Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

After the ceremony, Li Mu was about to leave quietly, but Master Feng's warm and powerful hand gently rested on his shoulder, keeping him there.

"Wait a minute, Elder Li! Please stay for a moment!" Sword Master Feng's voice, with a hint of smile, penetrated the noise of the crowd and reached Li Mu's ears clearly and warmly.

Hearing this, Li Mu paused slightly, then turned around and faced the gazes of Sword Master Feng and the surrounding sword elders and sect ancestors, who were either familiar or unfamiliar.

With so many people watching, it would be very difficult to get away. Li Mu showed a wry smile on his face.

"Sword Master, I have just condensed the Dharma Domain, and my cultivation is not yet stable. I was thinking of sneaking away and going back to seclusion to consolidate it!" Li Mu responded with a smile, a hint of self-mockery in his words, and said apologetically.

"Haha, Elder Li, that's wrong. While closed-door cultivation is important, communicating and exchanging ideas with others is also indispensable on the road to cultivation. Besides, I won't keep you too long. That little bit of time is not a big deal!" Sword Master Feng laughed and looked at Li Mu and gestured, "You usually stay at home and rarely show up. How can you easily miss this great opportunity to meet fellow practitioners at today's event? Let me introduce you to a few sword masters."

After saying this, Sword Master Feng turned around gracefully, as if leading a distinguished guest, and introduced the four outstanding sword masters behind him one by one.

Four sword masters stood separately, three men and one woman, each with a different style, like four immortal figures appearing before Li Mu's eyes.

The first thing that catches your eye is a skinny old man with silver hair. He is dressed in a flowing cloud robe with fluttering sleeves, as if he can ride on the wind at any time and become a fairy in the clouds. His deep eyes are filled with wisdom accumulated over the years and the profundity of the swordsmanship, which makes people involuntarily feel awe.

Next came a burly middle-aged swordsman wearing black armor. He had a square face and his brows revealed his dedication to the sword. Although the heavy sword on his back was not unsheathed, the powerful aura that could carry mountains and rivers made people feel heavy.

Then, an elegant young swordsman came into view. He was dressed in flowing green robes, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. His every move showed his elegance. The bone fan gently waving in his hand seemed to be no ordinary object. Every breeze seemed to contain the intent of sword. The faint smile on the corner of his mouth made people feel like they were in the spring breeze and made them feel good about him.

Finally, a female swordsman in a light gauze skirt slowly walked into everyone's sight. Her skirt fluttered in the wind, her steps were light and graceful, her face was gentle yet majestic, like a fairy from the moon descending to the mortal world. A faint sword intent surrounded her body, which was both soft and sharp, allowing people to inadvertently feel her profound sword skills.

"This is Sword Master Qi, who specializes in Taixuan swordsmanship. He is usually stationed in the Northern Territory to protect the peace of the Sword Sect's northern border!" Sword Master Feng introduced the identity of the silver-haired old man to Li Mu, and smiled and gestured, "Sword Master Qi not only has outstanding sword skills, but also has an extraordinary vision and is good at sword formations. Elder Li, you are also good at sword formations. You can ask him for advice when you have the chance."

Hearing this, Li Mu hurriedly stepped forward, bowed and said, "I have long heard of the great name of Qi Jianzhu. It is a great honor to meet you today. I have many questions about sword formations, and I hope Qi Jianzhu will be generous in giving me some advice."

"Hahaha! Elder Li, you are too polite. I really like the Taoist sword you refined for me. It is not easy to see it today. Since you are interested in the sword formation, I will do my best to help you." Master Qi Jian smiled heartily, stroking his silver beard gently, his eyes flashing with wisdom, then he took out an exquisite storage ring from his sleeve and handed it to Li Mu.

"Inside this storage ring are the classics and insights on the art of sword formations that I have collected over the years, as well as some spiritual materials for refining weapons. It also contains high-level spiritual materials for refining weapons that I collected in the Northern Territory, including the rare 'Ice Jade', 'Thunder Fire Crystal', etc. I hope it can add some strength to your journey of refining weapons." Qi Xuanming gestured with a smile.

"Here, Master Qi Jian, this great gift belongs to me, Li!" Li Mu was surprised and quickly refused.

"Elder Li, please do not refuse." Seeing this, Sword Master Feng interrupted with a smile and gestured, "You and Sword Master Qi are soulmates in the way of swordsmanship. He gave you this item out of his support and expectations for you. If you can integrate these classics and experiences, it will not only improve your personal cultivation, but also make a great contribution to our Sword Sect. Moreover, the Dao Sword you have refined has been greatly praised by Sword Master Qi. The spiritual materials for refining in this storage ring are also a recognition of your refining skills."

"Accept it, Elder Li, this is what you deserve." Chen Daojun came over and advised Li Mudao together.

"Thank you, Master Qi Jian, for your generous gift!" Li Mu readily followed suit and took the storage ring with gratitude.

Qi Xuanming smiled with satisfaction, he had seen the top-grade Taoist weapon that Li Mu presented to Chen Daojun today, so he was doing him a favor and establishing a friendship with him, so he would naturally not suffer any loss in the future.

Next, Sword Master Feng continued to lead Li Mu towards the burly middle-aged swordsman wearing black armor and introduced him, "This is Sword Master Lin, who guards the Eastern Region of the Sword Sect and suppresses all the monsters. He is famous for his 'Thunderbolt' sword domain. His swordsmanship is as swift as thunder and unstoppable. Sword Master Lin not only has superb swordsmanship, but also practices physical skills. His physical body is so strong that it is almost comparable to magic weapons. He is a rare all-round swordsman in the Sword Sect."

"The name of Master Lin Sword is well-known. It is my honor to meet you today." Li Mu bowed slightly to Master Lin Sword and greeted him with a smile.

"Elder Li, you're welcome. Thank you for refining the 'Thunder Spirit' for me. This is a thank-you gift I prepared for you. I hope you will accept it!" Lin Jianzhu's voice was deep. After he finished speaking, he gently waved his hand and took out a storage ring to give it to him. He smiled and introduced: "This storage ring contains the 'Red Flame Gold Sand', 'Thousand Veins Crystal Stone' and other refining treasures that are unique to my Eastern Region. I hope you like it."

"My name is Feng Wuhen, and you are Elder Li. Although my storage ring does not have as stunning spiritual materials as the previous two sword masters, they are all carefully selected. Please accept them!" The green-clothed swordsman smiled slightly and gently shook the bone fan in his hand. A breeze blew by, and a storage ring shining with green light appeared in front of Li Mu.

"Elder Li, this storage ring of mine contains spiritual materials such as 'Cloud Dream Dew' and 'Moonlight Silver Sand'. They are not only suitable for refining weapons, but also contain a trace of natural laws. I hope you can incorporate the unique aura of these spiritual materials into the refining process to create a more perfect work." The Master of Yunmeng Sword introduced with a smile. Before he finished speaking, an exquisite storage ring appeared in front of Li Mu.

"Thank you, Sword Master Lin, Sword Master Feng, and Sword Master Yun. I, Li, am so shameless that I cannot refuse your gifts!" Faced with such generous gifts from the sword masters, Li Mu thanked them gratefully and reached out to take the three storage rings.

"Haha, Elder Li, just accept it with peace of mind! No need to be polite. It's a pity that Sword Master Qiu was delayed by something, otherwise he would have come in person to give you a token of his thoughtfulness. However, his absence does not mean that his thoughtfulness is lacking. When he returns, I will let him make up for this courtesy." Sword Master Feng smiled heartily, resolving the slight regret that Sword Master Qiu was not here.

"That's right, Elder Li, you're welcome. The Dao Sword you refined for us is far more than worth it. These spiritual materials are just a small token of our appreciation!" Sword Master Lin laughed and said gratefully.

"That's right. 'Sky Frost' is very compatible with me. With its help, I can take that step in no time." Yun Jianzhu looked at Li Mu and thanked him gratefully. Then, she looked at Chen Qingxuan and asked with concern: "Brother Chen, you were promoted to the Mahayana stage because of your Gengjin Dao Sword."

After hearing Sword Master Yun's question, Sword Master Feng showed a strange look on his face, while the three Sword Masters all showed concerns.

Chen Qingxuan's cultivation level was at the bottom among the seven of them, but he eventually surpassed them, which really made them extremely curious. They tried to get a glimpse of the truth and imitate him to advance to the Mahayana stage.

Chen Qingxuan frowned. He broke through the "barrier" and advanced to the Mahayana stage because he fought with Li Mu, who had embarked on the Chaos Avenue, and gained a chance and enlightenment from it. It had nothing to do with the Gengjin Dao Sword. However, he had promised Li Mu not to tell others that he practiced the Chaos Avenue. At the moment, it was difficult for Master Yun to explain the reason to him.

Like him, several sword masters have been stagnant at the peak of the fusion realm for many years, and they all have a great desire to cross that last chasm and enter the Mahayana realm.

Facing the direct questioning from Master Yun Jian, Chen Qingxuan quickly calculated in his mind that he had to keep his promise to Li Mu, and at the same time give his companions a reasonable explanation to prevent them from going astray due to misunderstanding.

Chen Qingxuan looked around. The distinguished guests participating in the ceremony, the ancestors of the sects, and the patriarchs of the families were all paying attention to this place, watching eagerly. If they hadn't been surrounding Li Mu, they would have been eager to come over and join in, and make friends with Elder Li.

Chen Qingxuan waved his hand, with an apologetic smile on his face, and said perfunctorily: "This matter is complicated, and there are many details that are difficult to summarize in one sentence. When the time is right in the future, I will tell you in detail."

Then, Chen Daojun showed a gentle smile, looked at Li Mu and said, "Elder Li, you have only been refining the Dharma Realm for a short time. You need to retreat for a while to stabilize your cultivation. It's time to go back and retreat!"

Hearing this, Li Mu's eyes lit up, as if he had been pardoned. He looked at Chen Qingxuan gratefully and said, "Dao Jun, you are absolutely right. Li will practice hard in seclusion and strive to break through as soon as possible."

Li Mu could not wait to bow deeply to all the sword masters, sword elders and all the distinguished guests present, and said apologetically: "Everyone, Li has something on his mind and urgently needs to go into seclusion to consolidate his cultivation, so I will take my leave first. I hope you will forgive me."

After that, Li Mu took Xue'er and flew away into the air, hurriedly leaving the venue of the ceremony.

"Hey, Master Li, wait a minute, Kun has something to ask of you!"

"Master Li, wait a moment."

……

Seeing Li Mu fly out of the encirclement of several sword masters of Xuantian Sword Sect, there was a burst of calls at the scene. Those clan leaders and sect elders who were familiar with Li Mu or had heard of him for a long time were eager to keep him.

Some of them held jade slips in their hands, and some carried exquisite storage rings. It was obvious that they came with sincerity and generous gifts, hoping to take this opportunity to establish a relationship with Li Mu.

"Everyone, our sect's Elder Li needs to be in seclusion for a period of time. If you want to entrust him with refining equipment, you can discuss it with our sect's Elder Qiu. Don't disturb his practice!"

Watching Li Mu's departing back, Chen Qingxuan smiled slightly, looked at the elders of the sect and the distinguished guests invited to attend this grand ceremony, and gestured majestically.

The words of Mahayana Daojun resounded like thunder in every corner of the venue, not only stopping those anxious calls, but also making everyone present feel an indescribable awe. Chen Qingxuan's words not only showed his full support for Li Mu's retreat, but also revealed his importance to him.

Upon hearing this, all the clan leaders and sect elders restrained their urgency and looked in the direction where Li Mu was leaving, with regret in their eyes.

The faces of the ancestors and clan leaders showed disappointment. Chen Qingxuan's words completely cut off their thoughts of having in-depth exchanges with Li Mu. But on second thought, if they could reach an agreement on the weapon refining commission through Elder Qiu, they would not return empty-handed. However, they didn't know what extra price they would have to pay.

At this time, Qiu Yuanhong stepped forward, smiled and bowed to everyone, saying, "Don't worry, I will take care of all matters related to refining equipment while Elder Li is in seclusion. I promise not to keep you waiting for long. If you want to entrust Elder Li with refining equipment, that's no problem. If you have any special needs or questions, just come to me."

After hearing this, everyone felt relieved. They thanked Elder Qiu and expressed their wishes for Li Mu's successful retreat.

On the way back, Li Mu and Xue'er walked side by side, shuttling between the clouds, enjoying this rare quiet time. The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on them, adding a bit of warmth to the journey home.

Xue'er's eyebrows were as beautiful as jade. She stared at Li Mu's handsome face, her eyes flashing with admiration and pride.

"Why are you looking at me like that!" Li Mu felt Xue'er's gaze and asked puzzledly.

"Brother Li, today really opened my eyes. So many sword masters and sect elders respect you and praise you highly. They also gave you so many precious high-level spiritual materials for refining weapons. You are really amazing!" Xue'er praised sincerely and said proudly.

"It's okay! However, too much light can bring both blessing and disaster!" Li Mu's smile flashed away, and he sighed softly, looking deeply into the distance, and replied with some worry.

Xue'er immediately caught Li Mu's negative emotions, and gently moved closer, comforting him with concern: "Brother Li, don't worry too much! We have the Xuantian Sword Sect behind us, they shouldn't dare to harm you, right?"

"It's better to rely on yourself than on others!" Li Mu smiled bitterly, looked at Xue'er and solemnly reminded her: "Xue'er, next, you will go through the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation. I will also make some preparations for you to ensure that you can go through it smoothly!"

Xue'er felt the power in Li Mu's words, and a warm current surged in her heart. She held Li Mu's hand tightly and said firmly: "Brother Li, I will work hard! With you by my side, I am not afraid of anything."

As they were talking, the two returned to the Qixuan Sect, plunged into the training room of the Sect Master's Mansion, and entered the treasure house space to retreat. (End of this chapter)