The Xuantian Sword Sect once shone brilliantly at the Peak of the Central Province; wherever its sword light pointed, it was invincible. Its Disciples were all revered as Sword Cultivators, possessing extraordinary sword techniques and unparalleled killing intent. However, as of today, this Sword Dao Holy Land has fallen into an unprecedented predicament.
Qing Hong Dao Jun, a Grandmaster of the Sword Dao, whose cultivation was unfathomable and who was the backbone of the Sect, has now been confirmed to have fallen, casting a pall of sorrow and unease over the entire Sect. Furthermore, another pillar of the Sect, the Sect Master, has not returned and is completely uncontactable, with all signs indicating that the Sect Master has likely met with misfortune.
In addition, Sword Master Feng, also a crucial existence within the Sect, was severely wounded in the great war with the Nether Sect a hundred Years ago. Despite over a hundred Years of recuperation, his injuries have still not fully healed, and his strength has been greatly reduced, preventing him from standing alone as he once did. This is undoubtedly another major blow to the Xuantian Sword Sect's strength.
The Xuantian Sword Sect, which honored Sword Cultivators and acted decisively, made many enemies. Those forces that had been defeated by its swords, now seeing the Sect's two main pillars either fallen or injured and its strength greatly diminished, began to stir, secretly colluding with the intention of taking advantage of the weakness to seize the Xuantian Sword Sect's Cultivation resources. Additionally, the Yao Race pressed in, and many forces from the Northern Domain and Outer Domain took the opportunity to invade. Both inside and outside the Sect, undercurrents surged, and dangers lurked everywhere.
Furthermore, with the Spiritual Qi depleting and the Era of Dharma Decline approaching, the Cultivation speed of the younger Disciples within the Sect slowed down, the competition for resources became more intense, and people's hearts began to waver. Disciples who were loyal to the Sect, when faced with survival pressure and temptation, inevitably wavered, and a few even chose to leave to find a more stable Cultivation environment.
Facing these multiple predicaments, Li Mu's brows were tightly furrowed, and his mood was inexplicably heavy.
The Xuantian Sword Sect had treated him well. If this great tree were to fall, he might be left homeless and face various crises and unknown risks. Unless necessary, Li Mu was absolutely unwilling to leave the Xuantian Sword Sect; he only wished to find a stable environment to Cultivate peacefully.
"Elder Yan, the Sect is currently going through a tumultuous period. After my return, I will do my utmost to help the Sect overcome its difficulties," Li Mu pondered for a long time before indicating to Yan Yuchun.
Upon hearing this, Yan Yuchun smiled, a warm current flowing through his heart. Li Mu's ability was evident; if he was willing to go all out, the Sect would be filled with hope: "Elder Li, with your words, the entire Sect has found its backbone."
"That's right, Elder Yan's words are true!"
No sooner had Yan Yuchun finished speaking, and just as Li Mu was about to open his mouth to continue, a sudden, resonant voice, gentle yet majestic like a spring breeze turning into rain, interrupted their conversation.
Following the sound, they saw Sword Master Feng leading Qiu Yuanhong, Xiao Shuang, Ning Cheng, and other high-ranking Sect members. Their figures moved like lightning, instantly appearing before Li Mu. Their faces were beaming with unconcealed joy and anticipation.
Li Mu had already expected this and immediately cupped his hands in greeting, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity and humility: "Greetings, Sword Master, and all Elders. Li Mu is fortunate to be remembered upon his return."
"Hahaha, Elder Li, you speak too seriously. Your safe return is the greatest good news for the Sect!" Sword Master Feng's laughter was hearty and warm. He strode forward, gently placing his hands on Li Mu's shoulders. The strength in his grip showed both the care of a Senior for a Junior and genuine admiration for Li Mu's return.
During the last battle with the Nether Sect Master, Gao Hong, if it weren't for Li Mu stepping forward, Sword Master Feng would have died or been severely injured. He had always remembered this favor.
In that battle, Li Mu, with his own strength, turned the tide, resisting Gao Hong, who was a major Realm above him, with his Void Refining Middle Stage Cultivation, demonstrating his extraordinary sword techniques and even more unfathomable strength.
Recalling that thrilling battle, Li Mu, with his Void Refining Middle Stage Cultivation, directly confronted Gao Hong, who was a major Realm above him. His exquisite sword techniques and profound strength were truly astonishing.
Now, the Void Refining Late Stage Cultivation aura surrounding Li Mu was becoming increasingly profound, his Foundation as solid as a mountain. He seemed just a step away from the legendary Combined Body Realm. Sword Master Feng, having closely probed his depth, had eyes full of relief and anticipation, secretly praising in his heart: "Indeed, he has hidden a lot of Cultivation again. Is he already at the Void Refining Peak? With this child, how can my Xuantian Sword Sect not prosper!"
Li Mu Cultivates an Ancient Cultivation Technique, simultaneously Cultivating the Five Elements and Yin and Yang, walking the path of the Chaotic Great Dao. Now, he is just one step away from advancing to Combined Body. Even if he cannot reach the final step in the future, his combat power will be enough to stand out among his peers, sweep away those of the same Realm, and even fight beyond his Realm without difficulty.
Moreover, his comprehensive talents are rare. His Artifact Refining skills have reached the pinnacle of perfection, allowing him to refine Dao Artifacts imbued with the Dao of Heaven and Earth, granting them unique spirituality and abilities, enabling them to play an unimaginable role in battle. And his profound knowledge in Formation is even more astonishing; whether it's for defense, attack, or trapping enemies, he can effortlessly set up exquisite Formations, plunging enemies into endless predicaments.
As for the way of the Sword Formation, it is Li Mu's forte. Previously, the Profound Heaven Sword Formation he displayed, though assisted by Dao Artifacts, had a power that even Combined Body Realm experts could not withstand.
If Li Mu were to advance another major Realm and achieve Combined Body, it would undoubtedly be a trump card for the Sect, which is currently in turmoil.
Sword Master Feng deeply understood Li Mu's value. He was not only a Cultivator with profound Cultivation and infinite potential but also a Genius with limitless potential.
Therefore, after a moment of thought, Sword Master Feng became even more determined to fully Cultivate Li Mu, hoping he could soon Breakthrough to the Combined Body Realm and become a top-tier expert of the Xuantian Sword Sect and even the entire Cultivation world.
"Elder Li, to find you, over the past hundred Years, we dispatched countless elite Disciples and launched countless searches, but we were never able to find any trace of you. Your safe return today is truly a great fortune for our Sect!" Qiu Yuanhong's voice trembled slightly with lingering fear and relief, as if he had personally witnessed that thrilling journey, and he couldn't help but exclaim with emotion.
"Indeed, the Shadowy Dark Domain is close to the Nine Nether Deep Domain. If one falls into it, even a Combined Body Realm expert would likely find it difficult to escape unscathed," Sword Master Feng said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with joy at Li Mu's safe return.
At this point, Sword Master Feng changed the subject, looking at Li Mu with anticipation and saying: "Elder Li, after your return to the Sect, you should prioritize secluded Cultivation, striving to Breakthrough to the Combined Body Realm as soon as possible. The entire Sect will fully support you, whether it's Cultivation resources or Secret Manuals. If you need anything, just ask Elder Qiu. If the Sect's contributions are not enough to support it, then use mine."
"If you have any doubts about the Combined Body Realm or encounter any Bottlenecks in your Cultivation, you can discuss them in detail with me. Although I have not reached that supreme Realm, my many Years of Cultivation and understanding of the Combined Body Realm may be able to guide you," Sword Master Feng indicated to Li Mu with great anticipation.
Upon hearing these words, the Elders present were greatly shaken. They never expected Sword Master Feng to have such a high evaluation and expectation of Li Mu, and they all cast glances of admiration and envy.
At the same time, they were also shocked by the speed of Li Mu's Cultivation improvement. If there were no accidents, he hadn't been in the Void Refining Realm for long, had he? Did Sword Master Feng misjudge him? Why would he tell him to go into seclusion to impact Combined Body!
"Sword Master, Elder Li hasn't even condensed his Law Domain yet, has he? The current priority should be to condense the Law Domain!"
Qiu Yuanhong, fearing that Sword Master Feng might be too hasty and that Li Mu's attempt to advance to Combined Body might fail, damaging his Foundation, quickly spoke up to remind him.
"That's right! Elder Li Cultivates an Ancient Cultivation Technique, doesn't he? Cultivating all Five Elements, condensing a Law Domain, and advancing to Combined Body is no small feat. Elder Li, have you considered changing to another Cultivation Technique? With your talent, changing to a more single-attribute Cultivation Technique might allow you to advance to the Combined Body Realm more smoothly."
The difficulty of Cultivating all Five Elements increases significantly with each subsequent Realm. Many people present were not optimistic about Li Mu successfully impacting the next major Realm using the Five Elements method.
Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu, a hidden smile in his eyes. If he hadn't discovered Li Mu's 'little secret,' perhaps he, like the other Elders present, would also not have been optimistic about his advancement to Combined Body!
Thinking back to the perilous moment in the battle with Gao Hong and Xin Tiansen, Li Mu stepped forward and used a move, 'Profound Heaven Sword Formation,' to help him in his time of crisis, completely exposing his Cultivation. It was at that moment that Sword Master Feng realized Li Mu's extraordinariness.
This young man is not only proficient in Artifact Refining, Formation, and Sword Formation, but he is also extremely capable, and his ability to hide his Cultivation is not small. The Seven Profound Sect previously had seven Soul Transformation Clones, which he had prepared early for refining his Law Domain. If it weren't for this time, being lost in the Shadowy Dark Domain for over a hundred Years, he would probably have condensed his Law Domain long ago.
Meeting Sword Master Feng's half-smiling gaze, Li Mu's scalp tingled slightly, and he inwardly smiled bitterly, yet he understood how deeply Sword Master Feng understood him.
So, Li Mu lightly coughed and said seriously: "Sword Master's Wisdom Eye is like a torch. This Junior indeed has some plans and preparations, but the path of cultivating all Five Elements is a choice I made after careful consideration, and I am unwilling to give up easily. I am also silently preparing for the condensation of the Law Domain, and I will go all out when the time is right. Next, I will go into secluded Cultivation at the Seven Profound Sect for a period."
"It should be so!" Sword Master Feng smiled and nodded, then looked at Qiu Yuanhong and the Elders, instructing: "Remember, during this time, don't disturb Elder Li, or ask him to refine artifacts or set up Formations for you."
"Yes, Sword Master." Qiu Yuanhong and the Elders replied in unison, their admiration for Li Mu increasing by a few points. (End of Chapter)
