Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

In the space of the treasure house, because of the arrival and changes of 'Qinglin', the originally quiet air has a more vibrant atmosphere. The concentration of spiritual power seems to gradually increase with the growth of 'Qinglin', and even the plants in the space appear more lush, as if they have been nourished by some mysterious means.

Li Mu took the opportunity to plant a large number of new spiritual plants in the spiritual fields, including the fifth-level Wanxin spiritual grass that increases the free proficiency, the Nine Yin Spiritual Grass, Nine Yang Spiritual Grass, Ice Soul Spiritual Orchid that increase the power of yin and yang, and various five elements spiritual plants related to the power of the five elements... With the integration of many spiritual veins and the coverage of the Qinglong Dharma Domain, the entire treasure house space seemed to be endowed with endless vitality and potential, and became a miracle place where nature and spiritual power are intertwined.

Under the nourishment of spiritual power, the fifth-level Wanxin spiritual grass quickly took root and sprouted, and its leaves were shining with delicate lines. Each leaf seemed to contain thousands of vitality, constantly emitting a faint fragrance, attracting the surrounding spiritual power to gather more densely. These spiritual herbs not only grew at an amazing speed, but also had a quality far superior to ordinary ones. Each plant was full and shiny, indicating that they would become precious materials for refining high-level elixirs in the future.

The Nine Yin Spiritual Grass and the Nine Yang Spiritual Grass occupy the Yin and Yang poles of the treasure house space respectively. They depend on each other and restrict each other, forming a delicate balance. The Nine Yin Spiritual Grass exudes a cold breath, and a faint chill condenses on the leaves, as if it can freeze all life; while the Nine Yang Spiritual Grass is completely the opposite, it exudes a blazing light, and the surrounding space seems to be distorted by this heat. Under the protection of the Azure Dragon Domain, the Yin and Yang forces of the two have been extremely reconciled and enhanced, making the spiritual power circulation in the treasure house space smoother, providing a continuous source of power for the growth of all spiritual plants.

The Ice Spirit Orchid grows in a special area formed by the condensation of ice. Its flowers are crystal clear, like works of art carved from ice and snow, emitting clear and pure spiritual fluctuations. Under the cover of the Azure Dragon Domain, the growth rate of the Ice Spirit Orchid doubles, and its quality reaches an unprecedented level. Every drop of morning dew contains rich ice-attribute spiritual power, making it an excellent material for refining ice-based pills or magic weapons.

As for the various five-element fifth and sixth-level spiritual plants, they correspond to the five elements of gold, wood, water, fire and earth respectively, and are carefully planted in the area where the five elements are mutually generated in the treasure mansion space. Not only do they thrive on their own, but they also promote each other through the subtle connection between the roots, forming a complex ecological system of mutual generation and mutual restraint of the five elements. Whenever there is a fluctuation of spiritual power, these spiritual plants will automatically adjust their own state, absorb and transform spiritual power in the best way, making the spiritual power circulation in the entire treasure mansion space more efficient and harmonious.

In addition, there are some special high-level spiritual plants, the seventh-level Qingming Sword Bamboo, the Time and Space Spirit Lotus, the Yangyan Golden Ganoderma, the Medicine King Spiritual Ginseng,... their numbers are smaller, but their growth has also been greatly improved.

While taking care of many high-level spiritual plants, Li Mu did not stop. He used the rich spiritual power and unique ecological environment in the treasure house to set up a quiet practice room for himself and continued to study the way of divine patterns.

As his research on the divine runes deepened, Li Mu successfully mastered one thousand of them. The remaining two thousand divine runes would be difficult to break through in a short period of time.

The three thousand divine patterns can communicate between heaven and earth, mobilize spiritual power, and even under certain specific conditions, show the power to change the rules and reverse the universe. Li Mu tried to incorporate his understanding of natural laws such as the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, time and space into the drawing of the divine patterns, and gradually figured out certain rules.

The final form of the three thousand divine patterns represents the three thousand paths.

For example, the divine pattern of gold among the five elements not only represents hardness and sharpness, but also contains the mysteries of change and transformation, and can assist more side paths, integrating the sharpness, hardness, transformation and other characteristics of gold into divine patterns derived from other attributes. Li Mu used this to unearth the divine patterns that assist each other between gold and other elements in the five elements.

First of all, gold and water are mutually generated. Li Mu found the divine pattern of "gold and water are mutually generated". This divine pattern can guide the gold element and the water element to merge with each other, forming a force that is both hard and flowing, like gold and stone in rivers, which are both indestructible and able to go with the flow, showing a unique toughness and changeability. This divine pattern is particularly effective in refining water-attributed magic weapons or enhancing water spells, and can give them stronger penetration and flexibility.

Secondly, gold and fire complement each other, and Li Mu realized the divine pattern of "gold and fire smelting". This divine pattern uses the high temperature of gold and the heat of fire to fuse the two into one, forming a powerful smelting force. Whether it is forging a magic weapon or refining a high-level elixir, this divine pattern can greatly improve the success rate and quality, making the refined items more perfect.

Furthermore, although there is a counteracting relationship between gold and wood, Li Mu found balance and harmony in it. The divine pattern of "Gold and Wood Symbiosis" allows the gold element and the wood element to achieve a subtle symbiotic state in mutual restraint through clever guidance and coordination. This divine pattern has remarkable effects in promoting plant growth, enhancing the power of wood spells, etc., allowing Li Mu to be more adept at taking care of spiritual plants.

Finally, gold and earth complement each other, and Li Mu realized the divine pattern of "gold and earth consolidate the foundation". This divine pattern combines the hardness of gold and the thickness of earth, forming a force as solid as a mountain. Whether it is used for defense or to stabilize the formation, this divine pattern can play a huge role, making Li Mu more stable and reliable in battle and practice.

By analogy, relying on his understanding and enlightenment of the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and Time and Space, Li Mu spent decades and successfully comprehended one thousand divine patterns among the three thousand gods. However, facing the remaining two thousand divine patterns, Li Mu felt unprecedented confusion and powerlessness.

The remaining two thousand divine runes are not only because their complexity in structure and logic far exceeds any existence Li Mu has encountered before, but also because they seem to contain the deepest and most essential things in the universe, which transcends Li Mu's current understanding and makes it difficult for him to get a glimpse of the essence.

After trying countless methods, including studying the laws of nature more deeply, looking for clues in ancient books, and even trying to cooperate with other practitioners to discuss, Li Mu had to admit that he could no longer make significant progress in a short period of time.

So, Li Mu made a decision reluctantly, temporarily stopping his research on the remaining two thousand divine runes, and instead devoting his energy to other aspects of practice, refining equipment, drawing talismans, carving puppets, and gradually broadening his horizons and cognition through continuous accumulation and precipitation. It is possible that one day in the future, he will be able to break through this bottleneck again and master the remaining divine runes.

Li Mu began to focus on refining equipment, integrating the power of divine patterns into the objects, and created spiritual tools that were both beautiful and practical; he became addicted to drawing talismans, using pen and ink as the medium to communicate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and using divine patterns as the basis to draw talismans that contained the power of laws; he combined divine patterns to carve puppets, and through exquisite design and complex divine pattern formations, he gave the puppets life and wisdom,...

Time passed day by day, and fifteen years passed in the blink of an eye.

In the treasure talisman space, above the Five Elements Spirit Palace, strange phenomena occurred frequently. They were the product of the interweaving of spiritual power and laws, heralding the birth of something extraordinary.

Xue'er, along with the little green dragon Qinglin and the seventh-level poisonous insect Xiaobai, lived a leisurely life in the treasure house. They were initially surprised by the frequent phenomena in the world, but later became accustomed to them. They were either soaring in the sky or playing on the ground. Occasionally, they would look up curiously at the constantly changing light and shadow above the Five Elements Spirit Palace, with a hint of curiosity and admiration for Li Mu in their eyes.

……

Another three years passed, and the two Nine Nether Kun Whales roamed in the vast star field, getting closer and closer to a emerald green planet.

"Brother Li, is that Qi Ling Star? We are finally back!"

On the back of the Nine Nether Kun Whale, Xue'er's eyes were shining, and she grabbed Li Mu's arm and asked happily.

"Yes, we are back!"

Li Mu looked at the emerald green planet with a smile in his eyes, with complex emotions surging in his heart.

After wandering in the vast star field for more than a hundred years, he finally returned to Qi Ling Star. For Li Mu, this long journey was not only a test of his cultivation, but also a precipitation and transformation of his soul.

Li Mu at this time is no longer the same as before. He still wears an elegant blue shirt, with fluttering sleeves, and is unrestrained and uninhibited. The years have not left too many traces on his face, but his temperament has become more and more worldly, adding a bit of calmness and transcendence compared to before, and his eyebrows reveal a kind of wisdom and depth of insight into the world. Over a hundred years, the absorption of two waves of sixth-level spiritual plants has brought about earth-shaking changes to Li Mu. The improvement of his soul brought by the perfection of the Nebula Observation Method, the injection of vitality and life span of nearly two million years, and countless sudden realizations of the laws of heaven and earth, and the integration of the Thousand Dao Divine Patterns in the Hundred Arts, have made Li Mu's strength reach the realm of Taoism, and even those old monsters who have been in seclusion for thousands of years can hardly compare with him.

Now, as he is about to return to the spirit world, Li Mu is preparing to condense a seventh-level incarnation, refine the chaos realm, and break through the state of fusion.

Thinking of this, Li Mu couldn't wait to urge the two Nine Nether Kun Whales to speed up and fly towards Qi Ling Star.

However, just as the Nine Nether Kun Whale was about to pass through the protective formation outside the Qi Ling Star, a distant and majestic voice suddenly sounded, questioning without question: "Who are you, trespassing into the Qi Ling Star Realm? Please report your origins as soon as possible, otherwise don't blame the protective formation for being ruthless!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a middle-aged sword cultivator arrived on a sword. He was wearing a tight white sword suit, a jade belt around his waist, and a silver magic sword under his feet. He was like a sword immortal who descended from the sky. He had an upright posture and an extraordinary bearing. His hair was tied up high with a simple green jade hairpin, and a few strands of hair danced in the wind, adding a bit of unruly and free and easy style. His brows were condensed with the vicissitudes of time and the tempering of sword intent. He looked at the two Nine Nether Kun Whales vigilantly with a somewhat nervous expression.

The Nine Nether Kun Whale is an eighth-rank star beast, huge in size and with tremendous combat power. It is definitely not an ordinary thing for the people coming here to use two Kun whales to lead the way. Anyone who can control such a spiritual beast must be an extraordinary person.

Obviously, the opponent was intimidated by the majestic aura of the two giant beasts, but he did not retreat. Instead, he was full of sword intent.

Li Mu looked at the appearance of the Lianxu swordsman who was blocking his way and was delighted instead of surprised. He quickly flew up from behind the Jiuyou Kun Whale.

"Elder Yan, long time no see!"

Li Mu smiled slightly and flew forward. The person blocking his way was Yan Yuchun, the deacon elder of Xuantian Sword Sect.

"You, you, ..., you are Elder Li! You are back!"

Yan Yuchun widened his eyes, looking in disbelief at the man in front of him, Li Mu, who had an extraordinary temperament and was similar to the one in his memory. The three words "Elder Li" he said seemed to carry a bit of uncertainty and disbelief, but the familiar feeling came like a tide, instantly washing away all his doubts.

Li Mu disappeared for more than a hundred years. The Xuantian Sword Sect mobilized hundreds of thousands of elite disciples to search everywhere, and also ordered many forces outside the domain to search with all their might to find out the whereabouts of this legendary weapon refining master, but no one knew where he had gone.

Now, Li Mu appeared outside the Qi Ling Star Realm so suddenly, how could Yan Yuchun not be shocked and excited.

"Yes! I'm finally back!" Li Mu nodded with a smile.

"That's great, it's really great! Elder Li! Everyone in the sect is worried about you, and thought you..." Yan Yuchun's voice was a little choked, with tears flashing in his eyes. He hurriedly took a few steps and held Li Mu's hand tightly, as if he was afraid that if he let go, Li Mu would disappear again.

"Elder Yan, I'm fine. I'm sorry to have caused the sect to worry." Li Mu smiled and didn't take it seriously.

"It is a great fortune for our sect that Elder Li can return safely. Several sword masters and elders have been searching for you for years but have yet to find your whereabouts. Now they must be eager to see you. Please come back to the sect with me as soon as possible!" Yan Yuchun's excitement was beyond words as he invited him warmly.

Li Mu nodded slightly, a hint of tenderness and nostalgia flashing in his eyes, "Of course I have to return to the sect, but before that, I have something else to deal with."

As he spoke, Li Mu turned around and looked at the two Nine Nether Kun Whales. He took out a newly refined spirit-controlling device, pinched his fingers with a spell, and put the two Nine Nether Kun Whales into it.

The spirit-controlling device flashed with light and instantly turned into an exquisite jade pendant, hanging around Li Mu's waist. The vague outlines of the two Kun whales were faintly visible, indicating that they were properly placed.

Seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Yan Yuchun's eyes, and then turned into deep admiration. He naturally recognized the extraordinary nature of the spirit-controlling device. To be able to easily contain such a powerful spirit beast, not only did he have profound cultivation, but he also had extremely high attainments in the art of refining devices.

"Elder Li, your weapon-refining skills have improved a lot. It really astounds me." Yan Yuchun praised sincerely.

"Thank you for the compliment, Elder Yan. Let's go back to the sect!"

Li Mu smiled slightly and responded politely. Then he took Xue'er and Yan Yuchun and flew up on their swords, galloping towards the direction of Xuantian Sword Sect.

Along the way, the two chatted from time to time, and Li Mu asked Yan Yuchun about what had happened in the sect over the past hundred years.

Upon hearing this, Yan Yuchun's expression became solemn and full of emotion. He slowly recounted the changes and various major events in the Xuantian Sword Sect and even the entire spiritual world over the past hundred years.

"Elder Li, since you disappeared, our sect has gone through many ups and downs. First, Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen led our forces to attack the Netherworld Sect to avenge you, and they joined forces with foreign forces to search for your whereabouts..."

……

Listening to Yan Yuchun's explanation, Li Mu's brows gradually furrowed, and he was full of worries about the current situation and future of the sect. (End of this chapter)