Three Spiritual Ships slowly sailed in, passing through the narrow passage between the ice peaks, finally arriving at the internal base of the Ice Nether Spirit Valley. This was an open area covered in ice and snow, with a temporary camp built from ice crystals in the center, clear and transparent, like a palace in the ice and snow.
Within the camp, dozens of ice houses were scattered in an orderly fashion, serving as the residences for the exploration team members. Although the facilities inside the ice houses were simple, all necessary daily supplies were readily available, sufficient to ensure everyone's basic living needs.
Li Mu disembarked from the Spiritual Ship with Wan Shaoming and others, and a group of Cultivators came to greet them. The leader was a Void Refining Late Stage old man with white hair and beard, and bright, piercing eyes. His face was covered in wrinkles, a testament to the accumulation of Years and wisdom, exuding a calm and experienced demeanor.
This treasure hunting team was not small in scale, with dozens of people greeting them. Besides Commander Qian, the leader, who was a Void Refining Late Stage strong Cultivator, there were also three Void Refining Elementary Cultivators of considerable strength, and dozens of Soul Transformation Cultivators. A look of curiosity appeared in their eyes, curious about the arriving reinforcements.
"Greetings, Commander Wan." The old man respectfully greeted Wan Shaoming, his gaze naturally turning to Li Mu beside Wan Shaoming, a hint of indescribable curiosity flashing in his eyes.
This young Cultivator looked youthful, around twenty-four or twenty-five Years old, with a handsome face and a steady temperament, yet his cultivation was only at the Nascent Soul Realm. In the eyes of Void Refining strong Cultivators, the Nascent Soul Realm was merely a starting point on the path of cultivation, still a long way from truly becoming a strong Cultivator.
However, from Wan Shaoming's demeanor and attitude, the old man could clearly feel the great respect Wan Shaoming held for that young man. Why would a person of such noble status in the Wanbao Pavilion show such heartfelt respect for a mere Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator? What virtues and abilities did he possess?
"Greetings, Commander Wan!"
The Cultivators behind the old man saluted in unison.
Wan Shaoming nodded, returning the greeting, then turned to Li Mu and introduced him, "Great Master Li, this is Commander Qian, who is leading this Secret Realm exploration. He is not only our leader but also a strong Cultivator with unfathomable strength."
Subsequently, Wan Shaoming continued to introduce the three Void Refining Cultivators behind the old man: "This is Body Cultivator - Pang Long, this is Wood Cultivator Han Yi, and this is Insect Cultivator Xiao Xiangyun."
Body Cultivator - Pang Long had a square face, a robust physique, and bulging muscles, standing there like an iron tower. He wore a dark-colored tight-fitting battle armor, with intricate runes carved on the armor plates, shimmering with a faint light.
Wood Cultivator - Han Yi, on the other hand, had a gentle and refined appearance. He wore a long cyan-green robe, its hem gently swaying as if caressed by a spring breeze. His face was delicate, and there was a scholarly air between his brows.
Insect Cultivator - Xiao Xiangyun, with his deep gaze, gave off a mysterious and unfathomable feeling. He wore a dark gold long robe, with strange insect patterns embroidered on the corners of the robe, as if hiding some unknown power, and a faint smile always hung on his face.
As Wan Shaoming introduced them, the three nodded slightly, giving Li Mu a respectful gaze, a hint of curiosity in their eyes, also curious about Wan Shaoming's respectful attitude towards a Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator.
"This is Great Master Li," facing their curious gazes, Wan Shaoming smiled slightly, his tone full of respect, and solemnly introduced, "Great Master Li is a Grandmaster Refiner, and he is also proficient in array formations. Whether it's refining Divine Weapons and Sharp Weapons or setting up defensive formations, Great Master Li is truly exceptional. Moreover, his cultivation should not be underestimated either; he Cultivates all Five Elements, and his combat power is not inferior to mine."
Upon hearing this, Pang Long, Han Yi, and Xiao Xiangyun couldn't help but exchange glances, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. Having Cultivated for many Years, they naturally knew the difficulty of Artifact Refining and array formations, let alone being proficient in both. And Cultivating all Five Elements had extremely high requirements for a Cultivator's Aptitude and Comprehension Ability. The fact that this young man could reach such a Realm simultaneously was truly unbelievable to them.
"Commander Wan exaggerates! Li has met a few Seniors." Li Mu quickly bowed humbly, cupping his hands in greeting to everyone.
"Great Master Li, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Qian Wantong showed a hint of relief, and quickly returned the respectful bow.
"Great Master Li, I have long heard of your Artifact Refining skills. It is truly fortunate to meet the Immortal Master today."
"Indeed! I didn't expect Great Master Li to also be proficient in array formations!"
Pang Long, Han Yi, and Xiao Xiangyun also stepped forward, expressing their respect to Li Mu. Although their cultivation was one Realm higher than Li Mu's and they were elites in their respective fields, facing a Soul Transformation Cultivator who could refine artifacts, set up formations, and Cultivate all Five Elements, they couldn't help but feel respect.
"Bringing Great Master Li along this time is to see if he can break the Restriction on the outer perimeter of the Secret Realm," Wan Shaoming said with a smile.
Qian Wantong and the others suddenly understood.
"That's great!" Qian Wantong said excitedly, "With Great Master Li's help, our chances of breaking the Restriction this time will undoubtedly greatly increase."
"Senior, could you take me to the site to see? Only by personally inspecting the Restriction can I determine if it can be broken! Also, I want to see the situation of the reversing death spirit grass." Li Mu looked at Qian Wantong, concerned.
This time, Li Mu came to the Extreme Northern Ice Field to explore this so-called Secret Realm, specifically for the reversing death spirit grass, only to successfully fulfill Celestial Evolution Divine Lord's Dao Heart oath. If the information about the reversing death spirit grass was false, then there was no need to waste time here.
Upon hearing this, Qian Wantong quickly nodded in agreement: "Of course, Great Master Li, I will take you to the site to inspect the Restriction now. As for the reversing death spirit grass, it is within the Restriction on the outer perimeter of the Secret Realm. If you can Breakthrough the Restriction, Great Master is welcome to take the reversing death spirit grass."
"Great Master Li, this way please!" Saying this, Qian Wantong gestured for Li Mu to follow.
Li Mu nodded, following Qian Wantong's lead. The group walked through the winding ice and snow path, heading deeper into the Ice Nether Spirit Valley.
The group carefully walked down the narrow passage along the edge of the ice abyss, rushing down a thousand feet. Waves of Yin Qi and biting cold winds continuously assailed them.
"Great Master Li, the Secret Realm is below the Ice Nether Spirit Valley. We can reach it by passing through this ten-thousand-foot deep valley passage," Qian Wantong said, pointing to the deep passage ahead, his face solemn.
Li Mu nodded silently, closely following Qian Wantong, continuing to move forward in the dark, cold passage. The underground Yin Qi that occasionally attacked them was killed by Pang Long, Han Yi, and Xiao Xiangyun before it could even get close.
Despite the pervasive Yin Qi in the underground passage, there were also high-grade Spiritual Plants such as Ghost Orchid Spiritual Flower, Ice Mist Snow Lotus, Ice Heart Spiritual Plant, and other high-grade Spiritual Plants, possessing various miraculous effects. Seeing Qian Wantong and the group of Cultivators accustomed to it and familiar with the path, they must have passed through this treacherous underground passage many times.
Suddenly, Li Mu's peripheral vision caught sight of an inconspicuous small plant in the corner of the passage. It looked ordinary, with ice mist condensed around it, emitting an unusual aura.
Li Mu's heart stirred, and his gaze swept over it for a closer look.
Under the effect of Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, all the attributes of that Spiritual Plant were displayed.
【Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid】
【Grade: Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant】
【Characteristics: Yin Essence Soul, Cold Orchid's Unique Embrace, Serene and Profound, Life Force Contained.】
【Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid, a sixth-tier Spiritual Plant, an Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid nurtured by the soul of moonlight, medicinal age: one thousand seven hundred Years, forming its own ice Domain, with continuous ice and frost power, containing profound vitality and tranquility. It is the main Spirit Medicine for refining Yin-attributed and consciousness-enhancing Spirit Pills.】
Indeed, this small plant was no ordinary thing, but an extremely rare sixth-tier Spiritual Plant—the Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid. The Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid had the miraculous effects of clearing the mind, calming the spirit, and increasing cultivation speed, and was the main Material for refining Ice Condensation Pills.
Li Mu was overjoyed. With a thought of his Divine Thought, he swiftly picked the Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid and, with lightning speed, placed it into the nine storage spiritual pearl.
Qian Wantong and the others saw Li Mu picking the Spiritual Plant and didn't say much. They had been stationed here for some time, and the number of high-grade Spiritual Plants, Spiritual Ores, and Spiritual Objects they had collected was immense.
"This Ice Nether Spirit Valley has a unique climate and abundant Spiritual Qi, so many high-grade Spiritual Plants have grown here. Our treasure hunting team has gained a lot from this. Once the Restriction is lifted, Great Master Li can pick whatever he wants," Qian Wantong said, looking at Li Mu with a smile.
"Senior is too kind! Li couldn't bear to let such Spirit Medicine be lost here," Li Mu laughed heartily and politely declined.
Qian Wantong smiled, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Secret Realm, and gestured, "That is the true treasure land. If the Restriction can be opened, there will only be more and rarer Spiritual Objects and Spiritual Plants inside."
Li Mu nodded, said no more, and followed Qian Wantong closely, speeding towards the end of the passage with lightning speed.
Soon after, the group finally arrived at the end of the passage. A vast, boundless underground space appeared before their eyes. As far as the eye could see, it was a huge, dark world, covered in patches of faint blue Spiritual Plants, emitting a faint spiritual glow.
Here, ice and Yin Qi intertwined, and the power of Restriction was omnipresent, together forming an environment that was both beautiful and dangerous.
Upon stepping into this underground space, a chilling coldness assailed them. All around, the ground was covered with thick layers of ice, crystal clear, reflecting a faint blue light. These ice layers seemed to have a life of their own, slowly wriggling in the darkness, emitting subtle cracking sounds, harboring a terrifying existence.
The air was filled with a cold aura, which was Yin Qi. It was formless and intangible, yet it made people feel a sense of oppression and heaviness. The Yin Qi flowed slowly in the space, sometimes condensing into black mist, sometimes transforming into sharp cold winds, making people shiver.
Even more bizarre was that this underground space was filled with various Restrictions. The Restrictions were either obvious or hidden, strong or weak. Some were hidden beneath the ice layers, while others were directly exposed in the air. They emitted powerful energy fluctuations, forming invisible barriers, blocking the entry of outsiders.
The power of those Restrictions was sometimes as calm as water, sometimes as violent as thunder. When they were calm, the entire underground space appeared tranquil and peaceful; but when they were violent, the entire space would become turbulent and unstable, as if it could collapse at any moment.
In this underground space filled with ice, Yin Qi, and the power of Restriction, some astonishingly strange Spiritual Plants grew. They seemed like the spirits of this harsh environment, stubbornly rooted between the cold rock walls, or in the black soil condensed from Yin Qi. These Spiritual Plants varied in form; some resembled ghost orchids, with slender and soft leaves emitting a faint blue light; others were like ancient pines, with gnarled branches and sharp needles, shimmering with silver light.
These Spiritual Plants grew in such a harsh environment, not only were they not swallowed by the environment, but they exuded a unique aura, as if they were fighting against the surrounding ice and Yin Qi. Their spiritual light flickered in the darkness, like stars dotted in this gloomy space, adding a rare touch of vitality to this dead world.
Passing through the Restriction-filled area, at the end of the underground space, there seemed to be a mansion. Wrapped in dense Yin Qi mist, its outline was vaguely visible. Although only a part of its outline was exposed, one could still feel the ancient and mysterious aura it exuded.
"Great Master Li, ahead is the Restriction area. Tens of thousands of Restrictions form a whole. I don't know who set it up or with what means! It's truly remarkable!" Qian Wantong looked at the vaguely visible outline of the mansion ahead, introducing it to Li Mu with a hint of helplessness. His eyes revealed a few traces of reverence and apprehension, deeply wary of the Restriction area ahead.
Li Mu nodded slightly, his Divine Thought like sensitive tentacles, quietly extending into the dense Yin Qi mist, feeling the powerful Restriction power contained within. These Restriction powers were like invisible chains, intricately interwoven, forming an unbreakable barrier.
Li Mu's gaze was as sharp as a knife, staring intently at the large expanse of Restrictions before him, as if he could see through the layers of mist ahead and peer into the hidden truth within.
Under the effect of Heavenly Talent — Identifying Myriad Spirits, all the attributes of the array formation forming this large expanse of Restrictions were displayed in Li Mu's eyes.
Li Mu immediately 'saw' a complex array diagram through his Divine Thought. Each Restriction was a part of this diagram, and together they formed a vast and precise array formation.
Having learned the name and attributes of this grand array, Li Mu's mood became complicated at this moment, an indescribable expression appearing on his face, as if he had suffered some huge shock.
Li Mu fell silent, his gaze deep, as if contemplating some important question.
Qian Wantong, Wan Shaoming, and Pang Long all looked at Li Mu with high hopes, their eyes full of anticipation, not daring to disturb his thoughts.
Time passed bit by bit, and half an hour went by in a flash.
In this long silence, Li Mu seemed to have made a decision, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns in the air, as if simulating the trajectory of the Restriction's operation.
Qian Wantong, Wan Shaoming, and the others stood silently to the side, holding their breath, not daring to make a sound, knowing that at this moment, Li Mu might be trying to break the Restriction, and their hopes might rest on the Great Master's single thought.
"Great Master Li, is there a problem?" Qian Wantong couldn't help but ask.
Li Mu's expression stirred, and he came back to his senses, hesitating, unsure how to explain the situation of this grand array and the secrets contained within. (End of chapter)
