After summoning the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire and promising some benefits, Li Mu started refining a six-tier spirit treasure.
Venerable Chen Heng provided two sets of Spirit Treasure materials. If he succeeded in refining it once, he would gain an extra set of six-tier spirit treasure materials, and earn a seven-tier spirit material—zhen huang armor earth.
Li Mu planned to use this seven-tier earth-elemental spirit material as a base to refine a Lifebound Treasure for Little Wa, allowing it to Cultivate with the help of this treasure and advance its Realm as soon as possible.
The Skyfire Refining Furnace emitted terrifying high temperatures, and powerful Spiritual Qi continuously bloomed within the refining furnace.
Li Mu formed hand seals, fully immersing himself in Artifact Refining.
...
Time flew by, and another three Years passed.
Following Venerable Chen Heng, Li Mu refined six-tier spirit treasures for several other Soul Transformation Cultivators. In these Years, news gradually spread from Yin Yang Valley that a Grandmaster Refiner was living in seclusion there, and some well-informed high-tier Cultivators began to visit.
To avoid external disturbance, Li Mu set up a large illusion Formation in Yin Yang Valley, isolating it and patiently waiting for the Yin and Yang Spirit Plants to mature.
In Yin Yang Valley, the Purple Yang Spiritual Mushroom and Yin Soul Fruit, two types of Spirit Plants, were nearing maturity, and the harvest season was approaching.
The Purple Yang Spiritual Mushroom resembled coral, deep purple in color, with layered leaves like thin gauze. Each Purple Yang Spiritual Mushroom was a foot tall, emitting a faint Purple Yang Qi and a medicinal fragrance.
The Yin Soul Fruit plants were small, with short, stout rhizomes, bearing clusters of white, longan-sized fruits, enveloped in pale white Yin Qi. Each plant bore four or five fruits, and their growth was excellent.
Thanks to the dense Yin and Yang Qi in Yin Yang Valley, coupled with the irrigation of a large amount of purple yang jade and taihua moon dew, the two four-tier Yin and Yang Spirit Plants matured ten Years ahead of schedule.
Li Mu raised his hand, condensed a golden blade, and slashed towards the ground, beginning the harvest.
"Puff, puff, puff..." A golden light flashed, and purple Spirit Mushrooms floated into the air, revealing purple Plant Spirits beneath them.
Li Mu extended his Divine Sense, collecting the Purple Yang Spiritual Mushrooms into the nine storage spiritual pearl, and streams of purple spiritual light gathered on his body.
Immediately, Li Mu looked at the log section of his character panel and saw a dense array of text prompts.
【Talent Divine Power - Plant Spirit Extraction activated. You extracted a Plant Spirit. Purple Yang Qi +91 points.】
【Talent Divine Power - Plant Spirit Extraction activated. You extracted a Plant Spirit. Purple Yang Qi +82 points.】
【Talent Divine Power - Plant Spirit Extraction activated. You extracted a Plant Spirit. Purple Yang Qi +77 points.】
...
Upon reviewing the Plant Spirit harvest, Li Mu frowned slightly, feeling a bit dissatisfied. After advancing to the Nascent Soul Stage, the quantity of Plant Spirits obtained from harvesting four-tier Purple Yang Spiritual Mushrooms was significantly less, only one-tenth of what he got during the Golden Core Stage.
The total number of these Spirit Plants was around a million. The quantity of Plant Spirits obtained would barely be enough to achieve a small Realm advancement.
Li Mu sighed and continued harvesting the Yin Soul Fruit.
As Li Mu's hand moved, blade falling, the Yin Soul Fruit plants were swiftly cut and flew upwards. Immediately, clusters of white, misty Plant Spirit light appeared from the wounds of the Yin Soul Fruit plants.
Li Mu eagerly waved his hand, collecting nearly two million Yin Soul Fruit plants into his Storage Pouch, and his Divine Sense covered the clusters of white, misty Plant Spirit light.
【Talent Divine Power - Plant Spirit Extraction activated. You extracted a Plant Spirit. Yin Soul Qi +57 points.】
【Talent Divine Power - Plant Spirit Extraction activated. You extracted a Plant Spirit. Yin Soul Qi +61 points.】
...
After collecting the Yin and Yang Qi, Li Mu returned to the four directions house, took out the Painting World Treasure Mansion, and plunged into it, beginning to harvest four-tier Five Elements Spirit Plants.
【Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, one point of Purple Yang Qi, one point of Yin Qi, and Five Elements Spiritual Qi. Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture - Nascent Soul Chapter proficiency +1.】
...
【Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, one point of Purple Yang Qi, one point of Yin Qi. Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture - Nascent Soul Chapter proficiency +1. Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture - Nascent Soul Chapter has been raised to: Level 1. Your Cultivation has received a small increase.】
...
【Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, one point of Purple Yang Qi, one point of Yin Qi. Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture - Nascent Soul Chapter proficiency +1. Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture - Nascent Soul Chapter has been raised to: Level 3. Your Aptitude has increased. You comprehended derivative Divine Abilities: Yang Five Elements, Yin Five Elements.】
...
【Ding, Insufficient Five Elements Innate Qi. Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture - Nascent Soul Chapter level cannot be increased.】
Li Mu took a deep breath, radiating the aura of a Nascent Soul Middle Stage Cultivator. He ended this advancement with a slight regret, as he was just a little short of advancing to the Nascent Soul Late Stage.
The quantity of Plant Spirits required for Nascent Soul Stage advancement far exceeded that of the Golden Core Stage by hundreds or even thousands of times. If he couldn't find higher-tier Spirit Plants, the number of four-tier Five Elements Spirit Plants and Yin and Yang Spirit Plants he needed to Cultivate would have to increase several times over!
Li Mu tidied up and replanted a large number of four-tier Five Elements Spirit Plants in the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
However, just as Li Mu was about to continue expanding the cultivation of Yin and Yang Spirit Plants in Yin Yang Valley, an unexpected situation interrupted his plan.
Li Mu received a token communication from Tianshang Honored One, forcing him to leave Yin Yang Valley and go to Barren Ancient City – Kun Family to fulfill an appointment.
Li Mu traveled by Celestial Shuttle Spirit Ship and arrived at Barren Ancient City.
Outside Barren Ancient City, it was still bustling, with countless aerial Spirit Ships and merchant vessels gathered like stars.
Below, the crowd was boisterous, with countless Cultivators gathered at the city gate, queuing to pay fees to enter the city.
Following the usual rules, Li Mu stopped three zhang away, put away his Spirit Ship, and walked into Barren Ancient City. A Nascent Soul True Lord did not need to pay any fees.
Just then, the Kun Family's aerial horse-drawn carriage rushed from afar. The one driving the carriage was actually Xuan Lingzi. The spirit carriage was extremely fast, stopping in front of Li Mu in the blink of an eye.
"Dao Friend Li, the Elder has invited you."
Xuan Lingzi got off the spirit carriage and respectfully approached Li Mu. However, when he felt the immensely profound aura emanating from the other party, his heart couldn't help but tremble, but he quickly composed himself and averted his gaze.
Li Mu hadn't expected Tianshang Honored One and the others to welcome him so warmly. After thanking him, he got into the carriage.
.........
Kun Family Suspended Spirit Residence.
Under Xuan Lingzi's guidance, Li Mu entered the Kun Family again after more than twenty Years. On the way to the rear God Garden, the Kun Family Disciples they passed all showed him friendly smiles and voluntarily cleared the aerial passage.
As Li Mu arrived above the rear God Garden, a hearty laugh suddenly rang out: "Haha, Dao Friend Li, you've finally arrived."
In the pavilion below, Kun Yuan Venerable and two others were all waiting in the pavilion.
Li Mu dared not be negligent. He flew down and landed in front of the pavilion, greeting them with a smile: "Junior greets Senior Tian Shang, Senior Kun Yuan, Senior Kun Ling."
"Haha, no need for formalities, sit down." Kunling Honored One took out some spirit wine and directly tossed it to Li Mu.
Tianshang Honored One, however, stroked his beard and smiled, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Kun Yuan Venerable's hand, which was wiping a jade flute, also trembled slightly, and his eyes shone with dazzling light.
Kunling Honored One also noticed the change in Li Mu's aura. As he sat down, he couldn't help but feel a surge of surprise: "You've broken through to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage?"
Li Mu took out several cups from his nine storage spiritual pearl, poured a cup of spirit wine for everyone, and humbly replied: "I owe it to the kindness of the two Seniors for giving me so many spirit seeds. While cultivating, I fortunately broke through due to an Epiphany."
"Epiphany?"
Kunling Honored One and the other two were all surprised.
Epiphany is the most anticipated fortuitous encounter for Cultivators. A single Epiphany can surpass a thousand Years, allowing one's comprehension of the Dao to become even more profound. During an Epiphany, not only does one's understanding deepen, but it also promotes Cultivation growth.
It is incredibly mysterious, far surpassing any Spirit Pill or miraculous medicine.
Kun Yuan Venerable stood up and scrutinized Li Mu, observing that his aura was profound and stable, with no signs of disorder. He murmured, "This is truly miraculous. Five Elements, Yin and Yang. A single Epiphany allowed him to comprehend the seven great Dao laws, advancing simultaneously without any imbalance of Yin and Yang or chaos of the Five Elements. This is truly..."
"What's so strange? This young friend has extraordinary Aptitude and Cultivates an ancient Cultivation Technique. It's perfectly normal for him to break through with an Epiphany." Tianshang Honored One stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes openly showing his admiration for Li Mu.
He had once wanted to change what Li Mu sought and boasted that he would help him reach the Peak of the Nascent Soul Stage within eight hundred Years. Now, it seemed like a joke.
"Let's not dwell on this matter. The urgent task at hand is when you all plan to depart? The po mo xin fruit will ripen soon, and the Soul-Devouring Demon Clan won't wait for you to arrive before harvesting them," Kun Yuan Venerable said, raising his spirit wine and downing it, then asking.
"How about we set off immediately? The Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range is located near the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Taking the Illusory God Sect's teleportation Formation and then flying into the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range will take nearly two months. To prevent any mishaps with the po mo xin fruit, let's depart now!" Tianshang Honored One suggested.
Kunling Honored One nodded, his gaze sweeping towards Li Mu: "Dao Friend Li, are you ready?"
"Junior can depart at any time." Li Mu stood up and bowed, responding.
Seeing this, the three immediately set off, conjuring their respective Magic Treasures, flying through the air, and disappearing within the Kun Family.
.........
Barren Ancient City, Illusory God Sect.
Li Mu, Tianshang Honored One, and the others arrived at the foot of the Sect mountain, stepping on their respective Magical Artifacts and soaring into the sky.
Along the way, Cultivators from all paths scattered and avoided them.
Kunling Honored One, at the Soul Transformation Peak, and Tianshang Honored One, at the Refining Void Realm Middle Stage Peak, did not conceal their vast auras. Wherever they passed, it was as if kings had descended.
Ordinary Cultivators couldn't help but respectfully bow in fear and avoidance.
Li Mu, walking alongside the two, felt for the first time how convenient travel could be; even upon reaching the Sect's entrance, the three Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses stationed at Illusory God Sect were already outside waiting.
"Junior, greetings, Senior."
The three Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses of Illusory God Sect had long sensed Tianshang Honored One's aura and were all waiting at the Sect entrance.
Although Illusory God Sect was one of the strongest Sects in the Central Continent, it still showed great Face to the Eight Great Families.
After all, the power of the Eight Great Families could not be underestimated, especially since Illusory God Sect in Barren Ancient City only had three Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses stationed there.
The Kun Family, however, had two Void Refining Realm powerhouses, especially Tianshang Honored One; although he only possessed Middle Stage Void Refining Realm strength, his true combat power was enough to fight to the death with a Late Stage Void Refining Realm Cultivator.
He was a true powerhouse among the Void Refining Realm, naturally attracting the attention of various Sects.
"A few of us, the old men, are now going to Heavenly Luo City. When will the teleportation Formation activate? How many Spirit Stones are needed?" Tianshang Honored One asked.
A Soul Transformation powerhouse from Illusory God Sect quickly smiled and said, "Senior Tian Shang, if you are here, there is no need to wait. We can depart immediately, and no Spirit Stones are required."
Tianshang Honored One smiled and nodded slightly, "Then I'm much obliged."
With that, Tianshang Honored One waved his hand and tossed a bag of Spirit Stones to the other party, the amount just enough to cover the cost of this teleportation Formation.
"Senior, Spirit Stones are a small matter; being able to help Senior is the big matter. These Spirit Stones..." The Soul Transformation powerhouse took out the Spirit Stones, preparing to return them to Tianshang Honored One.
Tianshang Honored One's eyebrows shot up, and he said unequivocally, "I don't want to owe anyone a favor. Just take it. We are in a hurry, activate it immediately."
Since Tianshang Honored One had spoken, the three Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses dared not be negligent and personally presided over the teleportation Formation.
Li Mu watched all this and couldn't help but praise Tianshang Honored One's character.
Thus, the three entered the teleportation Formation. As the three Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses activated the teleportation Formation, amidst a flickering light, the Formation opened, and the three transformed into a streak of light, vanishing within the Formation.
However, just as the three left, they didn't notice that among the people waiting for the teleportation Formation in the distance, a Nascent Soul True Lord dressed in purple robes had a strange glint in his eyes.
He then picked up a token and recorded the scene that had just occurred, including the conversation between Tianshang Honored One and the others.
...
Barren Ancient City, Ji Family.
In a beautiful manor filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, a gentle zither melody wafted forth. Under the dense trees, Honorable Being Ji Yun sat beneath a banner, her legs crossed, plucking the zither strings.
Her slender fingers plucked the strings, and the melodious zither music added a touch of beauty to the scenic view.
Just as a piece was about to finish, the jade pendant at her waist vibrated slightly, disturbing her state of mind.
Honorable Being Ji Yun's eyes narrowed, a hint of displeasure in them. She picked up the jade pendant, and a message from a Ji Family Disciple came through.
"Liu Yun, why are you looking for me?"
Honorable Being Ji Yun asked into the jade pendant.
The jade pendant lay flat, its shimmering light transforming to reveal the Disciple's figure. He lowered his voice and said, "Elder, I was taking the teleportation Formation at Illusory God Sect, and unexpectedly, I encountered Kun Ling Honored One and Tianshang Honored One here. They are setting off for Heavenly Luo City."
"Heavenly Luo City? Tianshang Honored One went too?"
Upon hearing Kun Ling Honored One's name, Honorable Being Ji Yun's heart sank.
"Yes, Elder. I just accidentally encountered them and have recorded their conversation. Please take a look." That Nascent Soul True Lord quickly transmitted the situation at the time.
The jade pendant glowed faintly, reflecting the process of Li Mu and the others' communication, as well as their final departing figures.
"It's him again..."
As the image appeared, Honorable Being Ji Yun immediately recognized Li Mu's figure, a hint of gnashing teeth in her expression.
If it hadn't been to pursue this person's heavy treasure that day, she wouldn't have been severely beaten by Kun Ling Honored One, almost losing her life.
As she thought of it, a surge of anger rose within her. A dignified Elder of the Ji Family had been so greatly humiliated by this Nascent Soul True Lord. How could this resentment be dispelled?
"Heavenly Luo City, what are they going there for?"
Although Honorable Being Ji Yun's anger was hard to quell, when she calmed down, she was very curious. Heavenly Luo City was located in the Southern Spirit Continent, a barren land. Why would they go there?
"Put down your current task and go to Tianji Pavilion to inquire about the news. Report back quickly once you have information."
"Yes, Elder!"
The Cultivator of the Ji Family dared not delay. After receiving the task, he immediately went to Tianji Pavilion.
An hour later.
In the manor, Honorable Being Ji Yun no longer had the heart to play the zither. Kun Ling Honored One had less than a hundred Years left to live, but the more this was the case, the more his every move tugged at her heart.
She was afraid that at the brink of life and death, he would Breakthrough his cultivation and reach the Void Refining Realm. If that happened, she would inevitably have to hide within her clan; if she didn't reach the Void Refining Realm, leaving would mean certain death.
Just as Honorable Being Ji Yun was feeling uneasy, the jade pendant vibrated, bringing news.
"How is it? Is there any news?"
The jade pendant's illusion appeared, showing the previous Nascent Soul True Lord of the Ji Family, who said, "Elder, the situation has been clearly investigated. Tian Shang bought news about the po mo xin fruit twenty Years ago. This time, the three of them are going to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range to seek that po mo xin fruit to help Kun Ling Honored One overcome the Void Refining Tribulation."
Boom!
Honorable Being Ji Yun trembled all over. Upon hearing the news, she felt a chill rush from the soles of her feet straight to her head.
The po mo xin fruit was a miraculous medicine for dealing with the Heart Demon Tribulation. Once eaten, it could greatly reduce the harm of the Heart Demon Tribulation.
Once the Heart Demon Tribulation was overcome, Kun Ling Honored One would have no trouble dealing with other Lightning Tribulations and would definitely be able to successfully advance to the Void Refining Realm.
If she were to encounter him again then, it would surely be a situation of certain death. Given Kun Ling Honored One's hatred for her, she likely wouldn't die so simply; she would surely be tormented until her mind collapsed and her body and spirit were destroyed.
At this, Honorable Being Ji Yun instantly lost her composure, but just as she was in a panic, new news came from the jade pendant: "Elder, while purchasing news just now, I also found information about that Nascent Soul True Lord. The intelligence is still pending, but according to the information provided by Tianji Pavilion, this person is very likely 'Li Jianxian,' who is being hunted by Venerable Tianyin and others. He is an Elder of Qingxuan Sect, with unfathomable strength, capable of slaying Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses with only a Nascent Soul Stage cultivation..."
The Ji Family Disciple spoke endlessly about Li Mu, but Honorable Being Ji Yun, whose mind was in chaos, sensed Li Mu's extraordinary nature.
"So it was him..." Honorable Being Ji Yun finally remembered why 'Li Mu,' who was only at the Early Stage Nascent Soul, dared to intentionally linger back then. It turned out he was preparing to counter-kill the Peak Nascent Soul Cultivator, Wanling Daoist.
"Wait... I understand now. This old fellow... Hmph, I won't let you have your way." Honorable Being Ji Yun was good at observation and deduction. She knew that Li Mu was traveling with Kun Ling Honored One and the others, and now she knew his identity.
Although Tianji Pavilion didn't provide definite intelligence, given the circumstances, it was almost certain that this person was indeed 'Li Jianxian'!
Honorable Being Ji Yun stepped on a red silk and flew towards the Ji Family's inner mansion, arriving at a beautiful ten-thousand-zhang spiritual mountain. The spiritual mountain pierced the clouds, as if born at the Peak of the clouds.
Around the spiritual mountain, immortal cranes danced. There were immortal cranes and Spirit Beasts everywhere, with no other species to be seen. However, there were no Ji Family Disciples around the spiritual mountain. At the Peak of the mountain, there was an ordinary residence.
Outside the residence, two Rank five Peak Crane Demons stood before the gate, like guards.
Honorable Being Ji Yun landed before the gate. The two large Crane Demons, several zhang tall, spread their wings to block the door.
"Elder Ji Yun, our master is in closed-door cultivation!"
The two immortal cranes spoke in unison, uttering human words.
Honorable Being Ji Yun, however, had no time for this and urged, "Quickly inform Senior Fallenwood. There has been a major change in the Cang Yuan Secret Realm. I need to discuss it with Senior."
The two Crane Demons exchanged glances upon hearing this. One of them nodded slightly and turned to enter the residence.
"Elder Ji Yun, please wait a moment. Master will be out soon." The other Crane Demon respectfully indicated.
Honorable Being Ji Yun nodded slightly and waited outside the door.
About a dozen breaths later, a deep voice came from inside the residence: "Ji Yun, come in."
Honorable Being Ji Yun dared not delay, striding in quickly and soon arriving at the main hall.
In the main hall, an old man in purple robes, with a gaunt Face, lay on a rattan chair, resting with his eyes closed. A Crane Demon stood beside him, fanning him with its wings.
"You said there was a change in the Cang Yuan Secret Realm. What is it?" Venerable Fallenwood looked at Honorable Being Ji Yun and asked in a low voice.
"Grand Elder, do you still remember that Nascent Soul True Lord with the green sword on his back, from when I encountered Kun Ling and you saved me?"
"I don't remember! What does the Cang Yuan Secret Realm have to do with him?" Venerable Fallenwood frowned slightly, asking unconsciously.
"This person has an extraordinary identity. He is 'Li Jianxian,' who twice foiled the schemes of the Nine Demon Sect and saved Qingxuan Sect and Yu Ling Sect. At the Early Stage Nascent Soul, he was able to slay Absolute Heaven Demon Lord of the Nine Demon Sect and Venerable Tianyun of the Loose Cultivator Alliance. His strength is unfathomable; he can be called a Dragon among men." Honorable Being Ji Yun quickly replied.
"Oh?" Venerable Fallenwood's expression changed slightly, and he sat up a bit.
