Chapter 1064: East Mausoleum Immortal City

On the flying ship, in the topmost room, Chen Mobai sat upright on his meditation cushion. In front of him was his disciple, Luo Yixuan, and beside her was his grand-disciple, Han Zhiling, whose face was bright and charming.

By the window, the little Yellow Dragon Girl, who had transformed into human form, rested her chin in her hands, gazing at the clouds outside as they unfurled and dispersed.

"Master, regarding Mount Panghuang..."

Luo Yixuan reported to Chen Mobai on the situation at Mount Panghuang, where she had been stationed for years. Over time, several entry points had opened up in the outer formation of the Fanhai Gate ruins. Many rogue cultivators from the Eastern Yi had secretly entered, acquiring numerous valuable items from the Eastern Earth Imperial Court era. Of course, only a few managed to emerge alive; most vanished without a trace after entering. Because the area was located at the border between the Five Elements Sect and the Bathing Sun Sea, in addition to local Eastern Yi, cultivators from Dongyue in Eastern Earth occasionally traveled there by teleportation array in groups to explore the secret realm after hearing about it.

The Bathing Sun Sea also dispatched a Core Formation cultivator, Liu Nansheng, to guard the area. Both the Five Elements Sect and the Bathing Sun Sea tacitly controlled most of the entrances and exits to the Mount Panghuang ruins. These were paths that countless cultivators had forged with their lives and blood over many years, being the least dangerous and having the fewest restrictions. However, neither sect monopolized these entrances; they were willing to allow outsiders in when the power of the formation entrances was at its weakest. But if cultivators managed to emerge, the two sects would take a 30% share of their gains. This was after Chen Mobai had properly educated Luo Yixuan; otherwise, given her personality, she would have certainly demanded a 70% cut. The Bathing Sun Sea, on the other hand, originally took half, but due to their reputation not being as good as the Five Elements Sect's, they had since reduced their share to 20% to attract cultivators to use their path.

As she spoke, Luo Yixuan took out a storage bag containing the gains she had accumulated while guarding Mount Panghuang over the years. Chen Mobai swept his divine sense over it, seeing that most of the contents were medicinal herbs over a thousand years old, many of which were extinct in Eastern Continent. There were also some damaged magical artifacts, minerals, and even elixirs and cultivation techniques. Naturally, anything Luo Yixuan collected was not ordinary, but Chen Mobai only took out the cultivation techniques for a glance. After finishing, Chen Mobai took out several blank jade slips and re-engraved a copy of the cultivation technique he had comprehended using the 'Law of Five Tones', remarking, "Quite interesting, they can be added to the library."

"Master, seeds from all these herbs have also been collected and sent to Senior Sister Zhuo..." Chen Mobai then inquired about the other medicinal materials in the storage bag, and Luo Yixuan answered truthfully. As the Five Elements Sect continued to grow, the sect's reforms were steadily completing. Key positions in the Three Halls and Twelve Divisions now all required Core Formation cultivators to hold them. Zhuo Ming was currently the head of the Spiritual Plants Department, responsible for all spiritual plants and medicinal materials within the sect's territory.

"Also, these two fragments of the Profound Light Soaring Flag, I had already sent them to Mistress earlier." Luo Yixuan mentioned one last thing, and upon hearing it, Chen Mobai's expression showed sudden realization. No wonder Qing Nü had thought of this disciple earlier when refining the Heavenly Realm Purifying Water; it seemed she had already fostered a good relationship with his wife. "Very good, very good. With your thoughtfulness, your Mistress will remember your kindness." Chen Mobai was very pleased. He had previously felt that Luo Yixuan seemed to have some reservations about Qing Nü, who had suddenly appeared as her Mistress. Now, seeing them getting along so well, it was a burden lifted from his mind.

Next, Chen Mobai offered guidance on Luo Yixuan's cultivation. She had broken through to the late Core Formation stage six years ago. This speed was neither fast nor slow, especially since as Chen Mobai's disciple, she lacked no resources. However, due to possessing two types of Core Formation spiritual energy, and her spiritual roots being merely 'decent' compared to others, her progress was somewhat impacted. It was precisely for this reason that over the years, despite her high aspirations, Luo Yixuan had come to truly understand herself, especially after Yin Qingmei achieved Nascent Soul formation.

She realized that if she wanted her future cultivation to keep up, she would definitely need to rely on external aids like elixirs. It was crucial to foster a good relationship with Qing Nü, her Mistress, who was the Five Elements Sect's foremost alchemist. Furthermore, since Chen Mobai cultivated fire-elemental techniques, if Luo Yixuan wished to seek advice on her own Profound Sea Imperial Art, it would be best to consult Qing Nü. Having understood this, Luo Yixuan, who had been stuck at a bottleneck, successfully broke through due to her sudden enlightenment.

However, Chen Mobai's guidance this time made Luo Yixuan realize that her previous thoughts were completely mistaken. She discovered that even concerning the Profound Sea Imperial Art, Chen Mobai's understanding was far superior to hers. "Master, you are truly amazing!" After all her cultivation doubts were resolved, Luo Yixuan looked at Chen Mobai opposite her with an expression of reverence.

"Cultivate diligently, steadily accumulate spiritual power, and in about a century, you should be able to attempt Nascent Soul formation." Chen Mobai used the 'Crown of All Living Beings' to estimate Luo Yixuan's cultivation progress and provided a timeline. Luo Yixuan's face lit up with joy upon hearing it. In a century, she would still be under 300 years old, well within her peak. Having accepted the fact that she was only slightly stronger than her senior brother, Luo Yixuan felt that her future was wide open.

After guiding his disciple, Chen Mobai then inquired about his grand-disciple beside him. Han Zhiling immediately took out the homework Chen Mobai had assigned her yesterday, offering it for him to grade. Luo Yixuan glanced at it, only understanding a portion, and couldn't help but be inwardly surprised, wondering if current disciples were all so formidable. She then recalled that Chen Mobai had initially wanted Han Zhiling to be her own disciple, but she had politely declined.

A faint regret stirred within her. After all, among the four second-generation disciples of Xiaonan Mountain, Zhuo Ming had been clearly designated as Chen Mobai's direct successor long ago, a fact everyone readily accepted. And after Han Zhiling formed her Core, the primary disciple of the third generation was also settled. Besides Han Zhiling, Liu Wenbai's disciple Song Huangda, and Jiang Zongheng's disciple Duan Shuyu, were already in the late Foundation Establishment stage, awaiting completion before forming their Cores. In comparison, only Luo Yixuan remained alone. Previously, she had found this peaceful, but now she felt a touch of loneliness. If only she had accepted Han Zhiling then.

As Luo Yixuan sighed inwardly, Chen Mobai had already finished checking Han Zhiling's homework with satisfaction. During this period, he had kept this grand-disciple by his side, meticulously explaining the new version of the Blazing Flame Sword Scripture from beginning to end. Chen Mobai's excellent teaching ability, combined with Han Zhiling's own intelligence, had allowed her to fully grasp all the contents of the Core Formation chapter of the Blazing Flame Sword Scripture. Chen Mobai estimated that in roughly two *jiazi* (120 years), she could cultivate to the perfected Core Formation stage and attempt Nascent Soul formation. If she encountered any further enlightenment opportunities along the way, she might even achieve Nascent Soul formation around the same time as Luo Yixuan. Thinking this, Chen Mobai turned to glance at Luo Yixuan, thinking that he still needed to save some face for his disciple. After the pioneering expedition, he would go to the Jumang Dao Academy to retrieve the Great Camphor Dew and have Qing Nü refine the Heavenly Unity Spiritual Water.

After guiding Han Zhiling, Chen Mobai also called in Duan Shuyu and Jin Ling'er, who were practicing war formations outside.

While his main body was instructing his disciples in cultivation, his second primordial spirit flew above the Heavenly Gang with the Pure Yang Cauldron to condense Nine Heavens Pure Qi. Once the Myriad Swords Dharma Body left the territory of the Five Elements Sect, it could no longer be upgraded to the fifth tier by the Fruit of Dao Laws. Therefore, after returning to the Heavenly River Realm, Chen Mobai had continuously kept his second primordial spirit busy with this task. Regions above the Nine Heavens that he previously dared not approach due to insufficient cultivation were now within reach for exploration. Compared to before, when he had toiled for a long time and only by luck stumbled upon a single wisp, the Pure Yang Cauldron now contained seven wisps.

But even so, Chen Mobai still felt the efficiency was somewhat low. Recalling the origin of Nine Heavens Pure Qi, Chen Mobai looked at the dark, cloud-laden Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation above him, feeling a surge of eagerness to try. No sooner had this thought emerged than the Heavenly Heart Warning from the 'Phoenix Facing the Sun Diagram, Reaching Heaven's Blessings' began, cautioning him against seeking death. Although the second primordial spirit was now considered a true Spirit Transformation cultivator, there were too many unpredictable dangers within the tribulation layers. It was simply not worth the risk just to condense Nine Heavens Pure Qi. It would be better to wait until his cultivation advanced further, or until he possessed a sixth-tier supreme treasure, before attempting to venture into it. With this thought, Chen Mobai controlled his second primordial spirit, diligently following the Five Elements Sect's fleet of flying ships, trying his luck in the part of the Heavenly Gang closest to the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation. The auspicious blessing of the 'Phoenix Facing the Sun Diagram' ensured that every so often, he would encounter a wisp of pure spiritual immortal qi falling from the tribulation layers. All of it was collected into his Pure Yang Cauldron. By the time they neared Dongling Immortal City, the cauldron already contained twenty-three wisps. With these, the Myriad Swords Dharma Body would be able to unleash fifth-tier power for a short period.

After having the fleet of flying ships stop and sending someone to inform the Daoist Sect, Chen Mobai ascended to the deck. His divine sense circulated, and his second primordial spirit descended from the sky, transforming into a golden light that entered the back of his head. The surrounding Five Elements Sect disciples were accustomed to this sight, all assuming their Sect Master was cultivating powerful divine abilities. The Five Elements Sect's fleet of flying ships formed a vast, conspicuous fiery cloud in the sky. Soon after, three powerful Nascent Soul spiritual lights flew over from a distance. "Is this Sect Master Chen of the Five Elements Sect? Shen Xi pays his respects." The one who flew over to greet them was none other than Shen Xi, the Sect Master of the Daoist Sect. Chen Mobai immediately flew up from the deck to return the courtesy. "It is truly an honor to be personally welcomed by Sect Master Shen Xi."

After they conversed for a while, Shen Xi invited Chen Mobai into Dongling Immortal City. However, disciples from other major forces, due to their large numbers, needed to find encampments outside the immortal city. As the Five Elements Sect was currently the super-sect in Eastern Continent, second only to the Holy Lands, the Daoist Sect had long reserved the best location for them. Chen Mobai instructed Duan Shuyu to lead the sect's ten thousand cultivators to land and establish defenses, while he himself entered the city with Shen Xi first.

"Sect Master Chen, please!" Shen Xi, holding his whisk, rode a white cloud and smiled as he led the way. Chen Mobai beckoned to the little Yellow Dragon Girl, who immediately manifested her true Yellow Dragon form and landed in front of him. The moment Shen Xi and the two Nascent Soul cultivators beside him saw the Yellow Dragon, their eyes widened slightly in shock. Even with their statuses, it was their first time seeing such a true spirit.

"This is the daughter of Senior Yellow Dragon, who ascended with Patriarch Yiyuan back then. She recently passed her fourth-tier heavenly tribulation, and I brought her along for this pioneering expedition to broaden her horizons." Chen Mobai mounted the little Yellow Dragon Girl's back and came alongside Shen Xi and the two cultivators who were riding white clouds, politely introducing the origin of the true spirit Yellow Dragon. "Your esteemed sect truly lives up to its reputation as the orthodox lineage of Yiyuan; I didn't expect such profound heritage." Upon hearing this, Shen Xi also smiled and acknowledged the Five Elements Sect's status as the orthodox lineage of Yiyuan. Previously, when Chen Mobai went to Mount Five Emperors, Tu De, to preserve his Primordial Dao Fruit and his hope of achieving Spirit Transformation, had already stopped Yiyuan Dao Palace from refuting the Five Elements Sect's claim of orthodoxy. And Yiyuan Dao Palace's silence, from the perspective of Eastern Continent, was tantamount to tacit agreement. In Shen Xi's view, the Five Elements Sect, now flourishing like the midday sun, inheriting the Holy Land title of True Monarch Yiyuan, was more beneficial to their Daoist Sect than the declining Mount Five Emperors.

"I wonder if Senior Wuchen has already arrived here?" As Chen Mobai rode the Yellow Dragon, following Shen Xi towards Dongling Immortal City, he also asked the question that concerned him most. For this pioneering expedition, they had to deal with a fifth-tier Golden Flame Suan Ni. Without True Monarch Wuchen leading, cultivators from the various sects would likely just be cannon fodder for the desolate beast. "The teleportation array has been established; my Master can come at any time," Shen Xi replied. Chen Mobai nodded upon hearing this, thinking that he could use the time before True Monarch Wuchen arrived to have his second primordial spirit condense a few more wisps of Nine Heavens Pure Qi. He then inquired about the situation of the other Holy Lands. He was mainly concerned about Ye Qing. After Yuan Qingque ascended, Ye Qing had entered seclusion. However, with the pioneering expedition brought forward, it was unknown if Ye Qing had emerged from his seclusion.

"Both the Nine Heavens Demon Eradication Sect and the Grand Void Ethereal Palace have their Sect Masters present, along with Saintess Yuan Zhen, Dao Child Zhang Pankong, and others..." Hearing that there were acquaintances, Chen Mobai's brows relaxed, but since Ye Qing's name wasn't mentioned, he was clearly not present. "What about Mount Five Emperors?" "Mountain Lord Tu De is personally leading their team and is already in the immortal city," Shen Xi said with a smile, glancing at Chen Mobai, who was riding the Yellow Dragon. "I haven't seen Senior Brother Tu De in a long time; I miss him dearly..." Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai's eyes lit up. He immediately sent a mental message to the little Yellow Dragon Girl to create more of a grand display. Shen Xi clearly understood his intention, and the white cloud beneath his feet also accelerated.

Dongling Immortal City.

Mountain Lord Tu De, who had brought several Nascent Soul cultivators from Yiyuan Dao Palace for the Saintly True Spirit Elixir, was conversing with Ni Yuanzhong. Both were among the closest to Spirit Transformation in Eastern Continent, and their discussions, besides the current pioneering expedition, revolved around their insights into Spirit Transformation. Besides the two of them, Ni Yuanzhong had also invited Palace Master Biluo of the Grand Void Ethereal Palace, Xing Ji of the Star Heaven Dao Sect, Hong Yun of the Fire Cloud Palace, and other perfected Nascent Soul cultivators. Accompanying them were Eastern Continent's talents such as Saintess Yuan Zhen, Dao Child Zhang Pankong of the Grand Void, and Dao Child Xuande of the Daoist Sect.

"Oh, what a powerful aura! Which fellow Daoist has arrived?" As they were enjoying tea and light conversation, Ni Yuanzhong's heart suddenly stirred; he had sensed the true spirit aura of the little Yellow Dragon Girl. Tu De also frowned. As he cultivated Primordial Unity with earth-elemental true qi, he was most sensitive to the Great Dao of Earth. He sensed a formidable earth-elemental true power, even superior to his own, approaching them. Yuan Zhen, who was explaining to Palace Master Biluo how she maintained her youthful appearance, saw the ten-thousand-zhang golden light illuminating the horizon and immediately knew who was arriving. She couldn't help but say, "It seems the Sect Master of the Five Elements Sect, the orthodox lineage of Yiyuan, has arrived." As soon as she spoke, no matter how thick-skinned Tu De was, he couldn't quite maintain his composure.