Chapter 1054: Allocation of Spiritual Transformation Resources

It was the end of another year.

During a Grand Assembly at Kaiyuan Hall, a proposal put forward by Wenren Xuewei, the Master of the Hall of Rectification, faced severe criticism from numerous councilors. They argued that it violated the Immortal Sect's rules and amounted to unsustainable exploitation of resources. By the end, emotions ran high, bordering on outrage. Even some Golden Core councilors from the Jumang lineage showed hesitation, puzzled by the proposal's existence.

The proposal was to make available the Immortal Sect's peak Tier 4 spiritual plants to refine God Transformation resources using the 'Instant Bloom' technique, providing them to Nascent Soul cultivators for breakthrough.

“This is like killing the goose that lays the golden egg and scorching the earth for a temporary yield; it goes against the ancestral teachings!”“Are you, the high-ranking Nascent Soul cultivators, so desperate for cultivation breakthroughs that you would disregard the fate of billions of future generations?!”“Even if the opponent in the upcoming Expansion War is formidable, the Immortal Sect is no longer the same as when it first encountered Pluto. We possess the Chaos Primordial Energy Cannon, capable of destroying a planet in a single strike, so there’s no need to waste these precious peak Tier 4 spiritual plants.”

Sitting in her seat, Wenren Xuewei listened to the councilors' criticisms below and couldn't help but sigh, lowering her head. She had anticipated this exact scene when she put forward the proposal. However, this was an order from True Monarch Chunyang. Furthermore, the Immortal Sect's proud Chaos Primordial Energy Cannon might not be enough to quell the next Expansion War.

Pei Qingshuang, sitting in the front row of the councilor seats, felt a pang of sympathy seeing Wenren Xuewei's lowered head. Originally, Pei Qingshuang intended to take the blame for this, but Wenren Xuewei shook her head, stating that she was merely a transitional Hall Master of Rectification, so a tarnished reputation wouldn't matter much. Moreover, she had already taken the fall for Chen Mobai before, so it was better to let her handle everything herself. This way, Pei Qingshuang would remain untainted and could garner more support in future contests for the three Hall Master positions.

Nevertheless, the sheer volume of condemnation she received for proposing this as the dignified Hall Master of Rectification at the Kaiyuan Hall Assembly was somewhat unexpected. True Monarch Chunyang had clearly already informed the other two Hall Masters, hadn't he? Thinking this, Wenren Xuewei looked at Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e, who were beside her. Both maintained expressionless faces. It was Lan Haitian who gave her a slight nod, then transmitted a message telepathically: “Hall Master Wenren, the two other Hall Masters wouldn't issue direct orders to their own lineages regarding this matter...”

Upon hearing Lan Haitian's words, Wenren Xuewei suddenly understood. She had taken the blame so many times that she no longer cared about her reputation. However, Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e still wished to preserve their pristine reputations. If they had issued direct orders, even if the councilors from the Butian and Kunpeng lineages obeyed, their own public standing would suffer. Moreover, in their view, True Monarch Chunyang's orders would surely be followed by the other two Hall Masters. Thus, even if their own direct subordinates cast fewer votes, the proposal would still pass during the Kaiyuan Hall Assembly. This way, they could both fulfill True Monarch Chunyang's request and preserve their reputations within their own factions.

However, apart from Wenren Xuewei, the Hall Master of Rectification who had openly embraced indifference to her reputation, Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e had almost identical considerations. Therefore, without any direct notification from them, a proposal that was supposed to be a sure thing suddenly provoked widespread public outrage. The reason for such strong opposition from so many Golden Core councilors was simple: the number of peak Tier 4 spiritual plants within the Immortal Sect was finite. If these Nascent Soul cultivators used them now, wouldn't there be no resources left for them if they were lucky enough to form Nascent Souls in the future?

“Oppose!”“We must oppose it!”“We will only agree if we too are Nascent Soul cultivators!”

Driven by such thoughts, over seventy to eighty percent of the Golden Core councilors from the Butian and Kunpeng lineages, who had not received instructions from above, cast dissenting votes. Needless to say, the neutral parties also voted against it. Although the Golden Core councilors from the Wuqi and Jumang lineages were also reluctant internally, most still voted in favor due to orders from above. Even those who were strongly unwilling at least abstained.

When the vote count appeared on the screen, a faint smile suddenly touched Wenren Xuewei's lips. She raised her head, gracefully picked up the teacup from the table, took a sip, and glanced at Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e on either side, whose faces were extremely grim. The dissenting votes far outnumbered the affirmative ones. This meant that, according to the rules of the Kaiyuan Hall Assembly, the proposal would not pass.

But this was an order personally issued by True Monarch Chunyang. If he found out, Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e would likely be dismissed directly at the next Kaiyuan Hall Assembly.

“What's going on?!” Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e exchanged glances, both glaring at each other. Both internally blamed the other for mishandling the situation. Were they really so unwilling to take the blame for True Monarch Chunyang?! Look at Hall Master Wenren, how readily and obediently she took the fall.

After a brief telepathic argument, the vote tally on the screen finalized. Seeing 67% dissenting votes, and recalling True Monarch Chunyang's temperament, which was similar to Old Ancestor Baiguang's, both couldn't help but shiver.

“Stop arguing. Let's sort this out first,” Gongye Zhixu was the first to speak, stopping the quarrel, addressing Ye Yun'e. “Otherwise, if the True Monarch replaces us next year, we likely won't be able to benefit from this policy even if this proposal eventually passes.”

Ye Yun'e also nodded with a wry smile. In truth, both of them also eagerly hoped for the proposal to pass, as they too were Nascent Soul cultivators. They had initially tried to be clever and maintain their public image, but unexpectedly, they ended up shooting themselves in the foot.

“With 67% dissenting votes, the proposal therefore does not pass...” Wang Xinfu of the Kaiyuan Hall Rotating Committee, who was presiding over the assembly, glanced at the screen and murmured, while frowning at Hua Zijing, who sat in the second row with a gloomy expression. Just as he was wondering how to conclude the matter, Gongye Zhixu suddenly spoke.

“Actually, I find this proposal to be quite good. I cast my vote in favor.” As soon as the Master of the Hall of Immortal Affairs uttered these words, the Golden Core councilors of the Butian lineage immediately erupted into an uproar, staring at Gongye Zhixu in disbelief. They had just condemned Wenren Xuewei as morally corrupt and worthless. And now, Gongye Zhixu actually agreed. Didn't that mean Gongye Zhixu was also someone they should condemn? But as members of the Butian faction, even if Gongye Zhixu's prestige wasn't as high as Ying Guanghua's, they wouldn't dare do such a thing. So, did this mean they had to retract what they had just said? Wouldn't that be contradicting themselves?

This sudden shift by Gongye Zhixu wasn't over yet; Ye Yun'e on the other side also spoke. “I also agree.” Those four brief words stunned the Golden Core councilors of the Kunpeng lineage, who had previously been gloating, leaving them frozen on the spot. “What's going on?”

Under the incredulous gazes of numerous councilors, the proposal was forcibly passed at the Kaiyuan Hall Assembly due to all three Hall Masters casting affirmative votes.

“You Nascent Soul cultivators, who merely fill positions without contributing, only caring for yourselves and disregarding future generations, are unworthy of being the three Hall Masters...” A hot-tempered Golden Core councilor, hearing Wang Xinfu announce the proposal's passage, couldn't help but stand up directly and start verbally abusing Gongye Zhixu and the other two seated on the dais.

Gongye Zhixu, who usually presented a smiling face, found his composure slipping at this moment. He let out a cold snort and glanced at Ye Yun'e. Ye Yun'e also looked displeased, as the tirade had included her.

“How dare you cause such a ruckus in such a sacred setting!” Ye Yun'e personally intervened, sealing off the few verbally abusive Golden Core councilors, then summoned the guards to drag them out.

After the meeting, Chen Mobai, upon receiving the news, had his impression of Gongye Zhixu and Ye Yun'e significantly lowered. In contrast, Wenren Xuewei truly proved herself to be 'one of his own'. She took the blame without the slightest hesitation. Thinking of this, Chen Mobai decided to lend her the Tushita Fire he had lent her for a few more decades.

After the proposal passed, according to the Immortal Sect's rules, it still needed to be publicized to the populace. However, to avoid public outcry, a supplementary clause was added: Any Nascent Soul cultivator who utilizes a Tier 4 spiritual plant must cultivate a new Tier 4 spiritual plant as repayment, adhering to a strategy of sustainable development. To prevent a Nascent Soul cultivator from dying after a failed breakthrough, thus being unable to repay, another Nascent Soul cultivator willing to undertake the repayment must act as a guarantor. The guarantor cannot benefit from this policy until the debt is fully repaid.

Upon the introduction of this supplementary clause, although there was still some controversy among the populace, it was largely accepted by most. Because this way, at least the Immortal Sect gained an additional resource for Nascent Soul cultivators to achieve God Transformation. Although hundreds of millions of cultivators in the Immortal Sect were at the Qi Condensation stage, it didn't prevent them from harboring the aspiration of achieving God Transformation. Even if they felt incapable themselves, perhaps a peerless genius like Chen Mobai might suddenly emerge among their descendants, who could then benefit from it.

After this rule was finalized, Chen Mobai acted as a guarantor, allowing Venerable Chengxuan to utilize a peak Tier 4 Sun Sunflower. Although Venerable Chengxuan had used 'Instant Bloom' once before, the general public was unaware of it then. The Nascent Soul cultivators who knew dared not object, as True Monarch Chunyang was the guarantor; they could only feel envy internally, wondering why they weren't part of the Wuqi lineage. After receiving the Sun Sunflower, Venerable Chengxuan expressed his sincere gratitude to Chen Mobai, then began his final preparations for God Transformation.

Five Peaks Immortal Mountain.

Among the two peaks vacated by the relocated God Transformation families, one was named 'Gathering Immortals Peak'. According to Qi Yuheng's wishes, all Nascent Soul cultivators stationed here resided on this peak. Gathering Immortals Peak was also infused with Tier 6 spiritual energy. When Venerable Yunhai repaired the Celestial Curtain Earth Vein Grand Formation, this was the first place he worked on.

Inside a stone house located to the south, Chen Mobai and Chengxuan sat cross-legged on meditation cushions. The former spoke eloquently, while the latter listened intently. Chen Mobai had been here for a month. During the 'Startling Divinity Melody', Venerable Chengxuan perceived his own Great Dao. His entire foundation lay in his Natal Artifact, the 'Crimson Heart Treasure Mirror'. When evolved to its utmost, it manifested as a crimson sun, capable of encompassing the three Great Daos of Fire, Light, and Sun. It was for this reason that Chen Mobai chose the 'Sun Sunflower' from the Sunflower Academy among the Immortal Sect's Tier 4 spiritual plants. Previously, the Fiery Spirit Tree Immortal Flower refined by Venerable Chengxuan primarily focused on the Fire element. The Sun Sunflower, on the other hand, embodied Light and Sun. It perfectly suited Venerable Chengxuan's Dao. Furthermore, during the Nascent Soul to God Transformation process, one does not yet need to select their primary Great Dao. Thus, after obtaining the Sun Sunflower, Venerable Chengxuan intended to take this lifelong coveted step. Chen Mobai's successful cultivation of a second Nascent Soul even further freed him from worries, cementing his resolve completely.

As Venerable Chengxuan was preparing for God Transformation, he naturally informed Chen Mobai, the current leader of the Wuqi lineage. Upon learning this, Chen Mobai specifically halted his seclusion, drove his second Nascent Soul over, and unreservedly shared with him all the knowledge he had gained from comprehending the Dao Fruit.

“Senior Brother, may your Dao be achieved!” Today marked the final day. After answering all of Venerable Chengxuan's questions, relying on the profundity of the Five Tones of Law, Chen Mobai rose and performed an ancient blessing ritual towards him.

“Thank you, True Monarch.” Venerable Chengxuan, sitting cross-legged on the Tier 6 spiritual energy cushion, solemnly returned the courtesy. The two exchanged no further words. Chen Mobai turned and left the wooden house. After Venerable Chengxuan activated the formation, Chen Mobai personally set up an additional restriction outside. This restriction could be easily broken by a God Transformation cultivator. However, for Nascent Soul cultivators, even Chen Mobai when he previously wielded the Primordial Yang Sword, it would have been impossible to break.

“True Monarch!” After Chen Mobai set up the restriction, he heard several familiar voices. Turning his head, he saw Yuansu, Sanjue, Qingping, and Beiming, who were also stationed there. Theoretically, only four Nascent Soul cultivators were needed to guard this place, but Qi Yuheng would not refuse those who volunteered. Thus, most of the Immortal Sect's Tier 9 Nascent Soul cultivators were gathered here. Even Venerable Yunhai, who was busy outside, had a wooden house here and would come for seclusion once the Celestial Curtain Earth Vein Grand Formation was fully reconstructed. The only exception was Venerable Taohua, whose true form was in Jumang.

“Chengxuan is finally about to take that step.” Venerable Yuansu, sensing the Tier 6 spiritual energy around them beginning to surge towards the stone house at a faster rate than usual, couldn't help but look envious.

“Since I'm here today, I'll take this opportunity to distribute the Immortal Sect's God Transformation resources among you.” After arranging for Venerable Chengxuan, Chen Mobai considered that he still had two Divine Spark fragments and one Dao Law Fruit. Combined with the 'Instant Bloom' technique, these Immortal Sect prodigies who had cultivated to Tier 9 Nascent Soul should have a significant chance of achieving God Transformation. He thus began to make arrangements.

Chen Mobai's words left the Nascent Soul cultivators present astonished, delighted, and worried all at once. When True Monarch Qianxing and Old Ancestor Baiguang were in charge, they were more frugal than the other. Unexpectedly, with True Monarch Chunyang now at the helm, the generosity was unprecedented. He had actually brought out all the God Transformation resources at once and even specifically changed the Immortal Sect's rules, allowing them to use 'Instant Bloom' in advance without waiting for their own cultivated spiritual plants to mature. Compared to their predecessors, they could truly be said to have arrived in the Immortal Sect's best era. However, unlike 'Instant Bloom', which almost everyone could use once, the Divine Spark fragments and Dao Law Fruit could only be distributed among three people. This made the four Nascent Soul cultivators present worry that they might not receive one. The only consolation was that Venerable Chengxuan, who had the greatest chance, would no longer be competing with them.

“We respectfully obey your True Monarch's command!” The four Nascent Soul cultivators, filled with excitement, bowed to Chen Mobai.

“Inform Yunhai and Taohua. Once they arrive, come together to Zhixian Peak, where True Monarch Yuheng and I will distribute these resources.” After saying this, Chen Mobai first headed to Zhixian Peak, where Qi Yuheng resided. God Transformation resources could, of course, only be refined and utilized by Tier 9 Nascent Soul cultivators. After all, based on Chen Mobai's refinement and observation of the World Gate, there were likely only about thirty years left until the next Expansion War. Within these thirty years, they needed to utilize the Immortal Sect's thousands of years of accumulated resources to produce as many God Transformation True Monarchs as possible.

Upon hearing the news, Venerable Yunhai, who was busy setting up formations, immediately put down his work and directly performed a Grand Spatial Shift to Five Peaks Immortal Mountain. Ever since Chen Mobai publicly revealed the Void Doppelganger technique he had comprehended from the Universal Heavenly Tome, and with the Immortal Sect making Tier 5 artifacts available to every Nascent Soul cultivator during the Dragon God Star Expansion War, these top-tier Nascent Soul cultivators had, one by one, managed to comprehend it over the years. Only Venerable Taohua couldn't. Likely due to her nature as a transformed spiritual plant, her perception of void power was dull, making it difficult for her to grasp the technique.

After waiting for a long time, Venerable Taohua, who had personally flown over on her artifact, anxiously landed on Gathering Immortals Peak. Everyone was waiting for her. Given her personality, she couldn't help but repeatedly apologize.

“Let's go, don't keep the two Old Ancestors waiting.” Yuansu spoke, then took the lead, flying towards Zhixian Peak, and the others immediately followed.

On Zhixian Peak, Chen Mobai stood alone on the summit. Although the others found it strange that Qi Yuheng wasn't there, they still landed and bowed to him. After Venerable Taohua rose, she added, “True Monarch, I am late and have made you wait.” Ever since Old Ancestor Baiguang appeared last time, Venerable Taohua had abandoned the idea of recruiting Chen Mobai as her son-in-law, but after he cultivated a second Nascent Soul, that thought somewhat rekindled. Her thinking was the same as Meng Huang'er's: although Old Ancestor Baiguang was powerful, Chen Mobai would surely be no less impressive in the future. Unfortunately, Chen Mobai had long since settled his mind and no longer entertained such thoughts.

“You're not late. True Monarch Yuheng has just emerged from seclusion.” As Chen Mobai spoke, he led everyone into the grand hall where Qi Yuheng had been in seclusion.

“Chunyang, come and sit.” After everyone bowed, Qi Yuheng gestured for Chen Mobai to sit on the meditation cushion beside him. After a brief telepathic exchange, both nodded in unison. The distribution of the God Transformation resources had been decided.

“As you all know, the opponent in the next Expansion War will be incredibly powerful. We will use the Chaos Primordial Energy Cannon then. If we can annihilate Pluto in one fell swoop, that would be best. If not, we will need to stand before the World Gate and prevent the enemy from entering Diyuan Star.” After Qi Yuheng briefly opened the discussion, he gestured for Chen Mobai to continue with the crucial details.

“For this Expansion War, True Monarch Yuheng and I have decided to bring forth all of the Immortal Sect's resources that can aid in God Transformation. We will then bestow them upon those with the highest compatibility for refining these resources, solely to ensure the Immortal Sect has more God Transformation cultivators in the shortest possible time.”“Before that, there's one more thing to clarify.”“As you all know, the Immortal Sect's spiritual energy resources are limited and cannot support many God Transformation cultivators. Therefore, if anyone here succeeds by taking this opportunity, after the Expansion War is won, they will need to leave Diyuan Star with either me or True Monarch Yuheng, to make way for future cultivators.”“If you disagree with this condition, you may still utilize the 'Instant Bloom' resources, but you will not be eligible for the two Divine Spark fragments and the Dao Law Fruit.”

After Chen Mobai finished speaking, all the Nascent Soul cultivators present nodded in agreement. Seeing their eager gazes, Chen Mobai and Qi Yuheng nodded. The former then took out the three God Transformation resources from his personal domain.

“Yunhai, give me the Heavenly Calculation Bead.” Qi Yuheng said this to Venerable Yunhai, who immediately produced the Tier 5 Heavenly Calculation Bead, previously the core of the Celestial Curtain Earth Vein Grand Formation, and respectfully presented it with both hands. This item was previously kept by Qi Yuheng but was later entrusted to Venerable Yunhai for repairing the grand formation.

“Inside here is Old Ancestor Qianxing's stored Immortal Art: Infinity. When I activate it, each of you will be enveloped in its infinite light. You will then individually touch these three resources, and True Monarch Chunyang and I will evaluate the results together.” As soon as Qi Yuheng spoke these words, everyone immediately felt relieved. They had been wondering how the two True Monarchs would distribute the resources. They never expected that the Immortal Art left by Qianxing would be used. Within the Immortal Sect, Tier 5 spells were referred to as Immortal Arts. Infinity was created by Qianxing, and only he could use it. However, everyone was convinced of the effectiveness of this Immortal Art and believed that the two True Monarchs were being fair and just in the distribution of God Transformation resources. Yet, at the crucial moment, everyone remained seated on their meditation cushions, with no one volunteering to be the first.

“Yuansu, you go first.” Chen Mobai spoke. Venerable Yuansu paused for a moment, then nodded, rose, and approached the Dao Law Fruit first. Soon, the Dao Law Fruit pulsed with a faint, clear light. Chen Mobai, using the Crown of Heaven and Earth's Myriad Beings, intervened with the Immortal Art: Infinity, and quickly saw a compatibility probability of 1.3. This was much lower than Qianxing's previous calculations, indicating that Yuansu had clearly engaged in many activities on the fringes of Immortal Sect rules in recent decades. Seeing Yuansu's slightly awkward expression, Chen Mobai and Qi Yuheng remained expressionless. At their level, they no longer held such reverence for the existence of rules. However, if anyone dared to violate the rules in their presence, they would still mete out swift and decisive punishment.

“Continue.” Chen Mobai pointed to the two Divine Spark fragments. Yuansu touched them one by one. The Heavenly Dragon God's Divine Spark glowed with an inch of white light, while the Earth Dragon God's shone brightly, almost enveloping half of his body. Seeing this, Qi Yuheng nodded. Qianxing had also left comments on the two Divine Spark fragments before, stating that Ying Guanghua was the most suitable, followed by Yuansu and Taohua.

With Yuansu setting the example, the other Nascent Soul cultivators felt somewhat more at ease. They rose one by one, bathed in the light of the Immortal Art: Infinity, and successively touched the three God Transformation resources. When Venerable Qingping touched the Dao Law Fruit, the shimmering clear light transformed into numerous lines, starting from his arm and covering most of his body. However, the other two Divine Spark fragments showed no reaction to Venerable Qingping. This scene left Venerable Qingping looking very dejected. After all, even if he could achieve God Transformation by refining the Dao Law Fruit, he would have no hope of further advancement. But after witnessing the Calamity of the Grim Reaper firsthand, Venerable Qingping knew that the Immortal Sect needed new God Transformation cultivators, and he was mentally prepared for it. Chen Mobai saw Venerable Qingping's expression and couldn't help but transmit a message to him telepathically. Upon hearing it, Qingping's face suddenly lit up with surprise. “After this is over, come find me.”

After instructing Venerable Qingping, Chen Mobai looked at Venerable Beiming. Unfortunately, none of the three God Transformation resources reacted to his touch. This left Venerable Beiming extremely disappointed. He couldn't help but look at Qi Yuheng, but Qi Yuheng showed no reaction. Next was Venerable Taohua. As expected, the Earth Dragon God's Divine Spark glowed brightly, almost as intensely as it did for Venerable Yuansu. After the test, both Taohua and Yuansu had a hint of animosity in their eyes. After all, there was only one resource. Next, Venerable Sanjue, like Venerable Beiming, sighed helplessly. Finally, it was Venerable Yunhai. He calmly touched each of the three God Transformation resources. The Heavenly Dragon God's Divine Spark glowed brightly, indicating the highest compatibility among those present. Chen Mobai and Qi Yuheng couldn't help but nod.

“Yunhai will take the Heavenly Dragon God's Divine Spark, Yuansu will take the Earth Dragon God's Divine Spark, and Qingping will take the Dao Law Fruit.” After the infinite light from the Heavenly Calculation Bead dissipated, Qi Yuheng directly announced the list for the three God Transformation resources.

“That's not fair...” As soon as he finished speaking, Venerable Taohua couldn't help but jump up. Her induced glow was clearly similar to Yuansu's.

“Impudence!” Upon hearing this, Qi Yuheng couldn't be bothered to explain to Venerable Taohua. He directly employed the Six Imperials Scripture, sealing her, leaving her unable to move or speak, like a piece of deadwood.

“Yunhai, Yuansu, Qingping, if you wish to decline out of humility, I can give you that option.” Qi Yuheng then spoke to the three. Yunhai and Yuansu immediately shook their heads, indicating they would not decline. Qingping hesitated for a moment, then did the same.

“Once you have taken the items, Chunyang will guide you on the methods of refining them. If you have any further questions, you can all seek him on Wangxian Peak.” After saying his final words, Qi Yuheng waved his sleeve and vanished from the meditation cushion. His recent injuries were in their final stage of recovery. Had this matter not been so crucial, and Chen Mobai personally come to him, he likely wouldn't have emerged from seclusion.

“Venerable Sanjue, please take the trouble to escort Venerable Taohua back to Jumang Daoist Academy. When you affix this talisman, the restriction on her will naturally lift.” After Qi Yuheng left, Chen Mobai took out a talisman and gave it to Venerable Sanjue. Although Sanjue did not receive one of the three God Transformation resources within the hall, he could at least use 'Instant Bloom', so he still harbored hope of achieving God Transformation. Venerable Sanjue actually knew why Yuansu was chosen to use the Earth Dragon God's Divine Spark instead of Taohua. Apart from the specific reasons related to the Jumang lineage, it was also because Yuansu belonged to the Butian lineage. After all, Old Ancestor Qianxing had sacrificed himself for the Calamity of the Grim Reaper. His legacy naturally had to be used on his disciples. If it were given to Taohua, future Immortal Sect cultivators would think twice before making sacrifices.

Night, Wangxian Peak.

Chen Mobai began teaching Venerable Qingping the methods of the One-Origin Dao Palace. “This is the secret method of Dao Fruit refinement passed down in our Dan Ding Sect...”