Chapter 526: Changing the First Step in the Eastern Wasteland

After Chen Mobai finished explaining the principles of the Two-Phase Reversal Technique, Yue Zutao excitedly stood up, muttering repeatedly, "So that's it, so that's it..."

The Longevity Tree Fruits required a set of three to be fully effective. If Chen Mobai hadn't explained this, Yue Zutao would never have realized it in his lifetime. Furthermore, the method to break through the realm restrictions imposed by the Longevity Tree Fruits turned out to be the Two-Phase Technique, a revelation that made Yue Zutao marvel at the wisdom of the ancient cultivators.

However, the excited Yue Zutao quickly thought of a crucial issue and calmed down.

"Longevity-extending pills are far too precious," he said. "Over the years, despite my diligent collection efforts, I've barely managed to replenish about twenty years of my lifespan. If I were to consume a complete set of Longevity Tree Fruits, I might very well age rapidly."

In the Sky River Realm, pills were incredibly valuable, and those related to lifespan were the most prized. Over the years, Yue Zutao had taken one longevity-extending pill from within the sect and collected two more from external sources, yet he still hadn't fully made up for the forty years of lifespan he had lost. Without resolving this issue, even if a full set of Longevity Tree Fruits were placed before him, he wouldn't dare to consume them.

Chen Mobai said, "I've considered your situation for a long time, combining it with the legacy of the Longevity Sect. I've devised three strategies: a best option, a moderate option, and a last resort."

Upon hearing this, Yue Zutao increasingly felt that the Ancestor Chen before him was unfathomable. His attitude became even more respectful, and he first inquired about the best option.

Chen Mobai explained, "Among the twenty-four great arts of the Longevity Sect, the Longevity Art, I suspect, was created by ancient sages specifically for consuming the Longevity Tree Fruits. If you can master it, your lifespan will be a minor concern."

Yue Zutao responded, "The Longevity Art?! Then I'd also need to cultivate the Longevity Dao Physique, but I don't have enough Longevity Tree Sap." As he spoke, Yue Zutao recalled what Chu Zuoshu had told him: that Junior Sister Gu Yan had presented Ancestor Chen with a method for refining Longevity Tree Sap. He couldn't help but look up, filled with anticipation.

Chen Mobai replied, "Although theoretically, combining the Scripture of Eternal Youth and the Longevity Dao Physique could lead to mastering the Longevity Art, it requires reaching the Grand Completion of the Longevity Dao Physique, which even I haven't achieved." In other words, both the Scripture of Eternal Youth and the Longevity Dao Physique would need to reach the Nascent Soul realm, and even then, whether they could truly merge to form the Longevity Art was merely a conjecture. This was something True Monarch Yiyuan had split, and Ancestor Hunyuan had found it in a secret realm in Giant Tree Ridge. As for why True Monarch Yiyuan did this, it was said to be because the cultivation requirements for the Longevity Art were too demanding for future generations to achieve. Chen Mobai, lacking the Longevity Art himself, had no way of knowing how demanding these requirements truly were.

"What about the moderate option, then? Please, Sect Master, instruct me!" Yue Zutao humbly picked up the teapot and refilled Chen Mobai's cup.

"The moderate option involves abandoning the Scripture of Eternal Youth, which would naturally remove the restrictive power," Chen Mobai explained. "When you cultivate, I can have Zeng Woyou refine some pills to ensure your survival. With your talent and the sect's resources, it would be easy to re-cultivate to Foundation Establishment. However, forming a Core would essentially become impossible."

Hearing this, Yue Zutao showed a look of struggle. After a moment of hesitation, however, a faint longing to form a Core persisted in his heart. Deciding to face his true desires, he shook his head and asked Chen Mobai about the last resort.

"In that case, there's only one path left to take, a path of no return," Chen Mobai said. After taking a sip of the Snow Needle Immortal Bud tea, he began to describe this final, last-resort strategy.

"While collecting longevity-extending pills, you should also observe who in the sect obtains Longevity Tree Fruits from the Divine Tree Secret Realm," Chen Mobai instructed. "Once everything is ready, begin by consuming the Medium Fruit and the Large Fruit, then attempt to form your Core. Use the Two-Phase Technique to cycle and absorb the longevity spiritual power, thereby breaking the restriction of the Longevity Tree Fruits."

"It can only be this way!" Yue Zutao sighed. However, in his previously dim eyes, a glimmer of unprecedented hope had appeared. Compared to his previous resignation, he now at least saw a true light. Although it was very faint, it illuminated the path to a higher realm.

Chen Mobai then added, "But there's still another problem here; I wonder if you've noticed it."

Yue Zutao replied, "Sect Master, please enlighten me."

Chen Mobai explained, "The Two-Phase Technique's rotation sequence follows the Five Elements. This means if you need to neutralize the longevity spiritual power, you must cultivate a Fire-attributed cultivation method. However, your Fire spiritual root is, to put it mildly, inferior." Chen Mobai had once measured Yue Zutao's spiritual roots with a spiritual root testing device: he possessed dual-attribute true spiritual roots. His Wood spiritual root scored 57, which was exceptional; his Water spiritual root scored 27, which was decent; but his Fire spiritual root, though ranked third, only scored 12. If he were to use the Two-Phase Technique's rotation, even if Yue Zutao managed to cultivate a Fire-attributed method to Foundation Establishment Completion, it would be virtually impossible for him to successfully form a Core with such an inferior spiritual root.

"This... then what should I do?" Yue Zutao asked, completely at a loss.

"The restriction only applies to the longevity spiritual power," Chen Mobai clarified. "You don't need to operate the Two-Phase Technique with the hope of successfully forming a Core; merely neutralizing the effects of the Longevity Tree Fruits will count as a success. Therefore, you can take pills without regard for cost to boost your Fire-attributed cultivation method. After the Two-Phase rotation, you can then use a technique to disperse your cultivation and convert your Fire spiritual power into Earth spiritual power. Then, you will go through the entire cycle of the Five Elements in their creative sequence. After the final transformation, all impurities and pill toxins will also be neutralized, leaving only the purest Wood spiritual power. With this, you can then re-cultivate the Scripture of Eternal Youth and attempt to form your Core."

After Chen Mobai finished speaking, a faint flash of insight appeared in Yue Zutao's mind. He thought of the supreme cultivation method of the Five Elements Sect, and his expression drastically changed.

"Isn't this the Primordial Dao Fruit?!" The theory behind it was the rotation of the Five Elements leading to the unity of Primordial Chaos. However, the Divine Wood Sect had absolutely no inheritance for the specific cultivation method!

"The Primordial Dao Fruit requires cultivating all Five Element cultivation methods to their peak and fully grasping their true essence, then only through the final unity of the Five Elements can one possibly attain Primordial True Qi," Chen Mobai explained. "You don't need to do that. You merely need to follow the process of transforming the Five Element energies once, which is much simpler."

Although Zhou Shengqing had not been formally taught the Primordial Dao Fruit, the supreme method of the Five Elements Sect, he had often heard Ancestor Hunyuan elaborate on some of its principles during his cultivation. Later, when the sect split, Zhou Shengqing compiled these principles into a booklet. His original intention was to give future generations of the sect some understanding of the Primordial Dao Fruit, so that if someone with extraordinary talent from the Five Elements Sect ever truly mastered it, they would at least have some knowledge and a way to respond. After Chen Mobai formed his Core, all of the Divine Wood Sect's inheritances became accessible to him, naturally including this booklet. The Five Elements Dispersal Cultivation and Re-cultivation method he devised for Yue Zutao, when compared to the Primordial Dao Fruit, was like solving the same math problem: the former involved directly applying a formula to get the answer, while the latter required deriving the formula and calculating from scratch. It was a difference of heaven and earth!

"In that case, won't my lifespan be insufficient?" Yue Zutao asked, still concerned after hearing everything. Even after hearing everything, Yue Zutao felt that the comprehensive strategy Chen Mobai had devised for him was indeed the best, but he still harbored some worries.

"After consuming a complete set of Longevity Tree Fruits, the bottlenecks in your Dantian and Qi Sea will be broken," Chen Mobai explained. "This means that as long as you have enough pills and spiritual energy, you can easily cultivate any of the Five Element methods to Foundation Establishment Completion. Although you'll need to go through the Five Elements' creative cycle, which will take a lot of time, my estimation is that your remaining lifespan should just about be sufficient."

Chen Mobai's understanding of Five Element cultivation methods far surpassed anyone else's in the Divine Wood Sect. After all, his foundation was rooted in Five Element cultivation, and he had listened to Master Qingping's entire series of video lessons on Five Element cultivation, from Qi Condensation to Nascent Soul, more than a dozen times from beginning to end.

"Thank you for your guidance, Sect Master! This is a rebuilding grace. Should you have any commands, I would not dare to disobey!" After listening, Yue Zutao stood up and performed a deep bow towards Chen Mobai with the utmost respect.

"You have diligently guarded Beiyuan City in Yan Country for over a decade, and you fought alongside me on the front lines in the two great battles against Shaking Mountain Peak," Chen Mobai said. "It can be said that among all in the sect, your contributions are second only to mine. As I am now the Sect Master, I naturally won't mistreat anyone who has rendered meritorious service."

Chen Mobai's words stirred in Yue Zutao the impulse for a devoted retainer to die for his patron. At the same time, it reawakened the ambition that had been suppressed within him for decades. When he had previously resigned himself to fate, he believed his mental state was extremely elevated, allowing him to calmly observe the ebb and flow of events, indifferent to coming or going. But now, upon seeing the hope of breaking free from the restriction and ascending to a higher realm, Yue Zutao realized that deep down, he was still very unwilling to give up! One must remember, he was once the top true disciple, hailed as a genius with the potential to form a Core! If he hadn't consumed the Longevity Tree Fruits and if Chen Mobai hadn't appeared, he would undoubtedly have been the Divine Wood Sect's third-generation Sect Master after Chu Zuoshu. Figures like Hong He, Zhou Wangshen, and E Yun could not have been his rivals! The confidence and pride within Yue Zutao began to resurface at this moment. With a new goal, his entire demeanor transformed.

Chen Mobai then discussed the matter of the inner cabinet with him, explaining that it was an important lesson he learned during his advanced studies at the Heaven Mending Dao Academy: a leader requires an auxiliary body fully dedicated to implementing their will. Yue Zutao, being exceptionally intelligent and seasoned in his approach to affairs, quickly grasped the inner cabinet's purpose.

"Sect Master," Yue Zutao suggested, "I recommend inviting former Sect Master Meng into the inner cabinet as well. He commands great respect within the sect's Three Halls and Twelve Departments, and the inner cabinet shouldn't consist entirely of younger individuals."

Chen Mobai found this suggestion reasonable, but he wondered if Meng Hong would be willing. After all, he had already retired, had no hope of forming a Core, and spent his days happily fishing and playing chess. The inner cabinet was bound to clash with the Divine Wood Sect's traditions in the future, and Chen Mobai still preferred for him not to get involved.

"We could let him join with a nominal position for now, and have Junior Brother Muyuan handle the specific duties. I imagine former Sect Master Meng would be amenable to that," Yue Zutao suggested. Yue Zutao's words made Chen Mobai nod. Muyuan's talent was also exceptional; with proper guidance, he would at least not be inferior to Meng Hong or Chu Zuoshu.

The two discussed for a while longer, and Chen Mobai briefly revealed the reforms he intended to implement in the Divine Wood Sect and even across the entire Eastern Barrens in the future. Even with Yue Zutao's sharp intellect, he felt his scalp tingle upon hearing this. Yet, this was followed by an urge to witness and participate, to follow Chen Mobai in transforming the Eastern Barrens and leading the tide of history. Such grand plans meant that mediocrity would no longer be tolerated in their considerations.

"Junior Brother Xi Jinghuo has good talent, and he has always been extremely loyal to you, Sect Master," Yue Zutao suggested another candidate. "He could be a candidate for the inner cabinet." Chen Mobai nodded and entrusted him with the affairs of the inner cabinet. Chen Mobai had initially intended to include Yu Lian as well, but after reconsideration, he thought that Yu Lian's personality was rather gloomy, and he also needed a sharp sword in the shadows. It would be better to observe and temper him further.

After the six national guardians were confirmed, Chen Mobai, in his capacity as Sect Master, issued supplementary clauses to the first decree of the new policies. Guardians in each country could establish smaller versions of the Three Halls and Twelve Departments within their territories. These departments would be under the direct command of the guardian within their respective territories, and the guardian could select their leaders, but these appointments would require reporting to the sect for approval and record-keeping. Furthermore, these smaller Three Halls and Twelve Departments would be required to report on their duties annually to the main Three Halls and Twelve Departments of the sect and be subject to supervision. If conflicts arose between the guardian's orders and those of a superior department, the matter would be submitted to the Divine Wood Hall for a decision by him, the Sect Master, or the inner cabinet. Chen Mobai adapted the system of the Immortal Sect slightly and implemented it within the Divine Wood Sect. While ensuring that the powers of all parties were regulated and constrained, he also tried to provide the guardians with some powerful subordinates.

As a member of the Zhou family, Zhou Wangshen's connections became evident at this time. He directly recruited three Foundation Establishment cultivators within the sect to serve as the heads of the smaller Three Halls in Xiao Country, and many true disciples were willing to join him in leading the remaining Twelve Departments. Although E Yun had many friends, only Yuan Chiye, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, was willing to follow him to Yan Country. After all, news had spread that Xuan Shu had rebuilt the Southern Xuan Sect in Baose Mountain, making Yan Country the place where it was easiest to achieve merits, but also the most dangerous among the six national guardian posts. Should a war break out between the Divine Wood Sect and the Southern Xuan Sect, the Divine Wood Sect disciples stationed there would be in the most peril. As E Yun's supporter, Chen Mobai naturally couldn't let him be inferior to Zhou Wangshen. He used his connections to inquire with Qi Rui and Yu Lian. Both were direct subordinates of Chen Mobai. Upon hearing his request, they expressed their willingness to follow E Yun to Yan Country without hesitation. This way, the Foundation Establishment leaders for Yan Country's three smaller halls were assembled. The same applied to Hong He; the Punishing Evil Hall also arranged for three Foundation Establishment cultivators to accompany him to Yu Country. In truth, Hong He had initially wanted to refuse. His reason for choosing the furthest Yu Country was not fear of war, but rather his reluctance to participate in the competition for the Sect Master position. However, being within the sect, competition was inevitable. What Zhou Wangshen and E Yun had, he also needed.

In contrast, the other three guardians who had resigned from their deputy head positions in the Twelve Departments found themselves in a more awkward situation, as only one or two Foundation Establishment cultivators were willing to follow them. However, when it came to recruiting Qi Condensation cultivators, they were much more efficient, as many true disciples had originally been their subordinates.

"Once matters within the sect here have concluded, I will also lead a tour of your territories, and incidentally, visit the other sects in the Eastern Barrens," Chen Mobai stated as he bid farewell to the six. "I hope your achievements will satisfy me."

The matters within the sect, of course, referred to Zhou Shengqing forming his Nascent Soul. Afterwards, he would visit the Five Elements Sect, primarily to investigate the Guiyuan Sect in Ming Country, where his junior disciple had gone missing.