Seven Profound Sect.
Li Mu inspected the Spiritual Plants cultivated on the seven main peaks, instructed the seven Soul Transformation Clones, and reminded the Sect Elders to guard the Sect, preparing for his upcoming long journey.
The night was as dark as ink, a tranquil evening. Li Mu and Xue'er walked side by side, treading under the moonlight, and strolled to a large area of high-grade Spiritual Fields.
The Star Drawing Array, distributed around the Spiritual Fields, had a seventh-tier Star Radiance Boundary Stone at its array eye, exerting powerful star-gathering force. It drew in the Star Power from the myriad stars in the sky, forming its own domain, as if pulling the star-filled sky extremely close. Simultaneously, the Spirit Gathering Great Array, enveloping the entire Spiritual Field, acted like a giant funnel, continuously drawing in Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi from the surroundings, providing nutrients for the accelerated growth of the two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants in the Spiritual Field: Yan Yuan Spirit Grass and Mou Xing Spiritual Plant.
Under the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, the growth status of the two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants was clearly displayed in Li Mu's eyes.
Yan Yuan Spirit Grass (Growth Stage)
Grade: Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant
Characteristics: Increases vitality and Lifespan, moistens Divine Soul, eliminates Five Declines, refines vitality, purifies spirit and strengthens body.
Status: Vital spirit full, rapidly growing.
Yan Yuan Spirit Grass, a sixth-tier Spiritual Plant, growth period: 76 years. It grows in places with vigorous vitality and abundant spiritual energy, in excellent condition. It matures in 100 years, blossoms in 50 years, and produces Yan Yuan Longevity Fruit in 50 years. After 100 years, it produces Yan Shou Spirit Fruit, which has the effect of increasing Lifespan and is the main Material for refining Longevity Pills and Longevity Wine.
Mou Xing Spiritual Plant (Growth Stage)
Grade: Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant
Characteristics: Mou Xing Soul Condensation, Mou Xing Soul Solidification, Mou Xing Source Gathering, Divine Soul Refinement, star source Affinity.
Status: During daytime, the spiritual seedling is dormant.
Mou Xing Spiritual Plant, a sixth-tier Spiritual Plant, growth period: 76 years. It grows vigorously, dormant during the day. Growth requirements: Must be cultivated in a place with abundant star source and Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, and must grow alongside Star Radiance Crystal Stones to aid its growth. It matures in 150 years, blossoms in 60 years, and produces Mou Xing Spirit Fruit in 60 years. The 60-year-old Mou Xing Spirit Fruit has the effect of enhancing the Divine Soul and is the main Material for refining Soul Gathering Pills and Heavenly Star Pills.
The Yan Yuan Spirit Grass and Mou Xing Spiritual Plant were growing exceptionally well. Under the dual nourishment of star radiance and Spiritual Qi, they thrived, their leaves a vibrant green, enveloped in rich spiritual power.
In another twenty to thirty years, this batch would be ready for harvest. At that time, by absorbing the attributes of both Spiritual Plants, both Divine Soul and Lifespan would receive a significant boost. Thinking of this, Li Mu's eyes filled with anticipation.
Before leaving, Li Mu carefully inspected the Star Drawing Array, the Spirit Gathering Great Array, and the field-protecting array on the periphery of the Spiritual Field, replacing the Spirit Stones for the Formations to ensure foolproof operation.
After checking the Formations, Li Mu looked at the Spiritual Field before him, took a deep breath, and with a wave of his hand, cast the Qingfeng Huanyu Technique over the Spiritual Field.
The next moment, spiritual rain, the size of rice grains, drizzled down from high in the sky, moistening the entire Spiritual Field. The spiritual rain contained rich Spiritual Qi, making the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass and Mou Xing Spiritual Plant in the Spiritual Field even more verdant and vibrant under its nourishment.
"Li Dage, Elder Qin is here!"
Xue'er suddenly spoke, reminding Li Mu, who was focused on tending to the Spiritual Plants.
"Mm!"
Li Mu nodded and turned to look in the direction Xue'er indicated. He saw a figure breaking through the air, none other than the Third Elder, Qin Wentong. He had a solemn expression, seemingly having something important to discuss with him.
"You stay here, I'll go take a look!" Li Mu instructed Xue'er, and with a flash of his figure, he vanished from the spot.
Soon, Li Mu appeared before Qin Wentong and asked with concern, "Elder Qin, why such a hurry?"
Qin Wentong landed his sword before Li Mu, bowed respectfully with a solemn expression, then urgently reported, "Sect Master, Elder Min has suddenly returned safely to the Sect. She is currently in the main hall and wishes to see you."
"Elder Min? See me?" Li Mu frowned slightly upon hearing the name. He didn't have a deep impression of this name in his mind; she was very unfamiliar to him.
Seeing this, Qin Wentong looked surprised and explained to Li Mu, "Sect Master, it's Elder Min, who disappeared with Vice Sect Master Tian Yan last time. She has now returned safely and has reported in detail her whereabouts and experiences during this period. According to her, her departure from the Sect during this time was delayed by other matters and seems to have no direct connection with the disappearance of Vice Sect Master Tian Yan."
Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Li Mu's eyes. He immediately recalled her origins and roughly understood the strangeness of the situation.
This Elder Min's disappearance and reappearance must have been for an ulterior motive. The Undying Demon Lord didn't kill him, but was killed by himself instead. The Demon Abyss forces are unwilling to give up and sent her to inquire about his whereabouts, perhaps?
Aren't they taking him too lightly? This is somewhat insulting to his intelligence!
"Is that so! Elder Qin, how credible do you find her words?"
Li Mu looked at Qin Wentong with a half-smile, asking with concern.
"Elder Min's explanation is a bit far-fetched, and it must be related to Vice Sect Master Tian Yan's disappearance, otherwise it's too much of a coincidence! I'm skeptical of her words. However, I've thoroughly investigated recently, and besides her, I haven't found any other internal spies from the Demon Abyss within the Sect." Qin Wentong pondered for a moment, then responded to Li Mu.
Li Mu nodded, lost in thought.
Currently, he was about to leave the Central Plains Spirit Domain and head to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, a journey of thousands of miles. If anything happened to the Seven Profound Sect, he wouldn't have time to provide support. Moreover, the Spiritual Plants cultivated on the seven main peaks of the Seven Profound Sect were crucial for his Breakthrough to the Void Refining Realm, and he absolutely couldn't let them notice them.
If they destroyed the Seven Profound Sect, harmed the seven Soul Transformation Clones, and ruined the seven fifth-tier Spiritual Plants and two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants he had cultivated, Li Mu would have nowhere to cry.
They are truly a persistent bunch, their wicked intentions never dying!
Facing this situation, Li Mu couldn't help but feel incredibly tricky.
It seems he can only expose his whereabouts. It seems he has to divert their attention from the Seven Profound Sect! After much consideration, Li Mu made a decision.
"What does she want to see me for? What's the matter?" Li Mu pondered for a while, then asked Qin Wentong curiously.
"Sect Master, aren't you looking for clues related to the Extreme Yang Secret Realm? Elder Min seems to know some information. She wants to report it to you in person." Qin Wentong frowned, not daring to conceal anything.
Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Li Mu's eyes. A cold smile flickered across his face, and he already had a plan in mind.
This 'Elder Min' must be an internal spy from the Demon Abyss. Only the Demon Abyss forces would be like him, inquiring about the whereabouts of the Sealed Land. Perhaps, she truly knows clues about the Extreme Yang Sealed Land.
If he could obtain useful information from her, it would be worth the risk of meeting her.
"Alright, wait for me for a moment!" Li Mu nodded and turned to walk into the protective array.
Inside the protective array, Li Mu quickly summoned a Puppet body, cast the Puppet Control Technique, and transformed the Five Elements Puppet to possess a life force and Divine Sense indistinguishable from his own, ensuring he could perfectly simulate the demeanor and actions of an Immortal Master.
Subsequently, 'Li Mu' walked out of the protective array. Qin Wentong sensed something, and although he was somewhat surprised, he didn't ask further, knowing that Li Mu always acted cautiously and that there must be a reason for his actions.
The two, one in front and one behind, soared on their swords and arrived before the solemn and majestic Ancestral Master Hall.
"Greetings, Sect Master! Third Elder!"
At the entrance of the main hall, two Golden Core Disciples guarding the gate saw Li Mu and Qin Wentong, and respectfully saluted in unison.
Inside the Ancestral Master Hall, incense smoke curled, and the atmosphere was solemn. In the center of the hall, a noble-looking woman in purple robes sat on a side seat. Hearing the commotion, she quickly came out to greet them.
"Min Mo, greetings, Sect Master!"
Min Mo's voice carried respect and humility. She slightly lowered her head, her body slightly bowed, and saluted 'Li Mu'.
"Elder Min, no need for formalities." 'Li Mu' examined Min Mo with profound meaning, then went straight to the point, asking, "I hear you know clues about the Extreme Yang Secret Realm, and have come specifically to meet."
Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Min Mo's eyes. She looked up at 'Li Mu', seemingly wanting to confirm if it was his true body. However, the sixth-tier Five Elements Puppet's aura was convincing enough to deceive, and she couldn't discern anything. Knowing Li Mu's strength, she didn't dare to be presumptuous and quickly nodded, saying, "Sect Master is wise. I have come this time precisely to report this matter."
"Sect Master, do you know about the sixth-tier Extreme Yang Spirit Jade, this spiritual Material?" Min Mo asked Li Mu.
"Naturally!" Li Mu nodded truthfully. He happened to have quite a bit of Extreme Yang Spirit Jade on hand.
"The mining area that produces Extreme Yang Spirit Jade is highly likely to be the Extreme Yang Secret Realm. During the time I was missing!" Min Mo's voice carried a hint of excitement and mystery. She paused, then continued, looking at Li Mu, "I discovered an ancient forgotten ruin, and unearthed many pieces of Extreme Yang Spirit Jade there. After careful investigation, I am certain that this ruin has a great connection to the Extreme Yang Secret Realm."
As soon as she finished speaking, Min Mo summoned a dozen pieces of generally pure Extreme Yang Spirit Jade from her storage ring, making them float before Li Mu as evidence.
Min Mo paused, as if organizing her thoughts, then continued, "That ruin is enveloped by powerful Restrictions, making it difficult for even me to enter easily. But I can feel that it contains astonishing energy and secrets. The Extreme Yang Spirit Jade is just one of them; deeper inside, there might be many more high-tier Spirit Treasures."
Li Mu's eyes narrowed slightly. As a Grandmaster Refiner, he was extremely familiar with sixth-tier spiritual Materials. With a quick sweep of his Divine Sense, all 'conspiracies' were instantly exposed.
The dozen pieces of Extreme Yang Spirit Jade that Min Mo took out varied in purity, and the accompanying impurities were also different. This largely confirmed one thing: these Extreme Yang Spirit Jade should not have come from the same mine. From this, it could be inferred that this Min Mo harbored ill intentions.
Does she want to use this batch of Extreme Yang Spirit Jade to lure him into exploring that so-called 'Extreme Yang Secret Realm'?
Not having obtained the true clue to the Extreme Yang Secret Realm, Li Mu felt a bit disappointed. However, the 'Li Mu' of the Puppet body showed no reaction, instead displaying an excited, joyful expression.
"Oh! Where is this Secret Realm located?" 'Li Mu' asked eagerly.
Seeing Li Mu so eager, Min Mo rejoiced in her heart. The fish had taken the bait. This Sect Master's desire for clues to the Extreme Yang Secret Realm was extraordinary.
Min Mo took a deep breath, composed herself, and answered in detail, "This Secret Realm is located in the Eastern Region of Central Plains - Tianzhu Peak, a hidden place called 'Chiyang Valley'. The terrain there is rugged, and the environment is harsh, making it difficult for ordinary Cultivators to reach. I spent several years exploring this Secret Realm before finding some clues for entry."
Min Mo paused, then continued, "After entering Chiyang Valley, the first thing I encountered was that powerful Restriction. That Restriction seemed to be an ancient Formation, containing extremely powerful energy. I tried various methods but couldn't break it. But fortunately, I unearthed quite a few pieces of Extreme Yang Spirit Jade in the valley. Based on the scale of the mining vein, it can be inferred that its interior is the Extreme Yang Secret Realm you are searching for, Sect Master."
"Oh! I see, Elder Min, you've worked hard. This Secret Realm is of extraordinary value. Why are you willing to offer it to the Sect? If you offered it to the Upper Sect - Xuantian Sword Sect, with such a great merit, becoming a Xuantian Sword Sect Guest Elder would be no problem, right?" Li Mu smiled slightly, looking at Min Mo and asking with feigned confusion.
"Sect Master, please don't tease me!" Min Mo gave an awkward smile and quickly defended herself, "I still cannot Breakthrough the Restriction of this Secret Realm, and I dare not confirm if it is indeed the Extreme Yang Secret Realm. If the report is inaccurate, I cannot bear that responsibility."
"Besides, Sect Master, you are wise and mighty, unparalleled in both Formations and Artifact Refining. Only you have the ability to break this array Restriction. Moreover, I am an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect, so naturally, I must consider the Sect. How dare I overstep my authority and seek credit?" Min Mo responded with a smile, then looked at Li Mu with a serious expression, smiling as she said, "Sect Master has always been fair in rewards and punishments. If the Extreme Yang Secret Realm information is confirmed, you wouldn't mistreat me, would you?"
"Hahaha! Well said, Elder Min! If the information about the Extreme Yang Secret Realm is confirmed, whatever reward you want, I will surely satisfy you." 'Li Mu' burst into hearty laughter, nodding repeatedly.
Min Mo looked at Li Mu with a surprised expression, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, and said, "Sect Master, there is indeed one thing I would like to ask of you. Your Artifact Refining skills are excellent, and I am still missing a Natal Spirit Treasure."
"Easy to say. Once the clues to the Extreme Yang Secret Realm are confirmed, it's no trouble to give you a Dao Weapon." 'Li Mu' waved his hand, laughing heartily.
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Min Mo happily thanked 'Li Mu'.
"However, I have something to attend to now and must go out for a trip. Elder Min, I must trouble you to wait for my return, and then we can explore this Chiyang Valley together." 'Li Mu' seemed to recall something, frowning as he indicated.
"Uh! May I ask, how long will Sect Master be gone this time?" Min Mo paused slightly, asking with concern.
"As short as one year, as long as ten years! The Xuantian Sword Sect has assigned a Formation arranging task, which is difficult to decline!" 'Li Mu' said helplessly.
"Sect Master, please rest assured, I will patiently await your return." Min Mo nodded, replying respectfully.
"Thank you, Elder Min!" Li Mu smiled happily, then looked at Qin Wentong, took out a token from his storage ring, and solemnly handed it to him, instructing, "Elder Qin, after I leave the Sect, the Sect will be entrusted to you. This is my Sect Master Token. If a major incident occurs in the Sect that you cannot resolve, you can use this token to summon several Elders from the Xuantian Sword Sect. I have a good relationship with them and have specifically instructed them; they will arrive in time to assist."
"Yes!" Qin Wentong respectfully accepted the Sect Master Token.
Watching this scene, Min Mo lowered her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. (End of Chapter)
