Chapter 293: Human Favor

Chen Mobai: "Isn't Lei Kingdom Zhou Wangshen's territory?"Yuan Chizhi: "Zhou Laozu took him away. The Sect Master can't possibly go to Shenmu to ask Zhou Laozu for him, can he?"Hearing this, Chen Mobai was slightly taken aback.In that case, it was indeed a good thing that Meng Hong abdicated early. Given Zhou Wangshen's background and talent, if he were to also cultivate the Undying Dao Body, no one in the sect would truly be able to contend with him for the position of Sect Master.Now, with Chu Zuoshu acting as a buffer, Chen Mobai might even have a chance in a few decades.

E Yun: "When are you leaving?"Yuan Chizhi: "I originally planned to go after the Sect Grand Competition, but last night the Sect Master had the Divination Department send over relevant documents. It seems he wants me to depart as soon as possible."Hearing this, both E Yun and Chen Mobai frowned. They exchanged glances, sensing something amiss.E Yun: "Junior Brother Yuan, this matter might be a bit strange. You should be careful."Chen Mobai: "The Sect Master isn't someone so impatient."Yuan Chizhi nodded slightly after hearing their words. He had already felt something was off, and their comments only confirmed his suspicions.

E Yun: "The guardians of the various kingdoms rotate every ten years. If I remember correctly, Senior Brother Luo should be handing over his post and returning to the sect this year, right?"Among the four kingdoms under the Divine Wood Sect's jurisdiction, a Foundation Establishment cultivator is dispatched every ten years to guard the territory. This is considered one of the less popular tasks within the sect; although it offers a good amount of contribution points and spirit stones, there isn't a spirit-rich place like Giant Wood Ridge available for cultivation.However, precisely because few people were willing to go, yet not sending anyone was unfeasible, the Divine Wood Sect established a rule:Every Foundation Establishment cultivator who wishes to hold a crucial position in the Three Halls and Twelve Departments within the sect must have experience guarding one of the four kingdoms.After Shan Hongyi returned to the sect, E Yun had already taken over the position of guardian of Yun Kingdom.Yun Kingdom borders Yunmeng Marsh, and E Yun usually spent long periods overseeing the development of this premier spirit realm in the Eastern Wilds. As long as he didn't encounter devastating beast tides, ten years of such accumulation would significantly increase his strength, influence, and even spirit stone reserves.Once his guardianship mission concluded and he returned to the sect, E Yun could leverage these ten years of accumulation to attempt breaking through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.If successful, he could contend for the position of Sect Master.If not, he would at most become one of the twelve department heads or a deputy head of one of the three great halls.Before Meng Hong abdicated, he had at least arranged clear paths for his disciples' advancement.

Lei Kingdom also bordered Yunmeng Marsh and had been assigned to Zhou Wangshen. Last year, a spirit stone mine was discovered there, and even though Luo Shupin's term as guardian hadn't ended, Zhou Wangshen had already eagerly gone to negotiate with the local immortal cultivation families, asserting his presence."Regarding the depletion of spirit stones, Senior Brother Luo must know the inside story. The fact that he hasn't informed the sect and hasn't returned means either someone at the top is suppressing him, or he's encountered a problem in Lei Kingdom."Yuan Chizhi was not entirely unprepared; after receiving the Sect Master's decree, he had already begun investigating relevant people and matters."Are you implying... betrayal?"E Yun directly spoke those two words. Chen Mobai remained silent upon hearing them."It's also possible he was controlled by hostile forces, after all, Senior Brother Luo is only at the early Foundation Establishment stage."Yuan Chizhi, however, couldn't make such a direct judgment and was more circumspect.But regardless, there was definitely a problem concerning Luo Shupin, the Divine Wood Sect's guardian of Lei Kingdom, and the depletion of spirit stones.

"Senior Brother Luo comes from an immortal cultivation family in Yun Kingdom, which happens to be under my jurisdiction. After the Sect Grand Competition, I'll also pay a visit to the Luo family to investigate the situation," E Yun said. Then, remembering something, he looked at Chen Mobai, "Over the years, the Luo family has relied on Senior Brother Luo to send quite a few people into the sect. I recall two individuals from the same group as Junior Brother Chen, and their talent was quite good."When the Divine Wood Sect was conducting spirit-transition rituals in Yun Kingdom, E Yun, though not appearing publicly, was secretly observing while Yuan Chizhi handled affairs. He still remembered a few individuals with outstanding spiritual roots.It was precisely for this reason that he was able to appear in time to rescue Chen Mobai when he was robbed by the Nanshan Bandits."The Luo siblings both reached the ninth level of Qi Condensation last year. Luo Yixiu has profound spiritual power and skilled spells; if he hadn't encountered a True Disciple, he might have entered the top twenty-four sequence. Luo Yixuan is slightly less proficient."Yuan Chizhi had already inquired thoroughly. As soon as E Yun asked, before Chen Mobai could even speak, Yuan Chizhi gave a detailed explanation."After the Sect Grand Competition, take my personal token and invite them to my courtyard for tea," E Yun nodded, instructing Yuan Chizhi.Chen Mobai's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, but he said nothing more.

"Oh, by the way, Senior Brother E obtained a demonic beast inner core in Yunmeng Marsh last year, doesn't that mean the sect is going to start refining Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pills again?"Chen Mobai brought up another matter. Last year, the Divine Wood Sect had a massive harvest in Yunmeng Marsh, especially when E Yun and Hong He, along with other sect Foundation Establishment cultivators, hunted down a peak second-tier Pig-Dragon."Indeed. The Sect Master has already ordered Minister Zeng to set aside other alchemy tasks and focus all efforts on refining Foundation Establishment Pills first.""It seems the Sect Master intends to pave the way for your Junior Brother Muyuan before he abdicates," Yuan Chizhi said teasingly.After Chen Mobai established his foundation, Muyuan had held the top True Disciple position for two consecutive years, and it was likely he would retain it this year as well.Once the Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pills were refined, regardless of how many pills were successfully produced, Muyuan was certainly guaranteed to receive one.E Yun merely smiled faintly in response, offering no comment.

The three continued to discuss how the situation would change after Meng Hong's abdication. It wasn't until dusk, when Liu Wenbo had returned from participating in the Sect Grand Competition, that E Yun and Yuan Chizhi bid farewell and departed."Master, did Senior Brother win easily today?"Zhuo Ming happily reported Liu Wenbo's results first. The senior and junior siblings had left early that morning. Although she hadn't signed up herself, she enjoyed watching others spar."Yes. Remember to remind me to watch before the True Disciple competition begins."When he had just established his foundation, Chen Mobai was still interested in watching the Sect Grand Competition. But now, the combat level of Qi Condensation disciples no longer captivated him at all.If it weren't for the crucial nature of the True Disciple competition, and the participation of his own disciple and a few friends, Chen Mobai probably wouldn't even bother watching the final few rounds between True Disciples."Master, are you going out so late?"Zhuo Ming was about to prepare some spirit meals and warm a pot of wine when she saw Chen Mobai walking towards the door."I have an old friend to meet."Before leaving, Chen Mobai also sent out a communication talisman. Liu Wenbo and Zhuo Ming dared not ask who he was going to meet, and watched him depart.

Approximately half an hour later.On a hillside outside Divine Wood City, Chen Mobai stood, enjoying the cool breeze, at ease.He saw a stern young man in black flying from a distance. Soon, he reached the foot of the hill, and upon seeing Chen Mobai, he leaped up, landing directly beside him."Senior Uncle Chen, calling me out so late, is there something important?" Yu Lian asked with a curious expression.It was only because they were within the Divine Wood Sect's territory; if it were any other place outside Giant Wood Ridge, he wouldn't have come alone.

"With your talent and cultivation, becoming a True Disciple should be effortless, right?"Chen Mobai asked a question, and Yu Lian didn't understand its meaning. They had only had a brief conversation last time."Becoming a True Disciple is to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill. The next batch of Jade Marrow Gold Ganoderma won't mature for another four years. Becoming a True Disciple before then would only expose my spells and magical artifacts, and I'm unwilling to do that," Yu Lian gave a reason that Chen Mobai agreed with.Indeed, while becoming a True Disciple would increase the sect's annual spirit stone stipend and grant access to good spiritual cultivation grounds, these benefits weren't very important to Yu Lian. He had already become a disciple of Shan Hongyi, cultivated Qi in a third-tier spiritual vein area, and possessed a significant reserve of spirit stones even before joining the Divine Wood Sect.The only thing that could entice him to become a True Disciple was the Foundation Establishment Pill.And to ensure he could truly stand out and make a splash in the Sect Grand Competition when the Jade Marrow Gold Ganoderma matured—which would be the most fiercely competitive year—it was indeed best to remain unmoving for now.

"What if I told you the sect is already preparing to refine a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills?"Chen Mobai uttered words that made Yu Lian's eyes widen."Is that true?"Yu Lian immediately thought of the Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pill without Chen Mobai needing to prompt him. After all, the person before him, the most brilliant chief disciple the Divine Wood Sect had seen in a hundred years, had established his foundation using one.Such a successful example had led other True Disciples, who were originally skeptical of the Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pill, to now conflate it with the orthodox Foundation Establishment Pill in their minds.If there was a chance to obtain a Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pill, Yu Lian felt there was no longer any need to hide his strength.

"Unfortunately, this year's Sect Grand Competition has already begun, and you don't seem to have registered," Chen Mobai shook his head and sighed again."After the True Disciples are confirmed, sect disciples who haven't registered have the right to challenge the twenty-four True Disciples," Yu Lian stated coldly. Although he wasn't interested in being a True Disciple, he understood the sect's rules very clearly."But True Disciples also have the right to refuse challenges," Chen Mobai countered. After all, if a True Disciple encountered a formidable opponent in the Sect Grand Competition, they could get injured. To prevent others from taking advantage of their weakened state, the Divine Wood Sect granted True Disciples the right to decline challenges."I will challenge those True Disciples who win easily and are in perfect condition. If they don't want to be mocked by the sect, they will certainly accept," Yu Lian had already planned this the moment he heard about the Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Well, a batch of Demonic Beast Foundation Establishment Pills will likely only yield two or three. If you want to contend for one, you'll need to work very hard."After saying this, Chen Mobai smiled, turned, and departed."Why did Senior Uncle Chen tell me this?" Yu Lian immediately asked. Although he and Chen Mobai were from the same hometown, they had no interaction whatsoever when they were in New Bud Hall. Their only exchange was when Yu Lian bought blazing sun wood, and his attitude was quite indifferent then.For Yu Lian, a rogue cultivator who had experienced much bloodshed before joining the sect, Chen Mobai's unexpected favor made him uneasy."I value kinship and local ties. You're good, so I'm telling you as a courtesy.""If Senior Uncle Chen has any instructions in the future, I will certainly not refuse, provided I can accomplish them?"Facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Yu Lian could only offer such a promise first."Let's talk about it when you reach Foundation Establishment," Chen Mobai said, already standing on the mist and clouds, flying away from the small hillside.Seeing this, Yu Lian clenched his fists.Foundation Establishment, he must reach Foundation Establishment.Only by establishing his foundation could he avenge the destruction of his sect.

The Sect Grand Competition quickly progressed to the crucial True Disciple battles.On the arena stage, Luo Yixiu arrogantly knocked down a True Disciple from the previous year, standing tall and proud to display his "mighty" cultivation.Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor of the adjacent teahouse, Luo Yixuan, dressed in a white palace gown, with a gentle demeanor and fair, smooth skin, knelt before two Foundation Establishment elders of the sect, her face filled with worry.

"Previously, to avoid affecting your state of mind for the Sect Grand Competition, we didn't inform you and your brother immediately. Now that you've been eliminated in this round, I'll tell you first."Across from Luo Yixuan, Yuan Chizhi, sipping his tea, informed her about the incident at the spirit stone mine in Lei Kingdom and the possibility of something happening to Luo Shupin."Please, Senior Uncles, understand. My great-uncle would absolutely never betray the sect." Luo Yixuan could only say this. The Luo family's ability to establish themselves in Yun Kingdom, besides their family's Foundation Establishment ancestor, was due to Luo Shupin in the Divine Wood Sect.Regardless of the circumstances, if the accusation of betrayal were confirmed, not only would the Luo family disciples within the Divine Wood Sect be implicated, but the entire Luo family in Yun Kingdom might also be affected.After all, while the major sects in the Eastern Wilds had been peaceful and stable for the past few decades, each one's rise was a history steeped in blood.There were far too many ways to make immortal cultivation families and small sects disappear.

"It is precisely because we trust Senior Brother Luo that the sect needs to send someone to investigate and uncover the truth," Yuan Chizhi said. He then took out E Yun's handwritten letter and handed it to Luo Yixuan."After the Sect Grand Competition, Senior Brother E invites you and your brother for tea. You are to recount everything you've seen and heard in Lei Kingdom over the past few years, in full detail. We're informing you in advance so you can recall everything thoroughly and not miss any details then."After saying this, Yuan Chizhi waved his hand, signaling Luo Yixuan that she could leave.Chen Mobai remained seated, sipping his tea, silent.Before Luo Yixuan left, she saw him open his mouth as if to speak, but then hesitate. Ultimately, under the silent pressure of the two Foundation Establishment elders, she bowed and withdrew.

"Oh, Luo Yixiu actually became a True Disciple," At that moment, Yuan Chizhi opened the window and saw Luo Yixiu stepping off the arena."Among our group back then, his talent ranked among the top five. Achieving such results is quite normal," Chen Mobai said, uttering words that puzzled Yuan Chizhi."Top five? He's the second one to become a True Disciple besides you. How did you rank him in the top five?"In response to Yuan Chizhi's confusion, Chen Mobai pointed to himself.He was ranked first, which Yuan Chizhi had no objection to."Yu Lian, Luo Yixuan, my disciple, and then Luo Yixiu. He just about makes it to fifth place.""I acknowledge Yu Lian, but as for Luo Yixuan, wasn't she eliminated earlier than him?" Yuan Chizhi was still perplexed."She cultivates a unique technique that conceals her cultivation and divine sense, but it can't escape my eyes," Chen Mobai softly explained.Upon hearing this, Yuan Chizhi looked in surprise at Luo Yixuan, who had just exited the teahouse and was walking towards the smug Luo Yixiu. With Chen Mobai's reminder, he observed closely and, with his Foundation Establishment cultivation, indeed discerned a subtle clue.