Chapter 436: Great Battle Begins

Chen Mobai had once suspected Qing Nü’s origins. However, after hearing Kong Feichen recount their childhood experiences, Chen Mobai concluded that the matter was too convoluted and best left unknown.

Today, after listening to Wen Ren Xuewei’s account and combining it with his previous knowledge, Chen Mobai found the situation even more perplexing. He instinctively felt that a significant secret of the Immortal Gate might be hidden within it. He recalled that back at the Jumang Daoist Academy, when Kong Feichen gave him the Swallowing Heaven Serpent, he had mentioned that the matter involved the Immortal Gate’s three Hall Masters. If that were truly the case, even a Golden Core Venerable might not be able to protect them.

Chen Mobai began to worry about Qing Nü. As one of his best friends, he understood her character well. She was part of the Heaven Mending Group, and he wondered if she had heeded his advice. If she was still investigating her childhood, the closer she got to the truth, the deeper she might sink into a quagmire.

“Besides you, does anyone else know about this?” Chen Mobai asked with a solemn expression. Wen Ren Xuewei hesitated, then nodded slightly.

“The principal knows, but she told me not to worry about it and to treat her as a regular student.”

The principal of Jumang Daoist Academy was the Peach Blossom Venerable. However, as a Heavenly Spiritual Root, Qing Nü's background must have been thoroughly investigated by the academy before she was granted admission without examination. Given Jumang Daoist Academy's influence, they would certainly have access to some of the truth about her childhood. Since the Peach Blossom Venerable held such an attitude, it suggested that the Immortal Gate was at least benevolent towards Qing Nü, a Heavenly Spiritual Root.

After hearing Wen Ren Xuewei's words, Chen Mobai felt somewhat relieved. Nevertheless, he mentally filed away this matter, resolving to investigate it further if he ever ascended to a high position within the Immortal Gate in the future.

“Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister.” Chen Mobai politely thanked Wen Ren Xuewei, who smiled faintly in return.

At that moment, the Immortal Gate Professional Certification Department had finished preparing the Rank 3 Puppeteer certificates and seals for the four of them.

“Let’s go. It’s rare for you to visit; I’ll treat you today. The four of you should come along too,” Hong Mengkui called out to Chen Mobai and the others, having already invited Che Yucheng to reminisce.

The group of six arrived at an elegantly decorated restaurant in Chicheng Grotto-Heaven. The two elders sat together, drinking tea and chatting, their conversation eventually turning to Bian Jingchun.

“I still haven’t thanked you for letting her use the True Dragon Cauldron for cultivation.”

“It’s a minor matter. No matter how high-grade a magical artifact is, it can only fulfill its purpose when used. Besides being your disciple, she’s also a graduate of our academy. If I can help her lay the foundation for Golden Core transformation into a dragon, it will be a credit to my tenure.”

Che Yucheng spoke dismissively. As the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Instruments Daoist Academy, although he was often preoccupied with various trivial matters, education always remained his top priority. Chen Mobai had been at the academy for nearly a decade and had never seen Che Yucheng miss a single puppetry class.

However, the mention of Bian Jingchun almost made Chen Mobai forget about this senior sister. It seemed she was still cultivating the Dragon Transformation Scripture in the Myriad Treasures Cave, using the True Dragon Cauldron. He wondered how many spirit stones she had to pay to use a Rank 4 magical artifact. The True Dragon Cauldron probably didn't earn as much as the Purple Lightning Sword. If he were to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Scripture in the future, he absolutely could not offer such high terms again. Chen Mobai now somewhat regretted offering one high-grade spirit stone a year for the Purple Lightning Sword. He wished he had inquired about the market rate from Pei Qingshuang beforehand; he might have saved more than half.

With the completion of the Immaterial Puppet, Chen Mobai had already finished his graduation project for the Instruments Daoist Academy ahead of schedule. After two days of celebration with his three partners—Zhou Tiangong, Chai Lun, and Wen Ren Xuewei—they all went their separate ways. After all, they were all Foundation Establishment cultivators; even Chai Lun, the least successful among them, was a company owner. He hadn’t taken any orders for nearly a year due to the Immaterial Puppet project and was now eager to return and save his nearly bankrupt puppet manufacturing company. Zhou Tiangong, as the chief engineer of Tiangong Instruments Factory, was the busiest of the four and only stayed for half a day at the celebration before leaving.

Finally, Chen Mobai saw Wen Ren Xuewei and Chai Lun off.

“I’m probably going to form my Golden Core soon. You should hurry up too; don’t make us wait too long ahead,” Wen Ren Xuewei joked before leaving, causing Chen Mobai to pause slightly.

“The Evergreen Skill is truly amazing,” Chai Lun remarked, his face full of envy. Wen Ren Xuewei was the only person in the entire Immortal Gate who didn't need to wait for a Golden Core spiritual item.

“I might need another twenty years or so. After all, I still need to cultivate the Pure Yang Dharma Body to the Six Yang Realm,” Chen Mobai thought about his Golden Core plan. With a slight impulse, he revealed a little of it to his two friends to lay the groundwork for the future.

“Oh, could it be that you have inherited seniority from an ancestor?” Chai Lun asked, surprised. Other than that, even a second-generation immortal like Pei Qingshuang had to toil for sixty years to qualify for a Golden Core spiritual item.

“I want to try forming the Golden Core without a Golden Core spiritual item,” Chen Mobai said casually, causing Wen Ren Xuewei’s eyes to light up. She looked at the clear-eyed, confident young man before her, a strange glint appearing in her eyes.

“For you, it’s not impossible. However, failing Golden Core formation is not the same as failing Foundation Establishment. Many people might only have one chance in their lifetime. You have outstanding talent; if you falter at this step and can’t realize your full potential, it would be a great loss for both the Immortal Gate and the academy. It’s better to be cautious,” Chai Lun, being mature and steady, was very concerned about his junior brother. Fearing that this talent, capable of Spirit Transformation, might perish prematurely, he couldn't help but advise him.

“The ‘one chance’ Senior Brother mentioned is because, within the Immortal Gate system, most people can only exchange for one Golden Core spiritual item,” Chen Mobai explained. “If I try to form the Golden Core without a spiritual item first, even if I fail, I’ll gain experience, and it won’t affect my eligibility to exchange for a spiritual item. That way, during the second attempt, with the aid of a spiritual pill, I’ll have a greater chance of success.”

Chen Mobai offered a plausible, yet somewhat specious, reason. However, Chai Lun listened and realized it made sense, wondering if he could do the same.

“Without a Golden Core spiritual item to protect the dantian and the purple mansion, the spiritual energy backlash from a failed Golden Core formation will often leave most cultivators with a damaged dao body. Junior Brother Chen, please be cautious,” Wen Ren Xuewei interjected, shattering Chai Lun’s fantasy. Relying on the profundities of the Evergreen Skill, she had attempted Golden Core formation several times and possessed the most extensive experience in this area within the Immortal Gate.

“Don’t worry, my first attempt at Golden Core formation won’t be forced. As soon as I feel any sign of failure, I’ll disperse my spiritual energy. At worst, I’ll just have to recultivate, which won’t take decades,” Chen Mobai said. With his assurance, Wen Ren Xuewei and Chai Lun stopped trying to persuade him.

After seeing them off, Chen Mobai returned to Red City Mountain.

“What are your plans next?” Inside Che Yucheng’s office in Building 1, master and disciple were enjoying tea and chatting.

“I’m thinking of going to the Heaven Mending Daoist Academy,” Chen Mobai said honestly to Che Yucheng, having nothing to hide from him.

“I agree with that. Although I'm reluctant to admit it, Heaven Mending is indeed the most powerful faction within the Immortal Gate. If you go there for a prestigious experience, it will be much more convenient for you to operate within the system in the future.”

Among the high-level cultivators of the Immortal Gate, those with a Heaven Mending Daoist Academy background accounted for nearly half. This included the Spirit Transformation level ‘Star-Gazer’, the Hall Master of the Immortal Affairs Hall, and the Hall Master of the Righteous Law Hall. Additionally, the current Principal Yuan Xu Venerable, the Principal of Taiyuan Academy, Qingping Venerable, and the Principal of Guanxing Academy, Meihua Venerable, had also studied and trained at the Heaven Mending Daoist Academy. If Chen Mobai acquired a Heaven Mending Daoist Academy background, his starting point would be very high if he ever joined the official ranks, potentially even allowing him to become one of the three Hall Masters.

“Moreover, if you can master the Inch-Square Scripture, it will be very helpful for your future breakthroughs in cultivation,” Che Yucheng added. Among the Immortal Gate’s seven Spirit Transformation cultivation methods, while the Inch-Square Scripture was a cultivation method, it leaned more towards the cultivation of divine sense and mental state. It was compatible with any other cultivation method and was hailed as the Immortal Gate’s foremost auxiliary divine skill.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai recalled his battles with Daoist Master Ling and Lou Fengcheng at the Jumang Daoist Academy. Although they were both inferior to him, they had nearly probed all of his trump cards in a situation where defeat was certain. That battle mode, detached from emotion and left with only the purest rationality, left a profound impression on Chen Mobai.

“Then I will apply to Dean Fu Borong,” Chen Mobai decided on his post-graduation destination after his conversation with Che Yucheng. Since he had completed the Immaterial Puppet and secured first place in his graduation project, he was free to be outside the academy for the next six months.

After leaving Building 1, Chen Mobai hesitated for a moment, then called Yan Bingxuan.

“I plan to study at the Heaven Mending Daoist Academy for five years after graduation.”

“Okay, I’ll apply right away.”

After saying this, they both fell silent again. Yan Bingxuan was naturally a person of few words, and Chen Mobai wasn't sure how to handle his feelings for her. After a few more polite exchanges, he hung up the phone.

He wondered if she would successfully get into the Heaven Mending Daoist Academy for postgraduate study. Chen Mobai thought about it and surprisingly found himself hoping she would fail, so he wouldn't have to face her. But upon closer introspection, he realized he actually wished for her success. He wanted to relive the memories of going to school together. In high school, they had only truly connected and formed a friendship during the last month before the college entrance examination. Yet, even those few interactions were rare and beautiful memories for Chen Mobai. If they spent five years at the Heaven Mending Daoist Academy, would these memories become even more beautiful?

Lost in thought, Chen Mobai couldn't help but smile. Suddenly, he felt the Pure Yang spiritual power in his Dantian Qi Sea affected by his emotions, gathering and strengthening.

“It’s time for a breakthrough!” Chen Mobai realized this and smiled.

He teleported from his wooden house to Small South Mountain, then took out a mid-grade spirit stone and began absorbing and refining the spiritual energy. At the same time, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth on the mountain peak began to gather towards the wooden house, forming magnificent and vibrant clouds and rainbow light.

“This is…” Xue Ting, who was harvesting spirit rice with Zhuo Ming at the foot of the mountain, looked up in shock.

“It should be Master breaking through in his cultivation.” Zhuo Ming, on the other hand, was used to it. The last time Chen Mobai consumed a set of Evergreen Tree fruits, the phenomenon was even more exaggerated.

“Senior Uncle Chen is indeed a true genius.” Xue Ting had also witnessed Lan Lingping’s cultivation phenomena, but compared to Chen Mobai’s, both the quantity of spiritual energy and the aura were significantly weaker. The thought that Chen Mobai was merely a young man in his thirties, while Lan Lingping was over a hundred, filled her with internal感慨 (emotion, reflection).

“It’s quite a coincidence. You can bid farewell to Master before you leave.” Xue Ting had been studying at Small South Mountain for over half a year, having experienced a complete cycle of fire spirit rice planting and harvesting with Zhuo Ming. The fire spirit rice they were now harvesting was also to be sold to the Blowing Snow Palace, and Xue Ting would conveniently deliver it on her way out. She had initially thought she might not be able to say goodbye to Chen Mobai before leaving, but now, seeing the situation, she expected him to break through in cultivation and emerge from seclusion soon.

On the summit of Small South Mountain, Chen Mobai opened his clear, bright eyes. He placed the spirit stone, which had been transformed into spiritual essence in his palm, into his storage bag, feeling the immense Pure Yang spiritual power in his Dantian Qi Sea with joy.

He had finally reached Foundation Establishment Layer 7. If not for the time spent refining the Immaterial Puppet, he probably would have broken through a month earlier, but now was still good enough. Reaching Foundation Establishment Layer 7 before graduation far exceeded the average in the thousands of years of the Instruments Daoist Academy’s history. He assessed himself: though not a Spirit Transformation talent, he was at least no worse than Daoist Master Ling, Taishi Shu, or Zong Zi. Judging solely by his Pure Yang Scroll cultivation, Chen Mobai could confidently be called one of the four chief disciples, without any pretense. Next, he needed to redouble his efforts, aiming to match Lan Haitian and Yan Qiongzhi by opening a Golden Core Domain upon reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Feeling triumphant, Chen Mobai stood up and opened the Cloud Mist Array. Immediately, Zhuo Ming and Xue Ting, who were at the foot of the mountain, walked up.

“Greetings, Master!”“Greetings, Senior Uncle Chen!”

Chen Mobai nodded, motioning for them to rise. Soon after, Liu Wenbo and Luo Yixuan also arrived. The former had been at Small South Mountain recently to handle the sale of fire spirit rice to Blowing Snow Palace.

“Wenbo, please take on the arduous task of escorting Senior Niece Xue Ting back.” Chen Mobai, reminded by Zhuo Ming, recalled that the female cultivator from Blowing Snow Palace was returning. He instinctively touched his storage bag and took out a Purple Fire Sword Talisman.

“You’ve worked hard at Small South Mountain these past six months. This sword talisman is a gift; it can save your life at a crucial moment.”

“This is too precious, Xue Ting dares not accept it.” Chen Mobai was generous, but Xue Ting knew the rules. She was very grateful for her time at Small South Mountain over the past half year and certainly dared not accept a Rank 2 talisman.

“Take it. I drew it myself; it’s not worth many spirit stones,” Chen Mobai said. However, Xue Ting knew that the ‘Purple Fire Sword Talisman’ was a powerful and renowned talisman of the Divine Wood Sect. Unprepared Foundation Establishment cultivators hit by it would be severely injured, making it incredibly precious. After repeated refusals, Xue Ting finally extended her hands with a look of excitement and solemnly accepted the Rank 2 talisman from Chen Mobai.

“This is how to use it, but if you want to activate it with your ice spiritual energy, you’ll need to convert it slightly.” Chen Mobai taught her once. Xue Ting’s comprehension was better than he imagined; she immediately memorized and understood it.

“Senior Uncle Chen, these past six months have been the most relaxing time since I began cultivation.” Before descending the mountain, Xue Ting performed another deep bow to Chen Mobai, her expression filled with emotion.

“May we meet again if fate allows,” Chen Mobai nodded and said. In his mind, this Qi Cultivation female cultivator from Blowing Snow Palace was merely a small segment in his long life.

After selling the new batch of fire spirit rice, Chen Mobai earned another 150 mid-grade spirit stones. He then took Zhuo Ming and Luo Yixuan to prepare for the latter half of the year’s fire spirit rice planting, while also not forgetting to check on the Green Jade Spirit Rice planted early last year.

“With abundant spiritual energy, they’re growing so well,” Chen Mobai remarked, looking at the newly grown tender green seedlings with satisfaction. In the Immortal Gate, due to the scarcity of spiritual energy, many Rank 2 spirit fields, after a harvest, needed to be sealed for the same number of years before they could be replanted. Here in the Tianhe Realm, however, there were no such concerns.

After inspecting the fifty acres of spirit fields, Chen Mobai and his two disciples had another outdoor meal. He was completely unaware that, compared to last time, Xue Ting was no longer with them.

“Oh right, Xuan’er, make a trip to the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion later. The Sect Master promised me he’d put three Green Wood Evil Qi on the shelves. I was busy in seclusion and forgot to exchange for them. You’ll have to make the effort.”

“Yes, Master,” Luo Yixuan obediently accepted the Sect ID token Chen Mobai handed her. In the afternoon, Chen Mobai and Zhuo Ming continued to inspect the thousand acres of spirit fields, while she went to handle the task.

However, when Luo Yixuan returned in the evening, she brought a summons from the Sect Master.

On the border of the Thunder Nation, the Divine Wood Sect and Quaking Mountain Peak were already arrayed for battle. Zhou Wangshen and Xie Yuntian had mobilized all the aristocratic cultivators of the entire Thunder Nation, disciples of the Divine Wood Sect, and rogue cultivators recruited from other nations, totaling three thousand cultivators. They formed a large battle array and charged into the territory of the Yan Nation. However, Ji Dingjin was no pushover. Although the number of cultivators on his side was fewer than the Divine Wood Sect’s, the body cultivators of Quaking Mountain Peak were all formidable fighters. Moreover, at no expense of spirit stones, he had attracted many rogue cultivators to assist, successfully holding off the Divine Wood Sect’s cultivator army on the border’s main battlefield.

Now, both sides had entered a phase of mutual attrition. On the border between the Thunder Nation and the Yan Nation, cultivators were dying and being injured every moment. The entire Eastern Wilderness had turned its gaze, awaiting the entry of the Golden Core Ancestors of the two sects. However, Chen Mobai knew that Grand Ancestor Fu had a puppet body hidden near the battlefield, specifically to guard against any potential Golden Core-level combat power from Quaking Mountain Peak.

The summons from Chu Zuoshu instructed Chen Mobai to make preparations. The Divine Wood Sect was currently assembling a second batch of cultivator troops, consisting of sect disciples, as well as rogue cultivators and aristocratic families from the four nations under their dominion. Just like Qingguang Island resisting demonic beast attacks, they offered spirit stones daily. With great rewards, rogue cultivators were sure to emerge. The Divine Wood Sect had already conscripted over two hundred rogue cultivators, but the aristocratic families were more troublesome. Due to their connections, despite Chu Zuoshu issuing a conscription order, few responded. The six great aristocratic families of Jian Nation combined barely managed to gather sixty individuals, most of whom were only at Qi Cultivation Layers 2 or 3.

Since Chen Mobai was to be the commander of this second batch of cultivator troops, and he was also the Guardian of Jian Nation, Chu Zuoshu wanted him to make a trip to try and gather a round hundred.