Chapter 371: Purple Lightning Sword Suits Me Well

"Thank you for your hard work this time." Inside the alchemy room, Chen Mobai sincerely thanked the beautiful young woman in front of him as he took a jar of ointment, sealed with a restriction, from Qing Nü's hand.

"It was no trouble at all; you've helped me much more," Qing Nü said with a smile, tidying up the used magical artifacts and equipment in the alchemy room. She had always remembered the kindness he showed her back in Danxia City.

"I need to leave now." After putting away the ointment, Chen Mobai checked his phone. It was already noon, and he was scheduled to lead the Dance Weapon Academy out of the Linwu Grotto-Heaven that afternoon.

When Qing Nü heard this, she paused her tidying, but then turned her head, squinted, and smiled, saying, "Have a safe journey."

Chen Mobai nodded and turned to leave, but his steps suddenly felt heavy. He wondered if he should say something more.

"What's wrong? Is there anything else?" Qing Nü asked, curious when she saw him stop.

"While you're in the Heaven Mending Group, don't investigate things from your childhood anymore." Chen Mobai suddenly blurted out these words, though he wasn't sure why. Despite having already refused Kong Feichen, in that moment of parting, he felt that if he didn't speak, he might regret it later.

After hearing this, Qing Nü's smiling face instantly froze. Her normally bright eyes seemed to lose their sparkle as she slowly lowered her head.

"You're going to be late; you should go." Hearing Qing Nü's words, Chen Mobai scratched his head, feeling a little frustrated. He then waved to the young woman and turned to leave the alchemy room.

At the shore of Wood God Island.

Zhuang Jialan and Bian Jingchun, carrying a large pile of local specialties, were chattering with Song Yuexin on the water bridge. When they saw Chen Mobai approaching, the three women immediately stopped talking and looked at him intently.

"What's wrong?" Chen Mobai couldn't help but examine himself again. Could it be that Jiang Yuhuan's set of red and black Dance Weapon robes didn't suit him?

"Junior, I heard the academy is already arranging for you to wield the Violet Lightning Sword. Is that true?" Bian Jingchun, being older, admired Chen Mobai but spoke with less reverence than Zhuang Jialan and Song Yuexin, immediately asking about the rumor she had just heard.

"Nonsense!" Chen Mobai shook his head, immediately denying the rumor. Although he very much desired a Fourth-Tier sword after seeing Pei Qingshuang's, there was no truth to this matter. He figured it was likely because he and Pei Qingshuang had fought to a standstill, and both his thunder magic and swordsmanship had reached the Third-Tier, leading people to pair them up.

After Chen Mobai stepped onto the water bridge, Song Yuexin immediately ferried the four of them towards Xiaoye Island.

"Where there's smoke, there's fire. I think if this rumor is circulating, it might be an opportunity for you to pursue it yourself." Bian Jingchun, who had successfully passed the civil service exam after graduation and had been honing her skills in official institutions, was quite sensitive to such matters. Her words made Chen Mobai's heart stir.

"You've earned such great merit for the academy this time, and you're also Director Che's disciple. When you go back, talk about the arduous struggle you had fighting with the Fourth-Tier Azure Frost Sword, and subtly mention how great it would be if you also had a Fourth-Tier sword. You don't need to be too explicit; Director Che will understand and definitely help you get it."

After listening, Chen Mobai didn't let the idea of a Fourth-Tier sword cloud his judgment and voiced his concerns. "The Violet Lightning Sword is a Fourth-Tier sword of the Shanhai Academy. Why would they give it to an outsider like me?"

"The Stabilizing Sea Sword was even forged by our Dance Weapon Academy." Bian Jingchun wagged her finger and began to explain why the Shanhai Academy's Sword Pavilion housed nearly half of the Immortal Sect's top-tier flying swords. "Most of the swords in the Sword Pavilion are entrusted to them by others. This is because, besides its reputation for sword cultivators, Shanhai Academy is also the most professional and top-tier institution in the Immortal Sect for sword forging, maintenance, and repair."

"So, who currently owns the Violet Lightning Sword?" Chen Mobai was intrigued and began to press for details.

"I've asked a colleague to inquire. The Azure Frost Sword belongs to the Natural Academy, but the Violet Lightning Sword is more complicated. This sword belonged to True Monarch Qing Shi of the Five Thunders Academy. However, after his lifespan ended and he passed away, the sword was given to True Monarch Qing Jing according to his will. After True Monarch Qing Jing also passed away, due to disputes between the Five Thunders Academy and the Natural Academy, the Immortal Sect sent both the Violet Lightning and Azure Frost swords to the Shanhai Academy's Sword Pavilion."

The story of Violet Lightning and Azure Frost was a household name in the Immortal Sect. Chen Mobai had even watched the beautiful story of True Monarch Qing Shi and True Monarch Qing Jing, who were both master and friend, eventually breaking through worldly prejudices to become cultivation partners, on television when he was a child.

However, when the TV series was released, there was a censorship mechanism. The roles of the Five Thunders Academy and the Natural Academy were not portrayed positively, so their forces jointly censored those parts before release. This was why Chen Mobai didn't know that the ownership of Violet Lightning and Azure Frost was actually so intricate.

True Monarch Qing Shi was from the Five Thunders Academy, and True Monarch Qing Jing was from the Natural Academy. The Violet Lightning Sword was True Monarch Qing Shi's life-bound sword, and its forging also benefited from the academy's power, so it naturally should have belonged to the Five Thunders Academy. However, True Monarch Qing Shi's will stipulated that this sword be left to True Monarch Qing Jing.

While True Monarch Qing Jing was alive, the Five Thunders Academy dared not say much. But after True Monarch Qing Jing also passed away, the Five Thunders Academy immediately wanted to retrieve the Violet Lightning Sword from the Natural Academy, which the Natural Academy was naturally unwilling to permit.

However, the two academies' powers were evenly matched, and the dispute escalated to the point where the Hall Master of Righteous Law had to intervene, directly sending both top-tier swords to the Shanhai Academy's Sword Pavilion. Shanhai Academy, watching the drama unfold, was delighted and happily accepted them.

"The ownership of the Azure Frost Sword is clear; it belongs to the Natural Academy. However, Shanhai Academy, by the order of the Hall of Righteous Law, has painstakingly nurtured this sword for over a hundred years, so they also have the right to keep it."

"That's why Pei Qingshuang first joined Shanhai Academy, and then Ju Mang Academy stepped in to resolve the matter with the Natural Academy. Coupled with her exceptional talent, she was then able to wield the Azure Frost Sword."

"If you want the Violet Lightning Sword, it will be a bit more troublesome. Not only do you need to deal with both Shanhai and Natural Academies, but also the Five Thunders Academy, which has always had its eye on this sword."

After listening to what Bian Jingchun had learned over the past two days, Chen Mobai remembered his good friends Wenren Xuewei, Yan Qiongzhi, and Pei Qingshuang, and a look of realization dawned on his face.

"Isn't Yan Qiongzhi from the Natural Academy? So that's how they're connected."

"Senior Sister Bian, with your analysis, I feel like I'm getting further and further away from acquiring this Violet Lightning Sword."

Although Chen Mobai's reputation was soaring and he was already hailed as the top Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Immortal Sect, his standing was still far from enough to make the three academies agree to him becoming the wielder of the Violet Lightning Sword.

He estimated that even if he achieved Core Formation immediately, the three academies would likely not grant him this favor. Unless, of course, the academy itself intervened!

"Teacher, this time, to restore the glory of the Dance Weapons, I truly risked everything. The sword qi I painstakingly acquired by taking out a loan for my talisman factory to refine malevolent energy has also been permanently lost..."

Guided by Bian Jingchun's advice, Chen Mobai eagerly led everyone back to Chicheng Grotto-Heaven using flying artifacts. As soon as they arrived at the academy, he handed over the welcoming arrangements to Hua Zijing, then immediately rushed to Che Yucheng's office. With a somber expression, he began to recount how diligently and industriously he had worked during the academy's offline sparring exchange, and how great his sacrifices had been for the academy's glory.

He was just short of using a drop of eye-cleansing bamboo spiritual dew to moisten his eyes and express how heartbroken he was about losing a wisp of sword qi!

After Chen Mobai finished his lament, Che Yucheng seemingly enlightened, patted his forehead and uttered words that made Chen Mobai overjoyed, though he still had to maintain a proper facade. "Indeed, that was quite a significant loss for the academy. To prevent discouragement among all students and to set an example for future learners, I believe the academy should not only compensate you for your losses but also reward you handsomely."

"Teacher, it is my duty to bring glory to the academy."

"Ah, how can you say that? Merit must be rewarded. This week, I'll bring it up at the faculty meeting to see if we can apply for a wisp of Fire Yang Qi as compensation for you."

"Oh, there's Fire Yang Qi in the academy?" Chen Mobai truly hadn't known this, but he quickly came to his senses.

What was Fire Yang Qi? He wanted the Violet Lightning Sword!

"Teacher, the reward doesn't need to be too substantial; something symbolic would suffice," Chen Mobai said subtly.

"Then, what kind of reward do you think would be appropriate?" Che Yucheng appeared democratic, kindly asking for Chen Mobai's opinion.

"I heard online that there's a Violet Lightning Sword in Shanhai Academy, and people are saying it suits me quite well."

Che Yucheng was momentarily speechless, seeing Chen Mobai brazenly make such a request. "That's a Fourth-Tier sword."

"Teacher, didn't you also grant Senior Sister Bian the Fourth-Tier True Dragon Cauldron? I've not only admirably completed the task she was supposed to do, but I've also exceeded expectations by bringing the academy back to first place."

Chen Mobai spoke subtly, but his clear underlying meaning was that with such great merit, the academy should also acquire a Fourth-Tier magical artifact for him.

"That was lent to her," Che Yucheng said helplessly. "She has to return it to Senior Sister Duanmu before she leaves the academy this time."

"Ah, so that's how it is." Chen Mobai's face fell with disappointment upon hearing this. He felt his chances of wielding the Violet Lightning Sword were probably nil.

"However, given your significant achievement this time, I will try to arrange something, but I can't guarantee success."

Yet, in the end, Che Yucheng uttered these words, reigniting a glimmer of hope for Chen Mobai.

"Thank you, Teacher."

The teacher and disciple then discussed more details, and Chen Mobai didn't hold back, also mentioning Wenren Xuewei's gift of the Grand Chūn Flower to foster good relations.

"Keep it. Ju Mang and our Dance Weapon Academy have mostly sailed in the same boat over thousands of years. In the two hundred years I've been in charge, our relationship has been quite good."

With Che Yucheng's words, Chen Mobai felt reassured.

After a moment of hesitation, he still didn't mention Kong Feichen or the Devouring Sky Serpent. It wasn't that he didn't trust Che Yucheng, but he felt it was best to keep that matter to himself.

"You should drink the Enlightenment Tea as soon as possible," Che Yucheng reminded him, fearing Chen Mobai might not know.

"Understood, Teacher. I plan to rest tonight and then go to Building Nine tomorrow to get a room and drink it."

"Good. You're an adult now, so I won't say much about how to utilize it. When a Foundation Establishment cultivator drinks Enlightenment Tea, they can perceive their future life's path in this profound realm. Remember not to waste this opportunity."

Foundation Establishment cultivators have limited perception, so many cultivation techniques and realms they consider flawless actually appear full of flaws to those on higher levels. However, in the state of enlightenment, one can see much further and with greater clarity. Even across the entire Immortal Sect, this Enlightenment Tea is one of the most precious spiritual treasures.

"Teacher, since the Enlightenment Tea is so potent, why isn't it used to cultivate certain special talents, like Meng Huang'er? Isn't she a genius in cultivating the Startling God Melody? Wouldn't it be great if she could use it to achieve Foundation Establishment and Core Formation?"

Before leaving, Chen Mobai thought of his good friend. It had been over a year since he last saw her, and he missed her voice greatly.

Che Yucheng asked, "Do you know how many cultivators there are in the Immortal Sect?" Chen Mobai replied, "Three hundred million!" Wasn't this number constantly publicized? Because cultivators lived long lives, the population had been continuously growing since the last pioneering war, and in the last century, the Immortal Sect had even started implementing family planning policies.

Che Yucheng said, "With three hundred million cultivators, what we least lack are geniuses. The oldest Nascent Soul True Monarchs in the Immortal Sect are almost a thousand years old. Over these thousand years, they've cultivated hundreds of talents who showed promise in mastering the Startling God Melody, but only a handful, just three, managed to achieve Core Formation. If Jiang Yuhuan can successfully achieve Foundation Establishment through his own talent, it means he has value for continued cultivation. If Meng Huang'er needs Enlightenment Tea just to pass the Foundation Establishment stage, then Core Formation will certainly be impossible for her."

Although the words weren't explicitly stated, Chen Mobai understood Che Yucheng's meaning. The Immortal Sect was short on resources, but not on talent. Even celestial spiritual roots were discovered every now and then, let alone a mere genius in the path of sound.

If Meng Huang'er could successfully achieve Foundation Establishment through her own talent and perseverance, then the Nascent Soul True Monarchs in the Immortal Sect, who yearned for the Startling God Melody, would naturally spare no resources and would cultivate her with all their might to reach Core Formation, or even Nascent Soul. However, if she couldn't even cross the first threshold of cultivation, Foundation Establishment, it would be better to give up early and conserve resources.

"Of course, a genius among geniuses like you is still quite rare," Che Yucheng added kindly, seeing Chen Mobai's slightly dazed expression, as if his previous words had been a bit harsh. "I'll see if I can bring your matter to the principal's attention. If he's willing to intervene, the Violet Lightning Sword will certainly be no problem."

"Teacher, you think too highly of me. I'm just a little diligent and had some fortunate encounters," Chen Mobai said humbly before excusing himself and leaving.