Chapter 431: Natural Science Palace

Chen Mobai naturally understood what his young apprentice wanted to do. As it was human nature to return home in glory, he indulged her wish by writing a polite letter expressing his desire to rent the Luo family's Spirit Camels for transporting the Fire Spirit Rice.

"The Spirit Beast Department in the sect should also have many spirit beasts for transport. Before you go to the Luo family, come with me to the Divine Wood Hall. This matter contributes to the sect, and getting the sect leader's order can save some spirit stones."

After instructing Zhuo Ming to go down the mountain and organize the spirit rice in the warehouse, Chen Mobai took Luo Yixuan to meet Chu Zuohu. Upon hearing their request, Chu Zuohu didn't hesitate and immediately summoned Ma Wuniang, the head of the Spirit Beast Department.

"There is a large-volume spirit rice transaction between the sect and the Blowing Snow Palace. Due to the large quantity of goods, we need to mobilize some spirit beasts for transport. You can discuss the details with Junior Brother Chen."

After Chu Zuohu issued the order in the sect leader's name, Ma Wuniang, though frowning slightly, nodded in compliance.

"Junior Brother Chen, the transport spirit beasts cultivated within the sect are called Deer Horses. There are currently about a dozen available for deployment. I'll need to go back and ask the disciple in charge for the exact number."

As one of the twelve department heads, Ma Wuniang possessed a basic understanding of the situation. Given that the sect was about to go to war with Shaking Mountain Peak, the sudden need to transport such a large quantity of spirit rice to Blowing Snow Palace made her quickly grasp the underlying reasons. Therefore, she immediately took Chen Mobai and his apprentice to inspect the Deer Horses.

These spirit beasts resembled horses with white heads, tiger-like stripes covering their bodies, and red tails. Although they couldn't carry a thousand pounds like the Luo family's Spirit Camels, they were incredibly fast, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day.

Ma Wuniang checked and found that there were a total of sixteen Deer Horses in Giant Wood Ridge, but two of them were overly exhausted from their last journey and were still recovering.

Chen Mobai had Luo Yixuan coordinate with the Spirit Beast Department disciples responsible for the Deer Horses, while he thanked Ma Wuniang and took his leave.

After entrusting the Fire Spirit Rice matter to his three apprentices, Chen Mobai returned to Immortal Sect.

Afterward, he expertly called Yan Bingxuan.

Chen Mobai: "Where are you?"

Yan Bingxuan: "I'm at school. Once the Snow Spirit Water arrives, I'll go into seclusion to establish my foundation."

Chen Mobai: "I happen to have a friend in the Extreme North Grotto-Heaven. Thanks to him, I managed to purchase a portion of second-tier Water Mist Ice Crystal."

On the other end of the phone, Yan Bingxuan, hearing this, hesitated slightly, then asked incredulously: "Is this... for me?"

Chen Mobai: "If not for you, then who? I don't need this item anyway."

This wasn't entirely true; the Scarlet Cloud Smoke Luo also required Water Mist Ice Crystal to upgrade to the Grand Unity Five Smoke Luo. However, Chen Mobai felt that saying it this way made him appear more generous, portraying himself as a hero willing to sacrifice for his friends.

Upon hearing this, Yan Bingxuan trembled, an unfamiliar feeling surging from her heart and spreading throughout her body.

After a long pause, her voice, filled with gratitude and a slight stutter, came through the phone: "Thank you. This item must cost a lot of merit points. I'll find a way to gather them for you."

"Why be so formal between us? I'll bring the item to you first, and you can see if it's suitable."

After saying this, Chen Mobai asked Yan Bingxuan for the address of the Natural Academy, which was located on the south side of Rongcheng Grotto-Heaven, adjacent to Baishi Grotto-Heaven.

After all, this Frigid Ice Crystal was acquired from the Heavenly River Realm, and he wasn't sure if it differed from the Water Mist Ice Crystal available in the Immortal Sect. It was better to have Yan Bingxuan, the user, personally verify it.

Before leaving Mount Chicheng, he looked up and saw the lights on in Meng Huanger's villa at the summit. He felt like dropping by for a meal, but after a careful thought that he might not be able to leave that night, he booked a flight to Rongcheng Grotto-Heaven and departed that very night.

By the time he disembarked, it was already late into the night, past midnight.

Chen Mobai traveled light, carrying only a small bag, which, of course, contained a storage pouch filled with various items.

Following Yan Bingxuan's directions, he arrived at the pick-up spot.

From a distance, Chen Mobai spotted Yan Bingxuan waiting for him at the entrance, wearing a hat. Even amidst the crowd, she remained remarkably conspicuous.

Her delicate features and flawless skin, as she stood there, presented a serene and beautiful sight.

Their eyes met, and they exchanged slight smiles, walking towards each other.

Chen Mobai: "Long time no see."

Yan Bingxuan: "It'll be two years in another month since we last met."

Chen Mobai was clearly surprised that the beautiful Yan remembered the exact time of their last separation so clearly. Yet, for some reason, hearing her say that made him feel very happy.

"Here."

He immediately took out the jade box containing the Frigid Ice Crystal from his backpack and handed it to Yan Bingxuan.

"Thank you. Let's go eat first."

Yan Bingxuan accepted it without inspecting it, thanked him solemnly, and then placed it into her small white leather crossbody bag.

The two walked side-by-side and arrived at a grilled fish restaurant.

"The food here is decent."

After Yan Bingxuan sat down, she took off her hat, letting her soft black hair fall over her shoulders. Her usually cool demeanor suddenly softened.

"Take a look at the item. I'm worried it might not meet your requirements."

Chen Mobai said, after ordering their food.

Yan Bingxuan nodded and took the jade box out of her small leather bag, opening it. The bone-chilling coldness made her expression subtly excited. She extended a finger and pressed it onto the crystal, and then her fair cheek suddenly glowed with a faint white light, like white jade.

"The quality is exceptional. Even among second-tier items, it's considered top-grade. This is a bit overkill for me."

Hearing Yan Bingxuan's words, Chen Mobai finally felt relieved.

It seemed the Blowing Snow Palace genuinely wanted to build a good relationship with him; the gift hadn't made him lose face in front of his old classmate.

"Will it affect your foundation establishment?"

Still, Chen Mobai felt uneasy, fearing that the superior quality of the Frigid Ice Crystal might actually be detrimental to Yan Bingxuan. After all, for Qi Refining cultivators, lower-grade second-tier items were usually the most suitable.

"It's fine. The ice-water spiritual energy contained within this Water Mist Ice Crystal is very stable. I can extract just as much as I need. A higher quality simply increases my chances of successfully establishing my foundation."

As Yan Bingxuan spoke, a smile appeared on her face, captivating Chen Mobai. After all, ever since his old classmate had transformed into an Ice Spirit Root, she had always maintained the demeanor of an ice beauty, with very few instances of smiling in front of him.

This smile, however, was truly heartfelt. Her lips curled slightly upwards, her eyes narrowed, radiating brightness like the warm sun in winter, shining with a brilliant yet gentle radiance.

"Then I'll congratulate you in advance on your successful foundation establishment."

Chen Mobai was also very happy to hear her say this. He raised his cup of water as if it were wine and toasted her.

Yan Bingxuan nodded gently, and after drinking, looked directly at Chen Mobai.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Mobai thought she had something to say, so he asked.

"This top-grade second-tier Water Mist Ice Crystal is worth tens of millions of merit points in the Immortal Sect. I probably can't afford to pay you back for now."

Yan Bingxuan spoke with a serious expression, but Chen Mobai hadn't expected her to still be thinking about that, and he couldn't help but shake his head.

"I already told you, establishing your foundation is the most important thing. Tens of millions of merit points might seem like a lot for a Qi Refining cultivator, but after establishing your foundation, you'll find you can earn it back with a few years of effort."

After hearing this, Yan Bingxuan asked again, "What if I fail to establish my foundation?"

"Don't talk nonsense. You'll definitely succeed."

Chen Mobai believed that with her talent and resilience, establishing her foundation wouldn't be difficult for her.

"I'll take your auspicious words to heart. To be able to repay you for the merit points of this Water Mist Ice Crystal, I will definitely succeed in establishing my foundation."

Yan Bingxuan also felt her previous words were ominous, and she nodded gently with an apologetic expression.

"Even if you don't succeed in establishing your foundation this time, don't you still have another year until next year? As long as you hold onto this firm belief, I'll help you secure this Water Mist Ice Crystal for your next attempt."

Chen Mobai sincerely hoped Yan Bingxuan would succeed in establishing her foundation. After all, if not for her guidance on mastering the Ice Arts, he might not have topped the entrance exam and gained admission to the Dance Weapon Dao Academy.

In fact, she had played a crucial role in his own rise.

Furthermore, they had known each other for over ten years, ever since they were classmates in high school, making their friendship the deepest among his current contacts.

Therefore, as long as Yan Bingxuan didn't give up before graduation, Chen Mobai would continue to assist her.

"I might be able to earn enough through work to gather one portion for you. But if I fail to establish my foundation and need two, I truly might not be able to repay you."

Hearing this, Yan Bingxuan frowned slightly.

Just as Chen Mobai waved his hand, about to reassure her about establishing her foundation, she suddenly said, with surprising seriousness, "If I truly can't repay you, would you accept me as repayment?"

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai suddenly burst into a violent fit of coughing and only recovered after a long moment.

With a soft chuckle, Yan Bingxuan suddenly burst out laughing.

Only then did Chen Mobai realize she was joking, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

He had been wondering how to refuse.

"Judging by your expression, it seems you were a bit unwilling."

In front of Chen Mobai, Yan Bingxuan completely shed her usual cool facade, revealing her charmingly naive true self.

"Not at all. It was just so sudden that I was a bit flustered."

Chen Mobai certainly wouldn't admit his reluctance and chose his words carefully.

"But you're so kind to me, it's really easy to misunderstand. I even thought you had feelings for me."

For some reason, Yan Bingxuan's words today were far more direct than usual, making Chen Mobai, who was accustomed to her cool and reserved style, quite unaccustomed.

"I don't have many friends. If you also fail to establish your foundation, I don't know who I'll be able to reminisce with about our youthful days a hundred years from now."

Chen Mobai rarely spoke such heartfelt words.

Earlier this year, Song Zheng attempted to establish his foundation without comprehending the Critical Method and failed.

Mo Simin, Shi Jingjing, Xu Yuan, and other high school classmates followed suit afterward, all failing to establish their foundations.

Only Shi Yuanqing, with the Critical Method as a safety net, progressed step by step and finally succeeded in establishing his foundation half a year ago.

In this graduating class of Immortal Sect Fifth High School, Chen Mobai, Cao Yaling, and Shi Yuanqing were the only three True Foundation Establishers. This made the principal so happy that he had their portraits hung in the corridor, and the celebratory banner was still up, displaying his immense pride.

While Chen Mobai considered his other high school classmates friends, his feelings for them were certainly not as deep as for his actual classmates.

After Song Zheng failed to establish his foundation, Chen Mobai called to comfort him, only to find that his once confident and proud genius classmate no longer possessed the same ambition he had in his youth.

As for the class monitor, Mo Simin, it was even worse. After failing to establish her foundation, she had decided to abandon all efforts and intended to marry someone to avoid military service.

If Yan Bingxuan were to fail as well, it would be a significant blow to Chen Mobai.

He felt a sense of "life between heaven and earth, fleeting like a distant traveler."

Although it was inevitable that his lifespan would extend as his cultivation progressed, Chen Mobai still hoped to find friends of his own age to talk with and reminisce, as much as possible, throughout his lifetime.

"Just for that statement, I will not only succeed in establishing my foundation but also continue to follow in your footsteps, constantly improving my cultivation, and live as long as you do."

After listening, Yan Bingxuan said this with the most serious tone she had ever used in her life.

"Then I shall look forward to it. I hope that at the end of my cultivation path, you will still be by my side."

Chen Mobai saw how solemn Yan Bingxuan was and responded sincerely.

However, inwardly, he felt this was likely impossible. After all, with resources and knowledge from two realms, he had a high chance of forming a Core, and even a slight possibility of forming a Nascent Soul.

Given Yan Bingxuan's talent, her chances of establishing a foundation were not low. However, when it came to forming a Core, even someone as remarkable as Yan Qiongzhi barely managed it. If Yan Bingxuan followed Yan Qiongzhi's path, Chen Mobai estimated she would at most reach the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Yet, deep down, Chen Mobai felt happy at the possibility of Yan Bingxuan accompanying him on his future cultivation journey.

Humans are social creatures, and cultivators are no exception.

Chen Mobai didn't want to be alone in the future.

After finishing their late-night snack, the two walked around Rongcheng Grotto-Heaven for a while, discussing various topics.

Chen Mobai shared amusing anecdotes from his time at the Dao Academy, while Yan Bingxuan asked various questions about establishing her foundation. Finally, she inquired about the Purple Lightning Sword.

"I guess it was good luck. My sword cultivation talent is decent enough that the Purple Lightning Sword took a liking to me."

In front of acquaintances, Chen Mobai remained relatively modest.

"My teacher told me you have the potential to reach the Soul Transformation stage, which is why you could suppress those three Golden Core Perfected Ones. But why were you lazy before your senior year of high school? If you had displayed your talent earlier, you might have established your foundation directly before the college entrance exam and been directly admitted to one of the Four Great Dao Academies."

Yan Bingxuan's words made Chen Mobai feel rather sheepish. Clearly, she had believed the media's exaggerated claims and genuinely thought he hadn't aspired to improve before high school, rather than having already put in his utmost effort only to achieve mediocre results.

"Since you know I have the potential for Soul Transformation, do you still have the confidence to follow in my footsteps?"

"I will do my utmost to keep up with you," Yan Bingxuan replied with a serious expression.

As they chatted, before they knew it, dawn was already approaching.

"Why don't you show me around your school?"

Chen Mobai had originally planned to return to Chicheng Grotto-Heaven after delivering the item, but recalling Yan Qiongzhi's invitation, he decided it would be better to visit the Natural Academy. This would also allow him to see the traces left by the previous owners of Purple Lightning and Azure Frost.

"Let's go. My teacher has also been waiting for you to visit."

Yan Bingxuan took Chen Mobai onto a bus, whose final stop was the Natural Academy.

This was a lake and wetland area nestled among nine mountain peaks. The academy was situated by the lake, at the foot of the mountains, boasting beautiful scenery with diverse greenery, flowers, mudflats, insects, birds, beasts, plankton, and more.

Compared to the vast mountains and rivers of Jumang Dao Academy, this place was like a miniature microcosm of the entire natural world. Nearly all terrestrial features found on Yuan Earth Star could be observed here. Though not grand, it was exceptionally picturesque.

This was "Nature."

Upon arriving, the word "Nature" spontaneously appeared in Chen Mobai's mind.

Indeed, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Even though he had seen promotional videos and photos of the Natural Academy online multiple times, coming here in person still filled him with awe and a sense of profound satisfaction, confirming the trip was well worth it.

At the entrance of the Natural Academy stood a wooden archway, comprising one large and two smaller arches arranged side-by-side. A graceful beauty was already waiting there.

"Greetings, Perfected One Yan. How could I impose on you? Bingxuan accompanying me on a tour would suffice."

Chen Mobai had not become arrogant from the Immortal Sect's media hype. He had a clear understanding of himself and held immense respect for Golden Core Perfected Ones. Upon seeing that Yan Qiongzhi was waiting for him, he immediately went over and greeted her politely.

"The Bright Mirror House requires a Golden Core Perfected One from our academy to enter. Since you're here, as the master of the Purple Lightning Sword, I must certainly take you to see it."

The Bright Mirror House was where Perfected Qing Shi and Perfected Qing Jing had built their hermitage and lived in seclusion. Previously, it wasn't part of the Natural Academy's grounds, but after their passing, that area was incorporated.

The Natural Academy was surrounded by nine elegant spiritual mountains, one of which was called Mount Huagai. Looking from the archway, its summit resembled a canopy, hence its name.

However, this mountain was not tall, barely reaching a hundred meters. The Bright Mirror House was located halfway up the mountain, a simple dwelling constructed from stones and wood.

Considering it a visit to a historical site, Chen Mobai cautiously followed Yan Qiongzhi along the stone path into the courtyard.

"That stone crevice was cleft by Perfected Qing Jing with the Azure Frost Sword, causing water to flow out." Yan Qiongzhi pointed to a simple, rectangular stone crevice in front of the courtyard, resembling an inkstone trough, and explained.

Chen Mobai walked over. Before he even got close, he felt a piercing sword intent that made his hairs stand on end.

There seemed to be a spring at the summit, with trickles of water falling from above and collecting in this stone crevice. However, no matter how much water poured in, the crevice remained only seven-tenths full, with the rest transforming into cool vapor that diffused into the air.

"This is one of the sword intents left by Perfected Qing Jing. There are two more from her tilling the land, one on the clothesline, and nine others inside the Bright Mirror House."

"Are there none from Perfected Qing Shi?" Chen Mobai asked, feeling quite curious after hearing Yan Qiongzhi's explanation.

"Yes, but only one, on the wooden door of the house."

As Yan Qiongzhi spoke, she led Chen Mobai and Yan Bingxuan towards the Bright Mirror House. She took out a small sword-shaped key, opened the wooden door, and a powerful sword intent, as solemn as a mountain and as vast as the stars, slowly dissipated.

Chen Mobai stood at the doorway, staring blankly at the wooden door for a long time.

Yan Bingxuan looked puzzled and was about to speak, but Yan Qiongzhi stopped her.

"Don't disturb him. With his unparalleled talent, he might be having an epiphany."

In reality, the Purple Lightning Sword inside his storage pouch had sensed its old master's aura. It had sent a restless pulse to Chen Mobai, wanting to come out and see.

However, to avoid exposing his storage pouch, Chen Mobai could only appease it, telling it that it had to wait a while.

Fortunately, the Purple Lightning Sword, having been sufficiently soaked in spirit stones, was very obedient and immediately ceased its activity upon hearing this.

"I had a sudden insight, which delayed us." Coming back to his senses, Chen Mobai could only use this as an excuse, humbly telling Yan Qiongzhi and Yan Bingxuan, who were waiting for him. Both women, upon hearing him, wore expressions of "just as expected."

"This place primarily contains the sword marks and intents of Perfected Qing Jing; Perfected Qing Shi only left this one on the door."

Upon entering the Bright Mirror House, Chen Mobai noticed a very modern interior, complete with all sorts of appliances and furniture. There was also a spacious cultivation room with two meditation cushions, where Perfected Qing Jing alone had left four sword intents.

Chen Mobai's aptitude was average. Although he could sense the clear and profound sword intent, he couldn't comprehend it at a deeper level.

"May I stay here for a day?"

However, he still had to put on a show; after all, he needed to maintain his persona as an unparalleled sword cultivation genius.

"Of course, you can stay as long as you like. The handwritten copy of the Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Scroll is in the library. I'll apply for it shortly and then have Xuan'er bring it to you."

Yan Qiongzhi's words left Chen Mobai speechless. Unbeknownst to him, he had become quite well-known in the Immortal Sect, to the point of receiving such treatment at the Natural Academy.

After he thanked them, Yan Qiongzhi and Yan Bingxuan left Mount Huagai, no longer disturbing his contemplation of the sword marks and intents.

After watching the two women leave, Chen Mobai took out the Purple Lightning Sword from his storage pouch.

He hadn't expected to be able to return here.

The Purple Lightning Sword clearly recognized the place. After circling the Bright Mirror House as a purple glow, it landed in front of the wooden door, trembling slightly at the sword mark left by Perfected Qing Shi, as if weeping.

"Is this where the two Perfected Ones cultivated?"

"Kind of, but they mainly enjoyed a pastoral life here, working from sunrise to sunset. I was hung on this door, and Little Azure was kept in that stone crevice. The two masters might not even wield us once a year. That lazy, monotonous life initially felt a bit dull, but now I realize it was the beginning of Little Azure and my spiritual awakening."

Chen Mobai felt a slight realization after hearing the Purple Lightning Sword's description.

Purple Lightning and Azure Frost also advanced step-by-step from ordinary Natal Dharma Artifacts. Their ability to become top-grade fourth-tier artifacts and develop spiritual sentience was also quite coincidental.

The turning point was here, in the Bright Mirror House.

He hadn't expected that two of the Immortal Sect's renowned peak Nascent Soul sword cultivators, in their later years, would set aside their swords and achieve spiritual sentience by abandoning them.

"Do these sword intents help with my cultivation?" Chen Mobai pointed to the various sword marks and intents inside and outside the Bright Mirror House and asked the Purple Lightning Sword.

"For cultivators practicing the Azure Sky Sword Canon and the Purple Radiance Sword Canon, these are the ultimate Great Dao. For you, they're slightly useful, as the fundamental sword dao realms are universal."

The Purple Lightning Sword spoke truthfully, and Chen Mobai nodded slightly, not dwelling on it further.

He was, after all, a fake sword cultivation genius, and had no high expectations for the Bright Mirror House. He would just stay here for a day to keep up appearances.

Soon after, Yan Bingxuan came up the mountain. She handed Chen Mobai a yellowed book, which was precisely the "Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Scroll."

Chen Mobai thanked her and kept her for a short conversation. However, fearing she might disturb his contemplation of the sword intent, Yan Bingxuan quickly said her goodbyes and went down the mountain after a few words.

The night was long, and Chen Mobai could only read.

With his current comprehension, he could largely understand the Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Scroll, which the two Perfected Ones had deciphered. However, after trying to cultivate according to it, he found no response, feeling a bit awkward.

"Do you recognize this heavenly scroll?" After repeated attempts, he could only shamelessly ask the Purple Lightning Sword.

"The two masters used Little Azure and me to practice the Purple-Green Canopy on it, thereby drawing the Dual-Polarity Qi from above the Nine Layers of Heavenly Gang."

Upon hearing the Purple Lightning Sword's reply, Chen Mobai's face lit up with joy. So, it required both the Purple Lightning and Azure Frost swords to be held simultaneously for cultivation; it wasn't due to his poor aptitude.

"So if I team up with Pei Qingshuang, will I be able to cultivate it?"

"Not necessarily. Little Azure and I have talked, and it doesn't quite approve of its current master. If Little Azure doesn't actively cooperate with her, even with you and me achieving man-sword unity, you might still suffer a Qi deviation."

Chen Mobai was greatly surprised after hearing the exclusive revelation from the Purple Lightning Sword.

No wonder Pei Qingshuang didn't know the true method for cultivating the Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Scroll; it turned out the Azure Frost Sword hadn't told her.

He had assumed that with Pei Qingshuang's status and talent, she would definitely have gained the Azure Frost Sword's recognition, but he hadn't expected the actual situation to be otherwise.

Was the Azure Frost Sword merely feigning compliance? Or was it succumbing to Perfected Peach Blossom's authority? Or perhaps it disliked that Pei Qingshuang hadn't provided enough spirit stones?

However, after hearing this, Chen Mobai could only pretend not to know. After all, he considered himself friends with Pei Qingshuang and needed to save her face.

"In the future, if I truly want to cultivate the Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Scroll, can you try to persuade the Azure Frost Sword? It can name its price in spirit stones, consider it a service fee. You know how generous I am."

"No problem, leave it to me."

Upon hearing this, the Purple Lightning Sword immediately let out a clear hum, its tone brimming with confidence.

"However, there's something I should tell you in advance. Back then, the two masters could only fully control Little Azure and me to absorb the Nine-Heavens Pure Spirit Purple Radiance Qi after reaching the peak of Core Formation. If you don't cultivate the two great sword canons, even if Little Azure and I are fully under your command, success isn't guaranteed."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai frowned. He certainly couldn't abandon the Pure Yang Scroll, into which he had invested so much. However, since the Nine-Heavens Pure Spirit Purple Radiance Qi had allowed the two Perfected Ones to successfully form Nascent Souls, it was clearly extremely valuable, and he was somewhat tempted.

Moreover, the most crucial point was that he now knew the correct cultivation method.

Wouldn't it be a great pity to give it up for nothing?

But there was no rush; he could figure it out after forming his Core.

The rest of the night passed with Chen Mobai chatting with the Purple Lightning Sword. To reward the Purple Lightning Sword for its insights, he gave it a mid-grade spirit stone as a prize, causing the fourth-tier sword artifact to happily spin around twice more.