After listening to Xiao Shuang’s narration, Sword Master Feng couldn’t help but nod and praise, “Elder Li is truly wise and courageous. Elder Li’s proposal not only makes up for the deficiencies of the sword formation but also increases our flexibility in dealing with powerful enemies. If we can combine these sword formations with spell formations and traps, we will surely be able to exert even greater power.”
Li Mu humbly waved his hand and said, “Sword Master Feng, you flatter me. I just happened to think of this idea. To truly implement it, the cooperation of all Sword Masters is needed.”
“Elder Li, there’s no need to be modest. Next, let’s discuss the specific implementation plan!” Sword Master Feng suggested with a smile.
Everyone sat together, discussing how to combine sword formations and spell formations to set up traps and attack the Extreme Fire Seal Land.
After the discussion, Li Mu took the lead, setting up an ultra-long-distance teleportation array at the Floating Skyport, and then set off to search for ownerless top-grade Spiritual Veins.
“Elder Li, Tian Yue Peak should have a top-grade Spiritual Vein. Previously, it should have been the main peak of Ancient Moon Sect, but now that Ancient Moon Sect has disappeared, that Spiritual Vein is currently occupied by a group of Azure-Scaled Black Snakes,” Fang Yunjian introduced to Li Mu, guiding him.
“Thank you, Executive Fang.” Li Mu gratefully cupped his hands and asked with concern, “Executive Fang, could you elaborate on the situation of those Azure-Scaled Black Snakes?”
“The Azure-Scaled Black Snake group numbers several hundred, mostly at the fourth-order and fifth-order strength, located in the Spiritual Vein cave deep within Tian Yue Peak. The black snake scales are azure blue, shimmering with a faint glow. Their speed is swift, and their venom is extremely potent. Among the snake group, there is also a sixth-order Snake King who has already passed the Soul Transformation Lightning Tribulation and can transform into human form. Its strength is unfathomable,” Fang Yunjian described in detail to Li Mu, finally proposing with some concern, “Elder Li, taking down this snake group is quite difficult. If you don’t mind, I’ll go with you.”
Although Li Mu only had Soul Transformation cultivation, his historical battle record was extremely fierce. He had many ways to deal with this group of demonic snakes, and Fang Yunjian did not dare to underestimate him. However, his status was noble, and he had made extremely important contributions to the Sect. If any accident occurred, he could not bear the responsibility.
On this trip, Li Mu was collecting Spiritual Veins for the Painting World Treasure Mansion, and it was not appropriate for anyone to follow him. He politely declined Fang Yunjian: “Thank you for Executive Fang’s kind intentions. I can handle this matter alone. Executive Fang holds multiple positions and is busy with affairs, so I won’t trouble you. Although the Azure-Scaled Black Snake group is powerful, I am also prepared and believe I can handle it.”
Seeing Li Mu’s resolute attitude, Fang Yunjian could only nod in agreement and remind him, “Elder Li, please be careful. That Black Snake Demonic King is not only powerful but also extremely cunning. If you encounter danger, be sure to return in time.”
Li Mu nodded, already having a detailed plan in mind. After bidding farewell to Fang Yunjian, he embarked on the journey to Tian Yue Peak alone.
Li Mu summoned the Earth Element Spirit Ship, and driving it, it streaked across the sky like a bolt of lightning, speeding towards Tian Yue Peak.
During the flight, Li Mu couldn’t help but recall various past events in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain. He still had some impression of Ancient Moon Sect. If he remembered correctly, the “Divine Inscription True Explanation” in his hand was obtained from the Lotus Moon Saintess of Ancient Moon Sect back then.
And more than a hundred Years ago, when he was stationed in Yin Yang Valley, he had even refined a six-tier spirit treasure for several Elders of Ancient Moon Sect, having more or less some acquaintance with a few Elders and the Saintess of Ancient Moon Sect.
However, in the blink of an eye, more than a hundred Years had passed, and this Ancient Moon Sect, which had been passed down for thousands of Years, had now disappeared into the long river of history. Li Mu couldn’t help but feel a hint of lament for the ruthlessness of Years.
The Earth Element Spirit Ship flew at lightning speed, and soon, a vast and boundless mountain range came into Li Mu’s view. Tian Yue Peak stood majestically, its peak piercing the clouds, as if connected to the sky. Dense spiritual mist lingered in the mountains, dreamlike and illusory, giving people a mysterious and unfathomable feeling. On the peak, many dilapidated architectural ruins could still be seen.
As the Earth Element Spirit Ship approached, Li Mu felt a rich Spiritual Qi rushing towards him from the depths of Tian Yue Peak. Clearly, that was where the top-grade Spiritual Vein occupied by the Azure-Scaled Black Snake group was located.
Li Mu rose with his sword, put away the Earth Element Spirit Ship, and released his Divine Sense, confirming that there were no other people peeping within several hundred miles. At the same time, he also discovered the location of the Spiritual Vein occupied by the Azure-Scaled Black Snake group: at the peak of Tian Yue Peak, within a cave that was a zhang high and extended for dozens of miles, Azure-Scaled Black Snakes were everywhere.
Li Mu smiled slightly, then took out ten sixth-tier Battle Puppets from his nine storage spiritual pearl, summoned ten sixth-tier Spirit Swords, and ordered the Puppets to disperse with their swords and advance into the depths of the cave.
Each of these sixth-tier Battle Puppets possessed strength equivalent to a human Soul Transformation initial-stage Cultivator, and they were tireless and fearless of death. They were Li Mu’s capable assistants, meticulously refined for unforeseen needs. Equipped with sixth-tier Spirit Swords and wearing battle armor, their combat power already surpassed that of ordinary Soul Transformation Cultivators.
As the Battle Puppets attacked, the two fifth-order Azure-Scaled Black Snakes guarding the cave entrance flashed with dangerous light in their eyes and immediately launched an attack on them.
However, the strength of the sixth-tier Battle Puppets was far beyond what the fifth-order Azure-Scaled Black Snakes could compare to. They moved agilely, weaving through the snake group, their sixth-tier Spirit Swords wielded impenetrably. Each swing of the sword could inflict heavy damage on the Azure-Scaled Black Snakes, and the battle was one-sided.
After a dozen breaths, the two fifth-order Azure-Scaled Black Snakes were cut into several pieces, falling to the ground, with blood flowing everywhere.
The Azure-Scaled Black Snake group deep within the cave sensed the death of their companions and roared in anger, surging out like a tide. However, the ten Battle Puppets showed no fear. They lined up at the cave entrance, cooperating perfectly like a well-trained army, segmenting the snake group that rushed out of the cave and defeating them one by one.
The light inside the cave was dim, but under Li Mu’s powerful Divine Sense perception, everything was clearly visible. As the angry roars of the Azure-Scaled Black Snake group grew louder and louder, the entire cave boiled over.
The Battle Puppets moved like lightning, easily weaving through the snake group. The sixth-tier Spirit Swords in their hands, each swing carrying sharp Sword Qi, easily cut the Azure-Scaled Black Snakes in half as if cutting paper. Snake blood splattered, dyeing the entire cave red, and a strong smell of blood permeated the air.
Although the Azure-Scaled Black Snake group was numerous, they appeared so vulnerable in front of the sixth-tier Battle Puppets. They constantly tried to break through the Puppet’s defenses from all directions, but each time they were mercilessly repelled. The Puppets cooperated perfectly, some responsible for frontal attacks, some for flanking containment, and others for clearing out any stragglers in the rear.
Suddenly, an enormous Azure-Scaled Black Snake, almost like a mountain, rushed out from the snake group. Its body exuded a cold, chilling light, and every scale seemed to have been polished by Years, shimmering with an indestructible luster. The Azure-Scaled Black Snake opened its gaping maw, revealing fangs as sharp as knives, and with intense killing intent, it lunged fiercely at one of the Battle Puppets.
However, this Battle Puppet seemed to have already seen through the Snake King’s intention, reacting as swiftly as lightning. With a slight flicker of its body, it dodged the Snake King’s fatal blow like a ghost. At the same time, the other Battle Puppets also reacted quickly. Their figures moved agilely, swiftly surrounding the Snake King like flowing clouds and water. Their Spirit Swords danced in their hands, condensing sharp Sword Qi that slashed towards the Snake King.
“Clang, clang, clang…” A series of metallic clanging sounds echoed in the cave, shaking the entire space and causing a large amount of rubble to fall.
Each time the sixth-tier Spirit Swords in the hands of the ten Battle Puppets struck the Snake King’s thick scales, dazzling golden light would burst forth. The snake scales were exceptionally tough, like an indestructible armor, making the Puppets’ attacks difficult to take effect.
However, the attacks from the ten Puppets caused the Black Snake King immense pain. It roared to the sky, a earth-shattering sound, and furiously swung its thick tail, sweeping out like a giant whip with immense power, attempting to sweep away the surrounding Battle Puppets.
With a few “bang, bang” sounds, several Battle Puppets were heavily struck by the Snake King’s swinging tail. They were like stones hit by a giant hammer, instantly sent flying backward, crashing into the cave wall with a dull thud. The entire cave trembled from the immense impact, and rubble and dust fell.
The injured Puppets quickly stood up. They didn’t suffer any damage at all. With a push of their feet, they all sprang up and, together with the other Battle Puppets, surrounded the Black Snake King. They jumped onto its body, their Spirit Swords slashing or stabbing, punching and kicking it, fearlessly engaging in close-quarters combat.
Seeing itself surrounded, a hint of ferocity flashed in the Black Snake King’s eyes. It opened its gaping maw and let out a deafening roar, attempting to use sound to repel these tenacious enemies. However, the Battle Puppets remained unmoved. There was no expression on their faces, only strict adherence to commands.
As the Black Snake King roared, the Battle Puppets all leaped up and jumped onto the Snake King’s body. They either slashed or stabbed, their sixth-tier Spirit Swords cutting deep wounds into the Snake King’s body, causing blood to splatter. At the same time, they also used their physical advantage to punch and kick the Snake King, continuously draining its stamina.
The Black Snake King felt unprecedented pressure and violently twisted its massive body, trying to shake off the Battle Puppets on its body. However, these Battle Puppets were like persistent parasites, clinging tightly to its body, unable to be shaken off no matter how it twisted.
Soon, blood gushed from the Black Snake King’s wounds like a stream, staining the surrounding ground red. Its body gradually turned pale from excessive blood loss, and its originally cold azure scales also lost their luster, appearing dull.
The Black Snake King let out a mournful roar, venting its anger and despair. Its eyes turned bloodshot, filled with a hint of desperation. It suddenly opened its mouth and spat out an inner core. The inner core suddenly drew a bright arc in the air and shot straight towards Li Mu.
The inner core emitted a scorching light, like a burning meteor, carrying destructive power. The Black Snake King had already discovered the culprit manipulating the Battle Puppets—Li Mu—and delivered a fatal blow to him by surprise.
Seeing this, Li Mu remained unconcerned. Just as the inner core was about to strike, he flickered, activated the Time-Space Wheel Sutra, and cast the Divine Ability—Instant Wheel Technique, disappearing from his original spot in the blink of an eye.
The inner core lost its target and, after a brief pause in the air, finally slammed into the cave wall with a “boom,” instantly shattering a mountain peak.
Li Mu’s figure quietly appeared, his Divine Thought attached to the ten Battle Puppets, urging them to launch a fierce offensive against the Black Snake King.
The ten Battle Puppets surrounded the Black Snake King, their Spirit Swords dancing as swiftly as the wind, sword shadows overlapping, illusions intertwined. Each sword left deep wounds on the Black Snake King’s tough scales, and the wounds burned like flames, emitting a faint scorching smell.
The Black Snake King suffered continuous heavy injuries, bleeding profusely, but still stood stubbornly. Its eyes flickered with an unyielding light. Anger made it swing its tail, attempting to sweep away the attacking Battle Puppets one by one like a violent storm.
However, these Battle Puppets were soulless machines, tireless and fearless of pain, clinging to the Black Snake King like a persistent plaster, entangled endlessly, making it impossible for the Black Snake King to shake them off.
Li Mu floated in the air, observing the battle. A sharp killing intent suddenly flashed in his eyes. It was almost time.
Immediately, Li Mu summoned the Seventh-Order Dao Sword—Myriad Swords Mountain—from his nine storage spiritual pearl. The sword body burst forth with dazzling light, like a towering mountain, sharp and majestic.
Li Mu’s figure flickered, appearing like a ghost above the Black Snake King’s head. He raised the Dao Sword, preparing to deliver a fatal blow and end the Black Snake King’s life.
The Black Snake King sensed Li Mu’s approach, and its massive body trembled uncontrollably. A hint of terror flashed in its eyes. It tried its best to dodge, but Li Mu’s speed was too fast for it to react.
With a sudden slash, the Myriad Swords Mountain in Li Mu’s hand, its sword light like a rainbow, streaked across the sky and accurately pierced into the Black Snake King’s forehead.
“Hiss!” A soft sound, as if tearing space, and the Black Snake King let out a mournful shriek. The sound was shocking and echoed throughout the entire battlefield.
The next moment, the Black Snake King’s massive body crashed to the ground. Its Divine Soul was completely annihilated by the Dao Sword in Li Mu’s hand. The huge snake body heavily fell to the ground, losing all vitality, leaving only a cold corpse lying silently there.
Li Mu smiled with satisfaction. With a sweep of his Divine Thought, he put the ten Battle Puppets into his nine storage spiritual pearl. Then, he put the Black Snake King’s massive body into the Painting World Treasure Mansion. It was rare to encounter such a high-tier demonic snake, so it was perfect to keep as ingredients.
After clearing the battlefield, Li Mu rose into the air, looking down at Tian Yue Peak below. He released the Myriad Swords Mountain in his hand, injected a massive amount of Spiritual Qi into it, and activated Myriad Swords Out of the Mountain.
Under Li Mu’s activation, Myriad Swords Mountain seemed to come alive. Its sword body glowed with myriad lights, and countless Sword Qi soared into the sky, like a silver river hanging upside down, dazzling and brilliant. Li Mu stood in the air, and with a thought of his Divine Sense, myriad swords, like Dragons, roared as they slashed towards Tian Yue Peak.
“Boom!” With a loud bang, Tian Yue Peak seemed to be torn apart by an invisible force. The mountain peak fractured, huge rocks rolled down, and dust rose everywhere. Li Mu remained still, simply watching all of this, his eyes gleaming with firm light.
As Tian Yue Peak fractured, a rich Spiritual Qi gushed out from the break. That was the core of the Tian Yue Peak Spiritual Vein. Li Mu took a deep breath, feeling a cool and powerful force surge into his body, as if his entire being had been sublimated.
Li Mu extended his palm, palm facing upward, and the Painting World Treasure Mansion appeared accordingly, revealing its true form: a jade-green Ruyi. A giant black hole suddenly appeared and swallowed towards the exit of the top-grade Spiritual Vein.
Just then, an unexpected change occurred! (End of this chapter)
