Competitors are enemies; even though Hundred Refinements Sect already possesses a Heavenly Fire, they cannot, like him, refine a six-tier spirit treasure just by saying so.
Unlike refining ordinary Spiritual Artifacts, refining Spiritual Artifacts above the fifth-tier involves Laws, spirituality, and Dao foundations; it’s not something that can be refined just by wanting to.
Since its establishment thousands of Years ago, no one in Hundred Refinements Sect, other than the Founding Ancestral Master, Daoist Wanbao, has had full confidence in refining a six-tier spirit treasure, let alone a seven-tier or eight-tier Spirit Treasure Dao Weapon.
Jiang Yan Honored One and Venerable Huang Gang exchanged glances, and from each other's eyes, they saw expressions of shock, pleasant surprise, and complexity.
If an ordinary Artifact Refiner dared to confidently tell them he could refine a six-tier spirit treasure, they would surely slap him directly.
However, this person in front of them was a different story!
At a hundred Years of age, his Cultivation broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm, earning him the title of a fifth-tier Artifact Grandmaster, capable of easily refining fifth-tier High Grade Spiritual Artifacts, and even fifth-tier Acquired Pseudo Spirit Treasures.
Is he still far from refining a six-tier spirit treasure?
A while ago, Wanbao Pavilion auctioned off four fifth-tier pseudo Spirit Treasures, attracting many Soul Transformation Cultivators to compete, which ignited the Auction.
Hundred Refinements Sect specifically investigated the Artifact Great Grandmaster who refined these fifth-tier Acquired Spirit Treasures, even owing a favor to the high-ranking officials of Wanbao Pavilion, and finally learned the origin of ‘Master Li’.
Meeting this ‘culprit’ in Yu Ling Sect now was something Jiang Yan Honored One and Venerable Huang Gang hadn’t expected; they exchanged glances and quickly reached a unanimous decision.
“So it’s ‘Master Li’ of Qingxuan Sect; I’ve long heard of your great reputation, and it’s a great honor to meet you today!” Jiang Yan Honored One said enthusiastically to Li Mu, a brilliant smile on his face.
“That’s right! Since this Heavenly Fire is what ‘Master Li’ needs, it’s not good for us to insist on it anymore!” Venerable Huang Gang looked at Li Mu with a full smile and added.
Hmm?
Li Mu was slightly stunned, not expecting the two Venerable Deity Transformations to change their attitudes so quickly? When did his face become so important? Important enough to make them give up a Dao foundation spiritual item like Heavenly Fire?
No matter what ‘conspiracy’ they were brewing, it was great that they weren't competing with him for the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire!
Li Mu’s expression relaxed, and he smiled in gratitude: “Thank you, two Seniors, Li is indebted!”
“Master Li, you’re too polite. May I ask if you are free recently and willing to visit my Hundred Refinements Sect as a guest?” Venerable Huang Gang waved his hand and asked with a smile, looking at Li Mu.
“Uh!”
Li Mu was stunned again, not expecting Venerable Huang Gang to invite him to Hundred Refinements Sect.
At this moment, why would Li Mu foolishly agree? The matter of competing for the Heavenly Fire had just concluded; who knew if they were trying to lure him into a trap to continue coveting the Heavenly Fire.
“Senior, it’s truly inconvenient. Recently, I have some important matters to attend to. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I will certainly visit Hundred Refinements Sect as a guest.” Li Mu gave a wry smile and quickly declined.
Li Mu’s refusal was clearly anticipated by the two Honored Ones. Jiang Yan Honored One took out a Legacy Jade Slip from his storage ring and handed it to Li Mu, saying, “Master Li, I have a Jade Slip here. When you have time, take a look at it; you will surely understand our intentions.”
“That’s right! Hundred Refinements Sect also has Heavenly Fire. Since we’ve given up on the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire, we won’t continue to pester you. Please rest assured on this point, Master Li!” Venerable Huang Gang looked at Li Mu and added, assuring him.
Li Mu frowned and glanced at the Legacy Jade Slip. Through the Talent Divine Power - Identifying Myriad Spirits, the information revealed that this Legacy Jade Slip was ordinary and contained no special hidden risks, such as attached tracking items.
Li Mu readily accepted the Legacy Jade Slip, preparing to probe it with his Divine Thought.
“Master Li, no rush. You can look at this Jade Slip when you have some private time!” Jiang Yan Honored One quickly spoke up, reminding him with a smile.
Li Mu nodded, then looked up and saw the curious faces of the Yu Ling Sect crowd. He immediately put the Jade Slip into his nine storage spiritual pearl.
Venerable Lei Hong laughed heartily, easing the awkwardness, and made an inviting gesture to Jiang Yan Honored One and Venerable Huang Gang, warmly inviting them: “Fellow Daoist Jiang, Fellow Daoist Huang, this is not the place to talk. Please come to the main hall for a discussion!”
“Your sect’s assistance this time was very timely, Fellow Daoist Jiang, Fellow Daoist Huang, please come in…” Revered Qing Wei smiled slightly and followed with a warm invitation.
Jiang Yan Honored One looked at the injured Yu Ling Sect members and shook his head, declining: “Everyone has just fought a fierce battle with the Nine Demon Sect. At this time, you should rest and heal your injuries. It would be inconvenient for us to disturb you!”
“Indeed, we also happened to acquire a Demonic Armor this time, which allowed us to know some of the Nine Demon Sect’s movements in advance. Unfortunately, we didn’t know their ultimate target was Yu Ling Sect; otherwise, we wouldn’t have arrived so late to rescue you!” Venerable Huang Gang looked at Venerable Lei Hong and Revered Qing Wei with a slightly apologetic expression, explaining.
Venerable Lei Hong and Revered Qing Wei exchanged glances, both feeling a hint of surprise. They never expected that Hundred Refinements Sect had known about the Nine Demon Sect’s movements in advance.
“What Demonic Armor is it? Could it be from those Nascent Soul Demon Lords?” Venerable Lei Hong asked with a solemn face.
The reason Yu Ling Sect suffered such heavy losses in this great battle was entirely due to that Demonic Formation and the standardized Demonic Armor worn by the Demon Sect Cultivators. With the cooperation of the Demonic Formation, the Demonic Armor granted the Demonic Cultivators an undying body and significantly boosted their combat power.
With Venerable Lei Hong’s power as a Middle Stage Soul Transformation Cultivator, killing a Nascent Soul Demon Lord was a matter of moments. However, with the Demonic Formation’s blessing, a Nascent Soul Demonic Lord wearing Demonic Armor could not be defeated within a hundred moves.
The power of the Demonic Armor was evident!
As Venerable Lei Hong finished speaking, Venerable Huang Gang nodded and took out a set of black Demonic Artifacts from his storage ring. It was indeed a leather Demonic Armor, still emitting faint wisps of Devilish Qi.
Li Mu glanced at it and immediately recognized the style of this Demonic Artifact. It was precisely the Undying Demon Lice Armor worn by Tianjue Demonic Venerable, except that the Rank and quality of this Demonic Armor were slightly inferior.
【Undying Demon Lice Armor】
【Rank: Fifth-tier Demonic Artifact】
【Characteristics: Eternal Demonic Flame, Devouring Myriad Spirits, Soul Stealing, Frenzied Killing Intent.】
【Status: Devilish Qi dispersed, Demonic Spirit dormant.】
【The Undying Demon Lice Armor is refined from an entire fifth-tier Undying Devil Lice and a hundred thousand living beings’ blood over eighty-one days, possessing the effects of Devouring Myriad Spirits and Eternal Defense. The Eternal Demonic Flame it releases can resist various spiritual energy attacks.】
Under the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, all information about the Demonic Armor was presented before Li Mu’s eyes.
Li Mu sighed. This Demonic Armor was identical to the Demonic Armor worn by the Nascent Soul Demon Lords in the previous Demonic Formation.
Venerable Lei Hong waved his hand and also took out more than a dozen identical Demonic Armors, all spoils of war stripped from the deceased Nascent Soul Demon Lords.
“Alas! For the Nine Demon Sect to have mastered the large-scale refining method for such Demonic Armor, this is terrible!”
“Where did they get these Undying Devil Lice!”
…
Looking at the more than a dozen High Grade Demonic Armors that Venerable Lei Hong had produced, Venerable Huang Gang and Jiang Yan Honored One both showed grave expressions and spoke with distress.
Venerable Lei Hong, Revered Qing Wei, and all the Nascent Soul True Lords of Yu Ling Sect present had gloomy expressions. They had personally experienced the power of this Demonic Armor and suffered greatly from it; no one had a deeper understanding than them.
“Sect Master Lei, Fellow Daoist Qing Wei, we will continue to investigate the source of the Nine Demon Sect’s Demonic Armor. You all should first heal your injuries and handle the post-war trivia. We will visit another day!” Jiang Yan Honored One bowed to Venerable Lei Hong and Revered Qing Wei, bidding farewell.
“It’s inconvenient to disturb you at this time. We shall take our leave first.” Venerable Huang Gang followed with a smile.
“Very well! Thank you both for your assistance this time. Yu Ling Sect will never forget this kindness.” Venerable Lei Hong nodded with a smile, gratefully seeing them off.
“Haha, we were still a step too late. We should thank Master Li instead!” Venerable Huang Gang laughed heartily, looking at Li Mu and smiling.
After a pause, Venerable Huang Gang looked at Li Mu and added with a smile: “Master Li, you must not reveal the matters recorded on the Jade Slip. If you trust this old man, Hundred Refinements Sect looks forward to your visit at any time!”
“Alright!” Li Mu nodded in agreement, suddenly curious about what this Legacy Jade Slip recorded!
Soon, under everyone’s farewell, the Hundred Refinements Sect’s aerial Spirit Treasures transformed into streaks of light, vanishing into the sky in a blink of an eye.
After seeing off the Hundred Refinements Sect people, Yu Ling Sect became busy, treating the injured, collecting the bodies of their fellow disciples, tallying battle losses… Yu Ling Sect was plunged into an atmosphere of grief and indignation.
Watching more than a dozen familiar faces disappear, Li Mu also felt a little sad, but this sadness was quickly diluted by the news of acquiring the Heavenly Fire.
After True Lord Tianhong bandaged his injuries, he immediately sought out Li Mu to discuss the transfer of the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire.
On Ling Peak, a hundred-zhang-wide Spirit Pond, with rippling clear waves, pervasive mist, and ethereal Spiritual Qi.
Li Mu and True Lord Tianhong landed by the Spirit Pond, discussing the handover of the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire.
“Dao Friend Li, Heavenly Fire is completely different from Spiritual Fire. Heavenly Fire has stronger spirituality, and it will take some effort to make it recognize a master… Next, I need to sever my connection with the Heavenly Fire. In this step, you and I must work together to suppress the Heavenly Fire’s power… Do you Cultivate Spirit Control techniques? If not…”
“Spirit Control Contract Seal? I didn’t expect, Dao Friend Li, that you also have such deep research in Spirit Control!”
“Excellent! With such a Spirit Control technique, Dao Friend Li no longer needs to learn other Spirit Control techniques. Let’s start now!”
…
True Lord Tianhong spoke endlessly, introducing to Li Mu the precautions for transferring the Heavenly Fire, as well as information about the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire.
Li Mu responded cautiously to each point, suppressing his excitement, and began to cooperate with True Lord Tianhong to transfer the Heavenly Fire.
Everything was ready.
True Lord Tianhong formed hand seals, laboriously guiding the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire out of his body.
Li Mu, standing beside him, quickly felt the surrounding space suddenly become extremely dry. The Five Elements Spiritual Qi, except for the Fire Spiritual Qi, was rapidly squeezed out. The originally clear and rippling spiritual pond, in an instant, began to bubble on its surface, and a large number of scalded dead fish floated up….
With a 'whoosh!', a ball of purple-gold flame gradually separated from True Lord Tianhong's body.
With the appearance of the purple-gold Heavenly Fire, the surrounding temperature rapidly increased. The nearby spiritual pond gurgled and boiled, emitting high-temperature water vapor. All the spiritual fish in the entire spiritual pond were cooked at this moment!
With a 'boom', the surrounding Spiritual Plants and spiritual wood spontaneously combusted.
True Lord Tianhong had no way to control the leaked power of the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire!
Li Mu, who was close by, was startled by the power of the Heavenly Fire and quickly cast the Fire Control Technique to resist the high-temperature invasion of the Heavenly Fire.
This Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire is so fierce!
Li Mu was not surprised but delighted. The Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire had not fully appeared yet, and it already possessed such power. It truly lives up to its reputation as the Heavenly Dao's Fire.
True Lord Tianhong's expression grew more solemn. Above his head, tendrils of purple flame emerged. His step of expelling the Heavenly Fire from his body had reached a critical moment!
When the purple-gold flame first emerged from his body, the surrounding temperature rapidly rose. Even with his Five Elements Dao Body and his Fire Control Technique cultivated to max level, Li Mu was still parched and dry, deeply feeling the danger of the Heavenly Fire.
More and more purple-gold flames appeared. Slowly, above True Lord Tianhong's head, a purple 'small sun' with a diameter of about a zhang gathered.
The blazing purple-gold flames baked the spiritual pond, and its water level decreased at a visible rate.
True Lord Tianhong suddenly let out a loud shout. The last wisp of flame connected to his Heavenly Spirit Cover left his body, severing the connection between them. True Lord Tianhong couldn't help but collapse to the ground.
True Lord Tianhong waved his hand, hastily conjuring two High Grade fourth-tier Spirit Treasures, which transformed into water walls to envelop himself. He urgently said, "Dao Friend Li, quickly act! The Heavenly Fire Spirit is about to escape."
As soon as True Lord Tianhong finished speaking, the purple-gold fire ball let out a Phoenix cry and transformed into a three-zhang-sized Fire Phoenix, soaring into the sky.
"Where do you think you're going!"
Li Mu waved his hand and summoned the five-tier Spirit Treasure - Mount Tai.
Mount Tai transformed into a hundred-zhang body, and a gravitational force descended, suppressing the escaping Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix.
The Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix's speed instantly decreased by thirty percent.
The Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix spat out blazing flames, incinerating the base of Mount Tai.
Mount Tai's artifact spirit rumbled and 'screamed' in terror. It was immediately burned entirely red by the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire, even showing signs of melting.
Li Mu's expression changed. He immediately summoned the Formation Flags of the Two Dragons Binding Immortal Formation, which landed within a hundred-mile radius. Tens of thousands of High-Grade Spirit Stones were casually thrown out, transforming into rolling spiritual power that entered the Formation.
The bones of the two Flood Dragons were reborn in reverse, instantly charging towards the Fire Phoenix. The two Dragons sprayed Dragon Breath, and the Fire Phoenix spat out True Fire, and the two sides began a great battle.
So powerful!
Li Mu controlled the Formation and felt the power of the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire. The two artifact-Formation Flood Dragons of the Two Dragons Binding Immortal Formation also showed signs of being melted by it.
The power of the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire is too great. I truly don't understand how True Lord Tianhong, with his strength, managed to obtain this Heavenly Fire?
Below, True Lord Tianhong saw Li Mu fully confronting the Heavenly Fire and hurriedly shouted a reminder: "Dao Friend Li, use a wisp of vital blood and a wisp of Divine Soul on the Heavenly Fire Spirit, then use the Beast Control Method to subdue it."
Li Mu was startled by the words. He pricked his fingertip for a wisp of vital blood, which, along with a wisp of Divine Soul separated from his Nascent Soul, condensed together.
He once again activated the Spirit Control Contract Seal, and instantly, the vital blood and Divine Soul transformed into a spiritual seal.
"Twin Dragons, trap!"
Li Mu formed hand seals and threw out tens of thousands more High-Grade Spirit Stones, which transformed into rolling spiritual power that entered the Formation. The two Flood Dragons, disregarding the blazing flames, directly coiled around the Fire Phoenix.
In an instant, the flesh and blood of the twin Dragons burned and then reformed, burned and then reformed, preventing the Fire Phoenix from breaking free for a time.
The twin Dragons coiled like pythons, restricting its movement.
Mount Tai descended, and the heavy power of Heaven and the heavy power of Earth doubly increased the Fire Phoenix's own weight, instantly reaching over a hundred times, making it difficult to move.
"Descend!"
Li Mu flashed and appeared in front of the Fire Phoenix's head. The Spirit Control Contract Seal instantly landed on the Heavenly Fire Spirit.
Although Heavenly Fire possesses sentience, it is completely different from a Spirit Beast. The Heavenly Fire Spirit only has sentience, not a Soul.
Even if there was resistance, the Spirit Control Contract Seal could still subdue it.
The Spirit Control Contract Seal, containing vital blood and the Nascent Soul's Soul, instantly enslaved the Heavenly Fire Spirit.
The next moment, the volatile Heavenly Fire Spirit - Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix, suddenly became docile.
The surrounding temperature dropped sharply, quickly returning to normal.
Li Mu cast a Qingfeng Huanyu Technique, which transformed into a torrential rain, quickly extinguishing the surrounding large fires.
Li Mu put away the twin Dragon artifact-Formation and the damaged Spirit Treasure - Mount Tai.
Just then, the Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix, formed by the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire, let out an excited Phoenix cry and flew to Li Mu's shoulder, appearing extremely docile.
At this time, the high temperature from the Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix's body was not leaking out, and its claws resting on Li Mu's body did not harm him.
"You are truly mischievous!"
Li Mu turned to look at the Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix on his shoulder, overjoyed, and said with a happy smile.
The Purple-Gold Fire Phoenix looked at Li Mu with intelligent eyes, then transformed into a red light and entered Li Mu's body.
Li Mu smiled slightly and used his Divine Thought to examine his body. He saw a ball of purple flame resting in his Middle Dantian, suspended like the sun, emitting a faint heat.
Li Mu only felt warm all over, as if he had become a sun that could emit light and heat, no longer fearing any coldness.
"Congratulations, Dao Friend Li! I didn't expect that the Heavenly Fire Spirit could be completely subdued by you. I am impressed." True Lord Tianhong flew to Li Mu and congratulated him.
"I still have to thank Fellow Daoist Tianhong for parting with it! The power of this Heavenly Fire is extraordinary. How did you obtain it?" Li Mu thanked True Lord Tianhong again with gratitude and asked curiously.
True Lord Tianhong gave a bitter smile and hastily explained: "I accidentally stumbled into an ancient battlefield in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. This Heavenly Fire's sentience had greatly diminished after countless Years, so I stored it in a Magical Artifact and, through persistent effort, it took me over twenty Years to subdue it. After that, I spent another thirty Years searching for various fire-attributed spiritual objects to restore its sentience. Otherwise, with my cultivation at that time, it would have been by no means easy to subdue this Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire."
"This Heavenly Fire is indeed too precious! Fellow Daoist Tianhong's gift, Li Mu will engrave it in his heart." Li Mu nodded, sincerely saying.
After speaking, Li Mu quickly took out a Legacy Jade Slip from his nine storage spiritual pearl and handed it to True Lord Tianhong, promising: "Fellow Daoist Tianhong, these are some of my Artifact Refining insights. In addition, with the help of this Heavenly Fire, my Artifact Refining methods will definitely improve. If you need to refine five-tier Spirit Artifacts or six-tier spirit treasures, just say the word. I will definitely assist with all my might. If you have any other needs, just say so!"
Having obtained the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire, Li Mu was in a great mood and quickly took out the prepared gift to give to True Lord Tianhong.
Upon hearing the benefits Li Mu promised, True Lord Tianhong's heart pounded. He could refine High Grade five-tier Spirit Artifacts at such a young age, and after obtaining the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire, refining six-tier spirit treasures and Seven-Order Dao Weapons would be no problem in the future!
At the same time, True Lord Tianhong was also quite curious about Li Mu's Artifact Refining method. What kind of Artifact Refining method was it that allowed him to reach such a peak Realm at such a young age?
"Thank you, Dao Friend Li, I will accept it without reservation!" True Lord Tianhong smiled slightly at Li Mu and took the Legacy Jade Slip.
"What? It's actually the Divine Refinement Spirit Fusion Method Divine Ability, and there's even such an Artifact Refining method?"
True Lord Tianhong immersed his Divine Sense into the Jade Slip and couldn't help but exclaim in great shock.
"Since the Divine Ability formed by refining Spirit Artifacts cannot be explained verbally, I could only record my Artifact Refining scenes. I hope this reference can help Fellow Daoist gain something in the Dao of Artifact Refining." Li Mu looked at True Lord Tianhong and explained apologetically.
"No, no, no, it's enough! It's enough! Having so many Artifact Refining techniques for me to observe is better than any Artifact Refining method." True Lord Tianhong felt as if he had found a treasure. The Divine Refinement Spirit Fusion Method Divine Ability is by no means easy to Cultivate, even harder than obtaining Heavenly Fire.
If he could observe Li Mu's Artifact Refining techniques and practice them, perhaps one day he could master this Artifact Refining Divine Ability. Then, refining High Grade five-tier Spirit Artifacts would be no problem, and he might even be able to glimpse higher Artifact Refining levels.
Li Mu and True Lord Tianhong both gained something, and they happily chatted, exchanging insights on the Dao of Artifact Refining, restoring the camaraderie they had when they first met.