At this moment, Tianyuan City's Wanbao Pavilion was bustling with activity.
Wan Ziliang personally oversaw operations, directing the Disciples within the Pavilion, while the Guest Elders rushed about, utilizing all resources and connections to gather the high-grade spiritual materials Li Mu required.
However, as Elder Qin had stated, these spiritual materials were all rare treasures, difficult to collect in a short period.
"Pavilion Master, we have already sent requests to other branch pavilions, but 'Star Core' and 'golden flame divine sand' are still in short supply, especially the 'nine-leaf azure lotus'; we've only found one stalk so far," a Guest Elder rushed over to report to Wan Ziliang.
Wan Ziliang's brows furrowed as he sternly instructed, "Keep looking! Spare no expense."
"Yes!" The Guest Elder sighed and accepted the order before departing.
Watching the other party leave, Wan Ziliang stood by the window, gazing at the distant horizon, his mind filled with thoughts; the three-month deadline was approaching, and if he couldn't gather the high-grade spiritual materials the other party needed, he would have to use other high-grade spiritual materials as substitutes, he must successfully complete this transaction.
——
Just as Tianyuan City's Wanbao Pavilion was united in preparing for the upcoming transaction, unbeknownst to them, their actions had already fallen under the surveillance of an Immortal Lord force.
In the City Lord's Mansion of Tianyuan City, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord sat on his throne, surrounded by a faint fiery spiritual light, which not only displayed his dignity as an Immortal Lord but also exuded a formidable, scorching Aura.
Just as Fire Kirin Immortal Lord closed his eyes in contemplation, sensing the Laws of heaven and earth, a hurried sound of footsteps broke the tranquility; a subordinate in golden armor with a solemn expression rushed into the main hall, respectfully presenting a secret letter with both hands, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord slowly opened his eyes, and in those eyes, flames seemed to leap, perceiving all things in the world.
"Reporting to Immortal Lord, Wanbao Pavilion has been making frequent moves recently, seemingly plotting something significant," the subordinate's voice carried a hint of nervousness and awe: "According to reliable intelligence, Wanbao Pavilion is frantically collecting high-grade spiritual items at all costs, including rare Immortal Plants and Spirit Beast inner cores, seemingly without regard for cost, for a crucial transaction with a mysterious individual."
"Oh! Do you know what Wanbao Pavilion is plotting?" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord opened his eyes and asked in a deep voice.
The subordinate quickly bowed his head and respectfully said, "According to our informant inside Wanbao Pavilion, this transaction of Wanbao Pavilion should be for the Legacy of Pavilion Master Wan's relic, it seems to be the Legacy of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron!"
Upon hearing this, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's brows furrowed slightly; the name of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron was enough to disturb even him; it was rumored that this artifact came with an extreme Dao Legacy, possessing extraordinary power, capable of smelting all things and reversing the universe.
"Mysterious individual? Do you know his background?" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord asked with concern.
The subordinate lowered his head, a difficult expression on his face: "His identity is currently unknown; this person acts extremely secretly and is skilled in Puppet techniques, even Wanbao Pavilion's Pavilion Master Wan knows very little about him. But what is certain is that this person has enough weight to make Wan Ziliang willing to take such a risk."
"Continue to closely monitor all movements of Wanbao Pavilion, and at the same time, try to inquire about the mysterious individual through various channels," Fire Kirin Immortal Lord commanded in a deep voice, ordering: "This Lord wants to see what kind of secret is hidden behind this."
...
Three months passed in a flash, and within Wanbao Pavilion, Wan Ziliang finally gathered all the high-grade spiritual materials Li Mu needed; however, his heart felt no joy, but rather was filled with apprehension.
"Pavilion Master, all spiritual materials have been prepared, just waiting for Fellow Daoist Mu to come for the transaction," Elder Qin respectfully reported.
Wan Ziliang nodded and said in a deep voice, "Pass down the order to strengthen vigilance and ensure the smooth progress of the transaction."
"Yes!" Elder Qin accepted the order and left.
Just as Wanbao Pavilion was on high alert, a figure quietly appeared outside Wanbao Pavilion; the person was Li Mu's Clone Puppet, dressed in a green robe, with a cold and expressionless face.
"Pavilion Master Wan, it's been a while."
The Clone Puppet's figure flickered, appearing before Wan Ziliang using the Five Elements Escape Technique, greeting him with a hint of indifference.
Wan Ziliang heard the voice and quickly stepped forward, forcing a smile: "Fellow Daoist Mu, you are indeed trustworthy; the spiritual materials are prepared, when can we begin the transaction?"
The Clone Puppet nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the highly vigilant crowd within Wanbao Pavilion, his tone calm but with an undeniable authority: "This place is crowded and not suitable for a transaction. Pavilion Master Wan, why don't you come with me outside Tianyuan City to find a secluded spot? How about it?"
Upon hearing this, Wan Ziliang's brows furrowed slightly, feeling a little uneasy; he had originally planned to complete the transaction within Wanbao Pavilion to maintain control, but Li Mu's suggestion disrupted his plans.
"Fellow Daoist Mu, this place is a vital area of my Wanbao Pavilion, completely safe; why go far afield?" Wan Ziliang probed.
The Clone Puppet sneered, a hint of sarcasm in his voice: "Pavilion Master Wan, the unpleasantness of the last transaction is still fresh in my memory. Could it be that Pavilion Master Wan is afraid of me, a mere Loose Cultivator, worrying that I might cause trouble in Wanbao Pavilion? Or perhaps, you've set up some trap here in Wanbao Pavilion, waiting for me to walk into it?"
Wan Ziliang's expression changed, then quickly returned to normal, he gave a dry laugh: "Fellow Daoist Mu, you overstate it; how could I have such concerns? It's just that transactions have always required caution. Since Fellow Daoist Mu thinks outside the city is more appropriate, then I will follow your wishes."
The Clone Puppet nodded and said indifferently, "Since that's the case, Pavilion Master Wan, please follow me."
With that, the Clone Puppet turned and left, giving Wan Ziliang no chance to hesitate.
Seeing this, although Wan Ziliang had doubts, considering the importance of the 'Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron' Artifact Refining Diagram, he gritted his teeth and followed. He turned back and whispered to Elder Qin, "You and a few Guest Elders come with me; the others stay in the Pavilion and be extremely careful."
Elder Qin nodded in agreement, then selected a few highly cultivated Guest Elders and followed closely behind Wan Ziliang.
The group left Wanbao Pavilion, following the Clone Puppet towards the outskirts of Tianyuan City. Along the way, Wan Ziliang felt uneasy, always sensing that this trip would be perilous. However, things had come to this, and he had no retreat, so he could only steel himself and continue forward.
Outside Tianyuan City, in a desolate valley, the Clone Puppet stopped. He turned to look at Wan Ziliang and said indifferently, "This place is secluded and uninhabited, perfect for a transaction. Pavilion Master Wan, have you brought the spiritual materials?"
Wan Ziliang nodded, waving his hand to signal Elder Qin to retrieve the spiritual materials. Elder Qin's storage ring was filled with various high-grade spiritual materials.
"Fellow Daoist Mu, the spiritual materials are here; please examine them," Wan Ziliang responded in a deep voice.
Li Mu used his Divine Sense to scan the un-Restricted storage ring, and after confirming the correct quantity of high-grade spiritual materials inside, he nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, Pavilion Master Wan is indeed a trustworthy person."
"Fellow Daoist Mu, since there's no problem, may I examine the Artifact Refining Diagram!" Wan Ziliang stared at 'Li Mu' with a nervous expression.
"Naturally, no problem!" The Clone Puppet nodded with satisfaction, and as his voice fell.
The next moment, another Puppet walked out from the hidden forest, extended a hand, and took out a yellowed ancient diagram. The diagram was covered with intricate patterns, faintly revealing an unfathomable Aura—it was precisely the "Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron" Artifact Refining Diagram that Wan Ziliang had dreamed of.
"Pavilion Master Wan, this is the 'Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron' Artifact Refining Diagram; take a good look!" The Clone Puppet unfolded the Artifact Refining Diagram, gesturing.
A fervent glint flashed in Wan Ziliang's eyes, and he quickly stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the Artifact Refining Diagram, examining it carefully. Every detail in the diagram seemed to contain endless mysteries, immersing him within it, unable to extricate himself.
Just as Wan Ziliang was fully engrossed in the Artifact Refining Diagram, a sense of crisis suddenly surged within him.
Wan Ziliang abruptly looked up, only to see Fire Kirin Immortal Lord had appeared silently above the valley at some unknown time, the fiery spiritual light surrounding his body like a burning sun, illuminating the entire valley. Immediately after, figures followed closely, completely surrounding the valley.
"The Artifact Refining Diagram of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron, hahaha! It truly came without effort! This diagram is mine!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's voice echoed through the valley like thunder, laughing heartily.
Wan Ziliang's face drastically changed; he never expected Fire Kirin Immortal Lord to suddenly appear at this moment, and from his posture, he meant no good.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's laughter was as chilling as ice, making everyone present feel an indescribable dread. The Clone Puppet's expression remained calm, as if he had long anticipated this scene.
"A dignified Mahayana Cultivator, resorting to such despicable acts, aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by the world?" The Clone Puppet's voice was cold, tinged with sarcasm.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's face darkened, and he angrily retorted, "Hmph, a cloaked fellow dares to speak presumptuously before this Lord, die!"
Before his words finished, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord transformed into a ball of flame and vanished from his spot, reappearing the next moment before the two Puppets, throwing a punch filled with hatred. At the same time, his other hand snatched the 'Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron' Artifact Refining Diagram, acting with extreme ferocity.
At this moment, Li Mu in the Spirit Valley opened his eyes, activating the thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets.
With a loud "bang," Dragon Guard Puppet - Dragon One and Dragon Two, emerged from the ground, blocking Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's attack for the two Clone Puppets.
With a crisp "crack," the Dragon Tooth Dao Sword fiercely collided with Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's punch, which was powerful enough to shake mountains and rivers. The spiritual patterns on the bodies of Dragon One and Dragon Two Dragon Guard Puppets instantly burst forth with dazzling light, as if ancient runes were flowing, slowly dissipating this terrifying force. Although their bodies trembled slightly, they still stood firmly in front of the Clone Puppet, demonstrating astonishing defensive power.
In a series of "cracks," the Dragon Guard Puppets did not shatter; instead, it was the sound produced by the fierce collision between the fiery spiritual light from Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's punch and the protective barrier on the Puppets' bodies. The air was filled with a scent of charring mixed with spiritual power fluctuations.
The remaining eleven Dragon Guard Puppets also quickly appeared from all directions, surrounding Fire Kirin Immortal Lord. The Dragon Guard Puppets, clad in Dragon Scale Dao Armor and wielding Dragon Tooth Dao Swords, were burly and imposing, as if battle gods who had Transmigrated from an ancient battlefield, exuding a heart-palpitating pressure.
Thirteen Seventh-Order Battle Puppets, wearing Seventh-Order Dao Armor and wielding Seventh-Order Dao Swords, such powerful combat strength, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's eyes couldn't help but flash with a hint of surprise, but it was immediately replaced by surging Battle Intent.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord snorted coldly, his figure suddenly accelerating like a burning meteor, weaving between the Dragon Guard Puppets. He clenched his fists, fiery spiritual light condensing on them, each punch thrown accompanied by a roar, as if the air was torn apart, leaving trails of flames.
"Bang!" With a loud crash, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's punch heavily struck the chest of Dragon Three Puppet. The spiritual patterns on the Dragon Scale Dao Armor flickered, but ultimately failed to withstand this surging force. Dragon Three Puppet's massive body was sent flying, crashing into a pile of rocks, sending dust flying.
Just as Fire Kirin Immortal Lord thought he could Breakthrough the defense line and seize the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron Artifact Refining Diagram, Dragon Four Puppet was already close behind, like a shadow. It held the Dragon Tooth Dao Sword, its tip gleaming with cold light, pointing directly at Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's vital spot.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's figure flickered, dodging in time. However, the next moment, Dragon Five Puppet's sword momentum was like a Dragon soaring through the Nine Heavens, transforming into a silver lightning bolt, striking Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's flank. Although Fire Kirin Immortal Lord avoided the vital spot, his sleeve was cut by the sword light, revealing a hint of surprise.
Dragon Seven Puppet seized the opportunity, holding its sword with both hands, its figure growing dramatically, as if an ancient battle god had descended, striking towards Fire Kirin Immortal Lord. The sword light was like a bolt of silk, majestic in Aura, enveloping Fire Kirin Immortal Lord within it.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's figure rapidly retreated, fiery spiritual light condensing around him, forming a scorching shield that blocked Dragon Seven Puppet's fatal blow.
At the same time, Dragon Three Puppet launched a surprise attack from Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's blind spot with lightning speed, its Dragon Tooth Dao Sword like a venomous snake striking out, aiming directly at his back.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord snorted coldly, his figure twisting strangely, like a swimming Dragon in flames, once again narrowly avoiding the blow.
The battle grew fiercer, Dragon Seven to Dragon Ten Puppets joined the fray, attacking or defending, coordinating seamlessly, like a well-trained army. Dragon Five Puppet used its powerful defense to draw Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's attention, while Dragon Four Puppet seized the opportunity to attack his lower body.
For a moment, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord was overwhelmed, his Immortal Palace magical artifacts shattering and scattering under the Dragon Tooth Dao Swords of the Dragon Guard Puppets.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord roared, his body's fiery spiritual light surged, scattering the incoming sword lights one by one. However, the Dragon Scale Dao Armor of the thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets had astonishing defensive power, deflecting most of the attacks. The fiery spiritual light was like hitting a copper wall and iron barrier, shattering into pieces.
Seeing this, Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's face grew even darker. He hadn't expected these Puppets' defensive power to be so astonishing that even his full-strength attack couldn't destroy them.
"Hmph, I'd like to see how strong your defense is!" Fire Kirin Immortal Lord roared, his body's fiery spiritual light once again condensed, forming a giant fiery hand that slammed towards the Dragon Guard Puppets.
This fiery giant hand carried the power to burn the heavens and destroy the earth; wherever it passed, the air was warped by the heat. The thirteen Dragon Guard Puppets moved in unison, all flying out with their swords.
Thirteen Dragon Tooth Swords traced brilliant sword paths in the air, like thirteen silver Dragons soaring into the sky, instantly weaving into a well-arranged, radiant sword formation. This sword formation contained the ultimate truth of heaven and earth; each Dragon Tooth Dao Sword exuded a faint spiritual light, echoing each other, forming an indescribable harmony and power.
The thirteen Dragon Tooth Dao Swords seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, suddenly accelerating their rotation, their tips aimed at Fire Kirin Immortal Lord, who was about to unleash his fiery giant hand. Within the sword formation, spiritual power surged, and sword light flickered, forming an impenetrable spiritual barrier that completely surrounded Fire Kirin Immortal Lord.
Fire Kirin Immortal Lord's fiery giant hand slammed down, but just as it was about to touch the sword formation, it was blocked by the dense sword light. Fire and sword light collided, erupting in deafening roars that shook the entire valley. The air was filled with a pungent burnt smell mixed with the fresh scent of spiritual power after intense agitation.
All changes happened in an instant; Wan Ziliang of Wanbao Pavilion, along with all the Guest Elders, stared wide-eyed, completely stunned. (End of Chapter)
