It is true that a Medicinal Pill that can help Nascent Soul cultivators improve their Cultivation and Breakthrough to Soul Transformation is precious!
However, for Li Mu, who possesses the Heaven-Defying Divine Ability of Plant Spirit Absorption, high-Rank Five Elements Spirit Plants and special Spirit Plant seeds are even more valuable.
Li Mu was unwilling to give up the watermelon for sesame seeds. After a moment of thought, he respectfully looked at Tianshang Honored One and insisted, "Senior, thank you for your kindness. I accidentally picked up two Spiritual Artifacts, and now they are returned to their rightful owners. I dare not claim credit, and I dare not aspire to such valuable Medicinal Pills as Soul Essence Pill and Xuan Ling Pill, Junior."
"You brat! Grand Elder, don't listen to this guy's nonsense, he just doesn't know how to speak!" Kunling Honored One said, pulling Li Mu aside.
"I'm telling you! Hey, Little Friend Li, are you looking down on our Kun Family? How many Spirit Plant seeds do you want? Are you letting us dismiss beggars? With the help of our Kun Family, it's absolutely no problem to Breakthrough to Nascent Soul Peak within three to four hundred Years, and advance to Soul Transformation within eight hundred Years!"
"You can advance to Early Stage Nascent Soul within a hundred Years, which shows your extraordinary Aptitude, but this speed of advancement is not unprecedented! Which Saint or Saintess of the major sects in Central Continent didn't advance to Nascent Soul within a hundred Years!"
"However, once you step into the Nascent Soul Realm, every level of improvement is extremely difficult. Relying solely on accumulation over time, absorbing spiritual power, and strengthening the Nascent Soul requires endless Years. Without the assistance of a large amount of Cultivation resources, ordinary Cultivators cannot reach Nascent Soul Peak in one or two thousand Years, let alone advance to Soul Transformation. Grand Elder saw your excellent Aptitude, which is why he could conclude that you can reach Nascent Soul Peak within five hundred Years and advance to Soul Transformation within a thousand Years with our assistance!"
"Besides! You are not focused on Cultivation. You research Artifact Refining and Formations. The time spent is several times that of others. If you don't seize this Opportunity, you may not even be able to advance to Nascent Soul Peak within a thousand Years, let alone step into the Soul Transformation Realm!" Kunling Honored One pulled Li Mu aside and earnestly advised him, angry at his lack of ambition.
Kunling Honored One truly couldn't understand why this Little Friend Li, who seemed quite shrewd and not soft-hearted, would falter at such a critical moment.
Could it be that he was unwilling to owe the Kun Family a favor?
The reason Kunling Honored One so earnestly persuaded Li Mu to accept the Kun Family's kindness was that he did have a bit of selfish motive.
If they could form a deep friendship with an excellent Genius like Li Mu, who had outstanding Aptitude and was proficient in the Dao of Artifact Refining, it would be beneficial in every way.
Listening to Kunling Honored One's earnest kindness, Li Mu was a little dumbfounded and didn't know how to respond for a while!
Breakthrough to Nascent Soul Peak within five hundred Years? Breakthrough to Soul Transformation within a thousand Years? That efficiency was too slow! With a massive amount of Five Elements Spirit Plants and Yin and Yang Spirit Plants, Li Mu planned to charge into the Soul Transformation Realm within a hundred Years!
Therefore, if he could take this Opportunity to obtain the seeds of those precious Spirit Plants from the Kun Family, it would be far more valuable than asking the Kun Family for Medicinal Pills, Spirit Medicine, and other auxiliary Cultivation resources!
Li Mu thought for a moment, looked at Kunling Honored One gratefully, and politely declined, "Senior, thank you for your kindness. I have a Five Elements Spiritual Root and have comprehended Yin and Yang. The Cultivation Technique I Cultivate is different from ordinary Cultivation Techniques. It focuses more on Heart-Nature Cultivation, so I need to plant Spirit Plants while experiencing the radiance of all things, from the rising sun to the setting sun, from the nurturing of life to the decay of withered wood, comprehending the Five Elements, and sensing Yin and Yang life and death. Only then can my Realm steadily advance and my Divine Soul be strengthened."
"Indeed, Medicinal Pills can allow me to accumulate strength and push my Cultivation to Nascent Soul Peak in a very short time. However, this method of Cultivation will inevitably lead to deficiencies in Heart-Nature, resulting in an unstable Foundation. At that time, there is an eighty to ninety percent chance of failure when attempting to Breakthrough to Soul Transformation. Therefore, Cultivating Spirit Plants and comprehending the Dao of Heaven and Earth is the stable method. I don't really need auxiliary Spirit Pills and such. I hope Senior will fulfill my request."
Li Mu looked at Kunling Honored One, using his Cultivation Technique as an excuse to reject the so-called Medicinal Pills and exchange them for Five Elements Yin and Yang Spirit Plant seeds.
Hearing this, Kunling Honored One couldn't help but seriously size up Li Mu, his eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.
There are thousands of Cultivation Techniques in the world, but most mainstream Cultivation methods are largely similar, mainly focusing on Cultivating Spiritual Roots, refining True Essence, and Cultivating the Divine Soul, cultivating both internal and external aspects to the Peak, with qualitative changes brought about by quantitative changes leading to Breakthroughs.
Of course, there are also some miraculous Cultivation Techniques that achieve qualitative changes directly through cultivating the Heart-Nature and comprehending the Great Dao.
However, this Cultivation method is extremely difficult. If one lacks Comprehension Ability, a certain Aptitude, and Heart-Nature, Cultivating such a Cultivation Technique would undoubtedly push oneself into an abyss, and one might never achieve their wishes in their entire life.
Those with Comprehension Ability will advance a thousand miles a day when Cultivating these Cultivation Techniques. Such Cultivation methods are extremely rare and difficult to Cultivate. In ancient times, they were gradually eliminated, and now no one enters a deeper and more profound Heaven and Earth Dao through this method.
"I didn't expect Dao Friend Li to Cultivate such a Cultivation Technique. No wonder he could step into the Nascent Soul Stage in such a short time. It seems Little Friend Li has quite an Opportunity." Kunling Honored One was not a rigid person; he understood at a glance and couldn't help but marvel.
At this moment, Tianshang Honored One's hand, holding the tea, trembled slightly, and golden light bloomed in his eyes. He couldn't help but put down the spiritual tea and seriously sized up Li Mu.
He had intended to hear why Li Mu refused the Kun Family's kindness, but he didn't expect to hear such a reason.
This child is truly bold, to actually Cultivate such a Heart-Nature Cultivation Technique, which has been extremely difficult to Cultivate throughout history.
However, considering that he stepped into Nascent Soul within a hundred Years and also has extraordinary attainments in Artifact Refining and Formations, it seems his Comprehension Ability, Aptitude, temperament, and talent are all extremely outstanding, which is why he is so confident.
This also explains why he was able to Breakthrough to Nascent Soul within a hundred Years, and also Cultivate Formations and Artifact Refining, these cultivation arts, to such a profound level.
Cultivating Formations and Artifact Refining both require extremely high Comprehension Ability to even touch upon. Without Comprehension Ability, one would never achieve great accomplishments in their entire life!
Tianshang Honored One's gaze was profound, revealing a thoughtful expression, not knowing what he was thinking.
Having understood the reason, Kunling Honored One immediately stopped forcing him. He smiled broadly and pulled Li Mu back to the pavilion.
"Grand Elder, let Little Friend Li have what he wants!" After seating himself, Kunling Honored One looked at Tianshang Honored One and gestured.
Tianshang Honored One smiled at Li Mu and asked in confusion, "Little Friend Li, I didn't expect you to Cultivate a Heart-Nature Cultivation Technique. It's truly rare. Coincidentally, I am also comprehending the Law. If you don't mind, let's exchange insights!"
"Grand Elder, you actually eavesdropped on our secret conversation!" Kunling Honored One's mouth twitched slightly as he reproached.
Tianshang Honored One, however, raised his hand and continued to pour tea, saying irritably, "Do you think my Cultivation is just for show? Unless you are several miles away, even a mosquito's buzz, I can hear eighty or ninety percent of it. Who told you not to use sound insulation when talking, and now you blame me."
Kunling Honored One was left speechless by this retort, a bitter smile on his face.
Li Mu smiled slightly and nodded happily, "It is my honor to exchange insights with Senior. I Cultivate an ancient Yin Yang Five Elements Cultivation Technique, but it is an incomplete scroll…"
Li Mu spoke voluminously, explaining to Tianshang Honored One some of the essentials of the Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture concerning the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.
Through the proficiency of the Divine Ability Talent - Plant Spirit Absorption, the Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture's Rank increased. Besides gaining Cultivation improvements, Li Mu also gained a large amount of the scripture's essence.
Having never exchanged insights or discussed the Dao with anyone, Li Mu felt he knew its form but not its meaning. This Tianshang Honored One, with his Heaven-Defying Cultivation, was indeed someone he could consult.
Listening to Li Mu's eloquent explanation of the Five Elements Scripture's essence, Tianshang Honored One's expression gradually changed from relaxed to serious. Sometimes, he would frown in thought before responding.
Time flew by little by little, and unknowingly, night fell.
Inside the pavilion, Tianshang Honored One, Li Mu, and Kunling Honored One had been discussing matters of Cultivation.
"This Cultivation Technique is indeed good, but its shortcomings are too obvious. It requires Five Elements Aptitude, the ability to sense Yin and Yang, and simultaneous cultivation of all Five Elements, making progress slow. Little Friend Li, it's truly a miracle that you could advance to Nascent Soul with this method! However, the chances of advancing to Soul Transformation in the future are slim!" Tianshang Honored One looked at Li Mu and sighed with some regret.
After an exchange, Tianshang Honored One generally understood Li Mu's Cultivation Technique and was not optimistic about his future prospects.
"Yes! Little Friend Li, it's still not too late for you to change your Cultivation Technique. I happen to have a good Five Elements Technique!" Kunling Honored One also advised.
"Thank you for your kindness, Senior, but our generation's Cultivation path is a Heaven-Defying one. I still want to continue exploring in this direction!" Li Mu smiled and politely refused, his attitude firm.
"In that case, you can stay here for now. I have many of the Spirit Plants you need, though not many Yin and Yang Spirit Plants. I'll need to have them transported from the clan's warehouse, which will take three days!" Tianshang Honored One nodded, looking at Li Mu with a smile of approval.
"Thank you, Senior!" Li Mu thanked him joyfully. This trip was not in vain.
With this batch of Spirit Seeds, he would then hide in Yin Yang Valley for a period of time until his Cultivation greatly advanced.
"To only reward Little Friend Li's Credit with some Spirit Plant seeds would make our Kun Family seem too petty! Little Friend Li, what else do you need? Just say it!" Kunling Honored One looked at Li Mu and gestured.
"This! Besides this batch of Spirit Plant seeds, which are harder to find, Junior doesn't lack other Spirit Treasures for now." Li Mu politely refused, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Haha! That was my oversight! I forgot that Little Friend Li is quite wealthy, and at the Auction, he made that vicious woman from the Ji Family lose face, bullying the weak with the strong!" Kunling Honored One remembered something at this moment and chuckled, teasing Li Mu.
"Hahaha! I've also heard a little about this!" Tianshang Honored One handed the freshly brewed spiritual tea to Li Mu and said with a smile.
"Uh! I'm good at Artifact Refining, and I've dealt with Wanbao Pavilion quite a bit!" Li Mu started to feel a little embarrassed.
"Haha! Little Friend Li, you may not lack it, but our Kun Family cannot not give it! We'll give you a batch of high-Rank Artifact Refining Materials!" Kunling Honored One smiled and nodded, saying sincerely.
As soon as he finished speaking, Kunling Honored One waved his hand, took out a token, and soon after, a Nascent Soul Peak Disciple arrived at the back divine garden.
When the other party arrived and saw Li Mu, actually sitting in the pavilion with the highly respected Tianshang Honored One and Kunling Honored One of the Family, drinking tea and chatting freely, his face was full of disbelief.
What was the background of this Nascent Soul cultivator? To be able to sit in the same pavilion and chat cheerfully with the Family's two Elders.
Could it be a Genius from one of the Eight Great Families?
"Xuan Lingzi, here is a list. Go to the Family's warehouse and exchange for these items. Be quick and don't make any mistakes."
Kunling Honored One flicked a Jade Slip, which contained a record of the desired items.
Xuan Lingzi dared not delay. After cupping his hands, he left the place.
"Little Friend, why don't you stay in my courtyard and continue discussing the Dao for a few days?" Tianshang Honored One was very fond of Li Mu and extended a warm invitation.
Hearing this, Li Mu was naturally very willing. The brief discussion of the Dao just now had deepened his understanding of the Yin Yang Five Elements Scripture.
"Then Senior, I will be imposing." Li Mu replied with a smile.
"Haha, no imposition at all!" Tianshang Honored One smiled and nodded. As he spoke, he lightly tapped the ground with his toes. In an instant, the ground trembled slightly, and a stone house made of marble rose from the ground, exquisite in appearance and quite beautiful.
"Senior possesses a top-grade Earth Spiritual Root?"
At this moment, Li Mu felt an extremely dense Earth Qi, which was no less than the Earth Spiritual Root within his Five Elements Dao Body.
"That's right, I have a top-grade Earth Spiritual Root." Tianshang Honored One said frankly.
Kunling Honored One also laughed from the side, "Grand Elder indeed has a top-grade Earth Spiritual Root. Don't let him look like a decrepit old man farming here; in fact, he Cultivates just like Little Friend Li, farming while comprehending the Law of Earth."
"Kun Ling, how dare you speak ill of me like that?" Tianshang Honored One glared at Kunling Honored One, speaking words of reproach but with a smiling face.
"You can't say that. Your Cultivation is higher than mine, but in terms of age, I'm two hundred Years older than you. In terms of seniority, I'm your second uncle." Kunling Honored One's great limit was approaching, and he had become incredibly carefree, daring to say anything.
"Nonsense! You are a generation younger than me."
"Heh, if you dare, let's go check the Family tree!"
Li Mu watched the two thousands-of-Years-old Seniors bickering here and couldn't help but feel amused.
"But speaking of which, Kun Ling, you should quickly prepare to Breakthrough to the Void Refining Realm. Your Lifespan is almost exhausted. You should be more open-minded about revenge. If you step into the Void Refining Realm and kill Honorable Being Ji Yun, even the Ji Family will have to weigh the pros and cons." Tianshang Honored One slightly put away his smile and reminded him seriously.
"..."
Kunling Honored One fell silent, unable to answer for a moment.
Li Mu, seeing this, also kindly reminded him, "Senior Kun, don't let hatred blind you. A hundred Years, Breakthrough to Void Refining, and then revenge will not be too late."
Kunling Honored One took out some spiritual wine, took a sip, and said dejectedly, "I have no confidence in Breakthrough to Void Refining. I can't even overcome this Heart Demon tribulation in my heart! If I fail the Breakthrough and survive, my Cultivation will inevitably plummet, and the chance to kill that vicious woman, Honorable Being Ji Yun, will become extremely slim."
Kunling Honored One was determined to kill Honorable Being Ji Yun. This made Tianshang Honored One frown and say, "This Heart Demon tribulation may not be insurmountable. I've found out the whereabouts of the po mo xin fruit. It's deep within the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, within the Soul-Devouring Demon Clan. They are guarding a po mo xin fruit that will mature in about thirty Years. With the help of this item, the power of the Heart Demon tribulation will be greatly reduced. At that time, you will still have hope of Breakthrough to the Void Refining Realm!"
po mo xin fruit? Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range?
Li Mu's face showed a hint of surprise upon hearing this.
Kunling Honored One's spirits lifted. He handed the other party a cup of spiritual wine and asked with concern, "Grand Elder, is what you said true? Is there really a whereabouts for the po mo xin fruit?"
"Of course. I spent a lot of money to find this information. There are two Rank seven Yao Beasts in the Soul-Devouring Demon Clan. You cannot defeat them with your strength. I've decided to go with you at that time to help you seize the Spirit Fruit." Tianshang Honored One took the spiritual wine from Kunling Honored One's hand and drank it all.
"Grand Elder!" Kunling Honored One was deeply moved, his eyes filled with gratitude.
The speaker was unintentional, but the listener was attentive. Li Mu recalled another matter: the three-tailed little Snow Fox Yao, still in the spirit control treasure bracelet, which he had promised to send back to the Snow Fox Clan.
Some time had already passed. If he could accompany a Soul Transformation Peak expert and a Void Refining Realm expert to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, it would certainly save a lot of trouble.
Seeing this, Li Mu stood up and cupped his hands, "Senior Tian Shang, when do you plan to depart?"
"Hmm?" Tianshang Honored One and Kunling Honored One couldn't help but turn to look at Li Mu.
"Little Friend Li, are you also going to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range?" Kunling Honored One was a little surprised.
Li Mu nodded and explained, "Yes, I do need to go to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. Previously, I coincidentally saved a Spirit Yao and promised to send her back to her clan."
Hearing this, Tianshang Honored One and Kunling Honored One exchanged glances, both feeling a little curious.