Chapter 425: 法宝胚胎

In addition to the original artifact fragment, the Principal himself will personally refine an embryo for a natal magic treasure!

This news will be officially announced at the end of the year, so Che Yucheng disclosed it in advance.

After a cultivator reaches the Core Formation stage, they can begin to cultivate their natal magic treasure.

This magic treasure is intimately connected to the cultivator's mind and spirit and will continuously upgrade as the cultivator grows. It can be considered one of the cultivator's fundamental anchors and a part of their Dao Fruit.

Precisely because of its importance, if a natal magic treasure is not forged personally, there can be a sense of obstruction when first operating and wielding it.

However, the Immortal Sect has advanced technology and has long devised many methods to overcome this difficulty.

For instance, they can ask a high-level artifact refiner to custom-make a magic treasure embryo that aligns with the cultivator's cultivation technique and spiritual root attributes, allowing the cultivator to integrate it into their body early and begin nurturing it with spiritual energy.

Once Core Formation is successful, because the magic treasure has undergone a transformation process alongside the cultivator, this sense of obstruction will be eliminated, as if it were truly forged by the cultivator themselves.

For example, the Star-Gathering Stone that Lan Haitian received from the Martial Artifact Academy is a third-tier natal magic treasure embryo.

Venerable Cheng Xuan is the Immortal Sect's only fifth-tier artifact refiner; with him personally refining a magic treasure embryo, its quality would undoubtedly be top-notch.

“Teacher,” Chen Mobai asked, a little greedily, “if I successfully refine a third-tier puppet and a third-tier talisman, could the Principal help me refine two natal magic treasure embryos?”

“You brat, don't push your luck,” Che Yucheng scolded.

What kind of person is Venerable Cheng Xuan? Even Golden Core cultivators asking for his help might not get him to refine something.

It’s just that the Martial Artifact Academy graduates from these past few years are lucky to have encountered him coming out of seclusion and received this astonishing benefit.

“All third-tier items will eventually be sent to the Principal, who will personally appraise them and then select the works he is satisfied with, granting custom magic treasure embryos as rewards. So, simply reaching third-tier isn't enough. You need to ensure you are outstanding and unique to truly seize this opportunity.”

As one of the four great academies, the Martial Artifact Academy, though it was at the bottom until last year, has student quality far surpassing that of the Ten Great Academies. The number of students achieving a third-tier profession upon graduation is also quite significant.

For instance, Ming Yihua was highly praised by Deng Daoyun, the head of the artifact refining department, who said he would certainly pass the third-tier artifact refiner exam before graduation.

It's also not impossible for Yun Yangbing to become a third-tier formation master, and even Wang Xingyu, though not as good as Qing Nü, is also a genius alchemist.

“Teacher, the Sword Malice I cultivated is also third-tier…” Chen Mobai felt it was a bit unfair. As the most outstanding graduate of the Sword Cultivation Department in a hundred years, and the Immortal Sect's recognized peerless sword Dao genius, second only to Old Ancestor Baiguang in a thousand years, he felt his most exceptional skill shouldn't be excluded just because sword cultivation isn't listed among the Hundred Arts of Immortal Cultivation.

“Are you trying to say your sword has contributed to the academy?” Che Yucheng snapped. “For your Purple Lightning Sword matter, the Principal busied himself contacting several Nascent Soul Venerables. Now that you have a fourth-tier sword artifact, you actually feel wronged!”

Che Yucheng again scolded Chen Mobai for his insatiable greed, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai realized it was indeed true and immediately bowed his head in acceptance.

Without the backing of the Martial Artifact Academy and Venerable Cheng Xuan, even if he had more spirit stones, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator would not be qualified to compete with several Golden Core Perfected Ones.

“However, if you manage to produce a third-tier puppet,” Che Yucheng continued, “considering your contributions and honors to the academy over the past few years, the Principal will certainly help you refine a magic treasure embryo.”

After speaking for a bit longer, Che Yucheng felt he had made his point, and his tone softened, giving Chen Mobai reassurance.

Indeed, his past contributions and honors to the academy were still remembered by the higher-ups.

At this moment, Chen Mobai felt that enrolling in the Martial Artifact Academy and becoming the chief student was the wisest decision he had ever made in his life.

However, as the academy's chief student, he certainly needed to openly surpass everyone with his skills and absolutely could not let anyone think he was merely a placeholder.

He decided then: he would make an Unseen Puppet to establish his standing!

And also to make Che Yucheng proud.

Of course, the main reason was that the only third-tier puppet he had comprehended using the Enlightenment Tea was the Unseen Puppet.

After leaving Building No. 1, Chen Mobai went to the student union.

“I’m not here for you.”

Hearing he had arrived, Zhong Litianyu rushed down from his president's office, only to see Chen Mobai wave him off.

“If you’re not here for me, then what are you doing here?”

Zhong Litianyu was puzzled; he couldn't think of anything Chen Mobai would be doing at the student union besides conducting a surprise check on his attendance.

“Where’s Jialan? I’m looking for her.”

Chen Mobai called out to his former secretary. Zhuang Jialan, who had just walked down from the second floor, pointed to herself in surprise, evidently not expecting to be the one he was looking for.

“That’s right,” Chen Mobai confirmed. “I registered for the third-tier Talisman Master exam, didn't I? Since Jialan also took the exam, I came to get some advice.”

Although Chen Mobai was reputed to be the top talisman practitioner of his year, in reality, Zhuang Jialan and Si Guanyu were the true talisman geniuses of their batch. They not only passed the second-tier Talisman Master exam during their Qi Condensation stage but also participated in the third-tier exam.

Unfortunately, the third-tier exam was too difficult, and even though both had already reached Foundation Establishment, they still failed.

But at least they had more experience than Chen Mobai.

“Hmph.”

Zhong Litianyu flicked his sleeve and headed straight upstairs to his office.

“Oh, right,” Chen Mobai added. “The Principal came out of seclusion this year, and to reward some outstanding students, he will be granting some extra rewards…”

Chen Mobai had been in the student union for many years, and many from the Spirit Transformation class had joined at his call. After learning this news, he certainly wouldn't keep it to himself, so seeing many people present, he simply announced it directly.

“Really?!”

As expected, upon hearing that Venerable Cheng Xuan would personally forge natal magic treasure embryos, everyone's breathing quickened.

A custom order from a fifth-tier artifact refiner – even the Golden Core Perfected Ones of the Immortal Sect did not receive such treatment.

It was incredibly fortunate for these recent batches of students to encounter such a good thing. After everyone confirmed the news with Chen Mobai, they were all extremely excited and began thinking of ways to produce a third-tier item as quickly as possible.

“I’ve told you the news,” Chen Mobai concluded, “but since the academy hasn’t issued a formal announcement yet, please keep it within the student union and do not spread it outside.”

Chen Mobai gave his final instruction. Everyone present nodded in unison, solemnly thanked him, and began whispering among themselves, discussing this major event.

Only Zhong Litianyu's expression remained unchanged. He went upstairs, showing no interest whatsoever.

His Bagua Mirror was already the top-tier magic treasure in the Immortal Sect. In its complete state, it was even fifth-tier, enough for him to use until he reached the Nascent Soul stage or even higher. Thus, he had little interest in other magical artifacts and no energy to refine or cultivate them.

“Jialan, let’s find a quiet office and slowly discuss matters related to third-tier talisman crafting,” Chen Mobai said.

After speaking, Chen Mobai immediately led Zhuang Jialan with a pleasant expression to the meeting room on the second floor.

“Chief Student, which third-tier talisman are you planning to refine?”

Zhuang Jialan was well aware of Chen Mobai's talent. He was the kind of true genius for whom there was nothing he couldn't achieve, only whether he wanted to or not.

“Here are the ten talismans for my third-tier Talisman Master exam,” Chen Mobai said. “Which one do you think is simpler?”

Chen Mobai's words revealed a slight lack of confidence, but Zhuang Jialan simply assumed he was a fundamentalist in talisman studies who wanted to progress steadily from easy to difficult. Upon hearing him, she arranged the ten talismans.

“The Clone Talisman is the simplest to learn, but if you want to make it indistinguishable from the real thing, it's the hardest. If you just need to complete a third-tier talisman, you can start with this one.”

“The Youth Talisman, once activated, can keep one eternally youthful for a period, preventing aging. The duration of its effect depends on the talisman's grade, but mastering it is extremely difficult, so it can be put aside for later.”

“The Paper Figure and Paper Horse Talisman is a simplified version of the Six Ding Six Jia Immortal Talisman. Further advanced from it is the Scatter Beans into Soldiers Talisman. This is also a major system within our academy's talisman cultivation, making it one of the most difficult.”

After listening to Zhuang Jialan's analysis, Chen Mobai instantly understood and felt that he probably wouldn't be able to pass.

However, he was already mentally prepared for this. After all, he had greatly neglected his studies in the first half of the year due to Meng Huang'er's matter. If his spiritual sense hadn't broken through its bottleneck, he would truly feel that this transaction was a loss.

“Jialan, thanks for helping me analyze this,” Chen Mobai said. “These talisman papers and inks are produced by my talisman factory; please take them and use them.”

After Chen Mobai asked Zhuang Jialan to help him analyze the ten talismans for his third-tier Talisman Master exam, he naturally had to show his appreciation. Zhuang Jialan accepted it with a smile, without being modest.

Then, Zhuang Jialan shared some of her experiences and insights from her third-tier exam.

After leaving the student union, Chen Mobai returned to his wooden house.

Just as he was about to carefully consider how to complete a third-tier talisman, Meng Huang'er's call came through.

Meng Huang'er: I saw the light on in your house.

Chen Mobai: Yes? Is there something you need?

Meng Huang'er: ...

Meng Huang'er: The Qi Condensation Liquid and Spirit Ascension Powder I ordered have arrived. Would you like to come up and help me verify their quality?

Although the Immortal Sect's online platform is officially managed, some items are processed and refined by the Ten Great Academies or the 120 Prefectures on commission. Therefore, it's possible for products to have unsatisfactory quality and be returned.

Chen Mobai had originally planned to study talismans thoroughly that night, but since Meng Huang'er had said so, and these two items were only acquired because he provided the timely information for their purchase, it was indeed necessary to go up and check.

He only hoped there would be no unexpected complications.

However, after flying up, by the time Chen Mobai could spare the time to verify the items, it was already noon the next day.

“The items are fine.”

Lunch was still personally prepared by Meng Huang'er. Chen Mobai ate while authenticating the Qi Condensation Liquid and Spirit Ascension Powder, confirming their excellent quality.

Meng Huang'er, wearing an apron, placed the last serving of vegetables on the table and sat down with a happy expression, asking, “Alright, then I plan to attempt Foundation Establishment the day after tomorrow. What do you think?”

“That’s fine,” Chen Mobai replied after some thought. “Just like at the end of last year, you can go get a room first and leave the door ajar for me.”

Chen Mobai thought about it and felt that it was best for Meng Huang'er to attempt Foundation Establishment as soon as possible. So he nodded, urging her to proceed quickly.

Even if she didn't succeed this time, with the Critical Method at hand, she could try again after a month. Before graduating at the end of the year, as long as her luck wasn't too bad, she would surely succeed in Foundation Establishment after four or five attempts.

“This time, do I still need to use the Heaven-Equalizing Technique?” Meng Huang'er hesitated for a moment, then suddenly asked another question.

“That’s merely a minor trick,” Chen Mobai said sternly. “If you still pin your hopes on such things, even with the Critical Method, I guarantee you will still fail Foundation Establishment. You must believe in yourself; you are different from last year.”

Meng Huang'er was actually just asking, as after cultivating the Critical Method, she no longer feared Foundation Establishment.

What she now hoped for was to complete Foundation Establishment before graduation. Otherwise, if graduation was delayed by one or two years, due to her celebrity status, many media outlets would undoubtedly latch onto it and accuse her of special treatment.

“Oh, right, the Principal came out of seclusion this year… if you can perform a third-tier song, you might also be able to compete for a spot.”

Chen Mobai again turned internal information into a favor, telling Meng Huang'er about it. Among the Hundred Arts of Immortal Cultivation, there is a profession called Immortal Musician, who uses spiritual melodies, immortal sounds, or even musical instruments to perform. The Soul-Stirring Melody, for instance, is a fifth-tier immortal song.

As expected, Meng Huang'er's eyes lit up upon hearing this, but she immediately shook her head dejectedly.

“I’ve neglected a lot of things in the past few years for the sake of Foundation Establishment,” she explained. “Now I only maintain a second-tier standard. Even if I successfully establish my Foundation right away, it would be impossible to learn a third-tier song within just half a year.”

“Just do your best,” Chen Mobai said. “However, with your identity as a Profound Sound Marvelous Method Dao Seed, you certainly won't lack resources in the future. Even if you can't get this magic treasure embryo from the Principal, the Immortal Sect will arrange one for you eventually.”

Chen Mobai’s words made Meng Huang'er’s face light up again. As long as she successfully established her Foundation, cultivators of the Profound Sound Marvelous Method could join the Immortal Sect's Cultural and Arts Troupe. Once their tenure was long enough, the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill would also be prioritized for them.

However, the magic treasure embryo arranged by the Immortal Sect would definitely not compare to one custom-made by Venerable Cheng Xuan himself.

But for Meng Huang'er, who just a few days ago had no hope of even Foundation Establishment, having anything was already excellent.

After they finished eating, Meng Huang'er, who was cleaning up with a cleansing spell, asked casually, “What third-tier item are you planning to refine?”

Chen Mobai was a bit surprised. His established persona was that of a peerless sword Dao genius. While he was also a genius in other areas, those were all within normal limits.

“You possess the aptitude for Spirit Transformation,” Meng Huang'er stated. “There's nothing you can't do, only whether you want to do it or not.”

When Meng Huang'er said this, she sounded more confident than Chen Mobai himself.

In the past few days, after returning from the White Stone Grotto-Heaven, she had also learned about the Purple Lightning Sword choosing its master. She was quite fortunate to have completed a transaction with this Immortal Sect's top genius in a thousand years before this news broke. If it were now, she feared Chen Mobai might not have valued her previous terms.

Upon hearing Meng Huang'er's words, Chen Mobai could only offer a faint smile.

There was nothing he could do. Currently, his reputation within the Immortal Sect was booming, but this did not align with his original intention of quietly accumulating wealth.

After helping Meng Huang'er with her Foundation Establishment, he planned to retreat to the Divine Wood Sect to settle down properly and let his reputation in the Immortal Sect cool down.

However, he still needed to make a strong effort regarding his graduation project.

Considering Ming Yihua, Yun Yangbing, and Wang Xingyu from his year, who should all be able to complete their respective third-tier professional assessments before graduation, he felt it was necessary to show his true capabilities to outshine everyone.

“I originally planned to simply draw a third-tier talisman, just enough to graduate,” Chen Mobai sighed, pretending to be burdened by his fame.

“But now, all the Immortal Sect media's attention is on me. They will certainly make a big deal out of my graduation. To spare my teacher any trouble, I can only bring out my true, hidden skills.”

“Oh, what is it?”

Meng Huang'er knew that besides sword Dao, Chen Mobai was also ranked first in talisman crafting, puppet crafting, and agricultural studies in their year. She wondered which one he would choose to truly stand out.

“I’ll just refine an Unseen Puppet!”

As soon as he said this, Meng Huang'er froze on the spot.