Li Mu listened to Liu Yalan’s words and slightly opened his mouth, wanting to explain that this wasn’t what he meant. However, on second thought, the situation indeed seemed so. Given the countless Spirit Treasures he had refined for the Profound Celestial Sword Sect over the years, it was hard not to be renowned. The several elders of the Seven Profound Sect were anxious to ensure his attendance at this ceremony, seemingly with this in mind.

Thinking of this, Li Mu smiled helplessly and did not argue further.

The two weeks passed in the blink of an eye, and the day of the Sect Grand Ceremony finally dawned. On this day, the Seven Profound Sect was exceptionally lively, with guests arriving from far and wide to witness this grand event.

During these two weeks, the entire Seven Profound Sect was immersed in a busy yet joyful atmosphere. Within and without the Sect, both elders and disciples were busy with preparations for the upcoming ceremony, attending to various affairs.

Every corner of the Sect was meticulously cleaned, spotless. The buildings, originally archaic and elegant, were now radiating new glamour, as if each stone and tile was recounting the history and glory of the Sect.

In the garden within the Sect, splendid flowers adorned the grounds, blooming in a riot of color. Various Spirit Flowers and exotic grasses bloomed in competition, exuding a faint fragrance that soothed the soul. Even the Spirit Beasts and Spiritual Birds were meticulously adorned, either dancing gracefully or soaring high, adding a vibrant touch to the whole Sect.

Besides, the Spiritual Qi within the Sect became even more abundant, as the Sect Elders deliberately expended a large amount of Spirit Stones to fully operate the Array of Yin Yang Five Elements Spirit Gathering, gathering the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi towards the Seven Main Peaks of the Sect. This not only made the environment more pleasant but also added solemnity and sanctity to the forthcoming ceremony.

As the bell of the Sect Grand Ceremony rang out, visitors from all directions arrived, piloting Spiritual Ships, Magical Vehicles, Spiritual Birds, or flying with Sword Control, creating a spectacular and solemn scene. They came from different Sects, Cultivation Clans; some were renowned elders, others powerful rulers, their arrival causing the entire Seven Profound Sect to boil over with excitement.

"Taiyi Immortal Sect, Elder Hu arrives!"

With a loud voice, an elder with white hair and beard, exuding an air of immortality, slowly descended. He wore a cyan Magic Robe and held a Jade Sword, his manner imposing. It was Hu Tianyi from the Taiyi Immortal Sect, who personally came, immediately drawing the attention and respect of all present.

Following closely, another voice rang out: "Beiming Mansion, Grand Mansion Master arrives!"

A middle-aged man, burly and stern-looking, rode a massive Spirit Beast as he arrived from the sky. The Grand Mansion Master of the Beiming Mansion was one of the overlords of the Central State Spiritual Domain North. His presence added more heat to the ceremony.

Subsequently, Elder Qiu of the Profound Celestial Sect, Venerable Kun Yuan of one of the Eight Great Clans, and Shangguan Hong of the Shangguan Family all arrived one after another. They arrived in Spiritual Ships, on Spiritual Birds, or by Sword Flight, each showcasing their Divine Techniques, leaving spectators dazzled.

Li Mu, along with the elders of the Seven Profound Sect, personally welcomed the arrival of these distinguished guests.

"Friend Li, it’s been years, how have you been?"

Hu Yiming looked at Li Mu, who was dressed in the Sect Leader’s Robe of the Seven Profound Sect, and greeted him with a complex expression.

"Elder Hu!" Li Mu bowed in return, his face displaying a sincere smile: "Indeed, it’s been years, and Elder still carries the same elegance, which is delightful to see."

"Friend Li, I earnestly invited you to my Taiyi Sect back then, but now you’ve joined the Profound Celestial Sword Sect. I must admit, I have been quite disappointed for a long time!" Hu Yiming looked at Li Mu but couldn’t manage a smile, his tone filled with a sense of chagrin.

Hearing this, Li Mu felt a pang of helplessness. He understood well Hu Yiming’s feelings. He had indeed received an invitation from the Taiyi Sect back then, but eventually chose to remain in the Profound Celestial Sword Sect. It wasn’t because he looked down on the Taiyi Sect, but due to fortuitous circumstances that left him no choice, he joined the Profound Celestial Sword Sect.

At this time, an elder in a red brocade robe stepped out from the crowd, it was precisely Qiu Yuanhong from the Profound Celestial Sword Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Hu, please let it go." Qiu Yuanhong softly sighed, stepped forward to Li Mu, and advised, "Elder Li joining the Seven Profound Sect was by chance, and aligns with the Celestial Destiny. We cultivators should adhere to the natural course and not force matters. Moreover, since Elder Li joined our Sect, he has achieved great success. Fellow Daoist Hu, why hold onto this?"

"Saying it is easy, who knows if Friend Li joined the Profound Celestial Sword Sect due to unspeakable circumstances!" Hu Yiming coldly laughed, hinted at Li Mu, "Friend Li, if you have any troubles, feel free to tell. In this Central State Spirit Realm, the Taiyi Sect still holds some weight, and can stand up for you."

Li Mu felt another wave of helplessness, knowing that Hu Yiming still harbored resentment about his joining the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, and could only comfort him gently: "Elder Hu, I appreciate your concern. I joined the Profound Celestial Sword Sect due to fortuitous circumstances, and it turned out to be a correct choice. I’ve met many kindred spirits here, and there’s nothing to worry about."

"Is that so!"

Upon hearing this, Hu Yiming seemed unsatisfied, eyeing Li Mu intently, as though trying to discern something. However, Li Mu’s gaze was firm and earnest, leaving no flaws for him to find.

Just at this moment, the Greeting Bell suddenly tolled nine times, the loud and melodious sound reverberating throughout the entire hall. Subsequently, a clear and strong chant arose to announce the arrival of distinguished guests of the Seven Profound Sect.

"Upper Sect - Profound Celestial Sword Sect, Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen arrive!"

With the end of this announcement, the originally lively crowd in the hall suddenly seemed throttled, the noise abruptly ceased. Everyone’s gaze swiftly turned towards the entrance of the hall, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the two distinguished guests.

Hu Yiming, Qiu Yuanhong, and everyone present stood up, tidied their garments, and bowed. They knew the arrival of these two Sword Masters was not merely a show of respect towards the Seven Profound Sect, but also an acknowledgment and encouragement for all cultivators present.

Soon, two middle-aged men, one clad in a cyan long robe and the other in a yellow brocade robe, walked confidently into the hall, their demeanor extraordinary and composed. One exuded sharpness, while the other appeared inward and heavy, giving an otherworldly impression. They were the Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect.

Their appearance immediately drew everyone’s attention, as people rushed forward to pay respects and express their welcome and admiration.

Gazing at the two Sword Masters, even Hu Yiming was stunned. They never expected these busy Sword Masters to personally attend the grand ceremony of a mere lower sect. They surely came for Li Mu’s sake.

Sword Master Feng and Sword Master Chen smiled and nodded in response to the crowd, simultaneously glancing at Hu Yiming, and then focusing their gaze firmly on Li Mu, who was surrounded by the crowd.

"Junior Brother Chen, this is Elder Li. Perhaps one day, you might request his help to refine a Daoist Soldier for you," Sword Master Feng said with a smile, introducing Li Mu to Sword Master Chen.

Sword Master Feng looked at Li Mu, introducing Sword Master Chen with a kindly smile: "Elder Li, this is our Sect’s own Chen Qingxuan, one of the Seven Sword Masters. If you are seeking the Spirit Seed of the Cyan Nether Sword Bamboo, you should ask him directly."

Li Mu promptly bowed to Chen Qingxuan, earnestly requesting, "This junior, Li Mu, greets Sword Master Chen. If I could receive Sword Master Chen’s assistance, I’d be endlessly grateful."

"Haha, Elder Li, you’re too polite. The two Cyan Nether Sword Bamboos I acquired from the Vortex Spirit Secret Realm. However, obtaining its Spirit Seed won’t be easy! The Vortex Spirit Secret Realm requires a Void Refining Cultivation to enter safely, and the opportunity to cultivate Spiritual Bamboo is a rarity in a thousand years, so prepare yourself mentally." Sword Master Chen laughed heartily, then casually handed over a Jade Scroll to Li Mu: "This is a clue to entering the Vortex Spirit Secret Realm, consider it a meeting gift."

Receiving the Jade Scroll, Li Mu felt a wave of excitement and gratefully thanked, "I will never forget Sword Master Chen’s great kindness, regardless of the outcome, I owe you a favor."

"Haha, I’ll remember this favor!" Sword Master Chen laughed aloud, patting Li Mu’s shoulder, cheerfully promising: "Elder Li, help me refine a Daoist Soldier in the future, and I will greatly repay you."

"Rest assured, Sword Master Chen, if one day I am able to refine a Daoist Soldier, I will give my utmost," Li Mu respectfully agreed, surprised by Sword Master Chen’s directness.

Sword Master Chen laughed heartily, not putting much weight on it as refining Daoist Soldiers is not a simple task. His visit at Sword Master Feng’s invitation was merely to give Li Mu face.

However, Li Mu took the matter of refining Daoist Soldiers seriously. Liu Yalan recently submitted three stocks of Nine Yin Spirit Grass, and combined with the Nine Yang Spirit Grass, the Spiritual Energy could be further improved, and the upgrade to Artifact Refining Technique and the day to refine a Tier Seven Daoist Soldier would not be far off.