“Lord Li, that person just now was problematic. His emotions were off when he mentioned Heaven Fire, and he harbored ill will towards you. You absolutely must not fall for his trick!”
After seeing off Huanglong Honored One and returning to their room, Xue'er immediately warned Li Mu with a tense expression.
“Xue’er, thank you for reminding me. This person is indeed problematic,” Li Mu said slowly, a sharp glint in his eyes, then chuckled self-deprecatingly, “The Nine Demon Sect once used Heaven Fire to set an ambush for me. This Huanglong Honored One must have intricate ties with the Nine Demon Sect.”
Upon hearing this, Xue’er’s face changed, and a look of anxiety appeared on her face as she looked at Li Mu worriedly and said, “Lord Li, what do we do now? Since you didn’t fall for it this time, the Nine Demon Sect definitely won’t give up. This Sect is too powerful. If they target you, it’s very dangerous!”
Xue'er's heart was filled with anger and hatred towards the Nine Demon Sect. The Snow Fox Clan had suffered at the hands of the Nine Demon Sect, which she could never forget. Now, the Nine Demon Sect was actually targeting Li Mu again, making Xue'er feel both angry and helpless.
“Don’t worry, now that I know, I have my own countermeasure!” Li Mu smiled confidently, looking at Xue’er and solemnly instructed, “You stay in the Treasure Firm. It’s protected by a magic array. Do not go out easily unless absolutely necessary!”
“Mm!” Xue’er nodded solemnly, keeping Li Mu’s instructions firmly in mind.
As the two were talking with the door closed, a knock sounded from outside.
“Firm Master, Senior Chen and Island Lord Ye have been invited over!” a female shop assistant at the door reported.
“Good! I’ll go greet them now.” Li Mu tidied his robes, preparing to go out and welcome them.
“No need to trouble Great Master Li, we can just come in ourselves.” A voice full of excitement and anticipation came from outside, and then the door was pushed open. Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming excitedly stepped inside.
Their faces were flushed with excitement, and their eyes were filled with enthusiasm and eagerness as they looked at Li Mu.
“Great Master Li, I heard the Spirit Treasure has been refined!” Chen Xuanzi eagerly spoke as soon as he entered the room, extremely concerned about the news, almost disbelieving his own ears.
“Indeed! I didn’t expect Great Master Li to be so incredibly fast, it’s truly admirable!” Ye Qiuming echoed, a look of admiration in his eyes.
Seeing their excited expressions, Li Mu chuckled inwardly. He naturally knew what these two were thinking; they had both come for their Spirit Treasures. Since that was the case, he didn't keep them in suspense and directly summoned two Spirit Treasures from the nine storage spiritual pearl.
One transformed into a miniature white shark, swimming agilely in the air, like a real small shark.
The other transformed into a miniature azure lion, roaring majestically, as if it were a true male lion.
As soon as these two Spirit Treasures appeared, they lunged towards Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming.
Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming’s eyes brightened simultaneously, awestruck by the power and divine Aura of these two Spirit Treasures. They quickly acted to subdue their respective Spirit Treasures.
Chen Xuanzi instantly subdued the miniature azure lion; its artifact spirit dissipated, revealing its true form: a cyan spiritual blade, radiating a mystical glow. Ye Qiuming, on the other hand, grabbed the tail of the miniature white shark, which transformed into a Water Fiend Spirit Sword, shimmering with white spiritual light and sharp sword energy.
“Hahaha! Excellent! This Spirit Treasure is truly a perfect match for me, Great Master Li, your Artifact Refining skills are extraordinary!” Chen Xuanzi laughed excitedly, praising Li Mu with a joyful expression.
“Indeed, I am extremely satisfied with this Spirit Treasure, thank you, Great Master Li!” Ye Qiuming was immensely grateful and quickly took out a storage ring from his embrace, offering it with both hands.
Seeing this, Chen Xuanzi also followed suit and paid the prepared Artifact Refining remuneration.
Li Mu naturally didn't stand on ceremony with them. With a wave of his hand, he accepted the Artifact Refining remuneration paid by the two, totaling ten sets of six-tier spirit treasure refining materials.
“Seniors, do you know this person, Huanglong Honored One?” Li Mu smiled, then changed the subject and directly asked the two.
Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming exchanged glances, as if confirming whether they had misheard the question.
Chen Xuanzi nodded, looking at Li Mu and curiously asked, “Of course I know him. This Huanglong Honored One has a good reputation. He rented an island in our Ten Thousand Islands Sect, renamed it Huanglong Island, and it’s been over a hundred and twenty years! Is there something wrong with him?”
“This Huanglong Honored One commissioned me today to refine a Spirit Treasure, promising a mass of Seventh-Order Heaven Fire as remuneration. I was naturally very pleased, as this item greatly enhances my Artifact Refining skills!” Li Mu smiled slightly, continuing his explanation.
Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming exchanged glances again upon hearing this, clearly not understanding Li Mu’s meaning. Heaven Fire is an extremely precious flame, often used to refine Spirit Treasures or enhance a Cultivator’s cultivation.
A mass of Seventh-Order Heaven Fire is no small price, but if used to commission Great Master Li to refine a Spirit Treasure, the remuneration is quite fitting. However, why was Great Master Li telling them this?
“Seniors, please allow me to explain in detail.” Li Mu looked at their puzzled expressions and smiled, gesturing for them to listen.
“The reason I fled thousands of miles to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region is because I completely offended the Nine Demon Sect in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain,” Li Mu said with a somewhat heavy tone.
Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming understood. Li Mu had killed two Void Refining Demon Ancestors, and the Nine Demon Sect still had a huge bounty on Li Mu at the Tianji Pavilion, but many people didn't take this seriously. After all, the Nine Demon Sect colluding with the Demon Abyss to occupy the South had long become a common enemy of all Cultivators in this realm. Except for those demonic Cultivators who had lost all conscience and betrayed their Sects and ancestors, no one was willing to associate with them.
“Previously, in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, I encountered a trap set by the Nine Demon Sect. They used Heaven Fire to try and lure me into their scheme. Fortunately, I detected their plan in advance and successfully avoided that danger,” Li Mu continued with a smile.
“Now, the Nine Demon Sect knows my whereabouts, and this time they sent Huanglong Honored One to repeat the trick, wanting to use Heaven Fire as bait again!” Li Mu chuckled with amusement, looking at Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming and gesturing, “Senior Chen, Island Lord Ye, the Southern Wilderness Region is almost entirely taken by the Nine Demon Sect now. However, their ambition is certainly not limited to this; the Nine Demon Sect’s gaze must have already turned towards the Central Spirit Domain and the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.”
“Huanglong Honored One is very likely just a small part of what the Nine Demon Sect has revealed this time. Their true strength and plans are probably still hidden beneath the surface. Senior Chen, Island Lord Ye, you must be careful!” Li Mu warned with a serious expression.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xuanzi and Ye Qiuming’s expressions changed drastically, becoming solemn.
“Thank you, Great Master Li, for informing us. Otherwise, the Nine Demon Sect would have already come knocking, and we would have been completely unaware!” Chen Xuanzi took a deep breath and thanked Li Mu gratefully.
Li Mu had already given them the clue about Huanglong Honored One. Regardless of whether it was true or false, the Ten Thousand Islands Sect had to take action. Even if they knew Li Mu was using a ‘borrowed knife to kill’ strategy, they still had to thank him.
The current situation was exactly as Li Mu had said: the allied forces of the two great immortal Sects and the Eight Great Families from the Central Domain were too far away to suppress the Nine Demon Sect’s powerful rise. The Nine Demon Sect had already established a grand plan to unify the Southern Wilderness, so next, the Nine Demon Sect would inevitably pass through and attack the Central Spirit Domain.
The Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region could absolutely not remain uninvolved!
“Great Master Li, please rest assured!” Ye Qiuming looked at Li Mu and spoke firmly, “Although our Ten Thousand Islands Sect is not a major Sect, we have considerable prestige in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. We will inform other Sects about this matter and jointly discuss countermeasures.”
Chen Xuanzi also quickly followed, assuring Li Mu, “Great Master Li, while you are on Wanxing Island, please rest assured about your safety. I will order the Sect to strengthen patrols and ensure everything on the island is safe.”
“Thank you!” Li Mu expressed his gratitude.
“Great Master Li, we will now return to the Sect to discuss this matter and will not disturb you further here.” Chen Xuanzi bid farewell to Li Mu.
After the two bid farewell, Li Mu courteously saw them out of Li's Treasure Pavilion, then gave instructions to Xue’er and Shopkeeper Liu, and piloted the Earth Element Spirit Ship towards Crescent Moon Island.
__
Time flew by like a white colt passing a crevice, and two months passed in a flash.
On this day, a massive fleet suddenly appeared on the horizon of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, utterly shocking. It was a huge fleet composed of hundreds of large Spirit Ships, like a dark cloud covering the sky, speeding towards Wanxing Island.
At the bow of a certain flagship, a Ji Family Disciple reported the situation to Ji Wuheng: “Third Elder, just ahead is the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect—Wanxing Island. We will reach our destination in a few more incense sticks’ worth of time.”
Ji Wuheng gazed deeply at the distant Wanxing Island and asked indifferently, “Hmm! Is that Li Mu on this island?”
“Yes, Third Elder. According to the intelligence we received, that Li Mu opened a Li's Treasure Pavilion on the island and is very active on Wanxing Island. He recently completed several six-tier spirit treasure Artifact Refining commissions and has quite good relationships with many Sects in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region,” the Ji Family Disciple replied.
“That idiot Ji Hongsen, to actually provoke such a person, and even die by his hand, truly pathetic and laughable!” Ji Wuheng sighed helplessly, his head aching at the thought of cleaning up this mess.
On another flagship, the atmosphere was completely different from the one Ji Wuheng was on. Celestial Venerable Kun Ling and Tianshang Honored One sat opposite each other, both holding exquisite wine cups, clearly enjoying a pleasant drink. Their conversation also formed a stark contrast to Ji Wuheng’s seriousness and tension.
“I wonder what Little Friend Li’s expression will be when he sees us later,” Celestial Venerable Kun Ling said with a smile, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “This time I managed to get quite a few high-grade spiritual materials from those old geezers of the Ji Family. I’m sure it’ll surprise him greatly later!”
Tianshang Honored One burst into hearty laughter, his laugh clear and infectious, and teased, “Haha, you’re planning to have Little Friend Li refine two protective Spirit Treasures, and maybe you can seize a glimmer of hope through this!”
“Speaking of which, I’m really looking forward to seeing Little Friend Li’s expression!” Celestial Venerable Kun Ling said with a smile, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
…
Their conversation was filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Their relationship was very close, with no restraint or pressure between them, and at the same time, they approached the upcoming life-and-death mission with a carefree acceptance of fate.
At this moment, the high-ranking officials of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect gathered, along with the Cultivators on the island, to respectfully welcome the main forces of the two great immortal Sects from the Central Domain—Xuantian Sword Sect, Taiyi Sect, the Eight Great Ancient Cultivation Families, and various smaller Sects.
The massive fleet of Spirit Ships gathered, winding like a giant Dragon across the vast sky, covering the sun and sky, creating an extremely powerful visual impact.
The various Sects in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region all knew that the Central Spirit Domain had almost mobilized all its forces, preparing to launch a great demon-slaying operation against the Southern Wilderness Region. They held deep reverence for the strength and prestige of the two great immortal Sects and the Eight Great Cultivation Families from the Central Domain.
When these Sects learned that Xuantian Sword Sect, Taiyi Sect, and the Cultivation Families would pass through the Ten Thousand Islands Sect, they all sent representatives to welcome them, expressing their respect and support.
On Wanxing Island, Li's Treasure Pavilion.
“Oh no, oh no! Little Gold, quickly inform Lord Li, the Ji Family people are here!” Xue’er rushed into the warehouse, her face filled with anxiety. The Ji Family’s arrival this time would surely seek revenge on Li Mu, so she had to tell him to run quickly.
“So what if the Ji Family is here! Master is Artifact Refining right now, I dare not disturb him!” Little Gold responded with some displeasure, somewhat dismissive of Xue’er’s panic. In its opinion, the Ji Family’s arrival was no big deal. Master hadn’t killed anyone, and with them here, no matter how many Ji Family members came, they would kill them all.
“Hurry up! I told you to inform him. I’ll take any responsibility, don’t waste time!” Xue’er’s expression turned stern, her pupils slit vertically, and an Aura of the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox Bloodline erupted, instantly startling Little Gold, whose face turned pale.
Little Gold was so startled by Xue’er’s sudden burst of powerful fox might that he retreated two steps. He had never seen such a terrifying side of Xue’er. Her sharp gaze made him feel a fatal threat, and Little Gold even felt no courage to resist. However, as this thought arose, his Bloodline from the Heaven-Reaching Ape ignited his anger, furious at himself for yielding to this power.
However, Little Gold met Xue’er’s gaze and ultimately lost. The Aura on Xue’er was not only powerful and mystical but also contained an irresistible seductive force that made his mind become lost.
“Alright! Alright! I’ll inform him right away!” Little Gold answered in a hurry, then used the Spirit Control Contract Seal to send the message back to Li Mu.
Xue’er contentedly withdrew her fox might and then walked towards the secret chamber.
Watching Xue’er’s retreating figure, Little Gold recovered, feeling an unprecedented pressure and urgency. Even Xue’er was so strong now; she must be close to breaking through to the sixth tier!
Xue’er hurried her steps, arriving at the entrance of the secret chamber, looking at the tightly shut door.
“Rumble…” With a loud noise, the tightly closed secret chamber door slowly opened. Li Mu, looking tired and carrying a scorching Aura, walked out from inside the secret chamber!
“Little Gold wasn’t clear. Did the Ji Family break into the firm?”
Li Mu frowned, looking at Xue’er with a puzzled expression.
“No, but the Ji Family’s ships are about to arrive at Wanxing Island! Lord Li, let’s run quickly!” Xue’er said to Li Mu anxiously.
Li Mu was about to respond when he suddenly noticed something on his body. His expression froze for a moment. (End of Chapter)
