Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Li Mu exchanged a batch of rare alchemy materials in the Contribution Hall. Fortunately, he had made great contributions to the Xuantian Sword Sect one after another and had accumulated a lot of contribution points. Although high-level alchemy materials were precious, he could still afford them.

What's more, over the years, Li Mu has entered seven extreme places one after another and harvested a large amount of high-level spiritual medicines and spiritual materials. They are all top-grade spiritual medicines that are tens of thousands of years old, which are more than enough for high-level spiritual pills.

The three high-level spiritual pills that Xu Zhong mentioned: Blood Source Pill, Dragon Bone Marrow Pill, and Soul Essence Pill all have special properties and are rare items. He was unable to provide the recipes, and Li Mu was unable to find these recipes in the Sutra Library.

However, this did not pose a problem for Li Mu. After returning to the Sect Master's Mansion of Qixuan Sect, he immediately announced that he would go into seclusion and then plunged into the training room.

Li Mu sat cross-legged on the central spiritual platform of the training room. With a thought, he took out the Soul Realm Pearl from the storage compartment. Inside it was a remnant soul of the ancient combined cultivator Qing Yangzi, a saintly master of the Dao of Alchemy.
The Soul Realm Pearl glowed faintly in Li Mu's hand, like a miniature star, or an amber containing countless worlds. Complex patterns flowed on the surface of the pearl, and these patterns seemed to be natural, containing profound laws of power.

Li Mu held the Soul Realm Pearl in his palm, gently closed his eyes, and sank his consciousness into it. As his consciousness went deeper, the world inside the Soul Realm Pearl slowly unfolded. This was a space that was completely different from the outside world, vast and boundless.

In the center of this space, a faint residual soul was floating quietly. Although this residual soul was weak, it revealed an indescribable majesty and nobility. It was the residual soul of the ancient fusion cultivator - Qing Yangzi.

Qingyangzi sensed Li Mu's arrival, and his body moved slightly before waking up from his deep sleep.

"How long have you been here?"

Qingyangzi looked at Li Mu, his voice was like the sound of an ancient bell, deep and distant, echoing in Li Mu's consciousness.

Li Mu replied respectfully: "Senior, more than fifty years have passed in the outside world since we last met."

Qing Yangzi nodded, stared at Li Mu, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes, and asked: "In such a short time, you seem to have made another breakthrough. Your aptitude is better than I thought! What do you want this time?"

"Senior, I have found the whereabouts of the Anti-Death Herb. However, the herb is still young. It is more than 500 years old, so it is not suitable to pick it now." Li Mu looked at Qing Yangzi and reported.

"Are you serious?" Qingyangzi perked up and asked with concern.

"The junior dare not deceive." Li Mu smiled and responded happily.

The finished anti-death spiritual herb that was found in the extremely yin land was given to the Divine Lord Tianyan. Naturally, there were still many other anti-death spiritual herbs among them. However, Qingyangzi was a remnant soul of a fusion, his means were unknown, and he also knew too many secrets.

Li Mu was not going to reveal all this information to Qing Yangzi, so he deliberately concealed the specific number and location of the anti-death herb and only mentioned its existence and age.

"Five hundred years old! Not enough for me! Can you find one with higher efficacy? Preferably one with three thousand years of age!" Qing Yangzi frowned slightly, as if he was not satisfied with the five hundred years old Anti-Death Spiritual Herb. After pondering for a moment, he slowly said: "Three thousand years old Anti-Death Spiritual Herb is indeed more rare, and its efficacy is also more powerful. But in this world, it is not easy to find such a high age Anti-Death Spiritual Herb."

Qing Yangzi paused, looked at Li Mu with deep eyes, and continued: "However, since you can find the 500-year-old anti-death spiritual herb, it means that you have a certain opportunity and strength. I can give you a suggestion, which may help you find an even older anti-death spiritual herb."

Li Mu bowed and said, "Please give me some pointers, senior."

Qing Yangzi nodded slightly and said, "The anti-death spirit grass grows in extremely yin places, and its medicinal effect is closely related to the concentration of yin energy in the environment. Do you know that in this world, there are some special secret places or forbidden places, where the yin energy is much denser than that of ordinary extremely yin places?"

"So that's how it is. I will continue to explore this secret realm and do my best to collect this herb for you." Li Mu nodded in sudden realization and said respectfully.

"Thank you for your hard work. It's rare for me to wake up. If you have any questions, you can ask me. Maybe I can give you some advice." Qingyangzi looked at Li Mu meaningfully and gestured.

The matter of the anti-death herb still depends on Li Mu. Qingyangzi is very sensible and Li Mu will never wake him up for no reason.

Li Mu took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Senior, I came here this time to ask for advice on how to refine three high-level elixirs. These three elixirs are Blood Source Pill, Dragon Bone Marrow Refining Pill, and Soul Essence Pill."

Qing Yangzi nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a kind of profound wisdom, and said: "I know these three kinds of elixirs. I will teach you the recipes and refining methods."

Soon, Qing Yangzi explained in detail the refining methods and materials required for each type of elixir, and at the same time reminded Li Mu of the details that needed to be paid attention to during the refining process.

Li Mu was fascinated by what he heard and nodded from time to time to show that he understood.

After Qing Yangzi taught Li Mu the methods of refining three high-level elixirs, he couldn't help but ask curiously: "These three elixirs are not suitable for you, what's the point of refining them?"

Li Mu then informed Qing Yangzi in detail about the Blue-Eyed Golden Ape's insufficient qualifications and the fact that he was going to refine these elixirs to help it overcome the true spirit thunder tribulation.

"How foolish! How foolish!" After hearing this, Qing Yangzi frowned, shook his head repeatedly, and sighed, "How can these three kinds of elixirs help a monster with mediocre qualifications to overcome the true spirit tribulation! Do you know what a true spirit is?"

Hearing this, Li Mu was slightly stunned, and quickly replied respectfully: "I don't know, please give me some advice, senior."

Qing Yangzi nodded slightly, and explained in a heavy tone: "True spirit means the innate spirit, which is close to the Tao. Only the spirit close to the Tao can survive this true spirit thunder tribulation. It is the only way for one to shed the mortal body and achieve the true spirit body after practicing to a certain level. Relying on other things, reversing blood, soul and other means will never be close to the heavenly way. If you can't get the truth, how can you achieve the true spirit?"

"The True Spirit Thunder Tribulation is extraordinary. Even the best monsters often find it difficult to survive it."

"Although the three elixirs you mentioned are precious, they are just a drop in the bucket in helping monsters survive the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. The real help does not lie in the elixir, but in the monster's own aptitude, understanding, character, and opportunity."

“The Great Dao is ruthless. We cultivators are doing things that go against the will of Heaven. Any living being that wants to survive the heavenly thunder tribulation must rely on its own strength and understanding. Unconventional means are ultimately only a temporary help and cannot last long.” Qing Yangzi looked at Li Mu and reminded him in a deep voice.

Qing Yangzi's words made Li Mu fall into deep thought. Thinking back to the years he had spent with the blue-eyed golden ape, his heart couldn't help but be filled with waves.

"Senior, I know what you mean. But the Blue-Eyed Golden Ape is not just a beast to me, it is also my partner and my brother. I cannot watch it die because of lack of qualifications. I must do my best to help it." Li Mu responded with a firm gaze and a sonorous tone.

Qingyangzi nodded slightly, understanding Li Mu's feelings, and at the same time seeing a glimmer of hope in him.

Li Mu values ​​friendship so much, so I will do my best to help him so that nothing will be in vain.

"Since you are so determined, I can show you a way." Qing Yangzi looked at Li Mu and transmitted his thoughts, "I have a recipe for a pill called the Enlightenment Pill. This pill is different from ordinary pills. It can temporarily open the door to enlightenment of monsters and help them comprehend the great Dao. However, the materials needed to refine this pill are extremely rare, and the refining process is complicated. It is not something that ordinary alchemists can do."

After hearing this, Li Mu's eyes flashed with determination, and he quickly said: "Junior is willing to give it a try! Please give me the recipe for the elixir."

Qing Yangzi nodded slightly, transmitted the contents of the pill recipe to Li Mu through his mind, and explained in detail the precautions to be taken during the refining process.

Li Mu received the recipe, feeling extremely grateful, and thanked Qing Yangzi solemnly: "Senior, I will remember your kindness!" Qing Yangzi smiled and waved his hand, saying: "If you can refine it successfully, it will also be an opportunity for the Blue-Eyed Golden Ape. But remember, although the Enlightenment Pill is good, it is not a long-term solution. The real practice still depends on oneself. You need to pay attention to the growth of the Blue-Eyed Golden Ape. You can use some special methods to stimulate its potential and improve its qualifications and understanding. For example, you can look for some opportunities that can temper the mind, so that the Blue-Eyed Golden Ape can make a breakthrough in its state of mind."

Li Mu nodded repeatedly to show that he understood, and was full of gratitude for Qing Yangzi's guidance.

"Thank you for your guidance, senior. I will keep it in mind and try my best to find the anti-death herb for you." Li Mu bowed respectfully and said in a firm tone.

Qingyangzi smiled slightly, very satisfied with Li Mu's attitude. Maybe when Li Mu wakes up next time, he will be able to see the anti-death herb he offered.

Li Mu's mind withdrew from the Soul Realm Pearl and carefully stored it in the storage compartment, thinking about the recipe for the Enlightenment Pill.

The recipe for the Enlightenment Pill states that this pill requires the essence of heaven and earth, condensed energy of the sun and the moon, and supplemented with nine kinds of rare spiritual herbs as the main medicines. The nine main herbs are: Thousand-Year Jade Marrow Ganoderma, Thousand-Year Flame Hell Golden Lotus, Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart Lotus, Thousand-Year Red Flame Fruit, Thousand-Year Golden Cloud Ganoderma, Qingming Spirit Rice, Thousand-Year Bodhi Flower, Nine Yang True Fire Ganoderma, and Nine Nether Yellow Spring Vine.

Li Mu was relieved to find the elixir needed for the recipe.

Regardless of the yin and yang energies, or the nine main medicines, in addition to the Qingming Lingmi, the Millennium Bodhi Flower, the Jiuyou Huangquan Vine, and the thirty-six auxiliary medicines, Li Mu harvested and stored a lot of them in the seven extreme places, and the age of the medicines far exceeded the requirements recorded in the pill recipe.

Qingming Lingmi is produced from Qingming Sword Bamboo. It should not be difficult to get it by asking Master Chen Jian.

The Millennium Bodhi Flower seems to be in the sect's contribution warehouse. As for the Nine Nether Yellow Spring Vine, I'm afraid I'll have to search the Wanbao Pavilion.

Li Mu had a plan in mind and took action immediately.

He first found Sword Master Chen. When he heard that Li Mu needed Qingming Spiritual Rice, he smiled and nodded: "The spiritual rice produced by Qingming Sword Bamboo is indeed rare, but since you need it, I will give you some."

Li Mu took the Qingming Lingmi with gratitude, and then went to the sect's contribution warehouse. He used 100,000 contribution points to exchange for five Bodhi flowers that were 3,000 years old.

As for the Nine Nether Yellow Spring Vine, Li Mu went to Wanbao Pavilion.

After gathering all the spiritual medicines, Li Mu plunged into the Painting World Treasure House and, according to the steps on the Enlightenment Pill recipe, carefully placed the various spiritual medicines into the pill furnace. Then he began to mobilize his magic power to refine the Enlightenment Pill.

A year later, Li Mu appeared in the Jijin Secret Realm, standing in front of the blue-eyed golden ape with a look of relief on his face.

During this year, Li Mu not only successfully refined the Enlightenment Pill, but also designed an action plan for the Blue-Eyed Golden Ape to hone its state of mind and character, and help it overcome the true spirit thunder tribulation.

"Master, I, I haven't yet practiced the Soul-Devouring Health-Preserving Technique to perfection!" The blue-eyed golden ape looked at Li Mu, scratched his head, and said awkwardly.

“No need, just follow me out!” Li Mu smiled and shook his head, comforting the blue-eyed golden ape, “Although your Soul Devouring Body-nourishing Technique has not yet reached perfection, your progress is already significant enough. Next, I will prepare a more important test for you.”

"Yes!" A hint of confusion flashed in the eyes of the blue-eyed golden ape, and he followed Li Mu away honestly.

Li Mu flew on his sword, and the blue-eyed golden ape transformed into a burly man, following closely behind him like a servant.

Soon, the two arrived at the most mysterious and solemn place in Xuantian Sword Sect - the Sword Tower.

The sword tower rises high into the clouds, and the tower body exudes a sharp sword intent, as if every brick and stone contains infinite sword energy. The top of the tower pierces the sky, as if talking to the heaven and earth, demonstrating the supreme sword power of the Xuantian Sword Sect.

"Master, what is this?" The blue-eyed golden ape looked up at the towering sword tower, curiosity and awe flashing in his eyes.

"This is the Sword Tower, the most core training place of Xuantian Sword Sect." Li Mu smiled slightly, looking at the Sword Tower and explained to the Blue-eyed Golden Ape: "This tower is where our disciples compete and perform martial arts. There is a champion on each floor. I want you to enter the tower and fight with them to hone your martial arts and state of mind. You must climb to at least the 80th floor."

When the blue-eyed golden ape heard this, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes. Although he didn't know much about swordsmanship, he was always eager to fight.

"Master, I will never let you down! Fifty floors, no! Ten floors!" The blue-eyed golden ape looked at Li Mu firmly and said.

"As long as you can climb to the 80th floor, let's go!" Li Mu smiled and led the blue-eyed golden ape towards the entrance of the sword tower.

"Greetings, Elder Li!" The sword tower guard saw Li Mu and greeted him respectfully.

Li Mu nodded, took out the elder order from his waist, successfully deducted the contribution, and took the blue-eyed golden ape into the tower.

Prior to this, Li Mu had already informed Elder Qiu in advance and was allowed to bring his beastly beasts into the venue. Otherwise, the Xuantian Sword Sect's most solemn sword tower would never allow beasts to enter.

Upon entering the sword tower, a young sword cultivator was confronted by the blue-eyed golden ape. A sharp sword intent rushed towards him. The blue-eyed golden ape felt the sword intent and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. He knew that this would be a good place for him to improve his strength.

"Remember, you have to win ten games in a row before you can challenge the champion. Their strength should not be underestimated. Every time you climb a level, your strength and state of mind will be improved." Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back and reminded the blue-eyed golden ape.

"Elder Li, why are you here?"

The sword cultivator on the opposite side recognized Li Mu at once, and asked respectfully with a look of surprise on his face.

Although Li Mu was only in the middle stage of the Spirit Transformation Realm, his previous achievements in the Sword Tower had long been well known in the sect. Not only was he an expert in swordsmanship, he was also an expert in formations and weapons. He had created one miracle after another in the sect, and there was no way they could win this competition against him.

"I'm here to train my spirit beast. I won't fight. If you beat me, I'll help you refine a spirit weapon." Li Mu responded indifferently and turned his gaze to the blue-eyed golden ape, signaling it to start the challenge.

The blue-eyed golden ape hurried forward.

Upon hearing this, the Divine Sword Cultivator's eyes lit up and he was extremely surprised. Li Mu's ability to refine weapons was known throughout the Central Plains Spirit Realm. If he could obtain one, his combat power would definitely be greatly enhanced.

"Thank you, Elder Li! I will try my best!" The sword cultivator bowed respectfully to Li Mu, then turned his gaze to the blue-eyed golden ape, with a hint of fighting spirit in his eyes.

The blue-eyed golden ape's eyes sparkled with excitement, knowing that this was a rare opportunity for training. It took a deep breath, adjusted its state, and then rushed towards the sword cultivator. (End of this chapter)