Chapter 1065: Rules for Land Reclamation

Dongling Immortal City, tall and imposing, stood atop Mount Dongling, the highest peak within a ten-thousand-mile radius.

The most elite group of Nascent Soul cultivators in Dongzhou ascended from within the Immortal City as streaks of spiritual light. They gazed at the Yellow Dragon in the distant sky, its golden radiance as brilliant as the rising sun, casting a golden glow over the entirety of Mount Dongling.

Lord Tudé's expression was solemn. To other factions, the Yellow Dragon was merely a top-tier True Spirit bloodline, but to the One Origin Dao Palace, it held sacred significance.

In a sense, the True Spirit Yellow Dragon was almost synonymous with True Monarch One Origin.

In the minds of Dongzhou's cultivators, it was the very symbol of True Monarch One Origin.

Now, with Chen Mobai, the sect master of the Five Elements Sect, arriving on the Yellow Dragon, even the older generation, deeply entrenched in the belief that the Five Emperors Mountain represented the true One Origin lineage, began to waver.

Lord Tudé naturally understood this. Although the One Origin Dao Palace no longer possessed the power of a Sacred Land, he felt compelled to speak up on this occasion: "Junior Brother Chen obtained the patriarch's legacy from before his ascension in the Eastern Wilds. Although it's a different branch, it stems from the same origin; both are true One Origin lineages."

During the previous peace talks with Chen Mobai, it was promised that they would not refute the Five Elements Sect's claim to be the true One Origin lineage. So, Tudé simply declared that both were.

Tudé was quite adept at using words to cover his embarrassment.

Hearing this, Hongyun, who was nearby, couldn't help but feel a surge of disdain.

As someone who had participated in the entire peace negotiation, he naturally knew that the so-called "true One Origin lineage" was purely a compromise forced by the Five Emperors Mountain's inability to match the Five Elements Sect's strength.

However, others were unaware of this, and upon hearing Tudé's explanation, a look of sudden realization dawned on their faces.

Yuan Zhen, who knew the inside story, sneered and was about to say something more but was glared at by Ni Yuanzhong.

After being warned by their sect master via spiritual message, Yuan Zhen grudgingly withdrew what they were about to say.

At that moment, an earth-shattering dragon's roar echoed through the sky, like thunder rumbling across the land.

As the Yellow Dragon flew closer, gales roared and lightning flashed across the sky. The terrifying aura of a top-tier True Spirit, accompanied by these astonishing celestial phenomena, surged forth, causing the many cultivators in Dongling Immortal City to widen their eyes in awe.

"Why has everyone come out?"

Before the awe-inspiring Yellow Dragon, a clear white cloud traversed the thunderous storm and gracefully descended before the crowd. Sect Master Shenxi looked on in surprise at the top Nascent Soul cultivators from Dongzhou's major sects floating before him.

"Such grandeur naturally piques one's curiosity."

Ni Yuanzhong spoke first, responding with a smile. He then looked at the white-robed youth riding the Yellow Dragon and clasped his hands in greeting: "Sect Master Chen, it has been a long time. Your cultivation has advanced even further."

"Greetings, Sect Master Ni. I didn't expect you all to have arrived already. It seems I am late."

Chen Mobai glanced at the numerous Nascent Soul cultivators above the Immortal City. At the forefront were Ni Yuanzhong and others, who were at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage and closest to breakthrough to Deity Transformation. Behind them were Yuan Zhen, Zhang Pankong, and other Holy Land disciples and saints. Further in the distance were some unfamiliar Nascent Soul cultivators.

All of them looked at Chen Mobai with curious eyes, and many also cast covetous glances at the young Yellow Dragon girl, who had revealed her true dragon form.

However, Chen Mobai did not see Mu Youyi from the Beast Taming Sect.

"Oh, no, no, we only just arrived these past two days."

Xing Ji, from the Starry Heavens Dao Sect, also a familiar acquaintance of Chen Mobai, couldn't help but respond.

"Coincidentally, I've organized a discussion forum. Both Sect Masters are also beings who will soon attempt Deity Transformation. Why don't we come down and converse together?"

Ni Yuanzhong extended the invitation, withdrawing his gaze from the Yellow Dragon.

Shenxi naturally nodded, then asked Chen Mobai.

"It would be my great honor."

After saying this, Chen Mobai's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Lord Tudé. He smiled slightly and said, "Senior Brother Tudé, long time no see."

Lord Tudé forced a faint smile and replied, "Junior Brother Chen, you've also arrived."

Although their conversation seemed mundane, many cultivators present sensed the subtle tension contained within it.

"This is Senior Yellow Dragon's daughter, who ascended with Patriarch One Origin..."

Chen Mobai introduced the young Yellow Dragon girl, now in human form, to Tudé. Although Tudé was very reluctant to acknowledge her, he had no choice but to nod and respond, "So it is the daughter of Patriarch Yellow Dragon. Then I should address you as Martial Grand-Aunt."

Within the One Origin Dao Palace, Yellow Dragon was also enshrined with a patriarch's tablet in a side hall.

"By your seniority, Senior Brother, you should indeed call her Martial Grand-Aunt. However, since you and I address each other as senior and junior brothers, you may just call her Junior Sister."

As soon as Chen Mobai spoke these words, the way everyone looked at him changed slightly.

If this seniority was established, Chen Mobai would instantly become a disciple of True Monarch One Origin.

The reason the Five Emperors Mountain had previously expelled Patriarch Hunyuan was precisely because of his overly high seniority.

If Tudé were to concede, wouldn't it imply an admission that the Five Emperors Mountain had erred concerning Patriarch Hunyuan?

"That would be a bit chaotic. Let's just stick to our own respective forms of address."

Tudé uttered this vague statement, sidestepping the issue.

He represented the One Origin Dao Palace here, and even though Grand Elder Wuming had already passed away, he could not negate their established traditions, or the morale would collapse.

"Senior Brother Tudé is right."

Chen Mobai did not dwell on the topic. His arrival with the Yellow Dragon and his exchange of words with Tudé had already established the Five Elements Sect's status as the true One Origin lineage before the major sects of Dongzhou.

If he pushed too hard, Tudé might genuinely turn hostile.

That would also be disrespectful to the Daoist Sect, who were the hosts.

Following this, he and Shenxi, along with others, descended to the tallest building in the center of Dongling Immortal City.

Occupying the most prominent seats were naturally Ni Yuanzhong, Shenxi, and the Palace Master of Azure Palace, the three sect masters of Dongzhou's Sacred Lands.

"Sect Master Chen, Daoist Brother Tudé, please take the honored seats."

Ni Yuanzhong gestured to the first cushions on both the left and right, effectively granting significant face to the One Origin Dao Palace, which was nominally a Sacred Land.

Chen Mobai smiled faintly and took a seat on the left cushion. Tudé, with a calm expression, sat opposite him.

Next, on the second seat to the left was Xing Ji from the Starry Heavens Dao Sect, and on the right was Hongyun from the Fiery Cloud Palace...

After all the Nascent Soul cultivators had taken their seats, Chen Mobai, observing the unfamiliar faces, committed them firmly to memory.

In a sense, these seating arrangements represented the ranking of Nascent Soul cultivators, recognized by all Sacred Lands.

Chen Mobai sat for a while and, finding that no one came forward to challenge him, felt somewhat bored.

"The younger generation of cultivators has already achieved remarkable accomplishments. The future of Dongzhou's cultivation world is truly vibrant."

Shenxi, seated in the center, was the first to speak. His gaze fell upon Zhang Pankong, Xuande, Yuan Zhen, and others, and his expression showed approval.

Zhang Pankong and the others rose to return the greeting, their faces showing humility.

Chen Mobai thought to himself that he was also young, even younger than them, but since Shenxi's gaze wasn't on him, he merely continued to sit, posing.

Even outstanding young cultivators like Zhang Pankong, who had just entered the late Nascent Soul stage, had been far surpassed by Chen Mobai.

Only Ye Qing could truly compare to him.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ni Yuanzhong began by sharing some of his insights on cultivation.

However, in the Heavenly River Realm, the habit of hoarding one's own treasures persisted, becoming even more pronounced at the Nascent Soul level. It was already commendable to reveal even a few words about insights into Deity Transformation.

Nevertheless, the back-and-forth exchange, even if fragmented, left the present Nascent Soul cultivators feeling greatly enlightened and thoroughly satisfied.

Chen Mobai, however, felt only boredom, but he did not display his generosity on this occasion. When in Rome, do as the Romans do; he merely offered one sentence:

"The transformation from Nascent Soul to Deity Transformation marks the beginning of merging with the Great Dao. From then on, it is a journey along the Grand Path."

After he finished speaking, the sect masters of the three Sacred Lands all looked at him in surprise.

This was already core content regarding Deity Transformation cultivation.

It seemed this person had indeed received the true inheritance of True Monarch One Origin.

Thinking this, and fearing Chen Mobai might say more, Shenxi began to discuss the specific matters of the current reclamation effort.

"For this reclamation, according to True Monarch Wuchen's instructions, we will open up thirty thousand miles of barren ruins and establish Dongzhou's seventh domain: Dongling!"

"These thirty thousand miles of barren ruins will center around Mount Dongling. North of Mount Dongling will be Dongyue; to the east, Dongyi; and to the south, Donghuang. This will perfectly serve as a hub connecting the three domains, and in the future, the core of Dongzhou's human cultivators will gradually migrate to this domain."

"To the west of Mount Dongling lies the territory of the Golden Flame Suanni. It occupies Mount Shituo, which boasts a fifth-tier spiritual vein. There, a subterranean cave, left from the dawn of creation, leads directly to the earth's core, allowing the collection of Primeval True Fire Venom."

"Previously, out of concern that the Golden Flame Suanni might ignite the Primeval True Fire Venom, setting ablaze the fifth-tier spiritual vein and destroying tens of thousands of miles of connected territory, it has been allowed to roam freely."

"During this reclamation, our sect will deploy the Heaven and Earth Xuanji Grand Formation to remotely seal that primeval subterranean cave. However, as it is in the Golden Flame Suanni's lair, the seal will not last long. Therefore, during the sealing period, we must infiltrate Mount Shituo and slay it."

After Shenxi briefly outlined the Daoist Sect's plan, everyone's expressions turned solemn.

Many among them looked at the seated Chen Mobai.

After all, this person had, during the war between righteous and demonic cultivators, detonated hundreds of spiritual veins in Dongwu, annihilating a million demon beasts on the Ten Thousand Immortals Island in the Barren Sea in one fell swoop.

In this regard, Chen Mobai was considered an expert.

"If the fifth-tier spiritual vein of Mount Shituo is detonated, given our cultivation levels, there shouldn't be much danger as long as we're careful not to get too close, right?"

Chen Mobai estimated the power of the Dongwu detonation and thought that if they stayed hidden on Mount Dongling, there would be no need to fear these effects.

"Sect Master Chen, you may not know, but the spiritual vein on Mount Shituo is merely a tributary. If it were to be detonated, it would shake the oldest ancestral vein in the heart of Dongzhou. That is also the deepest part of the Barren Ruins, where many ancient beasts slumber, some even close to the Void Refinement stage. Although they might be forced to ascend due to the rules of heaven and earth upon awakening, before them, we would be like weeds in the wind. Therefore, we absolutely cannot take this risk."

After Shenxi explained the greatest concern regarding the reclamation, Chen Mobai's expression showed sudden understanding.

He still had too little experience in such matters.

He had long heard that many ancient beasts slumbered in the deepest parts of the Barren Ruins, originally assuming they were at most fifth-tier True Spirits, but he hadn't expected them to be even more powerful.

In that case, during the reclamation, greater caution would be necessary.

Chen Mobai, whose mindset had grown somewhat inflated after cultivating his second Nascent Soul and the fifth-tier Myriad Sword Dharma Body, immediately calmed down again.

In the Heavenly River Realm, one still needed to be cautious.

"How long can the seal be maintained, I wonder?"

The Palace Master of Azure Palace, who appeared as a beautiful woman, asked another crucial question.

"My master will personally discuss this matter with True Monarch Dakong." Shenxi, however, did not directly answer the question.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai knew that slaying the fifth-tier Golden Flame Suanni might not be possible with True Monarch Wuchen alone. It was likely that a Deity Transformation cultivator from the Grand Void Ethereal Palace would also intervene.

Among the Deity Transformation cultivators of Dongzhou's three Sacred Lands, True Monarch Dakong was the only one he had not met.

He wondered if the mysterious old man who sold him the Four Grand Void Scrolls at the Big Dipper Assembly was True Monarch Dakong.

Thinking this, Chen Mobai glanced at Zhang Pankong, who was not far away, and considered asking him about True Monarch Dakong after the meeting concluded.

"In that case, how should we coordinate?"

Xing Ji, beside Chen Mobai, spoke up.

As the strongest sect beneath the Sacred Lands, the Starry Heavens Dao Sect was eager to advance further and become a Sacred Land. Thus, in addition to Xing Ji, two other Nascent Soul cultivators had come.

Not only the Starry Heavens Dao Sect, but also the One Origin Dao Palace, the Five Lineages of Burning Heavens, and other factions with strong demands for the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill had brought out almost the entirety of their sects' strength.

"For this reclamation, our three Sacred Lands will be responsible for advancing directly towards Mount Shituo, where the Golden Flame Suanni resides. Daoist Brother Xing Ji will lead the Dongyue sects in advancing northward; Daoist Brother Tudé will lead a portion of the Eastern Earth sects in advancing eastward; and the south will be entrusted to Sect Master Chen."

"During the reclamation, for every demonic beast slain, our sect will issue Virtue Coins as a reward. The higher the rank, the greater the number of coins. The specific exchange rates will be carved onto the cliffs of Mount Dongling by my dispatched personnel later, so that all cultivators participating in the reclamation can see them."

"Various precious elixirs, magical artifacts, cultivation techniques, and more can all be exchanged using Virtue Coins. However, for the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill, due to its limited quantity, only the top few Daoists will likely be granted the qualification to exchange for it."

After Shenxi finished explaining the rules of the reclamation, everyone's expressions turned serious.

Those present were all interested only in the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill.

This meant they would need to engage in intense competition, slaying as many demonic beasts of the Barren Ruins as possible.

After listening, Chen Mobai found the "Virtue Coins" strangely familiar.

It was as if they had copied the system from his Five Elements Sect.

His face showed surprise, but he found it inappropriate to ask questions in such a setting.

"In that case, wouldn't those solely responsible for opening up a direction gain a significant advantage?"

Hongyun from the Fiery Cloud Palace offered his opinion. Their Five Lineages of Burning Heavens were bound to the Daoist Sect, tasked with dealing with the Golden Flame Suanni, and thus could not lead large armies like Chen Mobai, Xing Ji, and Tudé.

"Although there are only four main directions, they can be further subdivided into eight trigram directions. Our sect will provide a stage for all Daoist brothers to demonstrate their abilities."

Shenxi had clearly considered this. With a flick of the whisk in his hand, steam rose from his teacup, forming a map of the Barren Ruins centered on Mount Dongling. It was then overlaid with the illusory image of the Eight Trigrams, and forces like the Five Elements Sect, One Origin Dao Palace, Starry Heavens Dao Sect, and Fiery Cloud Palace were placed upon it like chess pieces.

Following this, the most elite group of Nascent Soul cultivators in Dongzhou began a more detailed discussion regarding the reclamation and its territorial divisions.