Chapter 340: Yin-Yang Five Elements Seven-Star Sword Arm

"Teacher Zuo," Chen Mobai asked humbly, acting as if nothing had happened, "how do I practice forming a Sword Fiend Array?"

"Cough, cough," Teacher Zuo began. "Since you've mastered Sword Light Transformation, you can certainly try practicing the Sword Fiend Collection. It appears you've chosen the Five Elements Sword Fiend, which is relatively straightforward; it's one of the two Sword Fiend Great Arrays we've already experimented with and successfully completed."

Due to the limited resources of the Immortal Sect, Zuo Gong and the sword cultivators from the Sword Dao Association had only managed to complete the practical application for two types of arrays: the Two Forms Sword Fiend and the Five Elements Sword Fiend.

"Watch carefully; I'll demonstrate it for you."

As he spoke, Zuo Gong opened his right palm towards Chen Mobai. A silver, water-drop shaped sword seal appeared, and under the propulsion of his divine sense, it transformed into a bright, mercury-like flowing sword fiend.

The moment this sword fiend materialized, Chen Mobai felt the surrounding air instantly congeal, making it difficult for him to breathe or move. Fortunately, Zuo Gong was only providing a brief demonstration.

After displaying the mercury sword fiend, Zuo Gong rolled up his right sleeve, revealing a withered, yellow leaf-shaped sword seal glowing on his wrist.

This was the wood-attribute Wither-Flourish Sword Fiend, capable of turning any living creature it touched into desolation.

Following the Wither-Flourish, a flame sword seal appeared on Zuo Gong's arm.

Then, a mountain-shaped sword seal manifested near his elbow.

Finally, the Geng Metal Sword Fiend, which Zuo Gong himself cultivated, appeared as a sword-shaped mark on his upper arm.

Chen Mobai's Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes were operating at their peak. He watched Zuo Gong's right arm and observed a wisp of spiritual power—far grander and purer than all his own Longevity Spiritual Power combined—surge from the latter's Dantian Qi Sea. It flowed like a thread along the meridians, connecting each of the Five Elements Sword Fiends into a perfect five-element cycle.

"Because I personally cultivate the Geng Metal Sword Fiend," Zuo Gong explained, "to activate the Five Elements Sword Fiend Array, I must begin with Geng Metal, then proceed through the cycle of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth."

"However, once a full Five Elements cycle is completed, you can freely deploy them based on the opponent's spells and magical artifacts."

"However, a fixed starting sequence could be exploited by a powerful opponent. They might interrupt all subsequent changes right at the outset, before your Sword Fiend Great Array even fully unfolds."

"That's the advantage of Sword Light Transformation; its starting sequence isn't fixed, making it impossible for opponents to target."

As Zuo Gong spoke, his voice carried a hint of emotion, acknowledging the saying "the waves behind push the waves ahead." This was the first time he truly felt the weight of the word "genius."

Those admitted to the Wuqi Dao Academy were the most exceptional talents and spiritual root holders among the Immortal Sect's countless cultivators, each a dragon among men. Consequently, Zuo Gong had always been unimpressed by "geniuses."

In an academy where every student was considered a genius, those who could genuinely astonish him were few and far between.

Zhongli Tianyu establishing his foundation before enrollment was indeed commendable, but it was largely due to the fortunate legacy of his ancestors' magical artifacts. If others had the same advantages, they might not have been any slower than him.

Zhai Jianbai, who established his foundation by comprehending the Dao through the sword, was already the Imperial Sword Department's most remarkable figure in a century. Yet, Zuo Gong only considered him "decent," someone merely capable of inheriting his legacy.

As for Chen Mobai, Zuo Gong had previously considered him simply fortunate.

Although he had attained the Sword Rainbow Splitting Light realm when he achieved his foundation through Dao comprehension, his dedication to the sword wasn't as profound as Zhai Jianbai's. Moreover, as Che Yucheng's disciple, Zuo Gong had simply sent him off to graduate after teaching him.

He had initially assumed there would be no further contact. To his astonishment, their reunion brought such a tremendous surprise.

Zuo Gong had encountered many individuals who stood out even among a crowd of geniuses, but Chen Mobai, standing before him now, was the most incredible of all.

If this person were to become his disciple, he would undoubtedly surpass Zuo Gong himself, bring great glory to the Imperial Sword Department of Wuqi Dao Academy, and perhaps even transcend Pure Yang and Mountain Sea Academies to become the Immortal Sect's premier sword lineage.

"Little Chen," Zuo Gong began, "have you ever considered taking on another teacher?"

Chen Mobai immediately grew wary upon hearing Zuo Gong's suddenly amiable tone.

"Teacher Zuo, I've only just scratched the surface of the Puppet Dao. I truly don't have the extra energy to learn anything else."

"Your talent is completely wasted on the Puppet Dao; you should focus on the Sword Dao instead. Join my Imperial Sword Department. When I retire, I'll pass my director position to you. I can even make an exception and allow you to view that particular Immortal Sect Sword Art. Furthermore, I can help you apply to the academy to see the ink-traced sword marks left by Ancestor Baiguang."

The conditions Zuo Gong offered greatly tempted Chen Mobai. Both the Immortal Sect Sword Art and the sword marks left by the God Transformation Ancestor were among the most precious treasures on Địa Nguyên Star, representing the highest legacies of the Sword Dao, unobtainable with money.

These two treasures at Wuqi Dao Academy were coveted by countless sword cultivators. Now, if Chen Mobai simply agreed, he was virtually guaranteed access.

But after careful thought, Chen Mobai shook his head and declined.

"Teacher Zuo," Chen Mobai said, "I believe your earlier words were correct; one shouldn't be overly ambitious. I've only just mastered Sword Light Transformation, and my cultivation realm is still low. These two treasures wouldn't fully demonstrate their power if I were to use them. It's better not to."

"What I said before was nonsense," Zuo Gong retorted. "Your talent in the Sword Dao is the strongest I've ever witnessed; the Imperial Sword Department is truly the most suitable for you. However, you're right that it would be a waste for you to view the Immortal Sect Sword Art and the ink-traced sword marks right now. These items have limited uses remaining, and the sword intent they contain is far too profound. They'd be more appropriate for you after you've formed your Golden Core."

After a couple more attempts at persuasion, Zuo Gong realized that Chen Mobai likely wouldn't become his disciple without Che Yucheng's consent. Annoyed, he retracted the right hand he had used to demonstrate the Five Elements Sword Fiend.

"To cultivate sword fiends, you first need a powerful physique," Zuo Gong continued. "This right arm of mine was specially trained using body-refining techniques. Besides the five elements and five stars, it also incorporates the two stars of Yin and Yang. Theoretically, the Two Forms Five Elements Sword Fiend can form an even more potent composite sword array."

As he spoke, Zuo Gong pulled back his long sleeve, revealing his right shoulder, where two more sword fiend seals, representing Yin and Yang, were indeed present.

"I never imagined Teacher Zuo had already mastered both the Two Forms Sword Fiend and the Five Elements Sword Fiend," Chen Mobai remarked. "I suppose even the four great sword cultivators, like Nangong Xuanyu, can't compare to you."

Chen Mobai's words prompted Zuo Gong to shake his head. He sighed, then revealed the hidden truth.

"When my Sword Fiend Collection theory was initially completed," Zuo Gong explained, "to verify its practical operability and cultivability, I volunteered to test it on myself."

"Nangong Xuanyu and the other three each condensed the remaining four-element sword fiends, excluding the Geng Metal Sword Fiend, and then infused them into my right arm. Despite prior simulations with the Phaseless Puppet, it barely succeeded only after three failures."

"Although my Five Elements Sword Fiend is technically complete, the other four sword fiends aren't my own inherent power. Once activated, they are completely consumed and cannot be restored. They're merely for display."

"The Two Forms Sword Fiend operates on the same principle," he continued. "However, Nangong Xuanyu's Primal Yang Sword Fiend is so immensely powerful that the Profound Yin Sword Fiend, condensed by Gongsun Jielu and the other two, barely managed to form a balanced array with it. So, I won't demonstrate that one to you. If something goes awry, my arm might break again."

As he spoke, Zuo Gong covered the Two Forms Sword Fiend on his shoulder.

"Teacher Zuo, your dedication to the Sword Dao truly secures your legacy for a thousand generations."

After hearing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but feel profound respect for Zuo Gong.

The Phaseless Puppet's simulations assumed ideal conditions, but in actual cultivation, unexpected errors often arise. Given Zuo Gong's Core Formation realm and the fact that he still needed to specifically cultivate body-refining methods to strengthen his right arm, it was clear how much physical damage the failure of a Sword Fiend Array cultivation could inflict.

"Therefore, although you've mastered the Sword Light Transformation realm, if you truly wish to condense a Sword Fiend Great Array, you'll still need to specifically cultivate a body-refining technique."

"I suggest you slowly attempt this after reaching the perfected Foundation Establishment realm. At that point, you'll also have time to condense Five Elements essence qi in preparation for artificially synthesized Earth Fiend Qi."

"However, the foundation of sword fiends lies in sword light, so you can first practice by forming an array with Five Elements Sword Light."

"I'll transmit my body-refining method to you first. However, human constitutions differ, so you can use it as a reference, but don't simply imitate my practice."

Zuo Gong had already added Chen Mobai as a friend when he first taught the Sword Fiend Collection, so he quickly transmitted the unique body-refining method he had created specifically for condensing the Two Forms Five Elements Sword Fiend Array.

*The Yin-Yang Five Elements Seven Stars Sword Arm!*

"What a mundane name," Chen Mobai thought. After glancing at the e-book's title, he suppressed the urge to complain and continued to express his gratitude to Zuo Gong.

"If there's anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to find me. After all, I'm three hundred years your senior, and my experience in the Sword Dao is still far richer than yours."

Zuo Gong's remark left Chen Mobai completely speechless. Fortunately, the class bell rang at that moment, and Zhai Jianbai walked over.

"Director," Zhai Jianbai greeted, then nodded to Chen Mobai, "President."

Zhai Jianbai greeted both Zuo Gong and Chen Mobai. Having begun as an assistant lecturer, he had frequently been in contact with the student council over the past two years and had several discussions with Chen Mobai. As they were from the same graduating class, they would often consult each other when arranging class schedules.

"Oh, right," Chen Mobai suddenly remembered. "The Dao Academy's offline sparring and exchange event is about to begin. The list of participants hasn't been finalized yet. Old Zhai, are you interested?"

Chen Mobai suddenly recalled the event. Since there were three Foundation Establishment Stage 9 graduates and himself anchoring the team, the number of top combatants was more than sufficient. He decided it was a good opportunity to cultivate more talented students for the academy.

Among the 5012 cohort, besides Zhongli Tianyu and himself, the most truly talented individual was Zhai Jianbai, standing right there.

He was a genuine Sword Dao genius, having even achieved Foundation Establishment through Dao comprehension.

It was a pity they were from the same cohort; otherwise, if Zhai Jianbai were chosen as the next student council president, Chen Mobai wouldn't have to worry about Wuqi Dao Academy falling to the bottom ranks again after his own graduation.

"What are your thoughts, Director?" Zhai Jianbai hesitated, then asked Zuo Gong, who nodded noncommittally.

"It's fine to go," Zuo Gong replied. "One always grows after getting a good beating."

Chen Mobai smiled wryly; he himself had never experienced being "beaten."

"Then I'll take my leave now."

"Mmm, feel free to visit the Imperial Sword Department more often when you have time, or drop by for tea even if there's nothing pressing. I'm usually in my office or at the training grounds."

Zhai Jianbai watched Zuo Gong kindly see Chen Mobai off, feeling somewhat bewildered.

Previously, whenever Zuo Gong discussed Chen Mobai, it was always with a noticeable displeasure. How had he become so amiable now?

After leaving the training grounds, Chen Mobai paid another visit to Che Yucheng.

He had initially assumed his teacher was still angry, but to his surprise, Che Yucheng's expression was normal upon seeing him. The master and disciple discussed the list of participants for the upcoming offline sparring and exchange event. Then, Chen Mobai shrewdly brought up a few questions about puppets replacing human labor for automation.

"I believe this is the future trend of the Immortal Sect," Che Yucheng stated. "It's simply that, currently, the Immortal Sect has a vast population of cultivators, and human labor is far, far cheaper than puppets, so this field hasn't been vigorously developed. However, in the future, when the population dwindles and labor costs become astronomically high, they will undoubtedly turn to puppets to replace human workers."

As expected, when the topic turned to puppets, Che Yucheng's expression was no longer impassive; his tone and demeanor became noticeably more animated.

"Teacher, you know I have a talisman factory," Chen Mobai began. "I was thinking of conducting an experiment there, perhaps building a fully automated processing workshop with no human labor."

"Theoretically, there's no problem at all," Che Yucheng replied. "The Immortal Sect has several high-precision magical artifact and alchemy laboratories that operate entirely without human labor, using only puppets. I participated in the design and construction of two of those labs. I'll grant you permission; you can look up the relevant papers on the subject."

As one of the foremost experts in the Immortal Sect's Puppet Dao, Che Yucheng was essentially involved in every major puppet-related project.

Although he knew this was likely Chen Mobai's attempt to appease him, his teacher, merely having the thought was enough.

However, Chen Mobai was genuinely considering this.

He had been contemplating how to safely and efficiently transport resources from the Sky River Realm and the Divine Tree Secret Realm to the Immortal Sect, converting them into his personal assets, all without exposing the secret to anyone in the Immortal Sect.

After much deliberation, utilizing puppets seemed to be the only viable option.

Conveniently, he now owned a talisman factory, which could serve as a base to gradually commence trade between the two realms.

"By the way," Che Yucheng asked, "did you resolve your issue with Zuo Gong?"

"Yes, it's resolved," Chen Mobai replied. "The Sword Light Transformation I mastered some time ago turned out to be the path of 'one sword generating myriad laws,' which is why I couldn't find any information about it online. With Teacher Zuo's guidance, I now plan to use this to cultivate his Sword Fiend Collection. If all goes well, I should be able to master one of the Sword Fiend Great Arrays before the exchange event."

"Mmm, good that it's resolved... wait... what did you say... Sword Light Transformation?!"

Che Yucheng had initially intended to make a symbolic gesture of master-disciple affection, showing that he, as a teacher, still cared for his disciple. So, after listening, he casually uttered the polite words he had prepared. But midway through, his centuries-old mind suddenly processed what was said.

*What did you master? Sword Light Transformation!*

Che Yucheng's eyes widened, and he shot up from his chair, staring directly at the disciple standing before him, his face a mask of disbelief.

"Yes, Teacher, is something wrong?"

Chen Mobai had initially intended to conceal it, but then he decided it perfectly aligned with his "genius" persona. Besides, it would undoubtedly be revealed eventually, and since he had already mentioned it to Zuo Gong, he might as well lay it all out here.

Che Yucheng's expression flickered as he slowly sat back down. After a long pause, he seemed to make a difficult decision and, with a hint of reluctance, spoke.

"Your talent in the Sword Dao is somewhat wasted in my Puppet Department. How about transferring to the Imperial Sword Department?"