Chapter 414: Hard Work

“Sister Ma, why don’t we set up some formations to restrict the movement of these spirit beasts to the mountains? That way, your Spirit Beast Department disciples won’t have to work so hard.”

These words made Ma Wuniang’s face light up with joy.

Spirit beasts are very fond of spirit plants rich in spiritual energy. Therefore, if cultivating spirit rice, it’s best to have no spirit beasts nearby, to prevent the rice stalks from being completely gnawed away by beasts attracted by the spiritual energy before they even mature.

Setting up formations is a good method, but for enclosed rearing, the Formation Department would need to help.

Yi Shaoqing, who hadn't left yet, looked displeased because setting up such extensive rearing formations would require a significant waste of manpower and resources.

“After all, this was originally a matter for your Spirit Beast Department. Your department will provide the materials for the formations, and I’ll send people to set them up.” Since the Three Halls and Twelve Departments had just approved it by vote, Yi Shaoqing obeyed the sect’s command but still tried every means to minimize his department’s losses.

Ma Wuniang immediately shook her head in disagreement. “That’s your Formation Department’s responsibility; what does it have to do with our Spirit Beast Department?”

“Then just move the spirit beasts away, and save our Formation Department the trouble.”

Seeing that Yi Shaoqing and Ma Wuniang seemed on the verge of an argument, Chen Mobai immediately intervened, stating that he would provide the materials for the formations. After all, he would be the one benefiting from the harvest, so it was only right for him to invest.

“Since Junior Brother Chen has said so, I’ll arrange the personnel.” Yi Shaoqing’s expression softened slightly upon hearing this. He didn’t dare stay any longer, fearing that more tasks would fall upon his Formation Department.

“Sister Ma, I have a disciple who is cultivating body-refining techniques and needs a lot of spirit beast flesh and blood. I was wondering if the task of rearing spirit beasts on these three spiritual mountains could be placed under my name.” Chen Mobai wanted to sample all the spirit beasts in Giant Wood Ridge to see if any could help improve his spiritual root. So, he used Zhuo Ming’s cultivation of the Nine-Edge Law Body as an opening to see if he could take over the Spirit Beast Department’s rearing tasks.

“Junior Brother Chen, tasks in our Spirit Beast Department are generally only undertaken by disciples from our own department…” Ma Wuniang was a bit hesitant. Rearing spirit beasts is different from cultivating spirit plants; if not managed properly, there could be casualties. For instance, there was a large den of mountain cats on Dan Mountain, three of which were at the peak of the first rank. Ordinary Qi Condensation disciples could be killed if they went there. Although Chen Mobai was the peak Foundation Establishment combat power of the Divine Wood Sect, Ma Wuniang found it difficult to break a long-standing rule for him.

“That’s simple. My eldest disciple, Liu Wenbai, is still listed in your Spirit Beast Department. How about taking on the task under his name?” Ma Wuniang honestly didn’t remember anyone named Liu Wenbai in her department. However, given Chen Mobai’s status, he certainly wouldn’t falsify such a matter. Upon hearing this, she nodded in agreement without hesitation. Moreover, this meant their Spirit Beast Department wouldn’t have to exert any effort in this transfer of five hundred acres of spiritual land. The land was transferred, and the spirit beast rearing task was handed over to Liu Wenbai, effectively reducing the burden on the Spirit Beast Department. The only loss was the spirit beast income from these three spiritual mountains at the end of the year, but this was a negligible amount for the Spirit Beast Department.

In contrast, the Formation Department would be busy, as covering three spiritual mountains constituted a large-scale magic formation. Although only a first-rank grade was required, due to the vast area, Chen Mobai still paid two thousand spirit stones for the material costs.

“This Azure Cloud White Mist Formation can be separated or combined. If Junior Brother Chen wishes to include Little South Mountain and other areas in the future, he just needs to add a few more formation plates.” Yi Shaoqing of the Formation Department was generally aware of Chen Mobai’s current status in the Divine Wood Sect. Although he was also a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he still tried his best to show respect, especially since the overall situation was already settled.

The Azure Cloud White Mist Formation consisted of one main formation and two sub-formations, which were perfectly placed on the three spiritual mountains newly allocated to Chen Mobai. Among these, the main formation, being the most powerful, was located on Dan Mountain, which was in the middle. This was because the mountain cats living there were demonic beasts with fierce combat power, and ordinary Qi Condensation cultivators might not be their match at the same cultivation level. The beasts on the other two spiritual mountains were mostly common meat-producing animals raised by the Divine Wood Sect. The power of the sub-formations was sufficient to restrain them.

Chen Mobai and Yi Shaoqing chatted in the air, while Zhuo Ming and the other disciple followed the Formation Department disciples who came to set up the Azure Cloud White Mist Formation. This was both to help and to learn how to activate and control the formation.

“Thank you for your hard work on this, Senior Brother Yi.” Although Yi Shaoqing of the Formation Department was low-key, he was a renowned genius in the sect during his youth and had even studied in regions beyond the Eastern Wilderness. He was widely recognized as the most accomplished among the sect’s four third-rank formation masters. If not for cultivation limitations, Yi Shaoqing could even set up a fourth-rank formation.

“Junior Brother Chen, you have a promising future. As long as you don’t meddle with the sect-protecting grand formation, I will support all your endeavors.” Yi Shaoqing also didn’t want to make an enemy of Chen Mobai, who was the peak Foundation Establishment combat power of the sect. So, after the decision was made, he immediately mobilized his department’s personnel to actively cooperate, showing goodwill.

Chen Mobai shared the same sentiment; otherwise, he wouldn’t have voluntarily paid for the materials for the Azure Cloud White Mist Formation. With both having an interest in befriending each other, they soon engaged in cheerful conversation.

As a result, among the four departments that were originally opposed, only the Spirit Plant Department remained. Chen Mobai took some time to visit Sun Gaochang, an inspector in the Spirit Plant Department. Both were direct subordinates of Chu Zuoshu, and Sun Gaochang spoke very frankly.

“Harvesting a thousand acres of spiritual fields annually is a huge burden for the Spirit Plant Department’s personnel. Moreover, because the sect is preparing for war, spirit stones have been allocated to the four major departments: Sword Cultivation, Artifact Forging, Talisman Making, and Body Refining. Our Spirit Plant Department’s budget this year has also been cut, with some funds reallocated to them. Shi Fengping is using your matter as an excuse to complain to the Sect Master about financial difficulties.”

After listening to Sun Gaochang’s explanation, Chen Mobai finally understood why Shi Fengping had such an attitude. If he really cultivated a thousand acres of spiritual fields, with two harvests of fire spirit rice annually, the Spirit Plant Department would need to pay thirty thousand spirit stones, even if they acquired it at market price. The Spirit Plant Department’s annual budget was only one hundred thousand spirit stones and contributions, and this year, each had been cut by ten thousand. If they had to pay another thirty thousand spirit stones for his fields, they would indeed face significant financial strain.

“I see,” Chen Mobai nodded, indicating his understanding.

At this moment, Sun Gaochang on the opposite side showed hesitation, but considering that Chen Mobai was already guarding Jian Guo and would certainly be one of the high-ranking officials in the Three Halls and Twelve Departments in the future, he decided to openly explain some unwritten rules. “Junior Brother Chen, although I am an inspector in the Spirit Plant Department, most of the department’s power rests with Shi Fengping and Jin Shanping.”

“Generally, about five percent of the budget allocated by the sect ends up with the three of us through various means.”

“If your thirty thousand spirit stones go out, it means a loss of thousands of spirit stones for them, which is why their opposition is more intense.”

This was an unwritten rule among the upper echelons of the Divine Wood Sect; the Three Halls and Twelve Departments largely operated this way. It was even more excessive when the sect was first established, which is why the position of inspector was later added to keep this amount around five percent. Therefore, the more spirit rice Chen Mobai cultivated, the greater the financial loss for the three Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Spirit Plant Department.

Jin Shanping, the Vice Minister of the Spirit Plant Department, had a good relationship with E Yun. Chen Mobai often drank with him at E Yun’s residence during holidays, and they were quite friendly. However, on this matter, Jin Shanping silently sided with Shi Fengping. It turned out that Chen Mobai had indeed cut into their profits. Sun Gaochang’s words today were also a reminder to Chen Mobai that he himself had lost a considerable amount of spirit stones because of Chen Mobai’s actions.

“Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother Sun.” Chen Mobai grasped the meaning instantly. After understanding the implications of Sun Gaochang’s words, he wanted to visit Shi Fengping and Jin Shanping to see if there was a good solution to the matter. However, he was unexpectedly refused entry. Both claimed they were in seclusion, having made breakthroughs in their cultivation. Chen Mobai merely gave a wry smile. Regardless of whether they were truly in seclusion, being a petty person, he certainly kept this matter in mind.

He considered the advanced experiences from the Immortal Sect, combined them with the current situation of the Divine Wood Sect, and devised a plan to bypass the Spirit Plant Department. He then went directly to the Divine Wood Hall to see Chu Zuoshu.

“In that case, it’s indeed a good method.” Chu Zuoshu listened to Chen Mobai’s proposal about reducing the burden on the Spirit Plant Department, thought it over carefully, and found it genuinely suitable. However, since this matter involved the sect’s contribution channels, he couldn’t make a decision alone.

“Anyway, your fire spirit rice won’t mature for a few more months. At the next meeting of the Three Halls and Twelve Departments, I will bring up your proposal and notify you to attend.”

Chu Zuoshu was very supportive of Chen Mobai, his direct subordinate. Given the current situation, it was still highly likely that the proposal would pass if it came to a vote.

“Thank you, Sect Master.”

After leaving the Divine Wood Hall, Chen Mobai returned to Little South Mountain. The Formation Department was still setting up the Azure Cloud White Mist Formation. Yi Shaoqing had already left, leaving behind Guan Xiaolong, a core disciple of the Formation Department, to coordinate with Chen Mobai’s two disciples. Guan Xiaolong seemed to have an interest in the ethereal and beautiful Luo Yixuan, frequently trying to curry favor using this opportunity. Although Luo Yixuan was annoyed, she couldn’t show it since he was there to help. Zhuo Ming noticed this and decided to have Luo Yixuan help with matters on Little South Mountain, while she alone handled the formation coordination with Guan Xiaolong. After the formation was set up, Guan Xiaolong left, feeling quite disappointed.

“For these new spiritual lands, the terraced fields on Di Mountain and Ji Mountain should be cultivated normally, while Dan Mountain only needs cultivation up to its foot.” Upon his return, Chen Mobai took his two disciples to inspect the five hundred acres of new spiritual land. He guided the Crimson Cloud Smoke Net, and the three of them stood in mid-air, pointing at the three spiritual mountains below.

A group of demonic mountain civet cats, known for their aggressive and combative nature, were freely roaming on Dan Mountain. If their activity range were limited, they would likely kill each other. Therefore, according to Chen Mobai’s request, the formation’s restricted area here almost covered the entire mountain.

“On the peaks of Dan Mountain and Ji Mountain, there’s also a Qingyang Spirit Tree, which serves as one of the nodes for the sect’s grand formation. It’s also protected by a small formation. Both of you must remember not to force your way in.” Upon hearing this, Zhuo Ming and Luo Yixuan nodded in unison.

“Oh, by the way, I heard Sister Ma say that these mountain civet cats are quite aggressive. Ming’er, haven’t you always thought your combat skills were lacking? Once you master the Nine-Edge Law Body, you can come to the mountain and practice with these fellows.” Last year, Zhuo Ming was eliminated in the fourth round of the sect’s grand competition. Upon learning this, Chen Mobai felt it wasn’t her true level and became concerned about improving her combat skills. Coincidentally, this group of mountain civet cats were also demonic beasts, with three of them at the peak of the first rank, making them ideal for training. With her Five Transformation Umbrella and Purple Fire Sword Talisman for protection, Zhuo Ming’s safety wouldn’t be an issue.

“Yes, Master.”

As they spoke, the master and two disciples landed on Ji Mountain. Chen Mobai’s spiritual sense surged forth, quickly locating the spirit chickens there. As expected, they were very plump, each with three heads, six eyes, six legs, and six wings.

“Today, your master will show you some cooking skills.” After hearing about these spirit chickens, Chen Mobai had been looking forward to this, as they had so many drumsticks and wings. He grabbed two, then pointed a finger, and a pit appeared in the ground.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Ming had already rolled up her sleeves and efficiently helped slaughter the chickens. Although Luo Yixuan had a suppressed childhood, she was still from a noble family and would never kill a chicken herself. Thus, she could only watch from the side.

Chen Mobai chopped down a Red Sun Spirit Tree on the spot. With a thought, five-elemental sword light flashed, neatly splitting the firewood into pieces, as if measured with a ruler. This scene reminded Luo Yixuan and Zhuo Ming of their early days in the Divine Wood Sect, splitting firewood in the New Sprout Hall. Back then, Chen Mobai had earned many spirit stones from Red Sun Spirit Wood. At that time, neither of them would have ever imagined that they would eventually become his disciples. However, if time could flow backward, they would undoubtedly bow down and become his disciples without hesitation.

By this time, Chen Mobai had made some wooden skewers and expertly threaded Zhuo Ming’s prepared chicken drumsticks and wings onto them, placing them over the lit firewood to roast. He also took out seasonings specifically bought from the Immortal Sect from his storage bag. Before long, his two disciples were eating with their mouths greasy.

After finishing all the drumsticks and wings, the two girls even felt a bit unsatisfied and wanted to catch two more.

“Master, your cooking is the best I’ve ever tasted.” Luo Yixuan shyly took out a silk scarf to wipe the grease from the corners of her mouth, giving a good review.

“The seasonings are key,” Chen Mobai said. As he spoke, he took out a spirit root detector and checked his spiritual root attributes, finding no changes. It seemed these spirit chickens were of no use.

“In the future, after burning the rice husks, you can use them to feed these spirit chickens. Ming’er, for your Nine-Edge Law Body cultivation, spirit beast flesh and blood are indispensable in addition to spirit rice. I’ll give this mountain to you. How many spirit chickens you can eat depends on yourself.” Upon hearing this, Zhuo Ming immediately knelt down and performed a grand bow in thanks.

“No need for formalities. Let’s go check the other two mountains.” Chen Mobai motioned for Zhuo Ming to stand up, then took both disciples to Di Mountain and Dan Mountain. The Qie fish from Di Mountain was both an ingredient and a medicine. After cooking, it tasted decent, but it still had no effect on spiritual roots.

Upon landing on the last mountain, Dan Mountain, the master and two disciples were immediately stared at by over a dozen pairs of greenish-oily eyes. Fierce mountain cats emerged from all directions, fixating on them. However, Chen Mobai snorted coldly, revealing his Foundation Establishment aura, and all the mountain cats vanished without a trace. Only the one with the strongest aura was locked onto by Chen Mobai’s spiritual sense and pulled over through the air.

“Ming’er, make a contract with it. That way, if you come here to refine your combat skills, its protection will ensure greater safety.” Zhuo Ming naturally nodded and immediately established a blood curse contract on the spot.

“Sister, your cat is really beautiful,” Luo Yixuan said, complimenting it. Chen Mobai listened, then looked at the mountain civet cat that stood by Zhuo Ming’s feet after the contract was established. It had black-gray markings, a round head, and a large tail, appearing quite ordinary. Compared to the white cat he kept at the student union, it was far uglier. Only its eyes, which were a vibrant green like emeralds, had a unique charm.

“The mountain civet cat is said to have a faint bloodline of the earth-elemental divine beast, Lili. This particular group on Dan Mountain once had ancestors who reached the second rank. Ming’er, if you have time, you can put some effort into this little cat.” When Chen Mobai was previously at the Divine Wood Hall, Ma Wuniang told him much about these three spiritual mountains, with the mountain civet cat being a key point. He was now relaying her words to Zhuo Ming. In Giant Wood Ridge, there were many spirit beasts that could advance to the second rank, and the mountain civet cat was one that earth-elemental cultivators particularly liked. Besides being easy to raise, its combat ability was not weak, and its speed was extremely fast, making it easy to survive when exploring dangerous places. Once a mountain civet cat advanced to the second rank, it would awaken the earth-burrowing divine ability, becoming an excellent hand at opening underground caves and even excavating ore veins.

Zhuo Ming was also fortunate. If disciples from the Spirit Beast Department wanted to capture a mountain civet cat as their spirit beast, it would be extremely difficult, as they often had to be prepared to face an entire den. Even teachers at the Foundation Establishment level would let their disciples capture them on their own to temper them. Due to this, many Qi Condensation disciples could only capture ordinary first-rank mountain civet cats. For Zhuo Ming to directly acquire a peak first-rank spirit beast, equivalent to a perfected Qi Condensation level, was only possible with a good teacher like Chen Mobai.

After inspecting the three spiritual mountains, Chen Mobai roughly explained his plan for the thousand acres of spiritual fields to his two disciples. The land-clearing puppets could be used here again, but a portion of mortals would need to be relocated. However, his two disciples would handle these matters well. With last year’s experience, even with more spiritual fields, they both expressed confidence in arranging everything properly.

With prolonged interaction, Chen Mobai grew to like his three disciples from the Eastern Wilderness more and more. They respected their master, honored the Dao, and were diligent and hardworking, always completing his instructions with utmost dedication. Such disciples were hard to find in the Immortal Sect.

In the following period, Chen Mobai went to Divine Wood City, acquiring various types of spirit beast flesh and blood from Giant Wood Ridge through the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, hoping to further enhance his spiritual root attributes. Unfortunately, he had only sampled seven or eight types when he had to return to the Immortal Sect. This was because Meng Huang’er had emerged from seclusion. She somewhat shyly invited him to be her guest.

Given their established relationship, a simple gesture would convey their needs. Chen Mobai had already guessed what it was about the moment she finished her invitation. It was simply that she still hadn’t mastered the Critical Method during her seclusion and wanted him to come again for guidance and strenuous effort. Naturally, Chen Mobai gladly went.

As expected, after a candlelight dinner on the balcony, Meng Huang’er, with a shy expression, sat beside him and conveyed her meaning. Feeling that he owed her much, Chen Mobai willingly complied, allowing her to sit on him, dedicating himself wholeheartedly. After several more days of exertion, Meng Huang’er was radiant. One time, while on the living room sofa, she suddenly had an epiphany, her eyes sparkling and her brows relaxed.

“I will definitely comprehend it this time.” With increased experience, Meng Huang’er’s endurance greatly improved. With Chen Mobai’s cooperation, she gritted her teeth and endured from beginning to end multiple times. After this perfect practical session, she was even more confident and went into seclusion again. Having completed his task as a “tool-person,” Chen Mobai wouldn’t disturb her at this crucial moment and quietly left the mountain-top villa.

After resting for two days, he realized he hadn’t been to the Daoist Academy in a while, so he used a Minor Teleportation Talisman that he hadn’t touched for a long time. Previously, he would take Meng Huang’er to school every day, so this item had been pressed to the bottom of his storage bag, almost lost.

Upon arriving at the Daoist Academy, Chen Mobai naturally went to see Che Yucheng first. “The Purple Lightning Sword hasn’t chosen a master yet, rest assured.” As soon as Che Yucheng saw Chen Mobai enter with a fruit basket, he knew what Chen Mobai wanted to ask and preemptively answered him directly.

“Teacher, what are you saying? I’m just here to see you,” Chen Mobai said, unblushingly setting down the fruit basket and helping Che Yucheng boil water and pour tea.

“Oh, then do you know that the Academy of Nature suddenly changed the candidate for the final round?” Upon hearing Che Yucheng’s words, Chen Mobai’s face registered surprise. Besides himself, those guaranteed a spot in the final round were the three Nascent Soul cultivators from the Academy of Nature, the Academy of Five Thunders, and the Academy of Mountains and Seas. Previously, True Person Yu Shiling from the Academy of Nature was considered merely there to make up the numbers, but now that she had been suddenly replaced, it surely meant the newcomer was more likely to gain the Purple Lightning Sword’s recognition than Yu Shiling. After realizing this, Chen Mobai’s expression became a bit unnatural. “Complications arising.”

“Teacher, have some tea.” But Chen Mobai quickly calmed down. Even if the replacement cultivator from the Academy of Nature was incredibly powerful, they couldn’t be closer to the Purple Lightning Sword than the two Nascent Soul cultivators from the Academy of Mountains and Seas and the Academy of Five Thunders. Ultimately, it would still come down to the final round, with the decision based on performance.

“That’s what’s good about you, kid. While diligently making progress, you remain unperturbed by favor or disgrace, maintaining a calm mind.” Che Yucheng took the clear tea Chen Mobai offered and nodded with satisfaction. That’s precisely what he appreciated about Chen Mobai when he accepted him as a disciple.

“Teacher, you flatter me.” Chen Mobai merely smiled at this. The main reason was that while he genuinely desired the Purple Lightning Sword, even if he couldn’t obtain it, he would only feel disappointed, not lose his composure. This was because he possessed a cultivation world much vaster than Earth Star; given time to develop, fourth-rank magical artifacts similar to the Purple Lightning Sword would eventually be his.

“The newly replaced Nascent Soul cultivator from the Academy of Nature is Yan Qiongzhi.” After finishing his tea, Che Yucheng didn’t keep Chen Mobai in suspense any longer and directly told him a familiar name.

“She also successfully formed her Nascent Soul?” Chen Mobai recalled his meeting with Yan Qiongzhi in Wenren Xuewei’s tea pavilion at the Jumang Daoist Academy. Although it was their second meeting, it was their first conversation. At that time, she was still worried that she might not succeed in forming her Nascent Soul and might need to seek pure Yang purple energy from Chen Mobai in the future. He hadn’t expected that after little more than a year, she would have already successfully formed her Nascent Soul. One could only say that she truly lived up to her reputation as a genius on par with Lan Haitan, having opened a Golden Core Domain while still at the Foundation Establishment stage.

“Her successful Nascent Soul formation was to be expected,” Che Yucheng said in a calm tone. In the history of the Immortal Sect, most geniuses who opened a Golden Core Domain during the Foundation Establishment stage succeeded in forming their Nascent Souls. Therefore, Lan Haitan and Yan Qiongzhi, after opening their Golden Core Domains, were already considered halfway to becoming Nascent Soul cultivators. And facts proved this to be true. Both succeeded in their first attempt after obtaining the Nascent Soul spiritual items, living up to their reputation as the Immortal Sect’s Twin Prodigies.

“Teacher, does this Golden Core Domain also help with Nascent Soul formation?” Chen Mobai thought of another point. He only needed to cultivate the Pure Yang Scroll from Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer to perfection before he could begin preparing for Nascent Soul formation. If he had ample Qi-replenishing spiritual water, it would likely only take six or seven years. If the Golden Core Domain also helped with Nascent Soul formation, he felt he would need to seriously consider this matter after the Purple Lightning Sword event.

“In the history of the Immortal Sect, a genius who opens a Golden Core Domain at the Foundation Establishment stage appears on average once every hundred years. Since the sample size is too small, it’s not representative.”

“However, being able to achieve this in itself signifies being a genius among geniuses.”

“The successful Nascent Soul formation of these individuals is generally regarded as a matter of course.”

Che Yucheng gave Chen Mobai an answer that wasn’t exactly an answer. There was no necessary connection between Nascent Soul formation and the Golden Core Domain, but those who could achieve it inherently demonstrated that their spiritual energy or divine sense had already surpassed the Foundation Establishment level. These individuals were inherently destined for success.

After finishing tea with Che Yucheng, Chen Mobai then went to stroll around the student union. After greeting acquaintances like Lu Tiansuan and Zhuang Jialan downstairs, he walked into what used to be his office. Zhongli Tianyu was dutifully at work, though he was sitting in his chair, legs crossed, reading a manga.

“I’ve already finished everything,” Zhongli Tianyu said, rolling his eyes at Chen Mobai as he entered, then changed his leg-resting posture and continued flipping through his manga.

“I’m not here to check up on you; I just came to see you,” Chen Mobai said. As he spoke, the white cat sunbathing on the windowsill jumped into his arms. When Hua Zijing graduated, Chen Mobai had originally intended to give her this white cat, as he had obtained it from the True Spirit Academy specifically to make her happy. Unfortunately, Hua Zijing declined, saying it would be better for it to stay at the student union, and that after graduation, she would be busy striving for perfected Foundation Establishment and Nascent Soul spiritual items, so she might not have time to care for it properly. Thus, this white cat became a member of the student union. Chen Mobai even mused that once their generation graduated, this white cat would become the most senior creature in the student union, and future generations might even have to greet it.

“Boring,” Zhongli Tianyu rolled his eyes at Chen Mobai, then turned his chair around, his back to Chen Mobai, and continued reading his manga.

“You should reach Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer before graduation, right? When do you plan to apply to use the Realm Gate and open your Golden Core Domain?” Chen Mobai didn’t mind his attitude; after all, that’s just how the young man was. He sat on the window-side sofa, sipping the hot tea Zhuang Jialan brought him, and while petting the cat’s soft fur, he also asked about the Golden Core Domain.

“Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer is merely the prerequisite. If you want to open a Golden Core Domain, besides sufficient spiritual energy, strong divine sense and a robust physique are also fundamental. But even if all three reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, success still depends on luck.” Zhongli Tianyu, being a descendant of a Soul Transformation noble family, certainly knew more than Chen Mobai.

The Golden Core Domain, as a signature technique of the Immortal Sect, if successfully opened during the Foundation Establishment stage, would generally mark one as a future Nascent Soul cultivator. If Zhongli Tianyu were to attempt it, besides his spiritual energy and divine sense, it would be best for him to cultivate his Dragon-Horse Aspect to a level beyond Foundation Establishment, thus ensuring greater confidence.

After listening, Chen Mobai asked for more details. However, Zhongli Tianyu only knew so much; a genius in his family who had accomplished this had only left these words: “One must be flawless in essence, qi, and spirit to grasp the power of the void, shattering the vacuum with the help of the Realm Gate to open a domain.” Chen Mobai nodded thoughtfully.

“The Immortal Sect surely has more information on this. Aren’t you on good terms with Lan Haitan? Why not just ask him directly, since he’s a success story?” Zhongli Tianyu’s words gave Chen Mobai a hint. Although there were very few examples of Golden Core Domains being opened at the Foundation Establishment stage, in the current era, there were two such individuals. Moreover, both had now successfully formed their Nascent Souls and entered the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect. If he could receive their personal explanations, he would certainly be more confident when he experienced it himself.

He wanted to call Lan Haitan to ask, but Chen Mobai felt it might be a bit presumptuous. After all, he had refused to join the Heaven-Mending Group, so their acquaintance was merely casual. However, the Golden Core Domain was a significant matter, so Chen Mobai mustered his courage and sent a text message, hoping Lan Haitan would respond when he had time.

“Oh, right. Since the Academy of Nature sent Yan Qiongzhi, a newly ascended Nascent Soul True Person, to attempt to wield the Purple Lightning Sword this time, could I also take this opportunity to consult with her?” After all, she was Yan Bingxuan’s teacher and relative, and they had a pleasant conversation back at the Jumang Daoist Academy.

After making a mental note of this, he checked his phone again, but still saw no reply from Lan Haitan.

Before leaving the student union, Chen Mobai suddenly felt inspired and asked Zhongli Tianyu if he wanted to go to the Minor Scarlet Heaven to refine his combat skills. There’s a saying, “Once the wound is healed, the pain is forgotten.” Zhongli Tianyu immediately put down his manga, stating that his comprehension of the Eight Trigrams Immortal Lightning had deepened in recent months and that he would definitely not be penetrated by sword qi again. The two didn’t invite anyone else to watch and privately opened a custom room, engaging in three matches. After they finished, Zhongli Tianyu once again lay groaning on the sofa, feeling hot all over. Chen Mobai poured him a cup of tea and, seeing him recover, left the student union with satisfaction.

After staying at the Daoist Academy for another half month, Meng Huang’er shyly called him up again. Having no choice, Chen Mobai could only fly up once more to exert himself.