Chapter 532: Yellow Spring Soil

After Zhou Shengqing entered the Soul-Nourishing Wood, the bonsai emitted a lustrous, jade-like glow, as if it had been consecrated.

"The soil in this pot should be Netherworld Soil, but to ensure the Soul-Nourishing Wood can advance in rank, I think it's better to cultivate it in a place with dense Yin energy."

Listening to Fu Zongjue, Chen Mobai reached out and pinched a bit of the dark yellow soil from the pot. A wave of chilling Yin energy immediately surged from his fingertips, spreading throughout his body.

However, Chen Mobai's Pure Yang Scroll was impervious to such things.

The moment the Yin energy encountered the Pure Yang spiritual energy, it melted away like ice and snow, transforming into a wisp of black smoke that escaped from his fingertips.

"Solitary Soul Ridge is good," Zhou Shengqing offered. Although there were many places with dense Yin energy within the seven kingdoms under the Divine Wood Sect's dominion, the most suitable was undoubtedly the site of the Ethereal Stone mine discovered over a decade ago.

That place, a remote area in the Rain Kingdom, had been chosen by Daoist Fei Ming as a burial ground. Zhou Shengqing had personally investigated it and found that the deeper one went, the denser the Yin energy became.

Later, to excavate the Ethereal Stone mine, the Divine Wood Sect had even set up an array there to isolate the Yin energy; otherwise, ordinary mortals and Qi Cultivation disciples would not have been able to withstand it.

"This Netherworld Soil is fifth-tier and can sustain the Soul-Nourishing Wood for fifteen to twenty years," Fu Zongjue said again. "Solitary Soul Ridge can be a backup location for transplanting it when the time comes, but the ideal place would still be the Yellow Springs Road, if we can find it." Zhou Shengqing had just entered the Soul-Nourishing Wood and would certainly need their care for some time.

"After Master sealed the Yellow Springs Road with us back then, the spiritual talisman he left behind should have fallen into Zhou Ye's hands," Mo Douguang suddenly interjected.

Mo Douguang was delighted that Zhou Shengqing had a chance to survive, and even advance further, and was now contemplating how to assist him.

"The Five Elements Sect..." Hearing this, Chen Mobai and the others exchanged glances, knowing that if the Divine Wood Sect wished to advance, they would have to find a way to displace or reclaim control from the Five Elements Sect, the foremost power in the Eastern Barrens.

Chen Mobai said, "My disciple has excellent spiritual plant cultivation skills. Could she perhaps come and look after Senior Brother Zhou for now?" The Five Elements Sect was a later objective; the immediate priority was to care for Zhou Shengqing, whose soul was now solely reliant on the Soul-Nourishing Wood.

Although the Soul-Nourishing Wood was mysterious, it was still a spiritual plant. Moreover, it would need to ascend in rank in the future to facilitate the transformation into a Dharma Body Nascent Soul, thus requiring care from an exceptional spiritual plant cultivator.

"You mean Junior Niece Zhuo, who inherited your true teachings? She will be quite busy for a long time." Although Zhuo Ming's "Spiritual Connection with All Things" divine ability had not been widely publicized, her talent and skill in spiritual plant cultivation were well known among the upper echelons of the Divine Wood Sect. However, most people believed that Chen Mobai's skills in spiritual plant cultivation were superior, and that Zhuo Ming's achievements were due to her master's excellent guidance.

"Then I'll bring her over later. Senior Brother Zhou shouldn't reveal himself; just let her think she's caring for a precious spiritual plant." The fewer people who knew about the Dharma Body Nascent Soul, the better. It wasn't that Chen Mobai didn't trust Zhuo Ming, but she was a bit too naive. An unintentional leak could potentially ignite a major war.

A near fifth-tier Soul-Nourishing Wood, even if discovered by the three major sects of Eastern Yi, would be seized by any means necessary.

After all, a Dharma Body Nascent Soul was still a Nascent Soul, capable of crushing Golden Core cultivators.

After the matters were settled, Chen Mobai left to oversee the sect's affairs, accompanied by Fu Zongjue. It was the most tumultuous time for the Divine Wood Sect, so it was better for them to appear together.

Mo Douguang, meanwhile, stayed behind to converse with Zhou Shengqing, who had transformed into a soul state.

"Senior Brother Zhou used a secret art to kill the invading enemies, but he himself was greatly weakened and requires prolonged secluded cultivation for recovery..." Inside the Divine Wood Hall, Chen Mobai spoke the pre-arranged narrative.

In the eyes of outsiders, Zhou Shengqing had failed in his Nascent Soul breakthrough and was doomed to die.

However, he had just used the Reverse Longevity Art, demonstrating overwhelming power by slaying five Golden Core cultivators, a clear sign of a Nascent Soul realm cultivator.

Chen Mobai's words were intended to confuse opponents about whether Zhou Shengqing was truly dead or alive. After this great battle, it was unlikely any Golden Core cultivator would dare to come to Giant Wood Ridge to test the truth.

True or false, the goal was simply to instill apprehension in those with ulterior motives concerning the Divine Wood Sect.

One thing was certain, however: the corpses of five Golden Core cultivators would make the Divine Wood Sect's territory a forbidden zone for all high-level cultivators for some time.

Upon hearing this, Patriarch Jinfeng of the Xuanyao Dao Palace in Eastern Yi would likely be even more reluctant to venture into the Eastern Barrens.

In truth, some sect cultivators, led by Chu Zuochu, had already guessed the "death" of Zhou Shengqing, but outwardly, they had to pretend to believe Chen Mobai's words and insist that Zhou Shengqing was merely gravely injured and in secluded cultivation.

At least externally, and to the lower-level Qi Cultivation disciples of the sect, this narrative had to be maintained.

The Divine Wood Sect still had three Golden Core patriarchs!

No simpleton present would directly ask if Zhou Shengqing had successfully formed a Nascent Soul.

"All sect affairs will proceed as usual. Disciples who retreated during the war will have their crimes confirmed by the Hall of Punishment, their cultivation sealed, and then they will be sent to the three northern kingdoms to mine. For those who escaped via teleportation arrays, a warrant will be issued, and the Hall of Punishment will dispatch people to pursue and apprehend them, with orders to kill on sight if resisted."

The newly acquired Yan, Xiao, and Hong Kingdoms, though possessing barren soil unsuitable for green vegetation, were rich in minerals. Qi Cultivation cultivators had far stronger physiques than mortals, and with a little training, they would be excellent miners.

Upon hearing this, Quan Shanlin, the Deputy Hall Master of the Hall of Punishment, exchanged a glance with Fu Zongjue and immediately left, radiating a murderous aura, to carry out the orders.

The news of Zhou Shengqing slaying five Golden Core cultivators quickly spread throughout the Eastern Barrens, astonishing and aweing all cultivators. Many even believed that Zhou Shengqing had successfully formed a Nascent Soul.

Upon hearing this news, the Five Elements Sect, Rebirth Valley, and Snowfall Palace were all shaken. Several Golden Core cultivators immediately inquired about it, and some even sent representatives directly to Giant Wood Ridge for condolences and to probe the situation.

It was still the same three familiar faces. Chen Mobai only met with Xue Ting once, then sent Yue Zutao to deal with the other two.

"Ming'er, can you communicate with this spiritual plant?" After handling the sect's affairs, Chen Mobai brought Zhuo Ming to the location of the Soul-Nourishing Wood. The latter nodded and approached, beginning to attempt communication.

"Wait, this spiritual plant is a cold object from the netherworld. Take this mirror," Chen Mobai interjected, seeing Zhuo Ming's eagerness. He placed the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror in her palm to prevent her from being harmed by the Soul-Nourishing Wood's Yin energy.

"Yes, Master." Zhuo Ming walked over with the mirror, closed her eyes, and reached out to touch a branch of the Soul-Nourishing Wood. In a short while, she released her hand, her face pale. Had it not been for the Six Yang Divine Fire Mirror, she would likely have suffered Yin energy invasion and depletion of vital energy.

"Its rank is too high, and it's not cultivated on the earth veins of Mount Xiaonan, so I can't communicate with it for now," Zhuo Ming admitted honestly. Chen Mobai nodded; the result was within his expectations.

"The soil in this pot is fifth-tier Netherworld Soil. Such high-grade spiritual soil will be very beneficial for your Earth Mother cultivation," Chen Mobai explained. "Whenever you have time, come and try to communicate with it. I will imbue a stream of spiritual energy into your body using the Lamp Lighting Art to ensure your safety during contact." Chen Mobai asked Zhuo Ming for help not only because her "Spiritual Connection with All Things" divine ability could aid the Soul-Nourishing Wood in advancing, but also because fifth-tier spiritual soil was extremely rare.

Even in the Divine Tree Secret Realm, only fourth-tier Longevity Soil could be obtained.

Zhuo Ming's Earth Mother cultivation required her to absorb the essence of myriad spiritual soils to form the Mother Qi of All Things, enabling her to nurture and cultivate various spiritual plants in the world.

This pot of fifth-tier Netherworld Soil was more precious to her than any spiritual elixir, wondrous medicine, or heavenly material.

"Thank you, Master." After channeling Pure Yang spiritual energy into Zhuo Ming, Chen Mobai also purged all remaining cold energy from her body, leaving her round face rosy and her spirit refreshed.

"Junior Brother Chen, would you mind if I teach your disciple?" After Zhuo Ming left, Zhou Shengqing's ethereal image emerged from the Soul-Nourishing Wood. He asked a question that surprised Chen Mobai.

"Ming'er's cultivation technique is different from Senior Brother Zhou's, but if Senior Brother is willing to offer guidance, I would be immensely grateful." Regardless, Zhou Shengqing was a grand cultivator who had stepped into the Nascent Soul realm. Even if his teaching ability was not as good as Chen Mobai's, his cultivation experience certainly far surpassed his. His willingness to teach Zhuo Ming was undoubtedly a good thing.

"I cannot move while in the Soul-Nourishing Wood, and the days ahead will certainly be lonely. Having a disciple to teach will be a diversion and help pass the time." Chen Mobai nodded and expressed his gratitude to Zhou Shengqing.

"Ming'er is a little slow sometimes and asks many questions. Senior Brother Zhou, please be patient with her in the future."

Zhou Shengqing waved his hand, saying that if he spent a hundred years teaching one person, no matter how dull they were, he could mold them into a talent like Meng Hong or Chu Zuochu. He, however, did not know that these were Chen Mobai's modest words.

After staying for half a month and confirming that Zhou Shengqing's soul state had adapted, Mo Douguang also prepared to leave.

Chen Mobai and Fu Zongjue personally escorted him to the teleportation array, bringing the Soul-Nourishing Wood bonsai with them.

At that moment, another piece of good news arrived.

It was sent by E Yun, the protector of Yan Kingdom, who confirmed through his informants that Xuan Shu of the Southern Profound Sect had not returned to Baose Mountain after fleeing Giant Wood Ridge.

This meant that the Southern Profound Sect currently had no Golden Core cultivator overseeing it.

"As we discussed earlier, we will gradually erode the Southern Profound Sect's market share. Once he achieves results there, it will be legitimate for me to support him as sect master after I abdicate." The one who delivered this news was Yu Lian, whom Chen Mobai trusted greatly. After giving a few instructions, he also specifically wrote a letter for Yu Lian to take to E Yun.

"When Xuan Shu escaped, he was gravely wounded by a strike of my Longevity True Qi. Given his cultivation, suppressing and expelling it would be very troublesome. He's likely returned to Xuanyao Dao Palace to seek help from Patriarch Jinfeng," Zhou Shengqing offered his thoughts after hearing about the matter.

After employing the Reverse Longevity Art, his strength was so formidable that he would not fear even Patriarch Jinfeng. Although Xuan Shu had escaped from him, he had not gotten away unscathed.

The Longevity True Qi's combat effectiveness was average, but its lingering effects were prolonged. At that time, it was a fourth-tier ability, and given Xuan Shu's cultivation, without heavenly materials or earthly treasures, it was most likely that he left the Eastern Barrens to heal first.

"Let him live a bit longer for now; I'll deal with him once my cultivation breaks through," Chen Mobai said calmly. Zhou Shengqing and Fu Zongjue both found this perfectly natural, as sword cultivators were invincible at the same cultivation level.

Especially when it was a peerless sword Dao genius like Chen Mobai.

"Junior Niece Zeng has confirmed it; those three pills are indeed Blood Spirit Pills. I wonder where a mere rogue cultivator obtained such precious elixirs." After discussing Xuan Shu, Fu Zongjue produced the pills Zhou Shengqing had obtained from his slain enemies.

These Blood Spirit Pills were used by Golden Core cultivators in the Heavenly River Realm to break through bottlenecks, equivalent to an upgraded version of the Grand Barrier-Breaking Pills from the Immortal Sects.

Although Chen Mobai did not advocate taking pills to enhance cultivation, he believed they could be used as an aid when breaking through bottlenecks.

Coincidentally, Fu Zongjue had been stuck at the peak of the early Golden Core stage for decades, and these Blood Spirit Pills were perfectly suited for him.

"Senior Brother Fu, please take all of them; don't save any for me." Chen Mobai generously gave all three Blood Spirit Pills to Fu Zongjue. Although he possessed the Lamp Lighting Art to neutralize pill toxins, it was generally better not to take pills from the Heavenly River Realm if possible.

Fu Zongjue did not decline; the Divine Wood Sect needed him to step up.

Whether it was due to pressure or simply reaching his destined stage, Fu Zongjue successfully broke through to the middle Golden Core stage after taking just one Blood Spirit Pill.

After consolidating his realm, he emerged from seclusion, full of vigor and high spirits.

"Junior Brother Chen, I no longer need these two Blood Spirit Pills; you can have them all." Blood Spirit Pills were very effective for breaking through the bottleneck from the early to middle stages, but almost useless for the middle to late stages. Therefore, after Fu Zongjue's breakthrough, he gave the remaining pills to Chen Mobai.

Chen Mobai did not refuse, accepting them for now, intending to ask Qing Nü to help appraise them later.

"Sect Master, I have decided to go to Golden Crow Immortal City." On this day, Chu Zuochu came to pay his respects and stated his decision.

Similar to when Chen Mobai formed his Golden Core, Fu Zongjue and Zhou Shengqing intended for him to go to Golden Crow Immortal City. While keeping a low profile, he was also to see if he could establish a channel for the sect there.

"Alright, take these with you. If you encounter any problems you can't solve, find a rogue Golden Core cultivator named Hu Yan Zhengli; we have a good relationship," Fu Zongjue said, handing Chu Zuochu a token.

"Didn't they say Patriarch Hunyuan had a good relationship with the Nascent Soul Patriarch of Sunken Sea of Bathing? Why not visit him when you go to Golden Crow Immortal City?" Chen Mobai asked, somewhat surprised, after Chu Zuochu had left.

"He was Master's friend, but we are not Master; we are merely his disciples, and only Golden Core cultivators at that," Zhou Shengqing replied. "Besides, Zhou Ye is the one who inherited Master's legacy. We are considered rebels. It would be good if Patriarch Baiwu didn't scold us if we went to see him." Zhou Shengqing's words made Chen Mobai realize something once again.

Only by being strong oneself could one be truly strong.