Inside the Painting World Treasure Mansion's Artifact Refining Room.
The Artifact Refining Room was circular, a hundred meters in diameter, incredibly spacious, with walls as white as jade inlaid with countless Spirit Ore, sometimes lighting up and sometimes extinguishing, as if breathing, exhaling massive amounts of spiritual power.
Li Mu sat cross-legged on the Artifact Refining platform paved with white Spirit Stone, his hands forming incantations, and in front of him, a purple-gold Skyfire Refining Furnace condensed into shape.
At this moment, the space around the Skyfire Refining Furnace seemed to solidify, the Skyfire within the Skyfire Refining Furnace ceased, and a verdant little turtle, radiating a unique spiritual charm, crawled out of the Skyfire Refining Furnace.
The Time Luck Spirit Turtle, this supreme treasure of Years divination, after being re-refined with the enhancement of a large amount of Years spiritual materials, recovered a trace of its original spirituality; its formerly dull shell now emitted a faint green light, and its once lifeless eyes became bright and full of spirituality, its four limbs swiping through the Void Realm as it flew towards Li Mu.
Li Mu quickly stopped his incantation, his face full of joy, and reached out to pick up the Time Luck Spirit Turtle.
However, just then, with a "crack," an invisible, mysterious force appeared out of nowhere, heavily striking the Time Luck Spirit Turtle.
The Time Luck Spirit Turtle stumbled in the air and directly fell into Li Mu's arms.
"What happened?" Li Mu was startled, quickly caught the Time Luck Spirit Turtle, and looked at it in confusion.
The Time Luck Spirit Turtle's artifact spirit, with its bright eyes, showed a wronged expression, meeting Li Mu's gaze. A crack appeared on its already repaired Bai Ling turtle shell, and its newly recovered spirituality was once again severely damaged, leaving it looking dispirited.
Li Mu was stunned, completely unaware of what had happened. The Time Luck Spirit Turtle had clearly been re-refined by him, and its spirituality restored, so why did it suddenly have a problem again?
It seemed to have suffered a heavy blow; what exactly happened?
Li Mu looked down at the Time Luck Spirit Turtle in his arms and extended his Divine Sense to perceive the state of its artifact spirit.
After communicating with the Time Luck Spirit Turtle through his Divine Sense, Li Mu quickly understood the reason.
Just now, someone had performed a heavenly secrets mirror deduction on him. This power of deduction was vast and boundless, as if it could perceive everything, and the Time Luck Spirit Turtle, as a divination Spirit Treasure, naturally sensed the existence of this power immediately.
The Time Luck Spirit Turtle's artifact spirit possessed the ability to protect its master. It attempted to resist this deduction power with its own Karma power, concealing the heavenly secrets for its master.
The Time Luck Spirit Turtle did indeed conceal the heavenly secrets for Li Mu. However, that deduction power was incredibly strong, and the Time Luck Spirit Turtle fought with all its might, ultimately clashing with the opponent and suffering a heavenly secrets mirror backlash. This resulted in its previously healed injuries not only failing to improve but also worsening with new injuries on top of old ones.
Upon learning of this situation, Li Mu didn't need to think much and could roughly guess who was deducing him. If there were no accidents, it should be the Ji Family. Fortunately, the Time Luck Spirit Turtle had just recovered its spirituality this time and helped him withstand this deduction.
Looking at the Time Luck Spirit Turtle, this ill-fated Spirit Treasure, a strong sense of guilt welled up in Li Mu's heart.
He hadn't expected the Ji Family to use this method to deduce him. Fortunately, the Time Luck Spirit Turtle had blocked this crisis for him.
...
Central Continent Spiritual Domain, Tianji Pavilion.
On the top floor of Tianji Pavilion, in a quiet and mysterious secret chamber, a faint scent of sandalwood permeated the air. In the center, a white-haired old man sat with his eyes closed, concentrating, connecting with the heavenly secrets mirror, and deducing heavenly secrets.
The old man wore a white robe embroidered with complex runes. His face was ruddy, and his eyes were fixed on the Mystic Secret Mirror in front of him. The Mystic Secret Mirror shimmered with spiritual light, exuding a mysterious and unique aura. The mirror surface was filled with spiritual mist, and some blurry images, visible only to Tianji Old Man, were gradually becoming clear.
However, at this moment, a green spiritual turtle suddenly burst into the mirror surface and bit down, and a powerful rebound force erupted instantly.
Tianji Old Man's body suddenly trembled, as if an invisible force surged from all directions, rushing into his body. He felt a sudden, sharp pain in his heart, as if being pricked by needles, so painful that he could barely endure it.
With a "puff!" Tianji Old Man finally couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of fresh blood. The scarlet blood fell on the Mystic Secret Mirror, like blooming flowers, spreading a strong bloody scent.
Tianji Old Man's body then withered, his face covered in cold sweat and deathly pale, as if he had suddenly suffered a heavy blow. His originally robust body instantly became extremely weak.
"Tianji, Fellow Daoist, what, what's wrong with you!" Ji Wuheng exclaimed in shock. He had been guarding Tianji Old Man by his side, and seeing this scene now, he couldn't help but be greatly startled.
Tianji Old Man didn't answer him, but just widened his eyes, looking at Ji Wuheng, and said angrily, "You, surnamed Ji, you've really harmed me this time! I've lost two hundred Years of Lifespan!"
Ji Wuheng was stunned. He never expected Tianji Old Man to say such words. He stammered, "Tianji, Fellow Daoist, what exactly does this mean? Did you deduce something?"
Tianji Old Man did not answer his question, but just sighed heavily, regretting immensely, "It's all my fault for being greedy for a moment, for wanting a favor from your Ji Family, and not abiding by the strict rule Tianji Pavilion has always forbidden: not to deduce young talents with Human Dragon Aptitude."
"Human Dragon Aptitude?" Ji Wuheng's heart stirred. He had seen this term in ancient texts, referring to those with astonishing talent and excellent Luck. These exceptional Human Dragons might be Sons of Heavenly Dao, born with extremely good Luck, often appearing during Human Race crises to lead the Human Race through difficulties.
The price of suffering a heavenly secrets mirror backlash for performing a heavenly secrets mirror deduction on such a Son of Heavenly Dao was not something an ordinary heavenly secrets mirror master could bear.
"Yes, Human Dragon Aptitude." Tianji Old Man said with a bitter smile, "I clearly knew this principle, yet I still couldn't refuse your deduction request. Now it's done, this deduction failed, and I suffered a heavenly secrets mirror backlash, losing two hundred Years of Lifespan for nothing."
"Tianji, Fellow Daoist, what exactly is the situation? Can you explain it clearly to me, Ji? Even if I have to take responsibility, I, Ji, will never shirk it!" Ji Wuheng was terrified, looking at Tianji Old Man, pleading for a more accurate answer.
"This child is protected by a Karma Spiritual Artifact, so heavenly secrets mirror deduction cannot be performed on him. This time, losing Lifespan is good; if the other party intentionally targeted me, my life wouldn't be enough, and the Mystic Secret Mirror might even be damaged because of it!" Tianji Old Man looked at Ji Wuheng and coldly explained.
Upon hearing this, Ji Wuheng gasped, his eyes filled with shock. He never expected that a mere Nascent Soul cultivator could be so formidable, even possessing a Karma supreme treasure that could conceal heavenly secrets.
This was the Mystic Secret Mirror, and Tianji Old Man personally performed the heavenly secrets mirror deduction. The Spirit Artifact that concealed heavenly secrets on the other party must be at least a six-tier spirit treasure or a Seven-Order Dao Weapon to achieve this.
"My current predicament is my own doing. I advise you all not to provoke this child!" Tianji Old Man looked at Ji Wuheng with a warning in his eyes, reminding him kindly.
"Thank you, Tianji, Fellow Daoist. Our Ji Family will remember this favor. I will have someone send Spirit Pill and longevity medicine to compensate for your loss later. Please forgive me, Tianji, Fellow Daoist." Ji Wuheng clasped his hands in gratitude towards Tianji Old Man, thanking him appreciatively.
Tianji Old Man gave Ji Wuheng an annoyed look, waved his hand, losing the interest to speak, indicating that he could leave!
"Tianji, Fellow Daoist, you should rest well. I won't disturb you!" Ji Wuheng stood up, bid farewell to Tianji Old Man, and then left quickly. He was eager to inform the Family Head of the deduction results as soon as possible.
Soon after, Ji Wuheng returned to the Ji Family. He quickly walked into the Family's main hall and reported the results of this deduction to the Family Head.
"Family Head, the results of this deduction are somewhat unfavorable..." Ji Wuheng reported the details to Family Head Ji Zhantian with a solemn expression.
Ji Zhantian raised his head, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and looked at Ji Wuheng, saying, "Oh? The deduction failed? This child is protected by a Karma Spiritual Artifact?"
"Yes, Family Head." Ji Wuheng nodded, "Tianji Old Man said that this child is protected by a Karma Spiritual Artifact, and heavenly secrets mirror deduction cannot be performed on him."
"Tianji Old Man lost two hundred Years of Lifespan. The Ji Family acknowledges this favor. Go to the Family treasury and pick a few longevity Spirit Medicine to send over!" Ji Zhantian sighed, helplessly instructing.
"Understood! However, Family Head, how should this child be dealt with?" Ji Wuheng nodded, looking at Ji Zhantian and asking with concern.
Upon hearing this, Ji Zhantian was momentarily stumped. Without knowing Li Mu's background, they couldn't decisively seek revenge. A Nascent Soul cultivator with such Aptitude was something even their Ji Family didn't possess. That young man must have a major force backing him; otherwise, where would he get such Aptitude and resources?
However, because of Drywood, the Ji Family had no choice but to form a deep grudge with this child. If such an enemy was not eliminated early, once he grew up, he would become an insoluble disaster.
...
Various worries flashed in Ji Zhantian's eyes. Finally, he sighed deeply, looked at Ji Wuheng, and helplessly arranged, "First, have the Shadow Guards keep an eye on his whereabouts. For anything else, let's discuss a countermeasure at the next Elder meeting!"
Ji Wuheng nodded and went to make the arrangements as ordered.
Unnamed Island, the Earth Element Spirit Ship soared into the sky.
In the vast sea, islands were scattered like stars, like brilliant pearls strewn across the shimmering waves of the great sea.
At this moment, Li Mu stood on the deck of the Earth Element Spirit Ship, gazing into the distance, searching for the island with a high-grade Spiritual Vein.
The Ji Family's deduction of him this time was fortunately blocked by the Time Luck Spirit Turtle, but Li Mu knew that this Luck would not last forever.
The Ji Family was one of the eight great Cultivation Families in the Central Continent Spiritual Domain, with a Legacy of ten thousand Years and immense power. No one could guarantee what other mysterious methods they possessed.
Moreover, it was not an exaggeration to say that the Ji Family was the local overlord of the Central Continent Spiritual Domain. With such a behemoth eyeing him, Li Mu wouldn't be foolish enough to rush over thousands of miles to his death.
Li Mu immediately changed his itinerary. He was no longer in a hurry to go to the Central Continent Spiritual Domain. Instead, he planned to find an island with a high-grade Spiritual Vein, completely seclude himself, and continue planting spiritual plants. Only after advancing to the Soul Transformation Realm would he consider other options.
"Lord Li, where are we going!" Xue'er walked to Li Mu's side and asked with concern.
Li Mu turned to look at Xue'er, a faint smile on his face, and explained, "We are on our way to Wanxing Island."
"Wanxing Island?" Xue'er repeated curiously, "What kind of place is that?"
"It's located in a vast sea area in the northeastern part of the Southern Wilderness. There are tens of thousands of islands scattered there, including hundreds of high-grade islands. It's the sphere of influence of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect and the Sea God Sect," Li Mu explained in detail.
"Oh." Xue'er nodded, seemingly understanding, "Then what are we going there for?"
Li Mu smiled and handed the sea chart Jade Slip in his hand to Xue'er: "This Jade Slip records the shipping routes from the Southern Wilderness to the Central Continent Spiritual Domain and also details the distribution of various forces along the way. Take a look yourself."
Xue'er took the sea chart Jade Slip, and with a slight movement of her Divine Sense, she scanned it.
Xue'er frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "Lord Li, aren't we going to the Central Continent? Why are we changing to Wanxing Island now?"
Li Mu looked at Xue'er and smiled calmly: "We are indeed on our way to the Central Continent, but before that, we need to stop at Wanxing Island for a while."
"Lord Li, are you worried about that Ji Family?" Xue'er asked with concern.
"There's nothing to worry about with the Ji Family. I just plan to find an island and live in seclusion for a while. After Qing Yue safely passes her Lightning Tribulation, then I'll consider going to the Central Continent!" Li Mu smiled slightly at Xue'er, comforting her.
Upon hearing this, Xue'er couldn't help but feel relieved. These past few days, Li Mu had seemed preoccupied, and she had noticed it, feeling anxious but not knowing what Lord Li was worried about. After getting a detailed answer, she felt a little more at ease.
"Don't worry about these things. In terms of Cultivation, have you improved recently? How is your Cultivation progress?"
Seeing Xue'er's little thoughts, Li Mu was touched, but his expression hardened, and he asked seriously.
Xue'er was intelligent and had even activated the Heavenly Fox Bloodline within her, but she was naturally restless and had many thoughts, making it difficult for her to settle down and Cultivate. Although she had been diligently Cultivating, she had been stuck at the fifth-tier for some time and had been unable to Breakthrough.
Li Mu understood Xue'er's personality and knew where her Cultivation Bottleneck lay. The Dao of Cultivation required a down-to-earth approach and diligent Cultivation. While Xue'er had talent, she was often easily distracted by external matters, leading to unsatisfactory Cultivation results.
"Lord Li, I just came out of secluded Cultivation, so I'm just relaxing for a little bit!" Xue'er's expression became a little nervous when Li Mu asked her, and she replied aggrievedly.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu frowned slightly, his expression somewhat displeased. Xue'er had indeed just emerged from secluded Cultivation, but it had only been for a short while. However, Cultivation was not something that could be achieved overnight; it required perseverance, and Xue'er had not realized this.
"Besides, I see you haven't been Cultivating much yourself, so why are you always urging me to Cultivate!" Xue'er secretly glanced at Li Mu and retorted aggrievedly.
Looking at Xue'er's wronged expression, turning the accusation back on him, Li Mu couldn't help but find it amusing. He understood Xue'er's meaning but didn't respond directly. After all, he did have some trump cards and methods that Xue'er didn't know about.
Heh!
I have cheats, do you?
Can you compare to me? I can Breakthrough a major Realm by planting a batch of spiritual plants. Can you?
Looking at Xue'er, who was full of defiance, Li Mu smiled slightly and asked confidently, "You want to compare yourself to me? I haven't Cultivated much, but I'm confident I can Breakthrough to the Soul Transformation Realm within fifty Years. Are you confident you can Breakthrough to the sixth-tier within a hundred Years? If you are confident you can do it, then I won't question your Cultivation matters anymore."
Upon hearing this, Xue'er was instantly speechless. She really didn't dare to guarantee that she could Breakthrough to the sixth-tier within a hundred Years. This sixth-tier transformation stage, like a chasm, had trapped countless high-tier Yao Beasts.
The same was true for Human Race Cultivators; no Nascent Soul cultivator could be so confident in determining when they would Breakthrough to the Soul Transformation Realm, and in such a short amount of time at that.
However, Xue'er did not doubt that Li Mu was bragging. Having followed Li Mu for so many Years, she had witnessed too many impossible miracles on him.
"Alright! Alright! I'll go Cultivate then!"
Xue'er pouted, turned around, and helplessly returned to the cabin to go into secluded Cultivation.
