Chapter 300: Foundation Establishment Stage Two

After spending a whole day, Chen Mobai’s eyes were bloodshot, but he finally finished examining all sixteen individuals' treasure spheres.

However, his hard work was not in vain.

Seeing the 86 newly added credits in his student account, Chen Mobai rubbed his sore, teary eyes and applied two drops of the recently refined Eye-Clearing Bamboo Spirit Dew.

Having refined this spirit liquid many times, and with the efficacy of the spirit herbs, Wang Xingyu could now craft it with near-certainty.

Just as Chen Mobai closed his eyes to rest, a dazzling crimson divine light shone outside the window, like a grand, brilliant firework.

This was one of the Foundation Establishment cultivators who had identified a treasure sphere; after confirming the true nature of the magic tool within, they had eagerly activated it.

Chen Mobai turned his chair, directing his gaze out the window to admire the annual spectacle within the Myriad Treasures Cave.

“Divine Wind Sword! It truly is the Divine Wind Sword, hahaha…”

A sharp sword qi whistled forth, accompanied by a coiling, dragon-like green light, transforming into a clear, water-like flying sword, which was then held in the palm of a young man with a sharp, pointed face.

He was Zou Siliang, a tenth-year student from the Sword Control Department. Since his enrollment, he had diligently practiced sword techniques and accumulated ten years' worth of credits, all for the sake of obtaining a good sword.

The artifact fragment gifted by the academy during his Foundation Establishment breakthrough yielded an Iron Wing Staff due to his lack of experience.

Later, he accumulated another hundred credits and exchanged them for an artifact fragment. He even sought out Ming Yu to appraise it for him, but unfortunately, Ming Yu's Spirit Eye technique was only at its initial stage then. Although he saw a long, rectangular shape, it turned out to be a paperweight.

This year, Zou Siliang again accumulated enough credits. After exchanging for an artifact fragment, he still had some left over, so he directly brought five treasure spheres for Chen Mobai to examine.

Remarkably, after suffering two setbacks, among the treasure spheres he collected this time, there were actually three flying swords, a staff, and a hook-shaped magic tool.

After Chen Mobai finished examining them, Zou Siliang spent another 2 points to consult the Myriad Treasures Map, which also counted as income for the student union.

Information on all three flying swords was available in the Myriad Treasures Map. Among them, the Divine Wind Sword was of the highest grade; it was the Natal Flying Sword of a talented wind-spirit-root sword cultivator from the Weapon Refinement Academy in the past.

This talented sword cultivator had attempted to break through to the Core Formation stage twice. Although both attempts ended in failure, at least this flying sword was top-tier Second-Grade.

Zou Siliang's experience confirmed Chen Mobai's sharp discernment, and the remaining hesitant individuals immediately made up their minds.

One after another, crimson divine lights illuminated, revealing magic tools shimmering with spiritual light and intricate spirit patterns.

Red Phoenix Shield… Purple Muslin Robe… Dragon Coil Spear… Clear Ruyi Scepter… Wind-Breaking Ring… Lightless Shield… Thousand Chimes Fan…

The Foundation Establishment cultivators in the square who recognized the origins of the magic tools shouted out the names of the magic tools emerging from the treasure spheres one by one, their voices filled with envy.

These were mostly high-grade Second-Tier items, and one, like the Divine Wind Sword, was a top-tier Second-Tier magic tool.

Only the Clear Ruyi Scepter was mid-grade Second-Tier, but this was due to the artifact fragment's owner's own choice. This senior student, Ren Yuanjun, had suffered problems with his Sea of Consciousness due to reckless advancement while cultivating a soul-sense technique, and thus needed a magic tool to nourish his Purple Palace.

However, there was no such magic tool among his treasure spheres. Fortunately, the Clear Ruyi Scepter was among the treasure spheres Chen Mobai had appraised before his.

With the idea of providing thorough service, Chen Mobai called back the senior female student who owned the Clear Ruyi Scepter. After explaining the reason, she was very understanding and decisively transferred the treasure sphere containing the sealed Clear Ruyi Scepter to Ren Yuanjun for a symbolic price of ten thousand good deeds.

Because this senior female student had already decided to activate the high-grade Second-Tier Purple Muslin Robe, it was unlikely she would ever choose to activate the Clear Ruyi Scepter.

However, Chen Mobai's influence was also significant. If it had been someone else, especially someone in urgent need of the Clear Ruyi Scepter, they would likely have been charged a hefty transfer fee.

With the activation of the Clear Ruyi Scepter, this incident was quickly spread by Ren Yuanjun. In an instant, the senior female student gained a reputation for generosity and benevolence.

As for Chen Mobai, in addition to his "invincible in combat" label, he gained a new image as someone with a compassionate heart and a willingness to help others.

Flashes of magic tool brilliance flickered after the crimson divine lights disappeared, held in the hands of the gleefully laughing Foundation Establishment cultivators. They intertwined on the square, forming a dazzling and beautiful spiritual light spectacle, like fireworks.

The remaining seven, who had been appraised but had not yet opened their treasure spheres, all looked at them with expressions of envy.

After Chen Mobai examined them using his Ethereal Spirit Eye, he found that the magic tools sealed within the treasure spheres they brought were neither what they wanted nor suitable for them. Thus, the artifact fragments in their hands remained, waiting for the next time they found suitable treasure spheres to appraise.

Regardless of whether they opened them or not, Chen Mobai had already earned his credits.

After the jubilant atmosphere in the square dispersed, Chen Mobai also greeted Hua Zijing, then left the Myriad Treasures Cave. He found Luo Hezheng and exchanged for two Vermilion Fruits and one Minor Obstacle-Breaking Pill.

“Don't advance your cultivation too quickly. With your talent, you can certainly cultivate to the Ninth Layer of Foundation Establishment. A stable foundation will give you greater confidence when attempting Core Formation.”

As Luo Hezheng exchanged a Minor Obstacle-Breaking Pill for Chen Mobai, he earnestly reminded him.

“Yes, thank you for the reminder, Teacher Luo.”

Although he said that, Chen Mobai paid it no mind at all.

Within the Immortal Sect, the 'stable foundation' faction and the 'realm is king' faction had engaged in numerous debates throughout the long history of cultivation.

The 'stable foundation' faction believed that only by progressing steadily, step by step, could one reach the pinnacle.

However, the 'realm is king' faction believed that lifespan was limited, and one should elevate their realm in the shortest possible time. After all, the higher the realm, the longer the lifespan. And when the realm could no longer be elevated, one could then slowly go back to solidify their foundation and cultivate other skills, which could also lead to new insights and breakthroughs.

Undoubtedly, Chen Mobai was a proponent of the 'realm is king' faction.

After all, he had sufficient resources. He would first accumulate his realm, and when he reached the minimum requirement to challenge major realm bottlenecks, he would then use repeated attempts to overcome cultivation stages like Foundation Establishment and Core Formation, which were like insurmountable chasms for most cultivators.

Anyway, that's how Chen Mobai had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment. Therefore, he planned to first cultivate himself to the Peak of Foundation Establishment, and then figure out how to gather Core Formation spirit herbs, along with the Two Phases Art.

Even if his foundation was a bit unstable by then, with the combined effects of the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill and the Two Phases Art, giving him a fifty percent chance of forming a core, even if he failed the first time, statistically, he should succeed on the second try.

After leaving Luo Hezheng's office, Chen Mobai went upstairs to visit his teacher, Che Yucheng.

The teacher and disciple had met less frequently this year.

This was mainly because Chen Mobai had spent most of the year in secluded cultivation. Additionally, the Little Scarlet Heaven had expanded steadily, and the Primal Yang Sword had been requisitioned by Gongye Zhixu as per Che Yucheng's plan.

Since there wasn't much going on at the Weapon Refinement Academy, Che Yucheng also didn't bother to give Chen Mobai instructions, allowing him to peacefully cultivate by taking the Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid.

“One layer a year, that's somewhat fitting for a chief disciple.”

After hearing about Chen Mobai's cultivation progress, Che Yucheng was barely satisfied. Chen Mobai couldn't help but feel embarrassed, as he had initially thought his cultivation speed was quite fast.

However, among the Four Great Academies, the majority in their Weapon Refinement Academy belonged to the 'realm is king' faction, known for their rapid realm advancement.

The main reasons for this were the *Can Tong Qi*, and the Spirit Weapon Co-cultivation Art derived from this Divine Transformation Grand Art, along with the abundance of magic tools in the Myriad Treasures Cave.

Chen Mobai continuously absorbed the Pure Yang essence from the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror with the help of the Spirit Weapon Co-cultivation Art. Combined with ample Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid, breaking through one layer of cultivation per year was indeed just barely on par with the average level of past chief disciples of the Weapon Refinement Academy.

“Teacher, this year I've worked tirelessly in the Little Scarlet Heaven, fighting tooth and nail for the academy, restoring the glory of Weapon Refinement. I heard from Wang Xingyu that in a couple of days, the Alchemy Department will have another pool of Second-Tier Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid refined. Could you perhaps speak with Teacher Luo…”

Chen Mobai stated his main reason for visiting Che Yucheng today. The latter naturally nodded in approval for such a small, legitimate matter.

After all, the reason the Weapon Refinement Academy had the highest points in the Little Scarlet Heaven this year was due to Chen Mobai's long-standing position as the top fighter. Given such merit, obtaining some Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid exchange qualifications would be perfectly reasonable, even if brought up to the Headmaster.

“Once the Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid is refined, go find Luo Hezheng. I'll have him set aside one liter for you, but this time you'll need to use your own credits for the exchange.”

“Thank you, Teacher.”

One liter of Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid only cost 10 credits. After Chen Mobai exchanged for the two Vermilion Fruits and the Minor Obstacle-Breaking Pill, he still had 16 credits on his student ID, more than enough.

After leaving Che Yucheng's place, Chen Mobai first went to find his good friend, Yun Yangbing.

“Here, remember to return it after you're done.”

Yun Yangbing handed a cloth bag to Chen Mobai. This was a special spirit gathering array he had thoroughly researched, capable of elevating a high-grade Third-Tier spirit vein to a low-grade Fourth-Tier.

Ming Yihua's successful Foundation Establishment last year was partly due to this spirit gathering array.

“Thanks, brother. I'll buy you drinks once I break through.”

“No need. I said I wouldn't drink again until I reach Foundation Establishment.”

Yun Yangbing refused with a stern face.

In the Divine Transformation Class, two more individuals successfully reached Foundation Establishment this year. And Yun Yangbing, as the only one among the three cultivators of the 5012th Pure Yang Scroll who hadn't yet reached Foundation Establishment, had been under immense pressure recently.

He resolved that starting next year, he would pause his array research and focus solely on Foundation Establishment.

However, he had already comprehended the Boundary Law this year. Chen Mobai believed that even if Yun Yangbing didn't actively strive, he would likely achieve Foundation Establishment effortlessly next year, simply by letting nature take its course.

The Divine Transformation Class's annual gathering was canceled this year, as many felt the pressure. When Chen Mobai and Ming Yihua reached Foundation Establishment, they had still comforted themselves that they would soon catch up.

But earlier this year, after Lan Yufan successfully reached Foundation Establishment by "severing emotional ties with a sword," everyone started to get anxious.

The other four who had comprehended the Boundary Law all rented rooms in Building No. 9 for a year, and declared grand ambitions in their group chat, vowing not to emerge from seclusion until they achieved Foundation Establishment.

Yet by the end of the year, none of them had emerged.

Instead, Lu Zixuan, whose temperament had drastically changed after her breakup, without comprehending the Boundary Law, forcefully attempted to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm and surprisingly succeeded.

Regarding this, Chen Mobai could only conclude that these two were too extreme. They actually needed intense emotional stimulation to achieve Foundation Establishment, unlike his naturally stable foundation.

After receiving the spirit gathering array from Yun Yangbing, Chen Mobai also rented a room in Building No. 9.

He sat cross-legged on the soft carpet, his divine sense emerging from his body. He placed the array disk and eight array flags in their designated positions, and instantly, Chen Mobai felt as if the originally dense spiritual energy had been completely drained in a flash, becoming extremely thin.

This spirit gathering array worked by storing spiritual energy that would normally be released over a long period, and then unleashing it in a single burst, creating the illusion of a higher-grade spirit vein.

Therefore, before activation, it required some time to absorb spiritual energy.

During this time, Chen Mobai took out the Minor Obstacle-Breaking Pill.

He raised his phone and silently took a photo of the pill formula on the bottom of the packaging. If this item were to be sold in the Heavenly River Realm, it would likely cause major sects to fight over it.

However, at the Weapon Refinement Academy, this single pill was only worth 30 credits.

Among Second-Tier pills, the Obstacle-Breaking Pill and Qi Replenishing Spirit Liquid were the most popular. It was precisely for this reason that the Alchemy Department of the Weapon Refinement Academy refined them annually, and ensured there were always some Obstacle-Breaking Pills in storage, to prevent students from lacking them when urgently needed.

Unfortunately, the academy only had the medicinal ingredients for refining Minor Obstacle-Breaking Pills, but not for Major Obstacle-Breaking Pills.

However, this item wasn't as precious as the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill. If the pharmaceutical factories of the Four Great Academies cooperated, they could still refine it.

Before the Little Scarlet Heaven existed, every three years, the Four Great Academies and Ten Great Palaces would hold a friendly exchange and sparring session.

If discussions went well, there would be instances of joint pill refinement.

In the past twenty years, the Major Obstacle-Breaking Pill had been successfully refined three times under such circumstances.

Chen Mobai calculated the time: it had been held the year before last. Zuoqiu Shi, representing the host academy, had debated with representatives from the other three great academies. With his cultivation at the Seventh Layer of Foundation Establishment, he had barely managed to uphold the reputation of the Weapon Refinement Academy.

This meant the next one would be next year, though it was unknown which academy would host it.

However, last year, due to the millennium celebration of Mount Chicheng Grotto-heaven and the Little Scarlet Heaven, the three great academies had come to show their support, so it was unclear if the next session would be delayed.

But even if it was delayed, it would eventually be held in a few years, as it was a tradition.

Thinking of this, Chen Mobai felt invigorated.

As the chief disciple of the academy, he was certainly expected to lead a team to participate. With his current reputation, no matter which academy he visited, he would undoubtedly be the center of attention.

He hoped it would be the Jumang Academy. He wanted to bring honor to his friend, Qing Nü.

Just then, the array disk of the spirit gathering array in front of him lit up with spiritual light. This indicated that it was fully charged and ready to activate.

Chen Mobai wasted no time and pointed a finger.

Then, as dense spiritual energy surged towards him, he tore open the seal of the Minor Obstacle-Breaking Pill and swallowed the black pill in one gulp.

Strands of exceptionally pure spiritual energy, almost tangible, were absorbed by Chen Mobai through his seven orifices. He closed his eyes, his skin radiating a rosy glow. His Pure Yang spiritual power, enhanced by his Fire Spirit Physique, transformed into waves that began to assault the bottleneck within his dantian.

Generally, a realm's bottleneck, under continuous assault, would gradually loosen from its solid state until it was completely broken through.

This was Chen Mobai's first attempt to break through, when the bottleneck was at its strongest. Facing the surging Pure Yang spiritual power, his dantian merely trembled slightly, showing no signs of loosening.

But at this moment, the medicinal power from the Obstacle-Breaking Pill descended, merging into the surroundings of his dantian's Qi Sea.

In an instant, the solid bottleneck was like snow and ice melting under sunlight, or a lump of mud dissolving in water, and began to slowly dissipate.

Chen Mobai didn't miss this opportunity. His divine sense controlled the Pure Yang spiritual power, and in one fell swoop, he quickly broke through to the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment.

His dantian's Qi Sea expanded by one-third, allowing it to store more spiritual power.

After the breakthrough, he did not relax. His divine sense remained taut, as he repeatedly circulated the Pure Yang Scroll. The academy library contained records of many people's failed breakthrough experiences.

Most commonly, after an initial breakthrough, insufficient consolidation would cause the opened bottleneck to close again, leading to a drop in realm.

At this point, the spiritual energy stored by the spirit gathering array had been completely depleted during the breakthrough process. Furthermore, the high-grade Third-Tier spiritual energy that was originally in the room even began to decline.

This was the drawback of Yun Yangbing's array.

However, Chen Mobai had prepared in advance. He crushed two pre-placed mid-grade spirit stones on the array disk.

In an instant, the spirit gathering array's radiance intensified, becoming even brighter than it was at the beginning.

Three days later.

Chen Mobai, with his realm stabilized, emerged from his room feeling refreshed. He loudly shouted "Check out!" to the two work-study junior students at the front desk on the first floor.