After much deliberation, Li Mu looked at the Treasure Mansion Spirit and gravely refused, "Your proposal is excellent, but it faces numerous difficulties to be realized. Firstly, my current cultivation is only at the Void Refining Realm. There is still a considerable gap in Divine Sense strength required to freely use the Divine Pattern Artifact Refining technique. Even if I force its use, the success rate is low, less than thirty percent, which involves too much risk."
"Secondly, even if I could reluctantly use the Divine Pattern Artifact Refining technique, my Artifact Refining skills have not yet reached the level required to reshape an eight-rank Heaven and Earth Treasure Artifact's Foundation. Moreover, the Space Law, Artifact Arrays, and Artifact Patterns contained within your Artifact Foundation are extraordinary. A slight mistake could cause the entire Treasure Mansion to collapse. At that time, not only would you and I suffer severe damage, but many spiritual plants within the Treasure Mansion would also be destroyed. This matter is extremely inappropriate!"
Hearing this, the Five-Colored Flood Dragon's scales flickered slightly, seemingly unsurprised by Li Mu's decision. He said helplessly, "What Master said is absolutely correct. I was too eager and overlooked these crucial issues. But Master doesn't need to worry too much. After absorbing a supreme Spiritual Vein last time, the Spiritual Qi supply for the spiritual fields will not be an issue, at least in the short term. As for a long-term plan, perhaps Master can look for other, more gentle solutions while improving his cultivation and Artifact Refining skills."
"That's right, the improvement of cultivation and Artifact Refining skills is the fundamental solution. I will strive to reach the Realm where I can help you modify the Artifact Foundation as soon as possible. At the same time, I will also look for other possible methods, find a few more supreme Spiritual Veins for you, or refine Dao Artifacts that can gather Spiritual Qi to assist you, thereby reducing the Spiritual Power burden within the space," Li Mu nodded in agreement.
Currently, the entire Spirit Realm faces the danger of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi depletion and is coveted by Demon Abyss forces. It can be said to be troubled both internally and externally, and the situation is urgent.
If it truly comes to a point of no return and one wishes to survive, the Painting World Treasure Mansion is a good place to reside. Therefore, in the future, one must find ways to enhance the Treasure Mansion's self-sufficiency to ensure a pure land in the coming chaotic times.
Li Mu already had a plan in mind. With a wave of his hand, he put away the Painting World Treasure Mansion, then summoned three Puppets from the tian xuan spiritual ring.
"Dragon One, Dragon Seven, Dragon Thirteen, guard this place. If anyone intrudes, kill them without mercy!" Li Mu commanded the three Dao Weapon Puppets in a deep voice.
This spiritual land was protected by Li Mu's powerful protective array and was deep within the Restrictions of the Extreme Yang Seal Grand Formation. Coupled with the Cultivators stationed outside, anyone who could break into this place would undoubtedly be from the Demon Abyss forces.
To be safe, Li Mu decided to leave three powerful Dao Weapon Puppets as the final line of defense. Each of these three Puppets possessed strength close to the Body Integration Stage, was equipped with Seven-rank Dao Armor and a Seven-Order Dao Weapon, and was fearless of death. Together, even a Great Vehicle Dao Lord would have a fighting chance against them.
"As you command, Master!" The three Puppets trembled and responded in unison.
Li Mu nodded with satisfaction, then his figure flickered, transforming into a streak of light and flying out of the Extreme Yang Seal Grand Formation.
As Li Mu emerged from the Seal Grand Formation's passage, Fang Yunjian and Sword Elder - Yun Yi immediately came forward to greet him.
"Elder Li, is there anything unusual with the Seal Grand Formation?" Sword Elder - Yun Yi asked Li Mu with concern.
Li Mu shook his head slightly, indicating, "The Seal Grand Formation is operating normally. Without external interference, it can continue to run stably for several thousand years."
Composed of seven sub-arrays—the Earth Fiend Yin Gathering Array, Heavenly Dipper Yang Gathering Array, Profound Water Spirit Formation, Azure Wood Vast Origin Array, Great Array of Extreme Fire Burning the Sky, and more—to form the nine-rank divine formation, the Chaos Sealing Realm Grand Formation, and with seven nine-rank divine objects as its eyes, it could run stably for a hundred thousand years if there were no strong external interference or destruction.
Hearing this, Yun Yi's expression softened slightly, and he said solemnly, "That's good. Elder Li, rest assured, we will not let down our guard while guarding. If the Demon Abyss forces attack, we will ensure they never return!"
"Elder Yun, thank you for your trouble!" Li Mu smiled and nodded, then looked at Fang Yunjian, indicating, "Executive Fang, the warning array and protective array have been set up here. We should proceed to the next Sealed Land."
"Understood, Elder Li. I am already prepared and can depart at any time," Fang Yunjian nodded readily, indicating.
"Elder Yun, farewell!"
Li Mu bid farewell to Yun Yi, then he and Fang Yunjian flickered, each executing their movement techniques, transforming into two streaks of light, and speeding towards Barren Ancient City.
Before long, a mighty fleet departed from Barren Ancient City - Floating Air Port, heading towards the Extreme Fire Seal Land deep within the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.
The fleet traversed through the sea of clouds, with the undulating Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range below. The roars of Yao Beasts echoed through the mountains and forests, but high above, everything was exceptionally serene.
As they drew closer, the scenery of the Extreme Fire Seal Land gradually came into view. The sky itself seemed to be permeated with a scorching aura, and even the clouds were tinged with a fiery red.
It was nature's wildest masterpiece, with countless volcanoes, like slumbering giants, scattered across the vast land. From time to time, lava erupted, accompanied by roars that echoed through the clouds, scorching the surrounding land black, and the air was filled with the pungent smell of sulfur.
Here, the earth was cracked, resembling a scene from the apocalypse. However, as time passed, patches of green appeared on the black igneous rock. These green patches were strange plants that grew tenaciously in the extreme environment, either entwining themselves within rock crevices or rooting themselves in the ashes left after the lava cooled, bursting with vibrant life.
"Is this the Extreme Fire Seal Land? What a terrifying place!"
"A world-shattering battle happened here to make it like this!"
...
On the ship's deck, the Void Refining Cultivators discussed the situation of the Extreme Fire Seal Land, one after another, their faces filled with awe. Some were witnessing this apocalyptic scene for the first time, and the shock was inexpressible.
Previously, when a passage crack appeared in the Seal Grand Formation and Demon Abyss forces invaded, the various forces of the Central Continent Spirit Domain paid an extremely heavy price to drive them back into the Demon Abyss and urgently reinforce the Seal. That battle not only severely weakened the Central Continent Spirit Domain but also made all Cultivators deeply aware of the terrifying nature of the Demon Abyss forces' invasion.
On the deck, Li Mu looked at the ruins of the battlefield, recalling the details of that great battle, and also remembered the resentful words left by the Eternal Demon God.
"Elder Li, are you alright?" Fang Yunjian asked with concern, seeing Li Mu lost in thought.
"I'm fine, let's go down!" Li Mu collected his thoughts, smiled slightly at Fang Yunjian, and signaled him not to worry.
The two flickered, already leaping from the ship first, landing steadily at the edge of the Extreme Fire Seal Land.
Seeing this, the Void Refining Cultivators also followed suit, descending through the air and speeding towards a volcanic crater.
"The aura here is even more oppressive than I imagined," a female Cultivator whispered, her voice exceptionally clear in the vast Sealed Land.
"Who! A Yao Beast!"
Suddenly, an exclamation broke the silence. The Cultivators' nerves instantly tensed, and they all looked towards the volcanic crater. There, amidst the rolling magma, a scorching light flickered faintly.
The next moment, a Seven-rank True Spirit - Fire Phoenix, enveloped in raging flames, broke free from the magma's embrace, soared high, and charged towards them. Its dazzling wings were like burning flames, each feather containing enough power to burn the sky and boil the seas, dyeing the surrounding space a fiery red.
The Fire Phoenix circled in the air, its eyes like two burning stars, revealing an ancient and majestic aura. Its wings frequently flapped, accompanied by the roaring sound of flames, as if celebrating something.
Witnessing this scene, all the Cultivators showed expressions of amazement. Among them, there were many knowledgeable individuals, but those who had truly witnessed a Seven-rank True Spirit appear were few and far between. At this moment, they finally saw the true demeanor of a powerful expert, filled with both reverence and longing.
"Is this the legendary Innate True Spirit - Seven-rank Fire Phoenix? It truly lives up to its reputation!" an elder Cultivator exclaimed, his voice trembling slightly, clearly shaken by the Fire Phoenix's might.
"Everyone, do not act! This True Spirit is Elder Li's Spirit Beast!" Fang Yunjian quickly sent a warning to the Cultivators through Divine Thought.
Fang Yunjian's reminder echoed in the Cultivators' Sea of Consciousness, stopping those who were eager to move and preparing to unleash attacks.
Hearing this, the Cultivators were stunned and looked at Li Mu in confusion, awaiting his confirmation.
Li Mu, with a radiant smile, floated up and slowly flew towards the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix.
The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix greeted Li Mu with a clear cry, its voice filled with joy and intimacy. Immediately after, with a 'whoosh!', its dazzling fiery wings suddenly transformed into a sky full of sparks, dissipating into the air. Then, a dazzling light erupted from the sparks. As the light faded, a red-haired woman appeared before everyone, dressed in a fiery red gown, with an exquisite face and noble temperament.
Her long, fiery red hair cascaded like a waterfall, gently swaying in the wind. Her eyes were like two burning flames, flickering with wisdom and gentleness. Her skin was like jade, as if it would melt with a gentle touch, and the faint smile on her lips made one's heart flutter.
"Greetings, Master, you've finally come to see Crimson Flame!" The beautiful red-haired woman curtsied gracefully to Li Mu, greeting him with joyous words.
Seeing this, all the Cultivators were dumbfounded. They never expected that this incredibly mighty Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix would transform into such a stunningly beautiful woman. What shocked them even more was that this woman called Li Mu 'Master,' which meant that Li Mu not only possessed this powerful Seven-rank True Spirit but also established a deep emotional bond with her.
"No need for such formality!" Li Mu smiled at the woman, gently raised his hand, motioning her to rise, and sighed, "Crimson Flame, you've worked hard during this time."
Hearing this, a hint of emotion flickered in the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's eyes. She rose and smiled, "It is Crimson Flame's honor to serve Master."
Li Mu nodded, his gaze sweeping across the Extreme Fire Seal Land, then looking at the other Cultivators, indicating, "Everyone, next, we shall set up the Spirit Eye Heavenly Dipper Array!"
The Cultivators quickly regained their composure at Li Mu's signal. Although they were shocked by the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's transformation, the task at hand was more important.
Everyone stepped forward, surrounding Li Mu, and began preparing for the array setup.
Li Mu took out the array diagram of the Spirit Eye Heavenly Dipper Array from his sleeve. With a thought of his Divine Sense, the array diagram slowly unfolded in the air, countless nodes flickering with faint light, resonating with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.
...
Soon, under Li Mu's guidance, the Void Refining Cultivators cooperated to set up the Spirit Eye Heavenly Dipper Array in the Extreme Fire Seal Land.
Following that, Li Mu prepared to use the power of the Extreme Fire Seal to set up a killing array called the "Blazing Flames Sky Burning Array." This array possessed astonishing power. Based on the Extreme Fire Seal, it drew the Fire Spirits of Heaven and Earth, condensing them into an endless sea of flames that could incinerate all things, sweeping everything before it.
"Crimson Flame, I need your assistance with this array. By borrowing your Fire Spirit to guide it, the power of this array will ascend another level!" Li Mu took out the array diagram of the 'Blazing Flames Sky Burning Array' and requested the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix.
"Understood! Master, please feel free to command me!" The Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix nodded readily, opening her Divine Sense.
Li Mu smiled with delight, cast the Spirit Controlling Divine Ability - Soul Sharing Technique, and shared his soul with the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, temporarily gaining control of her body.
The next moment, the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's figure flickered, revealing her true form, transforming into a dazzling fiery red streak of light that plunged directly into the bottomless volcanic magma. A ball of flames erupted from the volcanic crater, forming a giant Fire Phoenix phantom. Under its guidance, the flames within the volcanic magma seemed to be imbued with life. They boiled and roared, rising together with the Fire Phoenix phantom formed by the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix.
Li Mu stood at the edge of the volcanic crater, holding the array diagram, his Divine Sense like silk, tightly pulling the rising flames. He chanted incantations, and his spells resonated with the fire elements of Heaven and Earth, making the power of the flames even more violent and difficult to control.
The Fire Phoenix phantom guided the endless Heaven and Earth Fire, following the array diagram's instructions, to begin constructing the core of the "Blazing Flames Sky Burning Array."
As the flames converged, the entire area around the volcanic crater turned fiery red, as if a giant fireball was being conceived. The terrain changed under the flow of molten magma, with countless Fire Spirits leaping and roaring. They were drawn by Li Mu and the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's power, collectively building the Foundation of this killing array.
"Sky Burning Array, condense for me!" Li Mu roared, forming hand Seals and pushing the Magic Power within his body to its limit.
The nodes on the array diagram began to flash with dazzling light. The light intertwined with the flames, forming streaks of brilliant fiery lines that enveloped the entire volcanic crater. The fiery lines continuously intertwined, and a gigantic flame vortex began to form in the air. It spun and roared, drawing countless Fire Spirits into it.
The center of that flame vortex was the core of the "Blazing Flames Sky Burning Array." It radiated endless heat and destructive power, inspiring awe. Around it, thirteen crystal-red fiery array pillars slowly took shape.
...
Fang Yunjian, Sword Elder - Xiao Shuang, and the Void Refining Cultivators watched Li Mu guide the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, using his miraculous techniques to condense such a large killing array with the power of flames. They were all dumbfounded, their hearts filled with unspeakable shock.
They stood in the distance, gazing at the massive flame vortex forming above the volcanic crater and the thirteen crystal-red fiery array pillars, feeling the terrifying heat and destructive aura emanating from them. Their hearts were filled with awe and admiration.
"This... is this really within human capabilities?"
Fang Yunjian murmured to himself. He had never seen such a magnificent sight, nor had he ever imagined that someone could use the power of flames to set up such a powerful killing array.
Sword Elder - Xiao Shuang also had a solemn expression. She had already sensed the power of this "Blazing Flames Sky Burning Array." Once activated, even a Body Integration expert like her would likely find it difficult to resist.
The Void Refining Cultivators were equally deeply shaken by this scene. They looked at each other, their eyes sparkling with admiration and worship, all thoroughly impressed by his powerful methods. (End of Chapter)
