Li Mu gently scanned his surroundings, seeing a bustling crowd and an incessant clamor. This lively scene was clearly not a suitable place for an in-depth conversation.
Li Mu frowned slightly, his gaze turning to Wan Ziliang beside him, and he said with an unquestionable tone, “Pavilion Master Wan, this place is too noisy, and there are too many ears and eyes. It’s not conducive for us to talk in detail. How about we move to a more private location?”
Before he finished speaking, Li Mu walked straight towards the Wanbao Pavilion, his steps steady and his gaze firm. He passed through the bustling crowd and headed directly for the private room on the second floor.
Seeing this, Wan Ziliang dared not neglect. He quickly cupped his hands to the surrounding guests in apology, “Dear distinguished guests, today’s matter is an internal affair of my Wanbao Pavilion. I apologize for disturbing your enjoyment. Now that the misunderstanding has been resolved, please continue your activities. Wanbao Pavilion will surely offer compensation.”
With that, Wan Ziliang turned and quickly followed Li Mu’s steps towards the private room on the second floor. The eight Guest Elders exchanged glances, understanding each other implicitly, and also quickly followed to prevent any unforeseen changes.
Inside the private room on the second floor, the decor was elegant and warm, with the fragrant scent of tea wafting, forming a stark contrast to the outside clamor. The isolation formation was reactivated, sealing off the outside noise and leaving only peace and tranquility.
Li Mu casually found a seat, his expression calm, as if nothing bothered him.
Wan Ziliang personally poured the tea and respectfully handed the teacup to Li Mu. Then, he let out a bitter laugh and helplessly put the teacup down, realizing that the one before him was just a Puppet.
“Mu Daoyou, your Puppet technique is truly astonishing, indistinguishable from the real thing. I, Wan, am impressed!” Wan Ziliang looked at Li Mu before him, sincerely praising him, a deep sense of caution flashing in his eyes.
This Mu Daoyou’s origin was too mysterious, and his Puppet technique was even more unheard of and unseen. To be able to refine a Puppet so lifelike, even mimicking its aura and charm so perfectly, such means were definitely not something an ordinary Cultivator could possess.
Li Mu stared at the other party expressionlessly, not giving him a pleasant look. At this moment, in a hidden Spirit Valley a hundred miles away, the real Li Mu sat cross-legged, his Divine Thought scanning and checking the storage ring that had just been transmitted back through the small spatial transmission array. After confirming it was correct, he immediately transferred the four high-grade Spirit Medicine—the nine-leaf azure lotus, ten thousand year earth vein stalactite, and others—into his tianxuan ring.
Through a wisp of Divine Thought as thin as a thread, Li Mu continued to remotely control the substitute Puppet, continuing to deal with Wan Ziliang.
“Pavilion Master Wan, let’s get back to the main topic,” Li Mu’s voice echoed in the private room, cold and devoid of any emotion, “The item I seek is no ordinary item. It concerns my great cultivation undertaking, and I hope Wanbao Pavilion can fully assist.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang’s heart tightened, and he quickly said, “Mu Daoyou, if you are willing to return the Old Pavilion Master’s Relics, I, Wan, am naturally willing to do my utmost to assist.” He paused, then asked nervously, “May I ask, Mu Daoyou, what other Relics of the Old Pavilion Master do you have?”
Li Mu chuckled, naturally knowing what Wan Ziliang was concerned about—nothing more than the Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron. The Artifact Refining method and the Dao-seeding method of this artifact were already clear to Li Mu, and replicating and refining one was not difficult. However, the high-grade Spirit Medicine and Dao-seeding spiritual nurturing required to refine the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron were not in line with the Chaotic Great Dao he pursued, and the refining cost would be immense, making it useless even if refined.
Li Mu pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering, and he spoke, “Pavilion Master Wan, since you value the Old Pavilion Master’s Relics so much, I might as well speak frankly. The Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron is indeed in my hands.”
Upon hearing this, a trace of wild joy instantly flashed in Wan Ziliang’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. He forced himself to remain calm, though his voice could not hide his eagerness: “Mu Daoyou, is that true? If you are willing to return the Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron to Wanbao Pavilion, I, Wan, will certainly spare no effort to meet your demands!”
Li Mu smiled faintly, his tone calm yet with an unquestionable firmness: “Pavilion Master Wan, I can take out the Artifact Refining diagram for trade, but my demands are not simple either. You must provide high-grade Spirit Medicine that matches its value.”
“Mu Daoyou, please speak!” Wan Ziliang quickly said, his expression solemn.
“I need a large amount of high-grade Spirit Medicine, especially Five Elements high-grade Spirit Medicine such as ‘Star Core,’ ‘golden flame divine sand,’ and ‘Nine Ruins Spirit Soil,’” Li Mu paused, then continued, “Additionally, add three portions of ‘ten thousand year earth vein stalactite,’ ‘nine-leaf azure lotus,’ ‘essence of grand unity,’ and ‘limitless qi.’ As long as Wanbao Pavilion can provide these high-grade Spirit Medicine, I will return the Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron to its rightful owner.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang’s expression changed again and again. The high-grade Spirit Medicine Li Mu mentioned were all rare treasures, especially the ‘ten thousand year earth vein stalactite’ and ‘nine-leaf azure lotus,’ which were even more elusive. To ask for three more portions at once was simply an exorbitant demand.
However, Wan Ziliang knew that the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron held extraordinary significance for Wanbao Pavilion. It was not only the treasure of the pavilion but also concerned the Dao Legacy of Wanbao Pavilion. If he could retrieve its Artifact Refining diagram, it would undoubtedly be a huge temptation for him, no matter how great the cost.
But just thinking of the many high-grade Spirit Medicine Li Mu mentioned, Wan Ziliang couldn’t help but feel a pang of pain. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluctuations in his heart.
“Mu Daoyou, isn’t this going too far! So many high-grade Spirit Medicine, …” Facing Li Mu’s harsh demands, Wan Ziliang couldn’t help but speak out.
However, before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Li Mu.
Li Mu merely chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in his smile; instead, it conveyed an unquestionable resolve: “Pavilion Master Wan, I believe you should be clear about the value of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron’s Artifact Refining diagram. The demands I’ve put forth are not excessive compared to its value. If you find it difficult to accept, then our transaction ends here, and I will find another buyer.”
Li Mu continued expressionlessly, “Pavilion Master Wan, Wanbao Pavilion is known for having all rare treasures under heaven. If you can’t even produce these few things, isn’t that a bit undeserving of your reputation? Moreover, I’m sure you understand the significance of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron’s Artifact Refining diagram to Wanbao Pavilion better than I do. If this diagram were to fall into external hands, it would likely cause a considerable blow to Wanbao Pavilion’s reputation and Foundation.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang frowned deeply, lost in thought. He began to weigh the pros and cons; the Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron was indeed the treasure of Wanbao Pavilion. Now that the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron was lost, if he could retrieve it, his position in Wanbao Pavilion would become even more stable, and with the Wanbao Token in hand, he could even hope to contend for the position of Grand Pavilion Master.
“Furthermore, the location and method of this transaction must be determined by me!” Before Wan Ziliang could reply, Li Mu continued.
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang’s expression instantly changed drastically. He never expected Li Mu to propose such harsh conditions; with the location and method of the transaction determined by the other party, this undoubtedly greatly increased the risk and uncertainty of the transaction.
“Mu Daoyou, this… this might not be appropriate, might it?” Wan Ziliang’s tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.
“Pavilion Master Wan, I haven’t forgotten the methods you used before,” Li Mu sneered, and said in a deep voice, “If you don’t agree, then I can only find another buyer for this Artifact Refining diagram. The Dao-seeding method of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron is unique, and I believe there are certainly many people in this world who want the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron’s Artifact Refining diagram.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang’s face changed again. The ‘Dao-seeding method’ was a secret passed down only within Wanbao Pavilion, and now it could be confirmed that the Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron was indeed on the other party. If the Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron fell into the hands of others, not only would Wanbao Pavilion’s Artifact Refining techniques be mastered by outsiders, but even Wanbao Pavilion’s Foundation might be shaken. Thinking of this, a chill ran through Wan Ziliang’s heart, knowing that he had no way out.
“Mu Daoyou, this matter is of great importance. Could you allow me a moment to consider?” Wan Ziliang suppressed the unease in his heart, trying to buy time.
Li Mu, however, gave him no chance to breathe, coldly saying, “Pavilion Master Wan, time waits for no one. If you are unwilling to agree, then let’s call it off. I have other buyers to talk to.”
With that, Li Mu made to stand up.
Seeing this, Wan Ziliang’s heart tightened, and he quickly reached out to stop him, saying, “Mu Daoyou, wait! This matter… I agree to it!”
“However, to collect so many high-grade Spirit Medicine at once, I’m afraid I, Wan, will find it difficult to do so in a short time. I ask Mu Daoyou to grant me a bit more time.”
Li Mu sat back down and nodded, “Pavilion Master Wan is indeed a straightforward person. Since you’ve agreed, I won’t make things difficult for you. Three months should be enough, right?”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although three months was a tight deadline, with Wanbao Pavilion’s strength and connections, they could barely gather these high-grade Spirit Medicine. Thus, he quickly nodded in agreement: “Enough, enough! Within three months, I, Wan, will surely prepare all the required Spirit Medicine.”
“Very good,” Li Mu nodded, then looked at Wan Ziliang and finally instructed, “Remember, Pavilion Master Wan, I will inform you of the transaction method in three months. I hope you will have the Spirit Medicine ready, otherwise the transaction will be canceled.”
Wan Ziliang’s expression subtly changed, but he quickly regained his composure, knowing that he had no way out and could only brace himself to agree: “Mu Daoyou, rest assured, I, Wan, will surely keep my word.”
Li Mu stood up and gave his final instruction: “Since the matter has been settled, I, Mu, shall not stay any longer!”
Before his words finished, Li Mu’s figure flickered, and he vanished from the private room like a ghost, leaving behind only a faint scent of tea and Wan Ziliang’s complex expression.
Wan Ziliang gazed at the spot where Li Mu had disappeared, his heart a mix of emotions. This transaction was far from as simple as it seemed on the surface. The conditions Li Mu proposed were extremely harsh, even aggressive, yet he had no choice but to agree. The Artifact Refining diagram for the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron held extraordinary significance for Wanbao Pavilion; if it fell into the hands of others, the consequences would be unimaginable.
“Elder Qin, Elder Qiu, come in!” Wan Ziliang said in a deep voice.
Two trusted subordinates immediately entered from outside the door and respectfully said, “Pavilion Master, what are your orders?”
Wan Ziliang’s eyes were gloomy, and he whispered, “Immediately issue an order to use all resources of this pavilion to fully collect ‘Star Core,’ ‘golden flame divine sand,’ ‘Nine Ruins Spirit Soil,’ and other Five Elements high-grade Spirit Medicine, as well as three portions of ‘ten thousand year earth vein stalactite,’ ‘nine-leaf azure lotus,’ ‘essence of grand unity,’ and ‘limitless qi.’ They must all be ready within three months!”
Upon hearing this, the two trusted subordinates’ expressions subtly changed, clearly aware of the preciousness of these Spirit Medicine. One of them hesitated and said, “Pavilion Master, these Spirit Medicine are all rare treasures, and it might be difficult to gather them in a short time, especially the ‘ten thousand year earth vein stalactite’ and ‘nine-leaf azure lotus,’ which are even more elusive.”
Wan Ziliang interrupted, “No matter what means you use, you must gather them, at any cost.”
“Pavilion Master! Even if we transfer goods from other sub-pavilions, it would be difficult to gather so many high-grade Spirit Medicine within three months. How about…” Another Guest Elder’s expression was solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he added, “Pavilion Master, this person’s demands are so harsh, and the items he seeks are all rare in the world. Perhaps we should consider tracking the person behind him; maybe we can completely resolve the problem from the source.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang’s eyes flickered, as if he was somewhat moved.
“No, no, this person’s origin is mysterious, and he is proficient in Puppets, Talismans, and Formations. He is already wary of this pavilion. If we act rashly, we might alert him, not only failing to track down the person behind him but also possibly angering him, leading to the complete loss of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron’s Artifact Refining diagram.” Wan Ziliang shook his head, rejecting the suggestion, a hint of solemnity in his expression.
“But Pavilion Master, if not for this, how can we gather these high-grade Spirit Medicine within three months?” Elder Qin looked troubled, asking worriedly.
Wan Ziliang was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the two trusted Elders, and he said in a deep voice, “As of now, we can only take a two-pronged approach. On one hand, we will spare no effort to collect the required Spirit Medicine at all costs; on the other hand, we will secretly monitor this Mu Daoyou’s movements, but remember not to act rashly, lest it backfire.”
“Yes, Pavilion Master!” The two Elders responded in unison.
The Guest Elders of Wanbao Pavilion quickly dispersed and began to act.
Meanwhile, the substitute Puppet, after leaving Wanbao Pavilion, moved like a phantom through the city’s alleys. The Five Elements Escape Technique was utilized to its fullest, each flicker of its figure cleverly evading its pursuers. Even the experienced Guest Elders of Wanbao Pavilion found it difficult to pinpoint its exact whereabouts, only able to watch as the figure gradually faded from their sensory range.
At the same time, in the Spirit Valley a hundred miles away, Li Mu was closely monitoring all external movements through the substitute Puppet’s Divine Thought link. After successfully shaking off Wanbao Pavilion’s pursuers, he ordered the substitute Puppet to lie dormant in a hidden place, to be reactivated after three months.
After completing all this, Li Mu’s figure flashed in the Spirit Valley and disappeared from his original spot, entering the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
Having gathered the few high-grade Spirit Medicine required for the Seven Absolutes Dao Pill, Li Mu next prepared to begin refining the Seven Absolutes Dao Pill.
Before refining the Seven Absolutes Dao Pill, six types of Dao Pill must first be refined, and then these six types of Dao Pill must be fused. The entire Alchemy process is extremely complex and is crucial for his Breakthrough to the current Realm. It is an important turning point in his cultivation journey so far, and thus, Li Mu attaches great importance to this refining, not daring to be careless in the slightest. (End of Chapter)
