Li Mu rode his sword at high speed. After about half a day, East Cloud Island gradually became clear in his sight. It was like a shining pearl embedded in the blue sea.
Before Li Mu approached East Cloud Island, he first released his Divine Sense and used the Divine Ability, Star Concealment, to investigate the situation of the island ahead and the location of Immortal Master Huangyun’s Daoist temple.
Soon, Li Mu made a discovery.
East Cloud Island has a unique shape, like a giant lotus leaf floating on the sea, with winding and intricate edges, meticulously carved by the uncanny craftsmanship of nature. In the center of the island stands a majestic mountain peak, shrouded in mist, reaching straight into the sky.
On the island, there is an ancient city where Loose Cultivators gather. The ancient city is named “Cloud Palace City.” It is built against the mountain and by the sea, boasting a deep harbor. The terrain is steep, and the towering spiritual mountains form a natural barrier for this Immortal Cultivation city.
The streets within the ancient city are wide and clean, with shops lining both sides, selling various Magical Artifacts, Medicinal Pills, and Talismans needed for Immortal Cultivation. The Cultivators on the island are mainly Foundation Establishment Cultivators, followed by Golden Core cultivators, while Nascent Soul cultivators are extremely rare.
The number of Cultivators on the island is quite large, coming and going in an endless stream. Some are choosing Magical Artifacts, some are bargaining, and others are exchanging cultivation experiences. The entire city is full of vitality.
Immortal Master Huanglong’s Daoist temple is located on the main peak of this island. At the summit of the main peak, there is an ancient Daoist temple. On the plaque above the main hall of the Daoist temple, the three characters “Huanglong Temple” are written with vigorous brushstrokes, exuding an otherworldly aura.
The core buildings of the Daoist temple are obscured by a grand Formation of mist. Li Mu’s Divine Sense could not forcibly break through the Formation to peek into the Secret Realm within. If he triggered the Formation and was discovered, it would be an act of hostile intrusion and could easily lead to misunderstandings.
Presumably, that was Immortal Master Huangyun’s Daoist temple.
Li Mu frowned. His true body was hidden within the Painting World Treasure Mansion, and his Divine Sense was attached to his Puppet Clone, controlling the Puppet Clone to fly towards East Cloud Island.
Directly breaking into Immortal Master Huanglong’s Daoist temple was not a wise move. Therefore, Li Mu planned to start from the periphery and first blend into East Cloud Island.
Soon, ‘Li Mu’ avoided the island’s guards and Restriction traps, and with the Five Elements Escape Technique, he easily landed on the island, his figure appearing on a street in the island’s city.
‘Li Mu’ successfully entered East Cloud Island and walked into the most upscale tavern, preparing to learn about East Cloud Island and Immortal Master Huanglong from the conversations of the many Loose Cultivator patrons.
Li Mu found a window seat in the tavern, gently holding a cup of Spiritual Tea, but his mind had already drifted into the conversations of the surrounding patrons, trying to catch any snippets of information about Lingxu Blessed Island from their discussions.
However, things did not go as he wished. Although the patrons’ discussions were lively and covered many topics, like a small gathering, news about Lingxu Blessed Island was like a stone sinking into the sea, with no clues whatsoever. Instead, their conversations revealed another piece of unexpected news for Li Mu.
Inside the tavern, more than a dozen tables were mostly occupied, with Nascent Soul cultivators and Golden Core cultivators gathered. In a corner, four Nascent Soul Loose Cultivators sat around a table. Their conversation caught Li Mu’s attention. One of them, an old Cultivator with silver hair, suddenly lowered his voice and said to a younger companion next to him, “Daoist Friend Chen, it’s best for you to keep a low profile recently.”
“Oh? Why is that?” The young Cultivator looked at the other with regret.
“Haven’t you heard? The trade fair hosted by Island Master Huang at his Daoist temple this time is a major event that has shaken the entire East Sea. The day of the event is approaching, and by then, countless reclusive experts will come to the island to participate.” Another burly Nascent Soul Loose Cultivator interjected loudly, immediately attracting the attention of everyone present.
“I’ve also heard something about it.” The Nascent Soul Loose Cultivator opposite him chimed in, “The trade fair personally organized by Island Master Huang is said to have an extremely high threshold. Only Cultivators holding a huanglong order, or those who have reached the Refining Void Realm, are qualified to participate.”
“Not only that.” The burly Loose Cultivator nodded and added, “This time, the eighteen island Masters of the Eastern Region will all personally attend. I’m afraid they’re not just here for trade; perhaps there are other important matters to discuss.”
“Island Master Huang has been in seclusion for many years. Why he suddenly emerged from seclusion to host a trade fair this time, I’m afraid there’s a deeper meaning!” The young Loose Cultivator’s eyes sparkled, as if he had already seen the upcoming business opportunities: “I guess there will definitely be a great treasure appearing at this trade fair.”
“Great treasure?”
The eyes of all the Cultivators in the tavern showed curiosity, and their gazes involuntarily turned towards their table.
“Heh, don’t underestimate this trade fair.” A Nascent Soul cultivator at the next table mysteriously interjected, “According to the information I’ve received, at this trade fair, Island Master Huang intends to sell a rare Medicinal Pill called the Grand Profound Condensing Spirit Pill.”
“Grand Profound Condensing Spirit Pill? What kind of Medicinal Pill is that?” Everyone asked curiously.
“This Medicinal Pill is extraordinary.” The Nascent Soul cultivator perked up, earnestly elaborating, “For Transformation God cultivators, it’s like a timely rain after a long drought. It can help Transformation God cultivators break through Divine Sense Bottlenecks and even advance further.”
“Although Island Master Huang is indeed a leader in the Alchemy world, and his Alchemy skills have reached the Transcendent Realm, advancing to Void Refining is not something that can be achieved in a day. While this Grand Profound Condensing Spirit Pill can help one break through Divine Sense Bottlenecks, it might still be insufficient to truly step into the Refining Void Realm!” The white-haired Nascent Soul cultivator frowned.
“Island Master Huang’s decision to host this trade fair must have a profound meaning. Perhaps he already anticipated that many Cultivators would come for this Grand Profound Condensing Spirit Pill, but the true Great Master might be hidden behind the trade fair!” Another Loose Cultivator pondered, his eyes gleaming with a probing light.
“Alas! I really don’t know what that trade fair will be like.”
Upon hearing this, everyone was filled with emotion, curious about the actions of those powerful individuals, wishing they could be a part of it.
Inside the tavern, the Cultivators discussed animatedly, their topics gradually shifting to cultivation and Realm matters, their hearts filled with anticipation and longing.
Li Mu, sitting by the window, quietly listened to their conversation, and a ripple stirred in his heart. Although he couldn’t find any clues about Lingxu Blessed Island, this trade fair, with high-level Cultivators gathering, also seemed to be an unmissable event. If he got involved, he might be able to find clues related to Lingxu Blessed Island from it.
For several days in a row, Li Mu ‘drank’ Spiritual Tea in the tavern, gathering information about the island from many well-informed Loose Cultivators, or spending some Spirit Stones to acquire intelligence.
Li Mu gradually learned everything he wanted to know and silently awaited the date of the trade fair hosted by Immortal Master Huanglong.
Immortal Master Huanglong achieved fame very early. This Grandmaster Alchemist, whose cultivation had reached the Early Stage of the Void Refining Realm, had managed East Cloud Island for over two thousand years. His Alchemy skills were already renowned throughout the four seas, and the trade fair he hosted was undoubtedly a grand event for East Cloud Island and even the surrounding sea areas.
To participate in this trade fair, one’s cultivation needed to reach the Void Refining Realm, or one needed to possess a huanglong order. For the first condition, Li Mu’s cultivation had not yet reached the Void Refining Realm, but obtaining a huanglong order was simple. With his ability as a Grandmaster Refiner, completing Immortal Master Huanglong’s entrusted task to obtain a huanglong order would not be difficult.
The huanglong order is a special token crafted by Immortal Master Huanglong. Only by completing the tasks he assigns can one receive this honor. With the trade fair approaching, Li Mu left the tavern and headed to the main peak of East Cloud Island to visit Huanglong Temple.
Soon, Li Mu arrived at Huanglong Temple and was stopped by the Daoist priests guarding the entrance. Upon hearing that he had come for a huanglong order, he was immediately led by a welcoming Daoist priest to the Mission Hall, without even having the chance to meet Immortal Master Huanglong.
“Welcome, Fellow Daoist, to my Huanglong Temple!” The Daoist priest cupped his hands and said, “I am Immortal Master Huanglong’s Senior Disciple, Immortal Master Qingsong, responsible for receiving Cultivators who come to accept missions. I heard you intend to obtain a huanglong order and participate in this grand trade fair?”
“Yes! I am a Grandmaster Refiner and wish to participate in this grand trade fair to exchange for some high-tier spiritual items.” Li Mu smiled slightly, proactively introducing his identity.
Upon hearing this, Immortal Master Qingsong was moved, asking with pleasant surprise, “Is that true, Fellow Daoist? Can you refine a six-tier spirit treasure?!”
Li Mu nodded, his eyes gleaming with confidence: “Indeed, I can refine six-tier spirit treasures. I have come this time to take this Opportunity to find some Materials and spiritual items that can help me achieve a Breakthrough.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu immediately took out a six-tier wood-elemental Spirit Sword from his nine storage spiritual pearl. With a “buzz,” a sword hum resonated throughout the hall, emitting sharp and powerful Sword Intent. At the tip of the sword, there was even a faint sound of a dragon’s roar, showcasing its extraordinary quality.
“This sword is called: Azure Glow, and it was refined by me!” Li Mu looked at Immortal Master Qingsong, holding the sword as proof.
Seeing the six-tier Spirit Sword in Li Mu’s hand, Immortal Master Qingsong’s eyes flashed with a hint of admiration. He nodded repeatedly and praised, “Good, good, what an excellent Spirit Sword! Fellow Daoist’s Artifact Refining skills are truly well-deserved. May I ask your name?”
“So it’s Dao Friend Li, a pleasure to meet you!” Immortal Master Qingsong cupped his hands and bowed, a more enthusiastic smile appearing on his face as he looked at Li Mu and said, “Since Dao Friend Li can refine such a high-quality six-tier Spirit Sword, obtaining a huanglong order is naturally no problem. However, for the sake of fairness, I still need you to complete a task to prove your strength before you can obtain the huanglong order.”
“Immortal Master Qingsong, please speak!” Li Mu nodded understandingly, gesturing.
Immortal Master Qingsong pondered for a moment and slowly said, “My Huanglong Temple recently obtained a piece of six-tier Qi Refining spiritual material—the golden brilliance spiritual crystal. However, this material is extremely special, and ordinary Artifact Refining techniques are difficult to control. I see that your Artifact Refining skills are superb; I wonder if you can refine it into a six-tier spirit treasure? If you can refine this item, you will receive a huanglong order.”
“Dao Friend Li, the huanglong order is the most esteemed token of my temple. With this item, Fellow Daoist will henceforth be a Guest Elder of this sect!” Immortal Master Qingsong looked at Li Mu with sharp eyes and continued to explain, “You will gain many privileges within this temple. Firstly, Cultivators holding a huanglong order can directly participate in the grand trade fair hosted by our temple. At that time, countless high-tier spiritual items and rare Materials will appear, and you will be able to obtain your desired treasures at the most favorable prices, or even through direct exchange.”
“Secondly, the huanglong order also allows you to freely browse various high-tier classics in our temple’s Scripture Pavilion. Whether it’s cultivation methods, Artifact Refining secret techniques, or Formation Talismans, they will all be opened to you without reservation.”
“Furthermore, this temple possesses some special cultivation grounds, such as Immortal Caves with rich Spiritual Qi. Cultivators holding a huanglong order will have the right to enter these cultivation grounds for secluded cultivation to enhance their own cultivation.”
“Finally, the huanglong order also symbolizes honor and status. It represents that you are a distinguished guest and friend of Huanglong Temple. Whether within the temple or in the outside world, you will receive respect and assistance from our temple’s Disciples and allies.”
Immortal Master Qingsong paused, then respectfully added, “Of course, the uses of the huanglong order are far more than these. If you have the Opportunity, you can even receive personal guidance from my Master.”
“Understood! Thank you, Immortal Master Qingsong, for the explanation. I accept this task.” Li Mu smiled slightly and agreed.
Li Mu was not interested in receiving guidance from Immortal Master Huanglong or becoming a Guest Elder of Huanglong Temple. How could a small spiritual island compare to the Xuantian Sword Sect? If it weren’t for his search for Lingxu Blessed Island, he wouldn’t have come here. But now, since there was a huanglong order as a reward, Li Mu was willing to put in some effort.
“Dao Friend Li, please follow me!” Immortal Master Qingsong was quite pleased to see Li Mu agree so readily. He walked ahead, leading the way to the Artifact Refining Room.
The Artifact Refining Room was located deep within Huanglong Temple, surrounded by dense Spiritual Qi, as if the essence of the spiritual island had gathered here.
As soon as he stepped into the Artifact Refining Room, Li Mu felt a strong heat wave wash over him, accompanied by the sounds of metal melting.
In the center of the Artifact Refining Room, there was a five-tier Artifact Refining furnace with blazing flames. Various rare Materials and Ores were neatly arranged to the side. Li Mu’s gaze swept over them, and he was quite satisfied with this Artifact Refining Room.
Immortal Master Qingsong pointed to a large stone platform next to the furnace fire and said, “Dao Friend Li, this is where you will refine artifacts. The Artifact Refining platform is inscribed with our Huanglong Temple’s unique Formation, which can enhance the Spiritual Qi concentration during Artifact Refining and increase the success rate of Artifact Refining.”
“Thank you for the arrangements, Fellow Daoist!” Li Mu nodded knowingly, glancing at the Formation in the Artifact Refining Room, and instantly understood it.
There were no less than seven different Formations in this Artifact Refining Room, involving Spirit Gathering, Illusion, Enemy Trapping, Killing Formations, Concealment, and many other high-tier Formations. This Huanglong Temple also had its merits in the Dao of Formations.
Li Mu raised his overall assessment of Huanglong Temple’s strength by a notch. However, being highly skilled and bold, he wasn’t too concerned about the Artifact Refining Room being surrounded by Formations.
Immortal Master Qingsong looked at Li Mu and humbly indicated, “It is already a great honor for Dao Friend Li to refine a six-tier spirit treasure for my Huanglong Temple. There is no need for politeness. Please wait a moment; I will go to the treasure vault to retrieve the Artifact Refining spiritual Materials.”
Soon, Immortal Master Qingsong returned to the Artifact Refining Room with several Disciples from Huanglong Temple, carrying several boxes of Artifact Refining Materials. These Materials were all auxiliary Materials used for refining the golden brilliance spiritual crystal, each with its unique function.
Li Mu opened the boxes and inspected the Materials one by one, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. These Artifact Refining Materials were all indispensable and precious items for refining six-tier spirit treasures. Huanglong Temple had clearly spared no expense for this refining session.
“Dao Friend Li, I know that refining a six-tier spirit treasure is not easy. These Artifact Refining spiritual Materials are accumulated by our temple over many years. You have two chances to refine. I hope you can succeed at least once!” Immortal Master Qingsong looked at Li Mu, his eyes filled with anticipation and apprehension.
Li Mu smiled and nodded, reassuring him, “Immortal Master Qingsong, please rest assured. This Artifact Refining will definitely succeed. If it fails, I will compensate you with that six-tier Spirit Sword.”
“Dao Friend Li, with your words, I am much more at ease.” Immortal Master Qingsong’s apprehension dissipated by more than half upon hearing this. However, he did not reject Li Mu’s decision. Refining a six-tier spirit treasure was inherently a huge gamble, and if both attempts failed, he would not be able to bear the responsibility. (End of Chapter)
