Chapter 278: Spirit Weapon Co-Cultivation Technique

Lan Haitain was Kunpeng Daoist Academy's most renowned Foundation Establishment true cultivator, widely recognized by the immortal sect as the strongest in his realm.

Chen Mobai extended his hospitality.

"Do the avatars projected into the Minor Scarlet Heaven possess infinite spiritual power?" Lan Haitain asked during dinner. He hadn't forgotten the main reason for his visit to Chen Mobai. Although very confident in his own strength, it had always been his principle to be fully prepared before taking action.

"When a battle begins, your projected avatar will, by default, be the same as your external self. Using spells will consume spiritual power, and if your spiritual power is depleted, the Minor Scarlet Heaven will deem it an automatic surrender," Chen Mobai explained. "However, after a match concludes, whether you win or lose, if you queue again, your spiritual power will be restored to its peak state. Theoretically, as long as your spirit can endure, you can continuously match opponents in the Minor Scarlet Heaven."

After listening to Chen Mobai's explanation, Lan Haitain nodded slightly, indicating he understood. Projecting into the Minor Scarlet Heaven did not deplete spiritual power, but it did consume mental energy. For this reason, many people only matched up to ten times a day. Chen Mobai, whose opponents were too weak to pose a threat and were defeated with a single sword stroke, easily managed twenty matches a day.

"Before I came," Lan Haitain suddenly said as they parted ways, "Director Nan said that once I achieve first place, I should pay a visit to your academy's Director Che." Chen Mobai immediately pretended not to know.

"Oh, is there something going on?" Chen Mobai asked.

Lan Haitain looked at Chen Mobai and merely smiled. "There's a good show coming."

Chen Mobai had fought alongside Lan Haitain and clearly understood that his reputation was well-deserved. However, Xiahou Weihuan from Pure Yang Academy was also a Foundation Establishment ninth-level cultivator of the same realm as Lan Haitain, and he had top-tier cultivation of the Pure Yang Scroll and Yuan Yang Sword Art. Although his strength was reduced by twenty percent in the Minor Scarlet Heaven due to the inability to bring his destined flying sword, Chen Mobai still felt there would be a fierce battle between him and Lan Haitain.

Chen Mobai immediately reported this matter to Che Yucheng. The latter was also stunned upon hearing it, seemingly not expecting Kunpeng Daoist Academy to send Lan Haitain.

"It seems that Taishi Shu's defeat has greatly angered that fellow Nandou," Che Yucheng remarked. The Dean of Kunpeng Daoist Academy was named Nandou, the most renowned among the Four Great Daoist Academies in the past century. Although he only had Golden Core cultivation, he possessed a Fourth-tier spirit beast. For this reason, Nandou was treated as a Nascent Soul cultivator in the immortal sect.

"Then why is there no movement from Butian Daoist Academy?" Chen Mobai asked again. When Daoist Master Ling and Taishi Shu were defeated, it was broadcast live across the entire immortal sect, causing great humiliation for those two academies. Pure Yang Academy had leveraged these two defeats, along with Xiahou Weihuan's declaration, "The orthodox legacy of Chicheng lies with Pure Yang," leading to discussions on many forums about whether Wuqi Daoist Academy, which had always occupied the lowest seat among the Four Great Daoist Academies, should move up.

"Just wait," Che Yucheng replied. "By the way, I've asked Senior Sister Duanmu, and she has approved you to open a third-tier artifact-containing orb. Are you free now? I'll take you down."

Hearing another piece of good news, Chen Mobai nodded excitedly. "Teacher, I lent my artifact token to Ming Yihua."

But Chen Mobai immediately thought of this problem, his face filled with worry. "No problem, call him. I'll take him with us to see Senior Sister Duanmu."

Arriving deep within the Ten Thousand Treasures Cave once more, Chen Mobai still felt somewhat hot along the way. In front of the stone house, Ming Yihua took the artifact token from Duanmu Longrong and immediately handed it over to Chen Mobai.

"Are these the new Pure Yang Dao Seeds?" Duanmu Longrong suddenly asked, surprising Chen Mobai and Ming Yihua slightly.

"Yes, Senior Sister," Che Yucheng nodded gently.

"They're a bit weak," Duanmu Longrong looked at the two of them and expressionlessly shook her head.

"They can still grow," Che Yucheng said with a smile. "Perhaps in a hundred years, they will be the ones to take your place, Senior Sister." Duanmu Longrong gave him an exasperated glare, and Che Yucheng, saying no more, immediately took Ming Yihua upstairs first.

Once only Chen Mobai remained, he nervously looked at the Golden Core True Person before him. The latter did not make things difficult for him just because he was Che Yucheng's disciple.

"Wait here, don't move," Duanmu Longrong instructed. As she spoke, she pointed to the giant Vermillion Fruit tree beside her, then rose and entered the stone house behind it.

Chen Mobai secretly peeked, discovering numerous cabinets inside. Some were empty, while others held unassuming white jade orbs. Were these all third-tier artifact-containing orbs? Chen Mobai wanted to count them but realized Duanmu Longrong had already closed the door. He could only wait beneath the Vermillion Fruit tree.

"Among these four, I can confirm they are fire-attribute artifacts. What you get depends on your own fortune," Duanmu Longrong said after she emerged. She waved her large red-black sleeve, and four artifact-containing orbs appeared before Chen Mobai.

Chen Mobai immediately activated his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes. A clear, glistening light appeared in his pupils, quickly seeing through the surface to the approximate contours within. They were, respectively, a circle, a mass like a lake, a bell shape, and an elongated shape. The third-tier artifact-containing orbs held more potent sealed spiritual fluid. Even his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes couldn't completely see through them. Even so, the moment Duanmu Longrong saw the light in his eyes, she showed a hint of surprise.

"Your spiritual eye technique is well-practiced," she praised.

"Thank you for the compliment, Teacher Duanmu," Chen Mobai replied. Feeling that Duanmu Longrong had a decent relationship with Che Yucheng, he began to make small talk, describing the shapes he saw inside the four orbs with his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes. "The shapes I see are like this. Could you perhaps advise what third-tier artifacts these might be?"

Duanmu Longrong did not make things difficult for Chen Mobai and told him everything she knew. "The circle should be the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror; the mass like a lake is likely someone's refined third-tier Scarlet Mist Cloud Net, though it could also be a higher-grade artifact that you can't discern clearly. The bell shape should be the Lihuo Bell. As for the elongated shape, it could be a flying sword, a ruler, or even a flying needle."

Among these, the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror and the Lihuo Bell were both third-tier artifacts recorded in the Ten Thousand Treasures Atlas, allowing Chen Mobai to easily obtain their refinement incantations. Chen Mobai also coveted the third-tier Scarlet Mist Cloud Net, as cultivating this item to its highest realm could allow a cultivator to roam the cosmic sea of stars. However, considering he already had a second-tier one gifted by True Person Shaoyang, he temporarily ruled this out. As for Duanmu Longrong's mention of a potentially higher-grade artifact, Chen Mobai didn't even consider it. His approach had always prioritized stability. Both the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror and the Lihuo Bell were highly suitable artifacts for him, and the former could even be used to cultivate the "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art." There was no need to take a risk for a negligible possibility. As for the last elongated artifact, even Duanmu Longrong couldn't be sure, so Chen Mobai certainly wouldn't choose it.

"I'll take the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror," Chen Mobai decided after much thought, choosing the first artifact-containing orb. The previous owner of this artifact was also a Pure Yang Scroll cultivator, but unfortunately, due to the burden of the Pure Yang Dharma Body, he stopped at the sixth level of Golden Core. However, he himself was also an excellent artifact refiner. According to the Ten Thousand Treasures Atlas, this mirror's highest grade was mid-tier third grade. Pure Yang Scroll cultivators generally poured their life's essence into their artifacts after passing away, so choosing this one would definitely suit him.

After seeing his choice, Duanmu Longrong offered no persuasion and simply put away the other three artifact-containing orbs. Chen Mobai activated the artifact token in his hand. Crimson divine fire light surged from the boundless magma outside the island, like a fiery dragon answering a summons.

"So, the source of the divine fire light is here," Chen Mobai realized. The moment he saw the crimson divine light break through the magma, it seemed to converge into a dark artifact. He could only get a glimpse and had no idea of its shape or grade.

He was perceptive enough not to gaze further, lowering his head to focus on the artifact-containing orb opened by the divine fire light. After its outer shell and spiritual fluid dissipated into ash, an ancient bronze mirror was revealed. The mirror's surface was smooth and new, like calm water, reflecting Chen Mobai's figure. Strangely, it not only showed his skin but also revealed the bones and meridians within his body on its surface, even illuminating his subtly glowing skull, which had absorbed the essence of the Immortal Tree sap.

"This mirror was refined to emulate the Scarlet Heart Treasure Mirror, and likely possesses about one percent of its power," Duanmu Longrong said, uttering words that moved Chen Mobai. The Scarlet Heart Treasure Mirror was a fourth-tier artifact, and also the companion item of Abbot Chengxuan, the head of Wuqi Daoist Academy. It was precisely by relying on this that he was able to cultivate the "Can Tong Qi" and even form a Nascent Soul. Although it was a simplified version, Chen Mobai was already very satisfied.

As the current student council president, he had free access to the Ten Thousand Treasures Atlas. So, he immediately looked up the refinement incantation for the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror and, in front of Duanmu Longrong, integrated this third-tier artifact into his Dantian. Artifacts of the third tier and above could serve as a cultivator's destined artifact. However, many cultivators did not immediately determine their destined artifact at the beginning, because the immortal sect had limited spiritual energy. They barely had enough for their own cultivation, let alone surplus spiritual energy to refine and enhance an artifact's power. Wuqi Daoist Academy's "Can Tong Qi" could be considered a reversal of this. It used an artifact to surpass the cultivator's tier, driving the cultivator's improvement, comprehending the true meaning within the artifact, continuously breaking through realms, and participating in heavenly creation.

The academy possessed a "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art" evolved from the "Can Tong Qi." It was an unparalleled method for advancing a cultivator's realm. For example, if Chen Mobai refined a third-tier artifact as his destined artifact, he would draw upon its power during cultivation to enhance himself. When his realm matched the artifact's, this "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art" would be considered greatly accomplished. Subsequently, if the cultivator wished to advance, they would have to elevate both the artifact and themselves together to break through to the next realm. Furthermore, when practicing the Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art, one could only choose an artifact one tier higher than their current realm. If they chose one of a higher tier, they would instantly explode upon the artifact's entry into their body, without exception. Many Foundation Establishment true cultivators, when estimating that their remaining lifespan would not allow them to reach the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, would risk cultivating the "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art," using the power of a high-tier artifact to forcefully elevate their realm and attempt to form a Golden Core.

In comparison, the "Can Tong Qi" was different. It not only possessed all the advantages of the Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art but also allowed the refinement of fourth-tier or even fifth-tier artifacts across realms. Moreover, it could sever this dual-cultivation connection at any time. For instance, if Zhongli Tianyu someday felt his ancestor's Bagua Mirror no longer suited him, he could discard it and choose another companion item. To describe it with a simple example: those who cultivated the "Can Tong Qi" were like philanderers, while those who cultivated the "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art" were devoted to one.

Chen Mobai felt he was very suitable for cultivating the "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art." When he first enrolled, Ming Yihua had mentioned this, and after researching it later, he had always kept it in mind. However, since he lacked a suitable third-tier artifact, he had kept it in the back of his mind. Due to the many restrictions of the Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art, and the fact that a chosen destined artifact cannot be changed, being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, many people exercised extreme caution. Some Foundation Establishment true cultivators even planned to rely on their own talent to form a Golden Core, then seek a fourth-tier artifact to cultivate the "Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art," leading them to the threshold of forming a Nascent Soul.

Chen Mobai was not one of those with sky-high ambitions; he had a very clear understanding of himself. As long as he took one quick step, he could acquire more resources in the Tianhe Realm. After all, in that world, strength was paramount. If he could form a Golden Core, he might be able to implement new policies within the Divine Wood Sect, allowing all Foundation Establishment cultivators to seek opportunities in the Divine Tree Secret Realm. The resources and secret arts obtained this way would be enough to elevate the Divine Wood Sect to a higher level. Unfortunately, he was currently only at the Foundation Establishment stage.

After leaving the Ten Thousand Treasures Cave, Chen Mobai went to Building 1 to thank Che Yucheng. Without him, the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror, so perfectly suited for his Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art, would have been unattainable for who knew how long.

"For the next few days, you can observe the rising tide of events in the Minor Scarlet Heaven," Che Yucheng advised, a look of approval on his face as he heard Chen Mobai's choice. "When the time is right, then go break True Ancestor Yuanyang's winning streak." In this way, he could at least use the Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art to attempt the Foundation Establishment of Pure Yang Scroll upon comprehending the Dao.

After nodding and leaving Building 1, Chen Mobai went to Building 9 and opened a cultivation chamber. He had been stuck on the Pure Yang Scroll for over a year. If not for seeking Foundation Establishment through Dao comprehension, he would have long ago consumed the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures and broken through. He hoped that the Pure Yang true intent within the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror, under the guidance of the Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art, would help him enter that legendary realm.

In his Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness, the flower-fruit at the tip of a branch of the spiritual consciousness-formed Jade Wutong fell, transforming into a streak of light that submerged into the ancient bronze mirror in his Dantian Qi Sea. In an instant, Chen Mobai felt as if he had entered a world of flames. Six types of true fire, each containing a different Dao rhythm, coiled and snaked towards his spiritual consciousness like six spirit serpents. In just a moment, his spiritual consciousness was wracked with intense pain, as if his entire being were being scorched, slowly turning to ash.

"Is this what it felt like for those opponents I killed with a single sword stroke?" Chen Mobai pondered this very question at that moment. After all, his spiritual consciousness was powerful. Although the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror was a third-tier artifact, it was unmastered. After enduring the initial surge, it began to be refined by him. Simultaneously, Chen Mobai guided his ninth-level Qi Cultivation Pure Yang spiritual energy into it. However, in an instant, it was completely devoured by the Six Yang Divine Fire. Normally, a Pure Yang Scroll cultivator at the Qi Cultivation stage should not be able to refine a third-tier artifact for the Spirit-Artifact Dual Cultivation Art. But he was different.