Chapter 544: The Origin of Qingnv

For the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect, there wasn't much that could still capture their interest.

However, the secret technique for becoming a Deity Transformation cultivator from the Huakaiyuan was undoubtedly one such thing.

If this Azure Jade Parasol tree was truly related to it, then in the eyes of the Immortal Sect's higher-ups, the spiritual plant's status would likely rise to a level comparable to a fifth-tier treasure.

Chen Mobai asked, "Is Senior Tao Hua here for this reason?"

Lan Haitien replied, "We cannot presume to understand the Senior's thoughts; we simply need to cooperate with her actions."

Chen Mobai nodded upon hearing this. The sooner this matter was resolved, the better it would be for him.

That way, Danxia City could return to peace, and he could continue to maintain a low profile in Yumu City, focusing on developing and exploring the Tianhe Realm.

Chen Mobai then asked, "By the way, I've always heard about the 'disintegration and reincarnation' method among the ancient evil orthodoxies. What exactly is its principle? How was the Huakaiyuan Master able to reincarnate as Shi Qing?"

Chen Mobai had been curious about this for a long time. However, information about forbidden techniques related to ancient evil orthodoxies was impossible to find within the Immortal Sect. Now that he had encountered the rare example of the Huakaiyuan Master, it was a good opportunity to consult an expert.

Lan Haitien explained, "So-called 'disintegration and reincarnation' involves destroying one's original body, causing the soul and divine consciousness to leave the body. After breaking free from the physical constraints, one finds a pre-prepared pregnant woman and enters the fetus, thereby living another life."

Chen Mobai was astonished upon hearing this. "In that case, wouldn't the powerful cultivators of the ancient evil orthodoxies be able to use this disintegration and reincarnation technique to live forever, never dying in the mortal world?"

"That's not how it works," Lan Haitien shook his head, beginning to explain in detail to Chen Mobai. "Disintegration and reincarnation also have many limitations; they cannot escape the cycle of heaven and earth."

"A person's lifespan depends on two aspects: spirit and body. While the physical body can return to its peak through reincarnation, the soul and divine consciousness cannot escape the innate limitations of their destined lifespan."

"For example, the Huakaiyuan Master had a lifespan of a thousand years, but at five hundred years old, her physical body was shattered and she died after being captured by the Kaiyuan Hall Master. She reincarnated as Shi Qing through disintegration, but this new life's lifespan will be at most five hundred years."

"When that time comes, even if the Huakaiyuan Master's physical body is still at its peak, her soul will have to enter reincarnation because it has reached its lifespan limit."

"Initially, this disintegration and reincarnation technique was merely a last resort for ancient orthodoxies to avoid calamity when their Dao bodies collapsed. However, it was later discovered by some that it could be used to reshape incomplete foundations, leading to its widespread popularity."

After listening to Lan Haitien's detailed explanation of the disintegration and reincarnation technique, Chen Mobai's face showed a realization.

So there were many restrictions.

He had been thinking that if infinite disintegrations were possible, with cultivators reaching the Nascent Soul stage reincarnating continuously for over six thousand years in the Immortal Sect, there would likely be at least a hundred Nascent Soul cultivators by now.

Not to mention Deity Transformation cultivators.

If that were the case, even ten more resources from the Geomantic Star wouldn't be enough.

"So, is this disintegration and reincarnation technique widely used within the Immortal Sect?"

Chen Mobai hesitated for a moment but still asked the question.

Although the disintegration and reincarnation technique had many restrictions, it offered a chance for cultivators whose bodies were old and decaying.

After all, the probability of breakthrough was much higher when one's physical body, vital energy, and essence were at their peak, compared to when one was old.

If a Nascent Soul cultivator were to disintegrate and cultivate again, inheriting the legacy of their previous life, they would likely quickly return to their former realm, and might even compensate for foundational flaws from their previous life. Attempting to break through to the Deity Transformation stage again would certainly have a higher success rate.

"I can only say it exists, but it's not common."

Chen Mobai had saved Lan Haitien's life, so the latter shared what he knew in response to his questions.

"After the Immortal Sect destroyed most of the ancient evil orthodoxies, it also obtained the complete disintegration and reincarnation technique. Detailed research revealed that if one reincarnated into an unformed embryo, there would be a 'mystery of the womb,' but this second-life body would have no barriers and could perfectly integrate with the soul and spiritual consciousness."

"However, to avoid the 'mystery of the womb,' one would need to enter the body of an already formed infant within the mother. But this would also be equivalent to preventing the birth of a newborn, and in addition to generating karmic sin, there would be a high probability of discord between the spiritual consciousness and the physical body."

"The Immortal Sect prohibits direct transmigration and possession of infants but permits reincarnation into embryos. Many Seniors who died during the pioneering wars were granted permission for disintegration and reincarnation because of this."

"Among these, many Seniors were unable to break through the 'mystery of the womb,' but under the guidance of the Immortal Sect, they could live peacefully until the end of their remaining lifespan."

"Of course, there were also a very few exceptional individuals whose aptitude and comprehension improved after reincarnation. Even without awakening their past life memories, they cultivated to a higher realm than their previous life."

Chen Mobai was greatly surprised after hearing Lan Haitien's words.

This disintegration and reincarnation technique could only be performed by Nascent Soul Seniors, and the only realm higher than Nascent Soul was Deity Transformation.

"Which Venerable Ancestor might that be?"

He asked, filled with curiosity.

"It was True Monarch Taiyuan. However, even with this example, among the Immortal Sect's upper echelons, disintegration and reincarnation is only chosen under desperate circumstances."

Chen Mobai understood this logic very well.

After all, under the Immortal Sect's restrictions, the 'mystery of the womb' could very likely hinder their achievements in the second life.

Even with the help of family, old friends, or disciples, it was uncertain whether they could cultivate to the Nascent Soul realm a second time if they had to start cultivating from scratch without memories.

Furthermore, obtaining resources for forming a Nascent Soul within the Immortal Sect was extremely difficult.

"Thank you for clarifying, Brother Lan."

At this point, Chen Mobai had understood everything about the disintegration and reincarnation technique, and he couldn't help but thank Lan Haitien.

"If you were to join the Zhengtian Hall, this information would also be open to you," Lan Haitien said, surprising Chen Mobai.

"The Zhengtian Hall shouldn't be short on people, should it? Why are you also recruiting, Brother Lan?"

First Gongsun Jielu, now Lan Haitien – Chen Mobai truly hadn't realized he was so popular.

"We're not short on ordinary people, but we lack combat geniuses like you, Brother Chen," Lan Haitien said frankly. "Although Yu Tianguang was possessed by the Divine Imperial Pavilion Master, his high evaluation of your combat prowess was truly well-deserved."

Lan Haitien spoke candidly. As the Zhengtian Hall, which governed two of the Immortal Sect's main forces, it should theoretically recruit all combat geniuses within the sect.

Regarding Chen Mobai, Lan Haitien had already taken notice of him during the Danxia City entrance examination.

After Chen Mobai attained Dao insight and formed his Golden Core, his profile was submitted to Gongsun Jielu and Senior Shui Xian.

After he slew the Huakaiyuan Master, Chen Mobai's personal file was upgraded again and had been personally reviewed by the Zhengtian Hall Master.

After reviewing it, the Zhengtian Hall Master said many things.

The subordinates summarized it into one sentence and relayed it to Lan Haitien:

"Why isn't such an incredibly formidable combat genius in the Zhengtian Hall?"

So Lan Haitien had come.

"I still prefer a bit more tranquility."

Chen Mobai naturally politely declined.

"With your talent, Brother Chen, if you were to join our Zhengtian Hall and become a Vice Hall Master, acquiring a Nascent Soul-forming spiritual item would certainly be no problem. Would you like to reconsider?"

Lan Haitien made a final effort.

"The Immortal Sect is a place where seniority matters. Although Senior Shui Xian, the Vice Hall Master of Zhengtian Hall, has already formed her Nascent Soul, there are still Gongsun Jielu and your Butian Group's general leader waiting in line. After they acquire their Nascent Soul-forming spiritual items, I might still need to compete with you, which would be too exhausting and time-consuming, and not what I desire."

Chen Mobai gave a reason. After hearing it, Lan Haitien's eyes held an unreadable emotion.

"Brother Chen is unwilling to compete with me; I am very grateful."

After forming his Golden Core, Lan Haitien naturally harbored ambitions for the Nascent Soul-forming spiritual items of the Zhengtian Hall.

In the past, although he was humble in demeanor, he possessed an inner arrogance that looked down on all.

He believed that no one in the Immortal Sect could compete with him in this regard.

However, after witnessing Chen Mobai slay the Huakaiyuan Master with three swords, he knew that his rival had appeared.

If Chen Mobai were truly willing to join the Zhengtian Hall, a hundred years from now, they might indeed engage in fierce competition for the Nascent Soul-forming spiritual item.

But inviting him to join was the Zhengtian Hall Master's will, conveyed personally by the Butian Group's general leader, so Lan Haitien had no choice but to come.

Fortunately, Chen Mobai remained unwavering and had no intention of emerging from his quiet cultivation.

This made Lan Haitien feel both emotional and extremely grateful.

"Brother Lan also helped me a great deal when I was establishing my foundation; there's no need to be polite."

Whether it was the matter of Xiao Chitian, or Lan Haitien still answering Chen Mobai's questions even after forming his Golden Core, Chen Mobai remembered all of it.

"In that case, Brother Chen, there is one more thing I need to tell you. I hope you're prepared."

At this moment, Lan Haitien suddenly spoke with a solemn expression, and Chen Mobai's demeanor also grew serious. He thought perhaps Lan Haitien had captured many individuals connected to the Ascension Sect while clearing out Danxia City and was about to go on a killing spree.

Lan Haitien asked, "How much do you know about Qing Nü's matter?"

Chen Mobai exclaimed, "Oh!"

Chen Mobai really hadn't expected Lan Haitien to bring this up. It was then that he remembered Lan Haitien had arrived much earlier but had only revealed himself after Qing Nü had left.

Was this the important matter he had come to discuss today?

Chen Mobai replied, "I only know that she looks exactly like Master Xin Ji's daughter, and the mastermind behind it must be some significant figure from the Immortal Sect's upper echelons."

Lan Haitien nodded slightly upon hearing this. He even activated his domain, preventing anyone from overhearing his subsequent words.

Lan Haitien continued, "The experiment conducted in Yumu City forty years ago was called the 'Immortal Sprout Cultivation and Modulation Project.' Its ostensible purpose was to assist cultivators in the Immortal Sect who had suffered physical damage or loss due to cultivation accidents or other incidents."

Immortal Sprout Cultivation and Modulation Project!

Chen Mobai's face filled with confusion upon hearing this. This had nothing to do with Qing Nü or them, did it?

Lan Haitien explained, "Using genetic bionic technology, they cloned and modulated arms or parts of internal organs needed by cultivators to replace damaged parts in their bodies. It was originally intended for medical purposes. However, beneath the surface of this project, Master Xin Ji was actually cloning and cultivating complete human beings to resurrect his daughter."

Lan Haitien added, "The Immortal Sect's upper echelons who supported Master Xin Ji were doing so to obtain a reincarnation body that would allow them to avoid the 'mystery of the womb,' bypass karmic sin, and circumvent Immortal Sect laws when undergoing disintegration and reincarnation."

Lan Haitien concluded, "Moreover, the human embryos modulated in this way could be used to attempt to optimize spiritual root talent at the genetic level. If a reincarnated body could be ensured to possess a Heavenly Spiritual Root, then without the 'mystery of the womb,' with the essence of a Nascent Soul Senior, and combined with the Immortal Sect's resources, it's estimated that they could return to their original realm within sixty years."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai's expression changed drastically.

He finally understood why that laboratory contained individuals like Qing Nü with Heavenly Spiritual Roots, and even rare elemental spiritual roots like Wind Spiritual Root and Dark Spiritual Root.

It turned out that the original purpose of this experiment was to create infant embryos with extraordinary talent for the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect to undergo disintegration and reincarnation.

"Who is it?"

Chen Mobai forced himself to calm down. He looked up at Lan Haitien and asked coldly.

Although not explicitly stated, Lan Haitien knew he was asking who among the Immortal Sect's higher-ups was supporting this experiment.

"I don't know that either," Lan Haitien shook his head. "I can only access the 'Immortal Sprout Cultivation and Modulation Project' archives up to this point. Any further information is only accessible to the three Hall Masters or their Vice Hall Masters."

Lan Haitien shook his head, but his words already revealed crucial information.

The mastermind behind the 'Immortal Sprout Cultivation and Modulation Project' was likely at least a Vice Hall Master or higher in the Immortal Sect.

Perhaps even... one of the three Hall Masters!

Chen Mobai couldn't help but recall his meeting with Kong Feichen at the Jumang Daoist Academy, where Kong Feichen said that their tragic childhoods stemmed from the three Hall Masters of the Immortal Sect.

Where did he find that out?

Was the Ascension Sect also involved, or were there members of the Ascension Sect among the Immortal Sect's high-ranking officials?

Lan Haitien told Chen Mobai about this because, given his current realm and strength, he was now considered qualified to know.

After all, he also had a profound background and was considered the future successor of the Wuqi Daoist Academy.

The problem was that two of the Immortal Sect's three Hall Masters were from the Butian Daoist Academy. This meant that if this matter were to be thoroughly investigated in the future, it would very likely confront the Immortal Sect's largest faction.

Fortunately, although their Wuqi Daoist Academy only had two Nascent Soul cultivators, they possessed a Deity Transformation Ancestor, Ancestor Bai Guang. If conflicts with the Butian Daoist Academy truly arose in the future, they wouldn't be entirely defenseless.

At this thought, Chen Mobai suddenly realized something else!

Back at the Shan Hai Academy, Hao Cao had said he encountered the reincarnated body of Ancestor Bai Guang!

And it hadn't even awakened its own consciousness!

Combining this with what Lan Haitien had just said about disintegration and reincarnation, Chen Mobai's eyes widened, and he gasped sharply.

"What's wrong?"

Lan Haitien asked, puzzled by Chen Mobai's expression.

"Nothing, I'm just a bit shocked after suddenly learning the truth of the matter!"