Chapter 473: Long Life Dew

After defeating Ding Ying, Zhuo Ming felt an indescribable transformation in her spirit, energy, and vitality. It was akin to reaching a mountain peak that had seemed unscalable in childhood. After years of study and effortless ascent, she gazed down at the landscape below, taking in the beautiful mountains and rivers. A profound sense of satisfaction and joy, born from the fulfillment of a long-held wish, spontaneously arose within her.

With Ding Ying defeated, Zhuo Ming had only one opponent remaining. That opponent was Xi Jinghuo. As the chief of the Sword Cultivation Department, he was considered the sole hope of breaking through the Nine-Ren Dharma Body. However, sword cultivators are renowned for reaching their full potential in the mid to late stages. Facing a body cultivator in the early to mid stages, Xi Jinghuo, despite unleashing fifty to sixty percent of his second-rank Divine Wood Sword's power and even subtly touching the realm of "sword energy like a rainbow" with his final strike, was no match for the spiritually transformed Zhuo Ming. He was knocked off the stage before she landed her ninth punch.

Xi Jinghuo's defensive capabilities were even weaker than Ding Ying's and Tan Qianshi's, yet his mastery of the sword dao had undeniably reached the foundational level. His final sword strike, delivered while enduring the ninth punch, left a faint blood mark on Zhuo Ming's cheek, thereby dispelling the myth of the Nine-Ren Dharma Body.

"Senior Brother Xi certainly has a successor."

Chen Mobai naturally attended the final match where his disciple reached the top. Coincidentally, Xi Yisheng was also present. From a second-story window, the two men observed the battle between Xi Jinghuo and Zhuo Ming.

"Junior Brother Chen, the entire sect misjudged. I never expected that beyond Junior Niece Luo, your discipleship would also include such an astonishing talent as Junior Niece Zhuo."

When Xi Yisheng saw Zhuo Ming wipe the injury from her cheek and the sword mark vanish, he realized that her Nine-Ren Dharma Body wasn't merely achieved through the forced use of resources, but had genuinely grasped its profound essence. The sword energy of the Scarlet Flame Sword Art contained potent fire energy, which ordinary methods could not easily dispel. Rogue cultivators, ignorant of its nature, who were struck by this sword energy, could even bear permanent scars and burn marks. Yet, Zhuo Ming effortlessly cleared it without using talismans or taking any pills.

"I had mentioned it to Senior Brothers E and Yuan previously, but they didn't seem to fully believe it."

In the past, Chen Mobai had discussed the disciples who joined the sect from Yun Kingdom within his close circle. Only Yu Lian, Luo Yixuan, and Zhuo Ming had truly impressed him. Beyond these three, there was Luo Yixiu; however, while his talent was passable, his mental state had consistently been an issue. In recent years, the Luo family even considered disowning him to funnel all their resources into Luo Yixuan. However, with Chen Mobai as her patron, Luo Yixuan had no interest in the resources the Luo family could offer. If her mother were not still affiliated with the Luo family, she wouldn't even bother acknowledging them.

"Junior Brother Chen, please feel free to visit my cultivation grounds for tea when you have time."

Xi Yisheng readily accepted the outcome of Xi Jinghuo's defeat. Upon seeing Zhuo Ming crowned the top true disciple, he smiled, bid his farewell, and departed.

"I will."

After watching him depart, Chen Mobai turned to look out the window. On the arena, Zhuo Ming, now the top true disciple of the Divine Wood Sect, felt a wave of euphoria wash over her as she met the gazes of reverence and admiration from all around. Is this the pinnacle for all Qi Cultivators in the Divine Wood Sect?! It can be reached so effortlessly!

Zhuo Ming suddenly felt a sense of emptiness, an unsettling sensation as if she were treading on thin air. She looked around and felt a pair of reassuring eyes. Following her gaze, she saw Chen Mobai standing at the window, smiling and nodding at her. As their eyes met, Zhuo Ming instantly felt all the superficiality in her heart dissipate, and her mind returned to its former calm. For her, being the top true disciple paled in comparison to her master's approval.

"Master, from this day forward, I can proudly declare myself your disciple!"

Zhuo Ming, who had always felt that she was a burden to the Little South Mountain lineage, now profoundly felt the immense gratitude she owed to Chen Mobai, her master. Zhuo Ming had always believed her spiritual root aptitude was merely average, and that her achievements today were solely thanks to becoming Chen Mobai's disciple. With his practical guidance in farming and talisman crafting, the annual teachings and problem-solving sessions, the constant supply of spirit rice, and cultivation techniques and secret manuals she could previously only dream of, she felt that any Qi Cultivator with such resources could achieve significant progress. Previously, before Xue Ting of the Blown Snow Palace departed, she confessed to Zhuo Ming that she greatly envied the atmosphere of Little South Mountain and truly wished she could stay there for life if possible. Zhuo Ming felt that all the hardships she endured as a child were ultimately for the sake of becoming Chen Mobai's disciple.

"Excellent, truly worthy of being my disciple."

After their reunion, Chen Mobai smiled and spoke words that brought Zhuo Ming joy from head to toe. This was the ultimate validation for her! Even becoming the top true disciple could not compare to the immense value of those words.

"Congratulations, Junior Sister!"

"Congratulations, Senior Sister!"

Liu Wenbai and Luo Yixuan also offered their congratulations to Zhuo Ming. To be frank, besides Chen Mobai, even they, who were with her day in and day out, had no idea Zhuo Ming harbored such immense potential and strength. Nevertheless, the Little South Mountain lineage fostered a positive environment, and both were primarily happy to see Zhuo Ming ascend to the top true disciple position. Although Liu Wenbai felt somewhat disheartened by the fact that he, the senior disciple, was the weakest among the three, it primarily served as motivation for diligent cultivation. He felt that his cultivation had suffered over the years due to his preoccupation with business. He decided to enter secluded cultivation after obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill, hoping to surpass Zhuo Ming in the Foundation Establishment realm and reclaim some of his dignity as the senior disciple.

Having made up his mind, Liu Wenbai proactively discussed the matter with Chen Mobai.

"That's good. No external pursuit is as important as one's own cultivation. Conveniently, Xuan'er will soon successfully establish her foundation and needs to leave the mountain to help me with a task. Let's entrust the Little South Mountain shop to her."

Chen Mobai was a strong advocate of focusing on cultivation realms. Even if Liu Wenbai hadn't mentioned it, Chen Mobai had already planned to do so, even considering having Zhuo Ming prepare for Foundation Establishment first.

"Master, I feel that the first stage of my Nine-Ren Dharma Body is still somewhat incomplete, and spring is approaching for planting new Azure Jade Spirit Rice seeds. I'd prefer to wait until Senior Brother successfully establishes his foundation before I enter secluded cultivation."

Zhuo Ming, however, wisely shook her head in refusal. Her primary reason was that despite becoming the top true disciple, she still lacked confidence in her own Foundation Establishment. She believed her achievement as the top true disciple was solely due to the Divine Wood Shield and the ample spirit rice resources from Little South Mountain that helped form her Nine-Ren Dharma Body. In truth, she felt her spiritual root aptitude was still inferior to that of Xi Jinghuo, Ding Ying, and others.

"That works. For Foundation Establishment, the probability of success is higher when you feel the time is right."

Chen Mobai did not press Zhuo Ming. He had always taught his disciples without discrimination, allowing them to develop according to their innate natures.

"Master, here is the Golden Jade Axe, returned."

After speaking, Liu Wenbai retrieved the Golden Jade Axe, which Chen Mobai had lent him, from his storage bag. Zhuo Ming also promptly handed over the Divine Wood Shield.

"Xuan'er, you'll be traveling for business, and you can't go without a magical artifact. Furthermore, you've successfully established your foundation, and I haven't yet given you a congratulatory gift. This Divine Wood Shield is a set with your Divine Wood Sword; it offers powerful defense, so I'm giving it to you."

Chen Mobai took the wooden shield, removed the spiritual consciousness he had imbued within it, and then handed it to Luo Yixuan.

"Master, this is far too precious!"

Luo Yixuan's face lit up with surprise and delight. Knowing Chen Mobai's character after all these years, she raised her hands and somewhat excitedly accepted the Divine Wood Shield.

"Take it. I will tell you the refining incantation; listen carefully."

As Chen Mobai spoke, Luo Yixuan gripped the Divine Wood Shield tightly with both hands and listened intently, a wave of happiness swelling within her. Both of her second-rank magical artifacts, the Divine Wood Sword and the Divine Wood Shield, were gifts from Chen Mobai. Even a biological father and daughter would not receive such generous treatment. In the entire Eastern Wasteland, no other teacher could compare to him!

As Chen Mobai presented the Divine Wood Shield to Luo Yixuan, he noticed the envious gazes of Liu Wenbai and Zhuo Ming. He couldn't help but smile faintly as he pulled the Flying Sparrow Hairpin from his topknot.

"Wenbai, as my senior disciple, I entrust you with this flying sword, which has accompanied me in forging a formidable reputation throughout the Eastern Wasteland."

"Master, your disciple has not yet established his foundation; I am truly overwhelmed!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Wenbai immediately knelt before Chen Mobai, repeatedly waving his hands and declaring that as a mere Qi Cultivator, he could not yet bear the responsibility of the Flying Sparrow Hairpin.

"You child, you are simply too modest. If I give it to you, just take it. Besides, this item is no longer of much use to me. You have the Green Scale Armguards for protection, and with this Flying Sparrow Hairpin for offense, they make a perfect match."

Hearing Chen Mobai's words, Liu Wenbai, with trembling hands, finally accepted the small and exquisite Flying Sparrow Hairpin into his palm. It could be said that Chen Mobai's reputation as the Divine Wood Sect's foremost sword cultivator was largely forged by this flying sword. After receiving the flying sword, Liu Wenbai felt an even greater sense of responsibility as the senior disciple. He resolved never to disappoint his master again! With this resolve, Liu Wenbai vowed to successfully establish his foundation.

"Ming'er, your Nine-Ren Dharma Body provides powerful defense, but you lack offensive capabilities. This Golden Jade Axe is a top-tier second-rank magical artifact and perfectly suits you."

As he was distributing treasures, Chen Mobai naturally did not overlook his most cherished second disciple. He handed the Golden Jade Axe, which Liu Wenbai had returned, to Zhuo Ming.

"Thank you, Master!"

Seeing that both her senior brother and junior sister had accepted their gifts, Zhuo Ming did not decline. After thanking him, she took the Golden Jade Axe, then swung it with one hand, growing more fond of it with each glance. Activating the Golden Jade Axe was straightforward; it merely required an infusion of spiritual power.

After memorizing the refining incantations, the three disciples once again bowed in unison to Chen Mobai, expressing their gratitude.

"Wenbai, if you plan to prepare for Foundation Establishment, find a suitable place within my Evergreen Wood Cultivation Ground for secluded cultivation. Xuan'er, don't forget to visit the Divine Tree Secret Realm tomorrow. Remember, you only need to go to the Magical Artifact Tree and the Talent Tree."

Chen Mobai entrusted Zhuo Ming with the management of Little South Mountain, including the seven surrounding spirit mountains and a thousand acres of spirit fields. Henceforth, he would primarily cultivate within the fourth-rank high-grade spiritual vein of the Evergreen Wood, diligently refining his essence, qi, and spirit in preparation for forming his golden core. Zhuo Ming nodded, confident that when it came to farming, she was surpassed only by her master within the sect.

As Zeng Woyou's Foundation Establishment Pills were refined in batches, their release would be staggered. Zhuo Ming, as the top true disciple, had the privilege of being the first to exchange for one, but she yielded this opportunity to Liu Wenbai. Liu Wenbai initially demurred, then sincerely thanked Zhuo Ming. With Chen Mobai's arrangements, he was the first to acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill and commenced his secluded cultivation.

The Evergreen Wood soared skyward. Chen Mobai casually found a thick branch and built a small wooden hut upon it. Liu Wenbai, meanwhile, set up a shelter near the tree's roots. Being near this fourth-rank high-grade spiritual vein offered him a slight increase in his chances for Foundation Establishment.

After settling his eldest disciple, Chen Mobai took Luo Yixuan to meet Lu Yi. Opening the Divine Tree Secret Realm was familiar territory for Lu Yi. However, without the Evergreen Trial of the Great Dao Tree, his presence was now required to open the portal for return, making it more troublesome. Nevertheless, Chen Mobai had prepared two jars of fine wine, and Meng Hong also joined them. The three cooked some spirit rice and roasted a few spirit fish while awaiting Luo Yixuan's return.

Approximately one day later, Luo Yixuan emerged from the secret realm, her face alight with joy. After bidding farewell to Meng Hong and Lu Yi, Chen Mobai led her back to his Evergreen Wood Cultivation Ground.

"Master, I'm pleased to report I didn't fail. This is Evergreen Tree Sap."

Luo Yixuan possessed water spiritual roots, and as expected, she obtained a large pouch of Evergreen Tree Sap from the Magical Artifact Tree. Chen Mobai counted with his spiritual sense: there were precisely one hundred drops. In addition, Luo Yixuan also acquired a pill formula for refining "Evergreen Dew" from the Talent Tree, intended for cultivating the second stage of the Evergreen Dao Body. The formula called for Evergreen Tree Sap combined with ninety-nine other medicinal herbs and spiritual items. After mixing and refining them, consuming the resulting pill could strengthen one's physical body and vital energy, and even extend one's lifespan. Luo Yixuan concealed nothing and disclosed everything to Chen Mobai.

"Both the Evergreen Tree Sap and the Evergreen Dew are incredibly useful to me. Xuan'er, you truly are my lucky star."

Chen Mobai had been extracting from the Talent Tree for a long time but had never managed to acquire the formula for Evergreen Dew. Now that he had received it from Luo Yixuan, he suddenly felt a different kind of satisfaction as a teacher.

"As long as it's useful to Master, that's what matters. I was even concerned it might be an ancient formula that could no longer be refined."

Luo Yixuan grew even happier after receiving Chen Mobai's affirmation.

"The primary value of a pill formula lies in its core ratios; ingredients can often be substituted."

Chen Mobai, with his Immortal Sect mindset, took out 1,000 mid-grade spirit stones from his storage bag and handed them to Luo Yixuan as he spoke.

"Master, what is this for?"

It was Luo Yixuan's first time encountering such a vast quantity of spirit stones. Converting them to low-grade spirit stones amounted to a full hundred thousand, causing her breathing to quicken and her pretty face to flush.

"In the past, Senior Brother Yuan sold a pouch of Evergreen Tree Sap to Zhou Wangshen for 100,000 spirit stones. As my disciple, I naturally cannot take your fortunate find without compensation. This is for you."

"Master, you have taught me for so many years, provided limitless spirit rice resources, supported my Foundation Establishment, and even given me magical artifacts. I have offered you nothing in return. It's a rare chance that I obtained something you need from the secret realm. How can your disciple accept your spirit stones again?"

To Chen Mobai's surprise, Luo Yixuan steadfastly shook her head, firmly refusing the 100,000 spirit stones.

"I teach you because you are my disciple. Take it; I am not in need of spirit stones."

Chen Mobai, however, absolutely refused to take advantage of his young disciple. He earned tens of thousands of spirit stones annually and had recently acquired a million from Fu Zongjue; thus, these mere 100,000 spirit stones were utterly insignificant to him. Furthermore, if he were to take Luo Yixuan's fortunate discovery without offering compensation, it would make their master-disciple relationship no different from the ones he loathed in the Eastern Wasteland. Even for the sake of his own Dao heart, he insisted Luo Yixuan accept it.

"Master, perhaps I could take some now, and the rest could be considered as deposited with you. I don't need so many spirit stones at the moment, anyway."

Luo Yixuan proposed a compromise. Seeing her adamant refusal to accept the full amount, Chen Mobai shook his head and agreed.

"Master, I'll take 100 mid-grade spirit stones for now, and please convert the 10,000 contribution points I used for the Foundation Establishment Pill into spirit stones and deduct that amount."

Chen Mobai eventually issued Luo Yixuan a note confirming she had deposited 800 mid-grade spirit stones with him. After receiving it, she looked at him with an unprecedentedly adoring gaze.

Chen Mobai asked, "What is it?"

Luo Yixuan replied, "You are the best master in the entire world!"