Returning to the Seven Profound Sect, Li Mu searched everywhere for suitable Spiritual Veins, preparing to dig up a few and incorporate them into the Painting World Treasure Mansion to help it recover from its injuries. At the same time, he activated his network to inquire about clues regarding another Seal – the Land of Extreme Yang.
As a Grandmaster Refiner, Li Mu was now capable of refining Seven-Order Dao Weapons, and his reputation in the Central Plains Spirit Domain was widely known. There were countless people who wanted to curry favor with him, but he had always kept a low profile, rarely interacting with others.
As news of Li Mu searching for the Land of Extreme Yang Secret Realm spread, high-level Cultivators came to visit one after another, revealing some secrets and intelligence, hoping to use this opportunity to establish some connection with him.
However, most of the intelligence brought by these high-level Cultivators was, in Li Mu's eyes, like scratching an itch through a boot—unable to reach the true location of the Land of Extreme Yang. What they said was mostly hearsay, or fragmented words left by predecessors, making it difficult to piece together complete clues.
It wasn't until Tan Yuan's arrival that Li Mu saw a glimmer of hope.
Tan Yuan was a Void Refining Cultivator, a Grand Elder of the Taixuan Sect, and advanced in years. He claimed to know some secrets unknown to outsiders that could help Li Mu. However, after listening to Tan Yuan's narration, Li Mu's heart was filled with disappointment.
What Tan Yuan described was a suspected Land of Extreme Yang Secret Realm located at the edge of the Central Plains Spirit Domain, covered by a barren desert. The temperature difference between day and night there was extreme; the sun was like fire during the day, and the cold wind was bone-chilling at night. There was a place enveloped by a powerful Restriction, and he invited Li Mu to explore it together... However, after hearing the other party's description, it held no value for Li Mu. The intelligence he mentioned was far from the situation of the Extreme Yang Secret Realm.
Seeing Li Mu's disappointed expression, Tan Yuan knew he had failed to provide useful information. He then awkwardly bade farewell to Li Mu and left the Seven Profound Sect.
Watching Tan Yuan's retreating figure, Li Mu couldn't help but sigh, feeling a little dejected. He could only put the matter aside for now and first search for unoccupied high-level Spiritual Veins to quickly repair the Painting World Treasure Mansion, lest its Treasure Mansion Spirit be harmed.
Incorporating the Body Integration Realm Undying Demon Lord into the Painting World Treasure Mansion and fighting within its Treasure Mansion Space had caused severe damage to its space, already harming its Foundation. Repairing the Painting World Treasure Mansion was also extremely urgent.
However, in the Central Plains Spirit Domain, spiritual lands and Spiritual Veins were abundant, but most of them were owned. Top-grade Spiritual Veins were absolutely the Foundation of a Sect, and there were almost no unowned ones. Finding a few top-grade Spiritual Veins to dig up and incorporate into the Painting World Treasure Mansion was by no means easy.
Li Mu scoured various Spiritual Vein maps, inquired about news everywhere, and even offered high rewards, but he found it difficult to find unowned top-grade Spiritual Veins in the Central Plains Spirit Domain.
Li Mu had no choice but to entrust this matter to Qiu Yuanhong. As a hall master of the Xuantian Sword Sect, his status was lofty, and perhaps he could find a way.
“Elder Li, you may not know this, but the Central Plains is not like the Southern Wilderness or the Northern Region; it is densely populated, with many Cultivators.” Upon learning that Li Mu wanted to use a top-grade Spiritual Vein for Artifact Refining, Qiu Yuanhong couldn't help but feel a little troubled and reminded him, “Top-grade Spiritual Veins are extremely rare here and are mostly occupied by large Sects and aristocratic families. It is almost impossible to find unowned top-grade Spiritual Veins.”
Li Mu nodded silently, knowing that Qiu Yuanhong was telling the truth, but the importance of the Painting World Treasure Mansion to him was self-evident, and repairing the Treasure Mansion was already urgent.
Li Mu pondered for a moment, looked at Qiu Yuanhong, and asked, “Elder Qiu, then in your opinion, how can I find unowned top-grade Spiritual Veins?”
Qiu Yuanhong frowned and gestured to Li Mu, saying, “Elder Li, if you can't find top-grade Spiritual Veins in the Central Plains Spirit Domain, you might consider going to some remote areas. The Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain is the most suitable. It has just experienced a demonic disaster, and less than one in ten Sects remain. There should be many unowned top-grade Spiritual Veins there.”
“Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain!”
Li Mu frowned. Qiu Yuanhong was right. Due to the invasion of Demon Abyss forces, there were only a handful of remaining Sects in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain. However, appearing in the Southern Wilderness would be too dangerous for him.
First the Blood Demon Lord, then the Undying Demon Lord, both wanted to eliminate him quickly. If news of his appearance in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain leaked out, it was very likely to attract more Demon Lords to hunt him down.
However, thinking of the current state of the Painting World Treasure Mansion, if it couldn't absorb top-grade Spiritual Veins to recover, it would harm its Foundation. Li Mu gritted his teeth and decided to take the risk.
“Elder Qiu, I have decided to go to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain,” Li Mu said, looking at Qiu Yuanhong.
“Hmm! The Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain is a long journey. Why not wait a while? Elder Yun and Elder Xiao are preparing to go to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain to support Sword Master Feng. Having them escort you would be safer.”
“Oh! When are they leaving? It would be great if they could travel together.” Li Mu was delighted to hear Qiu Yuanhong mention that Elder Yun and Elder Xiao were about to depart for the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, and he asked with concern.
“In half a month, they will lead a group of Disciples and set off together. You can go with them then.” Qiu Yuanhong smiled slightly, looked at Li Mu, and entrusted him, “There are several outposts in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain that need teleportation arrays to be set up. It would be a good opportunity for Elder Li to show his skills.”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was speechless. This old fellow was truly calculating!
However, setting up teleportation arrays in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain would help Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen quickly take down the Extreme Fire Realm, which would aid Li Mu's plans, and he was willing to contribute to this matter.
“Alright! I will do my best to complete the task assigned by the Sect.” Li Mu readily agreed, already having a plan in his mind.
“Elder Li, I'm counting on you for this mission.” Qiu Yuanhong showed a satisfied expression and smiled, indicating, “Please wait a moment. I'll go to the warehouse now to prepare the spiritual materials needed for setting up the array, as well as the essential spiritual resources for your trip.”
Li Mu respectfully nodded and watched Qiu Yuanhong leave.
Soon, Qiu Yuanhong returned and handed two rings to Li Mu, earnestly cautioning him, “Elder Li, although Elder Yun and Elder Xiao will protect you on this trip, the Southern Wilderness is full of dangers after all. You must be extra careful.”
Li Mu took the storage rings and said gratefully, “Thank you, Elder Qiu. I will act carefully and not fail your trust.”
Just as Li Mu was about to depart for the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, a startling change suddenly occurred in a secluded Spirit Valley in the Central Plains Spirit Domain. Three figures quietly descended; they were precisely the three Body Integration demonic Cultivators from the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain: Shadow Demon Lord, Blood Refinement Demon Lord, and Soul Devouring Demon Lord.
Their arrival shattered the tranquility of this Spirit Valley. A powerful Devilish Qi instantly permeated, enveloping the entire valley. Upon arriving in the Central Plains, they immediately sent out a mysterious signal, summoning the subordinates left behind in the Central Plains Spirit Domain after the Undying Demon Lord's demise.
Before long, demonic Cultivators gathered from all directions. They arrived as ordered, kneeling before the three Demon Lords.
Shadow Demon Lord, dressed in a black robe, with his face hidden in the shadows of his hood, his eyes flickering with an eerie light. He slightly raised his hand, and an invisible force enveloped all the demonic Cultivators, rendering them unable to move a single inch.
The Blood Refinement Demon Lord, dressed in blood-red armor, exuded a strong scent of blood. He coldly scanned the demonic Cultivators below, his eyes crimson and filled with bloodlust.
The Soul Devouring Demon Lord was an old man with a face as pale as paper, his eyes hollow and profound, and a head full of silver hair. He stood between the two Demon Lords, forming hand Seals as if performing some spell.
The demonic Cultivators kneeling on the ground trembled uncontrollably, as if enduring immense pain.
“Second Brother, I have already branded the soul mark. Release them!” The Soul Devouring Demon Lord's hand Seals suddenly stopped. His hollow and eerie eyes looked at the Shadow Demon Lord, indicating.
The Shadow Demon Lord gently waved his arm, and the invisible force that enveloped the demonic Cultivators instantly dissipated.
“Greetings, Lord Demon Lord!”
The demonic Cultivators, relieved, lowered their heads and respectfully saluted in unison.
“Tianjue has fallen. From now on, all of you are my people! I always reward and punish fairly. Those who work with me will receive due rewards. But those who fail in their duties or betray me will suffer a worse fate than Tianjue!” The Soul Devouring Demon Lord's gaze swept over the faces of the demonic Cultivators one by one, and he said sternly.
“Yes!”
Upon hearing this, the demonic Cultivators trembled, a hint of fear flashing in their eyes, but more was awe and obedience towards the Soul Devouring Demon Lord. From this moment on, their fates would be closely linked with this Demon Lord.
“Who among you was responsible for inquiring about ‘Li Jianxian’ before?” The Soul Devouring Demon Lord scanned the entire group of demonic Cultivators and pressed.
Upon hearing this, a female Cultivator in a red palace dress among the demonic Cultivators quickly responded, “Reporting to Lord Demon Lord, it... it was I who was responsible for inquiring about ‘Li Jianxian’. I previously infiltrated the Seven Profound Sect and learned of his whereabouts when he went to the East Illusion Sea Region to explore Lingxu Blessed Island.”
“Hmm, what's your name?”
The Soul Devouring Demon Lord nodded slightly, his gaze piercing as he stared at the female demonic Cultivator and asked.
“Reporting to Lord Demon Lord, I am Mei Xiao,” the female demonic Cultivator respectfully replied.
“Mei Xiao, you are very good.” The Soul Devouring Demon Lord nodded with satisfaction, a glint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He then waved his hand and indicated, “Stand up and speak. Tell us all the information about ‘Li Jianxian’ in detail.”
As soon as the Soul Devouring Demon Lord finished speaking, the Shadow Demon Lord and the Blood Refinement Demon Lord simultaneously focused their gazes on Mei Xiao, their expressions serious and focused, attaching great importance to the information about ‘Li Jianxian’.
The Undying Demon Lord and the Blood Demon Lord had successively fallen at this person's hands. This situation deeply shocked them and even shook the entire Demon Abyss forces.
Two Body Integration Realm powerhouses actually fell because of a Soul Transformation Realm Cultivator, “Li Jianxian.” Such news was too unbelievable, yet it had happened.
No one knew the combat power of the Undying Demon Lord and the Blood Demon Lord better than the three of them. They were extremely curious about what heaven-defying abilities this ‘Li Jianxian’ possessed to be able to cross two Realms and achieve such an incredible feat.
The three Demon Lords knew well that this mission was of no small matter. If they could not accomplish it perfectly, the Demon God's punishment would be unbearable for them.
“Tianjue was right. If this child is not eliminated, he will definitely be a great disaster!” The Blood Refinement Demon Lord's face showed a heavy expression, and he spoke fiercely.
“Indeed, this child's potential is astonishing. If we don't eliminate him before he fully matures, once he advances to a higher Realm, I'm afraid there will be no more opportunities,” the Shadow Demon Lord nodded gravely in agreement.
“You did well. Do you know ‘Li Jianxian’s whereabouts now?” The Soul Devouring Demon Lord praised Mei Xiao and asked with concern.
“Because I followed the Demon Lord to the East Illusion Sea Region to hunt down this child, I left the Seven Profound Sect…” Mei Xiao's face showed difficulty, and she guessed, “Now that the East Illusion Sea Region - Lingxu Blessed Island matter has concluded, I think he should have returned!”
Upon hearing this, the Soul Devouring Demon Lord frowned, displeased with this uncertain information.
“You were able to successfully infiltrate the Seven Profound Sect before and gather such important information, which shows your ability and wisdom. Infiltrate the Seven Profound Sect again and inquire about ‘Li Jianxian’s exact whereabouts in detail,” the Soul Devouring Demon Lord looked at Mei Xiao and commanded.
“This! Previously, Lord Tianjue Demon Lord killed the Vice Sect Master of the Seven Profound Sect, Tianyan, and only through soul-searching did he obtain ‘Li Jianxian’s exact whereabouts. If I infiltrate the Seven Profound Sect again now, I'm afraid my identity will be exposed, alerting the enemy and causing the three Demon Lords’ plans to fail,” Mei Xiao explained tactfully, her face showing difficulty.
“Whether it's you or someone else sent to infiltrate the Seven Profound Sect, this matter is entirely your responsibility. You must obtain information about ‘Li Jianxian’s true body,” the Soul Devouring Demon Lord's expression became stern, and he commanded in a severe tone.
“Understood, your subordinate will do her utmost to accomplish this, living up to the expectations of the three Demon Lords.” Looking up at the Soul Devouring Demon Lord's harsh, man-eating expression, Mei Xiao dared not refuse and quickly responded.
The Soul Devouring Demon Lord nodded, then waved his hand, indicating that Mei Xiao could withdraw.
Mei Xiao bowed respectfully, then led the demonic Cultivators in a kneeling departure. (End of Chapter)
