Chapter 476: All Things Through Spiritual Connection

Before the entrance to the Divine Tree Secret Realm, Chen Mobai, Meng Hong, and Lu Yi were enjoying themselves immensely, drinking spirit wine and eating spirit rice, completely unaware that half of the Divine Wood Sect was buzzing with excitement over Zhuo Ming's successful Dao-comprehension foundation establishment.

"You brat, how can your luck be so good?" Meng Hong said with a hint of envy, smacking his lips after taking a sip of wine. "You just casually took in a disciple, and she actually managed to establish her foundation by comprehending the Dao."

He arguably had the most disciples in the Divine Wood Sect, with four of them having already established their foundations: Luo Xue'er, Zhou Wangshen, E Yun, and Mu Yuan. However, none of them could compare to a Dao-comprehension foundation establishment.

"When I first met her, I recognized her extraordinary talent, which is why I took her in as my disciple," Chen Mobai said, shaking his head and correcting Meng Hong. "This is a testament to my unique insight, not merely good luck."

"Fine, let's just say you have good foresight then," Meng Hong conceded, too lazy to argue. He picked up his wine cup, and the three of them clinked glasses, draining their drinks once more.

"In all of the Eastern Desolation, only your wine truly has a kick," Lu Yi said, savoring the taste with a satisfied expression.

After Zhuo Ming established her foundation, she naturally needed to enter the Divine Tree Secret Realm to claim her opportunities. This meant Chen Mobai had to invite Lu Yi again to open the portal. As it happened, another true disciple, Jiang Zongheng, had also successfully established his foundation last year and had applied to enter the Secret Realm. However, Lu Yi, disliking the hassle, had planned to wait until all disciples of this batch had taken their Foundation Establishment Pills before opening the realm for everyone. But Zhuo Ming's Dao-comprehension foundation establishment, coupled with Chen Mobai's personal invitation, changed things. For the sake of the fine wine, Lu Yi graciously made the effort. Jiang Zongheng was thus conveniently included and entered the Divine Tree Secret Realm with Zhuo Ming.

When the two emerged, Jiang Zongheng once again thanked Chen Mobai. Unfortunately, as he cultivated the Longevity Scripture, he did not obtain Longevity Tree Sap from the Treasure Tree. As for Zhuo Ming, she only acquired a handful of black soil, which Chen Mobai and the other two confirmed to be "Longevity Soil" after examination.

For a Tier 3 Golden Sun Spirit Tree to upgrade to a Tier 4 Longevity Wood, it not only needed to reach the peak of Tier 3 but also had to be rooted in "Longevity Soil." Chen Mobai had initially believed that his new dojo was entirely surrounded by Longevity Soil, which made him think Zhuo Ming's opportunity was wasted. However, Meng Hong explained that once a Golden Sun Spirit Tree matured into a Tier 4 Longevity Wood, its roots would merge with the earth's ley lines, and the Longevity Soil would be completely absorbed and disappear. The three Longevity Woods in Giant Wood Ridge had already depleted their Longevity Soil after True Monarch Yiyuan transplanted them.

"So, can this handful of soil cultivate a new Longevity Wood?" Chen Mobai asked curiously.

"Probably not," came the reply. "At the very least, it would need to encircle the tree's roots." Meng Hong and Lu Yi weren't very knowledgeable about this, as Longevity Wood was a highly prized treasure of the Divine Wood Sect, a Tier 4 spirit wood extremely rare in the Eastern Desolation. Even their ancestor, Grand Ancestor Hunyuan, had never witnessed a Golden Sun Spirit Tree upgrading to Longevity Wood.

"It's barely useful, I guess," Chen Mobai said, looking at the handful of dark soil in Zhuo Ming's hand. He shook his head and offered his opinion: "Compared to planting a tree, I think it would be better to integrate this Longevity Soil into a spirit field. Perhaps it could cultivate an acre of high-grade Tier 3 spirit field." He mused that upgrading a Longevity Wood would likely require a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators like Zhuo Ming to enter the Treasure Tree Secret Realm and gather enough soil. Even if he successfully formed his Core and gained a significant increase in lifespan, he wouldn't live long enough to see that day... *Hmm... is there a possibility...?*

As Chen Mobai's thoughts wandered, an idea suddenly struck him. The Divine Wood Sect currently decreed that only geniuses who succeeded in their *first* attempt at foundation establishment were qualified to enter the Divine Tree Secret Realm to seek opportunities from the Treasure Tree and Talent Tree. If, once he was in charge, he allowed all Foundation Establishment cultivators to enter and gather some, wouldn't it be possible to collect enough soil resources to upgrade a Golden Sun Spirit Tree into a Longevity Wood?

The crucial point, however, was whether Chen Mobai could persuade Grand Ancestors Zhou and Fu, both Core Formation cultivators. He believed that if he himself formed a Core, he could achieve this. After all, instead of hoarding the resources within the Divine Tree Secret Realm, it would be better to generously share them, offering an opportunity to all Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Divine Wood Sect. This approach would not only increase the cohesiveness of the sect's cultivators and enhance their strength but also allow for concentrated efforts. This way, whether it was Longevity Soil or Longevity Tree Sap, enough could be quickly gathered for the needs of a single tree or person, nurturing top talents similar to Chen Mobai. Only by elevating the sect's overall strength could more high-level cultivators be produced.

However, Chen Mobai also considered that the inherent "cherishing one's own broom" mentality prevalent in the Eastern Desolation might impede his grand vision. If he proposed this idea, the Foundation Establishment cultivators within the sect who had already entered the Divine Tree Secret Realm would likely feel it was unfair and oppose it. Therefore, a long-term strategy was needed.

When bidding farewell to Zhuo Ming, Meng Hong, and Lu Yi, Chen Mobai hesitated, ultimately deciding not to share his idea with them. It would be best to wait until he formed his Core and was capable of stabilizing the sect's overall situation before raising the matter.

"Master, I obtained a method for refining a magical artifact called Earth-Wood Crystal Sand from the Talent Tree..." Once only the two of them remained, Zhuo Ming began chattering excitedly about her acquisitions from the Divine Tree Secret Realm.

This Earth-Wood Crystal Sand was a sand-like magical artifact, refined from Longevity Soil, Longevity Wood, and earth/wood attribute Fiend Qi. Once successfully crafted, each grain of crystal sand possessed immense power, capable of triggering devastating chain explosions that shook heaven and earth when two collided. Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai's expression changed instantly. "Isn't this divine thunder!" he thought. However, it was clearly a super-powered version. According to Zhuo Ming's description, the Earth-Wood Crystal Sand could incorporate twelve types of Fiend Qi, requiring them to be balanced and refined in pairs. Its power could reach up to Tier 3.

At that level of power, a single blast could exterminate all living beings within a thousand-li radius, cracking the earth and setting the sky ablaze with ground fire. Even if it slew an opponent, the user would accumulate severe karmic debt. This description was almost comparable to the ultimate WMDs advertised on Immortal Sect military programs. Although Chen Mobai was a peace lover, he felt that the Divine Wood Sect should stockpile some. In the event of a future war with Xuanxiao Dao Palace, this item might instantly change the tide of battle!

With this thought, Chen Mobai took Zhuo Ming to meet Grand Ancestor Fu and explained about the Earth-Wood Crystal Sand. The Grand Ancestor's eyes immediately lit up. "This item cannot be entrusted to others," Fu Zongjue mused. "Fortunately, I'm also skilled in artifact refining, and we have no shortage of Longevity Wood. It's just the Longevity Soil..." Hearing this, Chen Mobai introduced Zhuo Ming. When Fu Zongjue learned that she had achieved Dao-comprehension Foundation Establishment, he was visibly surprised. "So that's how it is," he said. "Since she's a future pillar of the sect, I shouldn't be stingy."

As Fu Zongjue spoke, he produced a bluish-gray stone from his storage bag, seemingly with a hint of reluctance, and handed it to Zhuo Ming. "This is a Soul Refining Stone," he explained. "Its effects are similar to the Jade Wood Spirit Heart; once integrated, it can gradually enhance divine sense and expand the Sea of Consciousness in the Purple Mansion. It's most beneficial for Foundation Establishment cultivators. I originally acquired it from the Eastern Yi region for Xingzhou..." Fu Xingzhou had gone missing during the Divine Wood Sect's first major battle with Trembling Mountain Peak and had not returned since. Fu Zongjue's puppet body, previously hidden in the Yan Kingdom, had primarily been searching for him in the northern Eastern Desolation. Sadly, there was still no news. So many years had passed that, if not for confirmation that he was still alive, Fu Zongjue would have given up hope.

"Many thanks, Grand Ancestor Fu," Chen Mobai said, signaling Zhuo Ming to accept the stone. However, she seemed a bit reluctant to part with the handful of black soil she was holding when she handed it over. It appeared that, in her eyes, the Soul Refining Stone was not as important as that soil.

"Since Junior Niece Zhuo is such a promising talent, having achieved Dao-comprehension Foundation Establishment, I imagine she's highly compatible with the Earth Mother Arts," Fu Zongjue said. "How about this: I'll write a note for you to show Lu Yi, instructing him to give Junior Niece Zhuo the complete Earth Mother Arts and all the inheritances related to spirit plant cultivators from the Transmission Department." Fu Zongjue was truly going all out with his generosity. This was primarily because Chen Mobai's lineage was now the legitimate and flourishing direct line of the Divine Wood Sect, seen as future pillars. Therefore, he simply opened the door wide regarding cultivation methods. Chen Mobai was also surprised to hear this. He felt that Fu Zongjue's thinking was not at all rigid, and perhaps he could easily be persuaded about opening the Divine Tree Secret Realm to all Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect. However, Chen Mobai still held back. After thanking him again, he took Zhuo Ming to the Transmission Department. Unfortunately, Lu Yi was drunk and not at his post, but with Grand Ancestor Fu's note, the vice-minister directly handed Zhuo Ming everything mentioned.

The Earth Mother Arts were actually a supplementary cultivation method within the Divine Wood Sect, primarily intended to enhance the skills of spirit plant cultivators. However, Grand Ancestor Hunyuan had originally acquired it at a hefty price from a cultivator of the same rank. This cultivation method could be practiced up to the late Core Formation stage. The excitement and satisfaction on Zhuo Ming's face after receiving the complete manual were unlike anything Chen Mobai had ever witnessed.

Zhuo Ming recalled her time as a rogue cultivator, where her father had toiled his entire life just to acquire a cultivation method that could be practiced up to the eighth level of Qi Condensation—and even then, half of the seventh level was missing. Yet, even with such limitations, they were considered a well-off family among rogue cultivators. Back then, Zhuo Ming had never imagined she would one day join the Divine Wood Sect, successfully establish her foundation, or even obtain a Core Formation level cultivation method.

Moreover, beyond the Earth Mother Arts, all the Tier 1 to Tier 3 spirit plant cultivator inheritance books from the Transmission Department were also bestowed upon Zhuo Ming. With these resources, Zhuo Ming felt she could cultivate in the fields of Mount Xiaonan until the end of time, never needing to leave.

"Oh, by the way," Chen Mobai asked in mid-air as they returned, with Zhuo Ming still beaming with excitement, "Dao-comprehension Foundation Establishment usually bestows divine abilities from heaven and earth. Have you noticed anything different?" He himself had gained the "Fire Spirit Physique," which allowed him to easily master the Azure Flame Sword Fiend and Primordial Yang Sword Fiend, not to mention the countless hidden benefits for cultivating fire-attribute spells and techniques.

"Reporting to Master, I don't feel anything different..." Zhuo Ming replied, still a bit confused. "It's just that I'm stronger, and my divine sense and spirit energy have increased severalfold. Do those count?" Chen Mobai, familiar with his disciple's personality, didn't press the matter further. Perhaps in the years to come, Zhuo Ming would discover how she had changed since her Qi Condensation days. He'd just treat it as a little easter egg to look forward to.

As Chen Mobai thought this, they had already flown above Mount Xiaonan. He saw Liu Wenbai diligently directing the mortals in farming and other tasks at the foot of the mountain. "Senior Brother!" Zhuo Ming called out as usual after landing. Liu Wenbai felt a mix of emotion and excitement upon hearing her.

In the Mount Xiaonan lineage, seniority was not determined by cultivation level. Zhuo Ming felt that her ability to establish her foundation was entirely due to how perfectly farming aligned with the Earth Mother Arts. So, after landing, she immediately took over, directing the mortals in Liu Wenbai's stead. Busy with her tasks, Zhuo Ming even forgot her original intention to go into seclusion upon returning, to study the Earth Mother Arts and the spirit plant cultivator inheritances.

Seeing her dedication to farming, Chen Mobai couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly suited this disciple was. He didn't interfere, instead leisurely cooking spirit rice and grilling spirit fish with Liu Wenbai nearby. Since Liu Wenbai had spent years managing the Mount Xiaonan shop outside, his cooking and fish grilling skills hadn't received Chen Mobai's true teachings and were only barely palatable. Chen Mobai suddenly missed his junior disciple and wondered how she was faring in Ming Kingdom, searching for the Guiyuan Sect.

As Chen Mobai pondered, the sun set. After Zhuo Ming dismissed the mortals, she approached with a somewhat strange expression, holding a seedling of Azure Jade Spirit Rice. "Master, I think I might know what's different about me," she said. "Oh, already?" Chen Mobai exclaimed. He had initially thought this little easter egg would only be revealed years later, but to his surprise, Zhuo Ming had figured it out in just a single day.

"When I stood on the spirit field and touched this seedling," Zhuo Ming explained, "information about the ideal moisture for the spirit soil, how deep to plant it, when to fertilize it next, and other such details about this Azure Jade Spirit Rice seedling, just appeared in my mind." *What kind of divine ability is this?* Chen Mobai was somewhat perplexed. *Is it specifically for farming?* Zhuo Ming, realizing her explanation might be unclear, looked around and her eyes landed on a few peach trees planted from immortal peach pits.

Although these peach trees weren't as grand as the one on Black Cloud Mountain, under the careful nurturing of the master and disciple, they had grown and were capable of bearing Tier 1 spirit peaches. Zhuo Ming walked up to one of the peach trees, touched it with her hand, and then, opening her eyes, stated, "Barring any external factors, this spirit peach tree will bloom its first flower on March 17th next year, and its first fruit will ripen on August 29th." Chen Mobai and Liu Wenbai's faces were filled with shock.

"You can communicate with spirit plants?" Chen Mobai asked.

"Yes," Zhuo Ming replied, "but only when I'm standing on the earth. It's not that I communicate with the spirit plants directly; rather, I become the soil that nourishes them. The spirit plants rooted in me tell me what conditions are most suitable for their growth. I'm essentially their Earth Mother." Zhuo Ming nodded, then reached out and touched the tea tree Chen Mobai had grafted, explaining its habits and suitable conditions for advancement. This was the divine ability bestowed upon her by heaven and earth through her Dao-comprehension Foundation Establishment with the Earth Mother Arts: Harmony with All Things!