Chapter 830 - 439: Hidden Sword Valley
Qiu Yuanhong, after careful consideration, looked at Li Mu solemnly and said, "Elder Li, facing such a formidable adversary like the Bu Mie Demon Lord, it is difficult for ordinary cultivators to handle. You must be the one to step forward in this matter. Please come with me for a trip!"
"Hmm?" A hint of doubt flashed in Li Mu’s eyes as he nodded his head and followed Qiu Yuanhong’s lead.
Soon, the two of them, one in front and one behind, passed through the layers of Sect buildings, heading in the direction of the back mountain.
The back mountain is a forbidden area in the Sect, usually with few cultivators venturing in, making it extraordinarily tranquil. As they delved deeper into the back mountain, the surrounding scenery gradually became desolate, entering a secluded valley.
Qiu Yuanhong stopped his steps, turned to Li Mu, and said, "Elder Li, this place of cultivation is called ’Hidden Sword Valley.’ The Spiritual Qi in the valley is abundant, and there are imprints of Sword Qi left by battles between Daoist Monarchs of past generations. This valley is the place where the Sect’s Sword Elders choose to retreat and meditate, and it is also where our Sect’s Sword Elders have cloistered themselves to break through to the next realm."
"Aside from the two Daoist Monarchs and the seven Sword Masters who have unmatched combat power within the Sect, next in line are the thirteen Sword Elders who are the most formidable in battle. With the two Daoist Monarchs and seven Sword Masters each occupied with important matters, unable to withdraw, the only way to eliminate the formidable enemy of the Bu Mie Demon Lord is to enlist the help of a few Sword Elders." Qiu Yuanhong introduced as he looked at Li Mu.
"Oh!" Li Mu nodded, still with some doubt in his eyes, not understanding why Qiu Yuanhong said it had to be him to step forward.
Qiu Yuanhong seemed to notice Li Mu’s confusion and smiled slightly, explaining, "The Sword Elders in seclusion generally cannot be disturbed, even by the two Daoist Monarchs or seven Sword Masters; they may not give them face. However, with you here, Elder Li, the situation is different."
"Me?" Li Mu was slightly taken aback, even more puzzled by Qiu Yuanhong’s words.
"Elder Li, over the years, you have refined a total of eight Daoist Soldiers, four of which were commissioned by four Sword Elders. They owe you a favor," Qiu Yuanhong smiled at Li Mu, revealing the reason with a fragrance: "Therefore, if you invite them in person, they will certainly agree and join forces with you against the enemy."
"I see!" Li Mu suddenly understood and hurriedly cupped his hands, saying, "Elder Qiu, thank you!"
Qiu Yuanhong smiled slightly, walked deep into the Hidden Sword Valley, and called out loudly, "Elder Yunyi, today Qiu has an important matter to discuss. Please emerge from seclusion for a meeting!"
With Qiu Yuanhong’s words imbued with powerful True Essence fading away, a burst of Sword Intent surged from the place of seclusion. Elder Yunyi’s figure then appeared before them like a phantom, carrying a black sword sheath on his back, his expression cold and eyes like torches.
Elder Yunyi, dressed in black, his robes fluttering, gave off a mysterious and profound aura, emitting a sharp Sword Intent, as if every strand of hair and every corner of his robe contained great power, displaying unmistakably the aura of an Integration Realm Powerhouse.
Elder Yunyi gazed at Qiu Yuanhong disapprovingly, asking in a deep voice, "Elder Qiu, what business do you have to interrupt my seclusion?"
Qiu Yuanhong smiled, gesturing to Li Mu beside him, and introduced, "Elder Yunyi, this is the newly appointed Supreme Elder - Li Mu, the refiner of your Black Emperor Dao Sword. He has come in person today for an important matter to discuss."
Upon hearing the words "refiner of the Black Emperor Dao Sword," Elder Yunyi’s stern gaze instantly softened. He carefully scrutinized Li Mu, a hint of admiration flashing through his eyes.
"I didn’t expect Elder Li to come personally. I’ve long admired your reputation. The Black Emperor Dao Sword’s power is exceptional, and with its assistance, I am like a tiger with wings. This is all thanks to your ingenious craftsmanship. It is truly fortunate to meet you in person today." Elder Yunyi came forward, cupped his hands to thank Li Mu.
Li Mu hurriedly returned the courtesy, humbly saying, "Elder Yunyi is too kind. The Black Emperor Dao Sword is able to display such might all thanks to Elder Yunyi’s profound swordsmanship. It is truly my honor to meet Elder Yunyi today."
Seeing the two respectfully acknowledging each other, Qiu Yuanhong smiled and interjected, "Alright, both Elders are pillars of the Sect, no need for such modesty. Inviting Elder Yunyi to break seclusion today is because Elder Li has an important request."
"Haha, let’s dispense with the formalities then. As I owe Elder Li an enormous favor, I will naturally do my utmost to assist." Elder Yunyi laughed heartily and then collected his expression, looking at Qiu Yuanhong with a murderous gleam, "Elder Qiu, who does Lord Yun need to kill? Just say the word!"
"Elder Yun, please wait a moment!" Qiu Yuanhong gestured to Elder Yunyi, then turned to the void beside him, condensing True Essence, and called out across the Sect to another place, "Elder Xiao Shuang, I have an important matter to ask, please emerge from seclusion for a meeting!"
"Elder Qiu, whom do you intend to deal with that you must also disturb Elder Xiao?" Elder Yunyi’s expression changed slightly upon witnessing this, speaking with gravity.
"Once Elder Xiao is out, I will explain in detail," Qiu Yuanhong smiled slightly and responded.
As Qiu Yuanhong’s words fell, a sense of coldness spread from deep within the Sect. Shortly after, a woman dressed in white, holding the Ice Soul Dao Sword, appeared before them. She was none other than Elder Xiao Shuang, known within the Sect for her cold and exquisite swordsmanship.
Elder Xiao Shuang, like an Immortal from the realm of ice and snow, silently appeared before the crowd. Her pristine white robes seemed woven from the purest clouds, light and ethereal, perfectly complementing her icy demeanor.
Her face, exquisite beyond comparison, her skin as snowy as her attire, bore no trace of worldly concern. Her deep and bright eyes, like stars inset atop icy peaks, flashed with a cold gleam, yet conveyed an indescribable profundity.