Chapter 374: Resolved Heartstrings

I have a cultivation world.

Amidst flickering silver light, Chen Mobai had already arrived at the Divine Tree Secret Realm.

After skillfully activating the Profound Mist Talisman, the scene before him made him slightly stunned.

He saw that within the previously mist-shrouded area, a small portion of the Crimson Sun Spirit Trees had become bare, with only their trunks and branches remaining.

Where were the leaves?

Just then, a mystical light rushed towards Chen Mobai. He casually waved his hand, and the Celestial Wood Spirit Light, which he hadn't used in a long time, transformed into a ball of light, enveloping the mystical light.

Looking closely, it was indeed the Heaven-Devouring Serpent.

However, there was still half an unconsumed leaf clinging to the serpent's mouth. It was trapped within the Celestial Wood Spirit Light, restlessly coiling and twisting back and forth, but it couldn't break free at all.

This was the first time Chen Mobai had seen a vegetarian serpent, and he couldn't help but exclaim in wonder.

He brought the Celestial Wood Spirit Light in his palm closer to his eyes, activated his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes, and meticulously observed this masterpiece of the Ascension Sect from top to bottom.

After consuming the spirit stones he had provided, this Heaven-Devouring Serpent had already evolved into a true demonic beast, and its spiritual energy fluctuations had reached the level of early Qi Cultivation.

However, it might be because it had been starving badly and had eaten too many leaves during this period, as a trace of wood attribute had mixed into the Heaven-Devouring Serpent's flesh, blood, and spiritual energy.

Chen Mobai didn't intervene. After confirming that the Heaven-Devouring Serpent could survive in the Divine Tree Secret Realm, he once again set up a wider Profound Mist Talisman, then tossed the small serpent, which had turned slightly dark green in his palm, inside.

"I need to find a way to establish a spirit beast contract with the Heaven-Devouring Serpent."

As he watched the hazy white mist continuously form, enveloping the area he had marked out, Chen Mobai's mind was preoccupied with how to establish a mental connection with the Heaven-Devouring Serpent he had raised.

However, Chen Mobai did not consider the spirit beast contracts used in the Immortal Sect, because the spirit beast protection forces, led by the Kunpeng Daoist Academy, advocated for harmonious and equal coexistence between cultivators and spirit beasts, thus precluding master-servant contracts.

When Lu Qiulong fought Chen Mobai in the past, he wanted to go all out but was instead dissuaded by his spirit beast, precisely because they shared an equal, friendly relationship.

After all, the Heaven-Devouring Serpent's origins were quite problematic, so Chen Mobai felt it would be better to use the spirit beast contracts from the Heavenly River Realm.

No sooner said than done.

He tapped the Turtle Treasure again and teleported to Mount Xiaonan.

It was also just the right time to go to Godwood City to watch his junior disciple's sect competition, so Chen Mobai first sent communication talismans to familiar friends like Yuan Chiye, inviting them to gather.

Then Chen Mobai called over his eldest disciple.

"Wenbai, if I recall correctly, you're a disciple of the Spirit Beast Department, aren't you?"

"Yes, Master."

"Are there any particular regulations regarding signing contracts with spirit beasts within the sect?"

Liu Wenbai immediately began to explain in detail the three types of contracts within the Spirit Beast Department.

"Generally, Qi Cultivation disciples only sign Blood Curse Contracts. This contract remains effective as long as the spirit beast's strength does not exceed the beast master's by more than one major realm."

"Then there's the Divine Sense Contract. This requires the cultivator to infuse a wisp of their divine sense into the spirit beast's sea of consciousness, allowing them to confidently restrain it even if its realm surpasses theirs."

"The highest-grade contract is the Soul Contract. However, that requires the spirit beast and the cultivator to be in complete mental sync and mutually trust each other to establish. It's a contract of eternal loyalty, but also one where prosperity is shared and loss is shared."

After listening, Chen Mobai immediately ruled out the Soul Contract, then meticulously inquired about the methods for the Blood Curse and Divine Sense Contracts.

Liu Wenbai immediately explained all the crucial points of the Blood Curse Contract, which he had learned in his family when he was young. However, the Divine Sense Contract, having been acquired from the sect's scripture pavilion, could not be disclosed according to regulations.

However, this was a minor matter for Chen Mobai.

He immediately controlled the Scarlet Cloud Mist Gauze and took his eldest disciple to the scripture pavilion. With his status as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he easily obtained the contents of the Divine Sense Contract.

After acquiring the information, Chen Mobai wasn't in a hurry to return to the Divine Tree Secret Realm.

He took Liu Wenbai to Godwood City to watch Luo Yixuan's sect competition. Just then, he saw her control black water in conjunction with her Ice Breath, defeating a fellow sect disciple who was also at the ninth level of Qi Cultivation.

"Not bad. She has a third of my style from back then."

Chen Mobai saw this scene and was filled with satisfaction.

When he was in the Qi Cultivation realm, he had fought fiercely against demonic beasts on Qingguang Island, and during the Danxia City entrance examination, he had relied on this exquisite "Ice Art."

Now, Luo Yixuan had completely inherited the true essence of his Ice Art. Without using any second-tier magical artifacts, she had defeated her opponent and advanced into the sequence of the top twenty-four true disciples.

At this moment, he couldn't help but recall how he had diligently cultivated the Ice Breath under Yan Bingxuan's guidance.

Seeing Luo Yixuan controlling black water to condense ice on the stage, a scene as graceful as a soaring swan, Chen Mobai naturally felt a sense of accomplishment as a teacher.

"Master."

Soon after, Liu Wenbai approached with Zhuo Ming and Luo Yixuan. Both girls showed surprise and delight upon seeing him.

"Xuan'er, well done."

Chen Mobai praised her. After hearing this, Luo Yixuan smiled charmingly, gracefully curtsied slightly, with unconcealed joy in her eyes.

"Ming'er, although you've been eliminated, don't be too disheartened. Just strive to become a true disciple within six years."

Zhuo Ming nodded. However, she hadn't really cared about winning or losing in the first place; losing only after three rounds this time was already a breakthrough beyond her previous best results.

The four, master and disciples, didn't watch the rest of the sect competition. Instead, they returned to Chen Mobai's courtyard in Godwood City.

"Master, my next opponent is my elder brother."

On the way back, Luo Yixuan suddenly said.

"Luo Yixiu?"

Chen Mobai had almost forgotten about this person. After the battle at Mount Hanshan ended, Luo Shupin was proven not to have betrayed the sect, allowing Luo Yixiu to continue cultivating within the Godwood Sect.

"Yes, the family will support him in obtaining at least one Foundation Establishment Pill. It seems they are betting on him successfully establishing his foundation."

According to the rules of the Heavenly River Realm, after Luo Yixuan joined the Mount Xiaonan lineage, it was akin to getting married. Although she still had some lingering familial ties with the Luo family, it was certainly not as significant as Luo Yixiu, a legitimate male cultivator with a proper lineage.

Therefore, the Luo family still poured resources into Luo Yixiu, hoping that after he successfully established his foundation, he could replace Luo Shupin in protecting the family within the sect.

"In this competition, you don't need to hold back for him like before. Go all out and let everyone see how outstanding you are."

Chen Mobai understood Luo Yixuan's inner conflict and said this to her with a smile, indicating that he would support her fully.

"Yes, Master!"

As expected, after hearing this, Luo Yixuan's eyes narrowed, and she smiled even more brightly.

For the first half of her life, she had controlled her cultivation progress, prioritizing Luo Yixiu in everything and compromising herself. That suppression of being clearly more outstanding but having to pretend to be inferior to her brother had somewhat twisted her personality.

Fortunately, she met Chen Mobai, a good teacher, and under the influence of the simple and honest customs of the Mount Xiaonan lineage, she gradually transformed into a normal female cultivator.

However, Luo Yixiu had always been an unresolved issue in her heart.

This was a good opportunity, taking advantage of this sect competition, to resolve it.

That evening, Chen Mobai invited Yuan Chiye and Yan Jinye to reminisce.

E Yun and Yue Zutao were still stationed outside the sect, one guarding Yun Country and the other Lei Country; neither intended to return this year.

Another familiar newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator, Yu Lian, had also been sent by the sect to carry out a secret mission. Chen Mobai vaguely guessed what he was doing but didn't interfere.

Besides the three Foundation Establishment cultivators, Chen Mobai also invited close friends he had made during his Qi Cultivation days, such as Qi Rui and Xi Jinghuo. Everyone showed him respect and came.

Zhuo Ming opened five jars of new wine. Although all were first-tier, their flavors varied, and everyone drank to their satisfaction.

The next day, Chen Mobai led his two disciples and sat in a teahouse, watching Luo Yixuan and Luo Yixiu on the arena stage.

At first, Luo Yixiu was full of confidence because he had never lost to Luo Yixuan since childhood.

Even before they fought, he was still trying to persuade Luo Yixuan to concede, so he wouldn't accidentally injure her.

In response, Luo Yixuan simply said one sentence.

"Brother, actually, I've always been holding back for you."

However, regarding this truth, Luo Yixiu appeared very indignant. He attacked first, wanting to prove that he had surpassed his sister through his own strength.

But reality was cruel. Luo Yixuan, without using the Divine Wood Sword, relied on the Ice Art taught by Chen Mobai and crushed Luo Yixiu's proud three great spells.

"How... how is this possible..."

On the arena, after being defeated by Luo Yixuan, Luo Yixiu wore a face of disbelief. He stood frozen in place, muttering to himself, unable to believe that his status as the top cultivator of his clan for over twenty years had actually been achieved solely due to his sister's humility and yielding.

"Brother, from now on, I won't hold back for you again."

After Luo Yixuan finished speaking, she turned and left the arena.

At that moment, Luo Yixuan suddenly felt the gloom that had weighed on her heart since childhood had dissipated.

She had never felt such ease and comfort, as if her divine sense and body had cast off their restraints, leisurely drifting in a clear river, fully enjoying breaking free from everything, flowing freely and rushing towards the endless sea.

With an unprecedented sense of lightness, Luo Yixuan arrived at the teahouse.

Walking up to the second floor, Luo Yixuan saw her master sitting by the window, who smiled and nodded at her.

This was her light, the sun that dispelled all her gloom!

"Master, disciple won."

Luo Yixuan couldn't believe this was her own voice. It was filled with a lightness and playful coquetry she had never dared to express in the first half of her life, seemingly showing off her achievement to the most important person, desperately yearning for his approval.

This feeling was like when she proudly told her mother as a child that her cultivation progress had surpassed her brother's, only to receive a slap from her mother back then.

Afterward, her mother even personally injured her and reduced her cultivation.

And warned her with icy eyes that she must never surpass Luo Yixiu again.

Although she knew her mother did it for her own good, Luo Yixuan still couldn't forget that slap to this day. It didn't hurt physically, but her heart ached.

"You did very well. I'm very happy."

Chen Mobai's simple sentence made Luo Yixuan feel a completely different kind of life.

Here, she no longer needed to suppress herself. She could fully unleash her talents, nor worry about being noticed for her outstanding beauty and talent and being sold as a breeding tool, like her mother.

"Master, I'll pour you some tea."

Luo Yixuan ran over with a joyful smile, picked up the teapot from the table and refilled Chen Mobai's cup, of course, not forgetting Liu Wenbai and Zhuo Ming.

"Junior Sister's talent far surpasses ours."

Liu Wenbai took a sip of the tea poured by Luo Yixuan, recalling her ever-changing Ice Art on the arena, and couldn't help but sigh from the bottom of his heart.

He felt that even at his peak, he might not be Luo Yixuan's match.

"Indeed, I wonder when I'll be able to reach Qi Cultivation perfection."

Zhuo Ming, on the side, also sighed. She had always considered herself the least talented person in the Mount Xiaonan lineage.

The reason she was able to become Chen Mobai's disciple was entirely due to good luck. She had joined his faction early, while still at Mount Xiaoyang. Then, when Liu Wenbai formally became a disciple, she had a sudden inspiration and followed suit, bowing her head in apprenticeship, which caused Chen Mobai, who was short on disciples, to reluctantly nod and accept her.

She fully agreed with what Liu Wenbai said.

In her opinion, within the Mount Xiaonan lineage, their master was an unparalleled sword cultivation genius, a top-tier genius since the Godwood Sect's separation, and even throughout the history of the Five Elements Sect.

Next was Junior Sister Luo Yixuan. Not only was she clever, but her talent was probably second only to their Master and Yu Lian, who had already reached Foundation Establishment.

Then there was Senior Disciple Brother, who was also a cultivation genius and had his family as support.

Compared to the other brilliant members of the Mount Xiaonan lineage, Zhuo Ming felt quite ordinary and had always been a little self-conscious. It was precisely because of this that she put great effort into the only things she felt she could do well: farming, brewing wine, and managing the shop.

In her view, this was the only way she could repay Chen Mobai for his teaching grace.

"Ming'er, you just need to cultivate steadily. I guarantee you'll become a true disciple and obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill within six years."

Seeing Zhuo Ming's lack of confidence, Chen Mobai, who knew that she actually had the most outstanding innate spirit root value in the Mount Xiaonan lineage, couldn't help but offer words of comfort.

It must be said, Chen Mobai's standing in the hearts of his three disciples was already extremely high. As soon as he spoke, Zhuo Ming indeed became much more confident, clenching her small fists and cheering herself on.

"Wenbai and Ming'er, help Master prepare some good wine. After the sect competition concludes, Xuan'er and I will go visit the sect master and others."

It was the end of the year, and all aspects needed to be properly managed.

Chen Mobai was to assume the position of State Protector of Jianguo at the beginning of next year. Although he wouldn't need to leave the sect, his acquisition of this position was thanks to the efforts of Chu Zuoshu and others, so gifts would definitely have to be presented.

In the subsequent sect competition, Luo Yixuan, having resolved her inner conflict, advanced rapidly and forcefully, winning from twelve to six, from six to three, and then two more rounds, securing a place among the top three true disciples!

Unfortunately, she was defeated by two others in the finals, only securing third place.

Even so, Chen Mobai was already very satisfied.

The reason she was able to achieve this result was mainly due to Mu Yuan and Yu Lian's successful Foundation Establishment, coupled with Li Yixian, last year's third-place winner, failing his Foundation Establishment and not participating while recovering from injuries, which led to a general decline in the overall quality of this year's sect competition.

Regardless, Luo Yixuan's name became known to all Qi Cultivation disciples of the Godwood Sect after this competition.

As the only female cultivator among the top three!

Luo Yixuan possessed a beautiful face, outstanding cultivation, and a powerful background.

Suddenly, this junior sister from Mount Xiaonan became the unattainable ideal in the hearts of many Qi Cultivation cultivators of the Godwood Sect.

When Chen Mobai took Luo Yixuan to visit veteran Foundation Establishment cultivators like Chu Zuoshu, Fu Huakun, Zeng Woyou, Weng Chuanyou, Xi Yisheng, and Sun Gaochang, these high-ranking figures from the sect's three halls and twelve departments surprisingly spoke a few amiable words to her.

Xi Yisheng even secretly sent a voice transmission to Chen Mobai, asking if he could arrange a match between Xi Jinghuo and Luo Yixuan.

In response, Chen Mobai tactfully said to let nature take its course, explaining that he wouldn't interfere with the younger generation's choices, as long as they themselves agreed.

Xi Jinghuo was also a good friend of Chen Mobai's. However, according to his understanding of this friend, he was someone wholly devoted to sword cultivation.

It took about half a month for Chen Mobai to take Luo Yixuan to visit all the Foundation Establishment cultivators he was friendly with.

Among them, Zeng Woyou was in seclusion helping the two old ancestors refine a batch of pills, so he wasn't seen. However, Chen Mobai's visit alone represented his intention.

For others he was less familiar with, such as Xie Yuntian, the head of the Sword Cultivation Department, although he didn't go personally, he still had Luo Yixuan make a trip, delivering two jars of fine wine to each.

No one dislikes many gifts.

After completing his rounds of visits, Chen Mobai was about to return to Mount Xiaonan when an unexpected person came to visit him.

"I am Liu Ruzhong. I have long admired Junior Brother Chen's reputation. I have just completed my report at the Godwood Hall, and the Sect Master sent me here to hand over the matters of the Jianguo State Protector to you."

Liu Ruzhong appeared to be a refined scholar, and his goatee was impressive.

"So it's Senior Brother Liu. It should have been me visiting you."

This person was precisely the Jianguo State Protector. Anyone able to hold this position certainly had an extraordinary background.

He was a nominal disciple of Elder Fu Zongjue. After returning this time, he would serve as the inspector of the Spirit Beast Department. The previous inspector had injured his vital energy during the battle with Mount Hanshan, and feeling his time was short, he voluntarily stepped down.

Within the Godwood Sect, Foundation Establishment cultivators who could reach the upper echelons of the three halls and twelve departments were generally well-versed in social etiquette and human relations.

It went without saying that Liu Ruzhong proactively visited, simply wanting to befriend Chen Mobai.

Luo Yixuan immediately went to the Xiaonan Mountain shop upfront, found Zhuo Ming and retrieved two jars of good wine, and helped pour the wine on the side.

"The situation with Jianguo's seven cultivation families and five market cities is roughly as I've described. If Junior Brother Chen wishes to take it easy, just make a round through each market city to inspect the sect's shops, and people from the seven great families will come to express their intentions."

Liu Ruzhong subtly hinted that Jianguo was, after all, the Godwood Sect's main base, and the seven great families had to act according to the Godwood Sect's wishes. Yet, they also each had intricate sect connections. However, offerings to