Chapter 452: 颜绍隐

What did Ji Dingjin need so much Ethereal Stone for? Chen Mobai, full of confusion, put away the pile of silver-gray ore from the floor. These materials could be used to craft storage pouches, but their primary purpose was to set up teleportation arrays.

With a teleportation array, one could advance to attack or retreat to defend. Therefore, all major sects and cultivation families would go to great lengths to establish one, provided the conditions allowed it.

The fuse for the first major battle with Tremor Peak was the assassination of the Divine Wood Sect's garrison by the Gong and Zheng families, two cultivation families from Thunder Country.

Later, other cultivation families in Thunder Country, wanting to distance themselves, attacked the two families, but the latter escaped using teleportation arrays.

In this recent war with Tremor Peak, if Zhou Shengqing hadn't decisively used the Pulse-Breaking Pearl to disrupt the earth veins, rendering the teleportation arrays useless, Ji Zhenshi would probably have already fled to the Eastern Yi region with most of his elites and wealth.

It was precisely for this reason that Ethereal Stone had always commanded a high price in the Eastern Barrens.

After meticulously counting the contents of all the storage pouches, Chen Mobai couldn't help but reveal a look of satisfaction.

All these combined were equivalent to 200,000 spirit stones.

No wonder cultivation forces in the Eastern Barrens were so fond of waging war; this was merely his personal haul from the battlefield.

It was a pity, however, that such actions were not sustainable.

The Eastern Barrens was a vast area with abundant resources, but most cultivators focused solely on looting as the quickest method.

However, this was also a consequence of the overall environment in the Eastern Barrens. Many cultivators who diligently crafted talismans and mined for spirit stones found their hard-earned gains stolen by rogue cultivators. This led to fewer and fewer cultivators willing to work and produce, opting instead to become rogue cultivators and gain without effort.

Chen Mobai hoped to bring a peaceful environment, free from rogue cultivators, to the Eastern Barrens. In such a world, every cultivator could acquire cultivation resources through their own efforts, leading to order among people. With order came stability, and in a stable environment, there would be progress and prosperity.

Compared to becoming a rogue cultivator, Chen Mobai believed that earning money through business was the long-term solution.

After all, compared to the Immortal Sect, the resources here were incredibly abundant.

The next day.

Luo Yixuan brought the elderly man who sold malevolent aura crystals in the market. His name was Lu Daoda, and with a cultivation base at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, he was indeed a second-tier geomancer.

"I had no idea it was Immortal Master Chen. I apologize for my ignorance. These 500 spirit stones..."

Upon seeing Chen Mobai, Lu Daoda immediately offered a pouch of spirit stones, intending to return the original amount Chen Mobai had paid for the malevolent aura crystals.

"This was a normal transaction; please keep them. I summoned you today because I wanted to ask you about matters concerning geomancers."

Chen Mobai waved his hand, signaling Lu Daoda to take the spirit stones back. The latter, clearly just going through the motions, promptly retrieved them upon hearing this.

"Please ask, Immortal Master Chen."

"Since you have cultivated to such a profound level as a geomancer, what are your thoughts on the earth vein spiritual energy within Rock Country?"

"Well... I'm not sure what specific aspect Immortal Master Chen wishes to know about."

"I wish to find a suitable spiritual vein as my sect's future garrison in Rock Country. Naturally, I also plan to develop it into Rock Country's first cultivation market, or even an immortal city."

Since he was consulting a professional, Chen Mobai candidly expressed his inner thoughts.

"Within Rock Country, besides the fourth-tier spiritual vein where Tremor Peak is located, there are seven other third-tier spiritual veins, all occupied by local cultivation families."

"However, the largest, the Ji family, has been annihilated along with Tremor Peak. The Jiao, He, and Qu families also suffered heavy losses in this war, and the core members of these families have all fled Rock Country. This leaves four third-tier spiritual veins available for selection."

"Among these, the Northern Abyss Mountain spiritual vein of the Ji family is the most flourishing, being a top-grade third-tier spiritual vein. Furthermore, after centuries of development by the Ji family, its spiritual fields and medicinal gardens are extensively cultivated, and its geographical location is also excellent, making it the most suitable."

After hearing Lu Daoda's words, Chen Mobai took out a map of Rock Country and, guided by the latter, located Northern Abyss Mountain.

However, upon closer inspection, he discovered a problem.

Northern Abyss Mountain was only a hundred li from Tremor Peak, and the Ethereal Stone mine was in a gorge eighty kilometers away.

If they occupied Northern Abyss Mountain, they would very likely be neighbors with the Profound Ao Dao Palace, which was planning to establish a branch sect within Rock Country.

However, Chen Mobai pondered it carefully. He estimated that the relationship between his side and the Profound Ao Dao Palace would not improve, and a confrontation was highly likely when Zhou Shengqing formed his Nascent Soul. Placing the Divine Wood Sect's garrison at Northern Abyss Mountain would thus serve as a strategic nail, firmly embedded in the very heart of Rock Country.

"This place, then."

Chen Mobai extended his right hand and firmly tapped Northern Abyss Mountain on the map.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Lu, for clarifying my doubts."

"It's nothing. It's my honor to be able to assist Immortal Master Chen. The third-tier spiritual veins left behind by families like the Jiao family in Rock Country should also be planned for soon. These families also left behind some elderly, weak, and disabled members, who have already been targeted by many rogue cultivators. If not occupied promptly, these spiritual veins might be plundered one by one by the rogue cultivators."

Lu Daoda had learned from Luo Yixuan that Chen Mobai intended to recruit him into the Divine Wood Sect. For a rogue cultivator like him, this was a stroke of immense good fortune. He answered every question and even proactively offered his own insights.

"That makes sense. Xuan'er, please summon Senior Brother Zhou, Senior Brother Liang, and Junior Brother Yu."

Chen Mobai nodded and instructed Luo Yixuan to summon Zhou Wangshen and the others, preparing to dispatch the three Foundation Establishment cultivators to handle this matter.

Finally, he and Lu Daoda discussed some further knowledge regarding geomancy. He learned that Lu Daoda had once attempted to break through to Foundation Establishment but had unfortunately failed. However, after decades immersed in geomancy, traveling through several countries in the northern Eastern Barrens, he had applied his knowledge and achieved a second-tier profession.

After confirming that Lu Daoda possessed genuine skill, Chen Mobai invited him to join the Divine Wood Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, the official document for an outer elder still requires the seal from the Divine Wood Hall, but I can provide you with the relevant benefits first."

As a general on the battlefield, Chen Mobai had the authority to recruit rogue cultivators at the ninth level of Qi Condensation with second-tier professions to become outer elders. However, for them to be formally recognized by all Divine Wood Sect branches across various countries, the Sect Master's seal was still required.

"What immense fortune!"

Lu Daoda's eyes became somewhat red after receiving Chen Mobai's recognition.

For a rogue cultivator, joining a major sect in the Eastern Barrens truly required luck.

It was precisely because the Divine Wood Sect had only split off less than a century ago, its rules weren't strict yet, and it lacked enough disciples, that such an opportunity existed.

That was precisely why Chen Mobai had chosen to join the Divine Wood Sect in the first place.

"I have a task for you: I need you to lead some sect disciples to survey and map the topography of Northern Abyss Mountain."

Chen Mobai rolled up the map on the table and handed it to Lu Daoda. The map was extremely crude, yet it was the best he could find.

"What exactly do you mean by 'topographic map'?"

Lu Daoda didn't understand Chen Mobai's term. The latter immediately took out paper and pen and, using his superb drawing skills, sketched a detailed map of Five Willow Mountain.

It was as if the entire mountain range and even the market streets had been perfectly scaled down onto the map, captivating Lu Daoda.

As a second-tier geomancer, he quickly understood the symbols for contour lines, spiritual vein markings, spiritual field dimensions, and so on.

"Survey and map it according to these standards. Bring it back to me once it's done."

After speaking, Chen Mobai gestured to the recently returned Luo Yixuan to select a small team of disciples from her ranks to escort Lu Daoda to Northern Abyss Mountain to complete this task.

"Yes, Master!"

After the two withdrew, Zhou Wangshen, Liang Lingzhen, and Yu Lian also arrived. Chen Mobai explained his decision to choose Northern Abyss Mountain as their garrison, and they all nodded, expressing no objections.

"The Jiao, He, and Qu families firmly sided with Tremor Peak during the war. However, the Foundation Establishment ancestors of all three families have fled the Eastern Barrens with their core disciples. I suspect the Profound Ao Dao Palace might use them; you should go investigate."

After the war ended, although Chen Mobai no longer had to engage in combat, he still faced numerous complex matters.

Vigilance against the Profound Ao Dao Palace was naturally his top priority, followed by suppressing the unruly rogue cultivators in Rock Country and Cloud Country who had become lawless due to the disappearance of Tremor Peak.

Zhou Wangshen and the other two were all talents among the Divine Wood Sect's younger generation, and Chen Mobai had great confidence in their methods of handling affairs.

Among them, Liang Lingzhen was a true disciple from the same generation as Yue Zutao. Although he only succeeded in Foundation Establishment after consuming two Foundation Establishment Pills, Chen Mobai considered him the most steady and reliable of the three.

The very next day after the three left, Chen Mobai received news from Fu Zongjue.

Nan Xuanjing had arrived with 300 disciples from the Profound Ao Dao Palace.

Among them, in addition to Nan Xuanjing, a Core Formation cultivator, there were also nine Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, most of them were elderly cultivators. It seemed that for the Profound Ao Dao Palace, being sent to the Eastern Barrens was considered exile, and no young cultivators were willing to come.

It was precisely for this reason that the only two young Foundation Establishment cultivators caught Chen Mobai's curious gaze.

Nan Xuanjing and Fu Zongjue flew at the forefront, heading towards the three ore veins that were to be handed over.

Chen Mobai, leading Yue Zutao and an equal number of nine Foundation Establishment cultivators, followed behind the two Core Formation cultivators.

Both sides were scrutinizing each other.

The cultivators of Profound Ao Dao Palace inherently carried an air of arrogance towards those from the Eastern Barrens.

However, when their gazes fell upon Chen Mobai, they all revealed expressions of apprehension.

Among their lineage, Xuan Qiao and Xuan Jinzhi were the strongest and most likely to achieve Core Formation. Yet, these two powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators, whom they deeply respected, had both died in the Eastern Barrens, cut down by the sword of this seemingly delicate youth before them.

In comparison, the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Profound Ao Dao Palace looked at Chen Mobai as if he were an unrivaled demonic overlord.

However, the two young Foundation Establishment cultivators, while respectful, also showed eager and challenging expressions.

They seemed somewhat eager to challenge Chen Mobai and achieve fame in a single battle.

"We're here! This is the place!"

At this moment, they had all flown to Changxi Valley, where the Ethereal Stone mine was located. Nan Xuanjing had clearly inquired about it beforehand, leading the way and flying towards the gorge.

Soon after, streaks of spiritual light flashed below.

Ma Gang led the disciples of the Divine Wood Sect's Spiritual Vein Department out of the mine reluctantly. Each of them had two storage pouches hanging from their waists; though their faces showed fatigue, their expressions were filled with the joy of a good harvest.

"Leave everything behind for me."

Upon seeing this, Nan Xuanjing's face nearly exploded with rage, and he roared at Ma Gang and the others.

"True Immortal Nan, why bother with a few mere ores?"

Fu Zongjue's expression turned cold, and he stepped in front of Nan Xuanjing.

"You are no match for me; do not humiliate yourself."

Nan Xuanjing's expression was icy, but at that moment, he seemed to sense something. He looked towards the east side of Changxi Valley and saw another "Fu Zongjue" standing there, having appeared at some unknown time, staring coldly at him.

Two puppet bodies?!

Seeing this, Nan Xuanjing showed hesitation, but thinking that if he retreated today, establishing a branch sect in the Eastern Barrens would likely not be smooth in the future, he steeled himself and prepared to fight Fu Zongjue.

"I have always been curious about your esteemed sect's grand arts. Previously, when I fought against two fellow daoists from your sect on the battlefield, I couldn't hold back, so I killed them a bit too quickly. Now that I have this opportunity, I would like to ask a few fellow daoists for some pointers."

Just then, Chen Mobai suddenly smiled and challenged the nine Profound Ao Dao Palace Foundation Establishment cultivators before him.

He took a step forward alone, stood before the nine, and extended his right hand.

However, all nine cultivators from the Profound Ao Dao Palace simultaneously took a step back. Even the two young Foundation Establishment cultivators recoiled under their instinctive fear.

This scene, falling into Nan Xuanjing's eyes, made his expression even more grim.

But it also reminded him.

If he couldn't quickly defeat Fu Zongjue's two puppet bodies, then this delicate-looking youth from the Divine Wood Sect, who had slain his two favored disciples, would likely kill most of the nine Foundation Establishment cultivators he had brought.

"Hmph, forget it. Only you bumpkins from the Eastern Barrens would care about such petty gains. Consider them a gift from me."

After a moment of deliberation, Nan Xuanjing chose a safer approach.

Meanwhile, Chen Mobai continued to challenge the nine Foundation Establishment cultivators from Profound Ao Dao Palace, but not a single one dared to step forward.

"There are still two spirit stone mines to hand over. We can spar another time."

Nan Xuanjing couldn't bear to watch any longer. After leaving two Foundation Establishment cultivators behind, he urged Fu Zongjue to fly towards the other two spirit stone mines.

Seeing this, Chen Mobai could only look regretful.

As for the other two spirit stone mines, disciples of the Divine Wood Sect were naturally working against the clock to excavate the raw ore.

However, with Nan Xuanjing personally present, and given the matter of Zhou Shengqing's Dao Heart oath, Fu Zongjue regretfully handed them over.

"By the way, our Profound Ao Dao Palace needs a spiritual vein location to establish a branch here. I hear Northern Abyss Mountain is quite good."

"What an unfortunate coincidence; Northern Abyss Mountain has already been claimed by us."

Fu Zongjue shook his head in refusal. This time, Nan Xuanjing didn't insist, casually mentioning another third-tier spiritual vein belonging to the Jiao family.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai knew that the escaped Foundation Establishment ancestors of these Rock Country families had likely already colluded with the Profound Ao Dao Palace.

After this matter was resolved, Rock Country suddenly became peaceful.

News of the Profound Ao Dao Palace establishing a branch here quickly spread.

However, compared to the calm in Rock Country's cultivation world, the entire Eastern Barrens began to stir because of this.

Reverting Heaven Valley.

Located in Xia Country, one of the nineteen countries of the Eastern Barrens, where volcanic eruptions were frequent year-round, it possessed the most fire-element spiritual energy from earth veins in the entire Eastern Barrens.

Besides Xia Country, the neighboring Flower Country was also under the jurisdiction of Reverting Heaven Valley. This entire country was a plain of spiritual fields, cultivating various rare and exotic flowers and herbs, earning it the reputation of the "Flower Country."

A deep green stream of light flashed across the clear blue sky, soon descending upon the forbidden ground of Reverting Heaven Valley, Solitary Peak.

This was a tamed volcano, also the Eastern Barrens' only mid-grade fourth-tier fire vein, second only to the Five Elements Sect's Yan Country.

An elderly man with graying hair, a dark green robe, and a lean face was standing before a massive alchemy cauldron when he suddenly looked up.

The deep green stream of light stopped above his head, transforming into the youthful and elegant Zhou Shengqing.

"Well, this is quite a rare visitor."

The old man was Yan Shaoyin of Reverting Heaven Valley. He frowned upon seeing Zhou Shengqing but still waved his sleeve, opening the formation restrictions of Solitary Peak.

However, Zhou Shengqing did not descend, so Yan Shaoyin took a step out of the formation and ascended into the sky.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, what brings you to my door today?"

Yan Shaoyin's attitude was neither cold nor indifferent, suggesting he wasn't particularly welcoming of Zhou Shengqing's visit.

"Are you aware of the Profound Ao Dao Palace's arrival?"

Zhou Shengqing first mentioned Nan Xuanjing's arrival in the Eastern Barrens to establish a branch sect. Yan Shaoyin listened, then fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.

"I wasn't aware beforehand, but even if I had been, I couldn't have stopped it. After all, that's the Profound Ao Dao Palace."

The entire Eastern Barrens had no Nascent Soul cultivators, so they naturally lacked confidence when facing the Profound Ao Dao Palace.

"The Eastern Barrens is, after all, our Eastern Barrens. If possible, I still wish to sever the hands reaching in from outside."

Zhou Shengqing spoke with a cold tone. Yan Shaoyin didn't respond, waiting for him to continue.

"I am preparing to form my Nascent Soul; success or failure depends on this one attempt. However, before I do so, I still hope that the Divine Wood Sect can have a successor after me, which is why I want your help in refining a batch of pills."

Yan Shaoyin immediately shook his head upon hearing this.

"Isn't Fu Zongjue a good successor? Besides, I've been busy recently refining Hundred Flowers Pills to increase my cultivation and truly don't have time to refine other pills."

After hearing this, Zhou Shengqing revealed a half-smile: "Don't you want to know what pill I want you to refine?"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, I truly apologize, but my lifespan is limited, and I also wish to attempt forming a Nascent Soul before my passing. I have already decided not to refine pills for outsiders anymore."

Yan Shaoyin shook his head firmly again, rejecting Zhou Shengqing once more.

He was originally a peerless genius, having become a fourth-tier alchemist early on. If not for being pressured by Patriarch Hunyuan to refine various pills for the Five Elements Sect, he would likely have broken through to late Core Formation even earlier than Zhou Shengqing.

Now that Patriarch Hunyuan had finally passed away, Yan Shaoyin intended to make up for the over a hundred years he had spent for the Five Elements Sect by seizing every moment.

But just as he turned to return to Solitary Peak, the sound of tearing paper reached his ears.

Yan Shaoyin looked up and saw Zhou Shengqing tearing a pill formula in half from his sleeve, then handing him half of it.

"This is..."

"This is a fourth-tier pill formula my master gave me before he died. You should change your mind after seeing it."

Yan Shaoyin listened to Zhou Shengqing's words and, seeing the latter's smiling expression, instinctively felt that something was amiss.

However, the allure of the pill formula was too great for an alchemist like him, especially since it was a fourth-tier formula left by Patriarch Hunyuan.

It was important to note that Reverting Heaven Valley possessed only two fourth-tier pill formulas, one of which was an ancient formula that was practically impossible to refine successfully.

I'll just take a look...

With this thought, Yan Shaoyin took the small half of the pill formula Zhou Shengqing handed him, then squinted his eyes and read the beginning.

At first glance, his eyes suddenly widened, and his whole body began to tremble.

"This... this..."

"How about it? Do you have time to refine it?"

Seeing Yan Shaoyin's expression, Zhou Shengqing asked with a grin. The latter immediately looked up at the other larger half of the pill formula in his hand.

Given his profound attainments in alchemy, he knew from just reading the beginning that this pill formula was most likely genuine.

A pill formula that could increase the chances of forming a Core by two tenths would be fiercely contended for, even in the Central Plains.

If he hadn't clearly known that he was no match for the person before him, Yan Shaoyin would have almost been unable to resist trying to snatch it!

"Where did you obtain this pill formula? If the Five Elements Sect had such a formula back then, they would certainly have found ways to gather the medicinal ingredients and refine it. As the chief alchemist of the Five Elements Sect at that time, it would have been impossible for me not to notice."

After a deep breath, Yan Shaoyin calmed down and retorted.

"You don't need to concern yourself with that. It's simply a legacy my master left for me, his disciple. I only ask you one thing: do you have time to refine it?"

"Yes, yes, yes..."

"Didn't you say you wanted to focus on cultivation and had decided not to refine pills for outsiders anymore?"

"Things not sworn upon can always be reneged on. Besides, it's been some years since I last refined pills; I'd like to stretch my muscles... *cough, cough, cough*..."

Halfway through his sentence, Yan Shaoyin felt a bit awkward, but being an old hand, he coughed and let his gaze fall upon the larger half of the pill formula in Zhou Shengqing's hand, facing the latter's smiling expression.

"But I need to see the entire formula before I can determine if I can refine it. Why don't you give me the piece you have first?"

"Between you and me, there's no need for such games."

After finishing his teasing, Zhou Shengqing held up the formula for the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill in his hand, his expression turning serious, and began to state his conditions.

"I can give you this pill formula, but you must swear a Dao Heart oath that only you will know of it and that it cannot be passed on to anyone. Furthermore, if you wish to refine this Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill, you must obtain the approval of my Divine Wood Sect."

"Isn't this just looking for an alchemical tool?" Yan Shaoyin frowned upon hearing this: "Zhou Shengqing, these conditions are too harsh, and in the entire Eastern Barrens, only I can help you refine this Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill."

"The Eastern Barrens indeed only has you as a fourth-tier alchemist, but there are many outside the Eastern Barrens. You also know that I have a good relationship with those from Bathing Sun Sea."

Zhou Shengqing's words silenced Yan Shaoyin.

"Very well."

After a long pause, facing the immense temptation of the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill, Yan Shaoyin gritted his teeth and agreed to the extremely harsh conditions.

"Our two sects will each provide half of the refining materials, and the pills will be split fifty-fifty upon completion. If an odd number of pills are successfully refined, they will all belong to my Divine Wood Sect."

Zhou Shengqing proposed another condition. After a moment of hesitation, Yan Shaoyin also nodded in agreement.

Generally, when Reverting Heaven Valley refined pills, the commissioner was required to provide all the materials, and they bore no responsibility for success or failure.

If successful, they would also take a commission.

However, in the face of the precious Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill formula, Yan Shaoyin was willing to abandon his long-standing principles as an alchemist.

The two then discussed some finer details. After confirming everything was in order, they each swore a Dao Heart oath.

Subsequently, Yan Shaoyin's right hand trembled as he took the remaining larger half of the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill formula. He pieced it together with the smaller half he held, and began to read it with rapt attention.

"The other medicinal ingredients are easy enough to acquire, but the Millennium Azure Blood Coral, Millennium Purple Obstruction Fruit, and Millennium Dark Marrow are not found in the Eastern Barrens; we'll need to find a way to purchase them from outside."

"You are an honored guest of the Star Heaven Merchant Guild; these three items shouldn't be too difficult for you to procure, should they?"

Zhou Shengqing knew that Yan Shaoyin spoke the truth. He had understood this after reading the pill formula; with his own abilities, he could at most gather two of the eight main ingredients in a short period.

The fact that Yan Shaoyin could gather five types indicated that Reverting Heaven Valley's cultivation of medicinal herbs was indeed superior to the Divine Wood Sect's.

"The Millennium Azure Blood Coral is available at Bathing Sun Sea. It would be more convenient if you were to purchase it."

Yan Shaoyin meant this, but Zhou Shengqing shook his head.

"I need to enter secluded cultivation to prepare for forming my Nascent Soul. It's best if no one knows we are cooperating on this Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill. You should still be the one to gather the ingredients."

As he spoke, Zhou Shengqing first tossed a storage pouch of medicinal ingredients he had brought to Yan Shaoyin. Besides hundreds of supplementary herbs, it also contained precious Jade Marrow Golden Lingzhi and a piece of Ethereal Immortal Lingzhi.

"Chu Zuoshu is truly fortunate to have a master like you,"

Yan Shaoyin thought Zhou Shengqing was preparing the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill for Chu Zuoshu and sighed in admiration. The latter merely smiled, offered no explanation, and then turned to transform into a clear light, disappearing from the spot.