Since the last time, when the elites of Qingxuan Sect were rescued and nine Demonic Lords of Nine Demon Sect were annihilated, Nine Demon Sect suffered heavy losses and became more low-key.
Qingxuan Sect's situation improved significantly, but the war of the Five Sects Alliance in pioneering the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range was still ongoing.
Over thirty years, many elite Disciples died on the pioneering front, and at the same time, a large number of fresh blood joined the Sect.
Qingxuan Sect basically maintained a steady, slow development, neither too strong nor too large.
After Li Mu's Divine Sense swept across, he didn't find anything interesting today.
Hmm?
Li Mu was about to withdraw his Divine Sense when he suddenly noticed two figures stealthily entering Qingxuan Sect's Tianxuan Peak, seemingly plotting something.
Qingxuan Sect's Tianxuan Peak is one of the seven main peaks of the Sect, housing the Ascension Tower and the Tribulation Transcending Platform.
It is a place for many Inner Sect Disciples' daily activities and also one of the key Formation eyes of the Sect's grand Formation.
The Ascension Tower, like the Hundred Refinements Spirit Tower of Hundred Refinements Peak, is one of Qingxuan Sect's most treasured items, a Spirit Rank six Spiritual Artifact with a Tower Spirit.
As its name suggests, the Ascension Tower has the ability to ascend to the heavens.
This tower is the main place for Qingxuan Sect to assess Sect Disciples, hone their combat skills, and test their Aptitude.
Foundation Establishment Disciples can consume a portion of Sect contributions to challenge the Ascension Tower, where they can freely compete and hone their combat skills under the protection of the Formation blessed by the Tower Spirit, climbing the Ascension Tower.
The Ascension Tower has a hundred levels, and each level has a defender.
Successfully defending a challenge once grants a reward from the Spirit Tower.
If one chooses not to defend, they gain the qualification to continue challenging, and the higher the level of the Spirit Tower challenged, the richer the reward...
In short, the higher one can climb in the Ascension Tower, the more outstanding their Aptitude.
Of course, challenging the Ascension Tower also has some requirements: one must be under a hundred years old and have a Cultivation base above Foundation Establishment.
Li Mu could meet all these conditions, but to maintain a low profile, Li Mu had never participated in the Ascension Tower challenge nor had he ever visited Tianxuan Peak.
He only occasionally glimpsed it when his Divine Sense swept over, finding nothing noteworthy.
However, today, Li Mu unexpectedly discovered two special figures.
One fat and one thin, two Golden Core cultivators, wearing Qingxuan Sect True Disciple robes.
If Li Mu remembered correctly, the fat one was named Lin Xiancai, and the thin one was named Pei Yuanzi.
Instead of going to the Ascension Tower or the Tribulation Transcending Platform, they headed towards the Formation eye of Qingxuan Sect's mountain-protecting grand Formation.
Their suspicious behavior made Li Mu pay close attention to their every move.
Qingxuan Sect's mountain-protecting grand Formation is called the Seven Absolutes Illusionary Killing Grand Formation.
Based on the Spiritual Veins of the seven main peaks of the Sect, it uses the effects of illusionary killing and confounding Formations, and can even summon a Sword of Heaven and Earth, unparalleled in its lethality.
Each of Qingxuan Sect's seven main peaks has a Formation eye of the Seven Absolutes Illusionary Killing Grand Formation, used to connect the Spiritual Veins of the seven main peaks.
The Formation eye hub of Tianxuan Peak is located in a secret cave behind the Ascension Tower.
Inside the cave, there is a mountain-protecting Spirit Beast, a fifth-rank Tianxuan Spirit Turtle, guarding it along with the Tower Spirit of the Ascension Tower.
However, the two fat and thin Golden Core Disciples, somehow, managed to deceive the Tower Spirit.
They then released a defiling Spiritual item, poisoning the mountain-protecting Spirit Beast, the fifth-rank Tianxuan Spirit Turtle, causing it to fall into a coma.
They then fearlessly snuck into the cave of the Formation hub, took out some Formation Plates and Magical Artifacts, and prepared to damage the mountain-protecting grand Formation.
Seeing this scene, Li Mu immediately guessed what was happening and sighed helplessly.
He certainly wouldn't let them succeed.
These two fellows must be internal spies from other Sects or the Demonic Sect, there's no mistake.
Their purpose in infiltrating Qingxuan Sect was to destroy Qingxuan Sect's mountain-protecting grand Formation.
It seems that while Qingxuan Sect appears calm on the surface, secretly, forces have already prepared for an invasion.
Once Qingxuan Sect's mountain-protecting grand Formation is breached, the unknown force will likely invade.
With the Five Elements Spirit Plant about to mature in one or two years, and advancing to Nascent Soul True Lord just around the corner, Li Mu didn't want to become a homeless dog at this time.
Li Mu waved his hand, and a powerful True Qi struck a fourth-rank top-grade Spiritual Sword soaring in the Gold Essence Formation.
Immediately, with a 'clang', the fourth-rank Gold Element Spiritual Sword, which had transformed into a golden Xuan Eagle, shot up from the Gold Essence Formation, turning into a golden light, and rushed towards the secret cave of Tianxuan Peak with the speed of lightning.
The Gold Element Spiritual Sword, swift as the wind and lightning, left a golden rainbow in the air, and in a blink of an eye, disappeared into the secret mansion of Tianxuan Peak's Formation eye.
"Ah!"
Soon, a scream rang out, followed by a fierce clash of weapons.
One fat and one thin, two figures were forced out of the Formation eye secret cave by a fourth-rank Spiritual Sword, scrambling and rolling, covered in Sword Qi wounds.
Everything happened in a flash of lightning.
Near the Tribulation Transcending Platform, thousands of Foundation Establishment Disciples and Golden Core Disciples queuing to enter the tower watched in astonishment, not understanding what was happening.
"What's going on? Whose Elder's Sword is that? Why did it attack Senior Brother Lin and Senior Brother Pei?"
"Senior Brother Lin and Senior Brother Pei seem to have been driven out of the Forbidden Land."
"What's going on? What were Senior Brother Lin and Senior Brother Pei doing in the Forbidden Land?"
"Where is Senior Spirit Turtle! Why isn't he coming out?"
...
The Foundation Establishment Disciples and Golden Core Disciples surrounded Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi, discussing animatedly, but no one dared to step forward to help.
That golden Spiritual Sword was extremely sharp, and its Sword Qi was incredibly strong.
Even a Late Stage Golden Core cultivator would find it difficult to withstand the power of a single strike.
The reason Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi were able to struggle under the Sword and survive was due to the Spiritual Sword showing mercy.
Upon learning that Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi were driven out of the Formation cave Forbidden Land by the Gold Element Spiritual Sword, the Elder on duty at Tianxuan Peak's face changed drastically.
He immediately reacted and swept his Divine Sense into the Formation cave to investigate.
"Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi are suspected internal traitors, trespassing into the Forbidden Land and poisoning the mountain-protecting Spirit Beast.
Law enforcement Disciples, immediately apprehend them!" The Elder on duty's face was ashen as he shouted loudly.
As soon as the Elder on duty's words fell, the Gold Element Spiritual Sword transformed into a golden light and vanished into the sky in a blink of an eye.
Four Golden Core law enforcement Disciples swarmed forward, and in a short while, they apprehended Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi.
"A Spirit Rank four Spiritual Sword! How mighty! I wonder which True Lord Elder's Flying Sword it is."
"Yes! A Gold Element Spiritual Sword, it should be Elder Chen's, right!"
"Elder Chen is mighty! He must have seen through the villains' plot and remotely controlled the Spiritual Sword to drive those two out."
"Elder Chen is on Wangtian Peak, right! Such a long distance, what amazing Sword Control ability, to be able to easily capture two Golden Core True Disciples from so far away!"
"How could Senior Brother Lin and Senior Brother Pei be internal spies of an enemy Sect! Could there be a mistake?"
"You know a person's face, but not their heart.
They trespassed into the Forbidden Land, so they must have an unspeakable conspiracy."
...
Thousands of Inner Sect Disciples discussed animatedly, endlessly speculating about Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi's purpose in trespassing into the Forbidden Land, and the identity of the person who controlled the Sword to stop them.
This incident had already become the hottest topic in Qingxuan Sect.
Qingxuan Sect, Qingxuan Peak, Sect Master Hall.
Sect Master Qing Gan, and a group of Sect Elders, were all invited to the grand hall to deliberate on this sudden incident.
"The Law Enforcement Hall has already confirmed through Soul Searching Art that Lin Xiancai and Pei Yuanzi, after being attacked, successively fell under Profound Yin Sect's Spirit Possession Great Art, becoming flesh Puppets of Nine Demon Sect.
Their purpose this time was to destroy our Sect's mountain-protecting grand Formation." The Law Enforcement Elder, True Lord Qing Yuan, looked at Sect Master Qing Gan and said with a serious expression.
"Elder Chen Yuan denies that the action of controlling the Sword to destroy the two Puppets was his doing." The Law Enforcement Elder, True Lord Qing Yuan, showed a strange expression and then explained, "The other Elders have also been asked, and no one claimed this action.
I wonder if it was the doing of the two Grand Elders."
"It shouldn't be.
They are both in seclusion, and neither of them used a Spirit Rank Gold Element Spiritual Sword.
It seems it was that person again." Sect Master Qing Gan shook his head and judged.
Upon hearing this, the Elders all frowned, immediately knowing who the Sect Master was referring to.
Previously, when Nine Demon Sect Disciples frequently invaded Qingxuan Sect's residences, and the vast majority of Disciples were attacked, at critical moments, a mysterious individual within the Sect took action, remotely controlling several Spirit Rank Spiritual Swords, repeatedly rescuing them.
Because his identity could not be found, the credit for rescuing the Disciples was attributed to Old Ancestor Qingfeng.
Now, he has taken action once again, successfully thwarting Nine Demon Sect's attempt to destroy Qingxuan Sect's mountain-protecting grand Formation.
It can be said that he saved the entire Qingxuan Sect.
However, having accomplished such a great feat, they didn't even know whom to thank, which was truly frustrating!
"Since he is unwilling to show himself, we shall not delve further into this matter.
Currently, the priority is to prepare for Nine Demon Sect's invasion.
They dared to enslave our Sect's Disciples and destroy our mountain-protecting grand Formation, so their intentions must be significant." True Lord Qing Gan surveyed the Elders present and said with a stern expression.
Upon hearing this, the thirteen True Lord Elders present all looked serious.
That's right, dealing with Nine Demon Sect's invasion was the priority now.
They dared to enslave the Sect's Disciples and destroy the mountain-protecting grand Formation, so their upcoming schemes must be significant.
"Elder Lin, please make a trip to Heavenly Evolution Sect and ask them to strengthen their Sect's defenses to prevent Nine Demon Sect from succeeding." True Lord Qing Gan looked at an Elder and instructed.
"Alright!" Elder Lin readily agreed.
"Effective immediately, the bounty on Nine Demon Sect's core members will be doubled.
Additionally, please ask the War Enforcement Hall to formulate a counter-attack plan against Nine Demon Sect.
It's impolite not to reciprocate; we must suppress Nine Demon Sect's arrogance." True Lord Qing Gan gestured to the War Enforcement Elder.
"Understood!"
"Elder Yin, what is the progress of the Golden Flame Battleship refining? How many have been refined already?" True Lord Qing Gan looked at Yin Xianwen of Hundred Refinements Peak and asked with concern.
"Replying to Sect Master, twenty-six Golden Flame Battleships have been refined.
At the current refining speed, and with no shortage of Materials, two can be refined per year." Yin Xianwen quickly replied.
"Not bad, but it's not enough.
For third-rank battleships, at least a hundred are needed to form a certain fighting force.
Elder Yin, increase the contribution for shipbuilding by thirty percent to encourage more Elders and Disciples to participate, and Cultivate more ship refiners!
If possible, the Sect plans to participate in the Auction in Wanbao City and will do its best to acquire fourth-rank Spiritual Ship blueprints for you." True Lord Qing Gan nodded, looking at Yin Xianwen, and said with a heavy tone.
"Understood, I will make further arrangements!" Yin Xianwen's spirits lifted, and he quickly nodded in agreement.
Soon, under the guidance of True Lord Qing Gan, Qingxuan Sect's high-level officials continued their discussion, finalizing plans to strengthen the Sect's defense and patrol forces, and to launch an offensive retaliation against Nine Demon Sect.
However, none of this concerned Li Mu.
After quietly retrieving his Gold Element Spiritual Sword, he continued to idle on Yue Qiong Peak.
Ten days passed in a flash.
"Master, the Yao Beast meat in the ice cellar is almost used up!" The Humanoid Puppet informed Li Mu with its Divine Sense after serving him a bowl of meat porridge Spiritual Cuisine.
"Hmm! I know." Li Mu nodded, burying his head to continue drinking the porridge.
After finishing the meat porridge Spiritual Cuisine, Li Mu thought for a moment and used his spirit bond to summon Little White, Little Gold, and Little Wa.
In a short while, the three little fellows arrived upon hearing the summons.
Little White sprang into Li Mu's pocket, while Little Gold and Little Wa entered the Spirit Beast Pouch.
Li Mu restrained his aura, took out his Linglong Mask and put it on, then mounted his Sword and personally headed to Qingyun City.
He planned to deliver a batch of Spiritual Artifacts that had been delayed for quite some time to Wanbao Pavilion and also purchase a batch of supplies.
Qingyun City had grown considerably in scale compared to thirty-five years ago, becoming incredibly prosperous.
Wanbao Pavilion remained the core of Qingyun City, with customers constantly coming and going, and the store bustling with people.
"Master Li, you're here! Please have a seat in the inner hall, I'll go inform Gongsun Treasurer." The female greeter, seeing Li Mu, quickly bowed respectfully and gestured.
Li Mu nodded and, familiar with the way, walked towards the reception room in the inner hall.
Reception Room.
Li Mu had just sat down and was enjoying the Spiritual Tea handed to him by a maid when a hurried footsteps followed closely behind.
"Master Li, you've finally come! This concubine has missed you dearly!" Gongsun Chu stepped through the door, looked at Li Mu, and said with a mournful expression.
"Haha, Gongsun Treasurer, you need to make yourself clear! You miss the Spiritual Artifacts, not this old man, right!" Li Mu laughed heartily, then waved his hand, and six fourth-rank Spiritual Artifacts flew out from the nine storage spiritual pearl.
Looking at the six fourth-rank top-grade Spiritual Artifacts glowing with spiritual light, Gongsun Chu's eyes lit up, her mournful expression immediately disappearing as she revealed a brilliant smile: "Master Li, I miss the Spiritual Artifacts, and I miss you too! You haven't been here for a while; the last time you came personally was a year ago, wasn't it!"
"Something like that! I just happened to need to Cultivate in seclusion recently." Li Mu smiled and casually explained.
"That matter I mentioned to you last time, how have you considered it?" Gongsun Chu nodded, put away the six fourth-rank Spiritual Artifacts, and looked at Li Mu, asking.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu frowned.
"The timing is a bit of a conflict, I'll make other arrangements!" Li Mu sighed, hesitating, not wanting to agree.
"Master Li, the Wanbao City Auction is held once every hundred years, with many Nascent Soul True Lords and Venerable Deity Transformations attending.
At that time, many high-grade Spiritual items are sure to appear.
The Heavenly Fire and high-grade Artifact Refining Materials you've always wanted have a very high probability of appearing.
It would be a pity to miss this opportunity!" Gongsun Chu looked at Li Mu and persuaded him again.
Wanbao City, the headquarters of Wanbao Pavilion, was about to hold a grand Auction, and Gongsun Chu invited Li Mu to try his luck.
However, there were only about nine months until the Wanbao City Auction, and a distance of over a hundred thousand li, requiring an early departure.
But before advancing to Nascent Soul True Lord, Li Mu truly did not want to leave Yue Qiong Peak.
Therefore, he had not given Gongsun Chu a definite answer regarding her invitation.
Now, with Gongsun Chu asking again, Li Mu hesitated.