Li Mu quickly came to terms with it; after all, Five Elements Cultivation was not mainstream. Even in this talent-rich sect, it was difficult to find easily.

As time went on, the inner sect competition gradually reached its climax, and the atmosphere grew more heated. Many disciples took the stage, each showcasing their strengths, be it dazzling sword lights or swirling spells. Those with profound cultivation and outstanding talent performed exceptionally well. Every duel was brilliantly conducted, leaving spectators dazzled. Even though Foundation Establishment disciples and Qi Refining disciples had relatively lower cultivation, their battles were filled with vigor and vitality, like a surge of new life.

However, in the eyes of the Divinity Transformation elders, the battles between Foundation Establishment disciples and Qi Refining disciples seemed like child’s play. Although somewhat entertaining, they lacked true highlights. While they observed the disciples’ performances, they were more interested in their talent and potential.

Compared to the many Divinity Transformation Elders, Li Mu appeared somewhat different, his gaze losing focus as if contemplating some profound question, seemingly disinterested in the disciples’ battles onstage.

Suddenly, Li Mu’s eyes widened sharply, as if deeply attracted by something. His gaze pierced through the many dueling platforms, landing directly on a specific stage where a gray-clad man and a blue-dressed woman were locked in fierce battle.

Noticing Li Mu’s peculiar gaze, several sect elders including Fang Shixin, Qin Wentong, and Ge Xinyu stopped their chitchat. They exchanged glances and promptly directed their attention to the stage Li Mu was watching.

On stage 21, a young man in gray, wielding a long sword, was fiercely engaged with a woman in a blue dress. The man, probably in his early twenties, was in the Qi Refining Seventh Layer. Although his appearance was ordinary, his face was resolute, exuding a steadfast spirit. His opponent was a Foundation Establishment Initial Realm female disciple, similar in age, with a beautiful appearance and a cool demeanor.

Though their fight was intense, it didn’t stand out compared to the outstanding duels of other notable disciples. Surprisingly, the young man in gray could tenaciously resist the attacks of a Foundation Establishment Initial Realm woman with his Qi Refining Seventh Layer cultivation, creating a stalemate.

Such a scene naturally drew attention, especially when Li Mu and several sect elders focused their gaze here, making this otherwise inconspicuous battle intriguing. All disciples speculated about the special qualities of this fierce duel that aroused the attention of the sect master and elders.

"Who is that young man?" Fang Shixin inquired softly, clearly noting the gray-clad youth had caught Li Mu’s attention.

"He’s cultivated the Five Elements Technique. No wonder he can resist a Foundation Establishment Initial Realm at Qi Refining Seventh Layer." Qin Wentong, recognizing the unique quality of the gray-clad man’s technique, praised in surprise.

"That’s the outer disciple Lin Maoshan. This young man possesses the Five Elements Middle Spirit Root and is currently cultivating all Five Elements. He should choose one to major in after reaching Foundation Establishment. His opponent is Zhong Yuling, with an Ice-type Strange Spirit Root, at Foundation Establishment Initial Realm." Wood Element Peak Master Zhong Zilin looked at Fang Shixin and Li Mu, providing a detailed introduction of the two on stage.

"This young man cultivates all five elements like the sect master; are you interested in him?" Fang Shixin asked Li Mu with concern.

Upon hearing this, all elders became alert, equally concerned.

Today’s grand sect ceremony was unprecedentedly splendid. Due to Li Mu, two Sword Masters from the Profound Celestial Sword Sect personally attended, adding solemnity and grandeur to the ceremony.

Additionally, Taiyi Sect, one of the giants of the Central State Spirit Realm alongside the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, also sent representatives to congratulate. Moreover, many forces, including the Eight Great Cultivation Clans, came to celebrate. All of this was due to Li Mu, whose connection greatly enhanced the reputation and status of the Seven Profound Sect among Central State Spirit Realm’s major powers.

However, Li Mu was an extremely unfit sect master. Disinterested in sect affairs, he spent more time either in seclusion refining artifacts or tending spirit plants, paying little mind to the daily management of Seven Profound Sect, not treating it as home. Many elders had a premonition that he might resign as sect master any day.

To connect Li Mu more with the Seven Profound Sect, the elders wished for him to take on more disciples or recommend partners to increase his ties to the sect, binding him to Seven Profound Sect.

Unfortunately, as the inner sect competition drew to a close, Li Mu had yet to find a disciple to his satisfaction.

Now, with Lin Maoshan emerging, sharing Li Mu’s Five Elements Cultivation, it seemed to bring a glimmer of hope to the elders’ expectations.

Faced with the anticipating gazes of the elders, Li Mu slightly nodded, eyes fixed on Lin Maoshan onstage, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He smiled faintly and said, "This young man is indeed outstanding. To have cultivated the Five Elements Technique to Qi Refining Seventh Layer with minor achievement at such a young age is truly commendable."

Five Elements Cultivation implies that the difficulty and speed of cultivation are five times those of single cultivation techniques. As one progresses, the difficulty increases, advancement slows, and there’s a risk of falling due to insufficient lifespan or realm. It requires exceptionally high talent and perseverance and is not the mainstream cultivation path for current cultivators.