I Just Want to Cultivate Quietly and Farm
Chapter 712 - 383: Challenging the Sword Tower (Part 5)
In the Sword Tower Space, Li Mu wreaked havoc all around. Whether they were seasoned senior disciples or gifted newcomers, they all fell beneath his sword, swiftly sent out of the Sword Tower while he recklessly reaped Sect Contributions.
Refining a Tier Six Spiritual Treasure earns only a hundred thousand Sect Contributions, while defeating a challenger can gain several thousand Sect Contributions, sharpening sword skills and enhancing practical experience. Li Mu found endless joy in it.
Time flowed like water, and in the blink of an eye, two years passed.
During these two years, Li Mu never left the Sword Tower Space, continuously accepting challenges and continuously defeating opponents. His reputation within the Profound Celestial Sword Sect grew larger, becoming a widely known figure, called Li Laohu - meaning ’the Tiger in the Way’ by the challengers.
The disciples began to privately call him "Li Laohu," implying he is like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, unstoppable. His presence seemed to become an insurmountable obstacle in the Sword Tower Space, being called "the Tiger in the Way" by challengers.
Meanwhile, Li Mu’s status as an Honored Guest Elder and an Artifact Refining Grandmaster gradually surfaced over these two years. His Artifact Refining Skill had long been a celebrated tale within the Sect. Countless disciples hoped for his guidance, with some even willing to pay a high price just to obtain a Spirit Treasure refined by his hands.
When challengers learned of Li Mu’s identity, they all showed respect, though they continued to challenge him, they no longer acted recklessly, nor did they harbor any resentment even in defeat.
As such, because of Li Mu, the number of disciples challenging the Sword Tower’s reigning master position significantly decreased, which became a concern for the high echelons of Celestial Sword Peak.
Celestial Sword Peak - Assembly Hall.
"Everyone, regarding Elder Li, what are your views?" At the main seat of the hall, the Celestial Sword Peak Master, Venerable Fang Hong, scanned the faces of the elders and asked.
The seated elders began to murmur softly, some looking worried while others were pondering.
An elder with white whiskers was the first to speak: "Peak Master, Elder Li Mu’s performance in the Sword Tower is truly remarkable; his Sword Skill, Cultivation, strength, and his Artifact Refining Skill are all extraordinary. However, because of him, the number of challengers has significantly decreased, which may not be beneficial for the younger generation of our Sect."
Another middle-aged elder nodded in agreement: "Indeed, the Sword Tower was originally a place for disciples to hone their Sword Skills, but now it has become deserted due to Elder Li Mu’s presence, which is a pity."
The Celestial Sword Peak Master, Venerable Fang Hong, slightly sighed and said, "I am well aware of this situation, but Elder Li is an Honored Guest, and he has made great contributions to the Sect. Additionally, due to the Sword Tower’s rules, we cannot forcibly interfere with his behavior in the Sword Tower!"
At this moment, a blue-robed elder stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Peak Master, I have a proposal that might resolve this predicament."
Curiosity flashed in Venerable Fang Hong’s eyes as he said, "Oh? Do tell."
The blue-robed elder nodded and indicated, "Since Elder Li Mu has such significant influence in the Sword Tower, why not have our peak’s Chief Sword Master, Ling Feng, emerge and challenge Elder Li? Ling Feng is among the best in our Profound Celestial Sword Sect’s young generation; his Sword Skill and Cultivation are outstanding. His challenge could impose some pressure on Elder Li, and he might even defeat the reigning master."
Upon hearing this, Venerable Fang Hong furrowed his brow and, after a moment of contemplation, nodded slowly: "Having Ling Feng challenge him is indeed worth trying. His Sword Skill is exquisite, and his Cultivation profound enough to match Elder Li Mu. However, Elder Li’s methods are numerous, his strength immeasurable, and he is regarded as the foremost in the Divinity Transformation Realm; we cannot take it lightly. Even if Ling Feng takes action, he may not be able to win easily."
Hearing this, the blue-robed elder smiled slightly, nodding in agreement, and indicated, "The Peak Master’s words are very true. However, our intention in letting Ling Feng take action is not solely to defeat Elder Li Mu. More importantly, we want Ling Feng, as the Chief Sword Master, to convey our predicament and expectations to Elder Li Mu. Perhaps, we can request Elder Li to challenge higher levels or voluntarily give up the reigning position. After all, Elder Li is reasonable and should heed our advice."
Venerable Fang Hong’s eyes lit up slightly, looking at the blue-robed elder, then sweeping over the other elders, and asked, "This is indeed a good plan, how do you all feel about it?"
An elderly white-haired elder furrowed his brow and said gravely: "Peak Master, although this action may achieve our goal, it would damage our peak’s honor. Moreover, it seems to desecrate the rules of the Sword Tower. The Sword Tower is meant for disciples to freely challenge and hone their Sword Skills; if we interfere this way, it may cause dissatisfaction and doubt among other disciples."
However, a burly elder held a different opinion, saying loudly: "Elder Li has held the reigning position in the Sword Tower for too long, almost unbeatable, causing many disciples to lose the courage to challenge. His presence has rendered the Sword Tower devoid of its intended grinding function. Having Sword Master Ling Feng persuade him is already giving him ample respect. Moreover, we are considering the overall benefit of the Sect; this action is appropriate."
The elders heard this, discussed amongst themselves, expressing varied opinions. Some believed that although the move might be somewhat inappropriate, it was a necessary action to resolve the current plight; others insisted on respecting the Sword Tower’s rules and allowing disciples the freedom to challenge.