the truth about this matter.
Li Mu then made up an excuse, responding, “This ship was given to me by a close friend; I don’t know who built it.”
“So that’s how it is, Great Master Li. If there’s an opportunity, please trouble you to inquire for me about the Great Master who built this Spirit Ship. Their shipbuilding skills are extraordinary, and I, Wang, am very eager to get to know them.” Wang Wenbao looked at Li Mu, pleading earnestly.
Li Mu smiled slightly, thinking to himself, “This Wang Wenbao is indeed someone who knows his goods, but this Earth Element Spirit Ship is my own creation; there is no such Great Master of shipbuilding.”
Li Mu smiled and nodded, saying, “Manager Wang, rest assured, if there’s a chance, I will definitely help you inquire.”
Hearing this, Wang Wenbao was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, “Thank you, Great Master Li. If I can get to know this Great Master of shipbuilding, I, Wang, will surely repay you with a generous gift.”
The two chatted while watching the Earth Element Spirit Ship speed forward.
Time flew by, and as the sun set, the blood-red afterglow gradually faded, leaving behind a brilliant evening glow. Night quickly descended, and the sky seemed to be slowly drawn down by a massive black curtain, enveloping the earth in a deep gloom.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship, speeding through the air, finally slowed down, and its altitude gradually decreased. It passed through layers of clouds and slowly descended towards the Floating Skyport below.
On the deck of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, Li Mu gazed into the distance, looking at the gradually unfolding magnificent night view below, and couldn't help but show deep admiration on his face.
Before their eyes, a vast urban complex unfolded like a painting, truly astonishing. Towering pavilions pierced the clouds, brightly lit and dazzling, emitting charming brilliance that illuminated the entire night sky as if it were daytime.
Floating Skyports were scattered throughout the urban clusters, like floating landmasses in the air. Spirit Ships of all sizes continuously flowed between these Floating Skyports, some fast, some slow, some bright, some dim, carving out brilliant trajectories in the night sky, like a grand light show.
The name Wanbao Pavilion was like thunder to countless Cultivators; its branch forces were spread across various spiritual Domains in different states, even engaging in cross-boundary commerce. For the vast majority of Cultivators, it was almost universally known. Its headquarters stood in the center of the Central Domain, and its scale was naturally extraordinary.
In the center of this brightly lit city, a particularly tall building stood out, the headquarters building of Wanbao Pavilion, towering majestically and piercing the clouds. Its exterior was resplendent and shimmering, as if it were a palace crafted and piled from Top-Grade Spirit Stones and Geng Metal. Against the backdrop of the night, it appeared even more solemn and imposing, exuding an air of nobility. This should be the location of the Wanbao Pavilion headquarters.
Even having witnessed the prosperity of modern civilization's super first-tier cities, Li Mu couldn't help but be amazed by the scale and prosperity of the Wanbao Pavilion headquarters.
“Great Master Li, ahead is the shopping city built by our Wanbao Pavilion, called Wanbao City.” Wang Wenbao, full of pride, passionately introduced to Li Mu, “This city gathers merchant ships and treasure ships from the entire Central Domain, and there are even many merchant ships that have traveled long distances across Domains. This place can be said to be a gathering place for all treasures, with millions of spiritual and precious items traded here daily. Whether it’s rare spiritual materials, treasures, or legendary secret techniques and ancient texts, everything is available here.”
“Manager Wang, this Wanbao City truly lives up to its reputation. Such a prosperous place must have many rare items.” Li Mu smiled and nodded, a look of interest appearing in his eyes.
Such a gathering place for myriad treasures should be the most suitable place for the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits to be utilized. Li Mu couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart, considering whether to stay in this city for a few days to see if he could pick up some big bargains along the way.
Hearing this, Wang Wenbao smiled complacently and indicated, “Great Master Li is absolutely right, this Wanbao City is indeed a Treasure Trove. Many rare secret treasures, even with my ability to identify treasures, I cannot exhaust them all. Meeting up with Commander Qian and his team won’t take long. If you are interested, you can stay in Wanbao City for a few more days; perhaps you can find the treasures you need.”
“Manager Wang, your suggestion is exactly what I had in mind.” Li Mu smiled slightly, his gaze turning to Miss Xue Er beside him, seeing her squinting, seemingly sensing the prosperous aura of Wanbao City.
Li Mu smiled and suggested, “Miss Xue Er, why don’t we rest here for a few days? It’s a rare trip, and we can also stroll around this Wanbao City.”
“Good!” Miss Xue Er nodded happily. Although she didn't say much, the sparkling light in her eyes revealed her anticipation for this trip.
“Great Master Li, please dock the Spirit Ship at that Floating Skyport.” Wang Wenbao pointed to a distant, majestic Floating Skyport, guiding him enthusiastically.
Li Mu nodded in acknowledgment, then activated his magic power, controlling the Earth Element Spirit Ship to slowly sail towards that Floating Skyport. The Spirit Ship drew a graceful arc in the Void Realm, finally docking steadily at the designated position in the Floating Skyport.
Seeing this, Wang Wenbao's face showed a satisfied smile. He showed his Manager's token to the Disciples of Wanbao Pavilion, and a group of subordinates immediately gathered around, respectfully listening to his instructions. They busily replaced the Spirit Stones on the Spirit Ship, replenished logistical supplies, and repaired various damages to the Spirit Ship, handling every detail in an orderly manner.
“Great Master Li, you must be tired from the journey. I’ll have my subordinates take you and Miss Xue Er to a comfortable residence to rest for a while.” Wang Wenbao respectfully said to Li Mu, “I’ll go report this matter to the Grand Manager Wan first. He has long heard of your name and might personally come to see you. Please wait for a moment, and then you can take Miss Xue Er to explore Wanbao City, how does that sound?”
Hearing this, Li Mu smiled slightly and nodded, “Manager Wang, important matters come first, please go ahead and be busy!”
Wang Wenbao nodded gratefully, then instructed his subordinates to lead Li Mu and Miss Xue Er to a quiet and elegant residence.
Li Mu and Miss Xue Er rested for a while in the elegant residence, enjoying tea and discussing Dao, savoring the rare peaceful time, while Wang Wenbao hurried off to report to the Grand Manager Wan of Wanbao Pavilion.
Before long, Wang Wenbao returned to the elegant residence where Li Mu was resting, bringing greetings and an invitation from the Grand Manager Wan. (End of this chapter)
