Seeing Li Mu being slighted by fellow Golden Core cultivators, Steward Wan cleared his throat and quickly introduced, "Lin Zhenchuan, this is Master Li, the Honored Guest Elder of our pavilion, who should also be Elder Li, the Artifact Refining Elder of your sect."

"What! You are Elder Li!"

"So that's how it is. I was wondering why the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion treated you so generously. Turns out you are Elder Li!"

"Ling Feng greets Elder Li!"

"Elder Li, the Wind Chasing Spirit Sword in my hand was refined by you!"

"Elder Li, you reside on Moon Pearl Peak, right? I tried to visit before but met closed doors!"

...

The Golden Core cultivators all gathered around Li Mu, warmly greeting him, their previous aloof demeanor completely changed.

Li Mu, in the crowd, cast a resentful glance at Steward Wan. This guy was too meddlesome, with so many Golden Core cultivators around him, how could he have a peaceful day?

Noticing Li Mu's gaze, Steward Wan finally came to his senses and returned an apologetic yet awkward smile.

"Elder Li, forgive my earlier oversight. The sect's current situation is truly dire. With the mediation of the Upper Sect Xuantian Sword Sect, our sect and four others have united to explore the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, engaging in bitter battles as the frontlines stretched. Meanwhile, disciples of the Nine Demons Sect intrude into our sect's heartland, repeatedly harassing and killing our Outer Disciples, leaving us manpower deficient!" Lin Changming looked at Li Mu and apologized, explaining in detail.

After pausing, Lin Changming continued, "However, that White Corpse Old Monster is just a delusion left in his dying moments. Elder Li needn't worry; our Qing Xuan Sect still has several Supreme Elders overseeing, and with the Mountain Protection Grand Sect formation laid by our sect's Ancestor, if the Nine Demon Cave Sects dare to assault our sect's Spirit Mountain, they are courting death."

"I see! Thank you, Senior Brother Lin, for enlightening me!" Li Mu nodded gratefully, gaining considerable insight into the general situation of Qing Xuan Sect.

That Senior Brother Yun, since our hasty farewell last time, has yet to return to the sect. I suppose he has gone to contribute to the sect!

"Elder Li, the sect currently needs personnel urgently. In a few days, I am to head to the exploration frontlines. However, I couldn't find satisfactory spirit swords and armor at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. May I commission Elder Li to refine them for me?" Lin Changming eagerly asked, looking at Li Mu with excitement.

"Indeed! We need to serve the sect alongside Senior Brother Lin. Elder Li, please, for the sake of being fellow disciples, help us refine a batch of spiritual artifacts!"

"Elder Li, we beseech you!"

...

The Golden Core cultivators surrounded Li Mu, their eyes fervent, all pleading earnestly.

Hearing this, Li Mu cast a sidelong glance at Steward Wan, his eyes full of a plaintive resentment.

Finally, Steward Wan understood why Li Mu kept a low profile within the sect. Several Golden Core cultivators had never recognized 'Elder Li' before.

Steward Wan responded with a bitter smile. He had only spoken up because the Golden Core cultivators were being too disrespectful to Master Li, which is why he advised them — alas, good intentions had ended poorly.

"Fellow brothers, I apologize sincerely. I already have an agreement with Elder Yin. If you wish for my assistance in artifact refining, you must apply through him, as all refining tasks in the sect are managed by Elder Yin, and I can't privately accept tasks," Li Mu apologized politely to the Golden Core cultivators, tactfully declining.

"But Elder Yin said you are in closed-door cultivation and have no plans to accept artifact refining tasks anytime soon!" a Golden Core disciple stated bluntly with discontent.

"Indeed! I am planning to enter closed-door cultivation for a while, aiming for the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment. If you want me to refine artifacts, wait until early next year when I come out. By then, I will certainly accept tasks!" Li Mu addressed the Golden Core disciples, giving them a heads-up.

"In that case, we'll apply at the start of the year! We hope Elder Li exits closed-door cultivation successfully."

Lin Changming also heard the determination in Li Mu's tone and could only try to console everyone.

"So be it then!"

"That's fine. We can take this time to gather all the refining materials!"

...

The Golden Core disciples all nodded, preparing to thoroughly gather refining materials, ready to apply for Elder Li's refining slots next year.

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