Chapter 435: Pure Yang Treasure

Chen Mobai opened the ancient volume of the Pure Yang Scroll and saw that it was entirely written in classical Chinese, filled with technical jargon like "lead and mercury embracing the origin." With his current understanding, he could only comprehend one or two tenths of it.

Furthermore, cultivation methods, spells, and magic tools were mixed together, and the layout was not very user-friendly.

After flipping through the entire book, Chen Mobai finally located all the chapters in the ancient Pure Yang Scroll that described magic tools.

These were the Pure Yang Sword, Pure Yang Mirror, Pure Yang Bell, Pure Yang Cauldron, Pure Yang Immortal Robe, and Pure Yang Pearl.

Among these, the Pure Yang Pearl was what excited Chen Mobai the most.

When cultivated to its peak, this magic treasure can transform into a second Nascent Soul. If it then absorbs enough Primordial Pure Yang Violet Qi, it can even evolve into a second Soul Avatar, which is equivalent to an avatar at the Soul Transformation stage.

To forge this magic treasure, a spirit pearl with Yang Fire attributes is required, which is relatively common. However, treasures forged this way can at most reach the fourth-tier and cannot evolve into a second Soul Avatar.

To achieve perfection, a spirit pearl containing primordial Dao essence is needed, as only then can it absorb Primordial Pure Yang Violet Qi.

Chen Mobai certainly wanted to achieve perfection in one go, but such a material was unheard of, even in the Eastern Barrens.

After reading the description of the Pure Yang Pearl, he then looked at the other five Pure Yang ultimate treasures, his heart surging with even greater excitement.

In ancient times, cultivators of the Pure Yang Scroll would wield a mirror in their left hand and a sword in their right, wear an immortal robe, hold a pearl in their mouth, have a golden bell suppressing above their head, and a treasure cauldron suspended below their feet. This ensemble was known as the "Pure Yang Set."

Cultivators possessing the Pure Yang Set were undoubtedly invincible within the same realm, thanks to their extensive equipment and comprehensive lack of vulnerabilities.

Moreover, this set of magic treasures was very helpful for transcending tribulations, as they could effectively restrain both heavenly tribulations and inner demons.

However, since the era of the Immortal Sect, few Pure Yang Scroll cultivators could afford such luxury. Although Patriarch Yuanyang also cultivated all six pieces of the Pure Yang Set, only his sword reached the fifth-tier.

Since the sword was the patriarch's natal magic tool, it could improve as his cultivation realm advanced.

After reading the introduction to the Pure Yang Set, Chen Mobai felt a restless itch. With his resources from the Heavenly River Realm, he wondered if he could try to acquire a set once his cultivation realm was higher.

But that was for the future. For now, the priority was to determine his natal magic tool.

This required careful consideration, so he wondered if he could borrow this ancient Pure Yang Scroll and examine it thoroughly.

"This is a copy; you can borrow it."

The librarian in charge of the Instrument Dao Academy's library was a Foundation Establishment teacher nearing retirement. He nodded after glancing at the ancient Pure Yang Scroll, then took Chen Mobai's student ID and began the borrowing procedure.

"If you are looking for magic tools with Yang Fire attributes," the teacher said, "on shelf C7 on the third floor of the library, there is 'The Compendium of Magic Tools IV,' compiled under the principal's guidance. It records all of these."

One needed to state a reason for borrowing books, so Chen Mobai explained that he was considering a magic treasure embryo. The librarian, also from the artifact refining department, then offered him a suggestion.

After thanking him, Chen Mobai immediately went and borrowed that book as well.

"The Compendium of Magic Tools" was published by the Instrument Dao Academy and consists of nine volumes, with the fourth volume specifically covering all magic tools with Yang Fire attributes.

After flipping through it, Chen Mobai also discovered many items that appealed to him.

For instance, the Nine Fire Fiery Dragon Hood, Five Fire Seven-Feathered Fan, Heaven-Penetrating Divine Fire Pillar, Fire Jade Heart Lotus, Purple Flame Golden Lamp, Fire Spirit Profound Pearl, Signal Fire Meditation Mat, and so on.

After reading The Compendium of Magic Tools IV, Chen Mobai went back to look at the Pure Yang Set.

He suddenly found himself with decision paralysis.

Normally, he was used to seeking help from teachers or looking up information online when facing difficulties. Now, suddenly having to make a decision himself, he felt truly overwhelmed and found it hard to choose.

He stood at the window of the wooden house, gazing at the forest and green space outside. Then he looked up and saw the villa on the mountaintop, which held many fond memories. He took a deep breath.

Chen Mobai opened the door and walked deep into the small mountain. In the fresh air, his thoughts became increasingly active.

He carefully considered all his strengths and weaknesses, and then, following his true intentions, decided it would be better to compensate for his shortcomings.

After all, after graduation, his main efforts would certainly be focused on the Eastern Barrens. The cultivators there were all fierce fighters, and if he had any weaknesses, he could easily be targeted and eliminated.

In terms of offense, his sword Dao was already fully developed.

As for defense, he also had quite a few second- and third-tier magic tools, so basically no one in the same realm could threaten him.

Only in terms of divine sense, he only had the protection of the Great Toon Flower. Last time, after blocking the Underworld Envoy's possession attempt outside his Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness, it had already lost considerable efficacy, and he wasn't sure if it could block another attack next time.

There was also another consideration.

That is, breaking through major realms after Foundation Establishment involves inner demon tribulations, and Chen Mobai was not very confident in himself regarding this.

Moreover, the successor of the Divine Mechanism Pavilion had said that he would face three tribulations upon forming his Golden Core. Although Chen Mobai had already made targeted improvements, his dual cultivation with Meng Huang'er could not guarantee that his divine sense would truly break through to the Golden Core level. He still needed more assurance.

Therefore, he wanted to forge a magic treasure that could suppress inner demons and protect his Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness, solving this problem once and for all.

After filtering, his choices were the Pure Yang Bell from the Pure Yang Set, and the Fire Jade Heart Lotus from The Compendium of Magic Tools.

Among these, the Fire Jade Heart Lotus was relatively easier, only requiring a jade stone with Yang Fire attributes and a red lotus that bloomed deep within volcanoes.

For the Yang-attributed jade stone, Chen Mobai could try to trade with the Snowfall Palace for a piece of thousand-year warm jade. As for the volcanic red lotus, there were some deep within the Myriad Treasures Cave, but the exchange cost in academic credits was quite high.

A third-tier red lotus required 200 academic credits.

However, if Chen Mobai gathered enough by the end of the year, his academic credits would be sufficient.

However, compared to the Fire Jade Heart Lotus, he preferred the Pure Yang Bell, even though the functions of these two magic tools were almost identical.

However, the main material for the Fire Jade Heart Lotus, warm jade, carried the risk of exposing his tortoise treasure, and its potential for improvement was limited.

The Pure Yang Bell, however, offered the possibility of completing the Pure Yang Set, with immense future potential for improvement.

The materials for the Pure Yang Bell would be more difficult to collect. Moreover, since it needed to be refined by a Nascent Soul Venerable, all materials needed to have a clear origin. The main material for forging the bell, third-tier red copper, was best purchased from the Immortal Sect.

Chen Mobai checked the price online. If he wanted to forge the Pure Yang Bell, he might need to spend nearly 20 million good deeds to purchase the red copper.

Furthermore, this third-tier red copper was a controlled item of the Immortal Sect; as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he couldn't even buy it.

However, if he chose the Pure Yang Bell as his magic treasure embryo, Venerable Chengxuan and Teacher Che Yucheng should be able to help, right?

If that truly didn't work, he could choose the same method as Ming Yihua: obtain a similar bell-shaped magic tool from the Artifact-Embryo Sphere and have the principal modify it. This way, he could save a lot on material costs.

As Chen Mobai thought this, he temporarily set the Pure Yang Bell as his primary goal for a magic treasure embryo.

After making his choice, his worries immediately dissipated.

After calling Ming Yihua to thank him, Chen Mobai, re-energized, once again immersed himself in the debugging of the Formless Puppet.

Facts proved that this peak of Immortal Sect puppetry was indeed extraordinary. During the debugging process, they encountered various problems.

However, with Chen Mobai in a state of complete comprehension, they overcame and resolved the issues one by one. Only replacing parts and the like incurred another one to two million good deeds, all charged to Zhou Tiangong's account.

During this period, Wenren Xuefei also maintained long-term video calls with them, as biomimetic materials could only be cultivated and produced at Jumang Dao Academy.

For any parts that needed to be re-cultivated, she would immediately arrange it after Chen Mobai placed the order, and then have them airlifted over as quickly as possible.

It was originally expected to be completed by the end of June, but it ended up being delayed until the end of August.

However, no one had any complaints, because every day they could see the Formless Puppet becoming more and more perfect.

When it was finally completed, seeing the expressionless, human-sized puppet standing in the middle of the workshop, Chen Mobai and his two companions, along with Wenren Xuefei on the video call, all revealed satisfied smiles.

"Let's try activating it."

Zhou Tiangong took out a spirit stone that had been imbued with spiritual energy from the Immortal Sect, skillfully placed it into the puppet's head, then input a Qi Cultivation method, and began the Foundation Establishment demonstration.

In the middle of the cluttered workshop, filled with various parts and tools, the Formless Puppet, which had no face but possessed eyes and a screen on its forehead, began to become transparent, subsequently revealing its meridians, bones, and internal organs.

Amidst the four people's nervous expressions, the digital dial in the puppet's left eye began to slowly rotate, moving from "zero" to "one."

Soon after, it turned to "nine" and began simulating the Foundation Establishment process.

Seeing this scene, the four people finally couldn't help but feel happy and high-fived each other.

More than half a year of effort had finally yielded perfect results today.

"You three junior fellows have all worked hard."

Although Wenren Xuefei on the video call was not physically present, she felt the same way, smiling with narrowed eyes and gently applauding the three of them.

"You've also worked hard, senior sister."

Although Wenren Xuefei only came three or four times, if she hadn't helped at Jumang Dao Academy, the progress of the Formless Puppet would probably have been delayed by one or two years.

"Senior sister, please come join us in celebrating," Chen Mobai invited. "The day after tomorrow, we'll go to the Immortal Sect's Professional Certification Department to apply for certification and appraisal of the Formless Puppet. As long as it passes, all four of us can get our third-tier Puppeteer certificates."

Chen Mobai invited Wenren Xuefei on the video call. She nodded gently, knowing that such an important occasion definitely required her presence.

Afterwards, Chen Mobai filmed a video of the Formless Puppet in operation and sent it to Che Yucheng, along with a message.

"Teacher, I've made it."

In his office, Che Yucheng, who was reading a newspaper, glanced at the image on his phone screen. His breath hitched, and then an unspeakable sense of relief appeared on his aged face.

"Well done, you can complete your tutelage now."

Chen Mobai's lips also curved into a smile upon seeing this message. However, he remained very humble.

"Not at all, there's still so much I need to learn."

Che Yucheng chuckled happily, opened the video of the Formless Puppet in operation, and watched it repeatedly. Finally, he couldn't resist and personally hurried to Chen Mobai's workshop.

"Teacher Che!"

The three people present were all Che Yucheng's students, and they all showed respectful expressions upon seeing him.

"You all did very well."

Che Yucheng touched the Formless Puppet, which, though still not perfectly refined, had its functions basically completed, a look of joy on his face.

"The professional certification for third-tier puppeteers requires my signature," Che Yucheng said. "As I am the authority on Formless Puppets, yours is no problem; you will definitely get your third-tier certificates."

After Che Yucheng personally examined it, he said something to Chen Mobai and the others that made them even more ecstatic.

When Wenren Xuefei arrived, and the four of them took the Formless Puppet to the Immortal Sect for certification, it immediately alerted Hong Mengkui, the Cave Lord of Chicheng Grotto-heaven.

The third-tier certification for puppeteers was different from other third-tier professional titles; the sole standard was the Formless Puppet.

The Formless Puppet was something only the Four Great Dao Academies possessed; not even the Ten Great Academies had anyone capable of forging one.

With this certificate, as long as the four of them were willing to forge Formless Puppets, the Ten Great Academies would be willing to offer exorbitant prices to invite them.

However, these four people—three graduates from the Instrument Dao Academy and one Evergreen Dao Seed from Jumang Dao Academy—would definitely not go to the Ten Great Academies.

"You four, please wait a moment," Hong Mengkui said. "I'll go call Che Yucheng to appraise it."

As expected, after Hong Mengkui personally tried some of the Formless Puppet's functions, he then asked them to sit down and personally called Che Yucheng.

On the other end of the phone, Che Yucheng pretended to be incredulous, expressing shock that a junior in the Immortal Sect could actually forge a Formless Puppet.

After Che Yucheng arrived, he looked at Chen Mobai and said, feigning sudden realization, "Oh, so it was completed by my disciple. No wonder then."

Hong Mengkui, standing nearby, looked uncomfortable upon hearing this.

On the contrary, the leaders of the Immortal Sect's Professional Certification Department immediately followed Che Yucheng's words with praises, all commending the Instrument Dao Academy as truly the Immortal Sect's top university, and Chen Mobai as truly worthy of his Soul Transformation potential...

After a deluge of flattery, Che Yucheng demonstrated all the expected functions of the Formless Puppet in front of everyone: performing cultivation methods, computations, practicing cultivation, engaging in combat, providing protection, and so on.

After confirming that every function was flawless, Che Yucheng checked all the boxes on a form, finally signing his name and affixing his professional seal.

Chen Mobai took a look; it was actually a fourth-tier Puppeteer.

"There are only two fourth-tier puppeteers in the Immortal Sect," Wenren Xuefei explained, "namely Teacher Che Yucheng and Grandmaster Xinjie from our Jumang Dao Academy. This was to reward them for completing the epoch-making work of the Formless Puppet. After Grandmaster Xinjie passed away, only Teacher Che Yucheng remained."

Wenren Xuefei, seeing a perplexed look on Chen Mobai's face, opened her mouth to explain.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai also wore a look of sudden realization.

He had also heard about this matter.

"What kind of person was Grandmaster Xinjie?"

Seeing that Che Yucheng had finished verifying the Formless Puppet and was now chatting with Hong Mengkui, and with the people from the Immortal Sect's Professional Certification Department gone to prepare their four third-tier puppeteer certificates and seals, Chen Mobai and Wenren Xuefei also started chatting.

"He was a polymath," Wenren Xuefei said. "Among students of his generation in the Four Great Dao Academies, no one was his match, much like you are now."

Chen Mobai grew a little curious upon hearing this.

He currently possessed the potential for Soul Transformation.

"Venerable Yuanxu of the Heaven-Mending Dao Academy was admitted in the same year as Grandmaster Xinjie," Wenren Xuefei continued. "But at that time, he was known as 'the perennial second place' because he couldn't surpass Grandmaster Xinjie."

Chen Mobai's face showed shock upon hearing this.

Who was Venerable Yuanxu? He was the Immortal Sect's only recipient of the "Flying Immortal Award" in the past millennium, and was said to possess intellect equivalent to half a Soul Transformation stage cultivator.

Grandmaster Xinjie was actually able to suppress him.

That meant he could be compared to Chen Mobai, who had the potential for Soul Transformation.

"The passing of such a hero is truly a great loss to the Immortal Sect."

Chen Mobai sighed with emotion. Logically speaking, since Grandmaster Xinjie was even more outstanding than Venerable Yuanxu in his youth, he should have formed a Nascent Soul as well.

However, he stopped at the Golden Core realm and passed away thirty years ago.

This showed that early brilliance doesn't necessarily guarantee greatness in adulthood.

Chen Mobai couldn't become arrogant due to his current achievements in school. He still needed to remain humble, work hard, and refine himself, striving to become Venerable Yuanxu, rather than Grandmaster Xinjie.

"Grandmaster Xinjie actually had hope of forming a Nascent Soul," Wenren Xuefei began, "but due to the successive deaths of his Dao companion and daughter, his Dao heart grew dim, and he ultimately failed to form a Nascent Soul. After that, he somewhat fell into qi deviation..."

As she spoke to this point, Wenren Xuefei suddenly showed hesitation and stopped speaking.

Chen Mobai glanced at her; he particularly disliked people who spoke in half-sentences.

"Did Grandmaster Xinjie die because of qi deviation?"

"I don't know that either," Wenren Xuefei replied. "His records within the Immortal Sect have actually been heavily altered. Because I cultivate the Evergreen Cultivation Method, I have slightly higher authority in the academy, so I know a few things: in the latter half of his life after failing to form a Nascent Soul, he dedicated himself to resurrecting his Dao companion and daughter. The Formless Puppet was one of his attempts."

Perhaps Chen Mobai's talent displayed these days had won over Wenren Xuefei; after a moment of hesitation, she suddenly used sound transmission to secretly convey the rest of her words into Chen Mobai's ear.

Chen Mobai was greatly astonished upon hearing this. "Using puppets to resurrect his Dao companion and daughter?" he exclaimed. "How could such a heaven-defying feat be accomplished?"

"Others might not be able to do it," Wenren Xuefei said, "but if it were Grandmaster Xinjie, I believe it's possible. He was a fourth-tier professional in alchemy, medicine, puppetry, biomimetics, cellular anatomy, psychology, and so on. It's possible he could find a way."

Wenren Xuefei shook her head. Originally, she didn't believe these things either, but until nine years ago, during the Dao Academy's freshman admission ceremony, she met that person.

"But didn't Grandmaster Xinjie still pass away?" Chen Mobai asked again. "He probably didn't complete the resurrection, did he?"

Chen Mobai reiterated, as he still believed that resurrection was impossible.

"There's something I don't know if I should tell you."

Wenren Xuefei's words made Chen Mobai raise an eyebrow; he disliked people who spoke cryptically.

However, recalling that the last person who spoke cryptically in front of him was the successor of the Divine Mechanism Pavilion, he immediately humbly sought advice.

Chen Mobai: "Please speak freely."

Wenren Xuefei: "Junior Sister Qingnu is your friend, isn't she?"

Chen Mobai: "Yes, the best kind."

Wenren Xuefei: "Her appearance is identical to Grandmaster Xinjie's daughter."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai was utterly stunned, unable to utter a single word.