Within the Treasure Mansion Space, due to Qing Lin’s arrival and transformation, the originally tranquil air gained a vibrant, lively Aura.
The Spiritual Qi concentration also seemed to gradually increase with Qing Lin’s growth, and even the plants within the space appeared more lush, as if nourished by some mysterious power.
Li Mu seized the opportunity to plant a large number of new Spiritual Plants in the Spiritual Fields, including Five-Element Spirit Plants related to the Five Element Dao, Nine Yin Spirit Grass, Nine Yang Spirit Grass, Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid, which increase Yin and Yang power and spirituality, and Five-Tier Ten Thousand Core Spirit Grass, which increases free proficiency.
With the integration of numerous Spiritual Veins and the coverage of the Azure Dragon Law Domain, the entire Treasure Mansion Space seemed to be endowed with endless vitality and potential, becoming a miraculous place where nature and Spiritual Qi intertwined.
Under the nourishment of Spiritual Qi, the Five-Tier Ten Thousand Core Spirit Grass quickly took root and sprouted, its leaves shimmering with delicate patterns, each leaf seemingly containing myriad vitality, continuously emitting a faint fragrance that attracted the surrounding Spiritual Qi to gather more densely.
These Spiritual Plants not only grew at an astonishing speed, but their quality also far surpassed ordinary ones; each plant was full and lustrous, portending that they would become precious Materials for refining Advanced Medicinal Pills in the future.
The Nine Yin Spirit Grass and Nine Yang Spirit Grass, respectively, occupied the extreme Yin and Yang regions within the Treasure Mansion Space; they were interdependent yet mutually restrictive, forming a subtle balance.
The Nine Yin Spirit Grass emitted a chilling Aura, with a faint cold Qi condensing on its leaves, as if it could freeze all vitality; the Nine Yang Spirit Grass, on the other hand, emitted a scorching light, and the surrounding space seemed to be distorted by this heat.
Under the protection of the Azure Dragon Law Domain, the Yin and Yang power of both was exquisitely harmonized and enhanced, making the Spiritual Qi circulation within the Treasure Mansion Space smoother and providing a continuous impetus for the growth of all Spiritual Plants.
The Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid grew in a special area formed by condensed ice; its flowers were crystal clear, like works of art carved from ice and snow, emitting clear and pure Spiritual Qi fluctuations.
Under the coverage of the Azure Dragon Law Domain, the growth rate of the Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid doubled, and its quality reached an unprecedented height; every drop of morning dew contained rich ice-attributed Spiritual Qi, making it an excellent Material for refining ice-type Medicinal Pills or Magic Treasures.
As for the various Five Elements, Five- and Six-Tier Spiritual Plants, they corresponded to the Five Elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, respectively, and were carefully planted in the mutually generative Five Elements areas within the Treasure Mansion Space.
They not only grew vigorously on their own but also, through subtle connections between their root Systems, promoted each other, forming a complex Five Elements mutual generation and restraint ecosystem.
Whenever there were Spiritual Qi fluctuations, these Spiritual Plants would automatically adjust their state to absorb and transform Spiritual Qi in the best way, making the Spiritual Qi circulation within the entire Treasure Mansion Space more efficient and harmonious.
In addition, some special High-Tier Spiritual Plants, such as the Seven-Tier Qingming Sword Bamboo, Time-Space Spirit Lotus, Yang Yan Golden Mushroom, and medicine king spirit ginseng, were fewer in number but also showed significant growth improvement.
While tending to the numerous High-Tier Spiritual Plants, Li Mu did not stop; he utilized the rich Spiritual Qi and unique ecological environment within the Treasure Mansion Space to set up a secluded cultivation chamber for himself, continuing to delve into the Dao of Divine Runes.
As his research into Divine Runes deepened, Li Mu successfully mastered a thousand Divine Runes, but the remaining Two Thousand Divine Runes proved difficult to Breakthrough in a short period, reaching a Bottleneck.
The Three Thousand Divine Runes could communicate with Heaven and Earth, draw Spiritual Qi, and even, under certain specific conditions, display the power to change rules and reverse the Universe.
Li Mu attempted to integrate his understanding of natural Laws such as Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and space-time into the drawing of Divine Runes, gradually figuring out certain patterns.
The ultimate form of the Three Thousand Divine Runes represents the Three Thousand Daos.
For example, the Golden Divine Rune among the Five Elements not only represented hardness and sharpness but also contained the mysteries of change and transformation, and could further derive more subordinate Daos, integrating the sharpness, hardness, and transformation characteristics of gold into Divine Runes derived from other attributes.
Li Mu used this to unearth Divine Runes where gold and other elements in the Five Elements mutually assisted each other.
Firstly, as gold and water are mutually generative, Li Mu found the “Gold-Water Mutual Generation” Divine Rune.
This Divine Rune could guide the gold element and water element to fuse, forming a force that was both hard and flowing, like gold and stone in a river, both unbreakable and adaptable, displaying a unique resilience and variability.
This Divine Rune was particularly effective when refining water-attributed Magic Treasures or enhancing water-based Spells, endowing them with stronger penetrative power and flexibility.
Secondly, as gold and fire are mutually restrictive yet complementary, Li Mu comprehended the “Gold-Fire Smelting” Divine Rune.
This Divine Rune utilized the high temperature of gold and the scorching heat of fire to fuse them into one, forming a powerful smelting force.
Whether forging Divine Weapons and Sharp Weapons or refining High-Tier Medicinal Pills, this Divine Rune could greatly increase the success rate and quality, making the refined items more perfect and flawless.
Furthermore, although there was a restrictive relationship between gold and wood, Li Mu found balance and harmony within it, discovering the “Gold-Wood Symbiosis” Divine Rune.
This Divine Rune, through clever guidance and harmonization, allowed the gold and wood elements to achieve a subtle symbiotic state amidst mutual restraint.
This Divine Rune had significant effects in promoting plant growth and enhancing the power of wood-based Spells, making Li Mu more adept when tending to Spiritual Plants.
Finally, as gold and earth complement each other, Li Mu comprehended the “Gold-Earth Foundation Strengthening” Divine Rune.
This Divine Rune combined the hardness of gold with the heaviness of earth, forming a force as stable as a mountain.
Whether used for defense or stabilizing Formations, this Divine Rune could play a huge role, making Li Mu more steady and reliable in combat and cultivation.
By analogy, relying on his understanding and Epiphany of the Five Element Dao, Yin and Yang Dao, and Time-Space Dao, Li Mu spent decades successfully comprehending a thousand Divine Runes among the Three Thousand Divine Runes.
However, facing the remaining Two Thousand Divine Runes, Li Mu felt an unprecedented confusion and powerlessness.
The remaining Two Thousand Divine Runes were not only far more complex in structure and logic than anything Li Mu had encountered before, but they also seemed to contain the deepest and most essential Laws of the Universe, transcending Li Mu’s current scope of understanding, making it difficult for him to glimpse their roots.
After trying countless methods, including more in-depth research into natural Laws, searching for clues in ancient texts, and even attempting to collaborate and discuss with other Cultivators, Li Mu had to admit that he could no longer make significant progress in a short period.
Thus, Li Mu reluctantly made a decision to temporarily stop researching the remaining Two Thousand Divine Runes and instead devote his energy to other aspects of cultivation, such as Artifact Refining, Talisman Drawing, and Puppet carving.
He hoped that through continuous accumulation and precipitation, he could broaden his horizons and understanding, potentially breaking through this Bottleneck again in the future and mastering the remaining Divine Runes.
Li Mu began to focus on Artifact Refining, integrating the power of Divine Runes into artifacts to create beautiful and practical Spiritual Artifacts.
He indulged in Talisman Drawing, using brush and ink as a medium to communicate with Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, and based on Divine Runes, drawing Talismans imbued with the power of Law.
He combined Divine Rune carving with Puppets, imbuing Puppets with life and wisdom through intricate designs and complex Divine Rune Formation diagrams.
Time flowed day by day, and fifteen Years passed in a flash.
Within the Treasure Mansion Space, above the Five Elements Spirit Palace, unusual phenomena frequently appeared; these were the products of Spiritual Qi and Law intertwining, portending the birth of something extraordinary.
Xue'er, with the little Azure Dragon - Qing Lin and the Seven-Tier Gu - Little White, lived a leisurely life in the Treasure Mansion, moving from initial surprise at these frequent Heaven and Earth phenomena to eventually becoming accustomed to them.
They would either soar in the air or play on the ground, occasionally looking up curiously at the constantly changing light and shadows above the Five Elements Spirit Palace, their eyes sparkling with a hint of curiosity and admiration for Li Mu.
...
Another three Years passed, and two Nine Nether Kun Whales roamed the vast Star Domain, getting closer and closer to a lush green planet.
“Li Dage, is that Qi Ling Star? We’re finally back!”
On the back of the Nine Nether Kun Whale, Xue'er’s eyes sparkled as she clutched Li Mu’s arm and asked excitedly.
“Yes, we’re back!”
Li Mu looked at the lush green planet with a smile in his eyes, complex emotions surging in his heart.
After drifting in the vast Star Domain for over a hundred Years, he finally returned to Qi Ling Star; this long journey was both a trial on his cultivation path and a period of spiritual precipitation and transformation for Li Mu.
At this moment, Li Mu was no longer who he used to be; he still wore an elegant green robe, his sleeves fluttering, free and uninhibited.
Years had not left many traces on his face, but his temperament had become increasingly ethereal, gaining a few more points of composure and transcendence compared to before, and his brows revealed a wisdom and profundity that saw through worldly affairs.
Over a hundred Years, the absorption from two waves of Six-Tier Spiritual Plants had brought about earth-shattering changes in Li Mu.
The Divine Soul enhancement from the Perfection of the Star Observation Method, the injection of nearly two million Years of vitality and Lifespan, and countless Epiphanies regarding Heaven and Earth Laws, along with the thorough mastery of a thousand Divine Runes in the Dao of a Hundred Arts, had elevated Li Mu’s strength to the Dao Realm.
Even those old monsters who had been secluded for tens of thousands of Years could not hope to compare.
Now, about to return to the Spirit Realm, Li Mu was preparing to condense a Seven-Tier Soul Transformation Clone, refine a Chaos Law Domain, and Breakthrough to the Body Integration Realm.
Thinking of these, Li Mu impatiently urged the two Nine Nether Kun Whales to accelerate towards Qi Ling Star.
However, just as the Nine Nether Kun Whales were about to pass through the protective Formation on the outskirts of Qi Ling Star, a distant and majestic voice suddenly sounded, questioning in an undeniable tone: “Who goes there, trespassing on the Qi Ling Star Realm? State your origin immediately, or do not blame the Boundary Protection Formation for being merciless!”
As the voice fell, a middle-aged Sword Cultivator arrived on his sword; he wore a tight white sword suit, a jade belt around his waist, and rode a silver Spiritual Sword, like a Sword Immortal descending from the Nine Heavens.
His posture was tall and straight, his demeanor extraordinary, and his hair was tied high with a simple Qingyu hairpin, with a few stray strands fluttering in the wind, adding a touch of unrestraint and freedom.
His brows were etched with the vicissitudes of Years and the tempering of Sword Intent, and he looked at the two Nine Nether Kun Whales with vigilance, his expression somewhat tense.
The Nine Nether Kun Whale is an Eight-Tier Star Beast, massive in size and formidable in combat; for someone to use two Kun Whales to clear the way was certainly no ordinary matter, and one who could control such Spirit Beasts was definitely no Mortal.
Evidently, the person was intimidated by the majestic Aura of these two giant beasts, but he did not retreat; instead, his Sword Intent was awe-inspiring.
Li Mu looked at the appearance of the Void Refining Sword Cultivator blocking his way, and instead of being surprised, he was delighted, and quickly flew up from behind the Nine Nether Kun Whale.
“Elder Yan, long time no see!”
Li Mu smiled slightly and flew forward; the one blocking his way was none other than Xuantian Sword Sect’s Deacon Elder - Yan Yuchun.
“You, you… You are Elder Li! You’re back!”
Yan Yuchun’s eyes widened, looking at the extraordinary Li Mu before him, who resembled the one in his memory, with an expression of disbelief.
The words “Elder Li” from his mouth seemed to carry a hint of uncertainty and incredulity, but that familiar feeling surged like a tide, instantly washing away all his doubts.
Li Mu had disappeared for over a hundred Years; the Xuantian Sword Sect mobilized hundreds of thousands of elite Disciples to search for him everywhere, and even ordered various forces outside the Star Domain to fully search and ascertain the whereabouts of this legendary Artifact Refining Great Master, yet no one knew where he had gone.
Now, Li Mu had appeared so abruptly outside the Qi Ling Star Realm; how could Yan Yuchun not be shocked and excited?
“Yes! I’m finally back!” Li Mu smiled and nodded.
“That’s wonderful, truly wonderful! Elder Li! The entire Sect was worried about you, thinking you…” Yan Yuchun’s voice choked, tears shimmering in his eyes; he quickly took a few steps and tightly clasped Li Mu’s hand, as if afraid that if he let go, Li Mu would disappear again.
“Elder Yan, I am perfectly fine; I apologize for making the Sect worry.” Li Mu smiled, unconcerned.
“Elder Li’s safe return is a great fortune for the Sect; several Sword Masters and all the Elders have been searching for you for many Years, only to find no trace.
Now they must be eager to see you; please return to the Sect with me quickly!” Yan Yuchun’s excitement was palpable as he extended a warm invitation.
Li Mu nodded slightly, a hint of tenderness and nostalgia flashing in his eyes, “Of course, I must return to the Sect, but before that, I have one more matter to attend to.”
Saying this, Li Mu turned to look at the two Nine Nether Kun Whales, took out a newly refined Spirit-Controlling Artifact, and with a hand seal, brought the two Nine Nether Kun Whales into it.
The Spirit-Controlling Artifact flashed with light, instantly transforming into an exquisite jade pendant, hanging at Li Mu’s waist, faintly revealing the blurred outlines of the two Kun Whales, indicating that they were properly settled.
Seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Yan Yuchun’s eyes, which then turned into deep admiration.
He naturally recognized the extraordinary nature of the Spirit-Controlling Artifact; to be able to easily contain such powerful Spirit Beasts indicated not only profound cultivation but also an extremely high attainment in the Dao of Artifact Refining.
“Elder Li, your Artifact Refining technique has improved greatly; it truly leaves this old man in awe.” Yan Yuchun praised sincerely.
“Elder Yan, you flatter me; let us return to the Sect!”
Li Mu smiled slightly, responded politely, and then, taking Xue'er, ascended on his sword with Yan Yuchun, speeding towards the Xuantian Sword Sect.
Along the way, the two occasionally conversed, and Li Mu inquired about the events that had occurred in the Sect over the past hundred Years from Yan Yuchun.
Upon hearing this, Yan Yuchun’s expression became solemn and emotional, and he slowly recounted in detail the changes and various major events that had taken place in the Xuantian Sword Sect and even the entire Spirit Realm over the past hundred Years.
“Elder Li, since your disappearance, the Sect has experienced many trials.
Firstly, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen led our Sect’s forces to attack the Nether Sect to avenge you, and united with forces outside the Star Domain to search for your whereabouts…”
...
Listening to Yan Yuchun’s explanation, Li Mu’s brows gradually furrowed, filled with worry about the Sect’s current situation and future. (End of Chapter)
