A moment later, Elder Qiu had a plan in mind and solemnly said to Li Mu, "Elder Li, your Dao Pills are priceless; even if we took out all the high-grade spiritual materials from the entire Sect's Treasure Trove, it might not be enough for an equivalent exchange."
After a pause, Elder Qiu continued, "I will first exchange all the high-grade spiritual materials currently available in the Treasure Trove that are on your list. As for the remaining portion, I will compensate you with Sect Contribution Points, which you can use at any time in the future to exchange for other high-grade spiritual materials. How does that sound?"
"Li has no objections, I'll go with what the Hall Master says." Li Mu smiled and nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Elder Qiu was quite satisfied. He then took out a Contribution Token, infused it with spiritual power, and transferred a large sum of Sect Contribution Points to Li Mu's Elder Token.
"Elder Li, please check if you are satisfied with the Contribution Points remaining after deducting the exchanged spiritual materials!" Elder Qiu handed the token to Li Mu and then said with a smile, "If there are no problems, follow me to the Treasure Trove to retrieve the high-grade spiritual materials you need later."
Li Mu took the token and swept his Divine Sense over it, only to see a staggering number, a truly considerable amount of Contribution Points, which made him slightly stunned.
Then, Li Mu brightened his face and said with a satisfied smile, "The Hall Master is generous, Li is immensely grateful. These Contribution Points are more than enough, and Li will surely have need of them in the future."
Elder Qiu laughed heartily and said, "Elder Li, you are too polite. We both serve the Sect and should support each other. Moreover, your Dao Pills are of great benefit to the Cultivators of the Sect in improving their cultivation, which is a blessing for our Sect. If you have more Medicinal Pills in the future, don't forget our Sect."
With that, Elder Qiu waved his hand and put the forty-eight bottles of Dao Pills into his storage ring.
Li Mu smiled slightly and said, "Of course, since Li is an Elder of the Sect, I will naturally do my part for the Sect. Moreover, with Hall Master Qiu being so fair and selfless, how could Li seek further afield?"
The two looked at each other and smiled, then chatted about recent events in the Sect, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
When the topic turned to the situation of the two Dao Lords, Elder Qiu's expression darkened, and he explained in detail to Li Mu, "The situation is not optimistic. Dao Lord Chen and Dao Lord Feng returned to the Sect some time ago, but they have gone to Great Buddha Temple and Taiyi Sect again, taking the two Sects' most precious treasures to Nine Underworlds to support the Sect Master!"
"Sect Master? Please explain in detail, Hall Master. Li is willing to do his part for the Sect." Li Mu's expression tightened, a hint of shock flashed in his eyes, and he asked with concern.
The Sect Master of Xuantian Sword Sect had been missing for hundreds of Years, and Li Mu had not expected to hear news of him. The previous demise of Dao Lord Qinghong was enough to prove that a huge crisis was hidden behind the disappearance of the Xuantian Sect Master. Li Mu's expression tightened, and he couldn't help but become serious.
Elder Qiu took a deep breath and slowly said, "The Xuantian Sect Master has indeed been missing for three hundred Years, but recently, Dao Lord Chen and the others encountered him deep within Nine Underworlds during their escape, along with Lingyun Old Daoist, the Sect Master of Taiyi Sect, and Renhui Holy Monk of Great Buddha Temple, who were also trapped. They were caught in a trap set by Nine Underworld Demon Emperor, the Nine Underworlds Great Array, and have been trapped in the array for hundreds of Years, unable to break free."
"Nine Underworld Demon Emperor?" Li Mu was slightly startled; he had never heard of this person's name, nor did he know his origin.
Elder Qiu nodded, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes, and began to introduce the origin of Nine Underworld Demon Emperor to Li Mu: "Nine Underworld Demon Emperor is the true Dominator of Nine Nether Land, an ancient and powerful existence. It is said that he was born in ancient times, possesses infinite Lifespan, and has the terrifying ability to control the power of Nine Underworlds, condense the Nine Underworlds Dao Domain, and master the Laws of Nine Underworlds Beyond the Domains, being only one step away from the Dao Ancestor Realm."
"Ten thousand Years ago, he led his army to invade the Inner Domains and was suppressed by several great Sects and several Dao Lords working together. We thought he had perished, but now he has reappeared, and has even set up the Nine Underworlds Great Array to trap several Sect Masters for hundreds of Years, drawing the Demon Abyss forces to invade this Realm. It is truly a catastrophe." Elder Qiu's voice was deep and powerful, every word seeming to carry a thousand pounds of weight.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's expression became exceptionally solemn.
"So, the calamity in the Southern Wilderness and the invasion of the Demon Abyss forces into this Realm are all the work of this Nine Underworld Demon Emperor!" A cold light flashed in Li Mu's eyes as he speculated in a deep voice.
"It must be him. If it weren't for Nine Underworld Demon Emperor meddling and trapping several Sect Masters with the Nine Underworlds Great Array, the matter of the Demon Abyss forces invading this Realm would have been resolved, and they wouldn't have been able to make a comeback repeatedly." Elder Qiu sighed heavily, his brows filled with worry.
"I wonder if the assistance of the several Dao Lords, along with the Sect's most precious treasure, Xuantian Sword, will allow them to escape successfully."
At this point, Elder Qiu sighed heavily and said helplessly.
"Hall Master, don't worry. With the several Dao Lords bringing the three great Sects' most precious treasures, they will surely help the three Sect Masters escape. Perhaps, this opportunity can even be used to resolve the hidden danger of Nine Underworld Demon Emperor and solve the current predicament of the Spirit Realm in one fell swoop!" Upon hearing this, Li Mu frowned, and after a moment of silence, he comforted him.
"I hope so!" Elder Qiu smiled and nodded, then changed the subject, suggesting, "Let's not talk about these things anymore, Elder Li. Let's go to the Sect's Treasure Trove now to get the high-grade spiritual materials!"
With that, Elder Qiu stood up and smiled as he led the way for Li Mu, saying, "The Treasure Trove is a vital area of the Sect, rarely entered by anyone on normal days. The high-grade spiritual materials inside are countless. I hope this exchange satisfies you."
As Elder Qiu's words fell, his figure moved slightly, and he had already flown ahead to lead the way.
Li Mu couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation in his heart. He quickly got up and followed closely, full of endless imagination about the high-grade spiritual materials in the Sect's Treasure Trove.
Soon, under Elder Qiu's guidance, they passed through several complex Restrictions and a labyrinthine corridor, arriving before an ancient and solemn gate. This gate was carved with intricate and powerful array patterns, subtly emitting a mysterious aura. The powerful Restriction power created a huge barrier, isolating all prying and magical intrusions.
However, it could not isolate Li Mu's Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits.
The attributes and information of the two Treasure Trove gates and the great array attached to the Treasure Trove were displayed one by one in Li Mu's eyes.
"Earth Fiend Lock Spirit Great Array (Auxiliary)"
"Rank: Seven-rank Dao Array."
"Characteristics: Absorbing Earth Lock Spirit, Spirit Fiend Fusion, Ultimate Yin Spirit, Netherworld Harmony, Netherworld Protection."
"Status: Absorbing Earth Fiend Spirit, protecting the Treasure Trove, serving as the auxiliary array for the seven-rank Dao Array - Earth Fiend Heavenly Gang Great Array."
"Borrowing the Netherworld Land, locking the ultimate Yin Spirit, fusing the power of the Earth Veins, forging the seven-rank array - Earth Fiend Lock Spirit Great Array, collaborating with the main array of Heavenly Gang Lock Spirit Great Array, jointly constructing the Treasure Trove Protection Dao Array, gathering rich Earth Fiend and Netherworld power, protecting the Treasure Trove Secret Realm. After thousands of Years of trials, the protection power has slightly weakened, and the Spirit Fiend Qi is subtly appearing."
"Heavenly Gang Lock Spirit Great Array (Main)"
"Rank: Seven-rank Dao Array."
"Characteristics: Absorbing Yang Lock Spirit, Spirit Gang Unity, Ultimate Yang Spirit, Heavenly Cosmos Harmony, Heavenly Cosmos Blessing."
"Status: Absorbing Heavenly Cosmos Spirit Gang, guarding the Treasure Trove, serving as the main array for the seven-rank Dao Array - Heavenly Gang Earth Fiend Great Array."
"Relying on the peak of the Heavenly Cosmos, locking the ultimate Yang Spirit, fusing the power of the Heavenly Gang, forging the eight-rank array - Heavenly Gang Lock Spirit Great Array, collaborating with the auxiliary array of Earth Fiend Lock Spirit Great Array, jointly constructing the supreme protection Dao Array of the Treasure Trove, gathering vast Heavenly Gang and Heavenly Cosmos power, blessing the Treasure Trove Holy Land. After ten thousand Years of vicissitudes, although the blessing power has slightly diminished, the Spirit Gang Qi remains majestic."
...
"Titanium Crystal Treasure Gate"
"Rank: Seven-rank Dao Artifact"
"Characteristics: Titanium Crystal brilliance, indestructible, space folding, containing myriad spirits, impervious to all Laws."
"Status: Crystal light contained, spatial trajectory subtly appearing."
"This gate is forged from the heart of an ancient titanium crystal ore vein fused with fragments of space Law. It absorbs the power of stars and the essence of the earth. After countless Years of refinement, the Treasure Gate contains the secrets of space folding and Treasure Trove protection. Its surface sparkles with crystal light, firm as a rock. Although it appears calm, it hides a gateway to endless treasures. As the crystal light is contained, the holder can perceive spatial fluctuations, master the method of opening the Treasure Gate, and explore endless rare treasures hidden in the spatial folds."
Li Mu's eyes sparkled, amazed by the arrays surrounding the Xuantian Sword Sect's Treasure Trove and the fact that the Treasure Trove gate was a storage Dao Artifact.
Elder Qiu noticed Li Mu's gaze and couldn't help but smile, "Elder Li, your Artifact Refining Dao has unparalleled mastery, and you are also skilled in the Dao of Arrays. Does the defense of our Sect's Treasure Trove meet your Dharma Eye?"
Li Mu withdrew his gaze and praised, "Hall Master Qiu, you flatter me. This Earth Fiend Lock Spirit Great Array and Heavenly Gang Lock Spirit Great Array complement each other, forming an indestructible protective barrier using the phenomena of heaven and earth as a net. Even high-level Cultivators would find it difficult to break through easily. This Dao Artifact Treasure Gate is even more ingenious, perfectly integrating the Law of Space and the power of titanium crystal. It is truly astonishing."
Upon hearing this, the smile on Elder Qiu's face instantly froze. However, he quickly returned to normal, secretly marveling at Li Mu's insight and vision. After all, not many people could discern the subtlety of the Treasure Trove's defense at a glance, let alone point out its core directly like Li Mu.
Thinking of Li Mu's abilities, Elder Qiu immediately came up with a plan and suggested to him, "Elder Li, can the defense power of our Sect's Treasure Trove be strengthened further? How about using your Artifact Refining and Array Dao to add another layer of defense to our Sect's Treasure Trove?"
"Hall Master, the defense power of this Treasure Trove is difficult for even a Mahayana Dao Lord to break. Why add more defense?" Li Mu smiled lightly, with a hint of humility in his eyes, and advised with a smile, "Besides, with the Sect's strength laid out, who would dare to steal from our Sect's Treasure Trove? Isn't that redundant?"
"Hahaha, Elder Li is right."
Elder Qiu laughed heartily and then took out a purple-gold token of the same color as the Treasure Trove gate from his Pregnant.
Elder Qiu gently raised the token and waved it at the Titanium Crystal Treasure Gate. The artifact patterns on the token suddenly lit up, resonating with the spatial trajectory on the Treasure Gate.
"Elder Li, this is one of the auxiliary spirit keys to open the Treasure Trove." Elder Qiu explained with a smile, "This key has been passed down by successive Hall Masters of the Contribution Hall of the Sect. It can open the Treasure Trove gate and also construct a temporary spatial passage inside the Treasure Trove that belongs only to the holder, ensuring the absolute safety of the treasures within."
As Elder Qiu's words fell, the crystal light on the Titanium Crystal Treasure Gate began to flow, and the spatial trajectory became increasingly clear, as if a gateway to another world was about to open.
The next moment, the crystal light on the Titanium Crystal Treasure Gate suddenly flared, and a spatial gate abruptly appeared. Inside the gate, countless stars seemed to twinkle, revealing endless mystery and temptation.
"Elder Li, please." Elder Qiu smiled and made a gesture of invitation, motioning for Li Mu to enter the Treasure Trove first.
Li Mu nodded slightly, and with a flash of his figure, he stepped into the spatial gate. He only felt a dizzying sensation, and when he steadied himself, he was already in a vast and boundless space.
In an instant, a scene that even Li Mu found shocking came into view.
Within the Treasure Trove space, towering shelves stood like giants, arranged in an orderly manner. The shelves were filled with various high-grade spiritual materials. Some emitted dazzling light, others were dull in color, emanating an eternal aura, and still others lay quietly in jade boxes, their powerful spirituality bursting forth, attempting to break free from the Restrictions...
As far as his gaze reached, the attributes of various seven-rank high-grade spiritual materials appeared in Li Mu's eyes, especially a small golden mountain pile, which immediately caught his attention.
"golden flame divine sand"
"Rank: Seven-rank Spiritual Material"
"Characteristics: Golden flame interwoven, unparalleled heat, body tempering and Soul Refining, rare divine material."
"Status: Sand grains flowing, flames unceasing."
"Originating from deep within the earth's core, a wondrous material where golden metal and raging flames coexist, golden flame divine sand contains the ultimate sharpness of gold and the extreme heat of fire. It is a supreme spiritual material for forging Divine Artifacts, tempering the Physical Body, and strengthening the Soul. One can use it to comprehend the Dao of Fire Fusion and master the ultimate rigid and fierce power of heaven and earth."
"So much 'golden flame divine sand'!" Li Mu's eyes narrowed slightly, somewhat dazzled by its brilliance.
"Elder Li, according to the list, please quickly retrieve the treasures!" Elder Qiu smiled slightly, reminding him with a hint of reluctance.
"In that case, Li won't be polite!" Li Mu nodded cheerfully, raised his right hand, which wore the tianxuan ring, and with a thought of his Divine Thought.
The tianxuan ring flashed with light, then transformed into a stream of light, rapidly circling the shelves within the Treasure Trove. As it passed each shelf, several high-grade spiritual materials were absorbed into it. Whether they were brightly shining, dull in color, or full of spirituality, none could escape its "demonic grasp."
Elder Qiu watched from the side, his heart aching, but thinking of Li Mu's identity and his contributions to the Sect, the loss of these high-grade spiritual materials seemed to become acceptable.
Although these high-grade spiritual materials were precious, if left in the Treasure Trove, they would only become dead objects. If this opportunity could be used to strengthen the Sect's power, it would undoubtedly have immeasurable benefits for the future development of Xuantian Sword Sect.
As one high-grade spiritual material after another was taken into Li Mu's possession, the originally abundant Treasure Trove gradually became empty.
"Elder Li, what are you preparing to refine? Some of the high-grade spiritual materials you chose are not for refining Dao Artifacts, are they?" Elder Qiu asked curiously. He noticed that most of the seven-rank spiritual materials Li Mu selected were related to the Five Elements and Yin and Yang, and their quantity and quality were extraordinary. He couldn't help but guess his true intention.
"To be honest, Elder Qiu, I am preparing to refine an auxiliary Dao Artifact to help me Breakthrough to the next Realm." Li Mu smiled slightly, casually fabricating an excuse, and answered, "This auxiliary Dao Artifact, named 'Five Elements Yin and Yang Wheel,' aims to harmonize and gather the power of the Five Elements and Yin and Yang, assisting me in Breaking through my current Realm shackles."
"So that's it. I wish Elder Li an early advancement to the Combined Body Realm!" A hint of surprise flashed in Elder Qiu's eyes, and he couldn't help but envy Li Mu, who could refine such a high-grade and uniquely functional auxiliary Dao Artifact himself. This not only required superb Artifact Refining techniques but also a deep understanding of the Dao of Five Elements Yin and Yang.
"Thank you for your kind words, Elder Qiu!" Li Mu cupped his hands in thanks. After taking all the high-grade spiritual materials on the list, he recalled the tianxuan ring.
Looking at the almost empty Treasure Trove, Li Mu couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. (End of Chapter)
