I Just Want to Cultivate Quietly and Farm

Chapter 845: Chapter 446: Signs of the Demonic Presence (Part 2)

From within the grand hall came an old yet powerful voice responding, ”Hmm! Come in.”

Li Mu followed Qingsong Daoist into the grand hall, greeted by an ancient and solemn atmosphere.

In the center of the hall sat an elderly man with snow-white hair, none other than Huanglong Daoist. Dressed in a simple yellow Daoist robe, he exuded an ethereal aura. His face was withered, yet a rich fragrance of elixirs permeated the air around him, making him seem like an ordinary elder, not a high and mighty Void Refining Cultivator.

Qingsong Daoist respectfully bowed, presenting the Tier Six Spirit Sword refined by Li Mu. Under the bright lights within the hall, the golden Spirit Sword radiated a faint Sword Aura, its body adorned with intricate, luminous golden Artifact Patterns, quite dazzling.

Huanglong Daoist’s eyes fell upon the Spirit Sword, a flash of delight crossing his gaze. He eagerly took the Spirit Sword, gently caressing it as if sensing the sword’s spirituality.

”Not bad, this sword was refined using Golden Brilliance Spirit Crystal. The refining technique is exceptionally exquisite, and the flow of Artifact Patterns carries a hint of the Great Dao. Young friend, at such a young age, you have such mastery in artifact refining; truly remarkable!” Huanglong Daoist looked at Li Mu with an expression full of praise, his voice gentle yet powerful, giving a comforting feeling akin to a spring breeze.

”Thank you, senior, for the compliment. I was merely fortunate,” Li Mu humbly replied with a bow.

Huanglong Daoist smiled slightly and said, ”Fortune is also a part of strength. Since you have completed the sect’s refining task, I will accept this Spirit Sword.”

As he spoke, Huanglong Daoist waved his sleeve, and the Tier Six Spirit Sword disappeared into it. He then retrieved a golden token, handing it to Li Mu, ”This is the Yellow Dragon Token. With this token, you are an Honored Guest Elder of our Yellow Dragon Sect, with many privileges.”

Li Mu accepted the Yellow Dragon Token, expressing his gratitude, ”Thank you, senior, for the token.”

”Young friend, where do you hail from?” Huanglong Daoist asked with keen interest, seriously observing Li Mu, a trace of curiosity in his eyes.

Being a Tier Six Artifact Refining Grandmaster is no coincidence, and Huanglong Daoist naturally took a keen interest in Li Mu’s background.

Li Mu promptly replied, ”Mr. Li comes from the South Wilderness Spirit Realm, Qing Xuan Sect!”

”South Wilderness, Qing Xuan Sect! To my knowledge, the South Wilderness seems to have been occupied by Demon Cultivators!” Huanglong Daoist frowned, looking at Li Mu with concern.

”Indeed, that is so. The South Wilderness is in constant conflict now, which is why I fled here, seeking some opportunity for advancement.” Li Mu nodded, giving a concise reply, unwilling to delve deeper.

Huanglong Daoist nodded, warmly inviting Li Mu, ”I see. The situation in the South Wilderness is dire, with the Demon Sect’s forces rampant. Having peace in cultivation is indeed challenging. Why not stay at Yellow Dragon Temple for now? I have some resources and connections in the Eastern Illusion Sea Region, and I can arrange for assistance to help you find the opportunities you need. Meanwhile, you can also learn higher artifact refining techniques here and share experiences with other refining masters.”

Pausing, Huanglong Daoist continued, ”You now hold the Yellow Dragon Token, just in time to attend the grand transaction event I am hosting. This event occurs once every few decades and gathers high-tier cultivators from across the Eastern Illusion Sea Region to exchange rare refining materials, spirit medicines, techniques, and more. It will surely aid you in finding what you seek.”

Upon hearing this, a trace of anticipation flashed in Li Mu’s eyes, and he bowed in gratitude, ”Thank you, senior, for the kindness. It’s more respectful to comply than to decline.”

Huanglong Daoist smiled approvingly and continued, ”The transaction event will start in fifteen days. For now, rest within Yellow Dragon Temple and familiarize yourself with the environment. I will personally bring you to the event when it begins.”

Li Mu nodded, bowing once more, ”Thank you, senior. I shall comply with your arrangements.”

Huanglong Daoist nodded in satisfaction, then instructed Qingsong, ”Qingsong, take the young friend down and remember to arrange a quiet residence for him to rest well.”

”Yes, Master!” Qingsong obeyed, leading Li Mu out of the grand hall.

Watching Li Mu’s departing figure, the smile on Huanglong Daoist’s face gradually faded. Frowning, he fell into contemplation, pondering over Li Mu’s background.

This transaction event involves more than just spiritual object exchanges; it also encompasses major affairs. The sudden appearance of an artifact refining grandmaster seems too coincidental, and Huanglong Daoist’s eyes narrowed slightly.

”This young man comes from the South Wilderness’ Qing Xuan Sect. However, since the South Wilderness is now occupied by the Demon Abyssal Forces, his solo journey across thousands of miles to the Eastern Illusion Sea Region must have an extraordinary purpose.” Huanglong Daoist mused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

”Could it be he truly seeks opportunities to improve his strength, aiming to return to the South Wilderness in the future for revenge on behalf of Qing Xuan Sect?” Huanglong Daoist speculated but soon shook his head, ”No, it’s not that simple. If he were truly out for revenge, why would he so readily reveal his background?”

Huanglong Daoist pondered for a moment, deciding to let Qingsong continue probing for more information, secretly investigating the young man’s true background before taking further action.

————

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of miles away, near the Seven Profound Sect in the Central State Spirit Realm, within a cultivation ancient city, a middle-aged man in a blue-black robe sat cross-legged in a tower, his eyes slightly closed, his body enveloped in a faint black demon qi, immersed in a strange state of cultivation.

Suddenly, a mass of black mist gathered in front of him, forming the figure of a person clad in shadowy attire, kneeling on one knee.

The man in the black robe opened his eyes, with two streams of black demon qi emanating from them, focusing on the spy who appeared before him.

”Reporting, Demon Lord, Charm Owl has repeatedly confirmed that the main target is not within the sect, whereabouts unknown!” The spy lowered his head, respectfully reporting.

In Bu Mie Demon Lord’s eyes, a flicker of killing intent flashed and disappeared. His voice was low and sinister, ”Whereabouts unknown? How did Charm Owl confirm this? The person’s refined puppet doppelganger can pass for the real one, and it is common for the main body to remain unseen for long periods.”

”Reporting to Demon Lord, Charm Owl deduced this based on the changes within the Seven Profound Sect and the transformations of several Sect Elders and Vice Sect Master - Tianyan. The target’s puppet body has not appeared for several months. Charm Owl reported the main body’s whereabouts; Vice Sect Master - Tianyan might know.” The spy continued to report.

Upon hearing this, Bu Mie Demon Lord’s expression stiffened, taking the matter seriously.

For over twenty years, Bu Mie Demon Lord had harbored thoughts of revenge, successfully possessing a Void Refining Cultivator’s body. After years of secluded cultivation to restore Integration Cultivation, his first move was to come to the Central State Spirit Realm, lying in wait to ambush Li Mu for revenge.

However, Li Mu’s true whereabouts remained a mystery, concealed within the Seven Profound Sect. He only showed himself through his puppet body, being extremely cautious and keeping his true whereabouts unknown.

Now residing in the Central State Spirit Realm, with limited power, Bu Mie Demon Lord dared not act rashly, fearing failure and alerting the Profound Celestial Sword Sect.

Thus, Bu Mie Demon Lord had to bide his time, secretly dispatching subordinates to infiltrate the Seven Profound Sect, waiting patiently for the opportune moment to launch a deadly strike.

The years flew by, turning into several years. Stationed within the cultivation ancient city, Bu Mie Demon Lord spent his days either training to recover his cultivation or listening to reports from subordinates about Li Mu’s whereabouts.

Today, upon hearing the confirmed report that Li Mu had left the Seven Profound Sect, his dwelling unknown, a sharp gleam flashed in Bu Mie Demon Lord’s eyes. He abruptly stood, casting a heavy shadow across the room with his towering physique.

”At last, left the Seven Profound Sect, have you? I’ve waited too long for this day!” Bu Mie Demon Lord spoke excitedly, his voice filled with endless hatred.

Bu Mie Demon Lord took a deep breath, calming his excited mood.

”Fellow Daoist Tianyan! It’s time to meet him!” Bu Mie Demon Lord’s eyes flashed with killing intent as he looked at the spy and commanded, ”Pass down the order, have Charm Owl closely monitor Tianyan’s movements and report promptly.”

The last ambush also involved ’Fellow Daoist Tianyan.’ This time, Bu Mie Demon Lord plans to personally take action, apprehend him, question him on Li Mu’s whereabouts, and settle old scores.