Chapter 1120: Tude Fails to Transform Spirit

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"When I was at the academy, I really envied Senior Sister Wenren. I never thought I'd have a day when I could refine a Wood Spirit Talisman myself."

Qing Nü took the gift Chen Mobai offered, her face filled with joy and emotion.

Back then, with her Heavenly Spirit Root aptitude, she was guaranteed admission to the Gou Mang Dao Academy. She had hoped to achieve great things in her studies and even dreamt of cultivating the Evergreen Longevity Art, but reality proved to be very harsh.

Due to her background, she was subtly monitored even within the academy. After joining the Heaven Mending Group, her freedom was even more restricted. Fortunately, heaven did not abandon her to complete despair. In her darkest hour, Chen Mobai held her hand and gave her a new beginning.

And now, she even possessed the coveted fifth-tier Wood Spirit Talisman.

"Once you refine this, take some spirit herbs and materials to enhance your Earth Spirit Root, and simultaneously cultivate the Earth Gathering Art..."

Chen Mobai explained his plan to perform the Immortal Art of Heaven Mending, and Qing Nü listened with even greater anticipation. Although the Black Emperor Profound Nether Scripture she currently cultivated was also a God Transformation cultivation method, mastering the Evergreen Longevity Art would fulfill a long-held dream. Moreover, the Evergreen Longevity Art offered a path to the Void Refinement stage.

Qing Nü's initial values for her Gold, Fire, and Earth spirit roots only added up to 11. Although she had consumed various natural treasures like Immortal Peach Fruit and Loquat Fruit over the years, their combined effect was less potent than that of Li Li meat. The most effective item was the nine Earth Vein Pills. Though not as fortunate as Chen Mobai, these pills still increased her Earth Spirit Root by 24 points. This time, Chen Mobai had prepared Earth-Life Stone, Earth Creation Qi, and other Earth elemental essences for her. The latter he refined using Zhuo Ming's cauldron, and after fully refining them, they would increase her Earth Spirit Root by at least 30 points.

With this, she would have a deficit of only about 10 points at most, possibly even single digits if she was lucky. That would only require a few levels of the Earth Gathering Art.

"I wonder what kind of fortuitous encounter I'll receive when my Immortal Earth Spirit Root achieves Enlightenment?" After refining the Wood Spirit Talisman, Qing Nü was already looking forward to it. She had always envied Zhuo Ming's Myriad Spirit Resonance divine ability.

"It definitely won't be inferior to your Myriad Transformation Nether Concord..." Chen Mobai could only say this, and Qing Nü was very pleased to hear it.

"Oh, right, I remember your Immortal Earth Spirit Root achieved Enlightenment back in the Immortal Gate. What divine ability did you gain?" Qing Nü suddenly recalled that Chen Mobai had never mentioned this and asked out of curiosity.

"My luck wasn't great; I only obtained a wisp of Innate Earth Essence Qi." Chen Mobai didn't want to worry Qing Nü, so he didn't mention the World-Ending Great Mill, only the secondary gain.

"What about your other three elemental spirit roots' Enlightenment this time?" Qing Nü asked again. When Chen Mobai spoke of the Immortal Art of Heaven Mending, he had already informed her that he had cultivated the Five Elements Immortal Spirit Root.

"My Immortal Water Spirit Root allowed me to begin comprehending the Innate Yin-Yang Grand Dao and also granted me a wisp of Innate Water Essence Qi. My Immortal Gold Spirit Root enabled my Treasure-Dropping Golden Light, which was originally limited to the fourth-tier, to break its shackles, and I also gained a wisp of Innate Gold Essence Qi. Finally, my Immortal Wood Spirit Root perfected my Longevity Art, allowing me to permanently increase my lifespan by a maximum of one-third, and I also caught a glimpse of the Heavenly Venerate's true origin, receiving an additional wisp of Innate Wood Essence Qi."

Regarding these, Chen Mobai concealed nothing, informing her truthfully of all his gains.

As arguably the person who had achieved Enlightenment the most times in the Immortal Gate's history, Chen Mobai consistently obtained at least one wisp of Innate Essence Qi corresponding to the Five Elements whenever he achieved Enlightenment. This was because he was a person of great fortune. The Grand Medicine Palace and the Heaven Mending Dao Academy had dissertations related to Immortal Spirit Roots, which summarized all recorded Immortal Spirit Root Enlighteners in the Immortal Gate. The vast majority of those who survived only achieved decisive breakthroughs and insights into the cultivation methods or techniques they were fixated on during the Enlightenment process. A small minority, like Zhuo Ming and Qing Nü, gained divine abilities such as Myriad Spirit Resonance and Myriad Transformation Nether Concord. Some lucky ones could directly obtain a wisp of Innate Five Elements Essence Qi, or even transform into an Innate Spirit Body. However, Chen Mobai was like someone with a cheat, guaranteed to receive at least one wisp of Innate Essence Qi every time.

Qing Nü listened, her face filled with envy. She had always had bad luck since childhood. When taking Earth Vein Pills, at most twice she only increased her Earth Spirit Root by 4 points, most times it was 2-3 points, and once it was even just 1 point. Sometimes, she even considered herself an unfortunate person.

"There's no need for you to rush into cultivating the Evergreen Longevity Art. The highest achievement of this cultivation method is merely the Void Refinement stage, and without the blessing of the Grand Chypre Divine Tree's Grand Dao of Life, its power cannot be fully maximized."

"You have now refined the Water Elemental Dao Fruit passed down from the Longevity Sect. This item is perfectly suited for the Black Emperor Profound Nether Scripture and can support your cultivation all the way to the perfected God Transformation stage."

"The Void Refinement stage is still a distant matter for us at the moment; just make some preparations for it." Chen Mobai imparted his cultivation philosophy to Qing Nü. He always prioritized immediate realm advancement. Although the Evergreen Longevity Art had higher potential than the Black Emperor Profound Nether Scripture, if given the choice, he would definitely choose the latter. Qing Nü used to be a firm believer in building a solid foundation, but after years of being influenced by Chen Mobai and experiencing the tragic deaths of her younger siblings, her perspective gradually shifted. Listening to Chen Mobai, she nodded gently, indicating her agreement.

The three patriarchs of the Gou Mang lineage were the transformed forms of the Grand Chypre, Immortal Peach, and Yellow-Core Plum spirit plants, all of whom were sixth-tier. However, perhaps because the Grand Dao of Life was already occupied, there were no legends of them achieving Dao Integration. Moreover, crucially, the Grand Dao of Life in the Heavenly River Realm also had an owner. That was the Heavenly Venerate. It was even possible that the Heavenly Venerate already controlled life and death, having cultivated the Innate Grand Dao of Life and Death.

It was precisely for this reason that Chen Mobai did not want Qing Nü to waste her efforts. However, the Grand Dao of Life was the most useful Grand Dao for cultivators because once mastered, it allowed them to draw upon the vitality of the Grand Dao. Even if it didn't grant true immortality, it could easily increase one's lifespan by several folds. If one reached the sixth-tier realm, like the Grand Chypre, they could continuously refine the power of the Grand Dao of Life. As long as they avoided tribulation, they would essentially achieve perpetual longevity.

After completing this matter, Chen Mobai and Qing Nü spent several intimate days together. If Yuan Zhen hadn't arrived with new Immortal Spiritual Qi, Chen Mobai would truly have been reluctant to leave the Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion.

"Sect Master Chen, my master is aware of the matter regarding borrowing the Primeval Water-Controlling Banner from the Water Mother Palace. However, since Patriarch was summoned by the Heavenly Emperor for a meeting at the Golden Imperial Palace, it might take some time." After Yuan Zhen retrieved the Azure Mirage Bottle and presented the North Profound Void Peril Cauldron, she immediately brought up the important matter they had discussed during their previous meeting.

"In that case, we can wait a bit longer." Chen Mobai sighed inwardly upon hearing this, but there was nothing he could do.

After all, both the Heavenly Emperor and the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Patriarch sounded like mighty figures no less powerful than his front-row classmates at the Purple Heavens Palace. Yuan Qingque would not possibly call the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Patriarch back from the Golden Imperial Palace just for the sake of the mere Black Flood Dragon Royal Court in the lower realm.

However, Yuan Zhen did not come without good news.

"After my master previously became a disciple of the Patriarch, Northern Vortex Heavenly Lord of the Upper Realm Water Mother Palace came to offer congratulations. She is one of the last three patriarchs from the Heavenly River Realm's Water Mother Palace to ascend. If she can be persuaded, then the Patriarch wouldn't need to get involved..." Chen Mobai had heard of this. Before the great changes in the Heavenly River Realm, three Void Refinement cultivators from the Water Mother Palace ascended in a single day, but their names were not widely known.

"Then I'll trouble Senior Yuan." At this moment, Chen Mobai felt the advantage of having a deep background. The Water Mother Palace in the Heavenly River Realm rarely ventured outside the Heavenly Sea, and even as a Holy Land, they had no means to communicate with this lineage. Yet, Yuan Qingque, being in the Spirit Sky Immortal Realm, could easily make contact.

"I hope my master can persuade Northern Vortex Heavenly Lord..." Yuan Zhen also looked hopeful regarding this. After the previous siege by the Black Flood Dragon Royal Court and the Demonic Path, the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect's reputation in Eastern Continent had plummeted, and it was now widely considered the lowest-ranked among the Four Great Holy Lands. To restore their prestige, the best method was to destroy the Black Flood Dragon Royal Court. Therefore, the desire to go to war was very strong within the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect.

Furthermore, the current Sect Master was Ye Qing. Although he appeared gentle and refined, he possessed the resolute character of a sword cultivator deep down. Not to mention Yuan Zhen herself; she had nearly died because of it and wished she could skin and dismember every flood dragon.

After delivering the Immortal Spiritual Qi this time, Yuan Zhen did not rush to leave. The Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect was now operating smoothly, and she, as the Saintess, was no longer as busy. Moreover, a new batch of Enlightenment Tea was ready for harvest this year, and Chen Mobai had previously promised to give a portion to the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect.

Chen Mobai entrusted this matter to Qing Nü.

Since its public release, Chen Mobai had also made purchase channels available for the Enlightenment Tea. Similar to the Foundation Establishment Three Treasures and Core Formation Elixirs, it required a lottery system. Currently, Enlightenment Tea had become the undisputed star product of Danxia Pavilion. As soon as it was released, it would instantly be snatched up. Because Chen Mobai advocated fairness and justice, some rogue cultivators in Beiyuan City became rich overnight after winning the lottery to purchase Enlightenment Tea.

After Chen Mobai's God Transformation banquet, most Nascent Soul forces in the Eastern Continent had purchased properties there, allowing them to secretly operate the moment the lottery results were announced. In other places, there might have been coercion and snatching, but in Beiyuan City, everyone knew Chen Mobai's character, and no one dared to attempt such things. The Five Elements Sect's reputation for integrity, built over a century, also ensured that all cultivators recognized and abided by the lottery results. Precisely because of this, Beiyuan City's already high housing prices rose by several more points due to the emergence of Enlightenment Tea.

This also allowed the two Nascent Soul cultivators, Paolong and Pengfeng, who had just entered the real estate speculation game, to earn a considerable amount. Naturally, compared to ordinary forces and rogue cultivators who needed to participate in the lottery, Holy Lands directly received allocations. Just like the Three-Light Divine Water from the Star Heavens Dao Sect, Chen Mobai was willing to extend this favor.

After Yuan Zhen, Zhang Pankong and Qi Jiansu also arrived in Beiyuan City. After personally hosting them for a while, Chen Mobai had Qing Nü handle their arrangements.

One day, Chen Mobai was refining Immortal Spiritual Qi atop Beiyuan Mountain when he suddenly sensed Su Zilu's aura rapidly approaching.

"Sect Master, urgent intelligence has arrived from Five Emperors Mountain!" Soon after, Su Zilu arrived at the entrance of his courtyard, calling out loudly.

Chen Mobai nodded slightly, instantly appeared before her, and took the communication talisman from her palm. It was sent by Chen Lingming, containing only one message: "Earth Virtue's forced attempt to break through to God Transformation has failed; his life is in critical danger!"

After reading it, Chen Mobai couldn't help but sigh. Earth Virtue's hundreds of years of arduous cultivation and forbearance had led to such an outcome, making Chen Mobai once again feel the difficulty and cruelty of cultivation.

The resources of the Heavenly River Realm far surpassed those of the Immortal Gate, yet the elixirs and spirit materials that could assist in God Transformation were exceedingly rare. Earth Virtue, as the former Grand Elder of the Holy Land, still held the Primordial Dao Fruit and possessed the insights of generations of God Transformation cultivators from the One Yuan Dao Palace. Yet, he couldn't even trigger the God Transformation heavenly tribulation and failed during the step of transforming his Nascent Soul into a Primordial Spirit. The four characters "life in critical danger" on Chen Lingming's talisman indicated that at the final moment, Earth Virtue did not choose to burn all his essence, qi, and spirit to forcefully attempt God Transformation.

Perhaps centuries of forbearance had caused him to lose his drive for advancement. However, it was also possible that he knew he was too far from successfully achieving God Transformation, so he decided to stop and prepare for his end.

"I'll make a trip to the Eastern Continent." Chen Mobai informed Qing Nü via his Heaven-Penetrating Compass, then hastily teleported to One Yuan Immortal City with Su Zilu.

"Greetings, Sect Master!" Outside the teleportation array in One Yuan Immortal City, Lianshui was already waiting with Yanhuo and Xuanhui. The latter two had returned with Earth Virtue after the moral currency ranking was finalized in Dongling Immortal City.

Currently in charge of the Kan position territory in Dongling Domain was Water Virtue, who had gone there earlier. He seemed disinclined to return to Five Emperors Mountain and conflict with Xiao Yuli and Chen Lingming, so he chose to establish a branch sect and separate courtyard there. After Xiao Yuli reported this to Chen Mobai, he did not choose to obstruct it. The only requirement was that the branch sect and separate courtyard established by Water Virtue must regard the Eastern Barrens Five Elements Sect as their main lineage.

Water Virtue had originally wanted to persuade Lianshui and the siblings Xuanhui to join him in establishing the Primordial Water Sect. Xuanhui was very tempted, as she had once discussed Chen Mobai behind his back and feared that this matter would reach his ears. If she could leave, she wouldn't have to worry. Moreover, she had conquered a significant portion of the Kan position territory in Dongling Domain herself. Unfortunately, Lianshui assessed the situation and felt that there was a greater future in One Yuan Immortal City. Furthermore, having interacted with Chen Mobai several times, he knew the Sect Master was a virtuous person who wouldn't care about Xuanhui's trivial comments behind his back, so he politely declined the temptation of becoming a founding patriarch.

"Right, I'm going to see Earth Virtue one last time." Chen Mobai nodded gently to Lianshui and the other two. After stepping out of the teleportation array, he instantly teleported directly to Five Emperors Mountain.

Hearing his words, Xuanhui shivered. Although Senior Brother Earth Virtue had failed in his God Transformation, he wasn't merely on his last breath. The Sect Master's words seemed to imply he was going to send Senior Brother Earth Virtue on his way.

"Brother, didn't you say the Sect Master was a virtuous person?" Xuanhui looked at Lianshui with a worried expression, conveying her inner thoughts. The latter also muttered to himself, "Could it be that the Sect Master has long disliked Senior Brother Earth Virtue, and now that Senior Brother has failed his God Transformation and lost all value, he's dropping the pretense?"