Various fourth-grade Artifact Refining Materials, one after another, were thrown into the Five Elements Spiritual Fire under Li Mu's control, rapidly dissolving and gradually liquefying into a mass of metal solution.
Immediately after, Li Mu used the Divine Sense smelting method to shape the Spiritual Artifact embryo in the Artifact Refining furnace.
The metal solution, suspended within the Artifact Refining furnace, was controlled by a mysterious force, gradually condensing from a large sphere of liquid metal into a square seal shape, its volume shrinking and emitting terrifying Spiritual Pressure.
Li Mu was preparing to refine a seal-type Spiritual Artifact, similar to the Ruyi Seal he refined for Yun Xiaozi.
However, when refining a Spiritual Artifact for himself, Li Mu would certainly spare no expense; it had to be the best. If fourth-grade Materials were insufficient, he would use thousands of pounds of third-grade Materials to increase the weight of the Ruyi Seal.
“Chirp!”
Xiao Bai looked at the Five Elements Spiritual Fire and the seal-type metal embryo in a panic. Such a large mass floating above its head gave it megalophobia, and it wanted to burrow back into the Spirit Beast Pouch.
Li Mu frowned. The consumption of Divine Sense and Five Elements Spiritual Power was quite significant. However, the Ruyi Seal's embryo was already condensed, with its internal Materials, Spirit Core Array, Artifact Mark Foundation, and complex Artifact Arrays all engraved within it.
Li Mu took a deep breath. The immense consumption of Divine Sense and Spiritual Power forced him to take a break.
“Xiao Bai, next, I need your help. Just scare it a little, but don't eat it, okay!” Li Mu said with a smile to Xiao Bai.
“Chirp!” Xiao Bai opened its small mouth, nodded its tiny head, and responded obediently.
Li Mu's Divine Sense swept towards the Storage Pouch containing the soul gathering bottle. From it, he selected a soul gathering bottle storing a third-grade Yao Beast essence Soul and slowly floated it into mid-air.
With a crisp “pop,” the bottle cap opened, and a black mist surged out of the soul gathering bottle, instantly transforming into a gigantic black bear, revealing itself to be the essence Soul of a third-grade Earth Violent Bear Yao Beast.
As soon as the Bear Yao Beast essence Soul appeared, it roared to the sky, erupting with a ferocious, violent, and chilling aura that shook the entire scene.
However, the two ‘spectators’ present seemed unimpressed.
A Foundation Establishment Cultivator sat cross-legged, looking at it with pity, emitting a fearsome aura. On his lap, a small white insect lay, radiating an aura that made the Bear Yao Beast essence Soul tremble with fear.
It was this tiny insect, smaller than its fingernail, that let out a “chirp,” causing the Bear Yao Beast essence Soul to immediately experience a tremor in its Yao Soul, losing control over its own Soul.
“Enter this Artifact and become its Artifact Spirit, or let it eat you. You choose!” A voice suddenly echoed in the Bear Yao Beast's Soul Sea.
Upon hearing this, the Bear Yao Beast essence Soul looked at the square Artifact Seal floating in the air, then glanced at Li Mu, immediately understanding. With its remaining strength, it plunged headfirst into the square Artifact Seal without hesitation.
What a joke! Becoming an Artifact Spirit was much better than being eaten by a bug. What was there to choose from!
Seeing the Bear Yao Beast essence Soul merge into the Artifact embryo, Li Mu immediately began injecting Spiritual Power into the square seal embryo, condensing Artifact Marks, and outlining the Artifact Spirit.
“Buzz, buzz…” With a humming sound, the square seal embryo radiated Spiritual Light. Artifact Marks glowed in harmony, condensing one after another. Soon, the Bear Yao Beast essence Soul, along with the Artifact Array, integrated into the Artifact Array's core. Its Soul state rapidly transformed, its Yin Qi being washed away by the powerful Artifact Array's force, turning into a spiritual mist that infused the Artifact Array's core…
The first Artifact Mark: Spirit Control. The second Artifact Mark: Gravity. The third Artifact Mark: Mimicry. The fourth Artifact Mark: Spirit Lock…
Li Mu activated Spiritual Power repeatedly, and the square seal embryo successfully condensed Artifact Marks, shining with Spiritual Light. The fifteenth Artifact Mark: Soul Annihilation, Spiritual Light condensed and took shape, and the reverse seal embryo's Spiritual Light reached its peak…
Li Mu gritted his teeth, continuing to inject a stream of Spiritual Qi to condense the final Artifact Mark, helping it achieve the Fourth Grade Advanced Spiritual Artifact Realm.
With a “clang” of Artifact sound, the Fourth Grade Square Seal radiated Spiritual Light, its intensity reaching a new height. The Artifact Refining was complete. Just then, the situation changed abruptly. The Ruyi Square Seal, now possessing an Artifact Spirit, suddenly enlarged and fiercely struck down towards Li Mu.
The Yao Bear essence Soul, coerced into becoming an Artifact Spirit, harbored resentment towards Li Mu. The moment the Artifact Marks were fully condensed and the Artifact Refining succeeded, it immediately launched a backlash.
“Quite a temper, aren't you! Did you think I wasn't prepared for you?” Li Mu chuckled, casually waving his hand. A Spiritual Light shot out and landed on the Ruyi Square Seal.
The next moment, the Ruyi Square Seal's downward smashing momentum stopped. Its volume rapidly shrunk, instantly becoming palm-sized and lightly floating into Li Mu's hand.
It turned out that when refining the Artifact Foundation Array, Li Mu had already tampered with the Ruyi Square Seal, easily seizing control of it.
This Artifact Seal Spiritual Artifact was personally refined by Li Mu. Even with an Artifact Spirit infused, no one understood it more clearly than Li Mu.
Li Mu casually injected Spiritual Power, refining the Ruyi Artifact Seal's Artifact Spirit as well. Then, a Spiritual Power struck the Ruyi Square Seal with a “snap,” and the milky white Ruyi Square Seal immediately changed color, shining with Spiritual Light, and its Divine Ability also transformed into a miniature black bear.
“Chirp!” Xiao Bai looked at the little black bear, which was about the same size as itself, and cried out in surprise.
“You two play nicely! Don't disturb my Artifact Refining!” Li Mu smiled slightly, gave an instruction, and then took out two bottles of Medicinal Pill from the nine storage spiritual pearl, pouring out and taking two pills.
Refining the Ruyi Square Seal, a Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifact, consumed a lot of Li Mu's Spiritual Power and Divine Sense. He needed to take Medicinal Pills to recover before he could continue Artifact Refining.
Fortunately, refining Spiritual Artifacts for Wanbao Pavilion did not require such an expenditure of energy.
…
【Ding, you have successfully refined a Fourth Grade Spiritual Sword. Refining Skill proficiency: +90】
【Ding, you have successfully refined a Fourth Grade Spiritual Shield. Refining Skill proficiency: +90】
…
Time flew by, and two days passed.
The stone door of the Artifact Refining Room slowly opened, and Li Mu walked out, looking exhausted. Refining Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts consumed far more energy and mental effort than refining Third Grade Spiritual Artifacts. Moreover, this time, Li Mu did not use an Artifact Refining furnace; instead, he directly used the Five Elements Spiritual Fire he condensed himself, which consumed even more true essence Spiritual Power.
Fortunately, Li Mu was no longer at the Qi Refining Realm, but a Foundation Establishment Cultivator who had self-established Foundation Establishment using an ancient Foundation Establishment method, allowing him to persevere in the end.
“Great Master Li, what’s the result?” Wang Wenbao, who had been waiting at the door, rushed forward as soon as he saw Li Mu emerge, asking impatiently.
“I lived up to my trust, Manager Wang. A total of seven Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts, with two failures!” Li Mu smiled slightly, patted his Storage Pouch, and seven highly spiritual Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts flew out, floating beside Li Mu.
“Great Master Li, you are too amazing! I thought successfully refining four or five would already be incredible. I didn’t expect you to successfully refine seven! This, this, thank you, Great Master Li!” Wang Wenbao was so excited that he was a bit incoherent, thanking him repeatedly.
“If you want to thank me, just give me a bigger commission, don’t just talk.” Li Mu chuckled, saying in a slightly annoyed tone.
Hearing this, Wang Wenbao bit his teeth and decided: “Great Master, it’s only right, it’s only right. Your hard work is immense. This time, I’ll give you a 30% commission.”
“Oh! In that case, Manager Wang won’t lose money, will he!” Li Mu looked at Manager Wang in surprise, asking with a smile.
“Great Master Li is joking! How could I, Wang, do a losing business? It’s just that, Great Master Li, your Refining Skill is too powerful. Other Artifact Refining Great Masters don’t have such a high success rate for refining Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts. Increasing the commission is only right!” Manager Wang said with a serious expression.
“Then Li Mu won’t be polite. Thank you, Manager Wang!” Li Mu nodded with a smile, then asked: “By the way, have you found the storage container for the continued Spiritual Plants?”
“Yes! Yes! I used my connections to ask around, and it was quite a coincidence. Daoist Ling happened to have one in his possession. I took the liberty of purchasing it for Great Master Li!” Wang Wenbao nodded excitedly, taking out a box-like Spiritual item.
“This is a Plant Continuation Spiritual Box made from Sky-Blue Star Crystal and Ethereal Beast Hide. It contains five hundred pounds of second-grade Hundred Spirit Rotten Soil and can store approximately 7,000 to 20,000 Spiritual Plants, providing them with 15-30 days of vitality. The more Spiritual Plants stored, the greater the Spirit Stone consumption and the shorter the maintenance time.” Wang Wenbao explained in detail to Li Mu.
Up to twenty thousand plants, huh! It seems I can only put the hundreds of seedling Spiritual Plants from the experimental field and a portion of the cloud mist spiritual tea.
“Thank you, Manager Wang. The cost will be deducted from this commission.” Li Mu gratefully accepted the Spiritual Box. With a thought of his Divine Sense, he directed the seven Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts to Wang Wenbao.
“Great Master Li, these seven Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts cannot be sold all at once. This commission can only be estimated by Elder Wei.” Wang Wenbao took the seven Spiritual Artifacts, looking at Li Mu with a hint of embarrassment.
So many Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts certainly couldn’t be released all at once. Wang Wenbao decided to keep them as hidden treasures, releasing one at each Auction as a main attraction to maximize profits.
“Hmm, let Elder Wei come! After I get the commission, I should leave! Manager Wang, see you again later!” Li Mu nodded with a smile, agreeing.
“Great Master Li, please take care on your journey. We look forward to cooperating with you again.” Wang Wenbao said reluctantly.
Soon, Wang Wenbao called for the Spirit Appraiser, Wei An, to estimate the price of the nine Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts.
Gazing at the newly refined seven Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts, Wei An's hands trembled nervously. This was the most Advanced Spiritual Artifacts he had ever seen in his life as a Spirit Appraiser, and it felt like a dream.
“Elder Wei, don’t dawdle. Estimate whatever price you need to. Great Master Li is waiting!” Wang Wenbao urged impatiently.
“Manager, it’s really hard to estimate. I can only estimate up to Third Grade Spiritual Artifacts. Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts rarely circulate on the market, and I’m afraid my estimate won’t be accurate.” Wei An said with a bitter and conflicted expression.
“Elder Wei, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just estimate boldly, referencing the refining Materials and the prices of other Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts.” Li Mu smiled brightly, quickly reassuring him.
“Alright! This Fourth Grade Spiritual Shield, refined from Fourth Grade Skyfall Crystal and Earth Essence Stone, has a spirituality reaching the Medium Grade of Fourth Grade. Its shield body is heavy and reinforced with Spirit Control, Air Control, Steadfastness, Spirit Repulsion, Force Rejection… and other Advanced Artifact Marks, providing extremely strong defense. Previously, Wanbao Pavilion in Bathing Blood City sold a Fourth Grade Heavenly Spirit Shield, which was overall inferior to this shield. The Heavenly Spirit Shield sold for 30,000 medium spirit stones, so this shield is estimated at 32,000 medium spirit stones.” Wei An picked up a Fourth Grade Spiritual Shield, looking at Wang Wenbao and Li Mu, and analyzed and appraised it in detail.
“Next, look at this Fourth Grade Spiritual Sword. This sword is refined from profound abyss heavy gold and Xing Yu Star Gold, with a spirituality reaching the Medium Grade of Fourth Grade. The sword is three feet seven inches long, its sharp Qi contained within the blade. It is reinforced with Sword Control, Soul Severing, Annihilation… and other Advanced Artifact Marks. The Artifact body is perfectly integrated, and the Artifact Refining technique is extremely high, maximizing the sword’s lethality. Using this sword against a Fourth Grade Yao Beast would surely easily cleave its Yao bones. Last time, Wanbao Pavilion in Heavenly Spirit City sold a Fourth Grade Dragon Slaying Spiritual Sword, which was significantly inferior to this sword, hence the estimated price: 40,000 medium spirit stones.”
“This Fourth Grade Spiritual Hammer is also good…”
…
Listening to Wei An's endless appraisal of each Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifact, Wang Wenbao, sitting beside him, was at times pleasantly surprised, and at times pained, and in no time, he was sweating profusely and became restless.
Each of the seven Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifacts was almost a masterpiece, receiving high praise from Wei An. Each one was valued at no less than 30,000 medium spirit stones. Giving Li Mu a 30% commission meant that Wanbao Pavilion's liquid funds would be drained!
As soon as he thought of this, Wang Wenbao immediately became restless and subtly regretted how impulsive he had been just now, offering a 10% commission increase. How many more Spirit Stones would that cost!
“Manager Wang, what’s wrong with you? Just say what you want to say!” Seeing Wang Wenbao open his mouth at him, looking like he had something difficult to say, Li Mu asked with a smile.
“Great Master Li, the estimated value of the seven Spiritual Artifacts is quite high. If I pay you the commission, Wanbao Pavilion’s funds might be depleted. Would you mind taking some of the Materials instead?” Wang Wenbao looked at Li Mu, saying with embarrassment.
“I thought it was something serious! No problem.” Li Mu nodded with a smile: “Not limited to Artifact Refining Materials, Yao Beast essence Souls, hides, if there are Advanced Spiritual Plant seeds, Spiritual Fruits, or Spiritual Wood, I want them all. You can arrange it as you see fit! If possible, give me a warehouse list so I can choose!”
Hearing this, Wang Wenbao immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Wanbao Pavilion had plenty of these Materials. If they were offset at market price, a significant portion of the commission given up this time could be earned back.
“Thank you, Great Master Li, for your understanding. I will go get the warehouse ledger now.” Wang Wenbao thanked him gratefully and hurried off to retrieve the warehouse ledger.
Soon, Li Mu, holding the Materials ledger, checked off and selected a large pile of Materials suitable for Artifact Refining, Puppet making, and Spiritual Charms Drawing. Of course, there were also many Spiritual Plant seeds, which were all immediately chosen.
After settling the accounts, Wang Wenbao immediately notified his subordinates to prepare the goods.
“Great Master Li, have you decided where you are going on this trip? Do you need Wanbao Pavilion’s treasure ship to see you off?” Wang Wenbao looked at Li Mu, asking with concern.
“Just go to the Qingxuan Sect Headquarters! Does Wanbao Pavilion have a treasure ship going that way?” Li Mu decided to give up on exploring the ancient Cultivator Immortal Cave in Huanlang Spiritual Mountain. He only needed to find a Spiritual Mountain and cultivate diligently. As for other matters, he would consider them after his cultivation improved.
“Certainly, but not directly. You’ll need to transfer through a few cities. If Great Master Li doesn’t mind traveling that way, I can help you check.” Wang Wenbao indicated.
“Can it be arranged for tomorrow?” Li Mu asked with concern. If he could hitch a ride on Wanbao Pavilion's ship, that would be ideal, making his journey much safer.
“I can get a result now. I’ll check immediately. Please wait a moment.” Wang Wenbao confirmed, then took out a token and immersed his Divine Sense to investigate.
“Great Master Li, the day after tomorrow, a treasure ship will depart from Lingyang City for Qingyun City. If you can make it, you can take a ride by presenting your Guest Elder token.” Wang Wenbao put down the token, looking at Li Mu, and introduced.
Lingyang City, huh! It’s only about five hundred li from Gangyang City. If I control my Spiritual Boat smoothly, I can get there in an hour or two.
Just then, Tang Yueru approached them slowly, holding a tray with three Storage Pouches, and asked for instructions: “Manager Wang, the goods have been prepared.”
“Great Master Li, all the Materials exchanged for this commission are here. Please check them.” Wang Wenbao handed the three large Storage Pouches to Li Mu.
“Hmm! Manager Wang, Miss Tang, may we meet again.” Li Mu took the Storage Pouches, smiling as he bid farewell to Wang Wenbao and Tang Yueru.
Wang Wenbao and Tang Yueru quickly stood up and respectfully saw Li Mu off.