After giving instructions to Qin Wentong, Li Mu immediately let Min Mo leave first.
Watching Min Mo's departing back, Li Mu's expression darkened.
From the conversation just now, and the fact that Elder Min was undoubtedly an inside agent sent by the Demon Abyss forces, it was clear. However, he had released the news of his impending long journey, using himself as bait. Whether he could successfully distract them and shift the Demon Abyss forces' attention away from the Seven Profound Sect remained an unknown.
"Forget it, no matter what, the plan has begun, I can only take it one step at a time." Li Mu sighed inwardly, looking at Qin Wentong, and solemnly instructed: "Elder Qin, the Sect is entrusted to you. You must help me keep a close eye on it. Also, keep a close watch on Elder Min."
Qin Wentong nodded, and said in a deep voice: "Sect Master, rest assured, I will secretly observe Elder Min's every move and never let her have any opportunity. At the same time, I will also strengthen the Sect's patrols and defenses to ensure the Sect's safety."
Li Mu nodded slightly, satisfied: "Elder Qin, I have always been at ease with your handling of matters. Remember, once you discover any abnormality, report it to the Upper Sect immediately. The opponent is by no means someone you can resist."
"Yes, I will definitely follow the Sect Master's instructions!" Qin Wentong replied solemnly.
Li Mu said nothing more, turned and left the Sect Leader's Mansion, taking Xue'er, and flew towards the Xuantian Sword Sect on his sword.
The next day, before the sky was fully broken, a faint golden hue appeared on the eastern horizon. Within the Xuantian Sword Sect, the atmosphere on Sword Asking Peak was exceptionally solemn, and the air seemed to be filled with the sharp Sword Qi.
Xuantian Sword Sect, Sword Asking Peak.
Under Qiu Yuanhong's respectful send-off, Xiao Shuang, Yun Yi, two Body Integration Sword Cultivators, along with a group of Void Refining and Soul Transformation Cultivators, appeared at the teleportation array platform. Li Mu was also among them, protected by the two Body Integration Cultivators on his left and right. Although his cultivation was not considered high among the crowd, his identity was extremely special; he was a Grand Elder who could refine Seventh-Order Dao Swords.
"Elder Yun, Elder Xiao, this journey is long and fraught with danger. You must take good care of Elder Li." Qiu Yuanhong solemnly instructed, his eyes filled with anticipation and trust.
Yun Yi and Xiao Shuang exchanged glances, both nodding in agreement. Yun Yi spoke: "Elder Qiu, rest assured, we will do our utmost to protect Elder Li."
Li Mu also cupped his hands and said: "Thank you, Elder Qiu, for your concern. I will do my best on this trip and not disappoint the Sect's heavy trust."
After everyone bid farewell, the teleportation array platform lit up with dazzling light. Everyone felt a powerful force envelop them, and then their vision went black as they Transmigration through the endless Void Realm.
Li Mu and his group teleported to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, and then transferred to a warship, heading towards the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain.
Following Li Mu's departure, a few days later, Mei Xiao quietly returned to the main hall of the three Demon Lords'station. Her face showed some fatigue, but her eyes gleamed with excitement.
Traveling at high speed, Mei Xiao organized the intelligence she had gathered in her mind, preparing to report to the three Demon Lords.
Arriving outside the main hall, Mei Xiao stopped and patiently waited for the three Demon Lords to summon her.
Soon, a low sound of footsteps came from within the main hall, and Shadow Demon Lord, Soul Devouring Demon Lord, and Blood Refinement Demon Lord appeared one after another. Their appearance instantly filled the originally empty hall with a murderous aura, and the atmosphere became solemn and tense.
Mei Xiao stood outside the hall, able to feel the invisible pressure. She adjusted her breathing and quickly stepped into the main hall.
The three Demon Lords' gazes all fell upon Mei Xiao, a gaze interweaving scrutiny and expectation that made Mei Xiao's heart tighten. She deeply understood the importance of this report, so she quickly calmed her inner turmoil and respectfully bowed.
"Lord Demon Lords, after days of in-depth collection, Mei Xiao has gathered important intelligence regarding Li Mu, and has come to report."
Mei Xiao's voice echoed in the empty hall, clear and firm, and the three Demon Lords' spirits were all invigorated.
"Speak!" Soul Devouring Demon Lord nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with a desire to know Li Mu's whereabouts.
"Yes, this subordinate learned that Li Mu was inquiring about the whereabouts of the Extreme Yang Secret Realm, so this subordinate risked returning to the Seven Profound Sect and fabricated a clue about an Extreme Yang Secret Realm, attempting to lure him out." Mei Xiao nodded, explaining in detail.
Mei Xiao's words were clear and pleasant, each word like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of the three Demon Lords.
"Extreme Yang Secret Realm?" Blood Shadow Demon Lord exclaimed in surprise.
Soul Devouring Demon Lord and Shadow Demon Lord exchanged glances, equally shocked. The Extreme Yang Secret Realm that Li Mu was looking for, without surprise, should be another Sealed Land.
Previously, Blood Demon Lord - Dana, and Undying Demon Lord - Tianjue, both perished while contending with him for several Sealed Lands. Now, three Sealed Lands, the Extreme Yin Seal, the Extreme Earth Seal, and the Netherwater Seal, have all fallen into the hands of the Xuantian Sword Sect because of him.
These Sealed Lands were the keys to opening the two-world passage, but now they have successively fallen due to him. This kid is simply their nemesis! No wonder Lord Demon God was so enraged! He wanted them to kill him as soon as possible.
Mei Xiao was slightly startled, not understanding what was wrong with the three Demon Lords! Had she done something wrong? Did this Extreme Yang Secret Realm have other origins?
"What was the result! Did he fall for it?" Soul Devouring Demon Lord looked at Mei Xiao and continued to ask.
"Lord Demon Lords," Mei Xiao took a deep breath, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes, and indicated: "Li Mu was indeed attracted by the clue we fabricated, but he did not directly fall for it."
"Oh?" Blood Shadow Demon Lord raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by Li Mu's reaction, and asked with concern: "Then how did he react?"
"After learning about the clue to the Extreme Yang Secret Realm, Li Mu showed great interest, but he did not act rashly. It seems he needs to complete a mission for the Xuantian Sword Sect and has no time. Currently, he is preparing to go to other Spirit Domains. The truth of this matter is unknown, so I ask the three Lord Demon Lords to mobilize manpower to help verify if the Xuantian Sword Sect has any recent movements." Mei Xiao responded, pausing for a moment, then added: "In addition, this person is cunning and will not easily believe attributes. He is very likely to secretly continue investigating this clue, or activate his network to try to confirm the authenticity of this information."
"Well done, I will order Chi Mo to help you verify this matter." Soul Devouring Demon Lord nodded, satisfying Mei Xiao's request.
"Hmph, this kid is indeed cunning, we must be on guard against this." Blood Refinement Demon Lord snorted coldly, looking at Mei Xiao and asking: "However, this also shows his emphasis on the Extreme Yang Secret Realm. If he continues to investigate this matter, then what do you plan to do next?"
"Lord Demon Lords, rest assured, this subordinate has already made arrangements." Mei Xiao smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with confidence, and continued to explain with a smile: "This place itself is an ancient battlefield ruin with many powerful Restrictions. I have already arranged in advance and released more clues, which will definitely be able to pass off the fake as genuine, confirming that I have reached the entrance of the Extreme Yang Secret Realm. At the same time, I will arrange for people to constantly monitor the path to the 'Extreme Yang Secret Realm'. As soon as he appears, they will report to me immediately."
"Good, very good. From passive to active, your action plan is good." After hearing Mei Xiao's plan, Blood Refinement Demon Lord couldn't help but nod in praise, and kindly reminded: "However, you must be careful not to reveal any flaws. This person is cunning and suspicious. Once he senses the trap and startles the snake, it will be difficult to catch him again."
"Yes, this subordinate understands." Receiving Blood Refinement Demon Lord's affirmation, Mei Xiao's heart rejoiced, and she quickly responded: "I will act carefully to ensure this plan proceeds smoothly."
Soul Devouring Demon Lord turned to look outside the hall, summoned Chi Mo Demon Venerable to him, and instructed: "Chi Mo, quickly investigate whether the Xuantian Sword Sect has recently dispatched a large number of teams, especially regarding Li Mu's movements. Once you discover Li Mu's traces, report to me immediately."
"Yes!" Chi Mo gladly accepted the order, then his figure flashed and disappeared into the main hall.
"Mei Xiao, you return to the Seven Profound Sect and continue to stay there. You must act carefully and not easily expose your identity." Soul Devouring Demon Lord looked at Mei Xiao and instructed.
"Yes, this subordinate understands." Mei Xiao respectfully responded, bowed to the three Demon Lords, then turned and left the main hall.
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In the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, with its shimmering blue waves and dazzling starlight, Tianxing Island was like a brilliant pearl, embedded in this vast sea of stars. This was the Xuantian Sword Sect's station, and also a Holy Land for Cultivation that countless Cultivators dreamed of.
After coming out of the teleportation array, while the main force was resting and preparing to depart for the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, Li Mu appeared on Wanxing Island and wandered around.
Li Mu strolled along the streets of Wanxing Island, feeling the dense Spiritual Qi on the island and the enthusiasm of the Cultivators. He was dressed in a green robe, with an extraordinary temperament, attracting frequent glances from passersby.
In the Auction hall of Wanbao Pavilion, with his sharp gaze, Li Mu made large bids again and again, each bid causing a small sensation. Soon, he acquired a large number of high-grade Spirit Medicines, including rare Spirit Medicine and precious Ore.
During the breaks in the Auction, Li Mu also specifically went to Tianji Building, preparing to find a fortune teller to calculate the heavenly secrets.
Tianji Building stood majestically in the center of Wanxing Island. Its ancient and elegant pavilions complemented the prosperous Wanbao Pavilion opposite, showcasing a unique charm. The branch master of Tianji Building, Lu Zhuo, a Void Refining Realm Cultivator, was quietly sitting in an elegant room within the building, awaiting today's guest.
The white-haired Lu Zhuo's eyes were as deep as stars, as if he could perceive all things in the world and see through all illusions. He was dressed in a green robe, with an ethereal temperament, giving people a feeling of being extraordinary and detached.
When Li Mu stepped into Tianji Building, Lu Zhuo's gaze was immediately drawn to him. He quickly stood up and greeted this young Soul Transformation Cultivator, a warm smile on his face.
"Great Master Li, I have long admired your name. Seeing you today, you are indeed a Dragon among men, with an imposing aura!" Lu Zhuo greeted him warmly, his voice gentle and magnetic, making people feel exceptionally close.
Li Mu nodded slightly, responding to Lu Zhuo's enthusiasm: "Master Lu, you flatter me. I came today to consult you on the art of heavenly secrets and to calculate my future fortune."
"Great Master Li, why do you need to ask me to calculate heavenly secrets? You seem to be proficient in divination yourself!" Lu Zhuo looked at Li Mu with a half-smile, pointing it out.
"Haha, a doctor doesn't treat himself, and divination is the same." Li Mu laughed heartily and responded frankly: "Master Lu indeed has a Wisdom Eye. I am indeed slightly proficient in divination, but as the saying goes, there are specialties in every art. The heavenly secrets art of Tianji Building is profound, so I naturally want to experience it personally."
Lu Zhuo nodded upon hearing this, and praised: "Great Master Li is too modest. Since you have this intention, I naturally will not refuse."
He gently flicked his sleeve, and immediately, the light in the entire elegant room became soft, as if entering a mysterious space. Lu Zhuo formed hand Seals, muttering incantations, and a profound aura permeated the air.
As a Grandmaster Refiner, Li Mu's appearance, exposure of his whereabouts, participation in the Wanbao Pavilion Auction, large-scale bidding, and entering Tianji Building to seek the Tianji Building Master, all these high-profile actions immediately attracted the attention of many high-level Cultivators, and also caught the attention of the Demon Abyss forces in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
However, Li Mu's high-profile actions actually had a deeper meaning. He risked danger, using himself as bait, aiming to draw the Demon Abyss forces' attention away from the Seven Profound Sect, to prevent the Seven Profound Sect from being attacked and the high-grade Spirit Plants planted there from being damaged.
On this trip, with two Body Integration Sword Cultivators and numerous high-level Xuantian Sword Sect Cultivators protecting him, even if the Demon Abyss forces knew his whereabouts, they would not dare to act rashly without gathering their strength. Once they entered the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen would be there to meet them, so safety was not an issue.
Time flew by, and half a month passed in a flash. The Cultivators of the Xuantian Sword Sect had been preparing intensely. They had assembled a fleet composed of countless large and small Spirit Swords, departing from Tianxing Island and speeding towards the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain.
Soon after, Chi Mo received news from the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. Because the intelligence concerned Li Mu, his expression was solemn, and he immediately presented the intelligence to the three Demon Lords.
"Lord Demon Lords, Li Mu has appeared in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region!"
Chi Mo handed the secret letter to Soul Devouring Demon Lord and reported.
"What? He actually ran to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain!" Soul Devouring Demon Lord took the secret letter, and after scanning its contents, his expression drastically changed, and his anger was evident.
They had traveled thousands of miles from the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain to the Central Plains Spirit Domain, with the purpose of completing the mission entrusted by the Undying Demon God, to kill Li Mu, this potential threat. Yet, they never expected that this kid, Li Mu, could run so far, actually going to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain.
Soul Devouring Demon Lord took a deep breath, the anger in his heart unable to subside for a long time.
"Big brother, what should we do? Should we return to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain immediately?" Shadow Demon Lord looked at Soul Devouring Demon Lord, his face showing anxiety. Their current mission was forcibly pressed upon them by the Undying Demon God. If they didn't resolve it soon, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Blood Refinement Demon Lord clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, and he gritted his teeth and said: "This child is extremely cunning, but we cannot be led by the nose by him. Since he dares to go to our territory, we must make sure he never returns!"
Soul Devouring Demon Lord took a deep breath, calmed the anger in his heart, and his eyes gleamed with calm. He said in a deep voice: "Blood Refinement is right. But we cannot be careless. This child is exceptional in both formations and artifacts, and can set up teleportation arrays. If we rush to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, he might use the array to escape again. And the Seven Profound Sect is his old nest. If we leave the Central Plains Spirit Domain, I'm afraid we will give him an opportunity, and end up with nothing good on either side."
"Shadow, your concerns are valid." Soul Devouring Demon Lord nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with thought: "But Li Mu's deep venture into the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain this time must have a purpose. Perhaps he wants to use this opportunity to find something, is it possible that he discovered other Sealed Lands?"
"We cannot be led by the nose by him." Soul Devouring Demon Lord said in a deep voice, suggesting: "But we also cannot stand by and do nothing. I propose that we act separately. A portion of our manpower will remain in the Central Plains Spirit Domain to continue monitoring the Seven Profound Sect's movements, while the other portion will return with us to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain to hunt down this child."
Shadow Demon Lord pondered for a moment, looked at Blood Refinement Demon Lord, and suggested: "Let's do it this way. Blood Refinement, you stay in the Central Plains. The two of us will rush back to the Southern Wilderness and use the Demon Abyss forces in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain to set up an inescapable net, leaving him nowhere to hide."
After the three Demon Lords discussed, they decided to act according to this plan. They quickly allocated manpower, with some remaining in the Central Plains Spirit Domain and others returning with them to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain. (End of this chapter)
