Li Mu stopped speaking and began to fully immerse himself in the preparations for Artifact Refining.
Glancing at the Artifact Refining Materials beside him, Li Mu circulated the Five Elements Yin Yang Scripture, formed hand seals, conjured a ball of Five Elements Spiritual Fire, ignited the Artifact Refining furnace, and then placed the main Material—golden brilliance spiritual crystal—into the furnace, beginning the refining process.
Daoist Qingsong stood to the side, his eyes fixed on the furnace fire, his heart filled with both tension and anticipation.
However, the Six-Tier spiritual Material—golden brilliance spiritual crystal—was incredibly sturdy, and the Five Elements Spiritual Fire melting process was extremely time-consuming; the golden brilliance spiritual crystal showed no signs of melting for a long time.
After about an hour, Li Mu glanced at Daoist Qingsong, who was so nervous he was almost holding his breath, and smiled, gesturing, "Fellow Daoist Qingsong, this Artifact Refining process is quite time-consuming and requires complete concentration. It might be inconvenient for you to stay here. Why don't you go attend to your matters, and I'll call you over once the Spirit Treasure is refined? How about that?"
Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingsong hesitated for a moment. Meeting Li Mu's resolute gaze and confident smile, he roughly understood the meaning behind his words: because he was present, this Grandmaster Refiner found some Artifact Refining methods inconvenient to display.
"Alright, then I'll go attend to my matters first. Dao Friend Li, if you need anything, remember to call me anytime." Realizing this, Daoist Qingsong nodded, then turned and left the Artifact Refining Room, closing the stone door tightly.
With Daoist Qingsong's departure, only Li Mu remained in the Artifact Refining Room. Confirming there was no Divine Thought observing, Li Mu took a deep breath, then summoned the Yin Yang Lightning Fire from within his Physical Body, performing the Artifact Refining Divine Ability—Heavenly Fire as Furnace—to gather the Yin Yang Lightning Fire and condense it into a silver and red Heavenly Fire Furnace.
As the Heavenly Fire Furnace, condensed from Yin Yang Lightning Fire, materialized, it radiated powerful lightning spirit fluctuations, as if it were a miniature Lightning Tribulation, emitting endless lightning elemental power.
With a thought of his Divine Thought, the golden brilliance spiritual crystal and numerous auxiliary Artifact Refining spiritual Materials flew into the Heavenly Fire Furnace.
Inside the Heavenly Fire Furnace, Yin Yang Lightning Fire intertwined, like two swimming Dragons churning in the furnace, devouring the Artifact Refining spiritual Materials one by one. Numerous Artifact Refining spiritual Materials rapidly melted under the scorching flames, transforming into a mass of pure molten liquid, gathering in the center of the furnace.
Li Mu held his breath and concentrated, his eyes fixed on the changes within the furnace. His hands quickly formed seals, controlling the furnace fire, and performing the Artifact Refining Divine Ability—Divine Refinement Spirit Fusion Method—to begin refining the Artifact embryo, arranging the Artifact formations, condensing the Artifact patterns, and so on.
Soon, inside the Heavenly Fire Furnace, the sword embryo of a golden spiritual sword continuously emitted brilliant spiritual light, and dazzling Artifact patterns steadily condensed.
Currently, Li Mu's success rate in refining a Seven-Order Dao Weapon was as high as fifty percent. Refining a Low Grade Six-Tier spiritual sword was almost effortless for him.
With a crisp "Om" of a sword hum, the golden spiritual sword was completely refined, suspended in the furnace. Its sword body emitted dazzling golden light, as brilliant and eye-catching as a small sun.
Li Mu smiled slightly, waved his hand, and the golden spiritual sword transformed into a golden light, flying into his hand, which he casually put into his nine storage spiritual pearl.
Li Mu then dispelled the Heavenly Fire Furnace, withdrew the Yin Yang Lightning Fire back into his Physical Body, closed his eyes, and sat in meditation, not rushing to present the Six-Tier spiritual sword to Daoist Qingsong.
About seven days later, Daoist Qingsong, having received Li Mu's message, rushed to the Artifact Refining Room.
The door of the Artifact Refining Room was pushed open, and Daoist Qingsong walked in. His gaze was immediately drawn to the golden spiritual sword suspended in Li Mu's hand. Looking at the long sword, his eyes gleamed with inexpressible light.
"Dao Friend Li, it's done! This… is this the Six-Tier spiritual sword you refined?" Daoist Qingsong looked at Li Mu and asked excitedly.
Li Mu smiled and nodded, gently wielding the golden spiritual sword in his hand. The sword body traced an elegant arc, emitting a crisp sword hum.
"Brother Qingsong, I have not failed your trust. This Six-Tier spiritual sword has been refined." Li Mu said, handing the spiritual sword to Daoist Qingsong.
Daoist Qingsong took the spiritual sword, his eyes bursting with surprise. He carefully held the spiritual sword as if it were a rare treasure. The sword body was dazzling with golden light, like flowing liquid, shimmering with an enchanting luster. The sword body trembled slightly, full of spirituality, gently leaping in his hand as if communicating with him.
The Artifact patterns on the sword body were clearly visible, each one like a Dragon or snake dancing, full of vitality and a sense of power. These Artifact patterns were not only beautiful but also contained powerful golden sharp Sword Intent.
Daoist Qingsong looked up at Li Mu, his eyes full of admiration, and said with pleasant surprise, "Dao Friend Li, you truly amaze me! The quality and spirituality of this spiritual sword far exceed my expectations; it's simply a perfect work of art! Truly admirable!"
Daoist Qingsong took a deep breath, calmed his excited emotions, and then solemnly introduced, "Dao Friend Li, please come with me to see my Master. With this sword, it will certainly not be a problem for him to bestow the huanglong order. He will definitely grant you preferential treatment for your Artifact Refining skills."
Li Mu smiled and nodded, following behind Daoist Qingsong towards the Ancestral Master Hall of Huanglong Temple.
The two walked through green pines and cypresses, along a winding mountain path, and finally arrived in front of the Ancestral Master Hall of Huanglong Temple. The hall was majestic and solemn, with a grand Aura. Two giant golden Dragon sculptures stood quietly on either side of the main door, exuding a dignified and mysterious Aura.
Daoist Qingsong led Li Mu to the entrance of the hall, respectfully bowed inside, and then announced loudly, "Master, Disciple Qingsong has brought Dao Friend Li Mu to pay respects, and he has brought a Six-Tier spiritual sword personally refined by him, requesting Master to bestow the huanglong order."
An old yet powerful voice came from inside the hall, responding, "Hmm! Come in."
Li Mu followed Daoist Qingsong into the hall, and an ancient and solemn Aura washed over them.
In the center of the hall sat an elderly man with white hair, who was Daoist Huanglong. He wore a plain yellow Daoist robe, with an ethereal temperament and a gaunt face. His entire being exuded a rich scent of elixirs, appearing like an ordinary old man rather than a high and mighty Void Refining Cultivator.
Daoist Qingsong respectfully bowed, presenting the Six-Tier spiritual sword refined by Li Mu with both hands. Under the bright light inside the hall, the golden spiritual sword emitted a faint sword glow, and the profound Artifact patterns on the sword body flowed with golden spiritual light, quite dazzling.
Daoist Huanglong's gaze fell upon the spiritual sword, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He eagerly took the spiritual sword and gently caressed it, seemingly sensing its spirituality.
"Excellent. This sword is refined from golden brilliance spiritual crystal, and the refining technique is extremely exquisite. Between the flowing Artifact patterns, there is a faint resonance of the Grand Dao. Young Fellow, at such a young age, to possess such Artifact Refining attainments is truly rare!" Daoist Huanglong looked at Li Mu with a face full of admiration, his voice gentle and powerful, giving one a feeling like a spring breeze.
"Thank you for your praise, Senior. Junior was merely fortunate." Li Mu bowed humbly.
Daoist Huanglong smiled slightly and said, "Fortune is also part of one's strength. Since you have completed the Artifact Refining task for our Sect, I will accept this spiritual sword."
Saying that, Daoist Huanglong waved his sleeve, and the Six-Tier spiritual sword disappeared into his sleeve. Then, he took out a golden token and presented it to Li Mu: "This is the huanglong order. With this token, you are a Guest Elder of our Huanglong Temple, possessing many special privileges."
Li Mu took the huanglong order and thanked him gratefully, "Thank you, Senior, for bestowing the order."
"Young Fellow, where are you from?" Daoist Huanglong carefully scrutinized Li Mu, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and asked with concern.
A Six-Tier Grandmaster Refiner could not be achieved by chance; his origin must be extraordinary. Daoist Huanglong naturally developed a strong interest in Li Mu's background.
Li Mu quickly responded, "Li is from the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, Qingxuan Sect!"
"Southern Wilderness, Qingxuan Sect! As far as I know, the Southern Wilderness seems to have been occupied by Demon Cultivators!" Daoist Huanglong frowned, looking at Li Mu and asking with concern.
"That is indeed the case. The Southern Wilderness is currently plagued by continuous warfare, which is why I fled here to seek some opportunities for advancement." Li Mu nodded, stopping short, unwilling to elaborate.
Daoist Huanglong nodded, then looked at Li Mu and cordially invited, "So that's how it is. The situation in the Southern Wilderness is severe, and Demon Abyss forces are rampant. It is indeed difficult to Cultivate peacefully. Why don't you temporarily stay at my Huanglong Temple? This old Daoist has some resources and connections in the East Illusion Sea Region and can arrange for people to assist you in finding the Opportunities you need. At the same time, you can also learn more profound Artifact Refining methods and exchange insights with other Artifact Refining Great Masters here."
Pausing, Daoist Huanglong looked at Li Mu and continued to explain, "Since you now hold the huanglong order, you can participate in the trade fair I am hosting. This trade fair is a major event held by our Huanglong Temple once every few decades. At that time, high-level Cultivators from various islands in the East Illusion Sea Region will gather to exchange all kinds of rare Artifact Refining Materials, Spirit Medicine, methods, etc. It will surely help you find the items of Opportunity you seek."
Upon hearing this, a hint of anticipation flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he cupped his hands in thanks, "Thank you for your generosity, Senior. Junior respectfully accepts your offer."
Daoist Huanglong smiled and nodded, continuing, "The trade fair will begin in fifteen days. You can rest temporarily within Huanglong Temple and familiarize yourself with the environment. At that time, this old Daoist will personally take you to participate."
Li Mu nodded, cupping his hands again, "Thank you, Senior. Junior will certainly follow your arrangements."
Daoist Huanglong nodded with satisfaction, then instructed Qingsong, who was nearby, "Qingsong, take Young Fellow down. Remember to arrange a secluded residence for him so he can rest well."
"Yes, Master!" Qingsong responded, then led Li Mu away from the main hall.
Watching Li Mu's departing back, Daoist Huanglong's smile gradually faded, his brows furrowed, and he fell into deep thought, seemingly pondering Li Mu's origins.
This trade fair, besides the exchange of spiritual items, also involved a major event. The appearance of a Grandmaster Refiner at this time was too coincidental. Daoist Huanglong's eyes narrowed slightly.
"This child comes from the Qingxuan Sect in the Southern Wilderness. However, the Southern Wilderness is now occupied by Demon Abyss forces. For him to come alone, traveling thousands of miles to the East Illusion Sea Region, he must have an unusual purpose." Daoist Huanglong murmured to himself, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes.
"Could it be that he truly came to seek Opportunity and improve his strength, hoping to return to the Southern Wilderness in the future to avenge the Qingxuan Sect?" Daoist Huanglong speculated, but then shook his head. "No, this matter is definitely not simple. If he truly came for revenge, why would he easily reveal his origins?"
Daoist Huanglong pondered for a moment and decided to let Qingsong continue to probe him and secretly investigate his true origins before proceeding.
------
At this moment, hundreds of thousands of miles away, in the Central Plains Spirit Domain, near the Seven Profound Sect, inside an ancient Cultivation city, within a pavilion, a middle-aged man in a blue and black robe sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed, his entire body enveloped in a faint black Devilish Qi, immersed in a strange Cultivation state.
Suddenly, a cloud of black mist condensed before him, forming a figure in black shadow clothes, kneeling on the ground.
The black-robed middle-aged man's eyes snapped open, and two streams of black Devilish Qi overflowed from his eyes, staring at the secret agent who had appeared before him.
"Reporting to Demon Lord, Mei Xiao has confirmed repeatedly that the target's true body is not within the Sect and his whereabouts are unknown!" The scout lowered his head and reported respectfully.
The Undying Demon Lord's killing intent flashed and then disappeared, his voice low and sinister: "Whereabouts unknown? How did Mei Xiao confirm this? The Puppet Clone refined by this person can be indistinguishable from the real thing, and it's common for his true body not to appear for extended periods."
"Reporting to Demon Lord, Mei Xiao's deduction is based on the changes within the Seven Profound Sect, as well as the changes in several Sect Elders and the Vice Sect Master—Celestial Evolution. The target's Puppet body has not appeared for several months. Mei Xiao reports that the Vice Sect Master—Celestial Evolution—might know the specific whereabouts of the target's true body." The scout continued to report.
Upon hearing this, the Undying Demon Lord's expression hardened, and he immediately took it seriously.
For over twenty Years, the Undying Demon Lord had been consumed by thoughts of revenge. After successfully taking Possession of a Void Refining Cultivator's Physical Body and spending over a decade in seclusion to successfully restore his Body Integration Cultivation, his first action was to come to the Central Plains Spirit Domain, seeking an Opportunity to ambush and kill Li Mu for revenge.
However, Li Mu's true body remained elusive, always hidden within the Seven Profound Sect, its location unknown. He only showed himself through a Puppet body, being extremely cautious, and his true whereabouts remained a mystery.
Now in the Central Plains Spirit Domain, weak and isolated, the Undying Demon Lord dared not act rashly, fearing that if he failed, he would alert the Xuantian Sword Sect.
Therefore, the Undying Demon Lord could only restrain himself, secretly dispatching subordinates to infiltrate the Seven Profound Sect, quietly waiting for the right moment, planning a fatal blow.
Years flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several Years had passed. The Undying Demon Lord was stationed in the ancient Cultivation city, and every day, besides Cultivating to restore his Cultivation, he listened to his subordinates report precise information about Li Mu.
Today, when he heard his subordinate confirm that Li Mu had left the Seven Profound Sect and his whereabouts were unknown, a sharp glint flashed in the Undying Demon Lord's eyes. He abruptly stood up, his tall figure casting a deep shadow in the room.
"Finally, he has left the Seven Profound Sect? I have waited too long for this day!" The Undying Demon Lord said excitedly, his voice filled with endless hatred.
The Undying Demon Lord took a deep breath, calming his excited emotions.
"Fellow Daoist Celestial Evolution! It's time to meet him!" A flash of killing intent appeared in the Undying Demon Lord's eyes as he ordered the scout, "Pass down the order: have Mei Xiao closely monitor Celestial Evolution's movements and report them promptly."
The previous ambush also had the contribution of 'Fellow Daoist Celestial Evolution'. This time, the Undying Demon Lord planned to personally take him down, force him to reveal Li Mu's whereabouts, and then settle the score with him. (End of Chapter)
