Li Mu took a deep breath, suppressing the fatigue in his body, and his Divine Sense scanned the surroundings. Although the volcano had returned to calm, the air still retained a scorching aura, as if reminding him of the thrilling sealing battle that had just taken place.
It was not advisable to stay here for long. Although the Earth Vein Divine Fire had been successfully sealed, they were all exhausted. If other powerful cultivators were to detect them at this moment, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Li Mu composed himself, reached out, and retrieved the Chaos Town Yuan Disk. He then returned the six Natal Dao Artifacts to Xue'er and Xiao Jin, saying, "Everyone has worked hard. You should go into the Treasure Mansion to rest first."
After speaking, Li Mu shook his wrist, and an ancient jade ruyi appeared in his palm. It was precisely the eight-rank Cave Heaven Supreme Treasure - Painting World Treasure Mansion.
Xue'er nodded, her Nine-Tailed Sky Fox form gradually etherealizing into a stream of light that entered the Painting World Treasure Mansion. Xiao Jin, Ink Jade Rock Lizard, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, Azure Moon True Dragon, and Azure Jade Ginseng King also transformed into streams of light and followed suit, entering the Jade Mansion to rest.
Seeing this, Li Mu smiled slightly and looked down at the base of the mountain. He saw Ming Yue transform into a stream of light, flying towards him.
"Master! I have already stored the three hundred and sixty Formation Puppets in the Puppet Token Space! These are the Formation Flags I took from them!" Before Ming Yue arrived, her voice reached him, reporting with a hint of excitement.
Ming Yue's figure flickered, landing beside Li Mu, and she extended her hand, revealing tiny Formation Flags suspended in the air. These Formation Flags were only about an inch long, entirely silver-white, and covered with Star Spiritual Runes. Spiritual light flowed on their surface, and each small Formation Flag emitted endless Star Power, clearly not ordinary items.
Li Mu nodded with a smile. These Formation Flags were the main Dao Artifacts of the 'Star Array.' They were the core items that the three hundred and sixty Formation Puppets used to control the Star Array. Each Formation Flag contained powerful Star Power. If they could be fused, an incredibly powerful eight-rank Formation Artifact could be refined.
"You've worked hard, Ming Yue," Li Mu said softly, with a hint of praise in his tone.
Ming Yue smiled slightly and shook her head, "It is Ming Yue's duty to share Master's worries."
Li Mu nodded and said no more. He suspended the three hundred and sixty Formation Flags in front of him, formed hand Seals, and chanted incantations. As he moved, the Formation Flags began to rotate slowly, and the Star Power gradually condensed, transforming into dazzling rays of light.
"Star Power, condense!" Li Mu shouted lowly, suddenly clapping his hands together.
In an instant, the three hundred and sixty Formation Flags suddenly merged into one, forming a large Formation Flag about three feet long. The Formation Artifact was entirely silver-white, covered with Star patterns, as if containing endless Starry Sky Power.
Li Mu reached out and grasped the Formation Flag, immediately feeling a powerful force surge into his body, as if resonating with the stars of heaven and earth.
"Eight-rank Formation Artifact—Star Formation Flag!" Li Mu murmured, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
This Star Formation Flag possessed astonishing power. Used in conjunction with 360 six-rank Formation Puppets, and by borrowing the power of the myriad stars, it could deploy the Star Array, which contained powerful sealing power. When used with the Chaos Zhenyuan Disk, it was enough to suppress a nine-rank divine object.
Li Mu solemnly placed the Star Formation Artifact into the tianxuan ring, then looked at Ming Yue and instructed, "You go into the Treasure Mansion to rest first! We should go!"
Ming Yue nodded, her figure flickering, and she transformed into a stream of light, entering the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
Li Mu then put away the Painting World Treasure Mansion, and with a thought of his Divine Sense, he quickly activated the Five Elements Escape Technique, vanishing from the spot in a blink of an eye.
Inside the Treasure Mansion Space, the six Imperial Beasts each found a place to recover their depleted True Essence. Xue'er, in her Nine-Tailed Sky Fox form, lay beside an ice pool, her nine tails gently swaying, absorbing the spiritual power of heaven and earth. Cold Qi lingered around the ice pool, and the clear water at the bottom contained endless Ice Element Spiritual Power. Xue'er's nine tails swayed slightly, with a faint silver light shimmering at each tail tip, slowly absorbing the surrounding cold Qi into her body to restore the True Essence depleted during the sealing battle earlier.
Green-Eyed Golden Ape - Xiao Jin sat on a giant rock, arms crossed, eyes closed in meditation. The giant rock was located at the Peak of the Metal Mountain of the Five Elements Spirit Mountain, with golden light shimmering all around. Dense Metal Element Spiritual Power condensed around Xiao Jin like a tangible substance. Xiao Jin's body slightly rose and fell, with each breath accompanied by the influx of Metal Element Spiritual Power. His fur became even more radiant under the nourishment of the spiritual power, as if plated with a layer of golden brilliance.
Ink Jade Rock Lizard was coiled on the mountainside of the Earth Mountain of the Five Elements Spirit Mountain, its body integrated with the rock, as if it were part of the mountain itself. Earth-yellow spiritual power continuously surged from the mountain, seeping into the Ink Jade Rock Lizard's scales. Its eyes were slightly closed, and a heavy Earth Element aura emanated from its body, as if it had merged with the entire mountain, drawing strength from the earth.
Azure Moon True Dragon coiled beneath the Five Elements Spirit Mountain in the Water Spirit Pool. Its dragon body was winding, surrounded by water mist. Mountain waterfalls cascaded down, and the Water Element Spiritual Power was so dense it almost condensed into water droplets. Azure Moon True Dragon opened its mouth and inhaled, and the water from the waterfall transformed into a water column, which it absorbed into its body, nourishing its dragon body. Its dragon scales shimmered with a blue light under the nourishment of the spiritual power, appearing even more majestic.
Azure Jade Ginseng King was rooted in the valley of the Five Elements Spirit Mountain, holding a Green Wood Staff. The staff's tip emitted a rich vitality. The mountain's vegetation was lush, and Wood Element Spiritual Power, like green light dots, gathered from all directions and merged into the Azure Jade Ginseng King's body. Its body glowed faintly, as if it had merged with the surrounding vegetation, drawing the life force of nature.
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix perched in the Fire Valley of the Five Elements Spirit Mountain, surrounded by blazing flames. Golden flames intertwined with the Fire Element Spiritual Power of the mountain, forming a scorching sea of fire. Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix slightly spread her wings, and flames rose from her feathers, absorbing the surrounding Fire Element Spiritual Power into her body. Her aura gradually recovered under the nourishment of the spiritual power, and the golden flames became even more dazzling, as if they were about to ignite the entire Fire Valley of the Five Elements Spirit Mountain.
The Five Elements Spirit Mountain within the Treasure Mansion Space contained extremely rich Five Elements Spiritual Power. The Imperial Beasts Cultivated and recovered here at a speed far exceeding that of the outside world.
As the six Seven-rank True Spirits Cultivated with all their might simultaneously, the Five Elements Spiritual Power within the Treasure Mansion Space surged like a tide, forming spiritual power vortices that revolved around each of the six Imperial Beasts. The Five Elements Spirit Mountain seemed to be activated, and the spiritual power concentration in the mountain became even denser, condensing into spiritual liquid flowing through the mountain.
The Five Elements Spirit Mountain within the Treasure Mansion Space continued to release spiritual power, and the Cultivation of the six Imperial Beasts also entered the most crucial moment.
Xue'er's Nine-Tailed Sky Fox form became more solid, and the silver light on her nine tails became more dazzling; Xiao Jin's Metal Element Spiritual Power became more profound, like an unshakeable mountain; Ink Jade Rock Lizard's Earth Element aura became more stable, as if it had merged with the earth; Azure Moon True Dragon's Water Element Spiritual Power became stronger; Azure Jade Ginseng King's Wood Element Spiritual Power became more vigorous, like an ancient towering tree; Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's Fire Element Spiritual Power became more intense, like a blazing sun.
All six True Spirits devoted themselves wholeheartedly to Cultivation, and their strength rapidly recovered. What was more, their Realm, which had been stuck at the seventh-rank, subtly showed signs of Breakthrough, especially Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix. During the process of sealing the Earth Vein Divine Fire, she caught a glimpse of the Origin of the Fire Dao. Now, Cultivating in the Fire Spirit Valley, she subtly showed signs of Breakthrough to the Peak of the seventh-rank and stepping into the eighth-rank.
After Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix recovered her Cultivation, she spread her wings and hovered in mid-air, surrounded by blazing flames, as if brewing something. Her eyes were tightly closed, and the flame pattern on her glabella flickered with dazzling light.
As soon as Li Mu recovered, being connected to his Imperial Beasts, he immediately noticed Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's anomaly. With a thought, he appeared beside Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and confirmed her current state.
Under the Talent Divine Power - Identify Myriad Spirits, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's current state was fully displayed before his eyes.
"Is Crimson Flame... about to Breakthrough?" Li Mu's heart stirred, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix had undergone hundreds of years of arduous Cultivation in the Extreme Fire Secret Realm, and her strength had always been at the Peak of the seventh-rank, only a step away from the eighth-rank. However, this step was like a chasm, always difficult to cross. He hadn't expected that this battle to Seal the Earth Vein Divine Fire would actually allow Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix to glimpse the Origin of the Fire Dao and obtain the Opportunity to advance!
Within the Treasure Mansion Space, the flames around Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix became even more intense, as if they were about to ignite the entire space. Her body gradually etherealized, transforming into a blazing ball of fire. Within the flames, a faint phantom of a Phoenix could be seen dancing gracefully.
The Phoenix phantom within the flames became more solid, and Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's aura also climbed steadily, as if it was about to break through the shackles of the seventh-rank and step into a brand new Realm. The Fire Element Spiritual Power within the Treasure Mansion Space surged wildly, transforming into fire dragons that converged towards Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix. The Phoenix phantom within the flames let out a clear Phoenix cry, its sound piercing through space and echoing throughout the entire Treasure Mansion.
Xue'er, Xiao Jin, Ink Jade Rock Lizard, Azure Moon True Dragon, and Azure Jade Ginseng King were all attracted by this phenomenon, stopping their Cultivation and looking towards Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's direction, filled with surprise and uncertainty.
The next moment, they all appeared beside Li Mu, witnessing Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's advancement.
Xue'er's nine tails disappeared, and she transformed into human form, walking to Li Mu's side, her eyes sparkling with wonder and joy. She said excitedly, "Li Dage, is Sister Crimson Flame about to Breakthrough? That's wonderful! Finally, one of us has stepped into the eighth-rank."
Li Mu nodded, his gaze still fixed on Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, his voice filled with a hint of relief, "That's right, Crimson Flame glimpsed the Origin of the Fire Dao during the process of sealing the Earth Vein Divine Fire. Now is her best time to Breakthrough."
Xiao Jin scratched his head, his golden fur trembling slightly with the spiritual power fluctuations, and he grinned, "Crimson Flame's Aptitude is deeper than all of ours. Only Brother Qing Yue can rival her. I thought Brother Qing Yue would advance faster than Crimson Flame! I didn't expect Crimson Flame to be ahead. It seems I also need to work harder, I can't let her leave me too far behind."
Azure Jade Ginseng King held his Green Wood Staff, gently waving it. The surrounding Wood Element Spiritual Power transformed into green light bands, encircling Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix and providing her with additional spiritual power support. He smiled enviously, "Crimson Flame's Breakthrough is a matter of course."
Azure Moon True Dragon manifested in human form, staring at Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's advancement state, and said in a deep voice, "Last time, when sealing the Heaven One Divine Water, I also caught a glimpse of a trace of the Origin of Water. It's a pity that I couldn't comprehend it as thoroughly as Crimson Flame, otherwise, perhaps it would be me who would Breakthrough today."
"Brother Qing Yue, Master still needs to Seal several other divine objects. At that time, we will still have the Opportunity to glimpse the Dao Origin of nine-rank divine objects, and perhaps gain another Opportunity to comprehend the Dao, striving to Breakthrough to the eighth-rank as soon as possible!" Ink Jade Rock Lizard quickly comforted him.
Azure Moon True Dragon nodded, his gaze deep and steady, saying, "That's right. Sealing nine-rank divine objects is indeed dangerous, but it is also our Opportunity for Breakthrough. Crimson Flame's success has already proven this point. Next, we just need to go all out and seize the remaining few Opportunities."
Li Mu smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and he quickly encouraged them, "Crimson Flame's Breakthrough is a new beginning for us. You don't need to be anxious. The path of Cultivation is long, and Opportunity will always come. One day, you will also take that step."
As time passed, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's aura grew stronger and stronger, and the color of the flames gradually changed from crimson to golden, as if containing endless power. On her glabella, the flame pattern became clearer and clearer, as if it was about to break out of her body.
Just then, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix suddenly opened her eyes and let out a clear Phoenix cry. Her body suddenly expanded, transforming into a giant golden Fire Phoenix, its wings spread, covering the sky and sun. Within the flames, the Phoenix phantom gradually solidified, as if it was about to Rebirth from the flames.
"Boom!"
With a loud bang, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's body suddenly exploded, transforming into countless golden flames that scattered and flew. However, these flames did not dissipate, but rapidly condensed, re-forming into an even larger golden Fire Phoenix.
Eight-rank True Spirit—Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix, finally succeeded in advancing!
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's successful advancement instantly triggered a phenomenon of heaven and earth within the Treasure Mansion Space. Golden flames swept across the entire Fire Valley like a tide, and the scorching aura made the surrounding Five Elements Spiritual Power boil. Her body was larger than before, and golden feathers shimmered with dazzling light, as if every feather contained endless Fire Dao Origin. Her wings spread, covering the sky and sun, and flames circulated around her body, forming scorching halos, as if a blazing sun had descended upon the world.
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix spread her wings and soared high, circling above the Treasure Mansion Space. Golden flames sprinkled down, as if bringing new vitality to this space. Her gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Li Mu, and she let out a low cry, as if paying her respects to Li Mu.
Li Mu smiled slightly, and with a gentle wave of his hand, Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix transformed into a stream of light and landed beside him. Her figure was more majestic than before, and a scorching flame aura emanated from her body, as if she were a Fire God.
"Congratulations, Crimson Flame!" Li Mu said softly, his voice full of relief.
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. If she hadn't followed Li Mu, without his help and support, she might not have been able to reach this point so smoothly.
Xue'er stepped forward, her eyes filled with envy and joy, and she said softly, "Sister Crimson Flame, congratulations! From now on, you are the first eight-rank True Spirit among us."
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix smiled slightly, her voice clear and gentle, "Thank you all. Without everyone's support and encouragement, I wouldn't have been able to Breakthrough so smoothly."
Azure Moon True Dragon and Ink Jade Rock Lizard also stepped forward to congratulate her. Azure Moon True Dragon's voice carried a hint of emotion, "Crimson Flame, your success has given us immense encouragement. Next, I will strive to reach your height as soon as possible."
Ink Jade Rock Lizard also chimed in, "That's right, Sister Crimson Flame, you must teach us some of your experience!"
Hearing this, a gentle light flashed in Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix's eyes, and she said softly, "I wouldn't call it experience, but I do have some insights to share. When comprehending the Origin of Fire, one's state of mind is crucial..."
Crimson Refining Fire Phoenix spoke endlessly about her insights from this Breakthrough, and the Imperial Beasts listened attentively, soon falling into their own thoughts.
Seeing this, Li Mu smiled contentedly, and his figure flickered, silently disappearing from the spot. (End of this chapter)
