Li Mu appeared beside the Spirit Field, and the next moment, he summoned the Six-Armed Ape from the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
"Greetings, Master!"
The Six-Armed Ape transformed into a burly, muscular middle-aged man, knelt on one knee, and respectfully saluted Li Mu.
"Rise! How many times have I told you, there’s no need to bow or kneel when you see me." Li Mu glanced at the Six-Armed Ape and said indifferently.
"Master, etiquette cannot be abandoned. You have given me a new lease on life and are my guide on the path of cultivation. This kneeling is my heartfelt willingness," the Six-Armed Ape said earnestly.
"Alright, rise!" Li Mu smiled helplessly, subdued by the Six-Armed Ape's stubbornness, and gestured, "I’m preparing for a long journey. You will guard this Spirit Field for me for a period of time. Do not allow anyone to enter the Formation and cause damage. Wait for my return."
Little Gold and the others, as well as his seven Soul Transformation Clones, had all been arranged to cultivate and guard the Spirit Fields in seven extreme Sealed Lands, leaving no one available. Li Mu could only entrust the task of guarding the Spirit Field to the Six-Armed Ape.
The Six-Armed Ape respectfully stood up and said earnestly, "Master, please rest assured. With me here, this Spirit Field will not suffer any disturbance. I will guarantee the safety and security of the Spirit Field with my life, awaiting Master's return."
Li Mu smiled and nodded, saying, "Good, with your words, I am at ease."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu soared into the air, then released the Earth Element Spirit Ship, piloting it north.
Wanbao Pavilion's centennial cross-domain Auction was approaching. Li Mu prepared to go to Wanbao City to deliver several Dao Weapons to complete Wang Wenbao's Artifact Refining commission, and at the same time, see if he could purchase something he desired at this cross-domain Auction.
Soon, Wanbao City appeared in Li Mu's sight. The prosperous Wanbao City was like a brilliant pearl embedded in the center of the Central Continent Spirit Domain. As the Earth Element Spirit Ship slowly descended, the magnificent sight of Wanbao City came into view.
A grand complex of buildings stood like a forest of tall structures, piercing the clouds. Each tall building was brightly lit, like countless stars, dazzling and brilliant. The Floating Skyport resembled islands suspended in the air, like floating landmasses, connecting heaven and earth, forming the unique landscape of this city.
Between the Floating Skyports, large and small Spirit Ships flowed ceaselessly. They were either fast or slow, bright or dim, cutting bright trajectories across the night sky, like a dazzling light show, making one's eyes feast.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship landed at the docking platform. Li Mu disembarked with Miss Xue Er, then put away the ship. Afterward, he showed his Guest Elder token to the Wanbao Pavilion attendant and was then led to the Wanbao Pavilion's headquarters building.
"Master Li, please wait here for a moment. Manager Wang will be over shortly." The Wanbao Pavilion attendant respectfully guided Li Mu and Miss Xue Er into an elegantly decorated reception room, then quietly withdrew.
Inside the reception room, the scent of agarwood wafted, and the four walls were adorned with various antique jade artifacts, each exuding the charm of accumulated Years.
As soon as Li Mu and Miss Xue Er sat down, a maid served Spirit Tea.
As the tea fragrance filled the air, and Li Mu and Miss Xue Er were immersed in this quiet and elegant environment, footsteps sounded outside the door. Then, Wang Wenbao, accompanied by Wanbao Pavilion's Grand Manager Wan Renlang, hurried into the reception room.
As soon as Wan Renlang saw Li Mu, a bright smile appeared on his face. He quickly stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Master Li, Miss Xue Er, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"Master Li, upon learning of your arrival, the Grand Manager set aside important guests to personally come and welcome you. This shows how highly he values you," Wang Wenbao respectfully looked at Li Mu and added from the side, his tone full of reverence.
Li Mu smiled slightly, stood up, and returned the greeting: "Chief Manager Wan, Manager Wang, you are too kind. I am merely an Artifact Refiner. How dare I trouble Chief Manager Wan to personally welcome me."
Wan Renlang waved his hand and said with a smile, "Master Li, your Artifact Refining skill is unparalleled in this age. I, Wan, would not dare to neglect you; it is only proper."
"Yes, Master Li, every one of your works is a masterpiece. It is our Wanbao Pavilion's great honor to receive your favor," Wang Wenbao nodded repeatedly, echoing his words.
Listening to their conversation, Miss Xue Er couldn't help but feel proud. Li Mu's Artifact Refining skill was indeed extraordinary, and it was only natural for him to be so highly valued by Wanbao Pavilion.
Wan Renlang looked at Li Mu and asked with concern, "Master Li, the Auction is approaching. How are the three Dao Weapons that our Wanbao Pavilion commissioned you to refine progressing? If there are any difficulties, please tell Master Li directly, and our Wanbao Pavilion will fully cooperate."
"Manager Wan, please rest assured. Having received such a generous reward from your esteemed pavilion, Li will naturally do his utmost."
Li Mu laughed heartily, then waved his hand on the table. His Divine Thought entered the nine storage spiritual pearl, from which he took out three small sword boxes and introduced them: "These are the three Dao Weapons refined for your esteemed pavilion."
Wan Renlang and Wang Wenbao stared intently at the three jade boxes, their spirits invigorated.
Wan Renlang's heart was pounding, as if it would leap out of his chest. He took a deep breath and, with an extremely steady hand, slowly opened the lid of one of the jade boxes. The moment the lid was gently lifted, a Flying Sword leaped out like a living creature. Its body glowed with a scorching red light, Fire Dao Principles swirling around it, as if carrying the power of all fires in heaven and earth, trying to break free and fly into the endless Void Realm.
However, Wan Renlang was prepared. His eyes were firm, and with a wave of his palm, a powerful vital energy, like fine silk, wrapped around it, precisely binding the Flying Sword that attempted to escape. He then gently pressed it back into the jade box. His eyes gleamed with undisguised surprise and admiration, and he praised, "What a Fire Spirit Dao Sword! Its Sword Spirit is full, its Sword might is oppressive, and its Fire Dao Principles are extremely rich. Master Li truly lives up to his reputation; his skill is extraordinary!"
Li Mu smiled and nodded, explaining, "Manager Wan, you flatter me. This sword was forged using seven-rank fiery yellow spirit crystal as the main material, supplemented by other seven-rank fire-element spirit ores, refined through a thousand hammerings, and inscribed with the Sky Burning Sword Formation. Only then could it be successfully refined. At this moment, its spirituality is beginning to show, and its Dao connotation is already rich. Although it is only a Medium Grade seven-rank dao tool, given time and continued nurturing, it will surely advance another rank and become a true fire-element supreme treasure."
Then, Li Mu paused slightly, pointing to the other two jade boxes, and continued to introduce: "As for the remaining two Dao Artifacts, each one is equally extraordinary. This one is called 'Wind Thunder Dual Absolutes'. It is based on the beast bones of a seven-rank wind and thunder beast, fused with Heaven And Earth Treasure of the wind and thunder elements, and meticulously refined over eighty-one days. When this sword is unsheathed, wind and thunder converge, the world changes color, and its power is strong enough to make any enemy tremble. Among seven-rank dao tools, it also belongs to the High Grade."
As Li Mu's words fell, he gently opened the jade box, and instantly, an aura of intertwined wind and thunder surged out, as if a Lightning Tribulation had descended, causing the entire reception room to change color. A silver Spirit Sword, imbued with thunder power, lay quietly in the jade box. Its body was a blend of blue and purple, emitting a faint electric light, and at its tip, the sound of wind and thunder faintly echoed, as if ready to break through the air at any moment.
Li Mu smiled slightly and reached out to take 'Wind Thunder Dual Absolutes' from the jade box. Instantly, its artifact body suddenly enlarged by more than ten times, erupting with even more astonishing wind and thunder power.
Wan Renlang quickly reached out and took it, immersing his Divine Sense into it, his eyes burning, and his face showing great joy. He nodded repeatedly, saying, "Good, good, good treasure, good Dao Weapon!"
After inspecting the Dao Weapon 'Wind Thunder Dual Absolutes', Wan Renlang reluctantly put it back into the Seal jade box, looking at Li Mu expectantly.
Seeing this, Li Mu smiled slightly, looked at the last jade box, and with a hint of pride in his tone, continued to introduce: "And this one is called 'Azure Wave Cold Spring Sword'."
Saying that, Li Mu gently opened the jade box, and a cool aura instantly filled the entire reception room, as if one were in a vast expanse of azure waves and cold springs. A long sword lay quietly in the jade box. Its body was a deep blue, as if containing endless cold spring water. On the sword body, water waves rippled, and cold Qi pressed in, capable of easily freezing everything.
Li Mu reached out and took the 'Azure Wave Cold Spring Sword' from the jade box. He saw a thin layer of water mist condense around its body, and cold Qi permeated, making one dare not look directly at it. He gently waved it, and a drop of crystal-clear water condensed at the sword tip. The water drop instantly transformed into a sharp sword light, heading straight forward.
"This sword contains rich Water Dao Principles. When wielded, azure waves ripple, and cold Qi presses in," Li Mu explained. "For Cultivators who practice water-element Cultivation Techniques, it can not only enhance combat power but also assist in cultivation, helping them advance to a higher level. It is a High Grade work among seven-rank dao tools."
Wan Renlang and Wang Wenbao listened, enthralled, their eyes filled with admiration and astonishment. Once these three Dao Swords appeared at the Auction, they would surely cause a sensation and become the focus of contention among many powerful individuals.
"Master Li, you are truly a prodigy in the Artifact Refining world! Your Artifact Refining skill is simply miraculous." Wan Renlang eagerly took out the 'Azure Wave Cold Spring Sword' for inspection, looking at Li Mu and sincerely praising, "The three Dao Swords, whether in terms of quality or power, are all top-grade. I believe they will certainly shine brightly at the upcoming Auction."
"It is Wanbao Pavilion's trust, Li will naturally do his utmost," Li Mu smiled slightly, humbly stating.
This time, Li Mu would earn even more. Wanbao Pavilion commissioned the refining of three Dao Weapons, providing a total of 9 sets of High Grade spirit materials for refining Dao Weapons. The value of each set was equivalent to the wealth accumulated by a Body Integration Realm powerhouse over a thousand Years.
With Li Mu's current Artifact Refining success rate, aided by three types of Heavenly Fire, and his Perfection Realm Eight-Layer Heavenly Fire Artifact Refining Method, the success rate for refining ordinary Seven-Order Dao Weapons had already reached seventy to eighty percent.
Overall, Li Mu would earn more from refining these Dao Weapons than Wanbao Pavilion.
"Master Li, after decades, not only has your cultivation improved, but your Artifact Refining skill has also become increasingly refined." Wan Renlang put the 'Azure Wave Cold Spring Sword' back into the Seal jade box. He looked at Li Mu meaningfully and praised him.
"Manager Wan, you flatter me." Li Mu continued to respond helplessly, "The Dao of Artifact Refining, like cultivation, requires continuous exploration and comprehension. I merely spent more effort on this in my spare time. The success of these three Dao Artifacts is inseparable from the High Grade spirit materials provided by Wanbao Pavilion."
"I wonder, Master Li, besides refining these three Dao Artifacts, do you have any other works that you would be willing to put up for Auction?" A hint of expectation flashed in Wan Renlang's eyes as he looked at Li Mu and asked tentatively.
After a pause, Wan Renlang continued to introduce to Li Mu in detail: "This cross-domain Auction is our Wanbao Pavilion's centennial grand event. We have invited not only many powerhouses from within the domain but also distinguished guests from outside the domain. At that time, various rare spiritual items, Magic Treasures, and extra-domain spiritual items will be unveiled one by one, including some legendary treasures, such as: eight-rank Dao Foundation items, even Realm stones for refining grotto-heaven supreme treasures, thousand-year longevity peaches that increase Lifespan, and so on, all of which may appear."
"Master Li, if there are still Spirit Treasures and Dao Weapons to be auctioned, they will definitely fetch a good price at this trade fair," Wan Renlang finally added.
Li Mu smiled slightly, pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "There are indeed two other works, but their value may not be as high as these three Dao Artifacts. However, since Manager Wan is so hospitable, I am willing to put them up for Auction as well."
After speaking, Li Mu continued to summon two Seal jade boxes containing two Dao Artifacts from the nine storage spiritual pearl.
Li Mu smiled slightly and opened one of the jade boxes. What greeted his eyes was an exquisite jade tablet, intricately carved with complex artifact patterns, emitting a faint glow. As soon as it saw the light of day, it manifested its artifact spirit, attempting to transform into a small white bird and spread its wings to fly.
However, Li Mu reached out and gently stroked it in time. The small white bird seemed to suffer a major blow, transforming back into a white jade tablet and falling into the jade box.
"This artifact, named 'Jade Spirit Array Plate', is a six-rank High Grade Spirit Treasure," Li Mu introduced. "This array artifact jade tablet is based on rare illusion jade, integrated with my many Years of understanding of Formations, and refined through countless trials and improvements. With this artifact, one can quickly set up eighteen types of Formations, such as: Illusory Destruction Killing Formation, Maze Formation, Demon Locking Formation, Black Tortoise Guarding Formation, Eight Trigrams Seal Formation, and so on. Each Formation has its unique function, whether for attack, defense, or confusing enemies, it can exert powerful effects. Moreover, the operation of this array artifact jade tablet is extremely simple, even beginners who are roughly familiar with Formations can easily get started."
Upon hearing this, Wan Renlang's spirits were greatly lifted, and he was extremely excited. Such a Spirit Treasure was too precious. Formation Masters were the most noble among the hundreds of cultivation arts. That Master Li could melt so many Formations into a High Grade Spirit Treasure, even if its rank didn't reach that of a seven-rank dao tool, it could still fetch a sky-high price.
Li Mu smiled slightly, continued to open the other jade box, and picked up a red and green Spirit Sword, saying: "This Dao Sword is named 'Wind Fire Dual Flames'. As you can see, its sword body presents a intertwined red and blue color, which is the Fusion of wind and fire powers. When wielded, wind and fire converge, and its power is unmatched. For Cultivators who are skilled in both wind and fire Cultivation Techniques, it is not only a divine Sharp Weapon for attack but also an excellent aid for improving cultivation."
"Master Li, you are truly a lucky star for our Wanbao Pavilion! With the Dao Weapons you refined as the finale for this Auction, this cross-domain Auction will surely achieve unprecedented success," Wan Renlang looked at Li Mu excitedly. (End of Chapter)
