As the Lightning Tribulation dissipated, the surrounding scenery returned to its former tranquility. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting dappled light and shadow, adding a touch of vitality and hope to the land. Miss Xue Er and Li Mu stood side by side, gazing into the distance.
Li Mu suddenly sensed something, frowned, and indicated, "It seems we have guests!"
Miss Xue Er immediately looked up, a hint of alertness flashing in her eyes.
"Let's go welcome them together," Li Mu said with a smile, then took Miss Xue Er's hand and walked out of the Formation.
Li Mu led Miss Xue Er out of the Formation side by side, only to see a handsome young man in a green robe waiting outside. He held a jade fan in his hand, a Sword Casket on his back, and a faint Sword Qi surrounded his body, clearly indicating he was a Sword Cultivator with considerable cultivation.
The person who arrived was none other than Xuantian Sword Sect's Wind Sword Master: Feng Wuhen.
"Elder Li, Miss Xue Er, long time no see!" Feng Wuhen greeted with a smile and a cupped-hand salute, his voice as warm as jade as he congratulated Li Mu, "I didn't expect to be fortunate enough to witness Elder Li refining a top-grade Dao Artifact today."
Li Mu returned a smile, stepped forward, and also cupped his hands in return, "Indeed, it has been three years since we last met, Wind Sword Master, your demeanor remains!"
Miss Xue Er also bowed slightly, treating him with courtesy. She probably understood his purpose and was not overly concerned.
Over the past hundred years, several Sword Masters of the Xuantian Sword Sect would spar with Li Dage every three years to exchange insights on the Dao of the Sword and make progress together. Feng Wuhen's visit this time was likely in accordance with this custom.
At the same time, several Sword Masters of the Xuantian Sword Sect, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Qi, successively ascended to the Dao Lord Realm, greatly boosting the morale of the entire Xuantian Sword Sect and reversing its decline.
If there were no accidents, they all gained something after their Sword Cultivator duels. It was precisely because of this that Li Dage's position in the Xuantian Sword Sect became increasingly stable. He not only made continuous progress in his duels with various Sword Masters but also opened up new Realms in the Dao of the Sword, earning widespread respect and admiration from many Elders and Sword Masters of the Xuantian Sword Sect.
"Wind Sword Master, I trust you have been well. Although I have been busy with other matters these past few years, my cultivation in the Dao of the Sword has never ceased. It's a good opportunity to test our skills today and see if we have both made progress," Li Mu said to Feng Wuhen, revealing a strong Battle Intent while also showing great respect for his old opponent.
"Elder Li, let's put the Sword Cultivator duel aside for now. I actually came here to inform you of an important piece of news," Feng Wuhen gently fanned himself with the jade fan, his expression turning serious.
Li Mu nodded, looking at Feng Wuhen and indicating, "Sword Master, please speak. If there's anything important, Li will certainly listen attentively."
"A month ago, Tianji Old Man gained some insights through his Heavenly Talent divination and warned our sect that the Seal Grand Formation of the two Realms might be loosening, potentially threatening the peace of our Realm," Feng Wuhen's voice was low and powerful. "However, this Grand Formation has always been under Elder Li's care, so I specifically came to ask Elder Li if he has noticed any abnormalities in the Grand Formation?"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's expression instantly became solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly shook his head and said, "Recently, I haven't detected any unusual movements in the Grand Formation, but Tianji Old Man's divination art is extraordinary. I will treat this matter with caution. How about, Sword Master, you accompany me to inspect the seven Sealed Lands?"
Feng Wuhen nodded slightly upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, "Elder Li is absolutely right. For caution's sake, personally inspecting it is the only way to be at ease. Since you haven't found any abnormalities, let's immediately proceed to the seven Sealed Lands. Perhaps we can discover some clues."
With that, Feng Wuhen turned and smiled gently at Miss Xue Er, saying, "Miss Xue Er, please wait here. Elder Li and I will return shortly. If anything changes, we will inform you in time."
Although Miss Xue Er was somewhat worried, she understood the importance of the matter. She nodded gently, watching the two depart.
Li Mu and Feng Wuhen soared away on their swords, flying towards the Xuantian Sword Sect, heading straight for the Extreme Gold Secret Realm, one of the seven Sealed Lands. That place was the most important guardian area of the Xuantian Sword Sect and one of the seven sub-Formations of the Seal Grand Formation connecting the two Realms.
Soon, the two traversed the cloud-shrouded mountains and arrived at the Xuantian Sword Sect's most mysterious and solemn Forbidden Land—Burial Sword Peak. The Peak was perennially enveloped in dense Sword Qi, as if every wisp of wind carried the singing of a sword, inspiring awe.
Burial Sword Peak was named not only because it buried the peerless famous swords of previous generations of Sword Sect Seniors but also because it was the key to maintaining the core of the Seal Grand Formation of the two Realms. The Extreme Gold Secret Realm was hidden beneath this Peak, isolated from the outside world by complex Formations and mechanisms, and only core members of the Sword Sect were allowed entry.
Li Mu and Feng Wuhen landed on the Peak. They exchanged a glance; no words were needed. They passed through the Restriction Formation of the Extreme Gold Secret Realm and stepped inside.
"Greetings, Master!"
Soon after Li Mu and Feng Wuhen entered the Secret Realm, a golden figure swiftly appeared before them, respectfully greeting them with a booming voice.
It was none other than the Green-Eyed Golden Ape. It had already passed the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation and transformed into a human form, standing over eight feet tall with a nimble physique, smooth and explosive muscle lines, and terrifying strength hidden beneath every inch of its skin. Its square face carried a hint of wildness, but what was most striking were its eyes, which glowed with a emerald light, deep and sharp, as if they could see into people's hearts or even directly into the depths of their Souls.
Its golden flame hair shimmered in the sunlight, casually draped over its shoulders, adding a touch of untamed majesty. Its ears were long and pointed, retaining some animalistic features, yet adding a touch of agility and mystery. It wore a battle armor woven from unknown metal threads, which was both noble and practical for combat, and it shimmered brightly, complementing the golden light emanating from the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's body.
"Hmm! Any abnormalities in the Secret Realm?"
Li Mu nodded slightly, his gaze sharp, quickly scanning the surroundings for any possible anomalies.
"Reporting to Master, everything inside the Secret Realm is normal. The Grand Formation is operating as usual, and no abnormal fluctuations have been detected," the Green-Eyed Golden Ape's voice was steady and powerful, revealing its dedication to its duty and familiarity with the Secret Realm.
Feng Wuhen frowned slightly but did not fully relax his guard, adding, "Elder Li, Tianji Old Man's divination art has always been accurate. How about we split up and inspect the various nodes of the Grand Formation separately, then go into the Grand Formation's core to ensure everything is foolproof?"
Li Mu agreed deeply, nodding, "Wind Sword Master is absolutely right. You and I will act separately. I will be responsible for the Grand Formation nodes in the east, south, and west, and you will be responsible for the nodes in the north, center, and the sky above. Finally, we will meet at the Grand Formation's core."
With that, the two figures moved, like two streaks of light, dispersing and rushing towards their designated directions.
Li Mu released his Divine Thought, meticulously investigating the outer domains of the Extreme Gold Secret Realm's various Seals. As he flew past, he also checked the large Spiritual Plant fields he had cultivated there, where numerous gold element Spiritual Plants were planted.
【gold radiance divine zhi】
【Grade: Seventh-tier Spiritual Plant】
【Characteristics: golden origin Dao principle, brilliant golden light, shining golden splendor, divine zhi exuding auspiciousness, boundless sharpness, vibrant vitality.】
【Status: golden origin Qi is abundant, growing vigorously.】
【Golden Splendor Spiritual Plant, Seventh-tier Spiritual Plant, age: 360 years. A wondrous spiritual zhi bathed in the golden splendor of stars. Its leaves are like gold foil, crystal clear, its stem stands tall, emitting a golden origin luster and a sharp Qi. It draws nutrients from the essence of heaven and earth. Its leaf tips contain the essence of gold element spiritual power, circulating endlessly with powerful vitality and sharpness, growing ceaselessly.】
【Jin Yao Spirit Vine】
【Grade: Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant】
【Characteristics: Starlight splendor, golden vine intertwining, unparalleled sharpness, vibrant vitality.】
【Status: golden origin Qi is abundant, growing vigorously.】
【Jin Yao Spirit Vine, Sixth-tier Spiritual Plant, age: 365 years. A peculiar vine bathed in golden origin. The surface of the vine flows with a faint metallic luster, containing the power of golden origin. Where it grows, golden origin Qi swirls, full of vitality.】
...
As far as his gaze could reach, under the Talent Divine Power - Identify Myriad Spirits, the status of various fifth-tier, sixth-tier, and seventh-tier gold element Spiritual Plants in the large Spiritual Plant field appeared one by one in Li Mu's eyes.
Li Mu smiled broadly, quickly flying past, heading straight for the core of the Extreme Gold Secret Realm's Seal Grand Formation.
At the Formation's eye, stood a ninth-tier 【golden flame holy crystal】. It was not only the core cornerstone of the Seal Grand Formation but also an extremely rare gold-attribute mineral in the world, containing pure golden origin Qi, with the miraculous effects of stabilizing space and strengthening Formations.
This golden flame holy crystal had a color like the purest yellow mountain, with a faint metallic luster flowing on its surface, exuding a steady and powerful aura.
Li Mu arrived first, and Feng Wuhen arrived like lightning right after. The two appeared almost simultaneously near the Grand Formation's core, their gazes falling on the 【golden flame holy crystal】 in unison.
"Elder Li, any findings? I didn't find any problems on my side!" Feng Wuhen turned to Li Mu and asked with concern.
"There's nothing unusual with the Seal Formation here. It should be a problem with other sub-Formations. We need to carefully investigate the other Secret Realms," Li Mu replied.
"Elder Li is absolutely right. Then let's immediately proceed to the next Sealed Land. We must ensure every single one is safe and sound," Feng Wuhen nodded understandingly.
The two exchanged another glance; no words were needed. They flew out of the Grand Formation's core, preparing to leave the Extreme Gold Secret Realm and proceed to the next Secret Realm.
Seeing the two emerge, the Green-Eyed Golden Ape quickly stepped forward to pay its respects.
"Little Gold, guard this place well and ensure the safety of the Seal Grand Formation. You must be diligent and responsible. If there's any disturbance, inform me immediately," Li Mu instructed the Green-Eyed Golden Ape.
Before he finished speaking, Li Mu's figure, along with Feng Wuhen, had already transformed into two streaks of light, streaking across the sky and speeding away into the distance.
"Yes, Master!"
The Green-Eyed Golden Ape watched the two depart until their figures completely disappeared into the clouds, then slowly withdrew its gaze, turned, and returned to the vicinity of the Spiritual Plant field, beginning a new round of guarding.
In the days that followed, Li Mu and Feng Wuhen traveled between various Secret Realms, their footsteps covering the Central Plains Spirit Domain and the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, several important Sealed Lands.
Li Mu successively met the Azure Jade Ginseng King, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, Azure Moon True Dragon, and Ink Rock Flood Lizard, four Spirit Beasts. They had guarded the Extreme Lands for hundreds of years, and with the large amount of Spirit Pills provided by Li Mu, they had all passed the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation and achieved the Peak of the True Spirit Realm.
In the several Secret Realms they guarded, such as the Cang Yuan Secret Realm and the Netherwater Secret Realm, no abnormalities were found. The Seal Formations were as stable as ever, as if even the passage of time had failed to leave a mark on these protected lands.
Finally, after investigating several Extreme Secret Realms, they arrived at the Extreme Yin Land. This place was perennially shrouded in thick dark clouds, and a chilling cold permeated the surroundings, making even the two highly cultivated individuals have to circulate their Cultivation Technique and condense their True Essence to resist the biting yin cold.
"It seems there's a problem with the Extreme Yin Land, causing such a powerful yin evil force to leak out!" Li Mu said with a solemn expression, looking at the large amount of yin evil Qi emerging from the Extreme Yin Secret Realm.
"How could this be? The Ice Nether Spirit Valley, which leads to the Extreme Yin Land, is guarded by our sect's most elite Disciples. How could it fall so easily, leading to such serious consequences?" Feng Wuhen frowned tightly, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes.
Li Mu pondered for a moment, then said gravely, "Perhaps we overlooked some powerful force at work in the dark. This Extreme Yin Land itself contains endless yin evil Qi. If someone with ill intentions were to exploit it, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"Regardless, we must quickly ascertain the truth and find a way to repair the Seal to prevent the continued leakage of yin evil Qi," a flash of killing intent flickered in Feng Wuhen's eyes.
With that said, the two no longer hesitated. Their figures unfolded like two black bolts of lightning, piercing through the thick dark clouds and heading straight for the core area of the Extreme Yin Secret Realm.
As they delved deeper, the surrounding yin evil Qi grew denser, almost solidifying, making it difficult to breathe.
Just then, a faint cry for help faintly echoed, particularly jarring in the deathly silent environment. Li Mu and Feng Wuhen exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes, then immediately accelerated, following the sound.
Before long, they arrived at a hidden valley. In the valley, a Transformation God cultivator guarding the Ice Nether Spirit Valley lay on the ground, covered in blood, clearly severely wounded. His eyes were filled with despair. Seeing Li Mu and Feng Wuhen arrive, he seemed to have seen his saviors, and used his last bit of strength to shout, "Quick... quick, stop them, there are Devil Cultivators intruding...."
Before he could finish speaking, the Transformation God cultivator had already fainted.
"There's still hope!" Li Mu glanced over, quickly pulled out a bottle of Spirit Pills, poured out a healing Spirit Pill, and fed it to him.
"Elder Li, after he wakes up, you can inquire about the situation with him. I'll go in first and take a look."
Feng Wuhen gave Li Mu a quick instruction. Before his voice faded, he had already transformed into a wisp of clear wind, vanishing with a 'whoosh,' passing through the valley's passage, and quickly advancing into the depths of the Extreme Yin Secret Realm.
Watching Feng Wuhen depart, Li Mu knelt down, gently propped up the Transformation God cultivator's body, circulated his spiritual power, and gently probed into the Sword Cultivator's body to help him better absorb the Medicinal Pill's efficacy and stabilize his injuries. At the same time, he released his powerful Divine Thought, preparing to investigate first.
However, the Extreme Yin Land, shrouded in yin evil, seemed to have transformed into an abyss that devoured information. As soon as Li Mu's Divine Thought probed in, it encountered heavy resistance.
The yin evil Qi was as viscous as a solid substance, not only interfering with Li Mu's perception but also attempting to corrode his Divine Thought. Li Mu's cultivation was profound, and his Chaos Divine Soul was incredibly powerful. He quickly adjusted the fluctuations of his Divine Thought, forming a subtle balance with the surrounding yin evil Qi, thereby easily penetrating the obstruction.
Soon, Li Mu gained some insights. He perceived an abnormally powerful Devilish Qi surging not far ahead, intertwined with the surrounding yin evil Qi, forming an extremely dangerous force. A group of black-clothed Cultivators were performing some evil ritual. Their movements were strange and synchronized, as if manipulated by some force. They chanted incantations, and with each syllable uttered, the surrounding yin evil Qi grew denser. (End of Chapter)
