Chapter 1053

White Light in the Universe

The Pure Nine Lotus Treasure Lamp

"He used to live such a hard life!"

Inside the Natural Academy, after Yan Bingxuan heard the "truth" from Yan Qiongzhi, her body swayed slightly. Her state of mind fluctuated violently, and she felt waves of dizziness.

In her eyes, her beloved, who possessed the greatest talent the Immortal Sect had ever seen and was the most likely to reach the Void Refinement stage, should have been a chosen one, lauded to the heavens, ever since he left Danxia City and entered the Instrument Dao Academy. But she never imagined that due to his extraordinary talent, he would be noticed by an "old hag" from the Immortal Sect's upper echelons, and even coerced into having a daughter.

Yan Bingxuan recalled the time when she emerged from her Golden Core cultivation breakthrough. Chen Mobai had been waiting outside her cultivation chamber, apologetically telling her that he had a wife and daughter and could not be with her. Back then, she had given him a cold shoulder, mistakenly believing he was a scoundrel. Thinking back now, her act of turning away and leaving without a word must have deeply hurt him.

"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have blamed him..." Yan Bingxuan murmured to herself, feeling a wave of shame as she thought about how many times she had internally chastised Chen Mobai as a scoundrel over the years.

He must have suffered greatly to protect her from that "old hag." After the "old hag" left, he likely didn't come to find her because of his daughter. Or perhaps he wanted her to live out her life in peace, instead of constantly living under the "old hag's" shadow, as he did. Their rekindled romance later on was simply due to their uncontrollable feelings for each other. Little did they know, just a few days into their happiness, the "old hag" returned.

The thought ignited a sudden surge of motivation within Yan Bingxuan. "Teacher, I want to cultivate diligently. Although I know I might never catch up to him in this lifetime, I don't want to always be his weakness."

Yan Qiongzhi looked at Yan Bingxuan's determined expression and nodded with relief. She hadn't been crushed by the truth; instead, her Dao heart had become stronger. This would reassure Pure Yang True Monarch. She only hoped that in the future, Yan Bingxuan wouldn't be disheartened and give up upon realizing the vast disparity between herself and Old Ancestor Bai Guang.

"This is what Pure Yang True Monarch asked me to give you..." As Yan Qiongzhi spoke, she opened her spatial domain, and a flying sword and a jade pendant floated down. The flying sword, named "Frigid Skin," emanated a lustrous glow and a chillingly sharp radiance. Its blade was as white as jade, like a young maiden's skin. The jade pendant, named "Heaven's Chill," was a translucent icy blue, emitting a faint frosty aura. Shaped like unfolding butterfly wings, its edges were carved with intricate snowflake patterns. After refinement, it could not only manifest a solid ice barrier with a thought but also aid in cultivation, helping to condense ice spiritual power and true qi.

"Teacher, are these both Tier 4 artifacts?" After receiving the refining incantations, Yan Bingxuan infused her ice spiritual power. The moment she established a connection with the two artifacts, her mouth dropped open in shock.

"These are from the Instrument Dao Academy's reserves. Pure Yang True Monarch used his merit points to acquire them for you. However, to avoid causing an uproar, once you've refined these two artifacts, do not display them publicly..." Yan Qiongzhi relayed Chen Mobai's instructions.

Two mid-grade Tier 4 artifacts, both ice-attributed—while Pure Yang True Monarch could handle the repercussions, meticulous individuals examining the Instrument Dao Academy's roster would discover no Nascent Soul cultivators with ice spiritual roots. Therefore, the Myriad Treasures Cavern of the Instrument Dao Academy should not possess the Frigid Skin Sword and the Heaven's Chill Pendant. Of course, if their origin truly couldn't be explained, they could simply claim they were treasures brought by Old Ancestor Yun Ya from beyond the heavens. The Instrument Dao Academy was the foremost sect for alchemy and artifact refining in the White Crane Daoist Temple, so possessing some Tier 4 artifacts was normal.

"Understood, I won't cause him any trouble." Yan Bingxuan nodded after hearing this.

Everyone in the Immortal Sect knew how precious Tier 4 artifacts were; they were standard equipment for Nascent Soul cultivators. Examples of cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage possessing Tier 4 artifacts were rare, limited to those with profound backgrounds like Chen Xiaohei and Zhong Li Tianyu, or exceptionally gifted individuals like Master Cheng Xuan, whose unique talent perfectly matched the artifacts and whose arrangements were made by higher-ups upon their admission. Even Master Cheng Xuan only had such an opportunity because he was in the Instrument Dao Academy. The Natural Academy itself had only a handful of Tier 4 artifacts, all listed in the Immortal Sect's registry, with none matching the Frigid Skin Sword or the Heaven's Chill Pendant. Therefore, if Yan Bingxuan were to display them, it would undoubtedly cause a massive stir. Of course, such a stir would be insignificant to Chen Mobai now. But Yan Bingxuan didn't want to cause any disturbance for Chen Mobai because of herself.

"And these spirit stones, Pure Yang True Monarch also asked me to bring to you..." After Yan Bingxuan had initially refined the two artifacts, Yan Qiongzhi took out a full bag of spirit stones, which moved Yan Bingxuan even more. If she hadn't known Chen Mobai was currently in seclusion to consolidate his cultivation realm, she probably wouldn't have been able to resist going to him.

I've received everything, thank you!I will cultivate diligently.Teacher told me everything; I've misunderstood you all this time.If something like that happens again, I'd rather die than have you humble yourself for me.In my heart, you will always be that upright and unyielding man.I miss you...

Chen Mobai read the messages from Yan Bingxuan. When he saw the last one, he almost couldn't resist going to find her. Fortunately, his current cultivation realm was higher, and his willpower was stronger. After reassuring Yan Bingxuan, Chen Mobai remembered he shouldn't show favoritism and also called Meng Huang'er.

"Your core essence is depleted, so your main priority now should be rest and recuperation. I've arranged some resources for you, and Zijing will deliver them. Don't worry too much about anything else..."

"Yes, Master." After listening, Meng Huang'er replied somewhat reservedly.

As one of the performers of the "Divine Tremor Melody," she had been at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain and witnessed Chen Mobai and Bai Guang arguing. Although she hadn't heard what they were arguing about, later, when Ye Yun'e was organizing the Cultural Department, Meng Huang'er accidentally overheard a conversation between Ye Yun'e and Xiao Yuping, two Nascent Soul cultivators. She learned that Chen Mobai's deceased wife, Shi Wanyu, was the reincarnated form of Old Ancestor Bai Guang. This revelation greatly shocked her. At that moment, Meng Huang'er felt fortunate that her initial thought of having Chen Xiaohei call her "mom" had not yet been put into action. Otherwise, she figured Old Ancestor Bai Guang's first sword strike after appearing would have been directed at her. Since then, Meng Huang'er had been constantly worried. She was terrified that Old Ancestor Bai Guang would find out about her being the "other woman." Although she was very ambitious, she was also afraid of death!

Meng Huang'er's somewhat peculiar responses struck Chen Mobai as odd, but he simply attributed them to her unhealed injuries and depleted vitality. Considering her significant contribution to his mastery of the Five Musical Modes, he couldn't help but gently comfort her: "Stay in home isolation and rest well. If you need anything, tell Zijing, and she will help you. If you have serious trouble, you can also contact me directly."

To this, Meng Huang'er still responded with a very constrained "Mhm." Seeing that there was nothing more to discuss, Chen Mobai ended the call.

After the Calamity of Death, Meng Huang'er, due to her relatively stable mental state and lack of cultivation deviation, was allowed to leave the Welcoming Immortal Hotel after a period of isolation and return home. However, to be safe, Master San Jue had decreed that she still needed to remain under home observation for another year. The department overseeing them was the Enforcement Department. When Chen Mobai resigned as the Hall Master of Righteous Law, he had instructed Hua Zijing about Meng Huang'er, asking her to look after her. It was precisely because of her home isolation that Meng Huang'er was still unaware that Chen Mobai had become the Immortal Sect's Third Sage.

A day later. The doorbell rang. Meng Huang'er knew it was Hua Zijing at the door from the barrier at her entrance. She politely opened the door and saw Hua Zijing standing outside in a special protective suit. Upon seeing Meng Huang'er, Hua Zijing produced a talisman. Every person under home isolation had an exit restriction placed on them by the Enforcement Department, and the key to lifting it was the specially refined talisman in Hua Zijing's hand.

"This is what True Monarch asked me to give you..." Hua Zijing didn't enter. After deactivating the isolating barrier, she retrieved a hard-shelled box from the void and handed it to Meng Huang'er.

"Thank you... wait... which True Monarch gave this? Wasn't it Pure Yang Master?" How did Pure Yang Master's things suddenly become a True Monarch's? Did the Immortal Sect's Two Sages take pity on the cultivators who performed the Divine Tremor Melody, and that's why these supplies were sent? But why only now? Did Pure Yang Master know about this beforehand?

"The news hasn't spread throughout the Immortal Sect yet, but since you're close to him, it should be fine to tell you. 'Pure Yang Master' is an old title now; he is currently the Immortal Sect's Third Sage, Pure Yang True Monarch."

"He... achieved Spirit Transformation!" Upon hearing this news, Meng Huang'er froze in shock at the doorway. Her delicate body went limp, and her injured frame nearly lost its balance. How could it be so fast! Was it because of the Divine Tremor Melody? No, no, the Divine Tremor Melody was only half-performed. The main reason for his successful Spirit Transformation must be his own exceptional talent. Is this the potential to become an Immortal! Oh no, when he called yesterday, was I too cold in my response? This was Meng Huang'er's first thought after regaining her composure.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Hua Zijing watched Meng Huang'er gasp, leaning against the door, her delicate, oval face turning alternately pale and flushed, her eyes a mix of complex emotions. Hua Zijing couldn't help but ask worriedly.

"The news was just too shocking; I was so pleasantly surprised I could barely breathe." Meng Huang'er forced a slight smile in response, but her mind was already scrambling to figure out how to compensate for the mistake she made yesterday.

"I felt much the same way when I first heard it. Junior Sister Meng, get plenty of rest. The Immortal Sect, according to Pure Yang True Monarch's wishes, is about to open up various resources. You performed the Divine Tremor Melody, which means you've listened to the Dao's Soundscape. With the True Monarch and our Instrument lineage's support, you might even have a chance at reaching the Nascent Soul stage in the future." After Chen Mobai stepped down as the Hall Master of Righteous Law, Hua Zijing became the representative of the Instrument lineage in Wangwu Cave Heaven. Therefore, she held high hopes for Meng Huang'er, a junior sister with the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

"Mhm, thank you, Sister Zijing." With a smiling face, Meng Huang'er watched Hua Zijing leave. After closing the door, she immediately picked up her phone, looked at Chen Mobai's number, and, after quickly devising a reason, eagerly dialed it.

"What's wrong?" Chen Mobai, who was currently comprehending the Great Dao of Fire in the Pure Yang Scroll, heard the phone ring. Remembering their conversation from yesterday, he thought Meng Huang'er might have an issue. While continuing to have his second primordial spirit assist his main body in cultivation, he picked up the call.

"True Monarch, I just received the resources Sister Zijing sent, and there's quite a lot. My current priority is recuperation, and I can't really increase my spiritual power..." Meng Huang'er offered her reason, feigning consideration for Chen Mobai, stating that giving her these resources would be wasteful.

"How could it be wasteful if I give them to you? Besides, using spirit stones during your recovery will speed up your healing. Are you worried these spirit stones are too precious? Don't worry, for me now, these are nothing..." Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai felt that Meng Huang'er was much more sensible than before. Previously, the cultivation resources he gave Meng Huang'er were indeed not as abundant as this time, because there were still superiors whom he needed to conceal things from. Now, he was at the very top. The resource package he gave Meng Huang'er contained nothing but high-grade spirit stones. Perhaps it was for this reason that Meng Huang'er was somewhat hesitant to use them.

"Thank you, True Monarch. Oh, and there's something else I wanted to ask you about. I saw a post on a cultivation assistance app that said practicing body tempering and health-preserving cultivation methods can help restore depleted core essence, regulate the body, increase flexibility, and so on. So, I'm thinking of cultivating one concurrently during my isolation, but I'm not sure which method would be suitable for me. Could you give me some guidance?" Meng Huang'er hadn't called Chen Mobai because the resources were too valuable; she hadn't even opened the box yet. Fearing she would expose herself if the conversation continued on that topic, she immediately shifted to another reason she had concocted.

"That's true, but there aren't many methods in the Immortal Sect that suit your situation. The ones you can practice aren't high-grade enough, and the high-grade ones you can't cultivate yet..." Chen Mobai pondered Meng Huang'er's question deeply. Combining it with the information from the Heavenly Oracle Pearl, he reviewed all the health-preserving and body-tempering cultivation methods in the Immortal Sect. After filtering for conditions like restoring core essence, increasing physical flexibility, and suitability for Meng Huang'er's spiritual root, Chen Mobai wasn't entirely satisfied with the dozen or so resulting cultivation methods.

"Master, I can just cultivate any method concurrently. My main goal is to recover quickly, as the year of isolation is almost over, and I'm eager to see you." After a long setup, Meng Huang'er finally spoke her true feelings. After hearing that Chen Mobai had become the Immortal Sect's Third Sage, her fear of Bai Guang vanished. In her view, with Chen Mobai's talent, if he could achieve Spirit Transformation now, reaching the Void Refinement stage in the future would certainly not be a problem. She had clung to this "powerful leg" since university and couldn't afford to lose it because of a moment of cowardice. She had been scared yesterday, but today she had to make up for it. She wanted Pure Yang True Monarch to know that she was still his most devoted woman.

"Your body hasn't recovered yet; don't think about such things!" Meng Huang'er immediately responded obediently. Then, she spoke with a gentle, soft voice, recounting how worried she had been when she saw Chen Mobai wielding the Primordial Yang Purple Lightning Twin Swords against the God of Death at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain. She expressed that in her heart, Chen Mobai was the Immortal Sect's great hero.

"The ability to overcome this tribulation was mainly due to the formidable power of Old Ancestors Qianxing and Bai Guang. Oh, by the way, I just remembered a health-preserving and body-tempering cultivation method you might be interested in..." Although Chen Mobai appreciated Meng Huang'er's adoring words, he didn't get carried away. At that moment, he also translated the "Longevity Dao Body" into the Immortal Sect's local script and transmitted it to Meng Huang'er.

Back when he had excess Longevity Tree sap, to prevent Meng Huang'er from being severely harmed by the loss of primal yin while assisting him with his Golden Core formation, he had helped her refine a few drops. This had laid the foundation for her Longevity Dao Body. Furthermore, the key to this cultivation method was resources. Thanks to the two great arts of "Fertile Soil" and "Pulling Sprouts to Help Them Grow," each major immortal city of the Five Elements Sect now basically had a Tier 4 Longevity Wood. Every year, disciples from the Five Elements Sect would visit these Longevity Woods and collect Longevity Tree sap using secret methods. Resources that were once extremely scarce for cultivating the Longevity Dao Body could now be purchased with enough spirit stones. Longevity Dew, refined from Longevity Tree sap, was slightly more valuable. But for Chen Mobai, even a small amount that slipped through his fingers would be enough for Meng Huang'er to cultivate the Longevity Dao Body to the peak of Tier 3. Moreover, he had just comprehended the Longevity Art, and if Meng Huang'er truly managed to form a Nascent Soul in the future, he could also impart and guide her in this great art. This way, with an additional third of her lifespan, she would be able to accompany him for longer. Thinking of this, Chen Mobai felt he was truly a good man.

"The Immortal Sect actually has such a profound body-tempering technique!" After receiving and reviewing the digital version of the Longevity Dao Body, Meng Huang'er couldn't help but feel slightly surprised. She had genuinely been considering health-preserving and body-tempering cultivation methods, having searched online recently, which was why she brought up the topic. However, none of the methods she had considered, even the Immortal Sect's most formidable body-tempering techniques, could compare to this Longevity Dao Body in certain aspects.

"This is a direct lineage transmission from our Instrument branch. Its origin traces back to the Alchemy Cauldron Sect, where Old Ancestor Yun Ya came from. After I achieved Spirit Transformation, I unlocked the legacy he left in the Jade Peace Minor Realm and found this..." As a Golden Core cultivator of the Instrument lineage, Meng Huang'er was clearly familiar with this term and nodded in sudden realization.

"Many thanks, True Monarch, for imparting this method!"

"Cultivating the Longevity Dao Body requires resources, which I happen to have. I'll have Jialan make a trip to deliver them to you shortly. Focus on your recovery and cultivation; don't let me down." When Chen Mobai said this, it was clear he intended to end the conversation.

"True Monarch, after my home observation and isolation end, I plan to apply to be stationed in a quiet blessed land city. I think a few near Chicheng Grotto-Heaven are quite good. What do you think?" Upon hearing this, Meng Huang'er immediately brought up one last thing, aiming to boost her impression score in Chen Mobai's mind.

"About that... you can apply at the Kaiyuan Hall yourself when the time comes. If you have any issues, find Zijing." Chen Mobai thought for a moment and decided not to refuse. Although Bai Guang's threat still echoed in his ears, how could he, a dignified man, become an ascetic just because of a woman's words? Moreover, Chen Mobai felt he could use this as motivation to cultivate even harder. In recent years, due to excessive complacency in both the Immortal Sect and the Eastern Wilderness, Chen Mobai had somewhat lost the ambitious and enterprising mindset he had in his youth. Now, it was time to rediscover his original aspiration.

Chen Mobai had initially intended to simply comfort her and hang up, but unexpectedly, he ended up chatting for half the day amidst Meng Huang'er's affectionate whispers and sweet words.

After hanging up the phone, Meng Huang'er let out a long breath. She felt fortunate for her quick wit. As for the threat from Old Ancestor Bai Guang, she simply pretended she had never overheard Ye Yun'e and Xiao Yuping's conversation. She acted as if she knew nothing about it. After all, outwardly, Chen Mobai's former wife, Shi Wanyu, was deceased, and she, Meng Huang'er, was single, so there was no public issue with them being together. She reasoned that Old Ancestor Bai Guang wasn't an unreasonable person. Besides, in the future, by the time the Old Ancestor returned, she might not even be able to defeat her man anymore. Through her excellent self-regulating ability, Meng Huang'er resolved her thoughts.

She turned and looked at herself in the full-length mirror, noticing that her complexion had improved significantly. She nodded with satisfaction, then opened the hard-shelled box Hua Zijing had delivered. Inside, neatly stacked high-grade spirit stones made her breath quicken. Although she hadn't seen her path to Spirit Transformation within the Divine Tremor Melody, Meng Huang'er realized her true path at that very moment. She vowed never to let go of this powerful connection in her life.

In the depths of the universe.

Amidst a vast and boundless starry sky, Bai Guang stood expressionless upon a starbeam. Under her gaze, the Sword of Oblivion transformed into a world-shattering streak of sword light, slicing through the extraterrestrial demons surging towards her in a battle formation. It cleaved them, along with the planets they sought to protect behind them, into two halves. With just one sword strike, the demon-infested planet was cut open. The gleaming silver planetary core appeared in her sight. The sword light from the Sword of Oblivion landed upon it, instantly triggering an explosion of dark demonic energy that materialized into a grotesque Heavenly Demon with three heads, four arms, four legs, and a whip-like tail.

"Do you need my help?" A gentle voice rang out as the blue-haired Spirit Venerable, seated atop her true form, spoke. Observing the fluctuations around her, which also caused the void to tremble, one could tell that she too had successfully reached the Void Refinement stage.

After Bai Guang reached the Void Refinement stage, she gained the ability to sense the spiritual energy in the void. On one particular planet, the two of them discovered enough spiritual energy for the Spirit Venerable to achieve Void Refinement. It happened to be a planet covered by oceans, brimming with water-attributed spiritual energy. The planet was inhabited by a species of beast with very low intelligence, yet thanks to the abundant spiritual energy, they possessed formidable bodies and massive forms. However, the moment the Spirit Venerable's true form descended, these beasts all trembled with fear and hid in the deepest parts of the ocean. After successfully stepping into the Void Refinement stage by utilizing the planet's water spiritual energy, the Spirit Venerable did not forget to repay her debt. She left her Heavenly Peng Primordial Spirit on that planet, teaching the beasts how to cultivate and guiding them towards methods of longevity. Meanwhile, her Kun Primordial Spirit, having also reached Void Refinement, followed Bai Guang, continuing their journey towards the Purple Firmament Galaxy. With both of them at the Void Refinement stage, they would face virtually no danger unless they encountered a Dao Monarch at the Dao Integration level.

However, some time ago, Bai Guang suddenly sensed that the Guardian White Stone she had left with Chen Mobai was activated. After pausing and reflecting in the void, she learned everything that had transpired on Earth Star. And after that, she didn't hesitate at all. She immediately altered her course, following the karmic ties between herself and the God of Death, heading towards the God of Death's main body, which she sensed in the ethereal realm. Although the Spirit Venerable did not recommend this course of action, she knew it was simply Bai Guang's nature. Having left Earth Star together and spent decades side by side in the universe, they had long become lifelong companions. Furthermore, the Spirit Venerable's successful Void Refinement was largely thanks to Bai Guang. Had she not witnessed Bai Guang's success and had Bai Guang not helped her find that particular planet, she probably wouldn't have dared to take that step even now. So, when Bai Guang decided to seek out the God of Death, she could only sigh and follow.

However, this direction was entirely opposite to the Purple Firmament Galaxy. Moreover, the closer they got to the God of Death, the more planets they discovered that had been corrupted by the Demon Lord's malevolent thoughts. Some had completely turned desolate, becoming lifeless dead stars. Others, like the one before them, had all their living beings demonized, practicing the methods of the Heavenly Demons. The higher their cultivation, the closer they resembled the form of a Heavenly Demon. Many of these beings had lost their sanity, driven only by a desire for slaughter and consumption. The moment Bai Guang arrived and saw this situation, she naturally showed no mercy, drawing her sword and striking.

However, the most powerful Heavenly Demon on this planet was even stronger than the Matriarch of Dragon God Star. It had already successfully transformed and was on par with a Void Refinement cultivator. After Bai Guang's single sword strike cleaved the planet, the Heavenly Demon, hidden within the core's demonic thoughts, finally awakened. With a fierce roar, monstrous demonic energy surged into the starry sky, forming a colossal black pillar that hurtled towards Bai Guang. Wherever it passed, the void shattered, and starlight was annihilated. Yet, facing this attack, Bai Guang merely swung her sword once. Under this single sword, all things were annihilated! The cleaved planet, along with the Heavenly Demon, were all reduced to cosmic dust.