Chapter 464: Return to the Sect

Chen Mobai felt this identity could still be useful in the future. To maintain secrecy, he didn't reveal himself to Zhou Wangshen. After leaving a message, he transformed into a golden light and vanished from the spot.

"Among the Eastern Wilderness's rogue cultivators, there's actually a figure like this?"

Zhou Wangshen watched Chen Mobai's disappearing escape light with apprehension. He had intended to test the strength of this mysterious rogue cultivator just now.

But when his divine sense probed, it was directly blocked, and he even felt a strong sense of danger.

Being cautious by nature, he immediately gave up.

Probably, among the Divine Wood Sect cultivators in Yan Kingdom, only Junior Brother Chen could handle this person.

As this thought crossed his mind, Zhou Wangshen looked at the Jia family cultivators Chen Mobai had knocked out around him, a faint smile involuntarily appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Soon after, the scheme arranged by Zhou Wangshen unfolded.

The Level Six Qi Refinement cultivator who had bid for two Foundation Establishment Pills surprisingly came back from the dead and arrived at Northern Abyss City. Then, in front of all the rogue cultivators in the city, he tearfully complained to the Divine Wood Sect that the Southern Profound Sect had arranged for people to steal his Foundation Establishment Pills.

As for why he complained to the Divine Wood Sect, it was because this person was actually an outer disciple of the Divine Wood Sect.

Afterward, Zhou Wangshen appeared with a grim expression, but vehemently claimed he didn't believe the Southern Profound Sect would do such a thing.

The Level Six Qi Refinement cultivator was named Gou Changfa. He immediately stated that he had initially escaped the pursuit, but tracking spiritual marks had been placed on the Foundation Establishment Pills he had bid for. Consequently, he was later caught by the Jia family cultivators, who were affiliated with the Southern Profound Sect.

To escape with his life, he had to abandon the Foundation Establishment Pills to survive and flee back.

Zhou Wangshen still expressed disbelief, stating that the Southern Profound Sect was a dignified major sect in Eastern Yi, a branch of the Xuanxiao Dao Sect. It was utterly impossible for them to commit such a shameful act.

Gou Changfa stated that when he abandoned the Foundation Establishment Pills, he also placed a secret medicine on them, which could be tracked using spirit bees.

As the matter concerned the Foundation Establishment hopes of a disciple of their sect, Zhou Wangshen immediately invited several fellow disciples out of the market to track those two Foundation Establishment Pills.

After a day and a night, they indeed tracked them to Red Shadow Mountain, where the Jia family resided.

Adhering to the principle of friendly exchange between the Divine Wood Sect and the Southern Profound Sect, Zhou Wangshen didn't immediately send people to attack. Instead, he first sent a communication talisman to Baose City.

Then he calmly waited for the Southern Profound Sect to send people over, falling into the trap he had set.

If the Southern Profound Sect sent people to explain and clear their name, then the group of Jia family cultivators Zhou Wangshen had obtained from Chen Mobai would become the decisive evidence, completely confirming the charges he had fabricated against the Southern Profound Sect, and making them a symbol of untrustworthiness among the Eastern Wilderness's rogue cultivators.

However, as it turned out, Zhou Wangshen had still underestimated the Southern Profound Sect.

Or rather, he had underestimated a Golden Core Perfected One.

Half an hour later, a dazzling golden light, like a grand sun, streaked across the sky, with a figure faintly visible within. He extended his hand and gently swept a palm towards Red Shadow Mountain, where the Jia family resided.

"Oh no!"

Upon seeing this, Zhou Wangshen's expression drastically changed. He immediately took out a Grade Three Spirit Leaf Talisman, activated it, and retreated rapidly with his fellow disciples.

At that moment, a gigantic golden palm descended from the sky, like a hand covering the heavens, pressing Red Shadow Mountain down into the earth, inch by inch from its peak.

Amidst the continuous rumbling of collapse, the hundreds of cultivators and several hundred clansmen of the Jia family who lived there all perished under this gigantic palm, flattened along with Red Shadow Mountain.

"Hmph!"

Accompanied by a cold snort, the cultivator who had annihilated Red Shadow Mountain with a wave of his hand walked step by step towards Zhou Wangshen and his companions.

The immense pressure made everyone's hair stand on end.

Within the Southern Profound Sect, only one person possessed such power.

The Golden Core cultivator, Nan Xuanjing!

Unexpectedly, he had personally taken action, and his attack was extremely ruthless. He directly annihilated the Jia family, who might have fallen into Zhou Wangshen's trap and become leverage for his opponents.

Such a drastic measure meant that even if Zhou Wangshen brought out the captured Jia family cultivators, they would no longer play a decisive role.

"You little brat from the Divine Wood Sect, you're still too green to scheme against me!"

As Nan Xuanjing spoke chillingly, the golden light flared up again. Just as he was about to make a move, he suddenly let out a sound of surprise.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator behind Zhou Wangshen suddenly stepped forward, unleashing powerful spiritual energy, blocking Nan Xuanjing's pressure.

This person was precisely one of Fu Zongjue's puppet bodies. It was unknown when he had started following Zhou Wangshen, or if he had originally been invited by Zhou Wangshen to bolster their strength.

"Fu Zongjue, you still like to hide your presence so much."

With a cold snort, Nan Xuanjing withdrew his spiritual energy, turned and left the airspace above the flattened Red Shadow Mountain, vanishing from everyone's sight.

"Thank you, Ancestor Fu, for saving us. Otherwise, we would likely have fallen victim to Nan Xuanjing's deadly hand."

Zhou Wangshen immediately thanked Fu Zongjue's puppet body. The latter merely waved his hand, then led them back to Northern Abyss City.

"Greetings, Ancestor Fu."

After Chen Mobai obtained the two Foundation Establishment Pills from the Faceless Puppet, he had actually vaguely guessed that Fu Zongjue might intervene. Therefore, he wasn't very surprised to see him return with Zhou Wangshen and the others.

"This Nan Xuanjing fellow isn't entirely useless," Fu Zongjue remarked. "In the future, we might have a long standoff with his Southern Profound Sect here."

Fu Zongjue sighed with emotion, then had Zhou Wangshen, who was beside him, recount the events.

This strategy was not Fu Zongjue's idea, but rather Zhou Wangshen's spontaneous action.

However, before Zhou Wangshen acted, he had also considered the worst-case scenario and sent a message to Fu Zongjue's puppet body.

As it turned out, Nan Xuanjing was even more ruthless than Zhou Wangshen had imagined.

He had originally thought that Nan Xuanjing would at most turn hostile and try to kill him, but he hadn't expected Nan Xuanjing to intend to kill both the Jia family and Zhou Wangshen's group, eliminating future troubles permanently.

If Fu Zongjue hadn't been accompanying them, Chen Mobai might have had to collect Zhou Wangshen's corpse today.

"From now on, stop these petty maneuvers," Fu Zongjue said. "Honestly develop Northern Abyss City. The final outcome still depends on Senior Brother Zhou's side."

After Zhou Wangshen finished speaking, Fu Zongjue spoke. Zhou Wangshen gave a wry smile and nodded.

"And you too, Junior Nephew Chen," Fu Zongjue continued. "Now that Trembling Mountain Peak is destroyed and the remnants can't cause any more trouble, my suggestion is for you to return to the sect and cultivate in peace. After all, you're still a kingdom guardian, and two years away from duty is a bit long."

Fu Zongjue's words surprised Zhou Wangshen, Yue Zutao, and the others present. After all, this Ancestor had always openly shown his appreciation for Chen Mobai. Did his current words mean for Chen Mobai to give up the Northern Abyss City he had painstakingly established?

"Yes, thank you, Ancestor!"

While they were still wondering what Chen Mobai had done to offend Ancestor Fu, the latter (Chen Mobai) surprisingly accepted with a tone of pleasant surprise.

It turned out that Fu Zongjue had secretly transmitted a message to Chen Mobai, telling him that Yan Shaoyin, through over a year of collection, had already ordered all the main and auxiliary ingredients required for the Golden Fluid Jade Restoration Pill.

They just needed to wait for the Star Sky Grand Merchant Association to bring the remaining three millennium-old spirit herbs when they next came to the Eastern Wilderness, and then they could start refining the pill.

Although Grade Three and higher pills could be stored for many years after successful refinement, their medicinal effects were definitely best right after they were made.

Therefore, Fu Zongjue hoped Chen Mobai would not concern himself with these miscellaneous matters from now on, but instead return to the sect to cultivate with full concentration and strive to reach Foundation Establishment Completion as soon as possible.

After all, in the understanding of the Eastern Wilderness, there were no bottlenecks from late Foundation Establishment to Foundation Establishment Completion. With sufficient spiritual energy and pills, it could be achieved very quickly.

Fu Zongjue even suggested that Zeng Woyou could stop refining Foundation Establishment Pills and first help Chen Mobai refine a batch of pills suitable for late Foundation Establishment cultivators to enhance their spiritual power.

Chen Mobai was naturally touched by this, but then flatly refused.

He stated that Foundation Establishment Pills concerned the future of the sect; how could their production be delayed because of him? His personal matters absolutely could not take precedence over the sect's.

After hearing this, Fu Zongjue became even more satisfied with Chen Mobai.

"This child is truly an honest and reliable person."

Unlike this descendant, Senior Brother Zhou, who looked honest but was full of cunning.

After Chen Mobai learned that Yan Shaoyin was about to refine the Golden Fluid Jade Restoration Pill, he lost interest in developing commerce and establishing immortal cities in Yan Kingdom.

However, even if he were to leave, these responsibilities still needed to be handed over to someone he trusted.

"The sect still needs to establish a guardian in both Yan Kingdom and Xiao Kingdom," Chen Mobai stated. "Among these, Yan Kingdom is the most crucial and important. It's a pity Senior Brother Zhou is already the guardian of Lei Kingdom; otherwise, he would be quite suitable."

As soon as Chen Mobai spoke these words, Zhou Wangshen hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. He wanted to say that he could actually resign from his position as Lei Kingdom's guardian and take office in Yan Kingdom.

But he immediately recalled his powerlessness when encountering Nan Xuanjing not long ago. Although Fu Zongjue would have a puppet body permanently stationed here, he still hesitated.

"Among the fellow disciples present, Senior Brother Yue's abilities and qualifications are relatively suitable," Chen Mobai suggested. "Ancestor Fu, what are your thoughts?"

Chen Mobai nominated Yue Zutao. He was a disciple of Chu Zuoshu and a direct descendant of the Divine Wood Sect with impeccable credentials.

Although his cultivation was suppressed due to consuming the Everlasting Tree Fruit, he was still at the peak of mid-Foundation Establishment. Furthermore, Yan Kingdom would enter a long period of peace, which was perfect for him to exercise his abilities.

"Acceptable."

Fu Zongjue merely nodded and uttered a single word in response to Chen Mobai's proposal. However, with Zhou Shengqing in seclusion, this was already an imperial decree that surpassed the Sect Master's orders.

"Ancestor," Zhou Wangshen said, "now that Yan Kingdom and Xiao Kingdom have been captured, Lei Kingdom can be considered the sect's inner territory. It will certainly not experience frequent unrest like during the previous war. Why not choose another junior brother to take over the guardian position, and I can go to Xiao Kingdom to promote the sect's righteousness?"

At this moment, Zhou Wangshen gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and volunteered.

His performance in this war had been somewhat mediocre, but he still yearned for the position of Sect Master. Thus, after losing the position of Yan Kingdom's guardian, he opted for the next best thing: to suppress the Xiao Kingdom, hoping to achieve some accomplishments there.

"Acceptable!" Fu Zongjue pondered for a moment, then nodded. He then asked Chen Mobai, "For the position of Lei Kingdom's guardian, who do you think would be suitable?"

Zhou Wangshen wanted to recommend his own person, but he also knew his place, realizing that since Fu Zongjue hadn't asked him, it was better not to interject.

"Junior Brother Yuan also spent a considerable amount of time in Lei Kingdom in the past," Chen Mobai suggested, "and is familiar with the immortal cultivation families and customs there. After invading Yan Kingdom, he also led the charge and seized the spirit stone mines, earning significant merit. Why not let him take it?"

As soon soon as Chen Mobai said this, Yuan Chizhi, who was standing in the corner, looked utterly surprised. He had never imagined he would be nominated.

One must know that among the Foundation Establishment cultivators present, only Yu Lian had less seniority than him.

But something even more astonishing happened to Yuan Chizhi: after hearing Chen Mobai's suggestion, Fu Zongjue nodded without the slightest hesitation.

Such a windfall left Yuan Chizhi stunned on the spot.

Finally, it was Chen Mobai's discreet cough via spiritual transmission that jolted him awake. Under the envious and jealous gazes of many fellow disciples around him, Yuan Chizhi stepped forward with a joyful expression and bowed to Fu Zongjue.

"Junior Nephew Chen, please hand over your duties and return to the sect as soon as possible."

After Fu Zongjue directly confirmed the personnel changes there, he gave an instruction to Chen Mobai and then vanished from the spot.

"In the future, Yan Kingdom will be the center of conflict," Chen Mobai advised Yue Zutao and the other two. "Lei Kingdom and Xiao Kingdom will form a pincer formation on either side of Yan Kingdom. As guardians, the three of you senior brothers must work together with one heart, and strive to suppress the Southern Profound Sect's influence within Yan Kingdom."

After Chen Mobai learned about the progress of the Golden Fluid Jade Restoration Pill, he no longer had much desire to stay there. However, he still earnestly advised Yue Zutao and the other two.

"Although I don't possess Junior Brother's talent," Yue Zutao said with a smile, "following your plans and developing steadily will be no problem."

Yue Zutao said with a smile. Chen Mobai nodded, knowing this senior brother to be the most patient and steady.

Before leaving, Chen Mobai hosted a banquet, inviting most of the friends he knew.

Besides Foundation Establishment cultivators like Yue Zutao, there were also good friends from his Qi Refinement days, such as Qi Rui, Qi Hou, and Xi Jinghuo.

"Uncle Chen, I met Shi Pengyi and Luo Lin among the sect's army earlier."

While Chen Mobai was drinking with Qi Rui, he heard the latter mention the names of two old acquaintances. The brother and sister duo happened to be assigned to Qi Rui's team.

"Oh, I didn't expect them to have survived the monster beast attack on the island," Chen Mobai exclaimed. "That's truly good news, why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Well..."

After hearing Chen Mobai's words, Qi Rui was somewhat at a loss for how to reply.

Although Chen Mobai still regarded him as a good friend, having grown up in the Eastern Wilderness, he had naturally distanced himself from Chen Mobai.

He would only visit if Chen Mobai personally invited him.

In normal times, Qi Rui dared not proactively contact Foundation Establishment cultivators, let alone Chen Mobai, whose fame was growing daily and at its peak. He also didn't have as profound a background as Qi Hou or Xi Jinghuo. Even after encountering the brother and sister duo, Shi Pengyi and Luo Lin, he didn't want to rashly approach Chen Mobai using that as an excuse, fearing he would disturb the commander-in-chief of the entire army.

Chen Mobai didn't understand, but his young apprentice Luo Yixuan, who was pouring wine, generally understood Qi Rui's psychology and quietly explained it via spiritual transmission.

"Are the brother and sister still in the market?"

"They were previously in Wuliu Mountain City," Qi Rui replied. "However, they didn't follow us to Northern Abyss City and should have already left."

"That's truly a shame..."

After hearing Qi Rui's reply, Chen Mobai sighed. He had shared life-and-death experiences with that brother and sister duo, and if possible, he truly wished to meet them again.

After handing over all the matters here, Chen Mobai returned to Greatwood Ridge with only Luo Yixuan.

Liu Wenbai remained there, preparing for the opening of Xiaonanshan Shop in Yan Kingdom and Xiao Kingdom.

After returning to the sect, Chen Mobai didn't act ostentatiously. He merely went to the Spirit Treasure Pavilion to exchange for the Azurewood Fiend that Xie Yuntian had relinquished, and then began a long period of seclusion.

In reality, he had returned to the Immortal Sect.

In the Heaven Mending Dao Academy, Chen Mobai, for once, wore formal attire to watch this year's welcoming ceremony in the grand auditorium.

Yan Bingxuan failed her postgraduate entrance exam last year. This year, she diligently studied for another year, and finally passed by the skin of her teeth, becoming a graduate student at the Heaven Mending Dao Academy.

Chen Mobai had come to welcome her.

However, he also discovered another unexpected acquaintance.