Inside the Painting World Treasure Mansion, atop the Five Elements Spirit Mountain, within an exquisite courtyard, Li Mu still sat on a stone stool, turning the ancient book in his hand page after page. He focused intently on searching for information regarding high-level Yao Race Undergoing Tribulation of True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, especially clues related to the Tianhu Clan's tribulation.
His heart was filled with worry and confusion for Xue'er.
Xue'er's Aptitude was outstanding, and he had meticulously fed her various high-level Spirit Pills, so she should have been able to successfully pass the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
However, the reality was that in the future, Xue'er failed when Undergoing Tribulation of True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, which left Li Mu completely baffled.
He wanted to find the reason for her tribulation failure and find a solution for Xue'er.
Li Mu recalled the scenes of Azure Moon True Dragon Undergoing Tribulation of Dragon Lightning Tribulation and Azure Jade Ginseng King Undergoing Tribulation of True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
They both encountered difficulties during their tribulation processes but ultimately succeeded, which made him even more confused.
With the tribulation Spiritual Artifact and protective Magic Treasure he had refined, why would Xue'er still fail her tribulation in the future?
Li Mu took a deep breath, focusing his attention on the ancient book in his hand, hoping to find an answer within it.
The ancient books in Li Mu's hand kept flipping pages.
These ancient books were taken from Xuantian Sword Sect's Scripture Pavilion, covering a myriad of topics, recording a large number of secret stories and knowledge of the Cultivation world.
Perhaps the mystery of Xue'er's tribulation failure lay within these precious ancient books.
Finally, in an ancient book titled "Yao Race Secret Tome," Li Mu found detailed records about high-level Yao Race Undergoing Tribulation.
Li Mu stopped flipping, his gaze fixed on a line of text: "The Tianhu Clan excels at manipulating the Heart-Nature; however, during Undergoing Tribulation, the Heart-Nature must also reach a state of purity, otherwise, it will be difficult to withstand the might of the Lightning Tribulation."
Li Mu's heart stirred; this seemed to be an important clue.
He continued reading, and the ancient book stated: "The Tianhu Clan possesses a noble Heart-Nature, yet it is also susceptible to Heart Tribulations.
If there is any blemish in the heart, then during Undergoing Tribulation of True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, it will surely be broken by the Lightning Tribulation."
Upon seeing this, Li Mu suddenly understood, finally comprehending the reason for Xue'er's tribulation failure.
However, upon learning the truth, his mood also became inexplicably complex.
Xue'er's heart was entirely devoted to him; Li Mu knew this all too well.
It was precisely because of her deep affection for him that she was entangled by emotion during Undergoing Tribulation, her heart having something to cling to, preventing her from reaching a state of pure Heart-Nature.
However, the Heart-Nature state of the Tianhu Clan during Undergoing Tribulation is crucial, and Xue'er, due to her concern for him, due to this emotion, had her Heart-Nature disturbed during Undergoing Tribulation, ultimately leading to her tribulation failure.
This outcome was evident.
If this situation could not be changed, the scene of Xue'er's tribulation failure in the future was destined to be unavoidable.
In the end, it was his own fault.
Li Mu frowned, unsure how to solve this problem for a moment.
Just as Li Mu was engrossed in these heavy thoughts, a light footsteps sounded in the courtyard.
A moment later, Xue'er's familiar figure appeared in his sight.
After days of secluded Cultivation, Xue'er was radiant.
She wore a white palace dress, like a blooming snow lotus, elegant and ethereal.
Xue'er's appearance was delicate and refined, incomparably beautiful.
She had long, lustrous black hair that naturally cascaded to her waist, gently swaying with the breeze.
Her eyes were deep and bright, as if they could see into one's heart, revealing a unique intelligence and keenness.
Her face was as exquisite as a painting, her skin fair and delicate, seemingly breakable with a touch.
Her nose bridge was high, her lips rosy, and the slight upward curve of her mouth always carried a gentle smile, as warm as sunlight.
The white palace dress was made of fine silk, soft and smooth, conforming to her slender figure.
As she walked, it swayed gently, like a Fairy descending to the mortal realm, ethereal and graceful.
Exquisite embroidery subtly appeared at the hem of the skirt, adding both a luxurious feel and retaining elegance.
A matching belt cinched her waist, perfectly accentuating her slender figure.
Against the backdrop of the white palace dress, Xue'er seemed like an elf from a world of ice and snow, exuding a cool and noble Aura, unforgettable at first sight.
"Lord Li, I've come out of seclusion.
Xue'er didn't slack off this time."
Xue'er met Li Mu's gaze, smiled brightly, and happily indicated.
Suddenly, Xue'er keenly sensed that Li Mu's gaze was somewhat peculiar, and his mood was also a bit off.
Xue'er looked down at herself, touched her cheek, and found nothing amiss.
She couldn't help but ask, "Lord Li, is there something on my face?"
Li Mu froze for a moment, then came back to his senses, smiling and shaking his head: "No, Xue'er, I was just thinking about something."
Xue'er blinked curiously, took a few steps closer, and softly asked, "Lord Li, is something bothering you?
Perhaps Xue'er can help you share some of it."
Li Mu met Xue'er's concerned gaze, and his heart warmed.
Li Mu was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath, deciding to tell Xue'er about his discovery.
"You should read this ancient book first!" Li Mu handed the ancient book in his hand to Xue'er, indicating.
Xue'er took the ancient book, opened it with a puzzled expression, and began to read carefully.
As she read, her expression gradually became solemn.
When she saw the description of the Tianhu Clan's Heart-Nature tribulation influence, she looked up at Li Mu, a glimmer of understanding flashing in her eyes.
"Lord Li, will the contents recorded in this book really happen?" Xue'er looked at Li Mu, asking with concern.
"There's a very high probability.
You almost failed the last tribulation.
If you undergo True Spirit Thunder Tribulation again, you definitely won't pass this hurdle."
Li Mu looked at Xue'er seriously and nodded.
"What can Xue'er do then!" Xue'er didn't care at all about her tribulation failure, but instead looked at Li Mu with a mournful expression.
Xue'er sighed inwardly, knowing that her affection for Li Mu was already deeply rooted and she couldn't extricate herself.
However, she also knew that Li Mu had always avoided her feelings, which made her feel helpless and confused.
"Lord Li, Xue'er only wants to stay by your side forever, nothing else."
Xue'er looked at Li Mu deeply, her voice trembling slightly: "As long as I can be with Lord Li, even if Xue'er dies under the Lightning Tribulation, I will have no regrets!"
Hearing Xue'er's heartfelt confession, Li Mu's heart trembled.
Looking at Xue'er's eyes filled with deep affection, he was somewhat at a loss.
Li Mu had never thought that Xue'er's feelings for him were so deep.
He had always thought that Xue'er only treated him like a younger sister, with no other thoughts, but now, he realized he was gravely mistaken.
Li Mu took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, trying to calm his agitated emotions.
Meeting Xue'er's deeply affectionate eyes, the barrier in Li Mu's heart seemed to collapse in an instant.
"Xue'er... I..."
Li Mu looked at Xue'er and called out softly, as if to pour all his tenderness into these two words.
Xue'er heard Li Mu's response, clearly sensed his emotions, and her eyes sparkled with disbelief, but then, that light transformed into deep joy and excitement.
She reached out and tightly grasped Li Mu's hand.
She had waited for this moment for too long.
At this moment, she clearly sensed Li Mu's mood, and the joy in her heart was beyond words.
...
Time flew by, and several months passed.
Inside the Painting World Treasure Mansion, Li Mu and Xue'er were inseparable.
Whether Cultivating or during leisure, they were always together.
Over several months, their feelings grew deeper, and their tacit understanding reached an unprecedented level.
As the two walked in the garden, the Elder token at Li Mu's waist suddenly buzzed.
Li Mu immersed his Divine Sense, and his expression gradually became serious.
"Xue'er, the Sect has an order, summoning me to Sword Asking Peak immediately."
Li Mu informed Xue'er of the command's content.
Upon hearing this, Xue'er frowned slightly and asked worriedly, "What happened?
Will there be any danger?"
"Don't worry! Elder Qiu is looking for me; nothing will happen.
You go into seclusion for Cultivation; you haven't had a good, peaceful Cultivation session in a long time."
Li Mu gently held Xue'er's hand and comforted her softly.
Xue'er nodded helplessly and said softly, "Then you be careful.
I'll wait for you to come back."
"Alright!" Li Mu responded with a smile, then his figure flickered, disappearing into the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
Immediately after, Li Mu flew out of the Sect Leader's Mansion on his sword, transforming into a streak of sword light, soaring into the sky, flying towards the direction of Xuantian Sword Sect - Sword Asking Peak.
Soon, Li Mu arrived at Sword Asking Peak.
Following the instructions of the command, he swiftly flew towards the Contribution Hall standing majestically on Sword Asking Peak.
Li Mu flew on his sword, his posture tall and straight, the sword light like a rainbow streaking across the sky.
Dressed in the attire of a Grand Elder, his Aura was exceptionally outstanding, as if a war god had descended to the mortal realm, majestic and extraordinary, inspiring awe.
When Li Mu's figure appeared outside the Contribution Hall, the Sect Disciples waiting in line to enter all looked up, their eyes filled with admiration and envy.
They spontaneously formed neat lines and bowed in greeting to this legendary Elder of the Sect.
"Greetings, Elder Li!" A Transformation God cultivator shouted loudly, his voice filled with respect and excitement.
"Greetings, Grand Elder!" Other Disciples followed suit, shouting in unison, their voices shaking the clouds.
Li Mu nodded slightly in response.
He wore a faint smile on his face, yet it did not lack dignity.
He was long accustomed to the admiration and fervent support of the Sect's Disciples, but each time he felt it, a warm current still surged in his heart.
The news of his ability to refine Seven-Order Dao Weapon had already spread like wind throughout the entire Xuantian Sword Sect, which further solidified Li Mu's position within the Sect, making him an existence that everyone looked up to.
Whether in the Cultivation of the Sword Dao or in the Art of Artifact Refining, Li Mu had displayed astonishing talent and strength, winning over countless Disciples.
Qiu Yuanhong had been waiting for a long time in the Contribution Hall.
Seeing Li Mu arrive, he smiled and went to greet him.
"Elder Li, you've arrived."
Qiu Yuanhong's voice was gentle yet strong, and his gaze towards Li Mu was filled with affection.
"Greetings, Elder Qiu."
Li Mu bowed in salute, his attitude respectful.
"No need for formalities.
I summoned you this time because there's an important matter that requires you to make a trip."
Qiu Yuanhong's expression became serious as he introduced to Li Mu.
"Understood! Elder Qiu, please speak."
Li Mu nodded knowingly, indicating.
"Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen have completely taken control of the Nether Water Sea Domain, thoroughly eliminating the remaining forces of the Demon Abyss.
The Undying Demon Lord has fled back to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain.
We have successfully secured the Seal Grand Formation of the Nether Water Sea Domain."
Qiu Yuanhong looked at Li Mu and said happily.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's face involuntarily showed a smile, knowing that this battle was a small one for the Xuantian Sword Sect, but it had achieved a great victory.
However, Qiu Yuanhong's next words made Li Mu immediately withdraw his smile and concentrate.
"Elder Li, I heard that your beast obtained the Water Mansion Secret Key.
This is good news."
Qiu Yuanhong changed the subject and continued: "Now, Sword Master Feng and the others have not yet set off for the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain.
We hope you can take the teleportation array and quickly go to the Nether Water Sea Domain to inspect the Seal Grand Formation.
After all, you are the one among us who understands the Seal Grand Formation the most, and your beast possesses the Water Mansion Secret Key."
After hearing this, Li Mu immediately understood Qiu Yuanhong's intention.
This trip, accompanied by Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen, should not pose any danger.
Moreover, in his divination and deduction, no dangerous scenes had occurred during this period.
"Elder Qiu, rest assured, I will immediately go to the Nether Water Sea Domain to inspect the Seal Grand Formation."
Li Mu readily accepted the task.
Soon, under Qiu Yuanhong's respectful send-off, Li Mu left the Contribution Hall on his sword, took the teleportation array, and his figure appeared in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
Under the watchful eyes of the stationed Disciples, Li Mu summoned the Azure Moon True Dragon from the spirit control treasure bracelet.
Then, he leaped and landed steadily on the Dragon's head.
The Azure Moon True Dragon raised its head and let out a long roar, its deafening Dragon's roar echoing in the sky.
Its Dragon body soared into the air, stirring up a strong wind, carrying Li Mu on a cloud, and swiftly disappearing into the sky, flying towards the Nether Water Sea Domain.
The spectacular sight of the True Dragon appearing and traveling on its back, its mighty Aura, all revealed extraordinary power and dominance, inspiring awe.
"Look, that's the majestic bearing of riding a True Dragon, it's truly awe-inspiring!" The stationed Soul Transformation Cultivator exclaimed, watching Li Mu's departing figure, his eyes filled with envy and reverence.
"Indeed! That's Master Li, who just advanced to Grand Elder."
Another Soul Transformation Cultivator interjected: "He can even refine Seven-Order Dao Weapon, so riding a True Dragon is just a piece of cake for him!"
Amidst the praises and discussions of the two stationed Disciples, Li Mu and the Azure Moon True Dragon's figures had gradually disappeared into the sky, leaving behind only a lingering, powerful Dragon's might.
Li Mu sat upright on the Azure Moon True Dragon's head, feeling the lightning-fast speed, yet his heart was filled with impatience.
If this trip to the Water Mansion Secret Realm goes smoothly, he would be able to add one more to the seven extreme spiritual lands he had gathered.
The Azure Moon True Dragon soared above the clouds, flying at lightning speed, like thunder and lightning.
A few days later, the Azure Moon True Dragon carried Li Mu deep into the heart of the Nether Water Sea Domain.
Li Mu gazed into the distance and released his Divine Thought, only to see a strange small island in the Nether Water Sea Domain, where a cluster of station buildings stood.
Above the island, huge warships floated, silently guarding this mysterious sea area.
On the warships, the sword-character flags of the Xuantian Sword Sect flapped in the wind, the sword characters on the flags appearing majestic and solemn.
Suddenly, two figures darted out from a flagship.
Their speed was so fast, like lightning streaking across the sky.
The two of them exuded a sharp and powerful Aura, and they were none other than Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen.
"Elder Li, you're finally here!" Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu, his face showing unconcealed joy, and greeted him warmly.
Li Mu bowed in salute: "Greetings to the two Sword Masters!"
"Oh, don't be so polite!" Sword Master Feng hastily reached out to help Li Mu up, his face full of warmth and respect.
Sword Master Chen smiled at Li Mu, nodded in greeting, and then urged: "Elder Li, you've worked hard.
We've been waiting for your arrival here.
Now that everyone is here, we can enter the Secret Realm."
As his voice fell, Sword Master Chen moved, swiftly diving into the seabed like a swimming fish.
Seeing this, Li Mu nodded, controlling the Azure Moon True Dragon to follow closely.
Sword Master Feng guarded Li Mu's side, and together they dived into the depths of the sea.
(End of Chapter)