What Li Mu said made sense, and after listening, the four Clan Chiefs looked at each other and fell silent.
Li Mu was a member of the Xuantian Sword Sect, and the Cang Yuan Secret Realm concerned the Legacy of their Eight Great Families, so it was inconvenient to let him intervene even if problems arose.
However, on the other hand, Li Mu's Artifact Refining skills were unparalleled, and they had a request for him, hoping to commission him to help refine a Dao weapon to strengthen their Family's foundation.
Furthermore, as Li Mu said, after tens of thousands of years, the Cang Yuan Secret Realm had indeed shown some abnormal conditions.
If they could use his array-forming skills to slightly repair it, it would indeed be a stable choice.
On one side was ancestral instruction, and on the other was the Family's future; for a time, the four Clan Chiefs found it difficult to choose which was more important.
Nangong Lie was the first to break the silence; he took a deep breath and looked at Li Mu, saying, "Sect Leader Li, please allow us to gather the other Clan Chiefs for further discussion.
At that time, we will definitely give you a definite answer."
"Thank you for your trouble.
As for the matter of refining Dao weapons that you all commissioned, if this matter can be accomplished, Li will certainly do his best to assist you," Li Mu said with a slight smile, not letting go of the rabbit until he saw the eagle.
The meaning in Li Mu's words was clear: if the Eight Great Families were unwilling to open the Cang Yuan Secret Realm to him, then the matter of refining Dao weapons would be out of the question.
The seven five-tier spirit plants planted on Seven Profound Mountain would be ready for harvest in another hundred years, and that would be the time for him to advance to the Void Refining Realm.
Next, Li Mu needed to make long-term plans for planting higher-tier spirit plants a hundred years from now.
The seven sub-arrays that formed the Chaotic Sealing Domain Array produced seven types of extreme spiritual lands, which were undoubtedly very suitable for planting corresponding attribute six-tier spirit plants, seven-tier spirit plants, and even eight-tier spirit plants.
If these seven extreme spiritual lands could be successfully acquired, Li Mu would no longer need to search everywhere for suitable spiritual lands in the future, solving his future Cultivation matters once and for all.
Currently, Li Mu, as a Grand Elder, had the right to use the Extreme Yin spiritual land and Extreme Gold spiritual land controlled by the Xuantian Sword Sect without hindrance.
The remaining few extreme spiritual lands each had their owners: Demon Abyss forces occupied the Extreme Fire spiritual land and Extreme Water spiritual land, the Eight Great Families occupied the Extreme Wood spiritual land, and another Extreme Earth spiritual land should be the 'Lingxu Blessed Island' provided by Celestial Evolution Divine Lord.
The remaining Extreme Yang spiritual land was currently unaccounted for.
To gather all seven spiritual lands within a hundred years, Li Mu felt immense pressure, especially the two extreme spiritual lands under the control of the Demon Abyss forces.
He wondered when he would be able to achieve that, hoping that Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen would succeed in eliminating the demons this time.
This was also why Li Mu spared no effort and fully refined Dao weapons for them—he harbored the intention of 'killing with a borrowed knife'.
The four Clan Chiefs were all shrewd individuals and naturally understood the meaning behind Li Mu's words.
They looked at each other, feeling somewhat helpless; this Grand Elder of the Xuantian Sword Sect was not only a master of both arrays and artifacts but also quite skilled in negotiation.
Zhou Hengping lightly coughed and said, "Sect Leader Li, we understand your meaning.
It's just that the Cang Yuan Secret Realm truly concerns the core interests of our Eight Great Families, and it's not something we can easily decide upon.
But please rest assured, we will convene the other Clan Chiefs as soon as possible to discuss this matter and give you a clear answer quickly."
"That's excellent," Li Mu nodded, his expression still calm.
"Then I shall await your good news."
"Understood, we will notify you as soon as a decision is made," Shangguan Yun interjected.
Li Mu stood up and cupped his hands to bid farewell to the four Clan Chiefs, who also rose to respond, showing him exceptional respect.
Watching the four depart, Li Mu released his Divine Thought and sent a message to retain the Kun Family Clan Chief, Kun Yuanba.
He had some thoughts that he needed to communicate with him privately.
A moment later, the Kun Family Clan Chief, Kun Yuanba, hurried back.
He looked at Li Mu with some confusion, unsure why this Grand Elder of the Xuantian Sword Sect had singled him out.
"Sect Leader Li, how may I help you?" Kun Yuanba asked, smiling slightly at Li Mu after entering the residence, perplexed.
Li Mu gestured for Kun Yuanba to sit down and explained with a slight smile, "Clan Chief Kun, there's no need to be so polite.
I have a good relationship with your esteemed Celestial Venerable Kun Ling and Tianshang Honored One.
The two Seniors showed me kindness and provided assistance.
Back then, I almost accepted their invitation to join the Kun Family."
Kun Yuanba's face showed surprise and realization upon hearing Li Mu mention the two Honored Ones and the past event of him almost joining the Kun Family.
He secretly felt annoyed, thinking that if Kun Ling had exerted a bit more effort back then, Great Grandmaster Li might have joined the Kun Family.
However, Kun Yuanba was, after all, a Clan Chief with deep composure.
He quickly reined in his emotions and sighed with emotion, "So Sect Leader Li has such a connection with Kun Ling and Tian Shang.
It is truly an honor."
"Hmm, how are the two Seniors now?" Li Mu asked with concern.
"They represented the Kun Family in this demon-slaying campaign," Kun Yuanba replied without hesitation, then added, "Tian Shang and Kun Ling are the mainstays of the Kun Family.
Several other Family Elders are accompanying them on this campaign, so they should return safely."
Li Mu nodded understandingly; as members of the Kun Family, such involuntary matters were unavoidable for the two Seniors.
"May I ask, Sect Leader Li, why you kept me back for a private discussion?" Kun Yuanba asked, looking at Li Mu with confusion.
If it was merely to inquire about Kun Ling and the others, he could have openly asked earlier.
Li Mu smiled slightly and slowly began, "Clan Chief Kun, to be honest, I do have an important matter I wish to discuss with the Kun Family this time.
Besides my concern for Senior Kun Ling and Senior Tian Shang, I also hope to reach a private transaction with the Kun Family."
Kun Yuanba's eyebrows slightly raised, finding Li Mu's mention of a private transaction quite interesting.
Li Mu was a top Artifact Refining Great Master of his time, and if they could establish cooperation with him, it would greatly help in enhancing the overall strength of the Kun Family.
"Oh? Sect Leader Li is willing to conduct a transaction with our Kun Family?" Kun Yuanba's tone carried a hint of surprise as he looked at Li Mu and asked, "This is indeed an attractive proposal, may I ask what specific ideas Sect Leader Li has?"
"Clan Chief Kun, have you heard of Li's Treasure Pavilion?" Li Mu asked with a slight smile.
"Li's Treasure Pavilion, of course I've heard of it.
This pavilion was established not long ago, and the Spiritual Artifacts and Spirit Pills it sells are all exquisite, highly praised by Cultivators.
Could Sect Leader Li's meaning be..." A glint flashed in Kun Yuanba's eyes, as if he had already guessed Li Mu's intention.
"Exactly, this pavilion is indeed managed by someone I appointed.
Is the Kun Family willing to engage in deep cooperation with Li's Treasure Pavilion?" Li Mu nodded with a smile, confirming Kun Yuanba's guess, and decided to support the Kun Family.
The Eight Great Families were certainly not a monolithic entity.
By supporting some and suppressing others, Li Mu could achieve his desired goals.
Upon hearing this, Kun Yuanba frowned and pondered, seemingly weighing the pros and cons of this proposal.
Cooperating with Li's Treasure Pavilion meant cooperating with Li Mu, and with his superb Artifact Refining skills, it would undoubtedly bring immense benefits to the Kun Family.
However, beneath immense benefits often lurked unknown dangers; as the Kun Family Clan Chief, Kun Yuanba had to act cautiously and consider everything thoroughly.
"Sect Leader Li, why this sudden idea?" Kun Yuanba asked, looking at Li Mu with profound meaning.
Li Mu met Kun Yuanba's gaze, his expression candid as he said, "Clan Chief Kun, to be honest, the reason I have this idea is because I value the Kun Family's strength and potential.
Another important reason is for the Cang Yuan Secret Realm; I hope the Kun Family can fully support me."
"Hmm! Is there something in the Secret Realm that Sect Leader Li is determined to obtain?" Kun Yuanba's expression became solemn, and he stared intently at Li Mu, asking warily.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu shook his head and smiled, denying, "I have nothing I'm determined to obtain, Clan Chief Kun, you've misunderstood.
I merely wish to plant some high-tier spirit plants in the Cang Yuan Secret Realm.
These spirit plants are extremely helpful for my Cultivation, but they have very high requirements for the external environment.
Only the special environment within the Cang Yuan Secret Realm can meet their growth conditions."
After hearing this, Kun Yuanba frowned slightly, seemingly not entirely satisfied with the explanation.
He pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Just planting a batch of spirit plants?
If needed, why doesn't Sect Leader Li cooperate with us... What kind of spirit plants are so hard to find that it's so troublesome?"
Li Mu took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Clan Chief Kun, Li speaks nothing but the truth.
My purpose is indeed only to plant a batch of special spirit plants in the Cang Yuan Secret Realm.
I can swear on my Dao Heart, and I can also guarantee that the Kun Family's interests will not be harmed in this transaction."
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Kun Yuanba's eyes.
He hadn't expected Li Mu to be so serious, even willing to swear on his Dao Heart to testify.
This couldn't help but increase his trust in Li Mu by a few points.
"Thank you for your trust, Sect Leader Li.
However, the decision regarding the Cang Yuan Secret Realm requires unanimous approval from the Eight Great Families for the resolution to pass.
What the Kun Family can do is very limited!" Kun Yuanba frowned, speaking with some difficulty.
Li Mu nodded, indicating his understanding of Kun Yuanba's predicament, and said frankly with a smile, "Clan Chief Kun, I understand your meaning.
This matter requires long-term planning and some time to arrange, then it won't be difficult to resolve."
"Oh? Does Sect Leader Li have any brilliant plan?" Kun Yuanba asked curiously.
Li Mu smiled slightly and said confidently, "Clan Chief Kun, if the other seven Families can see the practical benefits of our cooperation, then they will naturally be willing to support my entry into the Cang Yuan Secret Realm to plant spirit plants."
Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Kun Yuanba's eyes, and he understood Li Mu's meaning.
He wanted to entice the Eight Great Families with benefits.
Although this method was crude and direct, it was very effective.
After all, no Family would refuse immense benefits, and the Kun Family would be the first to 'eat the crab,' gaining the most.
Kun Yuanba secretly calculated in his heart, knowing that this was a rare opportunity.
If they could establish a long-term cooperative relationship with Li Mu, then the Kun Family's future would reap immense benefits, perhaps even surpassing the Nangong and Wang Families to become the top Family in one fell swoop.
Kun Yuanba took a deep breath, looked at Li Mu, and said solemnly, "Sect Leader Li, this plan is indeed very appealing.
I agree!"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's face broke into a satisfied smile, and he said confidently, "Clan Chief Kun, thank you for your trust.
Our cooperation will certainly be very successful."
"Certainly, certainly, I should be thanking Sect Leader Li instead," Kun Yuanba laughed heartily, gesturing, "However, the specific details of the cooperation still need further discussion."
"Of course," Li Mu nodded and interjected, "At that time, I will have Shopkeeper Liu visit to discuss the cooperation details."
The two conversed very happily, with Li Mu brewing spirit tea for hospitality.
Several days later, Liu Yalan, representing Li Mu, conducted multiple in-depth communications and exchanges with the Kun Family.
Both sides engaged in detailed discussions and planning regarding various aspects of cooperation, such as the procurement of spiritual materials and the trading of Spiritual Artifacts, including resource sharing, profit distribution, and so on.
Time flew by.
With Li Mu's concessions, the Kun Family gained immense benefits from this cooperation.
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and Azure Jade Ginseng King were used to refine high-tier Spirit Pills and spirit talismans, and even six-tier spirit treasures personally refined by Li Mu, along with various rare resources, continuously flowed in, laying a solid foundation for the Kun Family's leap in strength.
As the cooperation deepened, the members of the Kun Family increasingly felt the immense benefits brought by this cooperation.
Not only did the Family's treasury become richer, but the Cultivation of the Family members also advanced by leaps and bounds due to obtaining high-quality Cultivation resources.
The Kun Family's status among the other Families also gradually rose.
Families that had originally competed with the Kun Family, seeing the Kun Family's greatly increased strength due to its cooperation with Li Mu, began to waver.
Some started to probe Liu Yalan's stance, wanting to cooperate with Li Mu like the Kun Family and get a share, but none received a satisfactory answer.
However, the Kun Family Clan Chief had successfully commissioned Li Mu to refine a Dao weapon, which was already underway, making the seven Families very nervous.
The Kun Family had somehow successfully curried favor with Li Mu, this powerful backer.
He was backed by the Xuantian Sword Sect, a master of both arrays and artifacts, a true Genius and giant.
Now, with the Kun Family receiving his assistance, they were like a fish in water, their power growing day by day.
The seven Families naturally saw this and were anxious.
They all tried to contact Li Mu, but without exception, they were politely refused.
Li Mu seemed to favor only the Kun Family, which greatly frustrated the other Families.
And the news that the Kun Family Clan Chief had commissioned Li Mu to refine a Dao weapon was like a bombshell, causing a huge stir among the seven Families.
Dao weapons were extremely powerful, and once successfully refined, the Kun Family's strength would rise to another level, which was unacceptable to the other Families.
The Clan Chiefs of the seven Families gathered again to discuss countermeasures.
"That shameless old thief, Kun Yuanba, actually managed to get involved with that kid.
He must have promised him something," said Wang Hong, the white-haired Clan Chief of the Wang Family, indignantly.
"What do we do now? Let Kun Yuanba get the Dao weapon and let him continue to be rampant?" Ji Zhantian, the Clan Chief of the Ji Family, asked, looking at everyone with a worried expression.
"We must find a way to stop him! We can't just sit back and do nothing," Shangguan Yun said, his brows tightly furrowed, suggesting.
"Easier said than done.
How do we attack? Directly attack the Kun Family?" Ouyang Wu, the Clan Chief of the Ouyang Family, scoffed coldly and retorted, "The Kun Family now has the Sword Sect's Grand Elder backing them, with a large supply of high-tier Spirit Treasures.
If they also have a Dao weapon in hand, all of us together won't be able to defeat them."
"Don't forget, two thousand years ago, there were thirteen top Cultivation Families in the Central Plains Spiritual Domain.
Now, only eight of us are left!" Nangong Lie said with a grim look in his eyes, reminding every Clan Chief present, "If the Kun Family becomes dominant, who can guarantee that they won't gradually devour us in the future?"
Upon hearing this, the vast meeting hall fell silent.
The Clan Chiefs of the various Families looked solemn, their hearts filled with worry.
They all clearly understood that the strong rise of the Kun Family posed a huge threat to their status and interests. (End of Chapter)
