Chapter 1006: All in the Palm of the Hand

“This matter could only be settled if the Sect Master personally intervened, but he is such an eminent figure; how could he possibly concern himself with such trivialities?”

Even after declining any personal gain, O Yun did not forget his primary objective.

A collective sigh went through the group. Hearing him, everyone despaired, knowing there was no way any of them could get Chen Mobai to personally intervene.

After waiting a moment, O Yun saw the general despondency. He subtly winked at one of the Foundation Establishment ancestors from an immortal cultivation family, who immediately caught on.

“Is there truly no other way?” asked Liu Jingxian, the elder ancestor of the Liu family. “Please, Daoist O, point us towards a solution.” Due to the exceptional talent of Liu Wenbai, who became the Eldest Disciple of Small Southern Mountain, the Liu family had prospered in recent years. Relying on the ‘Three Treasures of Foundation Establishment,’ they had produced five new Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, Liu Jingxian was old and nearing the end of his life. Through Liu Wenbai's connections, he had acquired numerous elixirs from the Danxia Pavilion, which had elevated his cultivation to the peak of Foundation Establishment. He now yearned to attempt Core Formation. Yet, Core Formation elixirs were beyond Liu Wenbai’s reach; even the Five Elements Sect itself previously lacked sufficient supply for its own disciples. When Chen Mobai released four pills this time, Liu Jingxian, despite Liu Wenbai’s assistance, still couldn’t outcompete others. Realizing he had few years left and that his sole regret would be never attempting Core Formation, Liu Jingxian once more implored Liu Wenbai. Liu Wenbai recalled that his family’s crucial support had enabled him to become Chen Mobai’s disciple. Out of gratitude, he conceived of a potential opportunity and introduced Liu Jingxian to O Yun, the acting Sect Master.

As Chen Mobai's eldest disciple, Liu Wenbai was privy to many of his master's concerns. One particular issue had long weighed on Chen Mobai’s mind, though its intricate nature had led him to defer its resolution. However, the recent aftermath of the Golden Liquid Returning Elixir auction at the North Abyss Conference presented Liu Wenbai with what he saw as a prime opportunity.

This opportunity concerned the consolidation of spirit veins in the Eastern Barrens that had not yet fallen under the Five Elements Sect’s control.

Over the past decades, with Chen Mobai’s profound spiritual perception extending across heaven and earth, all previously undiscovered and undeveloped spirit veins in the Eastern Barrens had been located and claimed by the Five Elements Sect. While these veins were masterless, their presence within the Eastern Barrens' territory made them inherently belonging to the Five Elements Sect. This collection included seven fourth-tier spirit veins, twenty-six third-tier, one hundred forty-seven second-tier, six hundred fifty-six first-tier, and thousands more of unranked yet faintly spiritual ones.

After locating all these spirit veins, Chen Mobai meticulously integrated each into the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array by placing array plates and flags. He personally attended to the high-tier spirit veins, as their cores contained precious natural treasures of corresponding grades. For the lower-tier spirit veins, he assigned disciples from the Five Elements Sect’s Spirit Vein and Array Formation departments.

In earlier times, the Five Elements Sect possessed fewer elite cultivators, leading most of the spirit veins discovered by Chen Mobai to remain dormant. Back then, Foundation Establishment cultivators with good connections or strong backgrounds could even claim third-tier spirit veins as their personal cultivation grounds or estates. For Core Formation cultivators, it was even more lenient; they had their pick of fourth-tier spirit veins. Under the unified spiritual energy transmission of the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array, Yin Qingmei’s Six Armored Mountain, Luo Yixuan’s Cold Jade Lake, and Jiang Zongheng’s Loquat Valley were now even on the verge of ascending to high-grade fourth-tier spirit veins.

Now, however, the situation was different. Core Formation cultivators were limited to choosing third-tier spirit veins at most, and some outer path Golden Core cultivators of average standing were even restricted to low-grade third-tier veins. Previously, the Five Elements Sect allocated fourth-tier cave dwellings in North Abyss City to Core Formation cultivators; now, these were uniformly downgraded, allowing them only to select third-tier dwellings and disallowing any choice of specific residences within North Abyss City. Nevertheless, compared to Foundation Establishment cultivators, Core Formation cultivators were still assigned at least one residence and a spirit vein estate by the sect.

Over the past several decades, with the widespread availability of the ‘Three Treasures of Foundation Establishment,’ the Five Elements Sect experienced an explosive growth in its Foundation Establishment cultivators. Consequently, newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivators now only received second-tier cave dwellings in remote suburban cities, with the previous benefit of second-tier spirit vein estates being directly abolished.

For a Five Elements Sect disciple, possessing a cultivation ground or private estate made for a vastly different life. Although these estates nominally belonged to the Five Elements Sect, the spiritual and medicinal fields cultivated within them, along with any spirit beasts raised, were the responsibility of the assigned disciples. If managed proficiently, the annual profits they could earn might even surpass their fundamental welfare benefits.

Han Zhiling served as the most striking example. Despite being a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she occupied the Celestial Roc Mountain estate, a fourth-tier spirit vein. Even receiving just one percent of its annual profit yielded her thousands of spirit stones. This situation drew considerable murmurs of discontent from many Five Elements Sect cultivators, including even some Core Formation cultivators who were unable to secure a fourth-tier spirit vein for themselves.

However, during every conference of the Three Halls and Twelve Departments, no one dared to raise the issue. Everyone was well aware of Han Zhiling’s background: she was the sole direct descendant of Zhuo Ming, a future Nascent Soul cultivator of the Five Elements Sect, and the third-generation eldest disciple of the Small Southern Mountain lineage. Moreover, her presence at the Celestial Roc Mountain estate was specifically to assist Chen Mobai in tending to the ancient five-cornered maple tree. Even the other Nascent Soul cultivators of the Five Elements Sect would greet Han Zhiling warmly upon seeing her.

By this time, no spirit veins remained idle or unoccupied within the Five Elements Sect’s territory in the Eastern Barrens. The reach of the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array had also expanded to an unprecedented scale. Nevertheless, certain spirit veins in the Eastern Barrens still remained outside the Five Elements Sect’s direct control, belonging instead to the local immortal cultivation families and various sect forces.

Chen Mobai, aiming to embody the nine virtues, found it improper to resort to brute force. Instead, he required these powers to willingly relinquish control of their spirit veins. This dilemma troubled him greatly. Upon learning of his predicament, O Yun and Liu Wenbai, considering the local circumstances, devised a strategic plan.

“The decade-long war between righteous and demonic cultivators was incredibly brutal,” O Yun began. “To prevent our Eastern Barrens from facing an untenable situation like Eastern Wu’s in the future, the Sect Master has been tirelessly working to establish a colossal array that will encompass the entire region and harness all its spirit veins. While our sect’s spirit veins are largely integrated, those under your families’ control remain outside the array’s scope. Should another major war erupt, or if demonic beasts surge forth from the desolate ruins, your families might be left vulnerable and forced to fend for yourselves.” He continued, “The Sect Master is compassionate and would surely not wish for such a scenario. I will entreat him on your behalf, explaining that you are willing to voluntarily offer control of your family’s spirit veins for integration into the array using our plates and flags. This would not only perfect the Eastern Barrens Grand Array, thereby protecting all of you, but might also deeply gratify the Sect Master, potentially prompting him to open a special channel for you to exchange for Core Formation elixirs.”

When O Yun finished speaking, most of the Foundation Establishment cultivators present exchanged bewildered glances. What exactly did he mean? Were they being asked to *beg* to surrender control of their family spirit veins? It felt utterly shameless!

Just as everyone’s expressions hardened and they prepared to excuse themselves, Liu Jingxian spoke up once more.

“If our family’s spirit veins are integrated with your array plates and flags, will they then fall under your esteemed sect’s control, no longer belonging to us?” Liu Jingxian inquired. O Yun immediately shook his head, delivering his prepared response: “Our Five Elements Sect simply aims to provide the safest possible environment for all cultivators within the Eastern Barrens. Our control over your spirit veins is solely for the perfection of the grand array.” He continued, “Rest assured, I guarantee that these array plates and flags are solely for the purpose of constructing the formation; ownership of the spirit veins will remain with your respective families. However, during times of war, for the array’s security, we will proactively assume control of all spirit veins within the Eastern Barrens. But by then, I believe you would actively request the Five Elements Sect’s protection!”

Following O Yun’s words, several Foundation Establishment cultivators displayed hesitation. They understood clearly that O Yun, as the acting Sect Master of the Five Elements Sect, uttering such statements signified the sect’s readiness to push this initiative forward. Even if all present combined their strength, it would amount to less than one percent of the Five Elements Sect’s power. Had it not been for the Five Elements Sect’s deeply established reputation for adhering to rules under Chen Mobai’s leadership over the years, they would likely have been making preparations to flee upon hearing this news.

“I am willing to offer the Liu family’s spirit vein,” Liu Jingxian announced, seizing the moment. “Might this allow me to request a Core Formation elixir from your esteemed sect?”

“I can only report this matter to the Sect Master once the majority of you agree,” O Yun stated. “You must understand, refining a single batch of Core Formation elixirs demands an immense quantity of precious ingredients. Are you familiar with the Five Elements Spirit Fruit? It’s the primary ingredient, and even the great sacred lands of the Eastern Continent do not possess it. Only our Five Elements Sect, having inherited the orthodox legacy of Grandmaster Yiyuan, has such a plant...” O Yun continued to elaborate on the Five Elements Spirit Tree, and the cultivators listened, nodding frequently.

Many in the assembly were nearing the end of their lifespans. Thanks to elixirs from the Danxia Pavilion, some, like Liu Jingxian, had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, while others had advanced to the late Foundation Establishment stage, all aspiring to a future of Core Formation. From a local perspective, if a family’s spirit vein could be exchanged for a chance at Core Formation, it was a gamble well worth taking. What if they succeeded in forming a core? That would mean a meteoric ascent, establishing them as a Golden Core power and enabling their family’s greater expansion. Furthermore, cultivating within their family’s spirit vein was proving less effective than residing in the Five Elements Sect’s immortal cities, where sufficient spirit stones could purchase fourth-tier spiritual energy. Upon this realization, the family’s inherited spirit veins suddenly seemed less crucial.

“I am willing. Are there any other fellow Daoists who are as well?” Liu Jingxian declared, sensing that the others had considered the matter. “Our Luo family is also willing!” a second accomplice chimed in. “If Core Formation elixirs can be guaranteed, our Teng family is willing too.” “Our Xue family has four Foundation Establishment cultivators; I cannot make a unilateral decision, but I will return and endeavor to persuade them.”

After securing the desired outcome, O Yun ascended to the peak of North Abyss Mountain and informed Chen Mobai of the successful negotiation.

“Excellent, truly excellent,” Chen Mobai praised. “You handled this matter exceptionally well; it resolves a significant concern of mine.” After hearing the details, Chen Mobai acknowledged that securing control over these immortal cultivation families’ spirit veins with Core Formation elixirs, without resorting to force, was indeed a commendable strategy, and he nodded in approval.

“I’ve negotiated with them,” O Yun reported. “Control of one high-grade third-tier spirit vein can be exchanged for a single Core Formation elixir.” He continued, “Should they opt for this exchange, it implies their willingness to relinquish control over all spirit veins under their family’s dominion, regardless of whether they are first, second, or third-tier. If a family possesses a large number of veins, the sect can also provide compensation with some ‘Three Treasures of Foundation Establishment.’” O Yun added, “Five of these families possess fourth-tier spirit veins. I suspect one Core Formation elixir might be insufficient for them; I dared not commit to a specific quantity. I await your instructions, Sect Master.”

“Then promise them three pills,” Chen Mobai decided. “However, they can only claim these when a member of their family cultivates to the peak of Foundation Establishment. Furthermore, any cultivator from their family aspiring to Core Formation will be granted access to the North Abyss City library to review all of our sect’s Core Formation insights.”

The true value of a fourth-tier spirit vein far surpassed that of three Core Formation elixirs. However, at present, the sect primarily sought to establish the array and gain wartime control, while the spirit veins themselves would largely remain in the families’ use. Thus, three pills combined with access to Core Formation insights made for a roughly equivalent value.

Given the Five Elements Sect’s current resources, they could, at most, gather materials for two or three batches of Golden Liquid Returning Elixirs in the short term. The batch for the Star Heaven Dao Sect arrived with their own materials, but the batches for the Five Elements Sect and the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect had depleted the sect's own reserves. Even now, if they were to start another furnace, they could, at best, complete one more batch. Therefore, to ensure fulfillment of promises, Chen Mobai stipulated that Core Formation elixirs could only be exchanged through this special channel by cultivators who had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Currently, there were no more than ten cultivators at the peak of Foundation Establishment among the various families in the Eastern Barrens. “Understood, Sect Master!” O Yun nodded repeatedly after hearing Chen Mobai’s additional terms.

“One more thing,” Chen Mobai added. “If these Foundation Establishment cultivators from immortal cultivation families succeed in Core Formation, they will undoubtedly require the forging of personal magical artifacts, along with cultivation techniques capable of reaching the Nascent Soul realm.” He emphasized, “In the entire Eastern Barrens, only our Five Elements Sect possesses these. If they are willing to genuinely sell their family spirit veins, I am prepared to personally assist them in forging their destined magical artifacts, and even permit them access to the North Abyss City library to select a Nascent Soul cultivation technique.”

Chen Mobai’s words immediately astonished O Yun. However, upon reflection, he realized that if these individuals succeeded in Core Formation, they would undoubtedly become the decisive voice within their families. At that point, exchanging the family’s spirit veins for a chance at further personal advancement would, given the local temperament, be accepted by nine out of ten. “Your wisdom is profound, Sect Master!” O Yun departed, his face filled with admiration.

When the immortal cultivation families learned of these new conditions, many immediately rejoiced. “Can we truly view all of your esteemed sect’s Core Formation insights?” they asked eagerly. “And Nascent Soul cultivation techniques, can those also be exchanged?” “Quick, quick, sign the contract! I’m ready now!” With Chen Mobai’s additional terms, this new policy garnered widespread approval. The remaining few families were those with multiple Foundation Establishment cultivators, all desiring Core Formation elixirs, which led to internal disputes and temporarily excluded them from O Yun’s list. To prevent future conflicts, O Yun stipulated that if a family exchanged control of their spirit veins for Core Formation elixirs, all Foundation Establishment cultivators within that family must sign and consent. Ironically, immortal cultivation families with only a single Foundation Establishment cultivator thus avoided internal strife.

The Five Elements Sect dispatched disciples to inform all spirit vein powers within the Eastern Barrens, not yet under their direct control, of this development. Thanks to the Five Elements Sect’s century-long reputation for strict adherence to rules since Chen Mobai assumed leadership, the Foundation Establishment leaders of these powers immediately sought to persuade their internal factions upon receiving the news.

With the compelling success of Wan Dengyong from the Wanghe Sect as proof, it was undeniable that the Five Elements Sect’s Core Formation elixirs were genuinely effective!

During this period, the teleportation array in North Abyss City remained constantly active. Foundation Establishment powers and cultivators from across the Eastern Barrens, having received the news, personally traveled there to visit O Yun, who was overseeing the initiative. Had the Five Elements Sect not recently reformed its conduct, O Yun alone could have easily amassed hundreds of thousands of spirit stones in illicit payments from this single wave of activity.

Six months later, O Yun presented the first list of cultivators desiring to exchange for Core Formation elixirs. Surprisingly, in addition to the original eight peak Foundation Establishment cultivators, two more had emerged. These two had discreetly concealed their cultivation after their breakthroughs, making O Yun unaware of their presence. However, motivated by the opportunity to obtain Core Formation elixirs, they now actively revealed themselves, fearing they would be overlooked. This number precisely completed the requirements for one batch of Golden Liquid Returning Elixirs. Despite this, the signed agreement meant the Five Elements Sect would still need to provide thirty-two Core Formation elixirs in the future. Nevertheless, Chen Mobai deemed the ability to integrate all spirit veins in the Eastern Barrens into the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array through this initiative to be an exceptionally worthwhile endeavor.

Once the materials for the Golden Liquid Returning Elixir were fully gathered, Chen Mobai and Qing Nu once again journeyed to Myriad Transformation Immortal City. “Xue Ting and Gu Yan have both been in late Foundation Establishment for a considerable time now…” Qing Nu subtly prompted Chen Mobai after the elixirs were refined. The two attendants, who were assisting by passing ingredients nearby, visibly tensed and lowered their heads, listening intently. Gu Yan had served as Chen Mobai’s maid before he became cultivation partners with Qing Nu, at which point he assigned Gu Yan to Qing Nu’s service. Later, with the establishment of Myriad Transformation Immortal City and Qing Nu’s limited number of trusted confidantes, Gu Yan was dispatched to manage affairs there. Xue Ting, meanwhile, hailed from the former Blowing Snow Palace, the precursor to Myriad Transformation Immortal City. The two women worked seamlessly together, greatly easing Qing Nu’s burdens.

The Five Elements Sect had refined such a large quantity of Golden Liquid Returning Elixirs this time that starting another batch would be impossible for at least the next fifteen to twenty years. Therefore, Qing Nu decided to reserve one pill for each of them. “I happen to have three extra pills on hand; I’ll set aside two for them,” Chen Mobai agreed, understanding Qing Nu’s subtle hint. He acknowledged the two women’s diligent service at Myriad Transformation Immortal City over the years, recognizing they deserved such an arrangement. “Thank you, Sect Master! Thank you, Madam!” The two women immediately bowed in profound gratitude upon hearing his words.

Despite Chen Mobai and Qing Nu seemingly mass-producing Golden Liquid Returning Elixirs over the past two years, these pills remained in extremely high demand and exceptionally precious within the Five Elements Sect. Gu Yan’s situation was somewhat secure, as she was, after all, a Five Elements Sect disciple. Xue Ting, however, was in a more precarious position; her personal accumulated wealth was certainly no match for that of the Foundation Establishment ancestors from established cultivation families. Without a special arrangement from Chen Mobai and Qing Nu, she likely would never obtain a single Core Formation elixir in her lifetime.

“Gu Yan can acquire hers through the sect’s Spiritual Treasure Pavilion,” Chen Mobai instructed. “As for Xue Ting, reward her in the name of your Danxia Pavilion. This will boost the morale of your employees in the future.” Chen Mobai, recognizing that Xue Ting was not a Five Elements Sect disciple, pondered for a moment before deciding to create an additional pathway for her to obtain the Golden Liquid Returning Elixir. This decision was also made with future considerations in mind. Currently, among the Five Elements Sect’s various ventures, the Danxia Pavilion was the most profitable source of spirit stones. Compared to cultivators from the Immortal Sect, who exercised great restraint in their use of elixirs, those in the Sky River Realm were lavish. If a realm bottleneck or similar issue could be resolved with an elixir, and they possessed sufficient spirit stones, the vast majority would consume it to resolve the problem.

In the future, should Chen Mobai ascend to the Deity Transformation stage and expand the Five Elements Sect’s enterprises, potentially even opening markets across the Five Continents and Four Seas, the Danxia Pavilion would be their most formidable asset. Thus, to ensure the dedication of Danxia Pavilion’s employees when expanding into new markets, Chen Mobai used Xue Ting as an early example. This strategy was inspired by the Star Heaven Grand Commerce, which rewarded guest elders who made substantial contributions with Three Light Divine Water. For instance, Yan Shaoyin, leveraging his years of contributions to alchemy, had exchanged for a flawed version of the Three Light Divine Water. It was precisely this policy that allowed the Star Heaven Grand Commerce to rival the major commerce guilds of the sacred lands in the Eastern Lands, attracting and securing the loyalty of numerous talented individuals.

“There are many ripe immortal peach fruits hanging on the immortal peach trees at Small Southern Mountain,” Chen Mobai informed them. “Take my command token and go pick a few. Consuming them will allow you to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment.” He had sensed their cultivation levels and now handed them a spiritual talisman.

Immortal peach fruits were naturally occurring spiritual fruits capable of saving cultivators decades of accumulation, allowing their spiritual power to reach perfection. Each year, when the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion offered a single third-tier fruit, it was instantly snapped up. Under Zhuo Ming's meticulous care, the summit of Small Southern Mountain had transformed into a lush peach orchard. Besides the central fourth-tier immortal peach tree, which suppressed the spirit vein, there were over a dozen third-tier trees cultivated from its branches, and hundreds of second-tier ones. The Southern Mountain Immortal Peach Forest had become a truly beautiful landmark within Giant Wood Ridge. With Chen Mobai’s command token, the two women could now pick fruits from these third-tier immortal peach trees.

Qing Nu personally escorted Xue Ting and Gu Yan to Small Southern Mountain, while Chen Mobai returned to North Abyss City. There, he simultaneously oversaw the integration of the immortal cultivation families’ spirit veins into the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array and continued to guard Zhuo Ming as she refined the Five Elements Spirit Fruit.

Amidst the demanding work, time passed swiftly. Chen Mobai directed the Spirit Vein and Array Formation Departments to fully encompass the Eastern Barrens with the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array. Yi Shaoqing, having refined an outer path Golden Core, significantly eased the burden. Under Chen Mobai’s guidance and tutelage, Yi Shaoqing achieved the standard of a fourth-tier array master in the Sky River Realm. However, due to the Five Elements Sect’s recent reform of cultivation arts assessments to match Immortal Sect standards, he was still officially considered only a third-tier array master within the Eastern Barrens. Nevertheless, for Chen Mobai, his skills were more than sufficient, as Chen Mobai intended to personally handle the most intricate aspects of the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array.

On this day, Chen Mobai inserted the final array plate into the Wang family’s fourth-tier spirit vein. As he felt the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array fully coalesce, seamlessly permeating the entire Eastern Barrens, the Crown of Heaven and Earth spontaneously materialized above his head. In that moment, he not only grasped the 'Heaven’s Heart' of the Eastern Barrens, but the vast land and infinite spiritual essence also entirely fell into his control. “Heaven’s Veil established, Earth’s Web complete!” As Chen Mobai declared these six words, he suddenly teleported to the peak of North Abyss Mountain. The instant the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array fully enveloped the Eastern Barrens, he gained the ability to pinpoint locations for spatial teleportation using the thousands of array plates and hundreds of thousands of array flags deployed throughout the region. This was the fundamental principle behind the Immortal Sect’s Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array’s positioning, though the Immortal Sect, with its fifth-tier Heavenly Calculation Pearl, could pinpoint locations even more precisely, down to specific buildings on a street. Such precision merely required coverage from three or more array flags at the desired location. The Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array in the Eastern Barrens, particularly concerning its core fifth-tier spirit veins, had not yet achieved this level of accuracy because Chen Mobai alone had personally arranged them. However, with the main framework now complete, continuous integration of array flags into the array’s spirit veins would eventually enable similar capabilities. Even at present, Chen Mobai could effortlessly pinpoint the core of all immortal city spirit veins across the Eastern Barrens.

After successfully testing spatial teleportation to the peak of North Abyss Mountain, Chen Mobai nodded with satisfaction. He then instantly teleported back to the Wang family’s fourth-tier spirit vein and informed Yi Shaoqing and the other Five Elements Sect disciples that they could disband. Chen Mobai had tirelessly led them for a full decade to complete the Heaven-Shrouding Earth-Net Array, which now encompassed the entire Eastern Barrens. Even prior to this, Chen Mobai had sensed his cultivation realm nearing a breakthrough. However, at that time, he had been forced to temporarily suppress it for the sake of the grand array. But now, with the array complete, and his disciples dismissed, he had no further reservations. On the peak of North Abyss Mountain, vast and pure fifth-tier spiritual energy surged forth without cease. In a matter of breaths, Chen Mobai effortlessly ascended to the eighth layer of the Nascent Soul realm.