Chapter 261: Empty Spirit Stone

After hearing Chen Mobai’s words, everyone was stunned. They all knew how formidable Daoist Feiming truly was.

His cultivation was only average, likely on par with his mid-Foundation Establishment level when he was alive. However, since he had transformed into a zombie and possessed some unique traits of a Golden Armored Corpse, his body's resilience far surpassed that of an ordinary Silver Armored Corpse. Without a top-grade Tier 2 offensive artifact or sword qi, it was likely impossible to even pierce his skin. Furthermore, with the mysterious Five-Colored Lotus Lantern, a Tier 3 Corpse Pearl, and the amplification from the Netherworld Grand Array of Ghost Ridge, even a late-Foundation Establishment cultivator would likely only be able to defend themselves.

Yet, such a formidable enemy had been slain by this seemingly delicate junior brother right before their eyes!?

Expressions of disbelief surfaced on Shan Hongyi and Mei Jingjun's faces. Yan Jinye, however, knowing Chen Mobai's profound sword cultivation, displayed an 'of course' expression. Sword light, honed to its absolute peak, was incredibly sharp and precisely the bane of thick-skinned, tough-fleshed zombies. Furthermore, the Azure Sun Fire Seed this junior brother acquired from the Divine Tree Secret Realm was profoundly potent and imbued with strong Yang energy. Combining these two factors, it was understandable that after a fierce struggle, Daoist Feiming was ultimately defeated.

“As expected of you, Senior Brother. It’s perfectly normal for you to achieve this.” Yan Jinye’s words silenced both Shan Hongyi and Mei Jingjun, who had initially harbored doubts. They remembered Chen Mobai's reputation within the sect as a newly ascended Foundation Establishment cultivator. A peerless genius of the Sword Dao! Could this person be another Honghe!? With these thoughts, their gazes towards Chen Mobai changed.

Among the previous generation of true disciples, Honghe held the greatest renown. He was celebrated for his ability to defeat the strong with the weak, having slain three Tier 2 demonic beasts while only in the early Foundation Establishment stage. He was lauded as the Divine Wood Sect's most outstanding genius in a century, destined for the Golden Core realm. Chen Mobai, having vanquished Daoist Feiming at a higher cultivation level while still in early Foundation Establishment, achieved a feat no less impressive.

“Junior Brother Chen, thank you so much for saving our lives this time. Once we return to the sect, I must properly express my gratitude.” Shan Hongyi spoke, his tone starkly different from before. “This Golden Jade Axe is a top-tier Tier 2 artifact. You contributed the most this time, Junior Brother, so please accept it.”

Upon seeing the jade-handled golden axe offered by Shan Hongyi, Chen Mobai initially didn't react. However, recalling the prevailing customs of the Heavenly River Realm and observing Mei Jingjun and Yan Jinye's self-evident expressions, he accepted it without further hesitation. Compared to the Five-Colored Lotus Lantern, whose usage remained a mystery to him, the Golden Jade Axe was remarkably straightforward. Even with his nascent appraisal skills, he could deduce the methods for refining and wielding it. It simply required injecting spiritual energy.

“Since this was Daoist Feiming’s lair, managed for over a century, there might be numerous hidden treasures. Now that Junior Brother Chen has eliminated the greatest danger, let’s conduct a thorough search.” Shan Hongyi felt a twinge of envy as he watched Chen Mobai accept the Golden Jade Axe. He had personally witnessed the artifact's formidable power, as it had shattered even his Tier 2 defensive artifact. Since he couldn't acquire the Golden Jade Axe, he hoped to scour the area thoroughly, at least to compensate for the loss of his own Tier 2 artifact.

“You two senior brothers go ahead. I’m not mobile, so I’ll wait for you here.” Yan Jinye said with a wry smile, her face pale and her spiritual energy at its lowest ebb. If she didn't tend to her injuries soon, it could potentially harm her cultivation foundation.

“Then I’ll go prepare Senior Brother Bi; at the very least, his body must be brought back to the sect.” Mei Jingjun's condition was similarly poor. Moreover, her survival was entirely thanks to Chen Mobai and the other two, so she wisely relinquished all spoils from the area to them.

“Junior Brother Chen, let’s rendezvous back here in an hour.” As soon as Shan Hongyi finished speaking, he eagerly retrieved his brass compass and flew off in the direction indicated by its copper pointer.

Chen Mobai considered it for a moment and decided to follow their lead. After cautioning Yan Jinye and Mei Jingjun to stay safe, he headed towards the area where he had previously detected the most vibrant spiritual energy. Soon, he arrived at a mountain wall. His sword qi burst forth, cutting through the rock's façade. He discovered a perfectly square cave dwelling that had been meticulously excavated. Before even stepping inside, he perceived a dense spiritual energy. Upon closer inspection, he saw a small white jade altar in the center of the cave, identical to the one that had previously held the ebony coffin. This particular altar, however, held a silver-gray disc, approximately thirty centimeters in diameter. Chen Mobai recognized it instantly: it was a formation disk. This formation disk, however, was fractured by three cracks, breaking it into four pieces. Daoist Feiming appeared to have collected three of these pieces, leaving only one corner missing.

After confirming there was no danger, Chen Mobai reached out and retrieved the silver-gray formation disk. Immediately, the dense spiritual energy grew even more potent, as if he were enveloped in a mist of spiritual rain. The familiar sensation caused Chen Mobai's expression to subtly shift. He activated his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes, peering down at the small white jade altar, and discovered it was, in fact, a single, intact spirit stone of considerable quality, equivalent to a mid-grade spirit stone.

“This is an unrefined spirit ore!” Thanks to Yuan Chiye’s half-year tenure guarding the spirit stone mine this year, Chen Mobai had heard him discuss the specifics of spirit stone excavation during their drinking sessions. Spirit stones used in the cultivation world are always cut into standardized shapes and weights, serving as the fundamental currency unit for global circulation. Conversely, freshly mined, unrefined spirit stones retain their irregular, natural shapes as they are birthed within the earth. However, even Yuan Chiye, who had guarded the spirit stone mine in the Lei Kingdom for six months, had only ever seen unrefined spirit stones the size of a human head at most. The one before Chen Mobai, however, was as large as his chest. A rough estimate placed its value at a minimum of two to three hundred mid-grade spirit stones.

All spirit stone mines across the Eastern Wilderness were controlled by the Seven Great Sects. Rogue cultivators had absolutely no means of trading for or acquiring unrefined spirit stones. Could it be, then? Daoist Feiming possessed a spirit stone mine and had personally excavated it during his lifetime. At this thought, Chen Mobai activated his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes and thoroughly scrutinized every corner of the cave dwelling. He finally discovered a concealed cavity. Upon cutting it open, he found numerous scrolls within. Without examining them closely, he first placed the white jade altar, the formation disk, and all the scrolls into his storage bag. After confirming nothing was left behind, he exited the cave.

After collapsing the cave dwelling, Chen Mobai then proceeded to the location where Daoist Feiming's ebony coffin had initially rested. He exerted considerable effort to excavate the large white jade altar, only to discover it was not an unrefined spirit ore. Disappointed, he was about to depart. “Oh!” Chen Mobai halted, his gaze falling upon a particular spot. It was a human-shaped indentation in the mountain wall. If his memory served him right, it was beneath this spot that Daoist Feiming had killed Madam Guo. Chen Mobai scanned the surroundings but found no corpse. Had it vanished in the aftermath of the Golden Pearl’s explosion? But why was there not even a drop of blood or a speck of bone residue? Perhaps the explosion’s epicenter retained such high temperatures that the corpse was reduced to dust. Lost in these thoughts, Chen Mobai realized the appointed time was drawing near. Carrying his doubts, he returned to their earlier meeting point.

Upon arriving, he found that Shan Hongyi had not yet returned. Yan Jinye’s complexion, conversely, had significantly improved. As an alchemist, she naturally possessed an ample supply of various elixirs in her storage bag. Mei Jingjun had also used an artifact to carve a stone coffin, in which Bi Yiyuan’s body was now placed.

“Junior Sister Yan’s storage bag and mine are nearly full; we’ll have to carry the rest out.” Chen Mobai nodded in understanding, acknowledging that his own storage bag was also at capacity. However, since Shan Hongyi possessed a floating airship, they only needed to transport the items to the outside. A while later, as the agreed-upon time drew near, Shan Hongyi still hadn't returned. The two women grew slightly anxious, and Yan Jinye, who had been continuously healing, could no longer sit still, standing up to pace back and forth. Just as Chen Mobai was contemplating whether Shan Hongyi had encountered danger and if he should escort the two junior sisters out first to summon aid from the sect, Shan Hongyi finally reappeared. He appeared agitated, holding a silver-gray ore in his hand.

“Junior brothers and sisters, this place is actually a Void-Empty Stone mine! No wonder Daoist Feiming was able to set up a grand spatial transfer array.” Chen Mobai’s expression instantly changed to one of surprise upon hearing Shan Hongyi’s words. Void-Empty Stone, also known as “Void Stone,” is an indispensable material for crafting storage bags. The Immortal Sects had even designated this ore as one of the nine great rare treasures; even a Golden Core cultivator might not necessarily acquire a single piece. Within the Eastern Wilderness, only two Void-Empty Stone veins had ever been discovered: one within the territory of the Five Elements Sect, and another at the main headquarters of Shake Mountain Peak. When the Divine Wood Sect and Golden Light Cliff initially parted ways, they fiercely contended with the Five Elements Sect for fifty years precisely to incorporate that Void-Empty Stone mine into their own territory. However, the other three branches of the Five Elements Sect absolutely refused to concede. The value of a Void-Empty Stone vein is immeasurable; even Golden Core Ancestors would be roused by its discovery.

“Let’s go. We must report this to the sect immediately.” After Shan Hongyi placed the Void-Empty Stone ore into his storage bag, he showed no hesitation. This discovery was far too significant for just the four of them, all Foundation Establishment cultivators, to manage. Chen Mobai nodded.

After exiting Ghost Ridge, they hastened back to Giant Wood Ridge without delay. Given the immense value of the Void-Empty Stone vein, the four of them proceeded directly to the Divine Wood Hall. Upon receiving the news, Meng Hong, who had been fishing, immediately went in person to report to Ancestor Zhou’s secluded cultivation chambers. After waiting for roughly half a day, Meng Hong entered, trailing behind a youthful-looking boy with a head of white hair.

“Greetings, Ancestor.” Shan Hongyi immediately bowed to the white-haired youth. Chen Mobai and the other two, who had never before seen a Golden Core Ancestor of the Divine Wood Sect, then realized that this youth was none other than Zhou Shengqing, the sect’s Grand Elder and Hall Master of the Divine Wood Hall, subtly renowned as the foremost figure in the Eastern Wilderness.

“Greetings, Ancestor Zhou.” Chen Mobai, Yan Jinye, and Mei Jingjun followed suit, offering their respects.

“You are all talents of our sect; there is no need for such formality.” Zhou Shengqing’s complexion was fair and delicate, his skin subtly radiating a luminous glow. Despite being over three hundred years old, he appeared even younger than Chen Mobai. The Golden Core Ancestor spoke with a gentle tone. After his greeting, he wasted no time and directly inquired about all the details of their experiences in Ghost Ridge.

Naturally, Shan Hongyi was the first to be questioned. Zhou Shengqing held the Void-Empty Stone ore, which he had already verified as authentic. After questioning Shan Hongyi, he then asked Yan Jinye how she had discovered the cave dwelling.

“It was at a small trade fair. I exchanged a bottle of elixir beneficial for early Foundation Establishment breakthroughs for a fragmented treasure map. After cross-referencing it with the map atlases in the library, I managed to complete the information and pinpoint the location of Ghost Ridge.” Yan Jinye continued, “Oh, and Madam Guo was the guide who introduced me to that trade fair. She is a Foundation Establishment Elder of the Guo family. Later, before I set out to explore the Ghost Ridge cave, for safety’s sake, after Senior Sister Mei agreed to accompany me, I also sought out Madam Guo again.” After Yan Jinye finished speaking, Zhou Shengqing posed several more questions, to which she provided answers one by one.

“What is the background of the Guo family?” Upon hearing the Ancestor’s inquiry, Meng Hong, standing nearby, immediately responded. “They are one of the cultivation families that founded the nation, possessing two Foundation Establishment cultivators. They are considered one of the foremost powers, apart from our sect.”

“Would exterminating the family cause any repercussions?” Chen Mobai’s mouth twitched involuntarily upon hearing this. The customs of the Heavenly River Realm were indeed quite ruthless.

“That, I’m afraid, would not be advisable. The Guo family’s other Foundation Establishment cultivator is named Guo Bainian.”

“Who is Guo Bainian?” Zhou Shengqing looked confused; that name held no familiarity in his memory.

“He is a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Five Elements Sect. Although he hasn't returned to the Guo family in a long time, we must still consider the potential implications from their side.” Upon hearing “Five Elements Sect,” Zhou Shengqing’s expression cleared with understanding. It wasn't fear, but rather the understanding that another conflict with the Five Elements Sect over such a minor issue would undoubtedly disrupt his tranquil cultivation. He still harbored a sliver of hope for forming a Nascent Soul and could not afford to waste any more time.

“Very well, then. Have Cang Qi and Lu Yi keep an eye on this Guo family. If any issues arise, then they can take action.” After these words, two Foundation Establishment cultivators, whom Chen Mobai had never seen, suddenly entered.

“Greetings, Ancestor Zhou.” One was adorned in splendid robes, a jade crown atop his head, with a square face and two meticulously symmetrical Fu Manchu mustaches. The other was neither tall nor stout, with a sallow complexion, resembling an old farmer. Their demeanors were starkly different, yet upon entering, both first bowed to Zhou Shengqing.

“Meng Hong, brief them on the situation.” As Zhou Shengqing spoke, he tossed the Void-Empty Stone ore in his hand to the mustachioed cultivator. The latter’s expression grew solemn after inspecting it, and he then solemnly handed it to the old farmer beside him. “Tell me your thoughts. The mineral vein falls under the jurisdiction of your Spiritual Vein Department, which in turn is managed by your Hall of Rewards. There must be a clear plan of action.”

At this point, Chen Mobai recognized the identities of the two. They were likely the Hall Master of the Hall of Rewards and the Head of the Spiritual Vein Department, both belonging to the Divine Wood Sect’s Three Halls and Twelve Departments.

“This mineral vein belongs to our Divine Wood Sect.” The Hall Master of the Hall of Rewards immediately declared his stance.

“For other mineral veins, perhaps the other sects would simply ignore it. However, a Void-Empty Stone vein is indispensable for establishing teleportation arrays, so even if it’s within our Divine Wood Sect’s territory, we might have to contend for it.” Meng Hong, however, appeared concerned. As the sect master, he had to consider the broader implications.

“I believe we first need to ascertain the vein’s yield. If it's merely a small-scale vein, similar to the one at Shake Mountain Peak, then the other sects likely wouldn't risk open conflict with our two Ancestors.” The Head of the Spiritual Vein Department offered a sagacious remark.

“What if the vein is substantial?” Zhou Shengqing posed this question.

“Then, I’m afraid, we would have no choice but to cede a portion to Golden Light Cliff.” The Hall Master of the Hall of Rewards provided the answer.

“Ah, a Void-Empty Stone mine… I’m rather reluctant to yield it.” When Zhou Shengqing uttered these words, everyone present exchanged uneasy glances. Did the Ancestor imply they should fight? Chen Mobai, however, was somewhat perplexed. Couldn’t their Divine Wood Sect simply mine the vein in secret, preventing others from discovering it? He knew, however, that such a straightforward solution would surely have occurred to the others in the hall, so he wisely refrained from interjecting.

“Ma Gang, go and ascertain the size of the mineral vein first.” Finally, Zhou Shengqing made his decision, and the Head of the Spiritual Vein Department accepted the order and withdrew. Mei Jingjun, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Spiritual Vein Department and familiar with Ghost Ridge, also departed with him.