Chapter 1058

True Spirit Tribulation

After reaching an agreement, Tu De was extremely happy. As he went downstairs, he announced that he would host a grand celebration at the Nine Heavens Pavilion and invited the witnesses present.

"I have something else to attend to..." Hong Yun, however, forced a smile and left the Nine Heavens Pavilion.

"I wonder when Sect Master Chen will be free. I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately." Mu Youyi hesitated for a moment, but thinking of the explanation he owed to the Myriad Spirit Sect, he gritted his teeth and asked.

"This evening. I'll send someone to invite Fellow Daoist Mu." Chen Mobai had already guessed Mu Youyi's matter and thought it would be better to have an honest and open discussion, so he said this.

"Alright." Mu Youyi nodded, then greeted Ni Yuanzhong and the others present before also leaving the Nine Heavens Pavilion.

"It seems they don't want us to reconcile." Sect Master Tu De said, referring to the two who had left.

"It's likely about the True Spirit Enlightenment Pills. After all, the number per batch is limited..." Ni Yuanzhong, however, directly stated what Tu De had left unsaid. As the Sect Master of the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect, he had no need for such reservations.

This time, during the Moral Sect's reclamation efforts, many Nascent Soul forces from Eastern Continent were mobilized, including the Blazing Cloud Palace and the Beast Taming Sect. They were also quite high on the list for exchanging True Spirit Enlightenment Pills. With True Monarch Wuchen's success rate for one batch of True Spirit Enlightenment Pills, there would only be about seven or eight pills. The Grand Void Ethereal Palace reserved two pills, the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect was guaranteed at least one, and it wouldn't be excessive for the Moral Sect, as the largest contributor, to take two. This meant five spots were already taken. In other words, a maximum of three pills would be left for cultivators outside the Three Sacred Lands. Among these, the One-Yuan Dao Palace, the Star Heaven Dao Sect, and the Blazing Cloud Palace were the top three in the exchange sequence. The Beast Taming Sect, having greater knowledge of true spirits, ranked sixth. But it was essentially impossible for them to get one, unless enough true spirit blood could be extracted from the Golden Flame Suanni to refine two batches. It was precisely for this reason that Chen Mobai knew Mu Youyi's visit was definitely about the poisonous dragon.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoists. Your reconciliation can help Eastern Continent avoid a war." After briefly mentioning the True Spirit Enlightenment Pills, Ni Yuanzhong immediately changed the topic, cupping his hands towards Chen Mobai and Tu De.

"This matter is also thanks to Sect Master Ni's intervention. However, there's one more thing for which I must again rely on your esteemed sect..." Tu De first thanked Ni Yuanzhong, then sighed, bringing up a matter that had weighed on his mind for a long time.

"Oh, is this truly the case!" Upon hearing this, Ni Yuanzhong's expression immediately became stern, emanating a chilling aura.

"Absolutely true. Since I'm reporting this with my real name, I naturally have full confidence and am willing to accept your sect's guidance, confront that person face-to-face, and even swear a Dao Heart oath!" Sect Master Tu De had a righteous and awe-inspiring expression.

This time, his agreement with the Five Elements Sect on behalf of the One-Yuan Dao Palace undeniably appeared to outsiders as the Dao Palace, a sacred land, bowing its head to the latter, losing power and shaming its sect. To restore the One-Yuan Dao Palace's reputation as a sacred land, a scapegoat was naturally needed. This person, Sect Master Tu De had prepared for over a hundred years, and now was the perfect time to bring him forward. All sins belonged to the demonic path. Tu De had endured such humiliation and burden for the revival of the One-Yuan Dao Palace.

"Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoists. I'll go invite True Monarch Wuchen of the Moral Sect." After listening, Ni Yuanzhong became even more cautious. After all, this matter involved Ming Zun, the Lord of the Eastern Demonic Path, and it would be safer to have a Dao Transformation cultivator from the righteous path present to lend support. In the past, Ming Zun's clandestine attack on Ye Qing had already revealed the existence of his avatar. Therefore, even though Yuan Qingque had slain the Dao Transformation Ming Zun before her ascension, the Three Sacred Lands of Eastern Continent had not relaxed their vigilance against this Lord of the Eastern Demonic Path. After all, if he could achieve Dao Transformation twice, there might well be a third time. The only thing to be thankful for was that Yuan Qingque had taken the Wheel of Reincarnation, the demonic treasure Ming Zun relied on, to the Upper Realm. This way, even if Ming Zun's avatar were to advance to Dao Transformation again, True Monarch Wuchen could easily suppress him. The Moral Sect also possessed a Sixth-Order supreme treasure.

"Sect Master Tu De, what a clever move." After Ni Yuanzhong left, only Chen Mobai and Tu De remained in the Nine Heavens Pavilion. Having heard their conversation, Chen Mobai couldn't help but look at Tu De in a new light. Although this person was somewhat timid and cautious, his skill at finding a scapegoat was truly exceptional.

"Oh, not at all. When Martial Nephew Liu was killed and Martial Nephew Su went missing, I already suspected there was a demonic spy within Five Emperors Mountain. However, to avoid drawing that person's attention, after securing the Primal Chaos Dao Fruit, I deliberately focused solely on cultivating to Dao Transformation, entering long periods of secluded cultivation. In reality, I frequently used secret techniques to monitor all Dao Palace cultivators on Five Emperors Mountain, but that person was extremely cautious and never exposed any traces since then. It wasn't until Ling Ming formed his Nascent Soul that I narrowed down the suspects to a few individuals, but I still couldn't truly pinpoint who it was. What made him expose himself was during the war between the righteous and demonic factions, when he betrayed the marching routes of Martial Nephew Xiao and others, allowing Kuang Jiyuan of the Profound Mechanism Demonic Sect to calmly set up a great array for an ambush..." When Sect Master Tu De spoke of this matter, his face was filled with sighs, as if grieving for the deceased Sect Master Huo De and others.

"It's also my incompetence; if only I could have discovered it sooner." Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai finally understood why this person beside him could firmly hold the top position of Five Emperors Mountain for so long after Grand Elder Wu Ming's death. If it were Chen Mobai, knowing a demonic spy had been hidden beside him for centuries, he would surely be restless and unable to tolerate it for so long. It could only be said that cultivators in the Heavenly River Realm who could cultivate to the complete Nascent Soul stage were no simple characters. In this war of words, if Tu De hadn't already prepared a scapegoat, and if he hadn't placed such extraordinary importance on Dao Transformation, Chen Mobai might indeed have struggled to obtain the One-Yuan Dao Palace's Ascension Secret Art and Void Refinement legacy from him.

"Sect Master Ni will take some time to go to the Moral Sect and return. I'll go meet with Mu Youyi." After a long silence, Chen Mobai felt it better to have less contact with Tu De; this person was too cunning.

"Junior Martial Brother Chen, I heard from Elder Lianshui that Martial Niece Su is currently under your command. I'd like to ask her about the circumstances of her ambush by the demonic path, so I can be more confident when confronting Senior Martial Brother Jin De. May I meet her?" Tu De, however, made a request.

"Mhm, I'll have her come to the Nine Heavens Pavilion." Chen Mobai nodded. When True Monarch Wuchen arrived, he would certainly focus on investigating Ming Zun's matter and likely question Su Zilu. It was better to have her wait here first.

After returning to the Five Elements Business Alliance, Su Zilu was greatly invigorated upon hearing the news. "I never expected the traitor to be him." Su Zilu had been bothered for half her life by the ambush she and the Dao Child suffered. This was because only insiders of the One-Yuan Dao Palace knew their return route. However, Ming Zun had always been wary of her, so she couldn't uncover anything. In One-Yuan Immortal City, the three of Lianshui had flatly denied it, claiming there could be no one from the demonic path on Five Emperors Mountain. When Chen Mobai launched the war of words against the One-Yuan Dao Palace, using Chen Lingming as an excuse, Su Zilu had thought this matter of hers would never be fully resolved in her lifetime. After all, once Tu De yielded, all blame would inevitably fall on him. Whether true or false, it would all be attributed to Tu De. Who knew that under such circumstances, the truth would be revealed.

"Thank you, Dao Child. I'll go now." After speaking, Su Zilu hurried towards the Nine Heavens Pavilion.

"Go to the Beast Taming Sect's shop and ask Fellow Daoist Mu Youyi to come..." After Su Zilu left, Chen Mobai spoke to Yue Zutao beside him, who immediately went to arrange the matter himself.

Soon after, Mu Youyi followed Yue Zutao into the highest floor of the Five Elements Business Alliance, which was also the exhibition area for the highest-grade items in the market. Chen Mobai's Fourth-Order Grand Yang Sword Talisman, Qing Nu's Nirvana Pill, and other items, all had a set displayed here.

"Greetings, Sect Master Chen." As soon as Mu Youyi entered, he politely greeted Chen Mobai.

"Please have a seat, Fellow Daoist Mu. What urgent matter brings you here?" Chen Mobai had already brewed a pot of tea. The tea liquid was as clear as a mirror, amber in color, and the slender leaves shimmered with a faint purple light. Its aroma was rich and mellow. He poured two cups, then first drank from his own. Seeing this, Mu Youyi confidently took the cup and took a sip.

"What fine tea!" Unlike the polite exchange at the Nine Heavens Pavilion earlier, this was spoken from the heart. One must know that given Mu Youyi's status, he had tasted countless spiritual teas, yet this one still gave him a unique feeling. He could sense the rich vitality contained within the tea, and even his spiritual sense, which had long since reached its peak, became slightly more active.

"This is a ten-thousand-year-old ancient tea tree our sect found in the Desolate Ruins. I named it 'Purple Haze'..." Chen Mobai waited until Mu Youyi finished drinking, refilled his cup, and then began to introduce its origin. This was what Bai Jinghong had offered to the Five Elements Sect. Fortunately, E Yun had sent three Core Formation cultivators from the Five Elements Sect there. Not only was there one ancient tea tree, but deep within the spiritual vein, there was a whole large area of them. However, there were many poisonous snakes hidden within the tea forest. But under the Five Elements Sect's army later, all these poisonous snakes were turned into snake meat. Upon receiving the news, Chen Mobai specifically had Zhuo Ming put aside her current tasks and make a trip to the Desolate Ruins to transplant the six most crucial ten-thousand-year-old ancient tea trees to Little South Mountain. After absorbing these, the Enlightenment Tea should be able to upgrade by a minor grade.

"The Desolate Ruins possess abundant natural treasures, but unfortunately, there aren't enough human cultivators to fully develop them." Mu Youyi also followed Chen Mobai's lead in conversation.

"With your esteemed sect's doctrines and cultivation methods, wouldn't venturing into the Desolate Ruins, leaving the Eastern Lands, be like a fish finding water, a carp leaping over the dragon gate? Why confine yourselves to the Eastern Lands?" Chen Mobai asked a question he had wondered about. In the Desolate Ruins, the most terrifying threats were demonic beasts, and in its deepest parts, ancient beasts even older than the sacred lands lay dormant. But for the Beast Taming Sect, this was a great boon. If they could form a contract with an ancient beast, even if they had to serve it, they would at least possess a foundation equivalent to a Dao Transformation cultivator.

"Sect Master Chen, you jest. What our Beast Taming Sect lacks is not beasts, but people!" However, Mu Youyi's single sentence brought Chen Mobai to a sudden realization. This was the Heavenly River Realm, where various spiritual beasts were ubiquitous. Even on Little South Mountain, Chen Mobai had helped Zhuo Ming capture a mountain civet with the bloodline of the earth-elemental divine beast, Lili. For the Beast Taming Sect, possessing the True Spirit Transformation Grand Law, their problem was choosing which spiritual beast to contract. After all, with persistence and substantial resources for nurturing, they would sooner or later be able to condense true spirit bloodlines. Moreover, demonic beasts had longer lifespans than humans, and it was common for one beast to serve three generations of masters. Sometimes, to prevent their disciples from becoming overly greedy, the Beast Taming Sect even stipulated that a disciple could only contract an additional spiritual beast upon advancing by a major cultivation realm. Just like Mu Youyi, in addition to his companion spiritual beast that had grown up with him since childhood, he had three other contracted spiritual beasts, all of which were Fourth-Order. However, even among true spirit bloodlines, there were distinctions in quality.

"The poisonous dragon Sect Master Chen slew in Cloud Dream Marsh, whose refined Rainbow Serpent true spirit blood is ranked among the top three grades in the Myriad Spirit Sect's compendium. It is also crucial for cultivating a certain forbidden technique, which is why Central Continent has been quite concerned since learning about it." Finally, Mu Youyi subtly revealed the purpose of his visit.

"Oh, so that poisonous dragon that plagued both sides of the East Desolate and Dongwu, devouring tens of thousands of humans, was actually raised by your Beast Taming Sect? It seems the blood feud of tens of thousands of my Five Elements Sect's subjects must be avenged by your Beast Taming Sect!" Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai's expression immediately turned furious, and the gigantic phantom of his Ten Thousand Swords Dharma Body began to manifest behind him.

"Sect Master Chen, you've misunderstood. It was an order from the Myriad Spirit Sect in Central Continent. As their branch sect in Eastern Continent, our Beast Taming Sect could only transmit the cultivation method on their behalf and guide its initial practice. The poisonous dragon's depredations along the shores of Cloud Dream Marsh were also because my Martial Great-Uncle Yu Shengyan ascended too hastily after failing his Dao Transformation breakthrough, leaving no instructions. So, our Beast Taming Sect only learned of this matter a few years ago after news came from Central Continent. If we had known the poisonous dragon's origins earlier, our sect's Nascent Soul elders would certainly have acted long ago to bring it back to the Beast Taming Sect." Although Mu Youyi felt he could contend with Chen Mobai, he saw no need to. After all, the poisonous dragon was already dead. If the True Spirit Transformation Grand Law wasn't extremely important, being a legacy of the Central Continent's Myriad Spirit Sect, he wouldn't have made a special trip to find Chen Mobai today.

"Even so, your Beast Taming Sect bears no small responsibility. If that Yu Shengyan were still alive, I would surely draw my sword." The anger on Chen Mobai's face slightly subsided, but it remained cold.

"Sect Master Chen, some things don't need to be stated too explicitly between us. I won't say more, but a few days ago, my sect's disciples saw a spiritual serpent undergoing tribulation above the Yellow Dragon Grotto. The technique it used was precisely the True Spirit Transformation Grand Law, originating from my sect, the Myriad Spirit Sect of Central Continent. You must give me an explanation for this." Seeing that Chen Mobai showed no intention of actively diffusing the situation, Mu Youyi began to exert his pressure as a Grand Nascent Soul cultivator.

Chen Mobai: "What kind of explanation do you want?"

Mu Youyi: "Give the spiritual serpent cultivating the True Spirit Transformation Grand Law to my Beast Taming Sect, or Sect Master Chen, you personally deal with it. Then, promise me that this cultivation method will never be transmitted outside. In return, consider this a favor my Beast Taming Sect owes you, and in future reclamation efforts when contending for the True Spirit Enlightenment Pills, I am willing to stand on your side."

This was a decision Mu Youyi made after much deliberation. After all, cultivation methods fundamental to a sect were more important than life and death in the Heavenly River Realm. Especially since the Beast Taming Sect had the Myriad Spirit Sect above them, they were even more afraid of punishment if discovered, because Nascent Soul cultivators of the Beast Taming Sect needed to return to Central Continent if they wished to break through to Dao Transformation. But the Five Elements Sect's strength was clear for all to see; the current Beast Taming Sect was no match at all. And the only opportunity to deal with Chen Mobai was lost after Tu De's retreat. Thus, Mu Youyi could only use the True Spirit Enlightenment Pills as leverage to see if the negotiation could succeed.

"After slaying the Poisonous Dragon Ancestor, I obtained a Grand Law capable of refining true spirit bloodlines and passed it on to my cultivated spiritual beast. I never expected it to be your Beast Taming Sect's cultivation method. I understand the rules here in Eastern Continent. Although I was unaware, this matter can indeed be considered a taboo. Fellow Daoist Mu, since you've come today and spoken so frankly, I'll give you face. As long as I am still in this world, I guarantee that this cultivation method will only be practiced by my spiritual beast and will absolutely not be passed on to a second spiritual beast. However, that spiritual beast shares a deep bond with me, almost like a close relative or friend. For you to ask me to hand it over to you or even execute it is absolutely impossible. My words end here. Friend or foe, Fellow Daoist, you make your choice." Chen Mobai was not the kind of person who made enemies everywhere. Although the Beast Taming Sect's strength was inferior to the Five Elements Sect's, it had a major sect from Central Continent supporting it. Before reaching Dao Transformation, Chen Mobai temporarily did not wish to provoke them. So, he reined in his temper and gave Mu Youyi a way to back down gracefully.

"In that case, I hope Sect Master Chen keeps his word." To his surprise, Mu Youyi did not object at all. After hearing his words, he simply nodded and directly agreed. He didn't even mention swearing an oath, seemingly trusting Chen Mobai's character greatly.

After finishing the tea, Chen Mobai personally saw Mu Youyi out of the Five Elements Business Alliance. Watching his departing back, Chen Mobai thought of Tu De again. These individuals who had cultivated to the complete Nascent Soul stage, each one of them cherished their lives more than he had imagined. However, this was also due to the formidable reputation he had established on the battlefield of Dongwu. If they hadn't known his strength was immense, and that they couldn't confidently defeat him alone, Tu De and Mu Youyi would not have been so accommodating. Indeed, with strong fists, one fears nothing anywhere, and everyone is willing to reason with you.

Just then, Chen Mobai's mind suddenly stirred, feeling an ineffable suppression. He looked up in the direction of the Nine Heavens Pavilion. Had a Dao Transformation cultivator arrived?

"Sect Master Chen, please come over for a discussion." Ni Yuanzhong's voice transmission sounded in Chen Mobai's ears, and he immediately nodded.

Inside the Nine Heavens Pavilion, besides Sect Master Tu De, Ni Yuanzhong, and Su Zilu, there was an additional young Daoist with white hair, a youthful face, and delicate skin. Was this True Monarch Wuchen? Chen Mobai was full of curiosity. Before a potential Dao Transformation cultivator, he dared not use Empty Valley Sound to probe their true nature.

"This must be Sect Master Chen of the Five Elements Sect, I presume. This humble Daoist is Shen Xi." However, the young Daoist was not True Monarch Wuchen. He smiled faintly at Chen Mobai, revealing snow-white teeth, and his demeanor was amicable.

"Greetings, Moral Sect Master." Chen Mobai had naturally heard of Shen Xi's name. This was someone from the same era as Ni Yuanzhong. But back then, Shen Xi was equivalent to the current generation's Dao Child and Saintess, Ye Qing, subtly a cut above the rest. It was said that long ago, he had already refined the Supreme Good Dao Fruit, taking half a step towards the Dao Transformation realm. However, because Shen Xi wanted to leave himself the possibility of surpassing his grand-master in the future, he had never taken the other half-step. It was precisely for this reason that the Moral Sect's rule in Eastern Continent was as stable as Mount Tai, because a second Dao Transformation cultivator could emerge at any time.

"My Martial Grand-Uncle already knows about the Five Emperors Mountain matter and sent me to handle it. I have already questioned Junior Martial Brother Tu De and Martial Niece Su. Does Sect Master Chen have anything to add?" As Shen Xi spoke, Chen Mobai glanced at the other three. Su Zilu imperceptibly nodded.

"What I know was all told to me by Elder Su; there's nothing else." Shen Xi nodded after hearing this, then extended an invitation. "Sect Master Ni and I plan to make a trip to One-Yuan Immortal City. Does Sect Master Chen wish to accompany us?"

Chen Mobai instinctively wanted to refuse, but quickly remembered that in over two decades, the reclamation efforts would begin. As for the spots for the True Spirit Enlightenment Pills, besides the sacred lands, if he wanted one, he would certainly need to demonstrate his capabilities. If Tu De were to lead the Sect Masters of the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect and the Moral Sect to eradicate the demonic spy within Five Emperors Mountain this time, wouldn't Tu De gain considerable prestige? However, Chen Mobai remained very cautious. Before making a decision, he tested it with the Tongtian Zhi. After discovering there was no danger, he spoke with righteous solemnity: "As the legitimate successor of the One-Yuan lineage, now that such a heinous matter has occurred within the Five Emperors Mountain branch, I bear an undeniable responsibility. At that time, please allow me to take action and completely purge the demonic aura from Five Emperors Mountain."

The moment Chen Mobai's words fell, both Shen Xi and Ni Yuanzhong showed expressions of relief, seemingly feeling that they had not misjudged him. Only Tu De hesitated as if to speak, but ultimately said nothing.

"There's no time like the present. The two of us will conceal ourselves. Sect Master Chen and Junior Martial Brother Tu De, please go ahead and help us put on a show." Ni Yuanzhong said, revealing that they had already planned how to approach Jin De without alerting him. And at the same time, see if they could draw out the demonic path individual behind Jin De. If it truly was Ming Zun... Chen Mobai suddenly recalled the suppression he had felt before arriving. Only a Dao Transformation True Monarch could cause such an uncomfortable energy presence for even a peak Nascent Soul cultivator like him. Perhaps, just like Ni Yuanzhong and Shen Xi, True Monarch Wuchen of the Moral Sect was also already hidden near them. Thinking this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but feel fortunate about his decision to go to the One-Yuan Dao Palace. If he had backed down today, his impression would surely have been greatly diminished.

After speaking, Shen Xi waved the whisk in his hand, as if raising a curtain of water that concealed both him and Ni Yuanzhong. No matter how Chen Mobai and Tu De probed with their spiritual senses, they could not detect any clues. Not even the Empty Valley Sound of the Longevity Sect could detect them. Only after entering the Earth Spirit Resonance state of the Danfeng Chaoyang Map was Chen Mobai able to perceive that two people were standing in that spot.

"Senior Martial Brother Shen Xi has truly formidable invisibility techniques." Sect Master Tu De praised, and Shen Xi politely responded. Subsequently, the four of them arrived at One-Yuan Immortal City via a large-scale teleportation array.

"Greetings, Grand Elder." Lianshui and the other three Outer Sect Nascent Soul Elders guarding the place, sensing their auras, immediately came over. They were greatly surprised to see Tu De and Chen Mobai standing together.

"I have reached an agreement with Junior Martial Brother Chen. I am now taking him to Five Emperors Mountain to retrieve all the legacies left by Patriarch One-Yuan." After greeting the three, Sect Master Tu De uttered words that left them stunned in place, unable to believe what they heard. Previously, Tu De had used the excuse of returning for three days to discuss with them, but in reality, he hadn't returned. He merely found a random place in Nine Heavens Immortal City to pass three days. Therefore, the One-Yuan Dao Palace side was unaware that Tu De had already sold off all the Dao Palace's legacies for his chance at Dao Transformation.

"Grand Elder, I believe this matter is improper!" "I also object!" Before Lianshui could finish speaking, the other two Outer Sect Elders had already stepped forward, their words intense and their emotions agitated.

"Am I the Grand Elder, or are you the Grand Elders?" Upon hearing this, Tu De's face showed displeasure. He scoffed, ignored the three completely, and flew directly towards Five Emperors Mountain.

"Junior Martial Brother Chen, come, come, this way please!" As he left, Tu De did not forget to smile and invite Chen Mobai.

"It seems Senior Martial Brother Tu De doesn't have absolute authority here either!" Chen Mobai said this, and Tu De feigned a slight darkening of his expression, glared at Lianshui and the other two, then directly activated his Dao Fruit power, rendering them unable to move or speak further. The Primal Chaos True Qi completely suppressed all cultivators of the One-Yuan Dao Palace. However, Lianshui still possessed the power to resist, but at that moment, he smiled miserably, allowing the Primal Chaos True Qi to restrain him. The Dao Palace had already been ruined in the hands of the person before him! At that moment, his sorrow was greater than death itself.