After bidding farewell to Qiu Changming and Yuwen Tian, Li Mu returned to Seven Gods Mountain and immediately entered the Cultivation Room in the Sect Leader's Mansion to begin his secluded cultivation.
Inside the Cultivation Room, Li Mu sat cross-legged, his gaze fixed on the panel, adding points to the Star Codex.
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Star Codex proficiency +1."
...
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Star Codex proficiency +1, Star Codex - Star Transformation Chapter level increased to: Level One, your Divine Soul has grown, Divine Sense detection range expanded: 3%, you comprehended the Divine Sense derivative skill: Radiance of Stars."
...
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Star Codex proficiency +1, Star Codex - Star Transformation Chapter level increased to: Level Two, your Divine Soul has grown, Divine Sense detection range expanded: 8%, you comprehended the Divine Sense derivative skill: Radiance of Stars."
...
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Star Codex proficiency +1, Star Codex - Star Transformation Chapter level increased to: Level Three, your Divine Soul has grown, Divine Sense detection range expanded: 15%, you comprehended the Divine Sense derivative skill: Shield of Stars."
"Ding, lacking star source, Star Codex proficiency cannot continue to increase." This line of text suddenly appeared on the virtual panel, like a basin of cold water, instantly extinguishing the smile on Li Mu's face.
After consuming a million free proficiency points, the Star Codex had been raised to Level Three, but now, due to the lack of the crucial star source, it could not advance further.
Li Mu sighed, a trace of helplessness and regret in his eyes.
This type of star source plant spirit light cluster could only be obtained by cultivating the six-tier spiritual plant, Mou Xing Spirit Grass, which seemed out of reach for the time being.
Li Mu closed his eyes, sensing the changes in his Sea of Consciousness and Divine Soul from this Star Codex upgrade.
Originally, he had cultivated the second layer of the Star Cloud Contemplation Method—the Gathering Spirit Chapter, and after passing the Soul Transformation Lightning Tribulation, his Sea of Consciousness underwent earth-shattering changes; the starry points in his Sea of Consciousness, which were originally in the form of a star map, gradually transformed into the ethereal state of a star.
And now, with the Star Codex - Star Transformation Chapter level increasing to Level Three, his Divine Soul's ethereal state underwent another significant change; Li Mu could clearly feel that his Divine Soul had directly leaped from a star state to the appearance of a small planet. This change was incredibly clear, and Li Mu could truly feel the further etherealization of his Divine Soul; both in quantity and quality, it had achieved an unprecedented, significant improvement.
After a while, Li Mu awakened from his deep cultivation, opening his eyes, which flashed with a bright light, as if stars were revolving within them. Li Mu clearly felt the state of his Divine Soul, his heart filled with pleasant surprise. The effect of the Star Codex's level increase was surprisingly good, as if his Divine Soul had been re-polished, full of power.
When cultivating both the Star Codex and the Star Cloud Contemplation Method, Li Mu had a hint of worry, as both Cultivation Techniques were Divine Sense Cultivation Techniques, and if they conflicted during simultaneous cultivation, the consequences would be unimaginable. However, the reality exceeded his expectations. Not only did the two Cultivation Techniques not conflict, but their ethereal Fusion was exceptionally smooth. Li Mu could clearly feel that his Divine Soul's strength had increased several times through this Fusion.
Li Mu displayed a satisfied smile. The improvement of his Divine Soul meant that his Divine Sense was more acute, making everything—whether it was Cultivation, Artifact Refining, combat, or anything else—much more effortless. However, this improvement was far from reaching its limit.
Regrettably, without this star source plant spirit attribute, he could not continue to improve the two Cultivation Techniques.
Li Mu suddenly felt a bit anxious and prepared to plant a large batch of six-tier spiritual plant - Mou Xing Spirit Grass.
There were quite a few spiritual seeds of the six-tier spiritual plant - Mou Xing Spirit Grass in the Xuantian Sword Sect's exchange warehouse, but the contribution required for exchange, as well as the high-tier spiritual materials needed to assist the spiritual plant's growth, would require a considerable amount of contribution.
Earning contributions was not something that could be rushed. Li Mu took a deep breath, temporarily set it aside, and shifted his attention to the two Sword Formation Legacies, continuing to add points.
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter proficiency +1."
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"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter proficiency +1, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter level increased to: Level One, you comprehended the Early Lotus Sword Array, Moon Lotus Sword Array."
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"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter proficiency +1, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter level increased to: Level Two, you comprehended: Illusion Lotus Sword Array, Nether Lotus Sword Array."
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"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter proficiency +1, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter level increased to: Level Three, you comprehended: White Lotus Sword Array, Covering Lotus Sword Array."
...
As Li Mu added points, a series of upgrade prompts popped up in the log, followed by an endless stream of Sword Formation deployment techniques and experiences pouring into his mind, brimming with Sword Intent and soaring Evil Qi.
Li Mu, sitting cross-legged, suddenly erupted with a powerful Sword Intent, which surged like a violent storm, as if to devour everything around him. His aura became sharp and cold, like a drawn sword, its sharpness fully revealed.
Li Mu's hands trembled slightly, as if eager to grasp the hilt of a sword and unleash his own Sword Qi... With the increase in the Qing Lian Sword Array's level, he successfully comprehended several lotus-related Sword Formations, each with its own unique characteristics: the Early Lotus Sword Array was as fresh and refined as a newborn lotus, its Sword Intent nimble and ethereal; the Moon Lotus Sword Array was as mysterious and profound as a lotus bathed in moonlight, its Sword Intent deep and lingering; the White Lotus Sword Array was as pure and flawless as a blooming white lotus; and the Covering Lotus Sword Array was as dense and tough as covering lotus leaves...
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter proficiency +1, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter level increased to: Level Five, you comprehended: Red Lotus Sword Array."
...
"Ding, insufficient Innate Wood-Yi Sword Qi, insufficient Sword Intent, Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter cannot continue to increase level."
...
Finally, Li Mu was forced to pause because of the limitations of two special conditions; the Qing Lian Sword Array - Early Splendor Chapter stopped at Level 5 and could not be further improved.
Seeing this, Li Mu sighed, not finding it surprising. The Qing Lian Sword Array, this Legacy Cultivation Technique, was inherently a level higher than the Profound Heaven Sword Formation, so it was not unusual for its cultivation to require special attributes.
Li Mu continued to add points to the next Sword Formation Cultivation Technique.
"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Grand Profound Sword Array - Golden Profound Chapter proficiency +1."
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"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Grand Profound Sword Array - Golden Profound Chapter proficiency +1, Grand Profound Sword Array - Golden Profound Chapter level increased to: Level One, you comprehended: Sword Array - Earth Fiend Golden Profound."
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"Ding, you consumed one free proficiency point, Grand Profound Sword Array - Golden Profound Chapter proficiency +1, Grand Profound Sword Array - Golden Profound Chapter level increased to: Level Two, you comprehended: Sword Array - Heaven Suppressing Golden Profound."
...
The virtual log was densely packed, displaying countless prompts.
Similar to the Qing Lian Sword Array, after the Grand Profound Sword Array was raised to Level Five, it could no longer be further improved due to a lack of Innate golden origin Sword Qi and insufficient Sword Intent attributes.
Fortunately, Li Mu was already mentally prepared. After acquiring numerous sword-laying techniques from the Grand Profound Sword Array, he shifted his focus to Artifact Refining.
This time, his gains were abundant; not only did he obtain three Legacy Cultivation Techniques, but Li Mu also postponed two formation arrangement tasks with Qiu Changming and accepted fifteen tasks to refine six-tier spiritual swords.
Refining a six-tier spiritual sword for the Xuantian Sword Sect could earn 100,000 contribution points, and at the same time, the Sect provided two sets of Artifact Refining spiritual materials. If successful in one attempt, he could also gain one set of Artifact Refining spiritual materials as profit.
The rewards from Artifact Refining tasks were simply too many.
So, Li Mu took out the 'Painting World Treasure Mansion', plunged into it, summoned the Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and the Azure Moon True Dragon, and brought them along to refine artifacts.
Time flew by, and three months passed.
Seven Gods Mountain, this ancient and mysterious peak, under the blessing of the Five Elements Yin and Yang Spirit Gathering Great Array, seemed to have transformed into a vibrant ocean of Spiritual Qi. As the Great Array operated, the Five Elements Yin and Yang Qi from heaven and earth continuously gathered, making the Spiritual Qi concentration here reach an astonishing level.
Whether it was new Disciples who had just joined the Seven Profound Sect or Elders with profound cultivation, all were immersed in this rich Spiritual Qi environment. Under the nourishment of this dense Spiritual Qi, their cultivation grew daily, and some Disciples who had originally cultivated slowly gradually found opportunities for Breakthroughs here, with their strength advancing by leaps and bounds.
The entire Seven Profound Sect presented a thriving atmosphere of high cultivation enthusiasm.
On this day, two unexpected visitors, Void Refining Cultivators, arrived by air.
"Xuantian Sword Sect - Qi Yun, Yuan Zhendong, here to visit Sect Leader Li!"
The voices of the two Void Refining Cultivators resonated like a grand bell throughout Seven Gods Mountain, shaking the hearts of the Seven Profound Sect's Disciples.
The Elders of the Seven Profound Sect, leading the Core Disciples, opened the Sect's protective formation and went out to greet them.
"Seniors have traveled a long way, it is truly an honor for our Seven Profound Sect. Unfortunately, Sect Leader Li is currently in secluded cultivation and cannot personally greet you. If the two Seniors do not mind, please enter the Sect and wait for a moment. We can converse once the Sect Leader emerges from his cultivation." Fang Shixin stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed.
"Oh! Sect Leader Li is in secluded cultivation!" Qi Yun was slightly taken aback, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face. He had originally hoped to personally communicate with Sect Leader Li and commission him for Artifact Refining, but he had not expected him to be in secluded cultivation.
"May I ask, how long has Sect Leader Li been in secluded cultivation, and do you know when he will emerge?" The other Void Refining Cultivator, Yuan Zhendong, frowned, looking at Fang Shixin, and asked anxiously.
"The Sect Leader has been in secluded cultivation for three months now, and he has not indicated when he will emerge." Fang Shixin replied truthfully.
Hearing Fang Shixin's reply, Qi Yun and Yuan Zhendong exchanged glances, both feeling a bit helpless. Once an ordinary Cultivator entered secluded cultivation, he would fully immerse himself in the world of Cultivation, making it difficult to be distracted by external affairs. The duration of secluded cultivation varied; some might only be a few months, while others could last three to five years, or even longer.
Sect Leader Li had been in secluded cultivation for three months, and it was still unknown when he would emerge, which left them feeling somewhat at a loss.
Qi Yun looked at Yuan Zhendong and asked with concern, "Brother Yuan, are you willing to stay and wait for Sect Leader Li to emerge?"
Yuan Zhendong pondered upon hearing this.
Their purpose for this trip was specifically to find Li Mu for Artifact Refining. Currently, with war imminent, they were about to embark on a combat mission and were looking for a Grandmaster Refiner to refine a spiritual sword. This spiritual sword was of utmost importance to them. However, Sect Leader Li was in secluded cultivation at this time, which undoubtedly brought great trouble to their plans.
To continue waiting, or to seek someone else, Yuan Zhendong found it difficult to choose at the moment.
Just as Yuan Zhendong was hesitating, a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up and saw an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect approaching them through the air with a faint smile. This Elder was dressed in a red robe and looked at them amiably with a smile.
"Two Seniors, if I'm not mistaken, you've come to find Sect Leader Li for Artifact Refining, haven't you!" Qin Wentong looked at the two and asked with a smile.
Qi Yun and Yuan Zhendong exchanged glances and nodded in unison: "Exactly. We specifically came to seek Sect Leader Li's help in refining a spiritual sword."
Upon hearing this, Qin Wentong revealed a gentle smile, stroking his long beard lightly as he motioned: "Sect Leader Li has been in secluded cultivation for several months, and it is still uncertain when he will emerge. If the two Seniors are willing to wait here, our Seven Profound Sect will make proper arrangements; of course, if the two Seniors do not wish to wait long and want to seek someone else, that is also understandable."
Qin Wentong paused, his tone revealing respect and awe for Li Mu, and indicated: "However, refining a treasure like a six-tier spirit treasure requires extremely high Artifact Refining skills and is by no means something an ordinary Artifact Refining Great Master can accomplish. Sect Leader Li's attainments in Artifact Refining have reached the pinnacle, and refining a six-tier spirit treasure, a spiritual sword, is by no means difficult for him."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yun and Yuan Zhendong's hearts stirred slightly. Their purpose for this trip was indeed to find a Grandmaster Refiner to commission the refining of a spiritual sword. However, Sect Leader Li's secluded cultivation had put them in a dilemma.
"Fellow Daoist, are you also an Artifact Refining Great Master? Please enlighten me!" Qi Yun bowed to Qin Wentong and asked with concern.
Qin Wentong smiled slightly and indicated: "Sect Leader Li's Artifact Refining skills are unparalleled. Not long ago, he just refined three six-tier spirit treasures for several Elders of our Sect. Two Seniors, if you don't mind, why not take a look first."
Upon these words, Qi Yun and Yuan Zhendong's spirits lifted.
"Is that true!?" Qi Yun couldn't help but press, his voice revealing unconcealable excitement.
"Where are the three Spirit Treasures?" Yuan Zhendong asked eagerly, also desperately wanting to witness the splendor of such treasures with his own eyes.
Seeing this, Qin Wentong smiled and looked at Fang Shixin, Ge Xinyu, and Nangong Chenxing.
These three were the fortunate ones for whom Sect Leader Li had personally refined six-tier spirit treasures.
Fang Shixin, Ge Xinyu, and Nangong Chenxing met Qin Wentong's suggestive gaze and glared at him in annoyance. Although they were somewhat displeased by Qin Wentong suddenly bringing this up, they thought that this was also a good opportunity to showcase Sect Leader Li's Artifact Refining skills to Qi Yun and Yuan Zhendong, so they each took out the six-tier spirit treasures they had commissioned Li Mu to refine.
What appeared in Fang Shixin's hand was a long sword, its blade gleaming with brilliant light, and its edge exuding a chilling aura, clearly a rare six-tier spiritual sword. Ge Xinyu, on the other hand, summoned a spiritualized water fish, emitting a nimble and crystalline spiritual glow, giving people an extremely nimble feeling. And Nangong Chenxing summoned a reddish-yellow spiritual turtle, which quickly transformed into an earthen-yellow giant shield, exuding an extremely profound aura, as if containing the powerful force of the earth.
As soon as the three six-tier spirit treasures were displayed, they immediately attracted the envious gazes of the crowd, as well as the attention of Qi Yun and Yuan Zhendong.
