The journey to the Nine Underworlds Beyond the Domains is long, and Li Mu decided to transplant the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass and Mou Xing Spirit Grass, two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants, into the Painting World Treasure Mansion for continued cultivation, just in case he couldn't return to the Sect for a long time.
Li Mu appeared beside the two High Grade Spiritual Fields. Under the enhancement of the Spirit Gathering Great Array and the Star Drawing Array, the two already fertile lands gained even more vitality and Spiritual Qi.
The Mou Xing Spirit Grass plants were growing vigorously. They had a unique shape, with leaves edged in a faint silver glow and dotted with specks of starlight, like the myriad stars in the night sky. The entire Spiritual Plant condensed rich Star Power.
On the other side, the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass presented a different scene. Their stems were tall and straight, over three inches high, embodying an indomitable vitality. Their leaves were deep green, as if carved from jade, covered with a delicate luster that made them appear even more translucent and crystal-clear under sunlight or Spiritual light. What was even more peculiar was that the tip of each Yan Yuan Spirit Grass plant condensed a tiny, almost imperceptible dewdrop-like substance. That was not dew, but the essence of life condensed by the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass—the Yan Yuan Spirit Fruit. Large patches of Yan Yuan Spirit Grass had already begun to bear fruit, but there was still a long time until the fruits were truly ripe.
As a gentle breeze swept through, the leaves of the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass swayed lightly, and those life essences also seemed to tremble slightly, emitting a faint halo. This intertwined with the surrounding rich Spiritual Qi, forming a harmonious and beautiful picture.
The two large Spiritual Fields, the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass and the Mou Xing Spirit Grass, complemented each other, one verdant and full of vitality, the other sparkling with starlight and mysterious, truly beautiful.
Li Mu smiled contentedly. Under the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, the attribute information of both sixth-tier Spiritual Materials appeared in Li Mu's eyes.
【Yan Yuan Spirit Grass (Growing Stage)】
【Grade: Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant】
【Characteristics: Increases vitality and longevity, moistens Divine Soul, eliminates Five Declines, refines vitality, purifies spirit and strengthens body.】
【Status: Abundant Years Power, rapid growth, time until maturity: 32 Years.】
【Yan Yuan Spirit Grass, sixth-tier Spiritual Plant, seventy Years old. Growth requirements: Needs to be planted in Spiritual Land with vigorous vitality, abundant Spiritual Machine, and Years Power. Takes one hundred Years to grow into a seedling, fifty Years to flower, and fifty Years to bear Yan Yuan Longevity Fruit. One-hundred-year-old Yan Yuan Longevity Fruit has the effect of increasing longevity and is the main Materials for refining Longevity Pills and Longevity Wine.】
【Mou Xing Spirit Grass (Growing Stage)】
【Grade: Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant】
【Characteristics: Mou Xing Condensing Soul, Mou Xing Solidifying Soul, Mou Xing Gathering Source, refining Divine Soul, star source Affinity.】
【Status: Full of starlight, bathed in star radiance, rapid growth, time until maturity: 18 Years.】
【Mou Xing Spirit Grass, sixth-tier Spiritual Plant, one hundred and ten Years old. Growth requirements: Needs to be planted in a place with vigorous star source and abundant Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power. Needs to grow alongside Star Radiance Crystal Stones to aid its growth. Matures in one hundred and fifty Years, flowers in sixty Years, and bears Mou Xing Spirit Fruit in sixty Years. Sixty-year-old Mou Xing Spirit Fruit has the effect of strengthening the Divine Soul and is the main Materials for refining Spirit Gathering Pills and Heavenly Star Pills.】
Looking at the attributes of the two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants, Li Mu was inexplicably happy. The Mou Xing Spirit Grass would mature the earliest. Once they matured, he could upgrade the Star Cloud Contemplation Method, enhance his Divine Soul, and then proceed to the next step: condensing the Void Refining Domain.
It was a pity that Li Mu had to accept Sword Master Feng's invitation and could not continue guarding this Spiritual Field.
However, with the Painting World Treasure Mansion, a Grotto-Heaven Supreme Treasure, he could use Star Sand and Star Radiance Crystal Stones, these High Grade Spirit Stones containing a large amount of Star Power, to set up a Star Drawing Array inside it. This would still provide an environment suitable for the rapid growth of Mou Xing Spirit Grass.
Transplanting the two types of sixth-tier Spiritual Plants into the Treasure Mansion Space was something Li Mu had prepared for, so it was not a problem.
Li Mu formed hand Seals, activated the Restriction Array that shielded the Spiritual Field from Divine Sense prying, and opened the protective array. Then, he took out the Painting World Treasure Mansion from his Pregnant, and with a flash of his figure, plunged into the Treasure Mansion, leaving behind only a emerald green Painting World Treasure Mansion, which rapidly shrank, transforming into a grain of fine sand that fell to the ground.
Li Mu reappeared in the Treasure Mansion and immediately summoned the Treasure Mansion Spirit, the Five-Colored Flood Dragon, to assist him in opening up two large High Grade Spiritual Fields, setting up the Star Drawing Array, and preparing for the transplantation of the two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants.
Li Mu pointed to a spacious and Spiritual Power-rich area within the Treasure Mansion and instructed the Spirit: "Help me open up two areas with the most concentrated Spiritual Qi to serve as the new homes for these two types of sixth-tier Spiritual Plants!"
"Yes, Master, how large an area do you need?" the Five-Colored Flood Dragon asked.
"Expand it by two thousand acres!" Li Mu indicated.
Upon hearing this, the Five-Colored Flood Dragon, with a gentle sweep of its giant tail, instantly transformed into a streak of light, soaring into the sky. Then, it swooped down from high altitude, its Dragon tail sweeping across the land. Wherever it passed, two thousand acres of High Grade land were precisely and accurately laid out according to Li Mu's requirements.
Li Mu summoned nine golden-element Spiritual Swords and, using the swords as brushes, began to carve array patterns around the two thousand acres of Spiritual Field.
Next, Li Mu took out pieces of Star Sand and Star Radiance Crystal Stones. These High Grade Spirit Stones emitted a soft and brilliant light, like the brightest stars in the night sky. With practiced movements, he embedded these Spirit Stones into the Star Drawing Array according to specific orientations. As each piece was embedded, the array lit up with a ray of light, eventually converging into a complex and exquisite star map that enveloped the large Spiritual Field.
Next was the Spirit Gathering Great Array. As Top-Grade Spirit Stones were embedded and the array activated, the Spiritual Qi concentration near the Spiritual Field suddenly increased. The Star Drawing Array drew in countless Star Power, enveloping this Spiritual Field. The soil in the Spiritual Field became softer and more vital, and both the soil and the air contained rich Star Power, creating a highly suitable nurturing ground for the Mou Xing Spirit Grass.
In the other Spiritual Field, the Years Great Array was activated, and the entire space seemed to be slowly pulled by an invisible force. Years Power became abundant, forming an environment suitable for the growth of Yan Yuan Spirit Grass.
Seeing this, Li Mu exited the Treasure Mansion Space and returned to the outside world. With a gentle wave of his sleeve, the grain-of-sand-sized Painting World Treasure Mansion instantly expanded, restoring to its original state, and floated steadily in mid-air.
Li Mu formed hand Seals, his Divine Thought enveloped the two thousand-acre Spiritual Fields where the Mou Xing Spirit Grass and Yan Yuan Spirit Grass were planted. The Spiritual Power within his body surged out like silk threads, following his Divine Thought, precisely and accurately penetrating into the two Spiritual Fields, attaching to each Spiritual Plant.
"Rise!" With Li Mu's low shout, his Divine Thought vibrated fiercely, as if an invisible giant hand gently lifted the two precious sixth-tier Spiritual Plants—the Mou Xing Spirit Grass and the Yan Yuan Spirit Grass. Their roots slowly separated from the soil, yet without any damage.
Under the guidance of Li Mu's Divine Thought, the Mou Xing Spirit Grass and Yan Yuan Spirit Grass slowly rose. The Painting World Treasure Mansion emitted a suction force, drawing these Spiritual Plants one by one into it. Under the operation of the Treasure Mansion Spirit, they were planted one by one in the High Grade Spiritual Field.
The two thousand acres of Spiritual Fields were relocated in an instant.
Li Mu's figure flashed, and he re-entered the Treasure Mansion to confirm the transplantation of the two sixth-tier Spiritual Plants.
Two days later, after entrusting the Sect to several Elders of the Seven Elements Sect, Li Mu boarded a High Grade Spiritual Ship with Sword Master Feng and set off for the Jiuyou Domain Beyond the Domains.
On the deck, Li Mu and Sword Master Feng stood side by side, gazing at the continuous mountain range ahead, each lost in their own thoughts. The lingering glow of the setting sun cast a warm hue upon them, adding a touch of warmth to this unknown journey.
"Sword Master, our destination for this trip is the Nine Underworlds Beyond the Domains, but I've always had a doubt," Li Mu broke the silence, his tone somewhat solemn, asking, "Both Dao Lords are current powerhouses, so why are they trapped in the Jiuyou Domain Beyond the Domains, unable to escape?"
Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng turned around and looked at Li Mu with deep eyes, seemingly evaluating something, as if considering whether to tell Li Mu the truth.
A moment later, Sword Master Feng sighed and looked at Li Mu, slowly beginning to explain: "Elder Li, you are unaware that the Jiuyou Domain Beyond the Domains is not an ordinary place, but an extremely special Secret Realm between Heaven and Earth. It is said to connect to multiple different spaces and interfaces, containing not only endless Treasure Troves and opportunities but also unimaginable dangers and predicaments."
"Since ancient times, Jiuyou has been regarded as the gateway between the Spirit Realm and other unknown worlds. Its internal rules are chaotic, and space-time is distorted. Even Dao Lords with Heaven-Defying cultivation, once they delve into its core area, are bound to encounter unexpected changes. The two Dao Lords of our Sect, during this joint exploration, accidentally triggered an ancient Restriction and were trapped by an unknown force on the edge of Jiuyou, unable to easily return," Sword Master Feng's voice was low and powerful, explaining with solemnity.
"The anomaly in Jiuyou seems to have an intricate connection with the increasingly thin Spiritual Qi in the Spirit Realm. According to ancient records, whenever there are major changes deep within Jiuyou, the Spiritual Qi in various parts of the Spirit Realm will experience different degrees of fluctuations, or even be largely extracted, leading to Spiritual Qi depletion. We are not only looking for a way to rescue the two Dao Lords but also to uncover the truth behind this and resolve the crisis of Spiritual Qi depletion that the Spirit Realm is about to face," Sword Master Feng finally added.
"What! Spiritual Qi depletion!"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's expression changed dramatically, his eyes filled with shock. He knew deeply that Spiritual Qi was like the source of life for Cultivators. Once it depleted, the entire Spirit Realm would fall into an unprecedented predicament. The growth of Spiritual Plants and the advancement of Cultivators' cultivation all depended on the nourishment of Spiritual Qi.
"Sword Master, wouldn't the consequences of Spiritual Qi depletion mean that our path of Cultivation will become extremely difficult, or even regress?" Li Mu's voice trembled slightly, clearly shaken by this sudden news.
Sword Master Feng nodded, his expression growing even more serious, and said in a deep voice: "Indeed, Spiritual Qi depletion will directly affect the Foundation of Cultivators in this Realm. If a solution is not found in time, not only will Cultivators find it difficult to make progress in their cultivation, but it could also trigger resource competition among Sects, leading the entire Spirit Realm into Chaos. More seriously, if Spiritual Qi completely disappears and the Age of Dharma Decline arrives, all living beings in this Realm will face a catastrophic disaster."
"Is the Spiritual Qi depletion related to the Chaotic Sealing Domain Great Array? This array Seals the passages to the Demon Abyss and the Upper Realm!" Li Mu thought of something and asked.
"The Chaotic Sealing Domain Great Array, huh! It does have some connection, but it's not the fundamental reason. This Realm has countless Spiritual Veins, and the amount of Spiritual Power transported by the two Realm passages is limited. Even if they were closed, they wouldn't cause the Spiritual Qi in this Realm to deplete! The influence of Jiuyou on this Realm's Spiritual Power is different," Sword Master Feng shook his head, denying Li Mu's judgment.
Sword Master Feng slowly raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the barriers of space and time, returning to that distant and glorious era: "In ancient times, the Spiritual Qi of the Spirit Realm was so dense it could almost liquefy. Mountains, rivers, and plants all contained spirituality, and birds and beasts could Cultivate and transform. High Grade Cultivators were everywhere, and achieving the Realm of Great Vehicle Dao Lord was not difficult. Even when the passages to the Demon Abyss and the Upper Realm were wide open, it didn't have much impact."
After a pause, Sword Master Feng continued to introduce Li Mu: "Ancient Cultivators, bathed in such abundant Spiritual Qi, advanced their Cultivation by leaps and bounds. Powerhouses emerged in great numbers, moving mountains and overturning seas, plucking stars and seizing the moon were mere trifles. Sects stood in great numbers, each displaying their Divine Ability. Not only was there no competition for resources, but they often exchanged Dao methods and jointly explored the secrets of longevity. That was a true golden age."
"However, good times did not last. As a certain unknown force in Heaven and Earth became imbalanced, and due to the greed and ambition of some powerful existences, the Ancient Catastrophe quietly descended. The Nine Nether Land, which was originally a ghostly Realm of the underworld and the source of all evil, for some unknown reason, its internal foul Qi and negative energy began to overflow wildly, corroding the entire Spirit Realm. This foul Qi, when it met pure Spiritual Qi, was like fire and water, not only consuming a large amount of Spiritual Qi but also causing the Laws of Heaven and Earth to become chaotic."
At this point, Sword Master Feng paused, his gaze piercing through layers of clouds, seeing that dark ancient era.
"The Ancient Great Power successfully isolated Jiuyou. Now, for some unknown reason, the pollution from Jiuyou is intensifying daily, gradually corroding the Foundation of the Spirit Realm, causing a large number of main Spiritual Veins to be damaged, and the Spiritual Qi has become increasingly thin, leading to the Spiritual Qi depletion crisis we face today."
"To solve this fundamental problem, one must delve deep into the Nine Nether Land, explore the source of the pollution, and perhaps find the key to restoring Spiritual Qi and rebuilding order. However, this journey is extremely perilous, a near-certain death, and only those with Heaven-Defying abilities and fearless hearts can undertake it."
Sword Master Feng's mood was incredibly heavy as he spoke. He turned to look at Li Mu and finally introduced: "The two Dao Lords of our Sect, precisely because they wanted to thoroughly resolve this crisis, resolutely decided to delve deep into Jiuyou, attempting to find the secret of Jiuyou and Spiritual Qi depletion, to secure a glimmer of hope for this Realm."
After listening to Sword Master Feng's detailed introduction, Li Mu's mood was inexplicably complex. He hadn't expected that the higher-ups of the Xuantian Sword Sect bore such a significant responsibility.
"Sword Master, at the current rate of Spiritual Qi depletion, how much longer can the Spirit Veins of the Spirit Realm sustain?" Li Mu thought of something and asked Sword Master Feng with concern.
Sword Master Feng pondered for a moment, his brows tightly furrowed, and slowly said: "According to the calculations of the Sect Elders and the frequency of recent Spiritual Qi fluctuations, if there is no external intervention, at the current rate of depletion, the Spirit Realm can only sustain for at most another three thousand Years. After a thousand Years, the Spiritual Qi will become thin, and the Cultivation of High Grade Cultivators will become extremely difficult, while low-level Cultivators will find it even harder to survive. By then, the entire Spirit Realm may fall into an unprecedented crisis."
"If this problem cannot be completely resolved within two thousand Years, the main Spiritual Veins of this Realm will suffer destructive damage, becoming utterly irreversible. At that time, the Age of Dharma Decline will officially descend," Sword Master Feng concluded.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's heart sank. Two thousand Years, this time seemed long, but in reality, for a Cultivator, it was but a flick of a finger.
