Chapter 1030: Yan Bingxuan's Text Message

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Time quickly reached the end of the year.

Within the Immortal Sect, all cultivators who had reached Core Formation Completion and were on the list were seeking connections to obtain the Nascent Soul Elixir refined this time.

As one of the three Hall Masters, Chen Mobai was also greatly troubled by this.

After all, if he were willing to recommend someone, most people in the Immortal Sect would show him respect.

However, Chen Mobai's cultivation was now drawing closer to Spirit Transformation, and he no longer wished to manage such matters, to avoid adding more entanglements.

It wasn't just him; Ying Guanghua was also the same.

At this crucial moment, both Hall Masters simultaneously announced their seclusion, refusing to see any visitors.

Late at night, after another intimate moment, Chen Mobai embraced Meng Huang'er and spoke about the three halls' plan to activate the Spirit-Stirring Melody. When they met the previous night, the long-separated couple had indulged in joyful intimacy and were too preoccupied to discuss the matter.

"Has this day finally arrived?"

Meng Huang'er, upon hearing this, murmured to herself, feeling as if a stone that had been weighing on her heart had finally dropped.

"Aren't you worried or afraid?"

Chen Mobai was somewhat surprised by her expression and reaction.

"Everything I have today is for this melody..."

Meng Huang'er, however, was very open-minded about it.

From the moment she displayed musical talent as a child, she had been instilled with the idea of performing the Spirit-Stirring Melody for the future of the Immortal Sect.

Furthermore, she knew that performing the Spirit-Stirring Melody, if one's cultivation was insufficient, would deplete the performer's life essence. But the reason she had her current status and cultivation was precisely because of her talent in this area.

Had she not been able to cultivate the Profound Sound Marvelous Art, the Weapon Art Academy would not have admitted her with special consideration.

If she hadn't entered the Weapon Art Academy, she definitely wouldn't have met Chen Mobai, her benefactor. In that case, with her aptitude, she would likely have been stuck at Qi Condensation her entire life, and would have long since passed away, just like Shi Wanyu, upon reaching the end of her lifespan.

"If you can think this way, then I am relieved."

Chen Mobai saw that Meng Huang'er did not resist performing the Spirit-Stirring Melody and couldn't help but marvel that, despite her ordinary aptitude, her ideological realm was very high, and even more remarkably, she was very astute in her conduct as a person.

If she hadn't been so understanding, their relationship would probably have ended completely when Chen Mobai initially withdrew his affections, and they wouldn't have the intimacy they shared today.

"Performing the Spirit-Stirring Melody requires at least one Nascent Soul cultivator as the core vocalist. Currently, in your Department of Arts, there are two cultivators at Core Formation Completion, and the Immortal Sect will give them both a chance to form their Nascent Soul..."

Chen Mobai then spoke about the matters he had discussed and agreed upon with Ying Guanghua. Upon hearing this, Meng Huang'er's face was filled with envy.

"It's a pity. If I were at Golden Core Stage Nine, I could also contend for it."

Meng Huang'er once again lamented her slow cultivation speed. Jiang Yuyuan, who was in the same cohort as her, was now at Golden Core Stage Seven. However, his rapid progress, besides his good aptitude, was also due to the resources provided by Ye Yun'e.

But Meng Huang'er had roughly compared them: the resources provided by Hall Master Kaiyuan were inferior to those Chen Mobai gave her.

This was one of the reasons for her unwavering devotion.

Moreover, with Chen Mobai's character, if she had a chance to compete for Nascent Soul resources, he would certainly help her at all costs.

"What stage have you cultivated your Midas Touch Art to now?"

Chen Mobai asked about Meng Huang'er's cultivation progress. Since their relationship had resumed, he wanted to help her advance as much as possible, to see if she could reach the Nascent Soul realm.

"Currently, it's the thirteenth stage, with a 74-point Golden Spirit Root."

As soon as Meng Huang'er heard Chen Mobai ask this, her eyes lit up immediately. She understood that he intended to promote her, and she reported it intimately.

"You're still three stages away from achieving the Heavenly Golden Spirit Root, which will take about forty-five years of cultivation. It just so happens that after the next Expansion War concludes, with resources provided by me, you will certainly be able to reach Core Formation Completion. At that time, the Immortal Sect will also refine two more batches of Nascent Soul Elixirs, and I will arrange it for you."

As soon as Chen Mobai spoke these words, boundless joy welled up in Meng Huang'er's heart.

Indeed, her outliving Shi Wanyu was the correct choice.

Next, she wondered if she could find an opportunity to build a good relationship with his daughter, perhaps even becoming his second wife.

Meng Huang'er was already beginning to consider becoming Chen Xiaohei's stepmother, which was quite common in the Immortal Sect.

After all, high-level cultivators had long lifespans. After their partners passed away, they might, over the long years of solitude, discover another companion who provided spiritual solace and remarry.

Just as Meng Huang'er was envisioning a beautiful future, Chen Mobai's phone on the bedside table vibrated.

"It seems like someone else wants your help. But you've already announced your seclusion; isn't it rather tactless to disturb you now?"

After hearing the sound, Meng Huang'er turned her head to look, but found that the hand embracing her slender waist suddenly tightened, pulling her fair, delicate body close and seating her on Chen Mobai.

With a soft gasp, another night of passion ensued.

The next morning, Chen Mobai saw that it was about time and gently set down Meng Huang'er, who was clinging to him and had fallen into a deep sleep after an exhausting night.

Although he had publicly announced his seclusion, he was still actually handling various matters concerning the Righteous Law Hall and the Weapon Art lineage.

Seclusion was Chen Mobai's excuse for not replying to or acknowledging other Core Formation Completion cultivators in the Immortal Sect.

Even so, for the sake of Nascent Soul resources, many still disregarded basic etiquette.

After dressing, Chen Mobai picked up the phone from the bedside table.

He checked to see who had been so impolite last night.

However, when he saw the message on the screen, he was momentarily stunned.

Because it was from someone he had never expected.

Yan Bingxuan.

There were few people Chen Mobai felt guilty towards in his life, and Yan Bingxuan was one of them.

He immediately tapped the screen and read the message content.

Only two words: "Are you there?"

Chen Mobai really wanted to reply "Yes," but he quickly calmed down. Yan Bingxuan had a cold and arrogant personality, but she had never done anything so impolite.

Sending a text message to disturb someone during their seclusion.

And she had proactively sought him out.

There must be a deeper reason, more important than her dignity and etiquette.

It would be better to reply after understanding the situation.

Thinking this, Chen Mobai turned and prepared to teleport to his Righteous Law Hall office.

"Are you coming back tonight?"

Meng Huang'er's delicate and weak voice sounded from behind. Chen Mobai sensed her conflicted emotions – both wanting and not wanting.

Even Qing Nü, a Nascent Soul cultivator, couldn't endure it, let alone her.

However, novelty was the best stimulant, and these past two days, Chen Mobai had, for the first time in a long while, felt a sense of satisfaction with Meng Huang'er.

"I probably will. I'll let you know if there's any change."

Chen Mobai didn't know what Yan Bingxuan wanted, so he didn't confirm directly.

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

Meng Huang'er nodded obediently, then watched Chen Mobai teleport away.

She had taken leave from the Department of Arts for the past few days, allowing her to stay at home. Her reason was also seclusion, claiming to have gained new insights into the Profound Sound Marvelous Art.

Ye Yun'e knew she was Chen Mobai's person. Although she shrewdly surmised something, at this moment, she couldn't be bothered to interfere.

After returning to his Righteous Law Hall office, Chen Mobai notified his two secretaries outside.

Shortly after, Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan entered one after another.

As they entered, they also conveniently closed the door behind them.

After all, Chen Mobai was currently in "seclusion," and it would look bad if other members of the Righteous Law Hall saw him and spread rumors.

"Councilor Yan Qiongzhi of the School of Nature, who is also at the Core Formation Completion realm, wishes to apply for the Nascent Soul Elixir. However, due to her average connections, she has not yet made it onto the main list."

As soon as Chen Mobai gave the instruction, the two secretaries immediately identified the most probable reason.

"That's probably it. I'll make a few calls and ask around."

After reviewing the documents, Chen Mobai also nodded.

"Hall Master, I'll take my leave now. Call me if you need anything."

Hua Zijing said. Among the two secretaries, she was responsible for coordinating the Righteous Law Hall with various departments of the other two halls, while Zhuang Jialan was responsible for coordinating internal units within the Righteous Law Hall, as well as assisting Chen Mobai with some personal matters.

During Chen Mobai's seclusion, Hua Zijing was needed to make appearances more frequently.

"Zijing, Jialan, you two have worked hard these past years. By the time the next batch of Nascent Soul Elixirs is refined, you both will be almost ready to apply."

Chen Mobai said to the two women. They had been able to stand out in the Weapon Art Academy, possessing exceptional aptitude and talent. With his patronage, they had soared, not only gaining control of the Righteous Law Hall's power center but also reaching the peak of Golden Core Stage Six in their cultivation.

Chen Mobai had also invested considerable resources in both women.

However, because they spent a lot of time handling official duties, after hitting a bottleneck, they hadn't dedicated long periods to seclusion to break through, remaining stuck.

But if Wenren Xuewei came to replace him, a team from the Gou Mang Academy would certainly be arranged, allowing them to relax.

"Without the Hall Master's discerning patronage, we two might still be waiting for Core Formation Elixirs. It is our honor to be able to work for you in this life."

Hua Zijing spoke with a serious expression. The Immortal Sect never lacked talent; the top graduates from the four great academies were all heavenly talents.

But to reach her position, opportunity was even more crucial.

For example, Zuo Qiushi, the chief of the Weapon Art Academy's student council from her cohort, had only received the Golden Liquid Jade Reversion Pill after queuing for over thirty years.

He had waited a full one hundred and twenty years before successfully forming his core.

Even then, it was because of his Weapon Art Academy background.

As for Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan, who successfully formed their cores immediately after sixty years of service, countless junior students at the Weapon Art Academy envied them, wishing they had been in the same cohort as Chen Mobai and had formed strong connections with him while at school.

"After Zhong Li, the future of the academy rests with you. I will protect and clear the path ahead for you. Work hard."

Chen Mobai's face showed deep satisfaction.

During the Expansion War, Zhong Li Tianyu had made immense contributions. Chen Mobai, whose Hall Master position was already at its peak, attributed all the merits to him, allowing him to be rewarded with many resources by the Immortal Affairs Hall during the commendation ceremony. It was precisely because of this that he was ranked first in the sequence for exchanging Nascent Soul Elixirs.

Relying on these resources, Zhong Li Tianyu broke through to the Golden Core Stage Nine three years ago.

Excluding Chen Mobai, he could already be said to be the foremost person of his generation.

Moreover, he had recently been comprehending the Six Control Sutra, and his talent and comprehension were so high that even Venerable Beiming spoke highly of him. He was even summoned by Qi Yuheng from the neighboring hall to receive instruction.

It was said that Qi Yuheng already had thoughts of taking him as a disciple, but only after Zhong Li Tianyu formed his Nascent Soul.

Regarding this, Qi Yuheng had also informed Chen Mobai in advance.

After all, Zhong Li Tianyu was from the Weapon Art lineage. If he became Qi Yuheng's disciple, he would primarily represent the Great Roc lineage in the future.

Chen Mobai understood this.

Moreover, such changes in lineage affiliation were quite common within the Immortal Sect.

For example, Lan Haitain, a graduate of the Great Roc lineage, was now also a key cultivation target of the Heaven-Mending lineage, and was even hailed as the next Hall Master of the Immortal Affairs Hall.

While there were indeed many geniuses in the Immortal Sect, top-tier talents of such exceptional caliber were few and far between.

Individuals like Lan Haitain, Zhong Li Tianyu, and others were worth making exceptions for by the various major powers within the Immortal Sect.

For instance, when Chen Mobai displayed his talent, the other three lineages were already considering how to poach him. However, before forming his Nascent Soul, Chen Mobai was a homebody, diligently cultivating in his hometown of Danxia Mountain, rarely even visiting the Wangwu Grotto-Heaven, and completely uninterested in power. Thus, the three lineages found no opportunity to make offers.

After forming his Nascent Soul, Chen Mobai was already the representative of the Weapon Art lineage and its leader.

He couldn't be poached anymore.

However, although Lan Haitain and Zhong Li Tianyu had changed lineages, they would not forget their origins, which helped to ease conflicts among the four lineages.

And besides Zhong Li Tianyu, there were many other talents from Chen Mobai's cohort who were worth cultivating.

For example, his good friend Ming Yihua, even without his financial support, was currently at Golden Core Stage Seven, a definite Nascent Soul candidate.

There was also Zhai Jianbai, who remained at the Weapon Art Academy to teach. Although his reputation wasn't widespread, he had achieved Foundation Establishment through Enlightenment, and those truly knowledgeable in various academies held him in very high regard.

Because he was in the same cohort as Chen Mobai, had a similar persona, and possessed supreme talent in sword arts, Zhai Jianbai also had the title "Little Pure Yang of the Sword Dao."

He was currently the Deputy Director of the Sword Control Department at the Weapon Art Academy, with a Golden Core Stage Six cultivation, waiting to take over after Zuo Gong's retirement.

There was also Bian Jingchun, who had an exceptionally close relationship with Chen Mobai. After she formed her core, Venerable Chengxuan decided to bestow the True Dragon Cauldron upon her. Of course, the ownership of this magical artifact still belonged to the academy; if she were to pass away in the future, she would have to return the cauldron to the Myriad Treasures Vault.

These three were the Nascent Soul candidates favored by both Chen Mobai and Venerable Chengxuan.

Besides them, Hua Zijing, Zhuang Jialan, Yun Yangbing, and others were also worth cultivating, but whether they could form their Nascent Souls depended on their own destiny.

But Chen Mobai, as the helmsman of the Weapon Art lineage, would arrange Nascent Soul resources for them.

If he reached Spirit Transformation at that time, he could naturally act unrestrained, directly bring Qing Nü back, and even disclose the existence of the Heavenly River Realm.

If he hadn't yet reached Spirit Transformation, he could also use the Nine Heavens Pure Spirit Purple Splendor Qi to help.

With his current cultivation, wielding the Purple-Green Twin Swords, even if openly condensed within the Immortal Sect, he could form a complete strand in a very short time.

Fortunately, Chen Mobai now held a high position and significant power, and the Immortal Sect had gained a substantial amount of spiritual energy from Dragon God Star during the last Expansion War. Otherwise, Qi Yuheng would probably have intervened to admonish him.

After all, the Immortal Sect could only support a limited number of Nascent Soul cultivators.

Especially with the upcoming performance of the Spirit-Stirring Melody, there was a high possibility of Nascent Soul Venerables breaking through, requiring spiritual energy to be reserved for new Spirit Transformation cultivators.

The two women, suppressing their excited emotions, thanked Chen Mobai, and then Hua Zijing was the first to leave the office.

Zhuang Jialan stayed behind to help process some documents.

Chen Mobai first called Venerable Yunhai.

After all, Yan Qiongzhi was a teacher at the School of Nature, under his command.

"I had originally discussed this with Beiming and the others, but the number of Nascent Soul Elixirs is simply insufficient, even with two batches refined sequentially this time. Furthermore, Teacher Yan is still relatively young and can wait for the opportunity of the next Expansion War. Therefore, this time, besides the Nascent Soul Elixir for the Great Roc lineage, the remaining one was given to the True Spirit Academy."

Venerable Yunhai had thought Chen Mobai called to discuss the Spirit-Stirring Melody. Upon hearing him, he did not hide anything and recounted the hidden details thoroughly.

The main reason was that the life-bound spirit beast of the Core Formation Completion cultivator from the True Spirit Academy was a fourth-tier King-level beast from the ocean realm.

And Venerable Yunhai's ability to form his Nascent Soul back then also benefited from resources from the ocean realm. Thus, after Venerable Beiming intervened to mediate, he also gave up on trying to secure a spot for Yan Qiongzhi.

"If I were to intervene, I wonder if Venerable Beiming would agree to add Yan Qiongzhi's name to the list."

Chen Mobai asked.

"Chunyang, Beiming should give you face. However, if that happens, you might have to make concessions regarding the Spirit-Stirring Melody. It wouldn't be worth it."

Venerable Yunhai couldn't help but frown, explaining the crucial point to Chen Mobai.

For them, even ten batches of Nascent Soul Elixirs combined were not as important as the Spirit-Stirring Melody.

"Venerable Beiming, if I remember correctly, is also at Nascent Soul Stage Nine, right? This opportunity should be something he'd want to strive for as well."

Chen Mobai asked, a little puzzled.

"Beiming just broke through last year, and his realm hasn't even been consolidated yet. For him, it would be best to postpone it for fifteen to twenty years. That way, he could attempt the Spirit-Stirring Melody from a true peak Nascent Soul realm."

Venerable Yunhai explained the reason, and Chen Mobai nodded gently.

For the Immortal Sect, the Spirit-Stirring Melody might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break through to Spirit Transformation. Therefore, everyone wanted to adjust their spirit, energy, and essence to their peak before listening to the profound Dao sounds.

But for Chen Mobai, this was merely a prelude to his comprehension of Spirit Transformation.

His true breakthrough would surely involve the Enlightened Sage True Spirit Pill, Instant Bloom, Observing Nine Virtues, and other preparations being fully complete, before he calmly took that step.

Just like his previous Core Formation and Nascent Soul formation, he would never break through without twelve-tenths certainty.

Furthermore, after the Spirit-Stirring Melody was performed, it guided Nascent Soul cultivators within the profound Dao sounds to comprehend their path to Spirit Transformation and observe the realm beyond Nascent Soul.

The extent of gains depended entirely on the cultivator's foundation, comprehension, cultivation method, and so on. The insights gained after listening were permanently etched into one's mind.

It was precisely for this reason that the Immortal Sect produced so many Spirit Transformation cultivators the last time the Spirit-Stirring Melody was performed.

"Listening early or late is the same. Perhaps listening early would even allow one to see the flaws in their cultivation at the Nascent Soul realm in advance, providing more time to rectify them for a future breakthrough to Spirit Transformation. Venerable Beiming is somewhat unwise."

Chen Mobai's words made Venerable Yunhai smile bitterly.

"I also advised him the same way, but during the last Spirit-Stirring Melody, all the Spirit Transformation cultivators, except True Monarch Dinghai, were at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm. And True Monarch Dinghai was the performer, so he couldn't be counted in the sample. That's why Beiming is thinking of postponing it."

Even cultivators, when it came to something as somewhat metaphysical as breaking through to Spirit Transformation, would trust more past samples.

"I understand. Thank you, Venerable, for enlightening me."

Chen Mobai thanked Venerable Yunhai, who said "you're welcome," but subtly hinted at the end that Chen Mobai should prioritize the Spirit-Stirring Melody.

Calculating Yan Qiongzhi's lifespan, she was indeed in her prime, with only half of a Core Formation cultivator's lifespan having passed.

Because the Immortal Sect possessed the Nine-Revolutions Core Formation Art, Core Formation cultivators, as long as they weren't at the very end of their lifespan, didn't need to worry about not having peak vitality when attempting to form their Nascent Soul.

However, the Immortal Sect's opportunities for forming a Nascent Soul were extremely rare for cultivators, perhaps only one or two times.

Venerable Yunhai certainly wouldn't make promises for such a matter.

And if next time, another Immortal Sect elite emerged who was similar to Zhong Li Tianyu or made significant contributions in the Expansion War, and Yan Qiongzhi missed out again, it would be extremely difficult for her to await a third opportunity.

Because the Immortal Sect, at times, also evaluated based on potential.

The younger one was, the greater their potential, and the longer they could serve the Immortal Sect after breaking through. They would be prioritized when exchanging resources.

This presented a contradiction: when Yan Qiongzhi was young, she was filtered out on the grounds that she was still young and had opportunities.

But if she really waited another round, some would say she was too old, lacked potential, and that the opportunity should be given to younger individuals.

Anyway, for those they didn't want to give resources to, the Immortal Sect always had a set of reasons, both pro and con, to disqualify them.

Yan Qiongzhi probably knew this, which was why she wanted to try her best to secure it this time.

Is that why she had Yan Bingxuan contact him?

Chen Mobai thought of this.

Because he was precisely one of the few in the Immortal Sect who held the power to decide.

He took out his phone and dialed Yan Bingxuan's number.