Li Mu was slightly stunned, his gaze falling on the newcomer. For a moment, he could hardly believe his eyes.
He hadn't expected to see an old acquaintance today. Dressed in a cyan robe, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, a hint of indescribable melancholy hung between his brows. Years seemed to have left few traces on his face, yet his eyes held an undeniable weariness.
The newcomer was none other than Executive Fang, an Elder of the Xuantian Sword Sect. They hadn't met in over twenty Years. The Executive Fang in Li Mu's memory was full of soaring Sword Intent and high spirits.
"Master Li, long time no see! How have you been?"
Led by Xue'er, Fang Yunjian stepped into the inner hall. His gaze fixed on Li Mu as he greeted him with a smile.
Looking at Li Mu, Fang Yunjian's expression was calm, but his heart was quite shaken. In just over twenty Years, his cultivation had advanced from the Middle Stage of Nascent Soul to the Soul Transformation Realm. On the way here, he had heard many stories about him: cultivating all Five Elements, unparalleled Sword Arts, Body Refining ability comparable to the Seven-Order White Whale Demon Emperor, and the ability to defeat Void Refining Cultivators across Realms… When he underwent the Soul Transformation Lightning Tribulation, he even subdued and refined the Seven-Order Lightning Tribulation Heavenly Fire, Yin Yang Lightning Fire, with his bare hands.
"Executive Fang, it has indeed been many Years. You still possess the same distinguished Aura!" Li Mu responded with a smile.
After exchanging pleasantries, Li Mu invited them to sit in the main hall, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.
"Master Li, to be frank, I came today under the Sword Master's command to ask for your assistance!" Fang Yunjian looked at Li Mu and went straight to the point.
"Executive Fang, please speak frankly. Is the Sword Master looking for me to Artifact Refining? I am currently unable to Artifact Refining a Seven-Order Dao Weapon!" Li Mu said with a hint of doubt, quickly gesturing.
Fang Yunjian shook his head and indicated, "No! It's not Artifact Refining, it's something else. The Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region is far from the Central State Spirit Domain. To resist the invasion of the Nine Demon Sect and Demon Abyss forces, the Sword Master plans to set up an Ancient Teleportation Array in this Domain. However, several Array Masters are helpless with this Ancient Teleportation Array, so they would like to ask the Formation Master of your Treasure Firm for help!"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu fell silent, a tangle of thoughts in his heart.
The Formation Master of Li's Treasure Pavilion… wasn't that him!
Possessing Artifact Refining Skill at the Grandmaster Refiner Realm was already very dazzling. If he were to also announce his Array Formation Skill at the Great Master Realm, wouldn't that be too much?
Li Mu didn't want to be too high-profile and instinctively wanted to find an excuse to decline.
However, Li Mu suddenly recalled the future scene he had glimpsed with the Time Luck Spirit Turtle, and it seemed he had no choice but to help with this favor.
The Xuantian Sword Sect's strength and status were crucial in the Central State Spirit Domain. If he could help them solve this problem and take the Opportunity to make a small request, it would undoubtedly bring immense benefits by incidentally resolving the fatal threats from the Nine Demon Sect and Demon Abyss.
It seemed he had no choice but to help with this favor!
"Several Formation Masters highly praise Li's Treasure Pavilion's protective Formation. Master Li, who set up your Treasure Firm's protective Formation? Could you introduce them?" Fang Yunjian looked at the silent Li Mu, anxiously pressing him.
Li Mu came back to his senses, having made a decision. He smiled faintly and introduced, "Executive Fang, there's no need to rush. Since the Sword Master has asked, I will naturally do my best to help. To be frank, the protective Formation of Li's Treasure Pavilion was personally set up by me."
"Master Li, is that true?" Fang Yunjian looked at Li Mu with a surprised expression, seemingly unable to believe his ears.
This was too much of a Prodigy!
Fang Yunjian stared intently at Li Mu, as if he didn't recognize him.
Previously, he only knew that Li Mu was a Grandmaster Refiner, but he never expected that he was also proficient in Array Formation Skill. Such a versatile person was truly too rare.
As if he had already anticipated Fang Yunjian's reaction, Li Mu smiled slightly and explained, "Artifact Refining requires setting up Artifact Formations, which have commonalities with Formations. So, I learned Array Formation Skill casually."
After a pause, Li Mu looked at Fang Yunjian and indicated, "However, I haven't learned the Ancient Teleportation Array. It's uncertain whether I can help with this favor! Executive Fang, this matter needs careful consideration!"
Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Fang Yunjian's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Naturally. Master Li, do you have time now? Sword Master Feng and several Formation Masters are waiting." Fang Yunjian looked at Li Mu and invited him.
Li Mu pondered for a moment, then nodded, "Since that's the case, I'll go with you. I also want to see the Ancient Teleportation Array!"
Fang Yunjian nodded with joy, sighing with relief as if a burden had been lifted.
So, Fang Yunjian took Li Mu and left Li's Treasure Pavilion, flying towards Sky Spirit Island, adjacent to Wanxing Island.
"Our Sect's base is located on Sky Spirit Island, next to Wanxing Island. The allied forces from the Central State Spirit Domain and various major powers are all stationed on this island." Fang Yunjian led the way while introducing Sky Spirit Island to Li Mu.
The two flew for about half an hour before arriving above Sky Spirit Island. Below, Spiritual Qi swirled and mist curled, with buildings standing tall on the island and Sword Towers soaring into the clouds, presenting a prosperous scene.
Subsequently, Fang Yunjian discussed the war situation in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, his tone heavy and full of worry.
The Southern Wilderness war was a complete defeat, with heavy casualties. The Nine Demon Sect and Demon Abyss forces used despicable means, enslaving the Southern Wilderness Yao Race and making them the vanguard of the Demon Race's invasion. These former allies had now become the greatest enemies, and the fate of the Southern Wilderness Yao Race also took a huge turn. The native Human Race of the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, both Mortals and Cultivators, suffered even heavier casualties.
The last gathering of top powers in the Central State Spirit Domain dealt a fatal blow to the Nine Demon Sect and Demon Abyss, but it could not completely curb the invasion from the Demon Abyss. Now, they were retreating to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, preparing for a long-term war.
Through Fang Yunjian's narration, Li Mu also understood the importance of successfully setting up the Ancient Teleportation Array.
The two flew along, communicating with Divine Thought, and soon descended from Sky Spirit Island.
Sky Spirit Island was not far from Wanxing Island, but the scenery was vastly different. Many forces were stationed on Sky Spirit Island, with diverse architectural styles, including ancient Daoist temples and magnificent cities. Various Auras intertwined, embodying both the tranquility and transcendence of Cultivators and the tension and killing intent of warriors.
Fang Yunjian led Li Mu through Sky Spirit Island. Along the way, they encountered many Cultivators who, upon seeing Fang Yunjian, greeted him respectfully. However, their gazes constantly fell on Li Mu, and it was clear that many had recognized this Grandmaster Refiner.
Li Mu smiled calmly, responding to their gazes with neither humility nor arrogance.
Fang Yunjian led Li Mu to descend into a plaza on the island.
At this time, a group of people had already been waiting in the plaza for a long time, their gazes all focused on Li Mu.
Li Mu's gaze was drawn to an ordinary old man among them.
He wore a white robe, with silver sword-like brows and a lean face. His eyes were deep. This seemingly ordinary old man exuded an extraordinary Aura, inspiring awe.
"Sword Master, this is Great Master Li Mu." Fang Yunjian introduced him to Sword Master Feng.
Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng's face broke into a joyful smile. He carefully observed Li Mu, nodding and praising with a smile, "Great Master Li, I have long admired your name. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
Li Mu quickly bowed, humbly responding, "Senior, you overpraise me. I am merely a Loose Cultivator, with only some empty fame."
"Haha! If it's about anything else, I wouldn't dare to make a judgment, but when it comes to the Dao of the Sword, I still have some discernment. Great Master Li, though young, has not yet attained the Sword Heart, but has already comprehended the Sword Domain. The name 'Li Jianxian' is not an exaggeration." Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu, laughed heartily, and praised him.
Hearing Sword Master Feng's praise, Li Mu was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected his Sword Domain Divine Ability to be seen through by him. What sharp eyesight!
"Sword Master, you overpraise me. I have only gained a slight comprehension, and I am still very far from the true Dao of the Sword!" Li Mu gave a wry smile and quickly responded.
Fang Yunjian, on the other hand, looked at Sword Master Feng with a surprised expression, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"Sword Master, are you saying that Great Master Li has not mastered the Sword Heart, but has comprehended the Sword Domain Divine Ability? How is that possible?" Fang Yunjian looked at Sword Master Feng, asking incredulously for confirmation.
Sword Intent, Sword Heart, Sword Soul, Sword Domain—their Realm relationships deepen one by one, and they are extremely closely related. It is almost impossible to control the latter without mastering the former.
Sword Master Feng looked at Fang Yunjian and explained calmly, "This is not impossible. Although Sword Heart and Sword Domain are related, they are two different Realms. Although Great Master Li has not mastered the Sword Heart, he has made a Breakthrough in comprehending the Sword Domain, which is very rare, but also possible."
Seemingly organizing his thoughts, Sword Master Feng continued, "To obtain the Sword Heart is actually not difficult. As long as a person can focus on the Dao of the Sword and Cultivate persistently, over time, they will naturally gradually comprehend the true meaning of the Sword Heart. However, Great Master Li's Sword Arts are quite diverse, and he may find it difficult to master the Sword Heart in a short period of time."
Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu and said curiously, "As for the Sword Domain, I presume Great Master Li has had some special Opportunity in the Dao of the Sword! People who can obtain the Sword Domain Divine Ability usually have had special Opportunities in the Dao of the Sword. That Great Master Li can possess this Sword Domain Divine Ability at merely the Soul Transformation Realm truly surprises me!"
After speaking, Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu curiously, his eyes gleaming with inquiry, clearly very interested in Li Mu's special Opportunity.
The power of Sword Domain Divine Ability generally requires advancement to Void Refining before it can be obtained. However, he possessed the Sword Domain Divine Ability prematurely at the Soul Transformation Realm, and this Opportunity truly made him curious.
Li Mu smiled and nodded, admitting frankly, "Indeed, in my early Years, I accidentally obtained a Sword Array Technique. The Sword Domain Divine Ability was gained after cultivating it to a profound level."
"So it was bestowed by a Sword Array Technique, what a great Opportunity!" Sword Master Feng nodded knowingly and said sincerely, "It is truly rare for Great Master Li to obtain such a precious technique. May I borrow it for a look? Rest assured, I will never take advantage of Great Master Li. I am willing to exchange it for other high-level Sword Arts for your perusal. If not, I will not force it."
"Sword Master, you are too polite. There is no problem at all!" Li Mu smiled and nodded, then immersed his Divine Thought into the nine storage spiritual pearl, searching for a while.
Soon, Li Mu took out the long-sealed "Sword Array Basic Chapter" and presented it with both hands.
Sword Master Feng took the "Sword Array Basic Chapter" and flipped through it, a wry smile immediately appearing on his face.
Sword Master Feng was more than familiar with this Sword Array Technique. Although this technique was precious, for an expert like him, it was not a rare item. However, Li Mu had actually comprehended the Sword Domain Divine Ability with this very technique.
Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu with a complex expression and asked emotionally, "Great Master Li, did you truly Cultivate the Sword Domain Divine Ability using only this technique?"
"Indeed! Is there a problem?" Li Mu asked, puzzled.
Fang Yunjian curiously glanced at the cover of the technique, and a complex expression immediately appeared on his face as well.
"Master Li, this Sword Array Technique you obtained is one of our Sect's core Sword Arts." Fang Yunjian quickly responded, then explained, "Although the power of the Sword Array is formidable, it is extremely difficult to master. It involves multiple aspects such as Sword Momentum, Formation orientation, Divine Thought strength, and Sword Qi fluctuations, requiring extremely strong Sword Dao talent and comprehension ability to master."
After a pause, Fang Yunjian looked at Li Mu and indicated, "Master Li, to be able to comprehend the Sword Domain Divine Ability using this Sword Array Technique, you must have cultivated this Sword Array Technique to a very profound level!"
"Is this Sword Array Technique something your Sect lost?" Li Mu did not answer directly, feigning surprise and asking with concern.
"No, it's a technique that our Sect has passed down by chance, just an incomplete chapter. Master Li, no need to be nervous!" Sword Master Feng smiled slightly, quickly reassuring him, then happily said, "Master Li, with such powerful Sword Dao talent, are you willing to join our Sect and continue learning the subsequent Legacy techniques of this Sword Array Basic Chapter?"
"Uh, let's discuss that later! Weren't we here to solve the teleportation Array problem today?" Li Mu hesitated for a moment, avoiding the question and redirecting the topic back to the teleportation Array.
Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng's brows furrowed slightly, feeling very surprised. He had originally thought that with his identity and status, when he invited Li Mu to join the Sect in person, the other party would readily accept. He hadn't expected to be rejected, which made him feel a bit displeased.
"Master Li is absolutely right. Let's discuss this later. First, let's solve the teleportation Array problem." Fang Yunjian quickly broke the awkward atmosphere, looking at the Formation Masters and indicating, "The protective Formation of Li's Treasure Pavilion was personally set up by Great Master Li."
Upon hearing this, the surrounding Formation Masters who were watching the show immediately became energetic.
Sword Master Feng's eyes lit up, his previously displeased expression instantly vanished, and his gaze towards Li Mu became much kinder. Such a Prodigy indeed had the right to refuse his invitation.
"Great Master Li, so you are the expert who set up the protective Formation of Li's Treasure Pavilion!" Array Master Lin Fude exclaimed, looking at Li Mu.
"The protective Formation of Li's Treasure Pavilion is immensely powerful. It is truly a blessing of three lifetimes to see Great Master Li in person today!" Formation Master Tao Ming echoed with emotion.
...
The Formation Masters surrounded Li Mu, offered a round of compliments, then took out the Formation diagram of the Ancient Teleportation Array and began to seek Li Mu's guidance.
Facing their questions, Li Mu appeared very humble and patient, carefully examining the Formation diagram and contemplating the methods for repairing and setting up the Ancient Teleportation Array. (End of Chapter)
