Chapter 252: Distributing Treasure

While Chen Mobai was observing the flow of spiritual energy over the sixty mu of fertile land on Lesser South Mountain, Zhuo Ming, who had received his voice transmission talisman, arrived first.

"Greetings, Master."

Zhuo Ming wore a straw hat, carried a bamboo basket in her right hand, and her feet were bare. Though her feet were fair, Chen Mobai noticed black specks of mud on her pant legs. It seemed she had been barefoot in the fields, checking the newly planted seedlings, when she came over. After receiving his summons, although she had washed her feet, her rolled-up pant legs were still wet, revealing signs of her recent activity.

"Rise, you've worked hard recently."

Chen Mobai was very satisfied with this disciple. Though the Divine Wood Sect did not understand why he, a genius with a bright future, had taken on an ordinary Qi Condensation disciple, he knew that a disciple with a Heavenly Spiritual Root would never be as obedient and diligent as Zhuo Ming when it came to tilling soil, sun-drying seeds, and nurturing seedlings. Moreover, even if he asked his eldest disciple, Liu Wenbai, to farm, Liu Wenbai would not openly object, but he would certainly have reservations. Sometimes, disciples like Zhuo Ming, who were accustomed to hardship and came from rogue cultivator backgrounds, were more compliant and sensible.

"It's no hardship, Master. After all, this is very beneficial for my cultivation."

After rising, Zhuo Ming demonstrated her progress in cultivating the Earth Mother Scripture; in half a year, she had already reached the third layer of Qi Condensation.

Chen Mobai nodded and asked her some questions about her cultivation. He was very familiar with the process of switching Qi Condensation cultivation techniques, having experienced it twice himself. Although wood-attributed spiritual energy needed to be converted into fire-attributed energy before transforming into earth-attributed energy, some loss of spiritual energy was unavoidable in this process. However, thanks to Zhuo Ming's excellent earth spiritual root and the earth energy from the sixty mu of spiritual land, the earth spiritual energy she cultivated not only replenished the lost portion of Longevity spiritual energy but also allowed her to experience rapid advancement and a breakthrough for the first time. The reason she had only reached the third layer of Qi Condensation in half a year was not due to significant loss during the conversion process, but because she had deliberately suppressed her progress. In fact, seventy percent of her Longevity spiritual energy in her Dantian and Qi Sea remained unconverted.

"Mm, if you can maintain this unhurried pace, you have a good chance of Foundation Establishment in the future."

Chen Mobai felt Zhuo Ming's pulse, examined the state of spiritual energy within his disciple's body, and nodded in satisfaction. They were all at the peak of the ninth Qi Condensation layer and had the aid of Foundation Establishment Pills, yet why was it that among the Divine Wood Sect's twenty-four true disciples, only a select few could successfully achieve Foundation Establishment? The difference lay in these details. Comprehension of cultivation techniques, refinement of spiritual energy, nurturing of one's spirit—if any one of these was flawed, Foundation Establishment would be extremely difficult to succeed.

"Greetings, Master."

As the master and disciple discussed sowing and transplanting, Liu Wenbai, who had received word, also arrived.

"Come, follow me up."

With both disciples present, it was time to distribute the treasures. Upon reaching the wooden house on the mountaintop, Zhuo Ming immediately went inside and brought out a chair, which Chen Mobai sat on without demur.

"During my recent secluded cultivation, my mastery of the sword dao has made further progress..."

"Congratulations, Master."

Before Chen Mobai had finished speaking, both disciples were already radiant with joy, even happier than he was. This was understandable, however, as in the Tianhe Realm, the master-disciple relationship was even closer than bloodline ties. High-stage cultivators have lifespans of hundreds or even thousands of years. The older they get, their relatives and descendants are generally generations removed, while the disciples who accompany them develop deeper bonds.

"These magic artifacts were used by me during my Qi Condensation realm. Now that I no longer have use for them, I will bestow them upon you."

Chen Mobai didn't beat around the bush; after all, he had to go to the Myriad Treasures Cave tomorrow and time was pressing, so he got straight to the point. With a flick of his sleeve, four streaks of spiritual light flew out, landing in front of the two disciples. Zhuo Ming received a dark golden needle case and a wooden umbrella, while Liu Wenbai received a cyan handkerchief and a brass finger ring. Both disciples' faces brightened even further, but they also felt a little shy.

"Take them."

"Thank you, Master."

Only after Chen Mobai spoke did the two happily accept the two magic artifacts before them.

"Wenbai, your cyan handkerchief is a first-tier mid-grade defensive magic artifact. Its activation incantation is very simple; just inject spiritual energy. But this brass finger ring is one of the mainstays that allowed me to achieve my current sword dao realm. I impart it to you today, hoping that you too can make achievements in the sword dao in the future."

With that, Chen Mobai explained in detail the origin of the Sword Forging Ring to both of them. Hearing that it was actually a secret sword cultivation treasure of the Golden Light Cliff's true disciples, Liu Wenbai couldn't help but show a moved expression, and excitedly gave him a profound bow. This was a direct legacy! He was truly being treated as a personal disciple.

"Rise. However, in the sword dao realm, talent is key. Your main goal now should still be to reach the peak of Qi Condensation and strive for a good ranking in this year's sect grand competition."

Chen Mobai waved his hand, and unseen spiritual energy lifted Liu Wenbai. At the sect grand competition at the end of last year, although Chen Mobai was gathering with family and friends in Danxia City, he also took two days to go to Divine Wood City to watch, and also shared a couple of drinks with friends like Qi Rui and Yuan Chizhi. It was a pity that Liu Wenbai still lacked sufficient foundation and was defeated in the two rounds before the true disciple stage. Because Chen Mobai had forced the previous generation of true disciples to consume their Foundation Establishment Pills when he opened the Divine Tree Secret Realm, those who failed had to re-enter the competition for true disciple status, making last year's sect grand competition more intense than the previous two years. But without Chen Mobai, the monster who could suppress all rivals with a single sword, Mu Yuan undisputedly claimed the position of chief disciple. As for his other disciple, Zhuo Ming, her goal was simply to participate and gain experience. She was eliminated in the first round. However, her opponent also knew that this round-faced junior sister, at the third Qi Condensation layer, was the disciple of Chen Mobai, last year's chief true disciple and newly promoted Foundation Establishment elder. So, the opponent was quite gentle, merely pushing her off the arena. The most unfortunate case was Qi Rui. He and Liu Wenbai went with Xi Jinghuo to Golden Light Cliff for advanced training. He felt his swordsmanship had improved and believed himself to be at the peak of Qi Condensation in both talismans and sword dao. But unfortunately, he encountered Feng Hongxue, who had failed Foundation Establishment and was re-cultivating, and was still defeated one step before the true disciple stage. However, after this battle, Qi Rui was filled with confidence. Because Feng Hongxue also lost to Qi Hou in the next round due to their fierce struggle, this signified that he indeed possessed the strength of a true disciple. There were still five years left, and he was confident that in the year the Jade Marrow Golden Ganoderma matured, he could achieve true disciple status and acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Master, I will not disappoint you. This year, I will certainly become a true disciple."

Liu Wenbai slipped on the brass finger ring, injected his spiritual energy using the method Chen Mobai taught him, and feeling the sword qi evolve, felt his confidence surge. His Longevity Immortality Scripture already showed signs of breaking through to the ninth Qi Condensation layer. By then, with the Sword Forging Ring, he would be able to cultivate his family's secret Azure Wave Sword Qi. Even if he couldn't dominate all true disciples with a single sword like his Master Chen Mobai, he still had to at least secure a true disciple spot and not disgrace his Master. Liu Wenbai, who considered himself to have received Chen Mobai's legacy, secretly resolved. On the side, Zhuo Ming's round face was also filled with envy. If one could defeat enemies with a single sword, who would want to spend their time farming?

"The activation incantation for this needle case is..."

After informing Liu Wenbai of the activation methods for his two magic artifacts, Chen Mobai turned to Zhuo Ming's two. For the first time in her life receiving such precious magic artifacts, Zhuo Ming's entire attention was immediately drawn to the needle case and the Five Transformations Umbrella. When she heard that the Five Transformations Umbrella was actually a first-tier high-grade defensive magic artifact, her jaw dropped in shock.

"Master, this is too precious."

For artifacts of the same grade, defensive magic artifacts were a tier more expensive than offensive ones, with at least a one-third premium. If the Sword Forging Ring and the Five Transformations Umbrella were placed together for cultivators to choose from, everyone except sword cultivators would choose the Five Transformations Umbrella.

"Of my disciples, you are the weakest. Take it then."

Chen Mobai's blunt statement did not discourage Zhuo Ming in the slightest. She gleefully took the wooden umbrella in her hand, injected spiritual energy into the handle using the newly learned activation method, and with a "snap," unfurled the canopy.

"Wenbai, try it."

At his Master's command, Liu Wenbai raised the Sword Forging Ring he had just put on his thumb, manifested a dazzling blue sword qi, and struck it against the Five Transformations Umbrella's canopy. With a splash-like sound, as if rain were pattering on an umbrella, Zhuo Ming felt no pressure from the sword qi, but her face began to blanch. Her spiritual energy was nearly depleted. Chen Mobai immediately helped her put away the Five Transformations Umbrella.

"At the very least, you'll only be able to barely wield it when you reach the sixth Qi Condensation layer."

Zhuo Ming regulated her breathing for a while, fondly clutching the Five Transformations Umbrella, her face rosy and beaming with joy.

"If you have the opportunity in the future, familiarize yourselves with the activation methods of these two magic artifacts. Both the needle case and the Five Transformations Umbrella are artifacts that require significant user experience to wield effectively."

In the past, Chen Mobai had executed many clever maneuvers using these two magic artifacts. As a native-born cultivator of the Tianhe Realm, Zhuo Ming had also experienced numerous duels and had even spent several years traversing the Cloud Dream Marsh. Once her Longevity spiritual energy was fully converted, she would likely be able to break through to the late Qi Condensation realm. Then, with these two magic artifacts, she might even advance to the third round of the sect grand competition.

"Thank you, Master."

After the two disciples thanked him again, Chen Mobai dutifully and carefully asked if they had any doubts or confusion in their cultivation. Liu Wenbai happened to want to ask about insights on breaking through to the ninth Qi Condensation layer, and Zhuo Ming, since it was her first time cultivating earth spiritual energy, had also accumulated quite a few questions. After Chen Mobai finished answering each of them, he found that it had already grown dark.

The two disciples knew that their Master enjoyed good food and drink. Zhuo Ming went down the mountain to pick some fresh bamboo shoots, and Liu Wenbai also caught some spiritual fish raised in the rice paddies. Both displayed their culinary skills and prepared many dishes. Chen Mobai even opened a jar of last year's Jade Bud Spirit Wine.

"Oh, what a coincidence."

Just as the master and two disciples were about to begin eating, a streak of azure light descended, and Yuan Chizhi, descending from above, looked with a smile at the abundant family feast.

"Come, come, we just needed one more drinking companion."

Chen Mobai's eyes lit up when he saw Yuan Chizhi, and he immediately beckoned him over. Although his two disciples were very good, they were a generation his junior in status, making them a little constrained while drinking with him. Yuan Chizhi's arrival was perfectly timed.

"I was originally thinking of coming to visit you before leaving the sect to catch up, but I didn't expect to stumble upon such a good meal."

"Oh, are you returning to the Cloud Dream Marsh?"

"No, within a Jialan Ore Vein in the Thunder Nation, co-occurring spirit stones were discovered, possibly indicating a miniature spirit stone mine. The six major local cultivation clans had secretly concealed it and failed to report it. When they privately divided the profits, the unequal distribution resulted in numerous deaths, which was then discovered by the local sect's guardian."

Yuan Chizhi briefly explained his mission. Although he had successfully established Foundation, he still hadn't paid off the sect contributions and spirit stones he owed, so he took on this mission issued by the Spirit Vein Department.

"Are you going alone?"

Chen Mobai was a bit concerned. After all, those considered cultivation clans by the Divine Wood Sect all had Foundation Establishment cultivators overseeing them.

"I'm just going to assist the Thunder Nation's sect guardian and, by the way, investigate the yield of that spirit stone mine. The sect has already informed Senior Brother Zhou about this, and he will also bring some personnel from the Cloud Dream Marsh to rush to the Thunder Nation. The worst outcome is that the sect will take action and annihilate all six cultivation clans."

As he spoke these words, Yuan Chizhi did so lightly. It seemed that for cultivators in the Tianhe Realm, wiping out clans was a common occurrence. However, according to the rules of the Immortal Sect, all resources, both above and below ground, belonged to the state, and any private discovery had to be reported immediately. As a mortal territory under the Divine Wood Sect, the Thunder Nation's discovery of a spirit stone mine rightfully belonged to their sect.

"Then I wish you a smooth journey."

"Thank you for your kind words. Oh, by the way, Junior Sister Yan discovered a Foundation Establishment cultivator's cave abode, but she cannot break the formation alone and wants to invite three fellow disciples to help. She approached me, but I've just accepted this mission to the Thunder Nation. If you're interested, you can invite her to discuss it."

As Yuan Chizhi left, he gave Chen Mobai a piece of information.

"Alright."

Although Chen Mobai nodded, inwardly, he had no desire to go out. He was perfectly fine staying here at Giant Wood Ridge, and he was about to enter the Myriad Treasures Cave. As for a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator's cave abode, he didn't care who went.

After watching Yuan Chizhi leave, the two disciples had already tidied up the mountaintop, which had been left messy with dishes.

"I have had another insight and need to enter secluded cultivation for a period. Unless it's crucial, do not disturb me."

Liu Wenbai and Zhuo Ming exchanged glances. How could their Master have another insight? Neither of them, in their cultivation to this day, had ever had such a sudden enlightenment. Indeed, these two ordinary people could not be compared to an unparalleled genius like their Master. After the two respectfully descended the mountain, the Cloud Mist Grand Formation was activated again, sealing off the summit of Lesser South Mountain. The next day, Yan Jinye, who came to visit, heard Zhuo Ming's words and, with an expression of admiration, regretfully had to seek out another senior sister.

Behind Mount Chicheng.

Chen Mobai, carrying a satchel, handed the recommendation form in his hand to a tall, muscular young man with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes.

"I am Qin Beichen."

The person who spoke was none other than Qin Beichen, True Man Shaoyang, Chen Mobai's official mentor at the Weapon Dance Dao Academy.