Myriad Swords Mountain stood silently, its Sword Intent reaching the heavens. The irreparable crack on Sword Mountain also diminished slightly. A humming sound of swords emanated from Myriad Swords Mountain, as the Myriad Swords Mountain Artifact Spirit excitedly conveyed its current excitement to Li Mu.
Seeing this, Li Mu smiled faintly, very satisfied with the effect. Five Seventh-Order Dao Swords could restore Myriad Swords Mountain to such a state. What if there were a thousand, or even ten thousand? What kind of effect would that produce?
Perhaps, Myriad Swords Mountain might even advance in Realm because of this!
Thinking of this, a surge of heroic spirit rose in Li Mu's heart. The potential of Myriad Swords Mountain was far more than this. If it could truly gather thousands of high-tier Dao Swords as he imagined, Myriad Swords Mountain would not only have the possibility of advancing to a higher-level Extreme Dao Artifact, but might even transform into a true Divine Artifact, possessing the great power to change the world and shatter the Void Realm.
Li Mu recovered his consumed Divine Sense, adjusted his state, and immediately continued to devote himself to the Artifact Refining of the Dragon Scale Dao Sword.
One hundred and fifty Dragon Scales were enough to refine five Dragon Scale Dao Swords, and fifteen thousand were enough to support the refining of three hundred Seventh-Order Dragon Scale Dao Swords. There was still a considerable gap from the ten thousand Dragon Scale Dao Swords Li Mu envisioned.
However, the Dragon Bone and Dragon Tooth from the Demonic Dragon's body were the essence of an Eighth-Order Mahayana Demonic Dragon. These top-grade Materials for Artifact Refining were also suitable for refining Seventh-Order Dragon Tooth Dao Swords and Seventh-Order Dragon Bone Dao Swords.
The Chaos Fire burned fiercely. Li Mu's Divine Thought was fully activated, and Chaos Power surged. Three hundred Dragon Scales rapidly liquefied and fused...
This time, Li Mu refined ten Seventh-Order Dao Swords in one go. With the support of the formation power of the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation, the difficulty of refining a Seventh-Order Dao Sword was greatly reduced by more than ninety percent. Refining ten Seventh-Order Dao Swords with the same Artifact Inscriptions and Artifact Formations at once was completely under control.
As the Chaos Fire continued to burn, the Dragon Scales gradually liquefied, forming streams of golden liquid. As the Chaos Fire continued to burn, the Dragon Scales gradually liquefied, forming a mass of fiery golden liquid.
Under Li Mu's Divine Thought control, it divided into ten parts, gradually solidifying to form Dao Sword Artifact Embryos. Chaos Power surged, guiding the Chaos formation power of the Sealing Boundary Grand Formation, and began to condense Artifact Inscriptions for the ten Dao Swords.
Time seemed to lose its meaning at this moment. Li Mu was fully immersed in the Artifact Refining of the Seventh-Order Dao Swords. One after another, Seventh-Order Dao Swords, Dragon Scale Dao Swords, Dragon Tooth Dao Swords, and Dragon Bone Dao Swords were refined like an assembly line and then integrated into Myriad Swords Mountain.
The myriad damaged and heavily injured Fifth-Order and Sixth-Order Spirit Swords originally embedded in Myriad Swords Mountain, as well as the empty sword slots, were gradually replaced by Seventh-Order Dao Swords. The Sword Intent emanating from Myriad Swords Mountain became increasingly sharp, as if a peerless Divine Sword was quietly being nurtured, causing the Chaos Qi in the entire Chaos space to tremble. The cracks in Sword Mountain had long since recovered under the powerful surge of Sword Intent.
The main body of Myriad Swords Mountain also emitted a rich layer of light, a mysterious radiance interwoven from sharp Sword Intent and Chaos Power, making Myriad Swords Mountain appear majestic and inviolable.
...
At Xuantian Sword Sect, the bells chimed, and all the Elders and Disciples of the Sect flocked to the Sect Square, their faces filled with excitement and reverence.
The bell chimed nine times, its sound long and joyful, a ceremonial ringing. Today, it announced the return of the Sect Master, Old Man Xuantian, who had been missing for hundreds of Years, along with three Dao Lords, Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and Qi Xuanming, who accompanied him back.
At this moment, the entire Sect seemed to be enveloped by an invisible force, and an indescribable solemnity and joy permeated the air.
In the sky, colorful auspicious clouds gathered, and myriad rays of light shone, as if heaven and earth were setting the stage for this grand event. As a distant and profound Aura gradually approached, everyone felt their minds tremble, as if some ancient and powerful force was slowly descending, breaking through the shackles of time and space.
Finally, four figures appeared in everyone's line of sight. The one at the front, with white hair flowing and an immortal-like demeanor, was precisely the long-missing Sect Master—Old Man Xuantian. At his waist, an ancient and mysterious longsword hung quietly, which was the symbol of Xuantian Sword Sect—Xuantian Sword.
Following closely behind Old Man Xuantian were the three Dao Lords: Chen Qingxuan, Feng Wuhen, and Qi Xuanming. Each of them exuded a unique Aura. Chen Qingxuan's Sword Intent was abundant, as if he could shatter the Void Realm at any moment; Feng Wuhen was surrounded by faint fluctuations of wind elements, giving people an indescribable sense of lightness and freedom; Qi Xuanming's Aura was majestic, like a towering mountain, giving people a sense of stability and reliability.
"Welcome back, Sect Master! Welcome, three Dao Lords!" The entire Sect, from Elders to Disciples, respectfully lowered their heads, their voices filled with excitement and reverence.
Old Man Xuantian's return was like a shot in the arm, allowing the Disciples of Xuantian Sword Sect to regain their backbone. In the more than five hundred Years he had been missing, the Sect had encountered unprecedented difficulties and hardships. Two Dao Lords unfortunately perished, Demon Abyss forces invaded several times, the Southern Desolate Lands were lost... various problems followed one after another, and the Sect's Origin Qi was severely damaged, once falling into a precarious situation.
Fortunately, all that was in the past. Several Sword Masters had advanced to Great Vehicle Dao Lords, and because Elder Li refined a large number of Dao Swords, the Sect's strength increased, successfully curbing the arrogance of the Demon Abyss and the various Demon Sects.
Now, with the return of Old Man Xuantian and the three Dao Lords, the morale of the entire Sect was greatly boosted. They knew that with the Sect Master and the three Dao Lords leading them, the prestige of Xuantian Sword Sect would surely surpass its former glory.
"Elder Li, why isn't he here?"
Chen Qingxuan scanned the area and, not finding Li Mu, directly asked Qiu Yuanhong, the Master of the Contribution Hall.
"Elder Li has been in seclusion for some time now. He might be at a critical moment, and his communications have not been answered!" Qiu Yuanhong quickly explained.
"If Elder Li is in seclusion, then don't disturb him. When he comes out, I will personally communicate with him." Old Man Xuantian said calmly, smiling and gesturing.
The welcoming ceremony ended hastily, and the high-ranking members of Xuantian Sword Sect gathered in the Deliberation Hall.
Inside the Deliberation Hall, candles burned brightly, and the atmosphere was solemn. Old Man Xuantian sat in the main seat, his gaze deep, sweeping over the Sect Elders present.
"Everyone, my Xuantian Sword Sect has weathered many storms and has been able to continue for ten thousand Years, passing down its Legacy to this day. Countless predecessors have followed one after another, never falling from the Dao of the Sword." Old Man Xuantian looked around at everyone and said in a deep voice, "This time, I and several Fellow Daoists were trapped in the Nine Underworlds Great Array by the Nine Underworld Demon Emperor for hundreds of Years. The demise of Junior Brother Qinghong is not unrelated to the major schemes behind the Demon Abyss."
Upon hearing this, all the Elders' expressions turned solemn. The demise of Dao Lord Qinghong was an eternal pain in their hearts.
"It is truly rare that you were able to thwart the Demon Abyss's several invasions. There must have been many hardships and difficulties behind it." Old Man Xuantian continued, with a hint of emotion in his voice, "The Demon Abyss forces are extremely powerful, and the ambition of those Demon Gods to invade the Spirit Realm will never be easily extinguished. We must be fully prepared to prevent them from making a comeback."
"Sect Master, Elder Li's contributions are indispensable for our repeated success in thwarting the Demon Abyss's schemes!"
"Indeed, the Dao Swords refined by Elder Li and the formations he set up have provided immense assistance for us to resist the Demon Abyss forces."
"If Elder Li's Cultivation can advance further, he will surely play an even greater role in resisting the Demon Abyss's invasion."
...
The Elders spoke one after another, their eyes shimmering with admiration for Li Mu, and they described in detail to Old Man Xuantian the contributions Li Mu had made to the Sect during this period.
Upon hearing this, Old Man Xuantian stroked his beard and nodded, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had already learned much about this Elder Li, whom he had never met, from Chen Qingxuan and the others, and deeply understood his contributions to the Sect. He felt a slight regret that he couldn't meet Li Mu immediately.
Now, the unanimous praise and high regard of the Elders further intensified Old Man Xuantian's interest in Li Mu.
"I am aware of Elder Li's contributions. He is currently in seclusion to Cultivate, surely to pursue a higher Realm and add more foundation to my Xuantian Sword Sect. When he comes out of seclusion, I will certainly give him important responsibilities." Old Man Xuantian nodded slightly, approvingly.
After a pause, Old Man Xuantian changed the topic and solemnly said, "Currently, the Spirit Realm is about to enter a period of Spiritual Qi depletion, and the Sealing Boundary Grand Formation could collapse at any time. The threat of the Demon Abyss is growing increasingly urgent. Xuantian Sword Sect, as the pillar guarding this continent, bears a heavy responsibility. To cope with the impending crisis, I have made up my mind to activate the Ancestral Master Altar, contact the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm, and seek his guidance and assistance."
As soon as these words were spoken, all the Elders showed expressions of surprise. The Ancestral Master Altar was the Sect's most sacred Holy Land, and it was never easily activated unless the Sect faced a life-or-death crisis. Xuantian Sword Sect had been passed down for ten thousand Years, experiencing several near-extinction situations, yet it had never used the Ancestral Master Altar, which showed how stringent the conditions for its activation were.
"Sect Master, this matter needs careful consideration." The Peak Master of Heavenly Difficulty Peak said with a hint of hesitation, indicating, "Activating the Ancestral Master Altar not only consumes a huge amount, but it may also lead to unpredictable consequences, and whether the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm is willing to lend a hand is also unknown."
"Due to the Sealing Boundary Grand Formation, we have been disconnected from the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm for ten thousand Years. Now, rashly activating the altar, I'm afraid it's difficult to predict their reaction." Another Elder added, a hint of worry in his brows.
"Sect Master, the Demon Abyss forces have been defeated by us. Why not wait patiently and see? The matter of Spiritual Qi depletion is not yet conclusive!" Chen Qingxuan spoke up, suggesting.
They had been disconnected from the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm for so many Years. Now, it was still a question whether the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm even existed. If they contacted them and the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm gave them harsh instructions, would they obey or not?
"Sect Master, be cautious!"
...
All the Dao Lords and Elders advised one after another, imploring Old Man Xuantian not to lightly activate the altar.
Facing the unanimous advice of the Elders, Old Man Xuantian did not immediately express his stance, falling into a brief contemplation.
"How could I not know the worries of all the Elders?" Old Man Xuantian slowly spoke, his voice tinged with helplessness, and said in a deep voice, "But Spiritual Qi depletion and the Demon Abyss threat are undeniable facts. If we sit idly by, it will only lead the Sect to eternal damnation."
"As for the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm and his Sect, although they have been disconnected from us for ten thousand Years, as the Ancestors of the Sect, they must also care about our Sect. I firmly believe this. Our activation of the altar is not only to seek assistance, but more precisely, once the Sealing Boundary Grand Formation collapses, we need to unite with the Immortal Sect of the Upper Realm to jointly resist external enemies and defend the Spirit Realm." Old Man Xuantian's attitude was firm and resolute.
"Furthermore, have all the Elders ever considered that if we can truly contact the Ancestral Master of the Upper Realm and receive their guidance and assistance, it will bring immeasurable benefits to the future development of our Sect? This is not just a resolution of a crisis, but also an opportunity for the Sect to leap forward."
After a pause, Old Man Xuantian looked at the Elders and reminded them.
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances and began to re-examine the current situation, pondering the deeper meaning in Old Man Xuantian's words.
Once the Sealing Boundary Grand Formation collapses, there will be no more obstacles to Ascension to the Upper Realm. Instead of staying in the Spirit Realm where Spiritual Qi is depleted, it is better to take a gamble and seek help from the Upper Realm. Perhaps this could open up a new path for the Sect and its Disciples.
"The Sect Master's words are reasonable. We indeed cannot stick to old ways and sit idly by." One Elder was the first to express his stance, his eyes flashing with determination, and he agreed, "Activating the Ancestral Master Altar might be the key to breaking through the current predicament."
"I also agree with the Sect Master's decision!" Another Elder followed closely, stating firmly, "As Elders of the Sect, we have a responsibility to consider the future of the Sect."
With the declarations of these two Elders, the other Elders also expressed their support.
Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Old Man Xuantian breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile appearing on his face.
"This Sect is greatly comforted that all the Elders can understand and support this decision." Old Man Xuantian eagerly issued the command, "Next, fully prepare for the activation ceremony of the Ancestral Master Altar, which will officially take place three months from now."
All the Elders nodded, indicating that they would fully cooperate with Old Man Xuantian's arrangements.
Just as Xuantian Sword Sect, from top to bottom, was busy with the activation ceremony of the Ancestral Master Altar, a different scene unfolded within Li Mu's seclusion place, the Chaos space.
Myriad Swords Mountain, Sword Intent surged like a tide. One after another, Seventh-Order Dao Swords containing ultimate Sword Intent, like schools of fish, circled and darted around Myriad Swords Mountain. They intertwined with each other, jointly nurturing an even more powerful Sword Intent.
Through repeated Artifact Refining, Li Mu's Artifact Refining skills and efficiency reached a new height, easily refining precious Materials such as Dragon Scales, Dragon Bones, and Dragon Teeth into Seventh-Order Dao Swords.
Day and night, without a moment's rest.
As the Dragon Scales and Dragon Bones were completely consumed, the last batch of Dragon Teeth, under Li Mu's control and refined by the Chaos Fire, ten Dragon Tooth Dao Swords emitted brilliant spiritual light. Artifact Inscriptions appeared and condensed on the sword bodies.
The ten Dragon Tooth Dao Swords suddenly chimed like Dragon roars, resembling the roar of ancient giant Dragons. On the sword bodies, Dragon-shaped spiritual patterns flowed, flashing with sharp sword light that shook heaven and earth.
Twenty-eight Artifact Inscriptions condensed, the Dao Swords were completed, and Sword Spirits were born!
When the ten Dragon Tooth Dao Swords were completed, Li Mu's mind stirred, and he cast them one by one towards the peak of Myriad Swords Mountain.
In an instant, the entire Myriad Swords Mountain seemed to be awakened by an invisible force. The circling group of Seventh-Order Dao Swords seemed to sense the arrival of new members, and the sound of sword chimes rose and fell, echoing through the sky.
With the integration of the ten Dragon Tooth Dao Swords, the Sword Intent of Myriad Swords Mountain instantly boiled to its extreme. An unprecedented sharp and domineering Aura permeated the air, causing even space to tremble. These ten swords, like ten monarchs, led the other Dao Swords, jointly constructing a Sword Intent Domain, enveloping the entire Myriad Swords Mountain within it, making this area a Holy Land of Swords, an ocean of Sword Intent.
One thousand five hundred Dao Swords, including the ten Dragon Tooth Dao Swords, formed a spectacular sword formation above Myriad Swords Mountain. Their sword tips pointed to the sky, and their sword tails touched the ground, like a giant Dragon composed of swords, winding and circling, its Aura magnificent to the extreme.
Myriad Swords Mountain gathered the Sword Intent of one thousand five hundred Dao Swords, and the main body of Sword Mountain began to undergo an unprecedented transformation. The originally stable and heavy mountain body now seemed to be endowed with life. As Sword Intent flowed, sword light faintly flickered on the surface of the mountain rocks, like thousands of sword blades embedded on it, shining brightly.
As the Sword Intent continuously condensed and sublimated, a huge sword-shaped totem slowly emerged at the peak of Myriad Swords Mountain. That was the ultimate manifestation of Sword Intent, and also the symbol of the Spirit of Myriad Swords Mountain. Within the totem, Dragon-shaped spiritual patterns and sword patterns intertwined, forming a shocking scene, as if some divine object was Awakening and about to soar into the sky. (End of this chapter)
