Chapter 492: The Faith of Forming the Core

Chen Mobai had given considerable thought to the spiritual lands suitable for his Golden Core formation. Since he planned to form his Golden Core using the Pure Yang Scripture, a fire-elemental leyline was naturally the most fitting location. Both Danxia City and Chicheng Mountain were fire-elemental spiritual lands, making them excellent choices for him. Furthermore, Danxia City's spiritual leyline, with its core being the Jade Phoenix Tree and possessing wood energy, was even more compatible with his Two-Phase Art.

Chen Mobai had considered forming his Golden Core within Danzhu Academy itself. While its spiritual leyline was not as potent as Chicheng Mountain's, he believed that with the addition of spirit stones, it would be no less effective than Giant Wood Ridge. Moreover, forming his Golden Core there offered another advantage: it would reinforce the impression that he had achieved enlightenment before forming his core. This would make it appear as though he had genuinely experienced a sudden epiphany regarding the mysteries of Golden Core formation during meditation, necessitating his core formation in a seemingly provincial location like Danxia City.

However, upon closer consideration, he realized that prioritizing appearances was unwise. A spiritual leyline's quality did indeed offer some assistance in Golden Core formation, making it crucial to select the most suitable one for himself. Thanks to his connections at the Wuqi Daoist Academy, he was capable of applying for a fourth-tier high-grade fire leyline. Previously, Yan Qiongzhi had also managed to form her Golden Core by leveraging Wenren Xuewei's connections to borrow a fourth-tier high-grade water leyline cave dwelling from the Gou Mang Daoist Academy. Such successful precedents were certainly worth emulating.

Therefore, upon his return, Chen Mobai no longer hesitated and immediately called Che Yucheng.

"Are you preparing to form your Golden Core?"

Che Yucheng was clearly surprised that Chen Mobai genuinely intended to form his Golden Core without any spiritual artifacts.

"During meditation, I experienced an epiphany and feel confident I can succeed without the aid of elixirs."

Chen Mobai, maintaining his established persona, uttered words that left Che Yucheng in prolonged silence. "Is this child's talent not truly astonishing?"

"A fourth-tier mid-grade spiritual leyline can be arranged at any time. However, the high-grade ones are currently occupied by the Daoist Academy's Golden Core True Lords. If you are willing to wait, I can try to coordinate something for you."

Graduates of the Daoist Academy are permitted to apply to the institution for the use of a fourth-tier spiritual leyline when attempting to form their Golden Core. This was similar to how Chen Mobai's father, Chen Xinglan, applied for Foundation Establishment subsidies from Chixia Academy after reaching the ninth layer of Qi Refinement. After all, even Foundation Establishment cultivators could, at most, only purchase third-tier spiritual energy from the Immortal Sect. Furthermore, this energy was often merely third-tier low-grade, which was certainly insufficient for Golden Core formation.

Within the Immortal Sect's thirty-six grotto-heavens and seventy-two blessed lands, the most potent spiritual leyline locations were found either in academic institutions or government organizations. Since the latter were not accessible to the public, most cultivators aspiring to achieve Foundation Establishment or Golden Core formation chose to return to their alma mater.

As Che Yucheng's disciple, Chen Mobai's application for Golden Core formation naturally received immediate approval. However, due to the large number of Golden Core True Lords residing in the Chicheng Mountain spiritual leyline, securing a fourth-tier high-grade spiritual leyline would still require coordination.

Chen Mobai was not in a hurry regarding this. After all, he still had to wait for Meng Huang'er to reach the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment. Additionally, he needed time to thoroughly read and integrate all available information from the Immortal Sect regarding Golden Core formation. Every cultivator who reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, upon deciding to form their Golden Core, would typically spend one or two years adjusting their physical body and mindset, acquiring knowledge, and preparing auxiliary spiritual medicines. Since he had decided to return to the Daoist Academy for Golden Core formation, he naturally sought the best possible spiritual leyline.

"I will arrange it as soon as possible."

Upon hearing Che Yucheng's assurance, Chen Mobai expressed his gratitude. Che Yucheng then recommended several books on Golden Core formation, which were widely regarded within the Immortal Sect as the most exhaustive explanations of this advanced process. After the call, Chen Mobai accessed the Immortal Sect Network and searched for these recommended books. He discovered they were a comprehensive set of books collectively compiled by the Immortal Sect's official body and professors from various Daoist academies. Beyond the five elemental attributes, they also contained detailed information on rare spiritual roots and the intricacies of forming Golden Cores with multiple composite attributes.

This entire set of books was available for purchase by any Foundation Establishment cultivator. Given the cultivation method Chen Mobai practiced, he only needed to acquire two of the volumes. However, seeing that the complete set cost just over a thousand merit points, he decided to order all of them. He always made it a practice to thoroughly review any unfamiliar knowledge, ensuring no errors or omissions. Only then would he focus on his familiar wood and fire attributes.

Before the Golden Core formation books arrived, Chen Mobai also took the opportunity to bid farewell to his family and friends.

"Brother, are you truly not waiting for the Golden Core spiritual medicine?"

As the only relative besides Chen Mobai to have achieved Foundation Establishment, Wang Xinying's eyes widened in shock upon hearing his intentions.

"I sense that my spiritual opportunity for Golden Core formation lies within these next few years. If I were to delay for another sixty years, my spiritual energy might become purer, and my understanding of the cultivation method deeper, but I would certainly lose this present fearless determination."

Chen Mobai had just celebrated his fortieth birthday last year. As he aged, although his appearance remained youthful, that youthful vigor was gradually diminishing. After hearing Fu Zongjue's words, he also realized that in addition to external aids, one's state of mind was critically important for Golden Core formation. Chen Mobai had a strong premonition that if he failed to form his Golden Core at this opportunity, he would lose the upper hand and gradually fall behind, both in the Immortal Sect and the Tianhe Realm.

Within the Immortal Sect, only those who had achieved Golden Core formation were qualified to participate in decision-making. Partial access to information concerning the expansion wars would also be unlocked. Currently, Chen Mobai's primary concern was that the foreign world sensed by the World Gate might be the Tianhe Realm. Although the Immortal Sect possessed considerable Nascent Soul stage cultivators and heritage, the Tianhe Realm had produced ascended cultivators. If the two realms were truly to clash, he believed the Immortal Sect's chances of victory were not high. Of course, this was merely the worst-case scenario. Furthermore, it would take nearly a century for the World Gate to fully connect with the other world. If he succeeded in forming his Golden Core, he might even be ready to attempt forming his Nascent Soul by then.

Aside from the expansion wars, Qing Nü's situation was what concerned him most within the Immortal Sect. Following Wenren Xuewei's warning, Chen Mobai had met Qing Nü several times during his six months of seclusion in the Wangwu Grotto-heaven. As the headquarters of the Sky Mending Group were also located in Wangwu Grotto-heaven, they naturally met for meals and conversation as friends whenever she returned to report. Qing Nü naturally heeded her friend Chen Mobai's persuasion, stating that she would not investigate the matter further before forming her Golden Core. However, in Chen Mobai's view, the issue was far too complex, and it would be best to wait until she had formed her Nascent Soul before pursuing it. Yet, even with a Heavenly Spiritual Root, success in forming a Nascent Soul is not guaranteed. To suggest this would be tantamount to persuading Qing Nü to abandon the mystery of her origins and vengeance for her tragic childhood. He felt that even if he voiced this, Qing Nü would not agree. Nevertheless, she did agree to postpone her investigation until after forming her Golden Core.

Although a member of the Sky Mending Group, Qing Nü would also have to wait sixty years if she wished to form her Golden Core. Chen Mobai felt that for his good friend, he could attempt to form his Nascent Soul before Qing Nü even formed her Golden Core. However, the immediate priority was to successfully form his Golden Core. This was the justification Chen Mobai found for himself, a compelling reason to successfully form his Golden Core in the Immortal Sect. Indeed, only the vast conspiracy surrounding Qing Nü's origins could instill in him a true sense of urgency and crisis within the Immortal Sect.

As for the Tianhe Realm, his motivation was simpler. For his sect, to resist the oppression of the Xuanxiao Daoist Palace, and for his own cultivation resources, he absolutely had to succeed in forming his Golden Core. Failure would shatter his image as an unparalleled genius, and the mere thought of such "social death" filled Chen Mobai with intense motivation. Beyond the major motivations of his sect and resources, Chen Mobai also found a smaller, more personal one. He imagined his young apprentice abducted by an unparalleled demonic master, and if he failed to form his Golden Core, she would be used as a vessel for soul possession. This thought, combined with memories of Luo Yixuan's usual sensible and well-behaved demeanor, further fueled Chen Mobai's resolve for Golden Core formation.

Protecting Qing Nü, defending his sect, saving his apprentice, maintaining his public image... Empowered by these accumulating beliefs, Chen Mobai felt his conviction to form his Golden Core grow increasingly firm. While he had initially considered a second attempt if his first Golden Core formation failed, now his mind was singularly focused on one thought: "I must succeed this time!"

Chen Mobai was now an indisputable authority among his relatives; his parents would only offer gentle suggestions before ultimately agreeing with his decisions. After deciding to form his Golden Core, he first reorganized his company's structure.

"Xinying, after you achieve Foundation Establishment, while you're preparing for your civil service exams, you can also concurrently serve as the chief talisman instructor at the Flying Talisman Factory, helping me oversee it for a few years."

His cousin, Wang Xinying, nodded in understanding. She had idolized Chen Mobai since childhood and specialized in talismans at Taiyuan Academy. This year, she had also obtained her professional certification as a second-tier talisman crafter. With the Flying Talisman Factory in her hands, Chen Mobai no longer had to worry about the technical aspects.

"Brother, my proficiency in talismans isn't as high as yours. What if I lead your factory to decline?"

"It's alright. I don't prioritize the factory's profits; even a loss is acceptable. You can also utilize the company's talisman paper and ink resources for your cultivation. If I can help you develop your skills, I'd be even happier."

Chen Mobai's primary annual income came from his fully automated puppet factory. For him, the Flying Talisman Factory merely served as a repository of resources for his own talisman cultivation. Moreover, he himself was only a second-tier talisman crafter. He had previously attempted the third-tier examination at the Daoist Academy but had unfortunately failed. Outsiders attributed his failure to his dedication to sword cultivation, believing that his efforts to achieve resonance with the Purple Lightning Sword had hindered his talisman studies. Chen Mobai, however, knew the truth: he had simply tried his best and still failed. To avoid further exposure, he had subsequently stopped applying for the exam.

Given the strict standards of the Immortal Sect, Wang Xinying's success in passing the second-tier talisman crafter examination indicated that her theoretical understanding was nearly on par with Chen Mobai's; her only current deficiency was in practical drawing. After a few years of training at the Flying Talisman Factory, her skill gap with Chen Mobai would likely be limited to just a few third-tier talismans.

Hearing Chen Mobai's words, Wang Xinying happily sprang up and moved behind him. Her fair fingers clenched into small fists, and she began to massage Chen Mobai's shoulders.

"Brother, you're so kind to me."

"You're my sister. If I'm not good to you, who would I be good to?" Chen Mobai chuckled, gesturing for Wang Xinying to switch shoulders, and settled comfortably into the massage.

Inside the room, besides the siblings, were Chen Mobai's parents and Wang Xinying's parents.

"It's a good thing our nephew made arrangements, otherwise, Xinying would probably already be going on blind dates." The speaker was Aunt Chen Yulan, who looked at Chen Mobai with a kind and benevolent gaze. Beside her, Chen Xinglan and Tang Pancui exuded a blend of pride and humility.

Wang Xinying had no intention of joining the military. Had she failed Foundation Establishment, Chen Yulan was already making arrangements for Chen Mobai to introduce her to a promising student from the Wuqi Daoist Academy. Now that she had successfully established her Foundation, Chen Mobai had even used his connections to guide her towards a path in civil service. If her examination results were satisfactory, Chen Mobai would still need to leverage his connections to see if she could be assigned to Danxia City.

The following day, Chen Mobai and his parents visited Qingshan Village once more; his grandparents remained in good health. In this mountainous village, he relaxed his mind, spending a carefree month drinking. While intoxicated, he recalled taking the Spirit-Awakening Enlightenment Pill there, an experience that had laid the foundation for his current persona as a genius. For this kindness alone, he felt obligated to protect Qing Nü.

While in Qingshan Village, Chen Mobai naturally did not forget to offer incense at the Grand Void Temple. He wanted to see if the characters "Grand Void" held any hidden mysteries he was unaware of. Unfortunately, he still found nothing.

Before leaving Danxia City, Chen Mobai wished to visit True Lord Scarlet Robe. Without the True Lord's assistance with the Lamp Lighting Art, his transition to cultivating the Pure Yang Scripture would not have been so smooth. However, True Lord Scarlet Robe had been in seclusion for twenty years, and Chen Mobai was still unable to meet him.

With a sense of regret, Chen Mobai returned to Chicheng Grotto-heaven. Although Meng Huang'er had a mountaintop villa, Chen Mobai still opted for his humble two-story wooden house to keep their relationship private. He visited Che Yucheng at the Daoist Academy, who informed him that he had already contacted True Lord Shaoyang.

"You're fortunate. He has broken through to the fifth layer of the Golden Core stage and won't see further improvement in the short term, so he doesn't require such a high-grade spiritual leyline. Since you're also his nominal disciple, he readily agreed when I discussed it with him."

True Lord Shaoyang, Qin Beichen! Chen Mobai had almost forgotten that this was, in fact, his official mentor at the Daoist Academy. If it was True Lord Shaoyang's cultivation cave, it would naturally be ideal, especially since they practiced the same cultivation method.

"This won't interfere with his cultivation of the Pure Yang Dharma Body, will it?"

"He realized he wouldn't be able to cultivate the Nine Yang Body in his lifetime, so he abandoned the Pure Yang Scripture and has already switched to cultivating the Heaven-Burning Art." Che Yucheng's casual remark left Chen Mobai utterly stunned.

He just... gave up! After a century of effort, the Wuqi Daoist Academy's last Golden Core True Lord cultivating the Pure Yang Scripture had quietly retreated from his long and arduous practice.

"If you successfully form your Golden Core, the mantle of Pure Yang for our Daoist Academy will fall upon you."

Che Yucheng's words provided Chen Mobai with yet another compelling reason to succeed in his Golden Core formation.

"Approximately how much longer will True Lord Shaoyang remain in seclusion?"

"About two or three years. He has just switched cultivation methods and achieved a breakthrough, so he needs time to consolidate his realm. You will have to wait for him during this period."

"That's perfectly understandable."

During this waiting period, Chen Mobai began studying the Golden Core formation books. After spending six months thoroughly mastering them, he visited the Daoist Academy's library to review all relevant literature concerning Golden Core formation with the Pure Yang Scripture, ensuring he had a comprehensive understanding of the entire process. Nevertheless, since he was using the Two-Phase Art for his Golden Core formation, there might be subtle differences. He still needed to use his Formless Puppet to conduct further deductions. Throughout this period, Chen Mobai also made sure to use his Void Stone to expand his domain to its maximum extent. After all, successful Golden Core formation would allow his domain to expand tenfold in size.

Halfway through his second year of waiting for the Daoist Academy's cave-dwelling, Chen Mobai received another piece of good news. Meng Huang'er had finally broken through to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment after consuming the Minor Barrier-Breaking Pill.