Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu and said in a deep voice, “Elder Li, we understand your decision, but your safety is equally important. The Dao Artifacts you refine are extraordinarily powerful, and if they fall into the hands of hostile forces, the consequences would be unimaginable. We hope you will consider carefully.”
“Elder Li, if you insist, I will accompany you to the Auction to ensure your safety!” Sword Master Chen suggested, looking at Li Mu.
“Li is deeply grateful for the two Sword Masters’ high regard!” Hearing this, Li Mu was moved and bowed to the two Sword Masters in thanks.
“No need for such courtesy. I also want to see which forces dare to provoke the Xuantian Sword Sect!” A hint of killing intent flashed in Sword Master Chen’s eyes, and he spoke with overwhelming Sword Intent.
Sword Master Feng looked at Sword Master Chen in surprise, and a surge of heroic spirit also rose in his heart. An invisible Sword Qi instantly permeated from his body.
As a Sword Cultivator, accompanied by a sword and with a sword as his soul throughout his life, he had never retreated in the face of any difficulties or challenges. At this moment, Sword Master Feng’s proud Sword Intent was ignited by Sword Master Chen’s determination, as if he had returned to his fearless, unyielding, and courageous self in his youth.
“In that case, I will also accompany Elder Li on this journey!” Sword Master Feng smiled at Li Mu, indicating his intention.
Hearing this, Li Mu felt a warmth in his heart and bowed solemnly in thanks, saying, “With the two Sword Masters accompanying me, Li will surely be safe on this trip. After the Auction, Li will definitely offer a substantial reward!”
Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen exchanged a smile, waving their hands to indicate there was no need for such formality. Sword Master Feng said, “Elder Li, you exaggerate. We are all members of the Xuantian Sword Sect, and it is natural for us to help each other. This trip is also to uphold the Sect’s honor and interests, so there is no need for thanks.”
Sword Master Chen added with a smile, “Besides, I am also very much looking forward to seeing those who dare to plot against Elder Li, to see what capabilities they truly possess.”
Thus, the three discussed and decided to travel together to Wanbao City to attend the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s once-in-a-century cross-domain Auction.
Li Mu invited Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen to stay as guests in the Seven Profound Sect. As the Auction approached, after tending to two plots of sixth-tier spiritual plants, he then set off with the two Sword Masters, piloting a spirit ship towards Wanbao City.
The spirit ship sped through the azure sky, like a silver lightning bolt streaking across the heavens. On the deck, the three sat around and drank tea. The fragrant tea mist curled upwards, gently drifting with the breeze.
“Elder Li, I didn’t expect you to have such a wide range of interests, and even be skilled in cultivating spiritual plants!” Sword Master Chen put down his teacup and asked Li Mu curiously.
In his impression, Li Mu particularly enjoyed collecting various high-tier spiritual seeds and spiritual plants. This time, before setting off, he even had to wait until he had tended to several spiritual fields.
“Sword Master, you may not know, but I Cultivate an ancient Cultivation Technique,” Li Mu explained with a smile. “Ancient Cultivation Techniques emphasize both internal and external cultivation. The Dao of spiritual plants can both nourish the body and help me Cultivate my Heart-Nature. In the process of cultivating spiritual plants, I can experience the rhythm of life, which is of immense help to my cultivation of ancient Cultivation Techniques.”
Sword Master Feng nodded in agreement: “The Cultivation Technique Elder Li Cultivates, with its complete Five Elements and Yin and Yang, is profound and extraordinary, integrating the Dao of Heaven and Earth. Elder Li must have already grasped its profound mysteries by combining it with the Dao of spiritual plants.”
“I’ve gained a little,” Li Mu nodded with a smile, continuing to explain, “The growth, flowering, and fruiting of spiritual plants all follow the natural laws between Heaven and Earth. In the process of tending to them, I also gain insights into these laws. Artifact Refining, Puppet refining, and formation arts can all be integrated into my daily Cultivation.”
“So that’s it. No wonder Elder Li is proficient in several arts, and his Cultivation has not regressed but advanced,” Sword Master Chen nodded, full of admiration for Li Mu’s method of Cultivation.
“Elder Li, is there any particular treasure you wish to bid for at this Auction?” Sword Master Feng poured Li Mu a cup of spiritual tea and asked with concern.
“If it’s ordinary spiritual materials, Chief Manager Wan will keep them for me. However, this time, the Auction items come from powerful Cultivators across various regions. It is said that there are Shui Jie Shi up for Auction, and I want to see if I have a chance to acquire a piece,” Li Mu replied with a smile.
The Painting World Treasure Mansion had advanced to an eighth-tier Dao Artifact, yet its space had not expanded much. Li Mu wanted to use this Auction opportunity to find treasures that could expand the Painting World Treasure Mansion’s space. Shui Jie Shi was a rare spiritual material that could increase the space of a grotto-heaven Magic Treasure. At the same time, Li Mu also wanted to take the opportunity to see if there were any chances to find a bargain.
Of course, it was not good to explicitly tell the two Sword Masters all of this.
“Shui Jie Shi? This is a high-tier spiritual material that can refine grotto-heaven supreme treasures. Its value won’t be cheap!”
Sword Master Feng showed a surprised expression and exclaimed.
“Elder Li, you’re planning to refine a grotto-heaven Dao Artifact, aren’t you! To plant spiritual plants with it, that’s a good idea,” Sword Master Chen said with a smile, his eyes full of admiration.
Li Mu nodded with a smile and replied, “Sword Master Chen has a Wisdom Eye, and I indeed have that intention.”
“Everyone wants a grotto-heaven supreme treasure. There will likely be a Dragon-Tiger battle then! However, Elder Li, rest assured, we will do our best to help you secure the Shui Jie Shi,” Sword Master Feng said to Li Mu with concern.
…
The three drank spiritual tea while chatting about trivial matters and discussing Cultivation.
As the spirit ship rapidly advanced, the outline of Wanbao City gradually became clear. This bustling city gathered high-tier Cultivators from all directions.
At this time, Wanbao City, a city renowned for its trade, was brightly lit and bustling with people. Along the streets, shops stood in rows, filled with various rare treasures, dazzling to the eyes.
As the Auction approached, the entire Wanbao City was filled with a tense yet expectant atmosphere. High-tier Cultivators from all directions gathered, and strong Divine Sense from powerful Cultivators enveloped the entire Wanbao City.
Upon the arrival of Li Mu, Sword Master Feng, and Sword Master Chen, they immediately felt the city’s prosperity and hustle and bustle. At the same time, they also noticed the gaze of many top-tier powerful Cultivators.
“Long time no see, Fellow Daoist Feng, Fellow Daoist Chen, are you well!”
A middle-aged Cultivator in a green robe with a refined face, smiling, flew directly towards the three. The Aura of a Combined Body Realm powerful Cultivator was fully displayed on his body.
“Fellow Daoist Dai, it has indeed been many years!” A silver sword light flashed in Sword Master Feng’s eyes, and he nodded with a smile.
“I didn’t expect you to still be alive!” Sword Master Chen gave the other party a meaningful look and transmitted a message to Li Mu, introducing him: “This is Dai Xiangbo of the Taixuan Sect, the Sect Master of the Taixuan Sect.”
Dai Xiangbo seemed to sense something, his gaze fell on Li Mu, and he greeted him with a smile, “This must be your esteemed Sect’s Grand Elder, Great Master Li! Great Master Li, your reputation precedes you. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your name.”
Li Mu frowned, sensing that Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen had an unfriendly attitude towards this person. He was wondering how to return the greeting when, at this moment, several figures appeared in the crowd one after another. The Aura emanating from them was equally extraordinary; they were clearly top-tier powerful Cultivators from other Sects.
“Haha, Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, I didn’t expect to meet you in this city, are you well!” A burly man with a full beard laughed loudly. His voice was as resonant as thunder, echoing over Wanbao City. The weaker Cultivators in the city felt as if they were struck by lightning, their bodies shaking violently.
Following closely, a graceful female Cultivator with an elegant demeanor walked gracefully. Her gaze was like water, revealing a hint of cold allure. It was Fairy Leng Yue, the chief Elder of Ice Moon Palace: “What a coincidence, two Fellow Daoists!”
“You are Great Master Li! You are actually this young?” A black-robed old man with a sinister face and eagle-like eyes appeared and stared at Li Mu impolitely, questioning him.
…
Eight powerful Cultivators from various forces, all in the Combined Body Realm, appeared one after another. For a moment, Li Mu felt as if he was surrounded by a pack of tigers. The gazes of these top-tier powerful Cultivators seemed like sharp swords striking him. He could clearly sense that they harbored a degree of hostility towards Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen, and he was implicated as well.
However, facing the gazes and potential hostility of these top-tier powerful Cultivators, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen showed no fear, their expressions calm as they looked at the crowd, as if they were looking at a group of insignificant clowns.
The two stood side by side, composed and at ease, as if the surrounding clamor and hostility had nothing to do with them. Their gazes swept over every powerful Cultivator present, and that calm and unhurried Aura, remaining unfazed even when Mount Tai collapsed before them, made everyone present look sideways.
“So many defeated opponents, I didn’t expect you all to gather here today,” Sword Master Feng smiled slightly, taking over the conversation, looking at the crowd with a hint of playfulness in his voice.
“Indeed, it seems Wanbao City is truly lively today,” Sword Master Chen said with a faint smile, agreeing.
Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions darkened. As powerful Cultivators in the Combined Body Realm, when had they ever been so lightly referred to as “defeated opponents”? However, facing the unfathomable strength of Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen, they had no choice but to temporarily endure it.
“Feng, stop your verbal trickery. If you have the guts, fight me, Xiong,” the burly man’s voice rumbled like muffled thunder, his face full of indignation, and his eyes flickering with the flames of challenge.
Sword Master Feng smiled slightly, a hint of cold light flashing in his eyes, his tone still calm as he said, “Today, we are here to attend the Auction and do not wish to cause any unnecessary trouble. If Xiong Batian is interested, I will certainly accompany you to the end.”
As soon as his voice fell, with a “clang” of a sword, a wisp of green sword light suddenly shone from within Sword Master Feng’s body. The ‘Qingyuan Dao Sword’ vibrated slightly, emitting a faint green glow, resonating with Sword Master Feng, and exuding a sharp Sword Intent.
Seeing this, Xiong Batian’s pupils constricted. He naturally recognized the power of a Dao Sword and understood in his heart that engaging Sword Master Feng was definitely not a wise move, but his fiery temper made it difficult for him to swallow this insult.
Xiong Batian’s gaze swept across the other powerful Cultivators present, seemingly looking for support. However, everyone also understood that they had been at a disadvantage against the former Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen. Now that they each held a Dao Sword, their combat power was even stronger. Furthermore, given the Xuantian Sword Sect’s strength and status in the Spirit Realm, they all chose to remain silent.
Seeing no one respond, Xiong Batian, though enraged, understood that it was not appropriate to act rashly at this moment. He glared at Sword Master Feng, snorted coldly, and turned to leave, filled with resentment and unwillingness.
The other powerful Cultivators exchanged glances and then restrained their Aura, not daring to speak further.
Just as the powerful Cultivators were in a state of indecision and the atmosphere was awkward, Wan Renlang, the Grand Manager of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, the local magnate of Wanbao City, appeared swiftly before everyone, leading a group of attendants dressed in luxurious attire.
Wan Renlang wore his signature smile, his enthusiastic gaze sweeping over the faces of the powerful Cultivators one by one. When he saw Li Mu, he revealed an even brighter smile.
“Distinguished guests, welcome to Wanbao City. I am Wan Renlang, the Grand Manager of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion,” Wan Renlang’s voice was clear and magnetic, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.
Wan Renlang scanned the high-tier Cultivators present and welcomed them warmly, “Today, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion is honored to host this grand Auction. Thank you all Fellow Daoists for gracing us with your presence. Here, on behalf of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, I assure you that today’s Auction will not disappoint any of you Fellow Daoists.”
“The Auction is about to begin. Please, Fellow Daoists, grace us with your presence inside!”
With that, Wan Renlang made a welcoming gesture, signaling everyone to enter the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.
Those powerful Cultivators who were already feeling somewhat awkward took the opportunity to step down from the awkward situation. Under Wan Renlang’s mediation, they followed the attendants’ guidance and successively flew into the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.
Li Mu, Sword Master Feng, and Sword Master Chen, on the other hand, were personally led by Wan Renlang into the VIP private room specially prepared for them. The private room was elegantly decorated, and through the window, they could clearly see everything on the Auction stage.
“Two Fellow Daoists, Great Master Li, please forgive any inadequate hospitality!” Wan Renlang greeted the three warmly, his face beaming with a sincere smile. He apologized for not being able to appear in time earlier and promised that they would receive the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s most top-tier VIP treatment during the Auction.
“Chief Manager Wan, no need to be so polite!” Sword Master Feng replied with a smile.
Wan Renlang was relieved to see that the three had no intention of blaming him, and then said, “Great Master Li, Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, there are a few treasures at today’s Auction that I have specially prepared for you. I believe they will certainly satisfy you.”
“Oh? Pavilion Master Wan, could you perhaps reveal a little in advance?” Li Mu asked curiously.
Wan Renlang smiled mysteriously and said, “Of course!”
With that, Wan Renlang took out a Jade Slip from his storage ring and handed it to Li Mu, saying, “Great Master Li, this Jade Slip records all the Auction items for this Auction, including the Shui Jie Shi and Soul Spirit Fruit you desire, and even several eighth-tier Artifact Refining spiritual materials. Great Master Li, please take a look.”
Li Mu’s spirits lifted, and he quickly took the Jade Slip. His Divine Sense entered it, and in the next moment, a massive amount of information about spiritual items poured into Li Mu’s mind like a flood.
Li Mu’s eyes lit up, quite excited. This Auction was indeed extraordinary, with many extremely rare treasures appearing. This adventure was indeed worthwhile; he hadn’t come in vain.
After quickly browsing the Jade Slip, Li Mu handed it to Sword Master Feng. He took the Jade Slip and quickly browsed through it, and he too became interested in several high-tier spiritual items.
“Thank you, Grand Manager Wan, for the guidance. We will certainly strive for them with all our might,” Li Mu cupped his hands to Wan Renlang in thanks.
Wan Renlang nodded and said, “Good, then I won’t disturb you all any further. The Auction is about to begin. I hope you all can return with a full harvest.”
With that, Wan Renlang left the private room, not forgetting to close the door behind him.
Watching Wan Renlang leave, the three in the private room redirected their attention back to the Auction stage, preparing to welcome the upcoming grand event. (End of Chapter)
