Chapter 929 - 487: Winds and Clouds Surging (Part 2)

Chapter 929: Chapter 487: Winds and Clouds Surging (Part 2)

Li Mu, holding the Ice Crown, flashed into appearance outside a Seclusion Room within the Five Elements Spirit Mountain.

"Xue’Er, come out quickly." Li Mu’s voice held a mix of excitement and anticipation as his Divine Thought reached into the Seclusion Room, calling out to Xue’Er.

A moment later, the door of the Seclusion Room slowly opened. Xue’Er emerged, dressed in simple clothes, her elegance transcending the mundane; she seemed like an Immortal amid ice and snow. Her eyes carried a hint of curiosity as she gazed at the Ice Crown in Li Mu’s hand. At that moment, it was as if the entire world had come to a standstill.

"Brother Li, what is this?" Xue’Er asked softly, her voice unable to hide her delight.

Li Mu smiled slightly, gently offering the Ice Crown, and said, "This is the ice attribute auxiliary Dao Artifact I refined for you—the Ice Crown. Using a seventh-tier Ice Soul Spirit Crystal as the base and incorporating rare high-tier spiritual materials like the Ten Thousand Year Cold Crystal and Ice Heart Jade Marrow, I carefully crafted it to create an Ice Domain that will assist your daily cultivation."

Xue’Er took the Ice Crown, and felt a refreshing and chilly aura flow into her. The crown exuded a subtle coldness, containing an endless Power of Ice and Snow. She studied it closely, noticing the intricate Artifact Patterns carved on the crown, each revealing Li Mu’s dedication and exquisite skill.

"It’s truly beautiful, Brother Li. Thank you." Xue’Er’s voice had a slight tremor; she could sense the profound Ice Law contained within the Dao Artifact and its perfect harmony with her own Spiritual Power. She knew that this was not just a Dao Artifact, but also Li Mu’s deep affection and care for her.

"Quickly refine it, and wear it so I can see your splendor." Li Mu smiled gently, his eyes full of anticipation.

Xue’Er nodded lightly and, following Li Mu’s guidance, began to refine the Ice Crown. As her Spiritual Power infused into it, the crown seemed to respond to her call, emitting an even more concentrated cold aura that intertwined with her Spiritual Power, resonating and echoing.

A moment later, Xue’Er successfully refined the Ice Crown. With a slight raise of her hand, the Artifact Patterns on the crown came to life, flowing with a faint glow that perfectly matched her aura, as if they were one.

Xue’Er placed the Ice Crown on her head, and instantly, a cold yet pure force surged from the crown, enveloping her and forming rings of ice-blue light. In that moment, her demeanor seemed even more ethereal and transcendent, like a queen of an ice and snow realm, radiating an indescribable allure.

"Brother Li, look." Xue’Er turned around, her eyes sparkling with excitement and joy. A thin veil of ice mist enveloped her, and each wisp of cold seemed to contain endless Power of Ice and Snow, casting her as a goddess of an ice and snow world, cool and mysterious.

"How does it feel?" Li Mu asked with concern.

Xue’Er smiled slightly, ice-blue light shimmering in her eyes, and said softly, "It feels wonderful, Brother Li. I can sense the profound Ice Law contained within the Ice Crown, as if it has merged with my own Spiritual Power, allowing me to control Ice Magic more adeptly. Moreover, this power is pure and strong."

"Yes, wear it well and cultivate diligently, striving to attain True Spirit soon." Li Mu advised Xue’Er.

Upon hearing this, a determined gleam flashed in Xue’Er’s eyes. To be together with Li Mu for a long time, she had to cultivate more diligently and hone her strength.

"Brother Li, rest assured, I will certainly cultivate diligently." Xue’Er held Li Mu’s hand firmly, her voice full of resolve and conviction.

Having said that, Xue’Er turned and walked toward the Cultivation Room.

Li Mu smiled slightly, then, after watching the door of the Cultivation Room close again, he resumed refining the next Dao Artifact.

However, just as Li Mu began preparing to refine the next Dao Artifact, Seven Profound Sect received some unexpected visitors—Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen. Their sudden visit, given their usually elusive movements and rare appearances in public, caused a stir throughout Seven Profound Sect.

Upon learning of the sword masters’ visit from his Substitute Puppet, Li Mu left the Painting Realm Treasure Mansion immediately, hurriedly exiting the Seclusion Room to head towards the Sect Hall and greet them. Meanwhile, he surmised inwardly why these two sword masters would personally visit Seven Profound Sect and what they could possibly want from him.

When Li Mu hastily arrived at the Sect Hall, he saw Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen already seated at the top. They were curiously examining the Substitute Puppet, seemingly researching something, while also waiting for him to appear in person.

Li Mu quickly stepped forward, greeted respectfully, and said, "I apologize for not welcoming the two sword masters sooner on this grand occasion. Please forgive me."

"Elder Li, no need for formalities. This Substitute Puppet of yours is truly exquisite, lifelike, with an aura that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. If we weren’t familiar with you and hadn’t noticed the flaw of insufficient Soul Power, we might have mistaken it for you being here personally," Sword Master Feng remarked, unable to conceal his amazement as he looked at Li Mu.

"Elder Li, did you refine this Substitute Puppet yourself? Are you also proficient in the Puppetry Skill? Truly extraordinary!" Sword Master Chen earnestly examined Li Mu and inquired curiously.

It is rare for a cultivator to be proficient in a single skill, yet Li Mu has deep expertise in Artifact Refining, Array Formation, and Puppetry Skill, which is indeed exceptional.

"Sword Master Chen overpraises. This Substitute Puppet was indeed a little hobby of mine refined during my free time. Compared to true Artifact Refining and Array Formation, this Puppetry Skill is merely a minor interest of mine," Li Mu modestly replied.

Upon hearing this, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen exchanged a glance, impressed by Li Mu’s talent. This puppet held the power of Great Success; acquiring such a talent was truly fortunate for the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, leading them to value Li Mu even more.

"May I ask if there is anything important that brings the two sword masters personally to Seven Profound Sect this time? If there is anything you need, Mr. Li shall certainly exert every effort."

Facing the scrutinizing gazes of the two sword masters, Li Mu did not wish to dwell on the subject of Puppetry Skill further and promptly shifted the topic.

"Elder Li, you provided five Daoist Soldiers for this Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion auction?" Sword Master Feng nodded slightly, his expression becoming serious as he looked at Li Mu.

"Uh! That is correct; three Daoist Soldiers were previously commissioned by Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion for me to refine, while the other two were fortuitously made by me and consigned to Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion for auction, in order to exchange for some High-tier Spiritual Materials," Li Mu admitted candidly, though he had long foreseen the potential uproar it might cause. After all, the appearance of Daoist Soldiers often signifies fierce competition, especially those bearing the unique attributes and power of his expertly forged Daoist Soldiers. But with the sturdy backing of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, this matter should not pose much trouble!

"Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, is your visit today related to this matter?" Li Mu paused for a moment, looking at Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, and asked in surprise.

"Indeed, it is related to this matter!" Sword Master Feng nodded, looking gravely at Li Mu, saying, "Elder Li, the Daoist Soldiers you refined have already attracted the attention of many major factions. This Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion cross-region auction is traditionally a gathering place for Spirit Realm powers, and the Daoist Soldiers you consigned this time are very much at the heart of the event."

"Elder Li!" Sword Master Chen continued, looking at Li Mu and implying, "We have received word that several major factions are coveting the Daoist Soldiers you refined. They are not only powerful but also act decisively, and may very well employ some extraordinary measures at the auction. We came here first to warn you to be cautious and to discuss strategies with you, perhaps cancel the auction of the two Daoist Soldiers. Whatever high-tier spiritual materials you need, our sect will certainly do its utmost to gather for you."

Upon hearing this, waves of gratitude surged in Li Mu’s heart, aware that the sword masters’ proposal stems from a desire to protect him and the sect’s interests. He also understood the sword masters’ concerns were not unfounded, but having taken favor from the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, it was hard for Li Mu to speak on going back on his word.

Li Mu’s expression revealed a hint of difficulty as he gently declined, "Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, I understand your concerns and appreciate the Profound Celestial Sword Sect’s protection. But regarding these two Daoist Soldiers, having accepted Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s favor, the auction serves as a commitment as an Artifact Refiner, and it is hard to cancel."

Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen exchanged a glance, showing a bit of helplessness.