At this moment, Li Mu, in conjunction with the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron's spirit, Little Treasure, was refining the spirituality of the last nine-rank divine object—the Xuanhuang Earth Bead.
Inside the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron, space vibrated violently, resembling the Chaos at the dawn of creation; vast Earth Qi converged from all directions, gradually forming a three-zhang-long ferocious Alligator Dragon.
This Alligator Dragon had protruding back armor, and its jagged rock spikes rose like mountains; its sharp claws tore through the Void Realm, creating spiderweb-like spatial cracks.
“Roar—!”
The Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon let out an earth-shattering roar, swinging its massive tail and fiercely striking the Myriad Treasures Wheel.
The clang of metal on stone echoed within the cauldron, making Little Treasure's eyes see stars and its spirit body momentarily dissipate, almost vanishing in the turbulent energy fluctuations.
Li Mu's pupils constricted sharply; his fingers flew, and Chaos True Essence surged into the cauldron like a river, instantly transforming into dozens of thick Chaos chains that coiled around the Alligator Dragon's hind limbs.
However, the Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon twisted its waist, actually tearing the chains into countless specks of light, as if the power capable of binding mountains was mere child's play before it.
Li Mu's heart tightened; he quickly formed hand seals, and Chaos True Essence surged like a river, forming the ethereal image of a towering mountain that crashed down.
The Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon's body paused, its limbs slightly bent under the pressure of the mountain's power, as if it were about to be crushed by this force.
“Ang!” The Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon roared to the sky, empowered by the Origin of the Xuanhuang Earth Bead; the rock spikes on its back armor suddenly surged, piercing the sky like countless sharp swords, actually shattering the mountain's ethereal image and turning it into countless fragments that dissipated in the Void Realm.
Li Mu's expression changed slightly, and he thought to himself that something was amiss; the Origin power of the Xuanhuang Earth Bead was almost inexhaustible, and if he didn't subdue it quickly, even the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron might not be able to withstand its violent energy.
Li Mu suddenly clasped his hands together, and all his Chaos True Essence surged out, entering the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron.
Soon, the True Essence transformed into countless invisible threads within the cauldron, weaving into an impenetrable Chaos net that enveloped the Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon.
The Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon felt unprecedented pressure, and a fierce glint flashed in its eyes.
It opened its gaping maw, and a desolate Qi burst forth, sweeping across the land like a hurricane, colliding with Li Mu's Chaos net.
The two forces fiercely clashed in the Void Realm, emitting piercing screeches, as if even space itself was trembling.
However, the Chaos net displayed incredible tenacity; no matter how the Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon struggled, it could not break free from its Bondage.
The threads formed by Chaos True Essence wove into an inescapable net, firmly locking every inch of the Alligator Dragon's body, rendering it immobile.
Just then, Little Treasure also forcefully stabilized its spirit body and fully activated the power of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron.
Inside the cauldron, the Myriad Treasures Wheel glowed brightly, emitting dazzling treasure lights that rained down densely, enveloping the Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon.
Each ray of treasure light contained powerful binding force, as if it could suppress all things in heaven and earth.
The treasure light struck the Alligator Dragon's body, making its movements increasingly sluggish, as if its limbs were bound by invisible shackles.
The Myriad Treasures Wheel spun rapidly, releasing terrifying Spirit Refining power, echoing Li Mu's Chaos net, forming an unbreakable killing formation.
The Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon sensed a fatal threat and let out an earth-shattering roar, struggling violently.
The Earth Qi from the Earth Bead's Origin surged madly, and the rock spikes on the Alligator Dragon's back armor once again surged, piercing the Void Realm like countless sharp swords, attempting to break through this predicament.
The intertwined power of the Chaos net and the Myriad Treasures golden light was like an inescapable net, firmly binding and continuously strangling the Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon.
The Xuanhuang Alligator Dragon's struggle grew weaker, its body gradually shrinking, eventually transforming into an earthy yellow bead suspended in the center of the cauldron.
The bead's surface exuded a heavy and ancient aura, radiating endless Earth power.
“Success!” Little Treasure let out a long breath, its spirit body slightly swaying, clearly greatly exhausted.
However, the power remaining in the cauldron from successfully erasing the Xuanhuang Earth Bead's spirituality was rapidly repairing its spirit body, silently enhancing the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron's Foundation.
Li Mu put away his hand seals; sweat seeped from his forehead and slid down his cheeks, but his eyes gleamed with undisguised excitement and relief.
The spirituality of the seven nine-rank divine objects had finally been refined!
“Little Treasure, you worked hard.”
Li Mu waved his hand, and the Xuanhuang Earth Bead immediately flew out of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron and landed in his palm; he thanked Little Treasure gratefully.
“Master, it was hard to erase their spirituality, are you really going to use them to re-refine the Treasure Mansion? It’s such a pity!
If I were to refine them, Little Treasure would definitely be able to advance and better assist Master!”
Little Treasure looked at Li Mu with longing eyes, its spirit body flickering slightly, full of regret and reluctance.
As the Treasure Mansion Spirit of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron, no one knew better than it how precious and powerful those nine-rank divine objects were.
They contained the purest Origin power of heaven and earth; using them to re-refine a mere eight-rank Dao Artifact was simply too wasteful.
Li Mu put away the Xuanhuang Earth Bead, meeting Little Treasure's rippling spiritual gaze, and smiled slightly, dispelling its thoughts: “The Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron devours myriad treasures and refines spirits for its own use, following the Dao of Spirit Devouring, which does not conform to the Chaotic Great Dao.
This re-refinement of the Treasure Mansion is based on Yin and Yang, supplemented by the Five Elements, with the seven nine-rank divine objects as the soil to plant the Dao of Chaos.
Your Foundation is not within Chaos; forcing the refinement would only be counterproductive, so stop dreaming and assist me well in re-refining the Treasure Mansion.”
Upon hearing this, Little Treasure's spirit body trembled slightly, a hint of unwillingness flashing in its eyes.
It quickly said, “Master, the Origin of the seven nine-rank divine objects is incredibly powerful; the artifact Foundation of a mere eight-rank Treasure Mansion simply cannot withstand it.
If you force the refining, what if there's a slight mishap and all efforts go to waste?”
“No, it will certainly not fail!” Li Mu smiled slightly, refuting with full confidence: “The seven nine-rank divine objects just happen to gather the Origin of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.
If a suitable artifact formation is reshaped to harmonize Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, transforming them into Chaos Power, and then using Chaos Power to reshape the Treasure Mansion's Foundation, then the Treasure Mansion's artifact Foundation will not only not collapse but will gradually transform under the nourishment of Chaos Power, eventually surpassing eight-rank, and even having the potential to reach the nine-rank realm.”
With that said, Li Mu raised his hand and summoned the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
A jade green stream of light fell into his palm; the jade-scepter-like artifact body was crystal clear throughout, with faint Dao Pattern flowing on its surface, exuding the divine charm of an eight-rank Dao Artifact.
However, at this moment, the Treasure Mansion's artifact body appeared somewhat dim, having lost its former spirituality due to the depletion of spiritual power within the Treasure Mansion.
“Master, although this Treasure Mansion is an eight-rank Dao Artifact, its artifact nature is extremely weak, and it may be difficult for it to withstand the impact of this re-refinement.” Little Treasure's spirit body flickered slightly as it quickly said.
The Treasure Mansion Spirit, Five-Colored Flood Dragon, manifested its form and reprimanded, “Nonsense! Master's Artifact Refining skill is unparalleled; how can you question it?
Moreover, since Master has decided to re-refine this Treasure with seven nine-rank divine objects, he must have a foolproof plan!”
With that said, the Treasure Mansion Spirit, Five-Colored Flood Dragon, looked at Li Mu with respect, its Dragon eyes gleaming with firm light, clearly full of confidence in its Master.
“Indeed, this re-refinement will use the seven nine-rank divine objects as a guide, my own Chaotic Great Dao as the Foundation, supplemented by the Spirit Refining power of the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron, to reshape the Treasure Mansion's artifact formation, combining the ten Great Dao Foundations of Yin and Yang, Five Elements, Space and Time, Years, and Karma, refining three thousand Dao Pattern, transforming it into a Chaos Dao Treasure, undergoing a complete metamorphosis, surpassing eight-rank, and even having the potential to reach the nine-rank realm.” Li Mu's tone was steady, his eyes revealing immense confidence.
Li Mu paused, then continued, “Moreover, this re-refinement is not only to restore the Treasure Mansion to its former glory but also to verify the method of planting Dao in Chaos.
If successful, not only can the Treasure Mansion undergo a complete metamorphosis, but my Artifact Refining Dao will also ascend to a higher level.”
Upon hearing this, the Treasure Mansion Spirit, Five-Colored Flood Dragon, flashed with excitement in its Dragon eyes and growled, “Master, rest assured, Five-Colored is willing to use its spirit body to fully assist you in re-refining the Treasure Mansion!
Even if I am utterly shattered, I will not hesitate!”
Seeing this, Little Treasure's spirit body flickered slightly, and a complex look flashed in its eyes.
The Treasure Mansion Spirit's willingness to give everything and its trust in its Master made it feel ashamed, and it understood why it could not compete for Li Mu's trust.
“Master, Little Treasure was short-sighted.” Little Treasure said softly, its spirit body bowing slightly, “Since Master's mind is made up, Little Treasure will naturally give its full assistance and will never hesitate again.”
Li Mu nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: “Good, in that case, let's begin.”
Before he finished speaking, Li Mu waved his hand, and the Painting World Treasure Mansion transformed into a jade green stream of light, flying into the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron.
Chaos True Essence condensed and poured into the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron, transforming into a ball of Chaos Fire, enveloping the Painting World Treasure Mansion.
“Next, I will melt your original artifact formation.
Treasure Mansion, your spirituality is in danger of collapsing, you must hold on!” Li Mu looked at the Treasure Mansion Spirit, Five-Colored Flood Dragon, and reminded him.
“Master, rest assured, I am already prepared! Even if my spirituality dissipates, the Treasure Mansion will never retreat half a step!” The Five-Colored Flood Dragon's eyes gleamed with determination as he responded in a deep voice.
“Little Treasure, use the Myriad Treasures Spiritual Light to protect it for three quarters of an hour, at least three quarters of an hour!” Li Mu nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and instructed the Cauldron Spirit, Little Treasure.
Little Treasure's spirit body trembled slightly, then transformed into a golden light and merged into the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron.
The cauldron's body immediately glowed with a faint golden light, firmly stabilizing the space within the cauldron, preventing any Chaos Power from leaking out.
The Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron's Legacy, Little Treasure, responded, “Master, rest assured, Little Treasure will protect the Treasure Mansion's spirituality and never let it dissipate!”
Li Mu nodded, his hands quickly forming seals, and Chaos True Essence surged into the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron like a river.
The Chaos Fire within the cauldron instantly surged, and within the gray flames, the Dao Pattern on the Treasure Mansion's artifact body began to disintegrate, transforming into countless specks of light that merged into the Chaos Qi.
“Ah—!”
The Five-Colored Flood Dragon let out a painful roar, its Dragon body trembling violently, scales crumbling inch by inch.
Its spirit body felt as if it were being cut by countless sharp blades; the pain of spirit stripping was unbearable even for an artifact spirit.
Its spirit body gradually became transparent, as if it could dissipate at any moment.
“Hold on!” Little Treasure's voice carried a hint of urgency.
The Myriad Treasures Spiritual Origin contained within the Myriad Treasures golden light continuously poured into the Five-Colored Flood Dragon's spirit body, helping it stabilize its dissipating spirituality.
Seeing this, Li Mu felt a little relieved.
He quickly formed hand seals, and Chaos True Essence surged into the Treasure Mansion's artifact body like a river, performing the Artifact Refining Divine Ability—Divine Refinement Spirit Fusion Method—to reshape the Painting World Treasure Mansion's artifact formation.
At the same time, he threw the Origin of the seven nine-rank divine objects—Taiyin Divine Water, sun essence gold, Heaven One Divine Water, Cangyuan Azure Wood, Earth Vein Divine Fire, Taijin Divine Stone, and Xuanhuang Earth Bead—into the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron.
Using Chaos Fire as the furnace, the seven nine-rank divine objects as materials, and Yin and Yang and the Five Elements as the Foundation, he began to reshape the Treasure Mansion.
Chaos Fire burned fiercely, and the Treasure Mansion's artifact body gradually melted in the flames, transforming into a crystal-clear liquid.
Within the liquid, the original artifact formation was rearranged by Chaos Power, and a new artifact formation gradually took shape.
The Origin power of the seven nine-rank divine objects, guided by Chaos True Essence, slowly poured into the liquid, fusing with the Treasure Mansion's artifact body.
“Yin and Yang harmonize, the Five Elements cycle, Chaos evolves!” Li Mu shouted in a low voice, suddenly clasping his hands together.
The Chaos Qi within the cauldron instantly condensed into a tiny speck of light, which merged into the Treasure Mansion's artifact body.
Li Mu did not hesitate to sacrifice part of his cultivation, injecting a wisp of Chaos Origin into the Treasure Mansion, re-refining the Treasure Mansion with the method of planting Dao.
Although the speck of light was small, it contained endless vitality and power, slowly rotating, and each rotation would generate new Dao Pattern around it, as if a completely new world was being nurtured within it.
From Li Mu's fingertips, the ethereal image of a Chaos Green Lotus burst forth.
The moment that wisp of Chaos Origin merged with the Treasure Mansion's artifact embryo, a Chaos vortex suddenly rose within the cauldron.
The speck of light at the center of the vortex rapidly expanded, transforming into a pitch-black sphere that devoured everything, surrounded by three thousand six hundred rotating stardust particles, each reflecting a different Law Dao Pattern.
“Boom—”
The Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron vibrated violently, and the Taotie pattern on the cauldron's wall suddenly came alive, opening their huge mouths and madly devouring the overflowing Chaos Qi.
Little Treasure's spirit body flickered on and off at the cauldron's ear; it was horrified to discover that those stardust particles were actually evolving into myriad phenomena: fragments of the Lihuo Bead transformed into crimson meteors, outlining the Dao of Fire at the edge of the vortex; Heaven One Divine Water condensed into icy chains, entwining with the ripples of the Time Law; the Xuanhuang Earth Bead disintegrated into dust, each particle carrying the projection of a miniature continent.
The Five-Colored Flood Dragon suddenly let out an earth-shattering Dragon roar; its shattered spirit body was forcibly dragged into the core of the Chaos vortex.
In the deepest part of the vortex, its Dragon horns began to grow Yin and Yang twin fish patterns, and liquid Chaos Power flowed in the gaps of its scales.
“Three thousand Dao seeds, open!” Li Mu spat out a mouthful of essence blood, and in the blood mist, his innate Dao seed appeared—the Chaos Green Lotus actually grew a thirty-six-petal lotus platform.
The lotus platform rotated and pressed into the vortex, its roots connecting to the three thousand Dao Law chains, forcibly restraining the rampaging Chaos Power.
At this moment, the Treasure Mansion's artifact embryo had transformed into a Chaos womb, with divine Great Dao Artifact Pattern appearing on its surface, deriving countless Great Dao Laws.
The Extreme Yang Law evolved… the Taijin Divine Stone transformed into a golden crow and crashed into it… the Dao of Wood, the Dao of Years evolved, and the branches and leaves of the Cangyuan Azure Wood instantly withered and flourished hundreds and thousands of times… as time passed, Chaos continuously evolved, and three thousand Dao Pattern successively appeared, then merged into one.
At this moment, the Ten Thousand Treasures Cauldron's spirit, Little Treasure, stared blankly at everything before it, utterly shocked.
It had never seen such a magnificent Artifact Refining scene; Chaos Power surged within the cauldron, and three thousand Great Dao Laws intertwined into a net, depicting the grand spectacle of the world's creation. (End of Chapter)
