Chapter 1082: Pure Yang Dao

**Main Volume**

At Akagi Mountain, in the Principal's office.

Chen Mobai, having emerged from seclusion, listened to Zhuang Jialan's report, learning about various events that had transpired in the Immortal Sect over the years.

First, naturally, was the situation of True Lord Cheng Xuan and the other two who were attempting Divine Transformation at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain.

"The spiritual energy in the cultivation places of the Principal and True Lord Yunhai has stabilized. According to True Lord Meihua's observations, this is a sign that their Primordial Spirit transformation was successful and they are now consolidating their realms..."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai was also very pleased.

If True Lord Cheng Xuan successfully achieved Divine Transformation, it would be a huge joyous event for their Wuqi Dao Academy. Once another formal Divine Transformation is achieved from their lineage, the Wuqi lineage will undoubtedly become the top university in the Immortal Sect.

"What about Yuan Xu?"

But Chen Mobai quickly realized that True Lord Yuan Xu, who he believed had a very high chance of succeeding among the three attempting Divine Transformation, was not mentioned in Zhuang Jialan's report.

"Before the new year, the spiritual energy in True Lord Yuan Xu's secluded cultivation area suddenly surged violently and became chaotic. Afterward, according to Yun Yangbing, the Sky Curtain and Earth Veins Bureau stopped providing sixth-tier spiritual energy, so it's likely he failed."

Zhuang Jialan reported what she knew. Even as Chen Mobai's secretary, information regarding Divine Transformation, especially failures, was definitely kept highly confidential by the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect and was difficult to inquire about.

After hearing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but frown.

He took out his phone and called Wenren Xuewei. As one of the three Hall Masters of the Immortal Sect, she should surely be aware of the situation at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain.

"Hello..."

Seeing that it was Chen Mobai calling, Wenren Xuewei answered immediately.

"I'm going to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven."

After hanging up, Chen Mobai remembered that he still had Heavenly Tribulation Essence to give to the Azure Frost Sword within his domain. He mentioned this to Zhuang Jialan, then transformed into a silver light and vanished.

"...True Lord Yuan Xu did indeed fail in his Divine Transformation, but I'm not entirely sure of the specifics. I only know that on the day True Lord Yuan Xu failed his breakthrough, Patriarch Yuheng personally intervened to suppress and rescue him from qi deviation."

Wenren Xuewei recounted what she knew. Although she was the Hall Master of the Righteous Law Hall, her origins in the Jumang lineage made it difficult for her to inquire too deeply.

"Understood."

Chen Mobai nodded, intending to finish his tea and then go to Zhixian Peak to personally ask Qi Yuheng.

Just then, Pei Qingshuang entered. With a respectful expression, she handed the Azure Frost Sword to Chen Mobai. Before coming, Chen Mobai had already messaged her, saying that during his seclusion, he had made great progress in the Way of the Sword, including the Azure Sky Sword Intent, and wished to use the Azure Frost Sword for an evolution attempt to see if he could enhance the sword's grade.

"Thank you for your effort, True Lord!"

Seeing the Azure Frost Sword tremble as if delighted after falling into Chen Mobai's hands, Pei Qingshuang felt a slight pang of sadness, yet still hoped her sword could evolve and improve with this opportunity.

"It's nothing, just a minor effort."

Chen Mobai smiled faintly, placed the Azure Frost Sword into his domain, allowing it to absorb the Heavenly Tribulation Azure Lightning Essence on its own, then put down his teacup, transforming into a silver light and vanishing from his seat.

**Zhixian Peak.**

As soon as Chen Mobai landed, Qi Yuheng appeared before him.

"What brings you here today?"

As Qi Yuheng spoke, a stone table and stools appeared between them. Chen Mobai sat down unceremoniously and then stated the purpose of his visit.

"Ah, Yuan Xu failed his Divine Transformation, but Cheng Xuan and Yunhai both succeeded."

Qi Yuheng directly told Chen Mobai the outcome, a hint of regret on his face. In his opinion, Yuan Xu should not have failed.

"How is he doing now?"

Chen Mobai asked about Yuan Xu's condition. Although cultivators in the Immortal Sect who reached the Nascent Soul realm were all strong-willed individuals, he worried that Yuan Xu might not be able to accept wasting what could have been his only chance at Divine Transformation.

"He's doing reasonably well. He refined a batch of recovery pills himself and is currently mending the foundational damage incurred from this failed breakthrough."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai nodded slightly.

"The main reason I came here this time is that my Pure Yang Scroll accumulation is complete, and I intend to take that step..."

Although Chen Mobai had previously cultivated a second Primordial Spirit, his external manifestation was, after all, achieved by leveraging the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul during the Calamity of the Grim Reaper. Therefore, to truly achieve Divine Transformation, he certainly needed some time for consolidation and refinement.

"Your Innate Pure Yang Qi is complete so quickly?"

Even so, Qi Yuheng was still very surprised. How many years had it been?

"I have the assistance of my second Primordial Spirit, plus the Innate Fire Essence Inner Core that Patriarch Baiguang left me..." Chen Mobai recited the excuse he had prepared beforehand.

"Although I have great confidence in you, Yuan Xu did fail, after all. So, I'll still offer you my best wishes here. I hope you succeed."

Qi Yuheng nodded, offering his sincere blessings.

"Thank you!"

Chen Mobai was deeply moved. After Qianxing and Baiguang's departure, imperceptibly, the two of them had become the new Twin Sages of the Immortal Sect, and their friendship had grown ever deeper.

Upon leaving, Chen Mobai also visited Qunxian Peak.

Under his Celestial Conduit and Earthly Resonance, sixth-tier spiritual energy flowed continuously and steadily into the secluded cultivation areas of Cheng Xuan and Yunhai, being refined by their two vast and magnificent Primordial Spirit manifestations. In Chen Mobai's perception, he saw a bright vermilion mirror surrounded by flames, and a myriad cloud sea that swallowed and exhaled the cosmos. With resources and having proven their respective Daos within the Soul Shocking Melody, both of them easily transformed their Nascent Souls, elevating them into their unique Primordial Spirit manifestations.

Chen Mobai did not disturb the two who were in seclusion consolidating their realms. He went to Yuan Xu's dwelling. He could sense that Yuan Xu was not cultivating. However, he hadn't come out, and the door remained tightly shut.

Chen Mobai took out his phone and sent Yuan Xu a message. A short while later, a silver light flashed, and Yuan Xu teleported into his view. Compared to his previous self, who was somewhat unkempt but generally clean and tidy, Yuan Xu now appeared extremely disheveled. What shocked Chen Mobai, however, was that Yuan Xu's bald head had grown a thick head of black hair.

"Greetings, True Lord!"

Seeing Chen Mobai, Yuan Xu instinctively bowed. At that moment, he also saw Chen Mobai looking at his head with surprise, and couldn't help but remember something, reaching up in a panic to cover it, trying to conceal it.

"I heard you failed your Divine Transformation, so I thought I'd come to comfort you. Let's go inside and talk."

Chen Mobai felt puzzled, but maintained a calm expression. As he spoke, Yuan Xu led him inside. The room was very simple, containing only a meditation cushion and a large table covered with various sheets of paper filled with writing. Many more papers were scattered on the floor. Chen Mobai glanced around, realizing they were all deductions regarding the path to Divine Transformation.

"You must be laughing at me, alas!"

Yuan Xu fashioned a chair out of earth for Chen Mobai to sit on, then poured a cup of plain boiled water and offered it to him, his face filled with sorrow.

"At what critical juncture did you fail?"

Chen Mobai couldn't help but ask. After all, among the three attempting Divine Transformation, many had held Yuan Xu in higher regard, believing he was the most likely to succeed.

"If it were True Lord Yuheng, I definitely wouldn't say anything, but with you, I feel I can. Besides, it was already exposed just now..."

Yuan Xu sighed and began explaining why he had failed his Divine Transformation. He pointed to the top of his head.

"As my Nascent Soul was transforming into a Primordial Spirit, I was suddenly drawn into the deepest demonic thoughts of the Earth-origin Star, where I saw a constantly rotating great mill..."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai's expression turned to shock. The World-Ending Great Mill!? Yuan Xu actually saw it too!

Just then, the thick black hair on Yuan Xu's head suddenly dissipated into wisps of smoke, revealing his original baldness once more. Chen Mobai was even more astonished at this sight, because he could be certain that Yuan Xu's hair had genuinely existed just moments before. Now that it was gone, didn't that mean his divine sense, even at the Divine Transformation realm, had been deceived?

"One face of that great mill lit up, transforming into a mirage dragon that merged into my Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness. I also obtained a technique called 'Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon,' which, when cultivated to its peak, allows one to master the Grand Dao of Illusion..."

"Due to this unexpected event, my transforming Primordial Spirit stagnated, ultimately leading to the failed breakthrough. I didn't dare tell True Lord Yuheng about this. If only my master were still here..."

"My hair also came about because I curiously tried a bit of the Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon technique, making the false real..."

Yuan Xu sighed. It was because he and Chen Mobai had collaborated on many things and knew each other well that he decided to reveal the truth, as keeping this matter suppressed might very well lead to another qi deviation.

"Grand Dao of Illusion... Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon..."

After listening, Chen Mobai couldn't help but murmur to himself. In the past, Qianxing had told him that the Grand Dao of Illusion was precisely the direction he had been striving for, but he had ultimately failed. So, was the Grand Dao of Illusion that Qianxing cultivated also obtained from the World-Ending Great Mill? Thinking of this, Chen Mobai immediately asked Yuan Xu if Qianxing had ever imparted any special techniques to him before, and if this was what caused Yuan Xu to be pulled into the demonic thoughts at the core of the Earth-origin Star during his Divine Transformation.

"There are many, but they shouldn't have anything to do with Master, right?"

Yuan Xu believed that Qianxing wouldn't harm him and couldn't possibly have taught him demonic cultivation methods.

"It's not necessarily about harming you. In the situation of the Earth-origin Star, as long as one can achieve Divine Transformation, regardless of whether it's the righteous path or the demonic path, they are all good methods..."

Chen Mobai said. This was also a common belief among the upper echelons of the Immortal Sect; after all, by the Nascent Soul realm, most cultivators practiced at least one forbidden art. As long as it didn't harm others, a forbidden art could still be considered a righteous path. However, it would be best to investigate this matter to prevent Yuan Xu from encountering such an unexpected situation again during his next attempt at Divine Transformation.

"Then I'll tell you, and you can discern!"

Yuan Xu immediately nodded and informed Chen Mobai of everything Qianxing had taught him that he believed was related to the Grand Dao of Illusion.

"Have you cultivated demonic arts?"

After listening, Chen Mobai pointed to Yuan Xu's bald head. Just now, he had used a demonic art to turn the false into reality, clearly having gained some proficiency in this path.

"You know, as a researcher, I'm very curious. I've only studied the techniques mentioned, but haven't formally converted to cultivating them yet."

Yuan Xu spoke truthfully. However, since he had started studying it, if he still couldn't achieve Divine Transformation at the end of his lifespan, he would likely, like Lin Daoming, step into the demonic path.

Chen Mobai didn't say much more, continuing to ask about the Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon technique. To cultivate this, one needs to construct an illusory world within their mind using the power of divine consciousness, then gradually transform it into reality. When one merges with the Dao, the illusory world becomes real. If one can go further, it would be akin to creation!

Yuan Xu had currently just tried, within his illusory world, to have a thick head of black hair, and then used the Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon technique to make the false real. This minor transformation of illusion into reality naturally succeeded with ease. It was precisely for this reason that even with Chen Mobai's discerning eye, he had believed it to be real.

"It seems you have great talent in the Grand Dao of Illusion. It is precisely because of this that the World-Ending Great Mill pulled you into its demonic thoughts and imparted to you the Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon technique."

After listening, Chen Mobai roughly understood the reason. In the past, it was because he had committed too much slaughter that the World-Ending Great Mill mistakenly identified him as a born demonic seed and imparted to him the ninth-tier Primal Beginning technique, the head of the Three Thousand Heavenly Demons. It was just that he was lucky, receiving it when he comprehended the Dao through the Immortal Earth Spirit Root, while Yuan Xu was less fortunate, receiving it at the critical moment of his Divine Transformation.

"So, can I practice it?"

Yuan Xu asked with an expectant expression. Although his Divine Transformation had failed this time, Yuan Xu also knew that the Grand Dao of Illusion was more suited to him. Given his age, if he were to switch cultivation paths now, he could make a final attempt at Divine Transformation using the Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon technique before his lifespan ran out. However, since this was, after all, a demonic art, without the approval of a top Divine Transformation realm cultivator from the Immortal Sect, he would only dare to secretly research it, not formally embark on its cultivation.

"I'll discuss this matter with True Lord Yuheng."

Chen Mobai didn't mind; he had always been a pragmatist. However, he wasn't the only one making decisions in the Immortal Sect, and Qi Yuheng certainly needed to know about the demonic thoughts at the planet's core.

Afterward, the two went together to Zhixian Peak.

After hearing the full account, Qi Yuheng frowned, looking at Yuan Xu, who had lowered his head before him.

"There was such a hidden reason behind your Divine Transformation failure!"

"Please forgive me, True Lord. My mind was somewhat disordered before, so I didn't dare inform you of this matter immediately." Yuan Xu immediately admitted his mistake.

"Chunyang, what's your view?"

After understanding the whole story, Qi Yuheng was also a bit indecisive and asked Chen Mobai for his opinion. Because through Yuan Xu's confession, he also learned that Patriarch Qianxing very likely also cultivated the Yuan Shen Heavenly Demon technique. If that were truly the case, it would be imaginable why Yuan Xu was favored by Qianxing and taken as a disciple—most likely, he intended for Yuan Xu to inherit the mantle of the Grand Dao of Illusion. In that case, it would be difficult for them to stop him.

"I believe that as long as Yuan Xu guarantees not to use demonic methods to harm the Immortal Sect, it can be treated like a forbidden art." Chen Mobai had received much kindness from Qianxing, and at this moment, denying Yuan Xu would be tantamount to denying Qianxing. So, he nodded and added, "Moreover, the Immortal Sect is about to face the most terrifying pioneering war. Anything that can increase our strength can be used in the face of life and death."

"Then so be it. Although it will add another complication, Yuan Xu, please swear an oath regarding this matter."

Qi Yuheng also nodded in agreement, then spoke to Yuan Xu, who was waiting for the outcome of their discussion. The latter immediately let out a sigh of relief, raised his hand, and began to swear.

"Oh, right, Chunyang, if you're attempting Divine Transformation, have you prepared any fourth-tier spiritual plants?"

As they were saying their goodbyes, Qi Yuheng suddenly remembered this and asked. Now, when cultivators in the Immortal Sect attempt Divine Transformation, the Momentary Bloom has become a standard resource.

"I'm definitely going to succeed anyway, so I won't waste fourth-tier spiritual plants. Perhaps future generations might gain an extra chance at Divine Transformation and succeed because of it."

Chen Mobai, with a calm tone, uttered words consistent with his persona. Qi Yuheng wanted to speak but hesitated, intending to persuade him that anything less than a hundred percent certainty still carried the risk of failure, and that every bit of extra assurance increased the chances of success. But thinking of Chen Mobai's past, he could only sigh and swallow his words.

"As you wish!"

Ultimately, Qi Yuheng uttered this with a subdued tone and returned to his grand hall. Yuan Xu, standing by, looked with admiration at Chen Mobai, who had transformed into a silver light and vanished.

Is this truly the Immortal Sect's greatest talent of all time?! He doesn't even need any resources to attempt Divine Transformation! Wuqi Dao Academy is truly lucky!

While Yuan Xu was envying him, Chen Mobai had already teleported to his home in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven. He had a meal with his long-unseen daughter, telling her about his upcoming seclusion to formally attempt the Divine Transformation realm.

"Dad, you'll definitely succeed!"

Regarding this, Chen Xiaohei had more confidence than Chen Mobai himself.

"Hahaha, then I'll take your auspicious words."

After dinner, father and daughter sat in the courtyard, Chen Mobai listening to his daughter recount the trivial matters she had experienced over the years. Her life was very simple and mundane: every day she would punch in at the office, then spend the day online before punching out after work. Since she was responsible for converting fourth-tier spiritual plants into Divine Transformation resources, there might not even be relevant applications for several years, making her work very leisurely. For her, the busiest part of her day was after work. Usually at this time, the Profound Guidance Sword would be guiding her in sword cultivation. As the father and daughter spoke, Chen Xiaohei also released the Profound Guidance Sword from her domain. Over the years, it had become good friends with Chen Xiaohei.

The next morning, after finishing breakfast, the father and daughter bid each other farewell. Chen Xiaohei went to work, while Chen Mobai returned to Akagi Mountain. This was the place of Divine Transformation he had chosen long ago. The Sky Curtain and Earth Veins Bureau, upon receiving his notification, had already begun transmitting sixth-tier spiritual energy there. The Immortal Sect was previously incapable of this. However, after the Calamity of the Grim Reaper, True Lord Yunhai re-organized the Sky Curtain and Earth Veins, and considering Chen Mobai as the Immortal Sect's Third Sage, who deserved to enjoy sixth-tier spiritual energy, he specifically added this function. It was just that before, at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, Cheng Xuan and the other two were all breaking through to the Divine Transformation realm, so the primary sixth-tier spiritual energy was being transported there. Now that Yuan Xu's breakthrough had failed, the portion of sixth-tier spiritual energy he had vacated could be channeled to Akagi Mountain via the grand formation.

"True Lord, I wish you success in your Dao!"

After watching Chen Xiaohei leave, Chen Mobai was about to depart when Yu Huiping suddenly spoke up. Years had left their mark on her; Chen Mobai sensed that her lifespan was less than ten years remaining, and she had already prepared her tomb in Yumu City. However, Yu Huiping's life could be considered without regret. Her only remaining wish was to see Baiguang again before she died. But if she couldn't see Baiguang, seeing Chen Xiaohei, her master's daughter, every day also brought her contentment. And if she could witness Chen Mobai, her master's master, achieve Divine Transformation before her death, she would be able to depart with a smile.

"Thank you."

Chen Mobai nodded to Yu Huiping, then transformed into a silver light and vanished.

After returning to Akagi Mountain, he did not inform his other relatives and friends about his impending Divine Transformation, planning to announce the good news after successfully emerging from seclusion.

"For the academy, I'll still have to rely on the two of you."

In the Principal's office, after entrusting matters to Zhuang Jialan and Deng Daoyun, Chen Mobai announced his further seclusion.

**Within the Yu Ping Minor Realm.**

Chen Mobai sat down before the Elixir Cauldron Jade Tree. He took out the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill and the Golden-Red Immortal Flower. Compared to the resources prepared for Nascent Soul breakthrough, having only two items for this Divine Transformation attempt truly seemed somewhat meager. But Chen Mobai was no longer the same as before. He was now a true genius! Moreover, the Pure Yang Scroll cultivation method was of immense help for cultivation breakthroughs.

After reviewing all the information related to Divine Transformation once more, Chen Mobai took a deep breath and poured out the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill. The method for ingesting and refining this pill was different from others; it wasn't taken orally. Golden-red light appeared above Chen Mobai's head, and his Nascent Soul, solidifying like reality, emerged from his body. The Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill immediately flew from his palm and landed before the Nascent Soul. The Nascent Soul opened its mouth wide, perfectly swallowing the golden pill. A surge of majestic essence, powerful enough to slightly change Chen Mobai's expression, began to erupt from the pill, merging with the Nascent Soul. Fortunately, this essence had been neutralized by the essence of a hundred herbs during its refinement, making it easy for the Nascent Soul to refine and absorb.

Chen Mobai sensed that the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill had currently released only about one percent of its medicinal potency. This was a limit set for the pill, to prevent the cultivator's Nascent Soul from disintegrating due to the impact of the powerful medicinal effects after consumption. However, once the medicinal potency released exceeded twenty percent, the cultivator could control the pill's release themselves. Because by that point, it could generally be determined whether the Divine Transformation was successful. If success felt probable, they could then quickly release the full power of the pill in one go, aiding the Nascent Soul's transformation into a Primordial Spirit. But if even the initial twenty percent of absorption and refinement was extremely difficult, then failure was generally more likely. If one were to stop at this point, the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill could even be retrieved and re-sealed, though in that case, only half of its medicinal potency would remain. However, in the Tianhe Realm, almost no Nascent Soul cultivators would stop at this stage; they would use the entire pill's potency, even if it meant death.

Chen Mobai recalled these details about the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill, which Xuande had mentioned previously. As his Nascent Soul slowly refined the medicinal effects, he also picked up the Golden-Red Immortal Flower. After this immortal flower appeared from his domain, he felt his Innate Pure Yang Qi become more active than before, and even the Elixir Cauldron Jade Tree behind him radiated a brighter jade light. This made Chen Mobai speculate that this immortal flower might enable him to comprehend the Grand Dao of Nirvana, a path he had never been able to grasp. After all, the previous scene where the Five-Horned Ancient Maple shed most of its trunk, retaining only a core section to await rebirth, highly resembled the Grand Dao of Nirvana as Chen Mobai had conceived it. But whether it would truly work, he would only know after trying it.

Thinking this, Chen Mobai no longer hesitated and brought out the Pure Yang Treasure Pearl. The method for using the immortal flower was different from the Saint-Reaching True Spirit Pill: it needed to be placed on the cultivator's head, then dissolved with True Qi, gradually integrating into the cultivator's entire body, starting with the physical body, then True Qi, and finally the Nascent Soul, enhancing them step by step to the fifth tier. Cheng Xuan's previous failure was because the immortal flower condensed from a fourth-tier high-grade fire spirit tree did not contain enough essence, only allowing him to complete one and a half steps. After sensing this, Cheng Xuan simply refined it with his Natal Artifact, simultaneously enhancing the artifact and elevating his physical body to the fifth tier. Chen Mobai's Golden-Red Immortal Flower, however, was condensed from a fifth-tier Five-Horned Ancient Maple. Although it was discounted because it hadn't fully advanced successfully, it was still incomparable to the fourth-tier spiritual plants of the Immortal Sect. Moreover, Chen Mobai was using his second Primordial Spirit to disperse and integrate it into his body. Compared to a Nascent Soul cultivator personally refining it, a Divine Transformation realm cultivator's refinement would definitely be much more precise and perfect.

The second Primordial Spirit held the Golden-Red Immortal Flower in its hands, circulating the Innate Pure Yang Qi, which was of the same origin as Chen Mobai's, to envelop the flower. Soon, sparkling fragments of light began to fall from the edges of the petals. As these golden-red, granular sparks of light merged into various parts of Chen Mobai's body, the Golden-Red Immortal Flower slowly shrank.

Chen Mobai closed his eyes, and his Nascent Soul had already returned to his Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness. With the assistance of the two Divine Transformation resources, he began to circulate the Divine Transformation cultivation method of the Pure Yang Scroll. Gradually, he felt his physical body heating up, as if countless glowing iron particles had been poured into him, causing his blood and qi to boil. The potency of the Golden-Red Immortal Flower was even greater than he had imagined. His Innate Fire Spirit Body, under these circumstances, seemed to be somewhat ineffective. Fortunately, his second Primordial Spirit was connected to his mind, and immediately began to disperse the immortal flower's essence more slowly.

Time slowly passed. Chen Mobai's physical strength continuously increased, and he didn't know on which day he suddenly broke through a bottleneck, achieving the fifth tier. However, he was completely unaware of this. Because he was already immersed in the Grand Dao of the Pure Yang Scroll, a Grand Dao he had never successfully comprehended before, had suddenly opened up to him with the aid of the Golden-Red Immortal Flower!

The Grand Dao of Pure Yang!