Li Mu lightly tapped the jade platform with his fingertip, and the cloud patterns shimmered. He looked up, his gaze clear, landing on Cao Cong’s face: “A nominal… …Enshrinement?”
“Precisely!” Cao Cong quickly responded, “A titular position! It will absolutely not trouble Senior in the slightest!”
“Precisely!” Cao Cong quickly responded, “A titular position! It will absolutely not trouble Senior in the slightest!”
“A titular position?” Li Mu’s lips twitched, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, and he said indifferently: “That’s fine.”
Cao Cong’s heart pounded, he could barely believe it, the immense surprise momentarily rendered him speechless.
“Se… …Senior has agreed?” His voice held a tremor that was hard to suppress.
Li Mu nodded: “For the sake of tranquility, and to avoid trivialities. A nominal position is fine.”
“Good! Good! Good!” Cao Cong repeated “good” three times, his face instantly glowing with health, all his previous anxieties swept away, his smile utterly genuine, “Senior is truly broad-minded! It is the Immortal Dynasty’s fortune! This old man, on behalf of everyone in the Immortal Dynasty, thanks Senior!”
The atmosphere in the quiet room suddenly relaxed, Xue’er’s lips curved into a smile, understanding dawned. Although Lin Xiaolun and the two others did not understand the intricacies, seeing the atmosphere warm up, they also relaxed.
“However,” Li Mu’s voice was not loud, but it made Cao Cong’s heart tighten.
“Senior, please speak!” Cao Cong immediately became serious.
Li Mu’s gaze swept across the Starry Sky dome and he slowly said: “Firstly, the title of Enshrinement is merely a name. Li’s actions are not subject to any restrictions.”
“Naturally! Naturally!” Cao Cong immediately replied, “Tianxing Pavilion’s Enshrinement are inherently free and unconstrained, Senior’s freedom, the Immortal Dynasty will absolutely not interfere in the slightest!”
“Secondly,” Li Mu continued, “Li prefers quiet. The place of residence doesn’t need to be luxurious, remote and secluded is sufficient.”
“This…” Cao Cong was slightly taken aback, then suddenly understood: “Senior, rest assured! Within the Immortal Dynasty’s jurisdiction, there are countless spiritual and secluded places for Senior to choose from! We will definitely find a place to your liking!”
Cao Cong’s thoughts raced, remote and secluded? That suited his intentions perfectly, far from the center, making it easier to monitor his movements, and not drawing attention.
Li Mu said no more, picking up the star marrow jade liquid and taking a shallow sip.
Cao Cong’s mind settled, feeling that this trip had exceeded expectations and was complete. With a beaming smile, he personally served Li Mu: “Senior, rest assured, the Enshrinement jade tablet and token will be presented shortly. Within the Immortal Dynasty’s territory, for all your needs, simply present the token, and you will have unrestricted access, with dedicated personnel to handle all trivial matters, absolutely not disturbing your cultivation!”
“Thank you.” Li Mu responded indifferently.
Immortal music flowed, the Star Power remained, but the atmosphere at the banquet was now completely different.
Cao Cong chatted and laughed, feeling that the delicacies and fine wine before him were exceptionally delicious. Li Mu sat quietly, occasionally responding, Star Power swirling around him, a faint trace of Chaos aura subtly integrating, unnoticed by anyone.
Lin Xiaolun quietly asked Tie Tou: “Is Teacher an Enshrinement now?”
Tie Tou scratched his head: “Seems so… …a nominal one?”
Da Niu stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth and mumbled: “Who cares, the meat is good.”
After the banquet, Cao Cong led the way.
The Starship broke through the air, heading straight for the Immortal Dynasty’s main star. The cabin door slid open, and a distinct aura wafted forth.
The sight before them was extraordinary.
Beneath the Starry Sky, streamlined silver shuttles moved silently, their trajectories weaving like a net, without a trace of smoke or fire. Below, the outlines of majestic giant cities appeared and disappeared within flowing light mist. That light mist seemed to be condensed energy, or perhaps millions of runes flowing.
“The Immortal Dynasty’s capital, Xianchen City.” Cao Cong’s tone carried pride.
Stepping into the city, the scene was even more peculiar.
The streets were wide and spotless. The material was smooth as a mirror, reflecting the flowing star tracks above. Pedestrians were like a woven fabric, dressed in various attires; those in wide robes and long sleeves, carrying ancient swords, seemed to shrink the ground into inches; those in tight silver armor, with crystal chips covering their eyes, lightly tapped their fingertips, and light screens appeared with data flowing.
Xue’er’s eyes brightened slightly: “Runes and artifact Dao merging?”
The buildings along the streets varied in form, ancient pavilions with eaves where crystal wind chimes floated, their clear sounds cleansing the Divine Soul; angular metal structures, with liquid light rivers flowing on their surfaces, and tiny mechanical Spirit Beasts swimming and playing in the light rivers, spewing spiritual energy particles.
Li Mu’s gaze swept across, landing on a floating jade platform. The jade platform resembled a single piece of spiritual jade, with natural cloud patterns, embedded with countless tiny light points. He casually tapped the edge of the platform with his fingertip.
Buzz.
The cloud patterns suddenly brightened, and a soft light spread out like ripples.
The entire internal structure of the jade platform was projected as a holographic light image before them, precise and complex. At its core, a mass of liquid star marrow slowly rotated, emitting pure Star Power. Within the light image, countless tiny rune chains coiled around the star marrow, maintaining stability and energy output.
“Senior has excellent eyesight!” Cao Cong praised, “This is a ‘Star Nexus’, found throughout Xianchen. It gathers stellar power to supply the entire city’s grand array, and also allows Cultivators to draw Star Origin.”
Li Mu withdrew his hand, the light image vanished, and the jade platform returned to its ancient simplicity, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. This Immortal Dynasty used precise technology to tame Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi and stellar energy, building this giant city where steel and runes, coldness and spirituality coexisted.
“Teacher, what is that?” Lin Xiaolun pointed to a towering spire in the distance. The tower body was pieced together from rhomboid crystals, and the tower top was not solid, but a constantly collapsing and erupting miniature nebula, emitting a heart-palpitating fluctuation.
“Star Gazing Tower,” Cao Cong explained, “It deduces heavenly secrets, monitors the Star Domain, and draws upon the mighty power of the stars. It is a vital asset of the Immortal Dynasty.”
Tie Tou, dazzled, bumped into a light curtain that appeared out of nowhere. The light curtain rippled, displaying ancient seal script: “Stop, spiritual energy diversion zone.”
Da Niu stared at the living architectural complex by the street—composed of countless glowing pipes intertwined like vines. Green liquid flowed within the pipes, with dormant spiritual plant seeds floating. The end of the pipes connected to transparent containers, where several metal mechanical beasts resembling Qilin slept with closed eyes, runes flashing around their bodies, absorbing the spiritual liquid from the pipes.
“Hey, this big guy…” Da Niu mumbled quietly, and was quickly silenced by a glare from Xue’er.
Cao Cong observed the reactions of Li Mu and the others, especially Li Mu’s calm profile, his thoughts racing. This Senior, facing such a wondrous sight, remained unperturbed. Cao Cong’s face was beaming, and he led the way, saying: “Senior, your residence has been arranged, in ‘Quiet Abyss Valley’ to the west of the city, secluded and tranquil, with excellent Star Power. Please follow me.”
Li Mu nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the scene of light mist and giant structures intertwined in the depths of the city.
Unnoticed by anyone, in the depths of Li Mu’s eyes, a trace of Chaos aura subtly flowed, as if analyzing the fundamental Context of this Immortal Dynasty capital.
Xue’er followed closely, her clear eyes reflecting the bizarre and colorful sights, filled with pure curiosity.
Quiet Abyss Valley was at the western end of the city.
Where the Starship docked, it suddenly opened up. The bustling light flow was cut off by an invisible barrier, and a serene scent of plants and trees wafted forth. At the valley entrance stood a natural crystal stele, its surface flowing with light like a waterfall, displaying three ancient seal characters: Quiet Abyss Valley.
“Senior, please look.” Cao Cong led everyone off the Starship.
The valley was crescent-shaped, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The mountains were made of some dark, Shen metal, with rough star map patterns naturally etched on their surfaces, flowing with a faint Star Power.
The valley floor was flat, covered with fine silver moss, soft and cool to the touch. Several buildings were scattered along the mountain, simple in design, with smooth lines, their material resembling a blend of warm white jade and matte metal, naturally blending into the mountain’s star pattern background.
There were no flying eaves or elaborate carvings, only pure geometric forms and flowing curves.
“The Star Power here converges, making it exceptionally tranquil. Ordinary Cultivators are not permitted to enter without authorization.” Cao Cong pointed to the largest building: “This is the main residence. The other places can be arranged for your companions as you wish. Everything in the valley is controlled by the ‘Valley Spirit’. If Senior has any instructions, simply communicate with this stele with your Divine Thought.”
Cao Cong gestured to the crystal stele at the valley entrance. The light on the stele’s surface subtly shifted, as if responding.
Li Mu’s gaze swept across the valley. Metal mountain walls, etched star maps, silver moss ground, white jade and metal buildings… … seemingly natural, yet everywhere showing traces of being meticulously “tamed.”
Li Mu walked to a spot in the valley. The silver moss beneath his feet automatically parted, revealing a clear, shallow pool. The bottom of the pool was not mud, but fine star sand, and several small fish, completely transparent with Star Power veins flowing within them, swam leisurely. The pool water was slightly warm to the touch, containing gentle Star Power.
“It draws from the earth vein star marrow.” Cao Cong quickly explained.
Li Mu neither confirmed nor denied, his gaze fixed on the main residence. The building had no visible door, but as he approached, the smooth wall silently slid open to reveal an entrance. The interior furnishings were extremely simple: a couch, a small table, and a futon, all made of warm materials, with no other superfluous items.
The dome was not solid, but a flowing projection of the Starry Sky, synchronizing with the real star map outside, with soft starlight falling. The four walls were smooth, without windows or decorations, but with a slight shift of thought, the walls instantly became transparent, and the entire valley scene was visible.
Xue’er led Lin Xiaolun and the two others towards the side buildings. Tie Tou, curious, shouted at an inconspicuous raised metal plate by the door: “Open door?”
The wall silently slid open, revealing an equally simple but more livable space inside, with soft resting couches, wall cabinets for storing items, and even a small circular pool in the corner emitting warmth, its water clear and filled with Qi.
Tie Tou blinked his eyes, then said with satisfaction: “Hey, it really listens!”
Da Niu, meanwhile, was attracted to a small fenced-off area of silver moss behind the house, where several dark, heavy Ore were scattered, of various shapes, faintly emitting a pure metallic aura.
“This stone…” Da Niu squatted down and touched it. It was cold and hard to the touch, far surpassing ordinary iron.
Seeing everyone settled, Cao Cong felt a great weight lift from his heart. With a beaming smile, he took out a token, neither metal nor jade, shaped like a feather, and presented it to Li Mu with both hands: “Senior, this is the Enshrinement token, the ‘Heavenly Star Token’. With this token, resource repositories, Starship stations, and even some Forbidden Lands within the Immortal Dynasty’s territory can be accessed without hindrance. If there are any trivial matters, simply activate this token, and dedicated personnel will handle them, absolutely not daring to disturb Senior’s cultivation.”
Li Mu took the token. It was cool to the touch, with a strange feel, and countless tiny starlight points seemed to flow within, forming complex array patterns.
Li Mu’s fingertip brushed over it, and a trace of Chaos aura subtly probed, instantly understanding its core structure and information flow, then put it away.
“Thank you.” Li Mu smiled and nodded.
Cao Cong was tactful, bowing deeply: “Senior, please rest here. This old man will take his leave. If you need anything at all, please call me at any time.”
With that, Cao Cong boarded the Starship and departed as a stream of light.
The valley became completely quiet, isolated from the dazzling light and energy hum of the outside world, with only the low echo of the wind blowing across the metal mountain walls, and the subtle rustling of Star Power flowing within the silver moss ground.
Xue’er settled Lin Xiaolun and the two others, then returned to the main residence.
Li Mu sat cross-legged on the futon, his eyes slightly closed, as if meditating. Star Power flowed around him, but an imperceptible trace of Chaos aura permeated deeper, silently infiltrating the valley and even the flowing Starry Sky projection, analyzing the fundamental Law of this “Quiet Abyss” place. Chaos Divine Thought silently covered the entire Immortal Dynasty, glimpsing the true face of the Immortal Dynasty.
Li Mu’s Divine Thought spread out, and the Chaos aura silently permeated the Foundation of the Immortal Dynasty.
The dazzling brilliance and intricate Context of Xianchen City, in his perception, shed their superficial appearance. Supporting this colossal entity were layers upon layers of crushed and re-forged remains.
Beneath Xianchen City, a bottomless, chaotic swamp existed, formed from countless broken civilizations and the remnants of utterly annihilated species. A vast energy network, like the roots of a giant tree, deeply penetrated this desperate swamp, greedily drawing the remaining “nutrients” from it.
The floating Star Nexus jade platforms by the street had liquid star marrow rotating at their core. The Chaos aura permeated to the deepest part, glimpsing the… …civilization remnants of Divine Souls, forcibly bound, crushed, and integrated into the pure Star Power by rune chains; they were once the remnants of a certain race’s civilization, now only a wisp of unwilling embers, used as fuel to light the cold streets of the Immortal Dynasty.
The collapsing and erupting nebula at the top of the Star Gazing Tower, in its flashes, stirred the tributaries of the long river of time and space, forcibly capturing fragmented Laws and Origin matter scattered from other dying worlds, adding fuel to the giant wheel of Devour.
Li Mu “saw” the core operation of the Immortal Dynasty—a giant net covering the known Star Domain, composed of pure energy and cold will. Every node in the net was like a shriveled fruit. Xianchen City was precisely the center of this giant net, its pulsating “heart.”
The Chaos Divine Thought touched the edge of the core.
In Li Mu’s eyes, Chaos aura flowed, reflecting the naked truth of the prosperous Immortal Dynasty: a cold machine built upon endless graves, sustaining itself by devouring the lives and civilizations of others. The superficial “Dao of nature” and “Immortal Dynasty forever” were merely a magnificent curtain concealing eternal plunder and destruction.
A chilling understanding replaced indifference.
The “Immortal” of the Immortal Dynasty was plunder. Its “Dao” was Devour. This so-called unified civilization was the ultimate predator parasitizing the corpses of myriad worlds.
Divine Thought receded like a tide, leaving no trace.
Inside the main residence, Li Mu slowly opened his eyes, the Star Power swirling around him dimmed for a moment, replaced by a profound aura. He looked at his palm, the Heavenly Star Token lay quietly, the flowing starlight array patterns within it clearly reflecting the giant net of Devour covering the Star Domain.
Li Mu withdrew his Divine Thought, returning to quiet meditation. The Star Power flowing around him, and the deeply hidden Chaos aura, seemed out of place in this meticulously constructed prison node, carrying the indifference of one looking down into an abyss.
Xue’er stood quietly, keenly sensing a faint, yet heart-palpitating chill emanating from Li Mu, as if he had witnessed something that should not exist.
The valley remained tranquil, the silver moss rustled, the star pool rippled slightly, and the air seemed to thicken a bit.
“Li Dage, are you, are you alright!” Xue’er couldn’t help but ask with concern.
Li Mu looked up at Xue’er, the non-human aura on his face dissipated, replaced by a slightly weary smile: “I’m fine, it’s just that I’ve learned too many truths, and I’m a bit tired!”
Xue’er was slightly startled, seeming to understand yet not. Relying on her Nine-tailed innate ability for sensitive emotional perception, she felt Li Mu’s current mood and couldn’t help but feel a little distressed. She walked straight forward, embraced Li Mu, and said with heartache: “Li Dage, those things don’t concern us, let’s just ignore them!”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu’s eyes brightened slightly, as if he was deep in thought, as if something had touched him. (End of Chapter)
