The moonlight was like water, sprinkling over the courtyard of the Sect Leader's Mansion, and its hazy silver glow added a touch of mystery and romance to this tranquil space.
In the courtyard, the lights were bright, like scattered stars, reflecting the moonlight in the night sky, together creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Li Mu sat quietly by the stone table, his posture tall and his demeanor extraordinary, holding a cup of Spiritual Tea, its aroma wafting.
Beside the stone table, Xue'er accompanied him silently, her clear eyes filled with admiration for Li Mu.
She wore a plain white long dress, like a Fairy descended from the moon palace, fresh and refined, her gaze never leaving Li Mu, as if in this quiet night, her world only contained him.
Li Mu took a sip of the Spiritual Tea, its aroma quickly spreading in his mouth, bringing a unique sweetness and freshness that invigorated his spirit and delighted his heart.
Li Mu slightly closed his eyes, as if savoring its taste.
"Lord Li, is it good?" Xue'er asked softly, a proud smile on her Face, explaining, "This is the Jade Bud Spiritual Tea that Xue'er managed to get with great difficulty.
It is said to come from the only Jade Spirit Mother Tea Tree of the Jade Water Spiritual Spring on Sky Cloud Spiritual Mountain, producing only a few catties each year, making it incomparably precious."
Li Mu opened his eyes, looked at Xue'er, smiled, and nodded, "It is indeed good tea, clear and mellow, with an endless aftertaste.
Xue'er, you've gone to great trouble."
"Lord Li, as long as you like it!" Xue'er's pretty Face bloomed into an even brighter smile upon hearing this, her heart filled with joy.
"Hmm, Shopkeeper Liu is here, you should make her a cup too!" At this moment, Li Mu suddenly noticed something and looked in a certain direction.
As soon as his voice fell, Liu Yalan's figure, arriving on her sword, appeared before the two of them.
She was dressed in a light purple long dress, its hem gently fluttering in the wind, like a Fairy descending to the mortal world.
Liu Yalan lightly landed in the courtyard, her gaze falling on Li Mu and Xue'er, a slight smile appearing on her Face.
"Sect Master, Xue'er, you are here tasting tea, what a refined hobby."
"Sister Liu, you're here! Just in time, Xue'er just brewed a pot of Jade Bud Spiritual Tea, you should try it too." Xue'er quickly poured tea and greeted her.
Liu Yalan's eyes flashed with curiosity upon hearing this.
She walked to the stone table and sat down, took the teacup Xue'er handed her, and took a sip.
Immediately, her Face showed a look of pleasant surprise, and she praised, "It's sweet with a clear fragrance, cleansing the soul and enhancing Divine Sense.
It is indeed a rare and good tea."
Seeing that Liu Yalan also liked the Jade Bud Spiritual Tea, Xue'er was even happier, smiling as she refilled her cup.
The three of them then sat around the stone table, sipping tea and chatting leisurely.
"Building Master, in these past few years, Yalan has not disappointed, reopening Li's Treasure Pavilion and finding Nine Yin Spirit Grass, Azure Sea Blue Jade, and other Spiritual Plants.
At the same time, I also found the reversing death spirit grass, as well as clues for several hard-to-find Spiritual Materials.
Building Master, please take a look." Liu Yalan put down her teacup, took out a storage ring from her bosom, and handed it to Li Mu, introducing it.
Li Mu took the storage ring and swept it with his Divine Thought, only to see a dazzling array of Spiritual Plants and high-grade Spiritual Materials within, with three Nine Yin Spirit Grass clearly among them.
Li Mu couldn't help but show a satisfied smile.
Among them, a green Jade Slip, presumably, recorded the whereabouts of rare Spiritual Objects like the reversing death spirit grass, Qingming Sword Bamboo, and Time-Space Spirit Lotus.
Li Mu quickly took out the Jade Slip, immersed his Divine Sense, and read its contents.
According to the contents recorded in the Jade Slip, Li Mu obtained intelligence about the suspected growth location of the reversing death spirit grass, deep within an ice plain in the extreme north, where the cold Qi was biting, making it difficult for ordinary Cultivators to approach.
In a ten-thousand-zhang deep abyss on the ice plain, a Void Refining Cultivator accidentally discovered clues to the suspected appearance of the reversing death spirit grass while searching for Spiritual Materials.
At a place where Yin and Yang converge at the core of the abyss, a deathly still aura permeated the surroundings.
Its leaves were dark black, emitting a faint glow, as if possessing the power to devour all vitality, and blood light radiated in all directions, which perfectly matched the growth environment and mature appearance required by the reversing death spirit grass.
The growth conditions of the reversing death spirit grass are extremely harsh.
It generally grows at the junction of the Yin and Yang realms, absorbing the power of Heaven and Earth Yin and Yang, extracting living souls as nourishment, bearing fruit every thousand years, and blooming every thousand years.
When it blooms, Heaven and Earth undergo a strange phenomenon, ten thousand ghosts wail, and Heaven and Earth appear in a blood-red light.
In addition to the reversing death spirit grass, there were also clues for several sixth-order Spiritual Materials, but there was no Qingming Sword Bamboo or Time-Space Spirit Lotus that Li Mu wanted, which inevitably left him a little disappointed.
Noticing Li Mu's expression, Liu Yalan quickly said, "Building Master, I will do my best to collect and inquire about the intelligence on other Spiritual Objects.
Please give me more time."
Li Mu heard this, smiled, and nodded, comforting her, "It's alright, the remaining few Spiritual Objects are indeed hard to find.
I am already very satisfied that you were able to help me find the Nine Yin Spirit Grass and the clues for the reversing death spirit grass in such a short time.
The others can come slowly!"
Xue'er chimed in, "That's right! Sister Liu, you've already worked very hard, there's no need to rush.
Take your time, and you'll find them eventually."
"Hmm, for now, you can stay in the Sect." Li Mu looked at Liu Yalan and gently invited her, "In half a month, the Seven Profound Sect will hold a grand Sect Ceremony, and many eminent Seniors will come to observe.
If you stay, you can not only witness this grand event but also use this Opportunity to make friends with like-minded individuals."
Liu Yalan's eyes flashed with excitement upon hearing this, and she gladly accepted the order, saying, "Understood, Building Master, this Sect Ceremony will surely attract many eminent Seniors because of you.
Please rest assured, I will do my utmost to entertain them well and take the Opportunity to expand the connections of Li's Treasure Pavilion."
Li Mu listened to Liu Yalan's words, slightly opened his mouth, wanting to explain that he didn't mean that, however, upon second thought, the situation did seem to be exactly like that.
With the countless Spirit Treasures he had refined for the Xuantian Sword Sect over the years, it was difficult for him not to become famous, and the urgent requests from several Elders of the Seven Profound Sect for him to attend this ceremony also seemed to be based on this idea.
Thinking of this, Li Mu smiled helplessly and did not try to explain further.
Half a month passed in a flash, and the day of the Sect Ceremony finally arrived.
On this day, the Seven Profound Sect was bustling with activity, as guests from all over flocked to witness this grand event.
For half a month, the entire Seven Profound Sect had been immersed in a busy and joyful atmosphere.
Inside and outside the Sect, both Elders and Disciples were busy preparing for the upcoming Sect Ceremony, handling various matters.
Every corner within the Sect was cleaned meticulously, spotless.
The already ancient and elegant buildings now radiated a new luster, as if every stone and every tile was narrating the Sect's history and glory.
The gardens within the Sect were even more adorned with blooming flowers, a riot of colors.
Various Spiritual Flowers and exotic plants bloomed in competition, emitting a faint fragrance that refreshed one's mind and heart.
And those Spirit Beasts and Spiritual Birds were also meticulously groomed; they either danced gracefully or soared high, adding a vibrant touch to the entire Sect.
In addition to these, the Spiritual Qi within the Sect also became more abundant.
This was because the Sect Elders had specially spent a large amount of Spirit Stones to fully operate the Yin and Yang Five Elements Spirit Gathering Great Array, gathering the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to the Seven Major Peaks of the Sect, which not only made the environment within the Sect more pleasant but also added a solemn and sacred touch to the upcoming Ceremony.
As the bell for the Sect Ceremony rang, guests from all directions arrived on Spiritual Boats, Dharma Carriages, Spiritual Birds, or by sword, presenting a grand and solemn scene.
They came from different Sects and Cultivation Families, some were renowned Elders, others were overlords who shook one side, and their arrival caused the entire Seven Profound Sect to boil with excitement.
"Taiyi Immortal Sect, Grand Elder Hu has arrived!"
With a resounding voice, an old man with white hair and beard, possessing an immortal aura, slowly descended.
He wore a green Dharma robe and held a jade sword, appearing grand and imposing.
It was Hu Tianyi of the Taiyi Immortal Sect, who personally arrived, immediately drawing everyone's attention and respect.
Immediately after, another voice rang out: "Northern Underworld Mansion, Grand Prefect has arrived!"
A burly, dignified middle-aged man was seen riding a giant Spirit Beast, stepping through the air.
The Grand Prefect of the Northern Underworld Mansion, one of the overlords of the Northern Region of the Central Spiritual Domain, his arrival made the atmosphere of the Ceremony even more enthusiastic.
Subsequently, Elder Qiu of the Xuantian Upper Sect, Kun Yuan Venerable of the Eight Great Families, and Shangguan Hong Venerable of the Shangguan Family, among others, also arrived successively.
They either rode Spiritual Boats, or controlled Spiritual Birds, or flew on swords, each displaying their Divine Abilities, making it a feast for the eyes.
Li Mu, accompanied by the Elders of the Seven Profound Sect, personally welcomed the arrival of the distinguished guests.
"Little Friend Li, long time no see, I hope you've been well!"
Hu Yiming looked at Li Mu, who was wearing the Seven Profound Sect Leader's robe, and greeted him with a complex expression.
"Senior Hu!" Li Mu cupped his hands in return, a sincere smile on his Face: "Indeed, it has been many years since we last met, Senior's demeanor remains as before, truly a cause for celebration."
"Little Friend Li, back then I earnestly invited you to my Taiyi Sect, but now you've joined the Xuantian Sword Sect, which truly disappointed me for a long time!" Hu Yiming looked at Li Mu, unable to smile, and spoke with a hint of resentment.
Li Mu felt a wave of helplessness upon hearing this; he naturally understood Hu Yiming's meaning.
He had indeed received an invitation from the Taiyi Sect back then, but ultimately chose to stay in the Xuantian Sword Sect.
This was not because he looked down on the Taiyi Sect, but rather due to a series of coincidences, forced by circumstances, he naturally joined the Xuantian Sword Sect.
At this moment, a red-robed old man walked out from the crowd; it was Qiu Yuanhong of the Xuantian Sword Sect.
"Fellow Daoist Hu, you're too attached." Qiu Yuanhong sighed softly, walked up to Li Mu, and advised, "Elder Li joining the Seven Profound Sect is an Opportunity, and also a matter of conforming to destiny.
We Cultivators should follow nature and not force things, let alone, after Elder Li joined our Sect, he has flourished and achieved extraordinary accomplishments.
Why should Fellow Daoist Hu be so persistent and bear a grudge?"
"Easy for you to say, who knows if Little Friend Li had some unspeakable difficulties when he joined the Xuantian Sword Sect!" Hu Yiming sneered, looking at Li Mu and gesturing, "Little Friend Li, if you have any difficulties, just say so.
In this Central Spiritual Domain, my Taiyi Sect still has some standing and can stand up for you."
Li Mu felt a surge of helplessness, knowing that Hu Yiming still held a grudge about his joining the Xuantian Sword Sect, so he could only kindly persuade him, "Senior Hu, thank you for your concern.
My choice to join the Xuantian Sword Sect was a matter of coincidence, and also a correct choice.
I have met many like-minded fellow Disciples, and there is no such thing as what you are worried about."
"Is that so!"
Upon hearing this, Hu Yiming was unwilling, staring into Li Mu's eyes, seemingly wanting to see something within them.
However, Li Mu's gaze was firm and open, leaving him unable to find any flaws.
Just then, the ceremonial bell suddenly rang nine times, its sound loud and prolonged, echoing throughout the entire hall.
Immediately after, a clear and powerful announcement of distinguished guests from the Seven Profound Sect Disciples rang out.
"Upper Sect - Xuantian Sword Sect, Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen have arrived!"
As this announcement fell, a "buzz" sound filled the hall, and the originally bustling crowd suddenly fell silent as if their throats had been choked.
Everyone's gaze simultaneously turned towards the outside of the hall, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two distinguished guests.
Hu Yiming, Qiu Yuanhong, and the crowd present all stood up, tidied their clothes, and bowed in salute.
They knew that the arrival of these two Sword Masters was not only a sign of respect for the Seven Profound Sect but also an acknowledgment and encouragement for them as Cultivators.
After a short while, two middle-aged men, dressed in green and yellow robes, slowly walked into the hall.
They possessed extraordinary temperaments and composed demeanors; one exuded sharp brilliance, while the other was inwardly reserved and profound, giving off an otherworldly feeling.
They were precisely Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen of the Xuantian Sword Sect.
Their appearance immediately drew everyone's attention, and people stepped forward to salute them, expressing their welcome and respect.
Looking at the two Sword Masters, Hu Yiming was even more astonished.
They had never expected that the two busy Sword Masters would personally appear at the Sect Ceremony of a mere lower Sect; they must have come for Li Mu's Face.
Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen, however, smiled and nodded in response to everyone, both glancing at Hu Yiming, and then, their gazes simultaneously locked onto Li Mu, who was surrounded by the crowd.
"Junior Brother Chen, this is Elder Li.
Perhaps one day, you can ask him to refine a Dao Weapon for you." Sword Master Feng looked at Sword Master Chen beside him with a beaming smile, introducing Li Mu to him.
Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu, introducing Sword Master Chen to him with a kind smile, saying, "Elder Li, this is Chen Qingxuan, one of the seven Sword Masters of our Sect.
You can ask him about the Spiritual Seed of the Qingming Sword Bamboo you're looking for."
Li Mu quickly cupped his hands in salute to Chen Qingxuan, pleading, "Junior Li Mu greets Sword Master Chen.
If I can receive Sword Master Chen's assistance, Junior will be eternally grateful."
"Haha, Elder Li, you're too polite.
The two Qingming Sword Bamboos were obtained by me in the Vortex Spirit Secret Realm, however, it might not be easy for you to obtain the Spiritual Seed of this bamboo!
The Vortex Spirit Secret Realm requires Void Refining cultivation to be safe.
However, the Opportunity to cultivate spiritual bamboo seeds is a once-in-a-millennium occurrence, you need to be mentally prepared." Sword Master Chen laughed heartily, then took out a Jade Slip and casually tossed it to Li Mu, saying, "This is a clue to the Vortex Spirit Secret Realm, consider it a welcoming gift."
Li Mu took the Jade Slip, a surge of excitement in his heart, and thanked him gratefully, "Sword Master Chen's great kindness, Junior will engrave it in his heart.
Regardless of the outcome, I owe you a favor."
"Haha, I'll remember this favor!" Sword Master Chen laughed loudly, patted Li Mu's shoulder, and happily promised, "Elder Li, just help me refine a Dao Weapon in the future, and I will surely repay you handsomely."
"Sword Master Chen, rest assured, if Junior can one day refine a Dao Weapon, I will do my utmost." Li Mu was surprised by Sword Master Chen's directness but respectfully agreed.
Sword Master Chen chuckled, not taking it too seriously; refining a Dao Weapon was not that simple.
His presence today, at Sword Master Feng's invitation, was merely to give Li Mu some Face.
However, Li Mu took the matter of refining a Dao Weapon to heart.
Liu Yalan had submitted three Nine Yin Spirit Grass this time, and with the Nine Yang Spirit Grass, the spirituality could be further enhanced, upgrading his Artifact Refining Skill, and it wouldn't be long before he could refine a Seven-Order Dao Weapon.
(End of Chapter)
