Li Mu exchanged a batch of rare Materials for Alchemy at the Contribution Hall.
Fortunately, he had accumulated quite a substantial amount of Contribution Points by continuously rendering great services to Xuantian Sword Sect.
Although high-grade Alchemy Materials were precious, he could still afford them.
Moreover, over these Years, Li Mu had successively entered seven Extreme Lands, acquiring a vast amount of high-grade Spirit Medicine and Spirit Materials, all of which were top-grade Spirit Medicine with a medicinal age of ten thousand Years, more than sufficient for high-grade Spirit Pills.
The three types of high-grade Spirit Pills mentioned by Xu Zhong: Blood Source Pill, Dragon Bone Marrow Refining Pill, and Soul Essence Pill, were all rare items with special attributes.
He was unable to provide the Pill Formulas, and Li Mu could not find these Pill Formulas in the Scripture Pavilion either.
However, this did not stump Li Mu.
Upon returning to Seven Profound Sect's Sect Leader's Mansion, he immediately announced his seclusion and then plunged into the Cultivation Chamber.
Li Mu sat cross-legged on the central spiritual platform of the Cultivation Chamber.
With a thought, he took out the soul world pearl from his storage compartment, which housed a wisp of remnant soul, the ancient Body Integration Cultivator Qingyang Zi, a Grandmaster of the Dao of Alchemy.
The soul world pearl in Li Mu's hand emitted a faint, ethereal glow, like a miniature star, or an amber containing myriad worlds.
Complex patterns flowed across the surface of the pearl, as if naturally formed, embodying profound Law power.
Li Mu held the soul world pearl in his palm, gently closed his eyes, and immersed his Divine Sense within it.
As his Divine Thought deepened, the world within the soul world pearl slowly unfolded.
This was a boundless space, entirely different from the outside world.
At the center of this space, a faint wisp of remnant soul floated quietly.
Although this wisp of remnant soul was weak, it exuded an ineffable majesty and nobility; it was precisely the remnant soul of the ancient Body Integration Cultivator—Qingyang Zi.
Qingyang Zi sensed Li Mu's arrival, rippled slightly, and awoke from his slumber.
"You've come.
How much time has passed?"
Qingyang Zi 'looked' at Li Mu, his voice like an ancient bell, deep and distant, echoing within Li Mu's Divine Sense.
Li Mu respectfully replied, "Senior, since our last meeting, more than fifty Years have passed in the outside world."
Qingyang Zi nodded, gazing at Li Mu, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes, and asked, "In such a short time, you seem to have made another Breakthrough.
Your Aptitude is even better than I imagined!
What do you seek this time?"
"Senior, Junior has already found the whereabouts of the reversing death spirit grass, but its medicinal age is still short, only five hundred Years, so it's not suitable for harvesting now," Li Mu looked at Qingyang Zi and reported.
"Is that true!" Qingyang Zi's spirit lifted, and he asked with concern.
"Junior would not dare to deceive you," Li Mu smiled slightly, responding with delight.
The finished reversing death spirit grass found in the Extreme Yin Land was given to Celestial Evolution Divine Lord; naturally, there were still many reversing death spirit grass present there.
However, Qingyang Zi was a Body Integration remnant soul with unknown methods, and he also knew too many secrets.
Li Mu did not intend to fully disclose this information to Qingyang Zi, so he deliberately concealed the specific quantity and location of the reversing death spirit grass, only mentioning its existence and medicinal age.
"Five hundred Years of medicinal age!
Not enough for my use!
Can you find any with higher efficacy?
Preferably three thousand Years of medicinal age!"
Qingyang Zi frowned slightly, seemingly not very satisfied with the five-hundred-Year-old reversing death spirit grass.
After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "A three-thousand-year-old reversing death spirit grass is indeed more difficult to obtain, and its medicinal efficacy is also more potent.
However, in this world, finding such a high-aged reversing death spirit grass is truly not easy."
Qingyang Zi paused, looking deeply at Li Mu, and continued, "However, since you were able to find a five-hundred-year-old reversing death spirit grass, it indicates that you possess a certain Opportunity and strength.
I can give you a suggestion, which might help you find a reversing death spirit grass with a higher medicinal age."
Li Mu cupped his hands and said, "Please, Senior, guide me."
Qingyang Zi nodded slightly and said, "reversing death spirit grass grows in extremely Yin Lands, and its medicinal efficacy is closely related to the concentration of Yin Qi in its environment.
Do you know that in this world, there are some special Secret Realms or Forbidden Lands where the Yin Qi is far more concentrated than in ordinary extremely Yin Lands?"
"So that's how it is.
I will continue to explore such Secret Realms and do my best to collect this Spiritual Plant for Senior," Li Mu nodded in understanding and respectfully said.
"Thank you for your trouble.
It's rare for me to awaken, so if you have any questions, you may ask me.
Perhaps I can offer some guidance," Qingyang Zi looked at Li Mu meaningfully and gestured.
The matter of the reversing death spirit grass still relied on Li Mu, and Qingyang Zi was very shrewd; Li Mu would never awaken him for no reason.
Li Mu took a deep breath and solemnly said, "Senior, I have come this time to inquire about the methods for refining three high-grade Spirit Pills.
These three Medicinal Pills are the Blood Source Pill, the Dragon Bone Marrow Refining Pill, and the Soul Essence Pill."
Qingyang Zi nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a profound wisdom, and he gestured, "I do know these three Medicinal Pills.
I shall impart the Pill Formulas and the refining methods to you."
Soon, Qingyang Zi meticulously explained the refining methods and required Materials for each Medicinal Pill, while also reminding Li Mu of the crucial details to pay attention to during the refining process.
Li Mu listened with rapt attention, nodding repeatedly to show his understanding.
After Qingyang Zi had imparted all the refining methods for the three high-grade Spirit Pills to Li Mu, he couldn't help but ask with some curiosity, "These three Spirit Pills are not suitable for you.
What do you need them for?"
Li Mu then thoroughly explained to Qingyang Zi the situation regarding Green-Eyed Golden Ape's insufficient Aptitude and his intention to refine these Spirit Pills to help it Undergo True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
"Foolish!
Foolish!" Qingyang Zi listened, his brows furrowed, shaking his head repeatedly, and sighing, "How can these three Spirit Pills help a Yao Beast of mediocre Aptitude Undergo True Spirit Tribulation!
Do you know what a True Spirit is?"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was slightly taken aback and quickly and respectfully replied, "Junior does not know, please enlighten me, Senior."
Qingyang Zi nodded slightly, and in a solemn tone, explained, "True Spirit means Innate Spirit, close to the Dao.
Only Spirits close to the Dao can pass this True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
It is the necessary path for a Cultivator to shed their mortal coil and achieve a True Spirit Body after Cultivating to a certain Realm.
Relying on external objects, or methods like reversing Bloodline and soul, can never be favored by the Heavenly Dao.
If one cannot obtain the True, how can one achieve True Spirit?"
"The True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is no ordinary tribulation; even the most outstanding Yao Beasts often find it difficult to overcome."
"And these three Spirit Pills you mentioned, while precious, are merely a drop in the bucket for helping a Yao Beast Undergo True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
The true assistance does not lie in miraculous Spirit Pills, but in the Yao Beast's own Aptitude, Comprehension Ability, Heart-Nature, and Opportunity."
"The Great Dao is merciless.
We Cultivators perform Heaven-Defying acts.
Any living being Undergoing Heavenly Dao Lightning Tribulation must rely on their own strength and Comprehension Ability.
Deviant methods are, in the end, only temporary aids and cannot last long," Qingyang Zi looked at Li Mu, reminding him with profound words.
Qingyang Zi's words plunged Li Mu into deep thought, and recalling the Years he had spent with Green-Eyed Golden Ape, his heart couldn't help but stir.
"Senior, I understand what you mean.
But for me, Green-Eyed Golden Ape is not just a Spirit Beast; it is my companion, my brother.
I cannot stand by and watch it fall in tribulation due to insufficient Aptitude.
I must do everything I can to help it," Li Mu's gaze was firm, and his tone was resolute as he responded.
Qingyang Zi nodded slightly, understanding Li Mu's feelings, and at the same time, saw a glimmer of hope in him.
Since Li Mu valued camaraderie so much, if he fully assisted him, he wouldn't end up empty-handed.
"Since you are so determined, I can show you a clear path," Qingyang Zi looked at Li Mu and transmitted a message, "I have a Pill Formula called the Enlightenment Pill.
This Pill is unlike ordinary Medicinal Pills; it can temporarily open the Comprehension Ability gate of a Yao Beast, helping it comprehend the Great Dao.
However, the Materials required to refine this Pill are extremely rare, and the refining process is complex, beyond the capabilities of an ordinary Alchemist."
Upon hearing this, a hint of determination flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he quickly said, "Junior is willing to try!
Please bestow the Pill Formula, Senior."
Qingyang Zi nodded slightly, transmitting the Pill Formula content to Li Mu with his Divine Thought and meticulously explaining the precautions during the refining process.
Li Mu received the Pill Formula, filled with boundless gratitude, and solemnly thanked Qingyang Zi, "Senior's great kindness, Junior will engrave it in my heart!"
Qingyang Zi smiled and waved his hand, saying, "If you can successfully refine it, it will also be Green-Eyed Golden Ape's Opportunity.
But remember, while the Enlightenment Pill is good, it is not a long-term solution.
True Cultivation still relies on oneself.
You need to pay attention to Green-Eyed Golden Ape's own growth.
You can use some special methods to stimulate its potential and enhance its Aptitude and Comprehension Ability.
For example, you can seek some Opportunities that can temper the Heart-Nature, allowing Green-Eyed Golden Ape to make a Breakthrough in its state of mind."
Li Mu nodded repeatedly to show his understanding, filled with gratitude for Qingyang Zi's guidance.
"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance.
Junior will definitely keep it in mind and will do my utmost to find the reversing death spirit grass for you," Li Mu bowed respectfully and said with a firm tone.
Qingyang Zi smiled slightly, very satisfied with Li Mu's statement, thinking that perhaps when he awakened next, he would see the reversing death spirit grass presented to him.
Li Mu's Divine Thought withdrew from the soul world pearl, and he carefully placed it back into his storage compartment, pondering the Pill Formula for the Enlightenment Pill.
The Pill Formula for the Enlightenment Pill stated that this Pill required the essence of heaven and earth, condensing the Qi of the sun and moon, supplemented by nine precious Spirit Plant main ingredients.
The nine main ingredients were: Thousand-Year Jade Marrow Ganoderma, Thousand-Year Fiery Hell Golden Lotus, Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart Lotus, Thousand-Year Scarlet Flame Fruit, Thousand-Year Golden Radiance Ganoderma, Qingming Spirit Rice, Thousand-Year Bodhi Flower, Nine Yang True Fire Ganoderma, and Nine Nether Yellow Springs Vine.
Li Mu breathed a sigh of relief regarding the Spirit Medicine required for the Pill Formula.
Regardless of the Yin and Yang Qi, or the nine main ingredients, aside from Qingming Spirit Rice, Thousand-Year Bodhi Flower, and Nine Nether Yellow Springs Vine, as well as the thirty-six auxiliary Medicinal Pills, Li Mu had harvested and stockpiled a considerable amount in the seven Extreme Lands, with medicinal ages far exceeding what was recorded in the Pill Formula.
Qingming Spirit Rice, originating from Qingming Sword Bamboo, should not be difficult to obtain by inquiring with Sword Master Chen.
As for the Thousand-Year Bodhi Flower, it seemed to be available in the Sect's Contribution Warehouse.
However, for the Nine Nether Yellow Springs Vine, he would probably have to search Wanbao Pavilion.
Once Li Mu had a plan in mind, he immediately set about executing it.
First, he found Sword Master Chen, who, upon hearing that Li Mu needed Qingming Spirit Rice, smiled and nodded: "The Spirit Rice produced by Qingming Sword Bamboo is indeed rare, but since you need it, I will give you some."
Li Mu gratefully accepted the Qingming Spirit Rice.
Next, he went to the Sect's Contribution Warehouse and exchanged one hundred thousand Contribution Points for five Thousand-Year Bodhi Flowers with a medicinal age of three thousand Years.
As for the Nine Nether Yellow Springs Vine, Li Mu headed to Wanbao Pavilion.
After gathering all the Spirit Medicine, Li Mu plunged into the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
Following the steps on the Enlightenment Pill Pill Formula, he carefully placed various Spirit Medicine into the Pill Furnace, then began to activate his magical power to refine the Enlightenment Pill.
A year later, Li Mu appeared in the Extreme Gold Secret Realm, standing before Green-Eyed Golden Ape, a look of relief on his face.
In this year, Li Mu not only successfully refined the Enlightenment Pill but also designed a set of actions for Green-Eyed Golden Ape to temper its state of mind and Heart-Nature, assisting it in Undergoing True Spirit Thunder Tribulation.
"Master, my Spirit Devouring Body Nourishing Art has not yet Cultivated to Great Perfection!" Green-Eyed Golden Ape looked at Li Mu, scratched its head, and said awkwardly.
"No need.
You can come out with me!" Li Mu smiled and shook his head, comforting Green-Eyed Golden Ape, "Although your Spirit Devouring Body Nourishing Art has not reached Great Perfection, your progress has been significant enough.
Next, I will prepare an even more important trial for you."
"Yes!" A hint of confusion flashed in Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes, and it obediently followed Li Mu as he left.
Li Mu traveled by sword, and Green-Eyed Golden Ape transformed into a burly man, following closely behind him like a servant.
Soon, the two arrived at the most mysterious and solemn place of Xuantian Sword Sect—the Sword Tower.
The Sword Tower soared into the clouds, its body exuding a sharp Sword Intent, as if every brick and stone contained infinite Sword Qi.
Its spire pierced the sky, seemingly conversing with heaven and earth, showcasing the supreme Sword Dao power of Xuantian Sword Sect.
"Master, this is?" Green-Eyed Golden Ape looked up at the towering Sword Tower, its eyes gleaming with curiosity and reverence.
"This is the Sword Tower, the most central Cultivation ground of Xuantian Sword Sect," Li Mu smiled slightly, looking at the Sword Tower as he explained to Green-Eyed Golden Ape, "This tower is where the Sect's Disciples compete and practice Martial Skills.
Each floor has a Champion, and I want you to enter the tower and engage in combat with them, to hone your Martial Skills and Heart-Nature.
You must climb at least eighty floors."
Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed in Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes.
Although it didn't fully understand the Dao of the Sword, it had always been exceptionally eager for battle.
"Master, I will not disappoint you!
Fifty floors, no!
One hundred floors!" Green-Eyed Golden Ape looked at Li Mu and said firmly.
"Just getting to the eightieth floor is enough.
Let's go!" Li Mu smiled faintly and led Green-Eyed Golden Ape towards the Sword Tower entrance.
"Greetings, Elder Li!" The Sword Tower guard saw Li Mu and greeted him respectfully.
Li Mu nodded, took out his Elder token from his waist, successfully deducted some Contribution Points, and led Green-Eyed Golden Ape into the tower.
Before this, Li Mu had already informed Elder Qiu, and was permitted to bring his Spirit Beast into the venue.
Otherwise, the Sword Tower, the most solemn place in Xuantian Sword Sect, would absolutely not allow Yao Beasts to enter.
Upon entering the Sword Tower, they were met by a young Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage.
A sharp Sword Intent assailed them.
Green-Eyed Golden Ape felt this Sword Intent, and a hint of surprise flashed in its eyes, but it was immediately replaced by excitement, knowing that this would be a good place for it to improve its strength.
"Remember, you must win ten consecutive matches before you can challenge the Champion.
Their strength should not be underestimated.
With each floor you climb, your strength and Heart-Nature will receive an enhancement," Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back, reminding Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
"Elder Li, why are you here!"
The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage opposite immediately recognized Li Mu, his face filled with surprise, and he asked respectfully.
Although Li Mu only had the Cultivation of the Soul Transformation Middle Stage, his previous battle record in the Sword Tower was already widely known within the Sect.
He was not only skilled in swordsmanship but also excelled in both formations and Artifact Refining, creating one miracle after another in the Sect.
Competing against him in this match was simply unwinnable.
"I'm here to let my Spirit Beast gain experience.
I won't be taking action.
If you win, I'll refine a Spiritual Artifact for you," Li Mu responded indifferently to the other party, then turned his gaze to Green-Eyed Golden Ape, signaling it to begin the challenge.
Green-Eyed Golden Ape quickly stepped forward.
Upon hearing this, the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage's eyes lit up, overjoyed.
Li Mu's Artifact Refining ability was renowned throughout the Central Continent Spirit Domain; if he could obtain one, his combat power would undoubtedly increase significantly.
"Thank you, Elder Li!
I will do my utmost!" The Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage respectfully bowed to Li Mu, then turned his gaze to Green-Eyed Golden Ape, a hint of Battle Intent flashing in his eyes.
Green-Eyed Golden Ape's eyes gleamed with excitement, knowing this was a rare Opportunity for experience.
It took a deep breath, adjusted its state, and then charged fiercely towards the Sword Cultivator at Spirit Transformation Stage.
(End of Chapter)
