Seeing the Seal Grand Formation stabilize, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Elder Li, you've worked hard!" Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu and thanked him gratefully.
"Sword Master, you're too kind. It's what I should do. Now that the Formation has stabilized, next, I will set up a teleportation Formation outside this area to facilitate the Sect's Disciples guarding this place," Li Mu said with a slight smile, indicating.
"Good. Taiyi Sect also has ideas about the Sealed Land. I still need to negotiate with them. Elder Li, you continue to be busy!" Sword Master Feng nodded and indicated to Li Mu.
Sword Master Chen followed up, "Elder Li, with you here, we are at ease. We will leave first."
"Both Sword Masters, please rest assured. With me here, there will be no mishaps," Li Mu nodded, indicating understanding, and watched them depart.
Watching the two Sword Masters' departing figures, Li Mu turned and exited the core area of the Extreme Fire Seal Grand Formation, arriving at the periphery. With a thought, he summoned the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix.
As soon as the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix appeared, she excitedly circled Li Mu. Her fiery red eyes gleamed with intense light, extremely satisfied with the current environment. The underground space was a fiery red, with flowing magma, scorching temperatures all around, and rich fire Origin Qi. This was an extremely suitable Cultivation Holy Land for her.
"Master, where is this? Could it be...!" The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix transformed into human form. The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, dressed in a red dress, stood before Li Mu, asking in surprise and curiosity.
The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, in her human form, possessed breathtaking beauty. Her skin was as fair and delicate as snow, with a faint blush, like the soft colors of a nascent sunrise. Her fiery red eyes, like burning flames, were both ardent and profound, revealing a unique charm. Her red dress was as dazzling as a raging fire, gently swaying with her movements, like a Fairy of fire, stunningly beautiful.
Her long hair was like flowing lava, shimmering with a captivating luster, each strand seemingly containing scorching flames. Her nose bridge was high, adding a touch of heroism to her face, and her lips, the color of fire, made her even more alluring.
The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix stood there as if all the firelight in the entire underground space danced for her, merging with the surrounding scorching environment, both passionate and mysterious.
Li Mu looked at her, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, and replied with a smile, "That's right, this is the Extreme Fire Seal Land. We successfully expelled the Demon Abyss forces that occupied this place. Next, I'll leave you here to Cultivate well and guard my spirit fields."
Upon hearing this, the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's eyes gleamed with excitement. She took a deep breath, feeling the rich fire Origin Qi around her, and her Cultivation immediately received a small boost, as if she could feel the pulse of power surging within her.
"Master, the fire Origin Qi here is so powerful, I will definitely be able to rapidly improve my Cultivation," the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix took a deep breath and said excitedly.
"The Seal Grand Formation here involves a passage between two Realms, and the Restriction methods are extraordinary. You can use the power of this Formation to Cultivate, but remember not to venture into other areas," Li Mu sternly instructed the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, who was beaming with joy.
Upon hearing this, the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix nodded solemnly, knowing that Li Mu's words were true. The Seal Grand Formation was of great importance and could not tolerate any carelessness. She quickly assured Li Mu, "Master, I understand what you mean. I will strictly follow your instructions and only Cultivate around the Seal Grand Formation, without venturing into other areas without permission."
Li Mu nodded, then began to plan the spirit fields in this underground flame space, setting up Formation arrays, and summoning nine fire-element Spiritual Artifact swords. Using the swords as pens, he carved Formation patterns.
As the nine fire-element Spiritual Artifact swords danced under Li Mu's control, the scorching firelight illuminated the entire underground space. The paths traced by the Spiritual Artifact swords left behind brilliant fire lines in the air. These fire lines intertwined, forming a complex Formation pattern.
The Formation pattern gradually took shape, emitting powerful fire Origin Qi fluctuations. The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix stood by, feeling this power, her heart filled with shock.
After several hours of meticulous carving, the Formation pattern was finally complete. Li Mu withdrew the nine Spiritual Artifact swords, clapped his hands lightly, and looked at his masterpiece with satisfaction. He turned to the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and said, "This Formation is called the 'Blazing Fire Gathering Spirit Formation.' It can gather the surrounding fire Origin Qi, providing a continuous supply of energy for the spirit fields. At the same time, it can also enhance your Cultivation, making your path of Cultivation smoother."
Upon hearing this, the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she quickly thanked Li Mu, "Thank you, Master, for bestowing such a precious Formation. I will definitely make good use of it and live up to your expectations."
Li Mu nodded and continued to cast spells, using Earth Rock Art to Cultivate the spirit fields. He took out a large number of high-grade fire-element spirit seeds, including Sixth-grade dragon flame spirit fruit, Sixth-grade Sun Essence Fire Lotus, Seventh-grade Blazing Hell Golden Lotus, and many other high-grade spirit plants, planting them in various locations.
Next, he dedicated a lot of effort and time to cultivating, caring for the spirit plants, and setting up protective Formations and teleportation Formations.
The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix watched Li Mu's busy figure, her heart filled with admiration. Li Mu was not only powerful in Cultivation but also meticulous and thoughtful, almost omnipotent, a role model she respected and wanted to learn from.
In the blink of an eye, three more months passed. The high-grade spirit seeds in the spirit fields began to root and sprout. They absorbed the rich fire Origin Qi, growing rapidly and vigorously, displaying vibrant vitality.
"That's about it, Crimson Flame. Cultivate well here and advance as soon as possible."
Looking at the vibrant spirit fields before him, Li Mu nodded with satisfaction, then turned to the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and bid her farewell.
"Yes, Master. I will definitely work hard to Cultivate and live up to your expectations. When will you return?" the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix responded respectfully, looking at Li Mu, her eyes revealing deep attachment and reluctance.
Li Mu smiled slightly and indicated, "I'm going to the Central Plains Spirit Domain to handle some matters. As for my return date, I can't determine it for now. However, within three to five years, I will definitely come here regularly to check the growth of the spirit fields and your Cultivation progress."
"Master, please rest assured. I will guard this spirit field as I guard my own life, not letting it suffer any harm. As for my Cultivation, I will also give it my all and live up to your expectations," the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's eyes lit up, and she solemnly promised Li Mu.
"Good, then I can leave with peace of mind," Li Mu smiled slightly.
Saying that, Li Mu turned and walked towards the teleportation Formation. In a flash of light, his figure instantly disappeared from the spot.
Not long after, Li Mu appeared in Barren Ancient City, went to Yin Yang Valley to check the spirit plants in the Extreme Yang Land, and then took a teleportation array to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region to the Sealed Land of Dark Water to inspect the Azure Moon True Dragon and check the growth of the water-element spirit plants, and then headed to the Extreme North Realm.
On his way back to the Central Plains Spirit Domain, Li Mu made a detour, inspecting all seven extreme Sealed Lands in sequence.
By the time Li Mu returned to the Central Plains Spirit Domain, arrived at Xuantian Sword Sect, and entered the Extreme Gold Secret Realm, three years had already passed.
"Master, I'm almost ready to undergo my True Spirit Tribulation!"
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape was overjoyed to see Li Mu and immediately stepped forward to report. Its eyes sparkled with anticipation and nervousness, clearly both looking forward to and feeling uneasy about the upcoming True Spirit Tribulation.
Li Mu smiled slightly, his scrutinizing gaze falling on the Green-Eyed Golden Ape. His Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, displayed its current attributes.
"Green-Eyed Golden Ape"
"Grade: Sixth-grade Yao Beast King"
"Characteristics: Adamantine Body, Keen Insight, Spirit Body Metamorphosis, Spirit Devouring Body Refining, Ape King's Strength"
"Status: golden origin Prosperous, Heart Restless"
"The Green-Eyed Golden Ape Cultivated the Spirit Devouring Life Nurturing Art, its body tempered and transformed. It consumed Net Blood Zhi, Golden Vein Spirit Mushroom, and other high-grade spirit plant Bloodlines, achieving a partial return to its ancestral Ape King Bloodline. It successfully overcame the Transformation Lightning Tribulation, broke through Bloodline Restrictions, and advanced to a Sixth-grade Yao Beast King."
Li Mu frowned slightly, wondering what he was thinking.
The True Spirit Tribulation is a huge hurdle for any living being, let alone the Green-Eyed Golden Ape, whose Bloodline and Aptitude were not outstanding to begin with. If it were to undergo the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation now, it would surely be a near-fatal ordeal.
However, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape was raised by him since childhood, his most loyal companion, having gone through countless trials and tribulations together. Li Mu did not want it to perish under the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
"Master, is there a problem?"
Seeing Li Mu frown and remain silent, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape couldn't help but feel a little uneasy and asked with concern.
It had thought that after its diligent Cultivation day and night, breaking through to the Peak of transformation, it could now advance to the Seventh-grade Yao Beast Emperor Realm. It had expected to receive Li Mu's approval and praise, but instead, it was met with its Master's furrowed brows and deep thought. The Green-Eyed Golden Ape couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
Li Mu sighed softly, then looked up at the Green-Eyed Golden Ape with gentle eyes and indicated, "Indeed, you've worked hard on your Cultivation during this period."
"Then I can prepare to undergo the True Spirit Tribulation!" The Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes lit up, and it asked with concern.
"Your problem isn't your Cultivation or effort, but the cruelty of the True Spirit Tribulation itself," Li Mu slowly began, his voice filled with helplessness and worry. "The True Spirit Tribulation is a test from the Heavenly Dao for living beings who have Cultivated to a certain Realm. Its difficulty will increase with the living being's Bloodline, Aptitude, and Cultivation. Although your Bloodline and Aptitude have improved, compared to those Innate True Spirits, your foundation is still insufficient..."
Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes, but it quickly cheered up and said firmly to Li Mu, "Master, I understand. But no matter what, I must face this hurdle. I won't let you down. I want to become stronger and keep up with your pace."
Li Mu saw the determined look in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes and couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion, realizing the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's loyalty to him.
"Don't rush into the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. First, Cultivate the Spirit Devouring Life Nurturing Art to Great Perfection, then we can talk. I'll think of other ways," Li Mu said after a brief thought, looking at the Green-Eyed Golden Ape seriously.
Upon hearing Li Mu's words, a hint of confusion flashed in the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes, but then it understood its Master's intention. It knew that Li Mu was preparing to find a better method for it to increase its chances of passing the True Spirit Tribulation.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape nodded and responded respectfully to Li Mu, "Yes, Master. I will continue to work hard on Cultivating the Spirit Devouring Life Nurturing Art and strive to reach the Realm of Great Perfection as soon as possible."
Li Mu said nothing more. He checked the high-grade spirit plants planted in the Extreme Gold Secret Realm, then left the Extreme Gold Secret Realm and returned to Seven Profound Sect.
After returning to Seven Profound Sect, Li Mu quickly inspected the seven types of Fifth-grade spirit plants planted on the seven main Peaks. Then, he went to Xuantian Sword Sect and found several Elders of the Sect, asking them in detail about information and records regarding the True Spirit Tribulation, hoping to find some useful clues to make more thorough preparations for the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's Undergoing Tribulation.
"Elder Li, our Sect mainly focuses on Sword Cultivators," Xu Zhong, Elder Xu, who was in charge of the Beast Taming Garden at Xuantian Sword Sect, looked at Li Mu and enthusiastically introduced, "Our understanding of assisting tamed beasts in Undergoing True Spirit Tribulation is very limited, perhaps not as good as some Sects specializing in Body Refining or beast taming. But since Elder Li asked, I will tell you everything I know."
"Regarding how to increase the success rate of Undergoing Tribulation, although our Sect doesn't have a specialized method, according to ancient records, there are several possible ways," Xu Zhong looked at Li Mu with deep eyes and explained in detail, "Firstly, it's to find rare spiritual objects between heaven and earth, such as Heavenly Thunder Stone, Purple Lightning Crystal, etc. These spiritual objects contain powerful lightning power, allowing the tamed beast's Physical Body to adapt to the lightning power in advance, which can help it."
"Secondly, taking high-grade Spirit Pills to enhance the tamed beast's Bloodline and Aptitude. There are many such high-grade Spirit Pills, for example: Blood Origin Pill: This pill can trace the Origin of a Yao Beast's Bloodline, strengthen its Origin power, and improve its Bloodline quality. Dragon Bone Marrow Refining Pill: Refined with dragon bone as the main medicine, it can refine the Yao Beast's bone marrow and strengthen its Physique and potential; and for example: Soul Essence Pill: Refined with precious Yao Beast essence blood and souls, it can greatly enhance the Yao Beast's demonic soul, thereby helping it overcome the most difficult Heart Demon Tribulation during the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation."
"However, the spiritual materials used for these Spirit Pills are quite precious, and it may not be easy to gather them," Xu Zhong continued to add, "Thirdly, finding a powerful expert skilled in beast taming to act as a Protector for the tamed beast during the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. This person needs to have profound Cultivation and rich experience, able to provide correct guidance and help to the tamed beast at critical moments."
"Fourthly, it is to refine a Sharp Weapon for Undergoing Tribulation. This point should not be difficult for Elder Li," Xu Zhong looked at Li Mu and finally said.
Li Mu was silent for a moment. He also knew about the several aids Xu Zhong mentioned, as he had previously experienced the True Spirit Thunder Tribulations of the Azure Jade Ginseng King and the Azure Moon True Dragon.
However, each tamed beast's Aptitude, Cultivation, and experiences are different, and the difficulty of Undergoing True Spirit Thunder Tribulation also varies.
The Azure Jade Ginseng King, having lived for tens of thousands of years, was skilled in recovery techniques, but its Physical Body was weak. When Undergoing True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, it relied on a Tribulation-Undergoing Spiritual Artifact to delay the power of the Lightning Tribulation.
The Azure Moon True Dragon, with outstanding Cultivation and Aptitude, did not require much intervention from him. With its foundation, it successfully passed the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape was different. It had only been a little over two hundred years since its birth, and its Aptitude and Bloodline were originally ordinary. It was entirely thanks to the Cultivation Technique he imparted and the provision of various high-grade spirit plants, Spirit Pills, and abundant resources that it barely reached its current Cultivation. Although its Physical Body was strong, it still appeared fragile when facing the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
Li Mu was very clear that the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's True Spirit Tribulation would be even more difficult than the previous two. He not only needed to prepare sufficient means for the Green-Eyed Golden Ape to undergo the Tribulation but also needed to formulate a perfect Tribulation-Undergoing plan for it. (End of Chapter)