Chapter 465: Master of the Divine Machine Mansion

Over the past year, Chen Mobai has been very low-key at Butian Dao Academy. Apart from cultivating the *Fangcun Book*, he has been diligently studying courses on governance and military strategy.

As Butian Dao Academy has produced many leaders of the Immortal Sect, and Chen Mobai had expressed this intention even before entering the academy, his studies in these areas did not attract much attention.

Fu Borong even felt very pleased, believing Chen Mobai was on the right path.

Since he now possessed two Anima Puppets, he could manage affairs in both realms simultaneously.

After all, Chen Mobai was the Immortal Sect's youngest Tier 3 puppeteer, and if he used a puppet to attend classes, even if discovered, the teachers at Butian Dao Academy would not comment.

Geniuses always have their eccentricities and privileges, especially since he was invited to enroll by their academy.

That day, Chen Mobai quietly sat in a corner of the grand auditorium, planning to take Yan Bingxuan out for a meal after the orientation ceremony concluded.

However, a lean, gray-haired young man walked over and greeted him with a smile.

“Brother Chen, long time no see.”

“You are…” Chen Mobai looked at the person in front of him, slightly frowning. After a long moment of thought, he finally found a match in his memory. “Ding Chunzhi!”

“That’s right. I’m honored that Brother Chen remembers my name.”

The gray-haired man was indeed Ding Chunzhi, who had previously compiled the Foundation Ranking at Jumang Dao Academy. He had insisted on placing the then-newly emerged Chen Mobai at the top of the Foundation Ranking. It was later proven that his stargazing art was indeed extraordinary, and the outcome was exactly as he predicted: Chen Mobai swept through all opponents, suppressing every Foundation Establishment prodigy in the Immortal Sect.

“If I recall correctly, you graduated from Stargazing Academy, didn’t you? Why are you at Butian Dao Academy?”

“To maximize the effectiveness of stargazing art, it’s best to cultivate the *Fangcun Book* as a supplementary skill. So, after feeling I reached a bottleneck in my cultivation, I came here for further study.”

Ding Chunzhi did not hide anything and spoke candidly.

The *Fangcun Book* is the most versatile supplementary cultivation method in the Immortal Sect. Any Foundation Establishment cultivator, given the opportunity, would choose to practice it.

However, as a Divine Transformation cultivation method, the *Fangcun Book* is also the most talent-dependent in the Immortal Sect. Only those with top-tier intelligence, comprehension, and spiritual insight have a chance to master it.

It is even more mysterious than the Eternal Spring Cultivation, which requires a triple Heavenly Spirit Root threshold. After all, there are clear directions and methods to improve spirit roots in the Immortal Sect, but the *Fangcun Book* only depends on wisdom and comprehension.

In the past three or four decades at Butian Dao Academy, only Lou Fengcheng and Dao Master Ling have managed to master it.

Chen Mobai, despite having been taught it since his enrollment last year, is still lingering at the threshold and has not yet mastered it.

“How is your cultivation of the *Fangcun Book* progressing?”

Chen Mobai hesitated for a moment before asking.

“My talent is not comparable to yours,” Ding Chunzhi replied with a sigh. “I’ve only just gotten started, and if I were to truly master it, I don’t know how long it would take.”

In the Immortal Sect, it was publicly acknowledged that Chen Mobai possessed ceiling-level talent and comprehension. When Ding Chunzhi learned he was also cultivating the *Fangcun Book*, he automatically assumed Chen Mobai had already mastered it.

Even if he hadn’t mastered it yet, he would certainly succeed in the future.

Chen Mobai was speechless at this. He could only attribute it to his formidable reputation; after all, he was known to have the potential for Divine Transformation!

In reality, although he had consumed many rare treasures and his spirit root could be considered that of a genius, his comprehension and spiritual insight—those elusive qualities—were merely considered upper-tier, at best.

However, mastering the *Fangcun Book* had nothing to do with spirit roots. It required top-tier levels of those elusive qualities: comprehension and wisdom.

“Are you here for the orientation ceremony today as well?”

Chen Mobai didn't want to continue the conversation on that topic and decisively changed the subject.

“That’s right. A student from Stargazing Academy successfully passed the entrance exam and enrolled in Butian Dao Academy. We’re on pretty good terms, a senior-junior relationship, so I came to welcome her.”

Ding Chunzhi hesitated for a moment but still answered truthfully.

Chen Mobai didn’t dwell on it and nodded, continuing the conversation along this new topic to avoid returning to the *Fangcun Book*.

At that moment, new students who had passed their entrance exams began taking the stage, one by one.

As Chen Mobai was looking for Yan Bingxuan, he suddenly saw someone completely unexpected.

Chen Chun of the Shenji Mansion!

How did she end up at Butian Dao Academy too?

And she got in through the entrance exam, of all things. Which academy or institute was she from?

As Chen Mobai was thinking this, he suddenly noticed Ding Chunzhi beside him take a sharp, quick breath. Chen Mobai’s eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to observe him. The latter wore a rather guilty smile.

“The fourth person from the left in the third row couldn’t possibly be from your Stargazing Academy, could she?”

“Haha, Brother Chen, you know Chen Chun too? It’s quite a coincidence that she shares your surname. Perhaps you were even family five hundred years ago.”

Ding Chunzhi’s words were an admission. Even if this matter could be concealed for a while, with Chen Mobai’s influence, a brief investigation would reveal that Chen Chun was indeed a student from their Stargazing Academy.

“Interesting. I didn’t expect Brother Ding to also be from a pre-ancient dao tradition.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai’s eyes narrowed, and he uttered a remark that made Ding Chunzhi’s expression subtly change.

“Brother Chen, you mustn’t say that,” Ding Chunzhi replied, his voice trembling slightly and his smile forced, as if lacking confidence. “I am a legitimate student of Stargazing Academy.”

“This woman once read my fortune. She claimed to be a successor of the Shenji Mansion. Although this lineage is not classified among the evil dao traditions, it is still a pre-ancient dao tradition. Since Brother Ding shares a senior-junior relationship with her, don’t you think saying that is a bit perfunctory?”

At Chen Mobai’s words, Ding Chunzhi could only shake his head and offer a bitter smile.

However, even if this matter became known, it wouldn’t be a big deal, as the Shenji Mansion’s connections reached the heavens.

“The previous Mansion Master of Shenji Mansion divined heavenly secrets and foresaw the path to Divine Transformation for Patriarch Qianxing. However, this severely depleted his vitality, and he soon passed away in meditation.”

“Before his passing, the Shenji Mansion Master left the lineage’s inheritance to Patriarch Qianxing and his own direct disciple, Zhai Zhaoyi. Unfortunately, Zhai Zhaoyi’s talent was ordinary, and despite Patriarch Qianxing’s support, he only managed to cultivate to the peak of Golden Core and then passed away at the end of his lifespan.”

“Before Zhai Zhaoyi’s passing, due to his insufficient cultivation, he couldn’t foresee the future of the Shenji Mansion’s inheritance. So, he entrusted this matter to Patriarch Qianxing. As the Patriarch’s successful Divine Transformation was also due to a great karma from the Shenji Mansion, he specifically emerged from seclusion to select a successor for Zhai Zhaoyi within the Immortal Sect, thus continuing their lineage.”

As Ding Chunzhi spoke of this, Chen Mobai faintly understood. He looked towards Chen Chun on the stage. She seemed to notice his gaze, and, though her eyes had been unfocused, she raised her head.

After their eyes met and a moment of hesitation, both subtly nodded as a form of greeting.

“So, Chen Chun is the disciple Patriarch Qianxing took on behalf of Zhai Zhaoyi?”

After hearing this secret, Chen Mobai finally understood why Chen Chun had previously spoken with such arrogance, claiming that even the Three Great Halls of the Immortal Sect could not condemn their Shenji Mansion.

“Not exactly. My teacher is Zhai Zhaoyi’s nominal disciple.”

Ding Chunzhi, however, shook his head and said something that greatly surprised Chen Mobai.

“Your teacher?”

“Yes. Back then, my teacher was also studying and cultivating at Butian Dao Academy. He was the only one in his era to master the *Fangcun Book*, possessing extraordinary talent and astonishing comprehension. Moreover, he also practiced the Way of Divination. Patriarch Qianxing noticed him at a glance and chose him as his successor.”

“May I ask who your esteemed teacher is…?”

“It’s the Headmaster of our Stargazing Academy, True Monarch Meihua!”

Although Chen Mobai already had an answer in his mind, when he actually heard Ding Chunzhi say it, he still couldn’t help but gasp.

He never imagined that True Monarch Meihua, one of the fourteen Nascent Soul True Monarchs of the Immortal Sect—a highly respected figure whose stargazing art could influence the decisions of the Three Great Halls—was actually the Mansion Master of the Shenji Mansion.

No wonder Che Yucheng had specifically warned Chen Mobai to treat this lineage with respect when he mentioned them before.

“To think, the pre-ancient dao traditions have already infiltrated the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect…”

Amidst his reflections, Chen Mobai couldn't help but wonder how many of the Immortal Sect's current fourteen Nascent Soul True Monarchs had ties to pre-ancient dao traditions.

“Brother Chen, you misunderstand,” Ding Chunzhi said, waving his hands repeatedly with a serious expression, indicating that this must never be said outside. “Although my teacher received the inheritance of the Shenji Mansion, he only used it to enhance his stargazing art. He himself insists on being an Immortal Sect disciple, a student of stargazing, and has never dared to call himself the Mansion Master of Shenji Mansion.”

“Oh, why is that?” Chen Mobai asked, somewhat confused. “Given True Monarch Meihua’s standing in the Immortal Sect, surely it wouldn’t be a big deal even if people knew? Furthermore, the Shenji Mansion has a positive reputation in the Immortal Sect and holds a great favor for Patriarch Qianxing. Why not acknowledge it?”

Chen Mobai was a bit perplexed. If he had such a background, with a Divine Transformation Patriarch backing him, he would surely want to publicize it to the whole world, daring anyone to bully him.

“Brother Chen, the current Mansion Master of Shenji Mansion is still alive, and Chen Chun is his disciple. In terms of seniority, she is of the same generation as my teacher, True Monarch Meihua. By ancient custom, I would even have to call her ‘Martial Aunt’ in private.”

Upon hearing Ding Chunzhi’s words, Chen Mobai was slightly surprised. However, he immediately realized that for a prestigious Shenji Mansion, subtly leading the pre-ancient dao traditions, having many successors was normal.

Still, Chen Mobai had not expected Chen Chun’s seniority to be so high. She was actually of the same generation as True Monarch Meihua of Stargazing Academy.

“So, when you mentioned a senior-junior relationship, you were the junior, and she was the senior.” Chen Mobai chuckled wryly.

Ding Chunzhi could only give an awkward smile upon hearing this, and then said something that made Chen Mobai’s eyes widen.

“Being able to call her ‘Martial Aunt’ is already me punching above my weight,” Ding Chunzhi said. “I don’t even know if Patriarch Qianxing would acknowledge me as his grand-nephew disciple.”

“What did you say?! Her teacher is Patriarch Qianxing!”

When Chen Mobai heard this, he truly felt an unprecedented shock. He stared wide-eyed at Chen Chun on the stage. At that moment, she had already lowered her head, her eyes vacant and unfocused.

Just then, Fu Borong of Butian Dao Academy stepped onto the stage. As the representative of the academy’s teachers, he was there to welcome the new students and deliver a speech.

Chen Mobai saw Fu Borong, as he passed by Chen Chun, subtly raise his hands, which had been clasped behind his back, and bow to her.

This was an ancient custom of Butian Dao Academy, used by juniors to pay respects to their seniors.

Chen Mobai gasped, taking a sharp breath. He wondered if it had been a bit rude to point his Purple Lightning Sword at her back then. Should he find a way to apologize?

“The Shenji Mansion lineage has always been single-succession. Only in Patriarch Qianxing’s generation was there an exception. Originally, the chosen successor was Zhai Zhaoyi, but Patriarch Qianxing needed the Shenji Mansion’s secret inheritance techniques to bolster his foundation for Divine Transformation. To forge good karma and ensure the Shenji Mansion lineage would not die out, it was passed on to him.”

“After Patriarch Qianxing successfully achieved Divine Transformation, remembering this kindness, he regarded Zhai Zhaoyi as his martial brother. After Zhai Zhaoyi’s passing, the Patriarch became the only living successor of the Shenji Mansion. Thus, he assumed the position of Shenji Mansion Master to signify that the lineage had not ended.”

“My teacher, True Monarch Meihua, although nominally Zhai Zhaoyi’s disciple, was able to form his Nascent Soul thanks to Patriarch Qianxing’s guidance and instruction. Do you think my teacher would dare to call himself the Mansion Master of Shenji Mansion while Patriarch Qianxing is still alive?”

Indeed, he would not dare!

Chen Mobai nodded lightly after hearing this. No wonder True Monarch Meihua was so respected by the masters of the Three Great Halls of the Immortal Sect; it turned out he was effectively Patriarch Qianxing’s disciple.

This identity was far more dazzling than being merely the Mansion Master of Shenji Mansion.

Or perhaps, it was precisely because of this connection to Patriarch Qianxing that the Shenji Mansion lineage enjoyed such a positive reputation within the Immortal Sect.

In terms of actual contribution, the Ruyi Sect, which diligently handled the waste generated by three hundred million cultivators every year, was thousands of times more significant than the pretentious Shenji Mansion.

“Are you sure Chen Chun is Patriarch Qianxing’s disciple?” Chen Mobai still found it hard to believe and asked again.

“Of course,” Ding Chunzhi replied. “Ten years ago, my teacher personally brought her to Stargazing Academy, told me to call her Martial Aunt, and entrusted me with her care within the academy. She even has a personal letter from the Patriarch, which is said to contain the mighty power of Divine Transformation, though I’ve only heard my teacher speak of it.”

After hearing Ding Chunzhi’s words, Chen Mobai was relieved he hadn’t acted against her last time.

Chen Chun had been so agreeable then, likely because he was the chief disciple of Wuqi Dao Academy.

Thank heavens, their Wuqi Dao Academy also had a Divine Transformation Patriarch overseeing it.

Although Chen Mobai had never met Patriarch Baiguang in his life, he was immensely grateful at this moment to be able to leverage the Patriarch’s prestige.

At this moment, Chen Mobai felt proud to be a student of Wuqi Dao Academy.

Ding Chunzhi: “Brother Chen, would you like to grab a meal together? You already know Martial Aunt Chen Chun, after all…”

Chen Mobai: “Oh, no, thank you. I have plans with a friend.”

Ding Chunzhi: “Why not invite your friend along?”

Chen Mobai: “My friend is rather aloof. When she’s with unfamiliar people, she’s like a refrigerator. Let’s just leave it for now. I’ll invite you another day.”

As soon as the orientation ceremony ended, Chen Mobai and Ding Chunzhi both stood up. The latter eagerly extended an invitation, but the former repeatedly shook his head and waved his hands, and in a flash, had already darted to Yan Bingxuan’s side.

Seeing the exquisitely beautiful and tall Yan, the Great Beauty, Ding Chunzhi couldn’t help but recall the rumors about Chen Mobai he had heard back at Jumang Dao Academy and muttered a curse under his breath.

“Scoundrel!”