After much deliberation, Qiu Yuanhong looked at Li Mu and said solemnly, "Elder Li, facing a powerful enemy like the Undying Demon Lord, ordinary Cultivators would probably find it difficult to cope. For this matter, I need you to step forward. Please come with me!"
"Hmm?" A hint of doubt flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he nodded, following Qiu Yuanhong's footsteps.
Soon, the two, one in front and one behind, passed through layers of the Sect's buildings and headed towards the back mountain.
The back mountain was a Forbidden Land within the Sect, rarely visited by Cultivators on weekdays, thus it appeared exceptionally quiet. As they delved deeper into the back mountain, the surrounding scenery gradually became barren, entering a valley isolated from the world.
Qiu Yuanhong stopped and turned to Li Mu, saying, "Elder Li, this Cultivation place is called 'Hidden Sword Valley'. The Spiritual Qi within the valley is rich, and there are even Sword Intent imprints left from battles of past Dao Sovereigns. This valley is where the Sect's Sword Elders choose to seclude themselves for Epiphany, and it is also the place where our Sect's past Sword Elders enter secluded Cultivation to break through to the next Realm."
"Within the Sect, besides the two Dao Sovereigns and seven Sword Masters who possess unparalleled combat power, next in line are the thirteen Sword Elders, who are the most powerful in combat. The two Dao Sovereigns and seven Sword Masters each have important matters and cannot spare themselves. To eliminate the powerful enemy, the Undying Demon Lord, we can only ask a few Sword Elders to take action," Qiu Yuanhong said, looking at Li Mu.
"Oh!" Li Mu nodded, a little confused, not understanding why Qiu Yuanhong said he needed to step forward.
Qiu Yuanhong seemed to have seen Li Mu's confusion, and with a slight smile, explained, "Sword Elders in secluded Cultivation generally cannot be disturbed. Even the two Dao Sovereigns and seven Sword Masters might not give Face, but if Elder Li, you personally come, the situation is different."
"Me?" Li Mu was slightly startled, Qiu Yuanhong's words made him even more confused.
"Elder Li, over these years, you have forged a total of eight Dao weapons, four of which were commissioned by four Sword Elders. They owe you a favor," Qiu Yuanhong looked at Li Mu, smiled slightly, and explained the reason, "Therefore, if you personally invite them, they will surely agree and join forces with you against the enemy."
"So that's how it is!" Li Mu suddenly understood and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Elder Qiu, then I'll trouble you!"
Qiu Yuanhong smiled slightly, walked to the depths of Hidden Sword Valley, and facing a secluded Immortal Cave, took a deep breath and shouted loudly, "Elder Yunyi, today Li has an important matter to discuss, please come out for a meeting!"
As Qiu Yuanhong's words, imbued with powerful True Qi, fell, a wave of Sword Intent surged out from the secluded Cultivation place. Then, Elder Yunyi's figure appeared like a ghost before them. He carried a black sword sheath on his back, his Face was stern, and his eyes were like torches.
Elder Yunyi wore black clothes, his robes fluttering, giving off a mysterious and profound feeling. A sharp Sword Intent emanated from him, as if every strand of his hair and every corner of his clothing contained powerful strength, fully displaying the aura of a Combined Body Realm expert.
Elder Yunyi gazed at Qiu Yuanhong displeased, and questioned in a deep voice, "Elder Qiu, what is it? How dare you disturb my secluded Cultivation?"
Qiu Yuanhong smiled, pointed to Li Mu beside him, and introduced, "Elder Yunyi, this is the newly promoted Grand Elder - Li Mu, the Artifact Refining master of your Black Emperor Dao Sword. Today, he has come personally with an important matter to discuss."
Upon hearing the words "Artifact Refining master of the Black Emperor Dao Sword," Elder Yunyi's stern gaze instantly softened. He carefully sized up Li Mu, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
"I didn't expect it to be Elder Li himself. I've long admired your name. The Black Emperor Dao Sword is incredibly powerful; with its help, I feel like a tiger with wings. This is all thanks to your ingenious craftsmanship. It is truly fortunate to meet the Immortal Master today," Elder Yunyi stepped forward, cupped his hands to Li Mu, and thanked him.
Li Mu quickly returned the bow, humbly saying, "Elder Yunyi overpraises me. The Black Emperor Dao Sword can display such power entirely thanks to Elder Yunyi's profound swordsmanship. It is Li Mu's honor to meet Elder Yunyi today."
Seeing the two Elders showing mutual respect, Qiu Yuanhong smiled and interrupted, "Alright, both Elders are pillars of the Sect, there's no need to be so humble. Today, I took the liberty of asking Elder Yunyi to break his seclusion because Elder Li has an important matter to ask for."
"Haha, let's not bother with pleasantries. I owe Elder Li a huge favor, so I will naturally do my utmost to help," Elder Yunyi laughed heartily, then reined in his smile, turned to Qiu Yuanhong, and said with chilling killing intent, "Elder Qiu, just tell me who you want me to kill!"
"Elder Yun, please wait a moment!" Qiu Yuanhong gestured to Elder Yunyi, then turned to the Void Realm beside him, condensing his True Qi, and transmitted his voice to another part of the Spirit Valley, "Elder Xiao Shuang, I have an important matter to ask for, please come out for a meeting!"
"Elder Qiu, who exactly are we dealing with? You even need to disturb Elder Xiao?" Elder Yunyi's expression changed slightly upon seeing this, and he said solemnly.
"I will explain in detail once Elder Xiao comes out," Qiu Yuanhong replied with a slight smile.
As Qiu Yuanhong's words fell, a chill permeated from the depths of the Sect. Immediately after, a woman dressed in white, holding the Ice Soul Dao Sword, appeared before everyone. She was precisely Elder Xiao Shuang, known within the Sect for her cold and highly skilled swordsmanship.
Elder Xiao Shuang appeared quietly before everyone, like a Fairy from a world of ice and snow. Her pure and flawless white robe, as if woven from the whitest clouds, was light and ethereal, complementing her cold demeanor.
Her Face was exquisitely beautiful, her skin like snow, untouched by the worldly dust. Her deep and bright eyes, like two stars embedded on the peak of a glacier, glittered with a cold light, yet revealed an unspeakable profoundness.
She held an Ice Soul Dao Sword, its blade crystal clear, seemingly condensed from a thousand years of cold ice. The chill emanating from the blade sent shivers down one's spine.
Elder Xiao Shuang exuded a serene and cold aura. Standing there, she was like a statue erected on a snow-capped peak, cold and majestic. Seeing Elder Yunyi, she nodded slightly, then looked at Qiu Yuanhong coldly, and questioned impolitely in a cold voice, "Qiu, why did you disturb my secluded Cultivation? If you can't give a good reason, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Qiu Yuanhong's expression became serious, and he bowed deeply, quickly responding, "Elder Xiao, disturbing your secluded Cultivation today was truly forced by a major event, and I had no other choice."
Saying that, Qiu Yuanhong turned to Li Mu and introduced, "Elder Xiao, this is the newly promoted Grand Elder - Li Mu. He is the one who forged the Black Emperor Dao Sword in Elder Yunyi's hand, and the Ice Soul Dao Sword in your hand. Today, I brought him here because there is indeed an important matter to ask for, and I request both of you to lend your assistance."
Upon hearing that Li Mu was the Artifact Refining master of the Ice Soul Dao Sword, Elder Xiao Shuang's icy cold expression immediately softened a little, revealing a hint of surprise. She carefully sized up Li Mu and asked, "Is the Ice Soul Dao Sword really forged by you?"
Li Mu smiled slightly and calmly replied, "Yes, Elder Xiao. I was fortunate enough to gain the Sect's trust and was able to forge this sword."
However, Elder Xiao Shuang did not immediately show a convinced attitude. She asked again coldly, "I cannot be convinced by mere words. Elder Li, do you have any other Dao weapons to prove your Artifact Refining skills?"
Hearing this, Li Mu frowned slightly, nodded, and softly said, "Elder Xiao, what you said is absolutely right. I do indeed have another Dao weapon that is about to be delivered, which is sufficient proof."
With that, Li Mu took out a spiritual sword encased in a white jade scabbard from his nine storage spiritual pearl.
With a 'clang' of a sword, Li Mu drew the spiritual sword from its scabbard.
The slender spiritual sword had a faint blue glow on its blade, and a blue gem was inlaid at the hilt, radiating a captivating luster.
As the blue spiritual sword appeared, the Black Emperor Dao Sword on Elder Yunyi and the Ice Soul Dao Sword on Elder Xiao Shuang also rang out, resonating with this spiritual sword, as if encountering a worthy opponent and ready to compete.
Elder Xiao Shuang and Elder Yunyi were both startled by this. As master swordsmen, they could naturally feel the extraordinary quality of this spiritual sword. The clear and deep ringing of the sword indicated that it was indeed a Seventh-Order Dao Sword of extremely high quality.
Both Elder Xiao Shuang and Elder Yunyi's gazes were drawn to this spiritual sword.
Li Mu smiled slightly, turned, and handed the spiritual sword to Qiu Yuanhong with both hands, indicating, "Elder Qiu, I have fulfilled my promise. This Dao Sword is named 'Blue Abyss'. It is the Dao Sword I recently completed at Elder Ning's request. Please take a look."
Qiu Yuanhong's eyes lit up, and he happily took the Blue Abyss Dao Sword, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He gently stroked the blade, feeling its cool touch and the powerful Sword Intent it contained.
"Hahaha! Elder Li truly gives me unexpected surprises!" Qiu Yuanhong looked at Li Mu, laughing heartily, and praised excitedly, "Elder Li is indeed the treasure of our Sect! This Blue Abyss Dao Sword is not only magnificent in appearance, but its Sword Intent is also unfathomable. Elder Ning will surely be satisfied with such a high-grade Dao Sword!"
As his words fell, Qiu Yuanhong looked towards the depths of Hidden Sword Valley, took a deep breath, and shouted in a booming voice, "Elder Ning, your Dao Sword has been forged, please come out to inspect it!"
As Qiu Yuanhong's words fell, a slight ripple came from the depths of Hidden Sword Valley. Then, a figure streaked across the sky like a meteor, appearing before Qiu Yuanhong in an instant.
The newcomer was dressed in a cyan Daoist robe, with a lean Face and an air of immortal grace. His eyes were as deep as ancient wells, and his long hair was tied on top of his head, secured by a simple jade hairpin, swaying gently with his steps. His steps were light and steady, each one seemingly resonating with the surrounding natural aura, giving him an extraordinary and ethereal feeling.
Elder Ning Cheng appeared before Qiu Yuanhong, his gaze instantly drawn to the Seventh-Order Dao Sword—Blue Abyss—in his hand. His eyes sparkled with unbelievable joy, as if he had met a long-lost friend, his Face full of excitement.
"Elder Qiu, is this my Dao weapon?" Elder Ning's voice carried a hint of disbelief and surprise as he directly asked the main question.
"Precisely, Elder Ning," Qiu Yuanhong smiled slightly, presenting the Blue Abyss sword with both hands, indicating, "Elder Li worked day and night and finally fulfilled his promise, completing this Seventh-Order Dao Sword - Blue Abyss."
"Good, good!" Elder Ning excitedly took the Blue Abyss Dao Sword, unable to stop praising it. He reached out and gently stroked the blade, feeling the coolness and sharpness emanating from it.
The next moment, Elder Ning Cheng gripped the hilt of the Blue Abyss Dao Sword, condensing a powerful Spiritual Qi in his hand, and refined it with all his might.
The Blue Abyss Dao Sword suddenly hummed, and the blue sword light on its blade flickered, like brilliant stars in the night sky, dazzling and eye-catching.
Elder Ning Cheng successfully refined 'Blue Abyss'. He closed his eyes tightly, fully concentrating on feeling every subtle change in the Blue Abyss Dao Sword, clearly perceiving the spiritual essence within the sword and his own Spiritual Qi intermingling, as if an invisible bond tightly connected them.
As time passed, the light of the Blue Abyss Dao Sword gradually became soft and stable, as if it had achieved a perfect Fusion with Elder Ning's Spiritual Qi. Elder Ning took a deep breath, suddenly opened his eyes, and they sparkled with joy.
Elder Ning Cheng lightly swung the Blue Abyss Dao Sword, and the Blue Abyss instantly erupted with a dazzling sword light, tearing apart a large section of space in an instant. The surrounding air seemed to be pulled by this powerful Sword Qi, forming swirling currents.
"Good sword!" Elder Ning Cheng praised loudly, his Face beaming with satisfaction. Looking at the Blue Abyss sword, he excitedly muttered to himself, "Blue Abyss, from today onwards, I am your master."
The Blue Abyss Dao Sword also seemed to feel Ning Cheng's joy, and the blue sword light on its blade became even more dazzling, as if responding to his declaration.
"Congratulations, Elder Ning, on acquiring a divine weapon," Elder Yunyi smiled slightly and congratulated Elder Ning Cheng.
"Congratulations, Elder Ning!" Elder Xiao Shuang gave Li Mu a meaningful look and followed Yunyi in congratulating him.
"Hahaha, same to you, same to you!" Ning Cheng laughed heartily, looking at the Black Emperor Dao Sword and Ice Soul Dao Sword they carried, and responded.
"Elder Ning, this is Elder Li, who forged the Blue Abyss Dao Sword. He just happens to have something to ask for!" Qiu Yuanhong smiled, introducing Li Mu, "With the help of the three Elders, this matter will surely succeed."
"Elder Li, your Artifact Refining skills are unparalleled! The Blue Abyss Dao Sword perfectly suits my taste," Ning Cheng's spirits lifted. He turned to Li Mu, his eyes filled with gratitude, and said earnestly, "Elder Li's matter is my matter. Elder Li, please speak freely."
"That's right, Elder Li! Just speak your mind," Yunyi agreed.
Xiao Shuang looked at Li Mu, saying nothing, but her posture of "willing to lend a hand" also indicated her attitude.
Li Mu nodded, thanked the three of them, and then recounted in detail the threat of the Undying Demon Lord, describing his strength and the impending crisis.
Upon hearing this, Yunyi's brows furrowed, clearly realizing the seriousness of the situation. He said in a deep voice, "I have indeed heard of the Undying Demon Lord; he is indeed a troublesome opponent. However, since Elder Li has a request, I am duty-bound to help."
"The Undying Demon Lord, huh! I can meet him for a while," Xiao Shuang's Face showed a cold expression, and she agreed.
"Elder Li, whatever plan you have, just tell me. I will fully cooperate. It's a good opportunity to test the sharpness of the Blue Abyss Dao Sword and slay this Devil Head," Ning Cheng looked at Li Mu, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes, and agreed.
"Li thanks the three Elders for their assistance!" Li Mu was overjoyed upon hearing this.
Immediately, Li Mu explained his plan in detail to the three of them: he would appear three months later to meet the Undying Demon Lord's inside man, and then they would follow and ambush him, annihilating him in one fell swoop. (End of this chapter)
