Seeing Kun Ling Honored One and Tianshang Honored One so curious, Li Mu quickly summoned the three-tailed Snow Fox, Xue'er, from his spirit control treasure bracelet.
The moment Xue'er appeared, she pouted and complained, "You finally called me out! I was almost suffocated in there!"
As the little Snow Fox appeared, her bright, watery eyes darted around. Before she could finish her complaint, she sensed something, her eyes widened, her mouth formed an 'O' shape, and she froze!
Kun Ling Honored One and Tianshang Honored One were both looking at her with curiosity, which made Xue'er's scalp tingle!
Yao Beasts' perception of danger far surpasses that of Human Race Cultivators, and their perception of a strong Cultivator's power is even more acute. As a member of the Snow Fox Clan, Xue'er was even more sensitive!
Just a glance at the two Elders, and although they wore kind smiles, the faint aura and terrifying Spiritual Pressure emanating from them made every single hair on the three-tailed Snow Fox, Xue'er, stand on end. She felt an unprecedented fear, immediately hiding behind Li Mu, trembling and seeking comfort.
Seeing Xue'er so timid, Li Mu couldn't help but chuckle, gently stroking her head, "Xue'er, don't be afraid! These two highly respected Seniors won't harm you."
Hearing this, the little Snow Fox breathed a sigh of relief, then dared to lift her head and secretly observe the two Seniors.
Tianshang Honored One stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "So it's a three-tailed Snow Fox from the Snow Fox Clan of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. So young, yet with such outstanding Aptitude and a good Bloodline! I didn't expect Little Friend Li to encounter such a Spirit Beast."
"The Snow Fox Clan is a Yao Race within the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, holding a relatively high status among the Yao Race there. Their strength is formidable, and while their nature tends to be peaceful, they are not to be easily provoked by other tribes!" Tianshang Honored One, being widely experienced, explained some facts about the Snow Fox in just a few words.
Kun Ling Honored One clearly recognized the Snow Fox Clan as well, his expression lost in thought as he murmured, "Little Friend Li, you truly have a chivalrous heart. But then again, the Snow Fox Clan is a major Yao Race. Several hundred years ago, when Revered Qing Wei and I journeyed together to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, we happened to encounter the Snow Fox Clan. The Snow Fox Clan is cunning by nature and fickle in temperament; don't easily trust them. Old Man and Qing Wei have suffered losses at their hands."
At this point, Kun Ling Honored One seemed to recall some unpleasant memories, his face showing a pained expression. Clearly, that lesson had left an indelible mark on him, unforgettable to this day.
The Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range is a Holy Land for the Yao Race. Even the Eight Great Families of the Central Continent, when they arrive there, their status and position are completely useless. Kun Ling Honored One must have suffered a great loss!
A hint of curiosity flashed in Li Mu's eyes, but he didn't inquire further.
"Thank you for the information, Senior. I will..."
Li Mu smiled in gratitude, but the Xue'er in his arms had already recovered. Seeing the Human Race powerhouse in front of her slandering her clan, she immediately retorted with her Divine Sense, "We Snow Foxes are far more benevolent than you Human Race! When it comes to cunning nature, fickle temperament, and wantonly slaughtering living beings, that should be attributed to you Human Race!"
"This little Snow Fox, hahaha!" Kun Ling Honored One, being retorted, laughed instead of getting angry. He recalled how he and Revered Qing Wei had gone to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range to steal treasures from the Snow Fox Clan, only to end up losing both the wife and the army.
Now, playing the thief crying 'stop thief,' he truly felt a bit embarrassed.
"Don't talk nonsense, you go back first!"
Li Mu gave a wry smile and quickly recalled Xue'er into the spirit control treasure bracelet.
"If Little Friend Li wishes to accompany us, then wait twenty-five years. By then, we can set off for the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range," Tianshang Honored One stated frankly.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu immediately cupped his hands in thanks, "Then I thank Senior."
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about these matters anymore. Let's continue drinking!" Kun Ling Honored One, having learned the whereabouts of the po mo xin fruit, felt a new sense of aspiration, and the inner turmoil he felt had also greatly diminished.
Much later, as the sun set, Tianshang Honored One informed Li Mu that the Artifact Refining Materials had been delivered to his hands.
Inside the pavilion, Tianshang Honored One smiled and handed a Storage Ring to Li Mu, "Little Friend Li, take a look at this small gift first."
"Thank you, Senior!" Li Mu cupped his hands in gratitude and accepted the gift.
"One thousand catties of six-tier profound dark stone, eight hundred catties of six-tier profound moon heavy iron, over two hundred catties of six-tier purple essence ice water, six-tier western moon dyed wood..."
Li Mu only needed a quick scan with his Divine Sense to be utterly astonished.
Tianshang Honored One had said he would present a 'high-tier Artifact Refining Materials,' but he never expected it to be this grand. Inside were all six-tier Five Elements Artifact Refining Materials.
The quantity reached several tons in weight, and its value was enough to rival the entire wealth of a medium-sized Sect.
Li Mu's heart pounded. Once he consumed the Nine Yin Spirit Grass and Nine Yang Spirit Grass to enhance his spirituality and upgrade his Refining Skill to Level Six, he could fully utilize this batch of six-tier Materials to refine a batch of six-tier spirit treasures.
By then, his strength would greatly increase, and he would fear no one below the Void Refining Realm.
However!
Li Mu's eyebrows furrowed slightly. The value of this batch of six-tier Artifact Refining Materials already far exceeded that of two formation artifacts, not to mention the Spirit Seeds he needed, which were priceless.
This was indeed a heavy gift, but its 'heaviness' made Li Mu feel uneasy, as if he didn't deserve it.
Why would the Kun Family be so generous? Such a large batch of six-tier Artifact Refining Materials and Spirit Seeds could no longer be considered an ordinary reward!
Li Mu had always adhered to the saying that he never believed in good things falling from the sky; what was free was often the most expensive!
Something out of the ordinary must be afoot. Li Mu didn't want to inexplicably accept this 'heavy gift' and incur unnecessary trouble. So, he returned the Storage Ring in his hand to Tianshang Honored One, politely declining, "Senior Tian, this Junior merely lent a hand, but the grand gift you've presented is too valuable. This Junior truly cannot accept it!"
"Little Friend Li, don't be in such a hurry to refuse!"
Tianshang Honored One smiled cheerfully, looking at Li Mu and saying, "Little Friend Li, I know you are an Elder of the Qingxuan Sect, but the Qingxuan Sect is ultimately a small place. Staying there would bury your talent. The Central Continent's Spirit Domain is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources; that is truly where hidden dragons and crouching tigers reside, where Dragons and Phoenixes contend. Your talent and Aptitude are enough to make a name for yourself in the Central Continent. However, it is difficult for a lone Cultivator to survive in the Central Continent. Without a powerful backing, you might encounter many obstacles."
"Little Friend Li, our encounter is fated. I won't beat around the bush. I wonder if you would consider joining our Kun Family and becoming an external Guest Elder of our Kun Family? With your ability, you will certainly be able to become a Core Disciple within our clan, and the Cultivation resources you receive will definitely not disappoint you."
Tianshang Honored One's eyes were sharp as he gazed at Li Mu, awaiting his answer.
So that's how it is, Li Mu instantly understood.
It was a pity that Li Mu didn't know much about the Kun Family's internal situation and circumstances. More importantly, his primary Cultivation method revolved around planting Spiritual Plants.
Li Mu temporarily had no plans to get involved with other Sect or Family forces. However, in the future, when he went to the Central Continent, he would indeed need to find a reliable major force to rely on, and the Kun Family seemed like a good choice.
Just as the other party said, the Central Continent is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources, a gathering place for masters. Even Void Refining Realm powerhouses in Barren Ancient City are only a backbone force there.
The true supreme powerhouses should be those in the Body Integration Stage, and Mahayana Stage and above, right?
Thinking of this, Li Mu pondered for a moment and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior. However, this Junior is currently focused on traveling and comprehending the Five Elements and Yin and Yang forces of the world. I have no such plans for now. If I make a Breakthrough later, this Junior will certainly follow Senior's suggestion."
"Don't rush, Old Man will await your good news, haha. It's getting late, Old Man will go rest first." Tianshang Honored One laughed heartily, his ethereal image dissipated, and within the thatched hut, a candle was lit.
Li Mu's gaze fell on the stone platform, and the Storage Ring flew back to him.
Li Mu thought for a moment, then had the courage to accept all the supplies, and turned to walk into the marble house.
Inside the marble house, Li Mu sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.
Since there was a Void Refining Realm powerhouse nearby, Li Mu dared not use the Painting World Treasure Mansion. He simply sat and rested, anticipating the arrival of the Spirit Seeds three days later.
...
Li Mu temporarily stayed at the Kun Family.
However, the news of him accompanying Kun Ling Honored One to the Rear Divine Courtyard had already spread throughout the entire Kun Family.
Countless Kun Family Disciples had endless conjectures and suspicions about Li Mu's identity.
"Do you know, a Disciple from one of the Eight Great Families has arrived at our Kun Family branch? His identity is exceptionally noble. Both Elder Kun Ling and Tianshang Honored One treat him with utmost respect, yet he only has Early Stage Nascent Soul Cultivation."
"Could it be Ouyang Liefeng from the Ouyang Family? The Ouyang Family has a close relationship with us. This Ouyang Liefeng is a renowned Genius in the Central Continent. In just one hundred and fifty years, he is about to enter the Nascent Soul Stage, and as soon as he entered the Nascent Soul Stage, he immediately killed an older generation powerhouse of the same level. Now, the Ouyang Family places great hopes on him."
"No, no, don't talk nonsense. This person is Ye Gumingyong from the Ye Family, ranked in the top ten of the Central Continent's Heavenly Dragon Ranking. He entered the Nascent Soul Stage within a hundred years and even fought five opponents of the same level on the arena, resulting in three deaths and two severely wounded, while he himself remained unscathed."
"What? You're too ignorant. This person is merely suppressing his Cultivation. He should also be a Soul Transformation powerhouse. Your eyesight is just not good enough."
...
The Disciples within the clan speculated endlessly about Li Mu, with some even fabricating his identity to grab attention.
Such discussions naturally reached the ears of Kun Ling Honored One's two subordinates, making them laugh wryly. However, the two, who knew some of the details, did not participate in the discussions.
This also led to Kun Yuan Venerable, who had gone to help Kun Ling Honored One solve a problem the day before yesterday, hearing all sorts of rumors and countless versions upon returning to the clan.
"A direct descendant of another Family? How is that possible?"
Kun Yuan Venerable walked through the air, preparing to meet this rumored "direct descendant."
Soon, Kun Yuan Venerable, with a face full of confusion, set off and arrived at the Rear Divine Courtyard.
When Kun Yuan Venerable arrived at the Rear Divine Courtyard, what greeted his eyes was an unbelievable scene.
Down in the Spirit Field, Tianshang Honored One was still holding a hoe, diligently cultivating and opening up new fertile land.
Behind him, a familiar figure also held a hoe, closely following, and chatting happily with Tianshang Honored One about the Dao of planting while working.
"This kid... isn't he the Nascent Soul cultivator who offended Ji Yun at the Auction?" Kun Yuan Venerable felt a sense of being deceived. His figure flickered, reappearing by the edge of the Spirit Field.
Feeling a familiar, inexplicable hostility, Li Mu's hoe suddenly stopped. Seeing the newcomer, he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Junior Li Mu greets Senior."
"Why are you here? The clan is abuzz with rumors, saying it's a direct descendant of the Eight Great Families. It wouldn't happen to be you, would it?" Kun Yuan Venerable, who looked young and extraordinarily handsome, looked at Li Mu and asked in confusion.
Li Mu, upon hearing this, gave a wry smile, "Senior, don't listen to rumors. This Junior is merely a Loose Cultivator, not from the Eight Great Families."
"Haha, Kun Yuan, don't scare Little Friend Li as soon as you arrive. Little Friend Li's strength is extraordinary!" Tianshang Honored One said with a smile, holding his hoe, as he turned around.
"Brother Tian Shang, what exactly is going on?" Kun Yuan Venerable was full of confusion, eager to know the reason.
Li Mu opened his mouth slightly, intending to reveal his identity, but Tianshang Honored One raised a hand to stop him, smiling, "Presumably, you also know that the Nine Demon Sect attacked the Yu Ling Sect, almost annihilating them, but ended up losing everything because of one person. And this person who turned the tide was actually a Nascent Soul cultivator!"
Upon hearing this, Kun Yuan Venerable immediately understood, his gaze filled with surprise as he looked at Li Mu.
"Venerable, this Junior merely used a trick."
Li Mu knew that the Kun Yuan Venerable in front of him was arrogant and didn't take him, a small Nascent Soul cultivator, seriously. To save trouble, he spoke bluntly.
"It really was you. I didn't expect to have misjudged someone. No wonder Kun Ling always protected you that day." Kun Yuan Venerable's expression shifted slightly, and he couldn't help but murmur to himself.
Tianshang Honored One, however, pointed to the pavilion and said, "Kun Yuan, the spiritual tea is over there. Brew it and drink it yourself. Li Mu and I will talk after we've finished with the Spirit Field."
Kun Yuan Venerable opened his mouth slightly, wanting to say something, but in the end, he remained silent.
After waiting for half a cup of tea, Li Mu and Tianshang Honored One, having washed the mud from their hands, arrived at the pavilion, refreshed.
Kun Yuan Venerable held the spiritual tea cup, his handsome eyes involuntarily observing the jovial Tianshang Honored One and Li Mu, finding it incredible.
A Peak Void Refining Realm Cultivator was actually chatting so happily with an Early Stage Nascent Soul cultivator, even feeling as if they were peers. This truly perplexed him.
"Senior, let me do it."
Li Mu stepped forward to the brewing area, intending to take over from Kun Yuan Venerable, but the latter moved first, blocking him with one hand.
"I heard that your strength is formidable. You defeated the long-famous Absolute Heaven Demon Lord right after Undergoing Tribulation and entering the Nascent Soul Stage, and later caused the demise of Venerable Tianyun of the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Your achievements are illustrious even in the Central Continent's Spirit Domain. I wonder if the rumors are true, and if you would allow me to verify them?" Kun Yuan Venerable sipped his spiritual tea, looking at Li Mu, and asked curiously.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu immediately knew that the other party wanted to test his depth. For a moment, he couldn't make up his mind.
"Little Friend Li, just let Kun Yuan see your capabilities." Tianshang Honored One, fearing no chaos, held his teacup and said leisurely from the side.
Kun Yuan Venerable immediately got excited upon hearing this, repeatedly saying, "Little Friend Li, don't be afraid. Old Man will suppress his Cultivation to your level."
Li Mu was initially reluctant, but now there was no avoiding it. Fortunately, it wasn't a life-and-death battle, so he wasn't afraid.
"Senior, I await your guidance!"
Li Mu sighed helplessly and slowly walked out of the pavilion, his Nascent Soul Cultivation Spiritual Pressure beginning to rise steadily.