Inside the Sword Tower Space, Li Mu was on a rampage, defeating experienced veteran Disciples and gifted new generations alike, quickly sending them out of the Sword Tower and frantically accumulating Sect contributions.
Refining a six-tier spirit treasure only earned him 100,000 Sect contributions, but defeating one challenger could net him several thousand, while also honing his sword skills and improving his combat experience. Li Mu was tireless.
Time flowed like water, and two years passed in a blink.
During these two years, Li Mu never left the Sword Tower Space, constantly accepting challenges and defeating opponents. His reputation among the Disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect grew immensely, becoming a well-known figure, referred to as Li Laohu (Tiger) by the challengers, meaning 'roadblock tiger'.
The Disciples privately began calling him "Li Laohu (Tiger)", implying he was like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, unstoppable. His presence seemed to become an insurmountable obstacle within the Sword Tower Space, referred to by challengers as a "roadblock tiger."
At the same time, Li Mu's identity as a Guest Elder and a Grandmaster Refiner gradually became known over these two years. His Artifact Refining skills had long been a topic of praise within the Sect. Countless Disciples hoped to receive his guidance, and some were even willing to pay a huge price just to obtain a Spirit Treasure personally refined by him.
When the challengers learned of Li Mu's identity, they all paid their respects. Although they would still challenge Li Mu, they were no longer as reckless as before, and even if they lost to him, they harbored no resentment.
As a result, due to Li Mu, the number of Disciples challenging for the Sword Tower's top spot greatly decreased, which became a matter of concern for the high-ranking officials of Heaven Sword Peak.
Heaven Sword Peak - Deliberation Hall.
"Everyone, what are your thoughts on Elder Li's matter?" From the main seat in the hall, the Heaven Sword Peak Master, Venerable Fang Hong, scanned the Faces of the Elders and asked.
The Elders below began to discuss in low voices, some showing worry, others appearing thoughtful.
A white-bearded Elder spoke first: "Peak Master, Elder Li Mu's performance in the Sword Tower is truly remarkable. His sword skills, cultivation, and strength, like his Artifact Refining skills, are all exceptional. However, because of him, the number of people challenging him has greatly decreased, which may not be a good thing for the Sect's younger generation."
Another middle-aged Elder also nodded in agreement: "Indeed, the Sword Tower was originally a place to hone Disciples' sword skills, but now it is neglected due to the presence of Elder Li Mu. This is truly a pity."
Heaven Sword Peak Master, Venerable Fang Hong, sighed softly and said: "I naturally know this, but Elder Li is a Guest Elder and has made great contributions to the Sect. Furthermore, due to the Sword Tower's rules, we cannot forcibly interfere with his actions in the Sword Tower!"
Just then, a green-robed Elder stood up, cupped his hands, and said: "Peak Master, I have a suggestion that might solve this dilemma."
A hint of curiosity flashed in Venerable Fang Hong's eyes, and he said: "Oh? Tell me."
The green-robed Elder nodded and indicated: "Since Elder Li Mu's influence in the Sword Tower is so great, why don't we invite our Peak's Chief Sword Child, Ling Feng, to come out of seclusion? He can challenge Elder Li. Ling Feng is one of the most outstanding among the younger generation of our Xuantian Sword Sect; his sword skills and cultivation are excellent. With him making a move, he should be able to put some pressure on Elder Li, and perhaps even defeat his defense."
Upon hearing this, Venerable Fang Hong frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded and said: "Having Ling Feng make a move is indeed a method worth trying. His sword skills are exquisite, and his cultivation is profound, enough to compete with Elder Li Mu. However, Elder Li's methods are endless, and his strength is unfathomable; he is hailed as the number one in the Nascent Soul Realm. We cannot be careless. Even if Ling Feng makes a move, he may not easily win."
Upon hearing this, the green-robed Elder smiled slightly, nodding in agreement, and indicated: "What the Peak Master said is absolutely correct. However, our purpose in having Ling Feng make a move this time is not necessarily for him to defeat Elder Li Mu. More importantly, it is for Ling Feng, as the Chief Sword Child, to represent this Peak in conveying our dilemma and expectations to Elder Li Mu. Perhaps we can request Elder Li to challenge the higher levels or voluntarily give up defending his current position. After all, Elder Li is reasonable and should listen to persuasion."
Venerable Fang Hong's eyes lit up slightly. He looked at the green-robed Elder, then swept his gaze over the other Elders, and asked: "This method is indeed good. What do the Elders think?"
A white-haired Elder frowned and said in a deep voice: "Peak Master, although this move might achieve our goal, it would ultimately damage the honor of this Peak. Moreover, doing so also seems to desecrate the rules of the Sword Tower. The Sword Tower should be a place for Disciples to freely challenge and hone their sword skills. If we interfere in this manner, I fear it will cause dissatisfaction and questioning from other Disciples."
However, another burly Elder held a different opinion. He loudly declared: "Elder Li has defended his position in the Sword Tower for a long time, and he is almost invincible, which has made many Disciples lose the courage to challenge him. His presence has caused the Sword Tower to lose its intended function of tempering. Having Sword Child Ling Feng go to persuade him is already giving him enough Face. Moreover, we are considering the overall interests of the Sect; there is nothing wrong with doing so."
Upon hearing this, the Elders began to discuss animatedly, each expressing their own opinions. Some believed that although this move was somewhat inappropriate, it was a necessary measure to resolve the current dilemma; others insisted that the rules of the Sword Tower should be respected, allowing Disciples to challenge freely.
Observing the Elders' debate, Venerable Fang Hong quickly made a decision and slowly said: "What the Elders said all has merit. But, as high-ranking officials of the Sect, we must consider the overall interests of the Sect."
Venerable Fang Hong paused, then continued: "Elder Li's influence in the Sword Tower is indeed too great. His presence has made many young Disciples lose the courage to challenge, which is undoubtedly a huge blow to the Sect's younger generation. Their competitive spirit and determination to temper themselves are overshadowed by Elder Li's brilliance; this is a problem that cannot be ignored. Having Sword Child Ling Feng go to persuade him is a method worth trying. Of course, we must also respect the Sword Tower's rules. If Elder Li is unwilling to give up challenging upwards or abandon his position, and instead insists on continuing to defend, we cannot force him."
Upon hearing this, the Elders all nodded in agreement. For the overall interests of the Sect, although this move was somewhat inappropriate, it could quickly resolve the current dilemma.
Soon, Heaven Sword Peak's Chief Disciple, Ling Feng, emerged from seclusion as ordered, tasked with entering the Sword Tower to persuade Li Mu. Dressed in white robes, with a long sword on his back, he flew in, his steps firm as he entered the Sword Tower.
The news quickly spread around the Sword Tower.
The Heaven Sword Peak's Chief Disciple, Ling Feng, one of the Xuantian Sword Sect's Thirteen Sword Children, was personally preparing to re-enter the Sword Tower to challenge. As soon as this news spread, it immediately attracted the attention of a large number of Disciples.
Disciples who heard this news gathered below the Sword Tower battle rankings, discussing animatedly and constantly monitoring the status of this battle.
Some Disciples were overjoyed and excited, hoping that Sword Child Ling Feng could break Elder Li's long-term dominance of the arena and restore fair competition to the Sword Tower; others worried that Sword Child Ling Feng would also find it difficult to shake Elder Li Mu's position and would fail the challenge.
Outside the Sword Tower, crowds gathered like a tide, their discussions rising and falling like surging waves.
"I heard Senior Brother Ling has been in seclusion for a long time. This time he's coming out, it must be to challenge Elder Li Mu," one Disciple said excitedly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Yes, last time Senior Brother Ling challenged, he seemed to have entered the top thirty. This time he's definitely aiming for the top," another Disciple added, his tone full of admiration and trust for Ling Feng.
However, some Disciples offered a different perspective, reminding: "Elder Li has defended his position for two years, unbeatable. Even Tai Xuan Peak's Sword Child, Chang Ming, was defeated. This time, even if Senior Brother Ling makes a move, I'm afraid he won't be able to break this stalemate!"
"Indeed, Elder Li's strength is unfathomable. It won't be easy to defeat him," another Disciple echoed, a worried expression unknowingly appearing in his eyes.
Hundreds, even thousands, of Disciples gathered around the Sword Tower battle rankings. They quickly converged upon hearing the news, surrounding the rankings, discussing endlessly, creating a lively scene.
Over these two years, countless Sect elites, whether skilled in sword techniques or exceptionally gifted, had been defeated by Li Mu's sword. Yet, without exception, none had been able to shake Li Mu's position. Even those exceptionally talented Disciples, hailed as Sword Children, had all been defeated in their attempts to challenge Li Mu, failing to break his undefeated legend.
Those who wanted to defeat Li Mu and thus gain the qualification to challenge higher levels of the Sword Tower had almost disappeared in these two years. Due to the presence of the 'roadblock tiger', the number of challengers entering the Sword Tower had also decreased.
Before long, Ling Feng's real-time battle status appeared on the Sword Tower battle rankings.
Ling Feng advanced triumphantly, consecutively 'slaying' ten sword competitors, successfully achieving ten consecutive victories, and obtaining the qualification to challenge the hundred-story Sword Tower's champion.
In the 100th floor of the Sword Tower Space, Li Mu sat cross-legged, his mind focused on the Heavenly Puppet Heart Palace trial.
It wasn't until the token on his body buzzed continuously, reminding him, that Li Mu finally came to his senses, withdrew his Divine Sense from the Heavenly Puppet Heavenly Palace trial, and became fully awake.
"Elder Li, you truly have a lot of leisure!"
Just as Li Mu withdrew his mind and was about to check the token, a playful voice suddenly echoed within the Sword Tower Space.
Li Mu looked up and saw a white-robed young man appear out of thin air in the Sword Tower Space, floating in the air, smiling as he looked at him.
"My apologies, you've waited a long time." Li Mu's voice carried a hint of apology. As the Sword Tower's champion, he needed to be ready to accept challenges at any time, but just now he had been completely immersed in the Heavenly Puppet Heart Palace trial, somewhat distracted.
"This is my first time meeting Elder Li; you probably don't know me. Heaven Sword Peak - Ling Feng." The elegant white-robed young man walked gracefully to Li Mu, politely saluted with his sword, and introduced himself.
Li Mu nodded, a friendly smile on his Face, and returned the salute with his sword: "Seven Gods Peak - Li Mu! A pleasure to meet you."
Ling Feng nodded, looked at Li Mu, and smiled: "Elder Li, may I speak first before we fight?"
"Hmm! Please do!" Li Mu nodded readily.
"Elder Li, you have occupied the 100th floor of the Sword Tower as champion for two years now. During this time, you have accepted challenges from many elite Disciples within the Sect. However, with your record and strength, you should be able to defend a position on the tenth floor of the Sword Tower. Yet, you are occupying the 100th floor, which suggests monopolizing the arena. This has suppressed many elite Disciples of the Sect, making them hesitant to challenge easily, which violates the Sword Tower's rules of fair competition and has caused a considerable blow to our Sect's Disciples."
Upon hearing this, Li Mu raised an eyebrow, but his heart remained calm. He smiled faintly and said: "Fellow Daoist Ling Feng, I naturally understand what you are saying. However, this Sword Tower arena is inherently a place where the strong prevail. I have occupied this level's champion position, undergone many battles, and defeated countless challengers to successfully defend it. As for suppressing Sect Disciples, I did not do it intentionally; it is simply that their strength was insufficient, and they failed to defeat me."
"As for your suggestion of defending a position on the tenth floor of the Sword Tower, that is a challenge I have never attempted. However, I am not seeking ease; I simply wish to spar and exchange insights with more Disciples here, to progress together. If there is a powerful Disciple who can defeat me, I will naturally yield the champion's position."
Li Mu paused here, looking directly at Ling Feng, and explained: "Moreover, my occupying this hundred-story Sword Tower champion position is not without contribution. During this period, I have also guided many challengers, competing and verifying each other, improving our Sword Dao cultivation together. How can it be called monopolizing the arena?"
Ling Feng listened to Li Mu's words, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He had not expected Li Mu to Face his questioning so frankly, and moreover, to articulate such well-reasoned words. He couldn't help but feel a certain admiration for Li Mu's demeanor and magnanimity.
"What Elder Li said is absolutely correct. I have learned much." Ling Feng cupped his hands in a salute and said with a smile.
It was not good to argue with Li Mu about this matter; he only needed to convey the Peak Master's intention.
Ling Feng changed the subject, smiling at Li Mu, and gestured with his sword: "I came to the Sword Tower today not to accuse Elder Li, but merely to convey the concerns of the Heaven Sword Peak Master and the high-ranking officials. My main purpose is to challenge Elder Li, hoping to spar with him in the Dao of the Sword."
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was slightly startled and thought seriously. He immediately understood the deeper meaning in Ling Feng's words; it seemed that continuing to defend the 100th floor of the Sword Tower should come to an end.
"Since it is the intention of the Heaven Sword Peak Master and the Elders, I will naturally take it to heart." Li Mu looked at Ling Feng and nodded in response, then gestured with his sword: "I also very much look forward to sparring with Ling Daoyou."
With that, Li Mu moved, leaping onto the arena, looking at Ling Feng, and motioning: "Ling Daoyou, please!"
Seeing this, Ling Feng smiled slightly, his figure landing on the arena, standing opposite Li Mu. The atmosphere between them instantly grew tense, as if an invisible Sword Qi permeated the space between them.
"Elder Li, pardon my offense!" Ling Feng cupped his fists and said. Before his voice faded, his figure moved, transforming into a streak of sword light, and shot towards Li Mu.
Li Mu showed no carelessness. His figure flashed, dodging Ling Feng's attack. At the same time, the long sword in his hand also turned into a sword glow, slashing towards Ling Feng.
The battle between the two erupted instantly.
Sword Qi surged, and sword light flickered. The entire Sword Tower Space was rapidly filled with the Sword Qi of the two. (End of Chapter)
