Chapter 1122: Zi Yun Tian Que

As expected of Chen Mobai's good friend, Zhang Pankong offered him an idea after learning about the situation.

In the Tianhe Realm, a fifth-grade skill in the Hundred Cultivation Arts, even if just a title, is incredibly valuable. Assisting others in refining items carries no risk here; benefits are received regardless of success or failure. Naturally, a fifth-grade artifact refiner charges more for crafting a magical artifact. For this reason, many cultivators stuck at the peak of the fourth grade are willing to pay a high price for the opportunity to learn from or be associated with a fifth-grade cultivation skill.

According to the rules of the Tianhe Realm, one must offer treasures of a corresponding grade to benefit from a particular professional title. For example, if Chen Mobai is refining a fifth-grade artifact, anyone wishing to assist, even just by tending the fire, must offer at least a fifth-grade ore.

"Anyone who can get the Palace Master to intercede must be from the Holy Land of Zhongzhou," Zhang Pankong said. "The most precious resources in the entire Tianhe Realm are found there. I'll help you find out who it is. They will definitely be using our Grand Void Ethereal Palace's intercontinental teleportation array to get here. I can give them a hint beforehand, and you might easily acquire those materials you've been searching for."

Chen Mobai, having always maintained a high moral standard and never used backdoors or endorsed others for professional titles, genuinely didn't know this rule. When Zhang Pankong explained it, Chen Mobai suddenly understood but felt a bit embarrassed: "This... wouldn't be very appropriate, would it? After all, it involves Palace Master Biluo's reputation..."

"Don't worry, you don't need to be involved; I'll handle everything," Zhang Pankong reassured him. "If they don't offer anything, it would show a lack of understanding of the rules on their part, and it would also make the Palace Master, who made the introduction, lose face."

As the Grand Void Dao Child of Dongzhou, Zhang Pankong frequently traveled between the five continents of Tianhe, making him very familiar with such matters. Having consumed many cups of Chen Mobai's Enlightenment Tea over the years, he readily took full responsibility for the arrangement.

This also reminded Chen Mobai that although the Five Elements Sect had been collecting peak fifth-grade or even sixth-grade materials for his Doushuai Eight-Scenery Lamp under his name for years, they had made no progress. Such high-grade spiritual materials were considered hidden treasures by any power; they would never be revealed, let alone brought out, without extraordinary reasons. What if their existence was exposed, and the Five Elements Sect simply came to seize them? Although Chen Mobai had an excellent reputation, local people were always cautious. However, if these spiritual materials could be exchanged for the prestige of a fifth-grade artifact refiner, some Nascent Soul cultivators might be tempted.

After seeing Zhang Pankong off, Chen Mobai immediately instructed the One Yuan Dao Palace to reveal in Dongtu that he intended to refine a fifth-grade magical artifact. He specifically emphasized that the information should be revealed inadvertently.

Soon enough, someone approached him.

Although Chen Mobai didn't know him personally, he had heard of Reverend Jingchi from the Blazing Flame Sect, one of the Five Lineages of the Burning Heavens. Jingchi had been stuck as a fourth-grade artifact refiner for centuries and dreamed of glimpsing the profound mysteries of fifth-grade artifact refining.

In the entire Dongzhou, the few fifth-grade artifact refiners of the last millennium had all originated from Holy Lands. They were often unwilling to support even their own sect members, and their skill levels were inconsistent. Furthermore, when refining fifth-grade artifacts, they only focused on what they were best at. For instance, Shang Congyan of the Nine Heavens Demon Extermination Sect had only successfully crafted two low-grade fifth-grade flying swords, despite attempting to refine fifth-grade flying swords dozens of times. Similarly, Elder Wuming of the One Yuan Dao Palace had only succeeded in crafting a fifth-grade artifact once, under a very mysterious state, and never again thereafter.

Chen Mobai, on the other hand, had long been a renowned artifact refiner in Dongzhou, and after breaking through to the Divine Transformation stage, he was universally recognized as the foremost artifact refiner in Dongzhou. For years, in the Little Southern Mountain Shop in Dongtu, any artifact he refined would be bought by cultivators waiting in the shop the moment it was put on sale, regardless of the price. One of these, a fourth-grade magical robe, was purchased by none other than Reverend Jingchi.

The Burning Heavens Pure Land was also famous in Dongzhou for its artifact refining, and the Blazing Flame Sect had inherited most of its artifact refining knowledge. Thus, Reverend Jingchi's refining skill was effectively among the very best in Dongzhou, not inferior to fifth-grade artifact refiners like Shang Congyan, who were nurtured with resources by the Holy Lands. However, when he carefully examined the Scarlet Flame Robe that Chen Mobai had crafted, imitating the Pure Yang Robe, he felt as if he were looking at an inscrutable scripture. Every aspect of this fourth-grade robe—from its refining techniques and the tempering and stitching of its materials to the formation of its restrictions—struck him, a peak fourth-grade refiner, as utterly astonishing; he could only discern the types of materials used. Yet, it was precisely his understanding of the materials that made Reverend Jingchi realize Chen Mobai's artifact refining skill was undoubtedly among the most formidable in Dongzhou's history. This was because the Scarlet Flame Robe, originally made from top-grade third-grade hides, had transformed into a fourth-grade artifact upon its final completion, thanks to Chen Mobai's exquisite refining artistry.

Other fifth-grade artifact refiners in Dongzhou were merely names. Only this True Monarch Tortoise Immortal was genuinely skilled. It was even possible that he was not just the foremost in Dongzhou, but the top artifact refiner in the entire Tianhe Realm.

Realizing this, Reverend Jingchi incidentally discovered that One Yuan Immortal City had begun frequently collecting materials for crafting magical robes. He sent his disciples to inquire and, through a clandestine channel, learned that Chen Mobai was about to refine a fifth-grade artifact and had even allocated some "fire-tending boy" slots to the One Yuan Dao Palace. This news made Reverend Jingchi restless. He knew very well that he would never reach the Divine Transformation stage in this lifetime. His only obsession was to ascend to a fifth-grade artifact refiner and glimpse the mysteries of fifth-grade refining.

However, he also knew that the Five Elements Sect and the Five Lineages of the Burning Heavens were considered rival factions. Moreover, he had grown somewhat close to the Sun Bathing Sea and the Fire Cloud Palace in recent years. Yet, with the most promising opportunity to advance to a fifth-grade artifact refiner right before him, Reverend Jingchi had to consider if this was his only chance in this life.

After three days of deliberation, Reverend Jingchi gritted his teeth and sought out Yanhuo of the One Yuan Dao Palace. Both were peak fourth-grade artifact refiners who had frequently exchanged insights over the past century, both aspiring to break through to the fifth grade, and thus considered friends. However, when Jingchi approached him, Yanhuo evasively changed the subject, claiming no such event was taking place. Only when Reverend Jingchi presented the evidence before him did Yanhuo reluctantly nod.

"Yes, such an event is happening," Yanhuo admitted, "but it's a benefit the Sect Master granted to our branch sect. As a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Five Lineages of the Burning Heavens, you shouldn't even consider it."

Seeing Yanhuo gain an opportunity for advancement and unwilling to include him, Reverend Jingchi inwardly cursed his disloyalty but maintained a polite demeanor as he made his request. "I heard your esteemed sect's Sect Master Chen is collecting some high-grade artifact refining materials," Reverend Jingchi began. "The Blazing Flame Sect happens to possess a peak fifth-grade Nine Yang True Fire Stone, which my grand-master brought out from our treasury when our sect branched off..."

Upon hearing this, Yanhuo's eyes lit up. If this matter succeeded, he felt certain his spot as a fire-tending boy for the refining process would be secure. "Ah, well, considering our friendship of so many years," Yanhuo sighed, "I'll make a trip to Donghuang and speak to the Sect Master about this."

At Yanhuo's words, Reverend Jingchi also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh, and by the way, I need to inspect the item," Yanhuo added. "What if I speak to the Sect Master and you can't produce it? I certainly won't be in his good graces afterward."

Yanhuo was always meticulous in his dealings, and even though Reverend Jingchi was a long-time friend, he still laid out the unpleasant truth upfront.

"Understood," Reverend Jingchi agreed. "But this matter must remain known only to the two of us, and your esteemed sect's Sect Master Chen."

Having come today, Reverend Jingchi had already made up his mind. Hearing Yanhuo's request to inspect the item, he offered no objection and immediately took him back to the Blazing Flame Sect's treasury.

"Agree to his terms," Chen Mobai instructed. "Ask him if he has any other requests. I will try my best to fulfill them."

Chen Mobai did not hesitate after hearing Yanhuo's report.

"Sect Master, allowing him to tend the fire and observe the fifth-grade refining process should be more than enough," Yanhuo remarked. Yanhuo felt Chen Mobai was too accommodating. While the peak fifth-grade Nine Yang True Fire Stone was valuable, it hardly warranted such earnestness from a Divine Transformation True Monarch.

"Your branch sect's service awareness is simply too poor," Chen Mobai said, shaking his head at Yanhuo's uncomprehending expression. "That's why your reputation declines with each generation..." Chen Mobai couldn't help but start lecturing.

It could only be said that cultivators with some mastery of the Hundred Cultivation Arts in the Tianhe Realm had it too easy. In the Immortal Gate sector, even with the highest skill level, a business would surely fail within a year if its service was not good. Although he was a Divine Transformation True Monarch, having accepted Reverend Jingchi's payment, he should amiably share his artifact refining knowledge, even with an opponent from the Five Lineages of the Burning Heavens. He wouldn't mind offering guidance if Jingchi had questions. The Five Elements Sect now enjoyed a reputation far superior to any other power in Dongzhou, precisely because Chen Mobai had set an example for centuries.

"Yes, Sect Master, your teaching is correct!"

Yanhuo bowed his head and accepted the reprimand, though inwardly he remained unconvinced. Clearly, Reverend Jingchi was seeking a favor from them. According to local customs, such a situation demanded a firm grasp and a hefty price. But since Chen Mobai was now the Sect Master, Yanhuo could only comply with his words.

After hearing Yanhuo relay Chen Mobai's message, Reverend Jingchi became even more apprehensive: "This... I truly only wish to observe the refining process. Although I do hope to glimpse Sect Master Chen's profound and inscrutable refining techniques, I would never be so greedy."

Chen Mobai's service-oriented mindset, originating from the Immortal Gate, was highly unsettling to the local cultivators. Reverend Jingchi even suspected that the Divine Transformation True Monarch might suddenly appear from Donghuang and simply seize his Nine Yang True Fire Stone.

"Think it over carefully," Yanhuo advised. "The formal refining will take place in a month, as we're waiting for someone from Zhongzhou. The Sect Master said you could go to Donghuang ahead of time, and he'll arrange for someone to receive you."

Yanhuo relayed Chen Mobai's message, then immediately began packing his belongings in One Yuan Immortal City, intending to leave for Donghuang at once. As Yanhuo had earned merit through the matter with Reverend Jingchi, Chen Mobai had directly granted him a slot as a fire-tending boy, making him quite eager. Reverend Jingchi, hearing this, also didn't hesitate and accompanied him to Donghuang.

Upon arriving at Beiyuan City, both were amazed by this nascent city, so different from the other major immortal cities in Dongzhou.

"This is the Heart of Heaven Sword Talisman drawn by the Sect Master," said Su Zilu, who received them. "It serves as the qualification certificate for participants in this refining session." She handed them two talismans, which only Chen Mobai could refine, and then informed them of the refining location.

Chen Mobai had chosen Huozhen Immortal City. Over the years, following his guidance, various immortal cities in Donghuang had begun to develop in differentiated directions. For instance, Wanhua Immortal City had become a hub for all medicinal material merchant associations from the three frontier regions of Dongzhou. As long as the goods were of good quality, the Danxia Pavilion would purchase them. Even large merchant associations from Dongtu had established branches in Wanhua Immortal City specifically to conduct business with Danxia Pavilion. Currently, Wanhua Immortal City was the second-largest market for elixirs in Dongzhou, surpassed only by the Moral Sect's Wuwei Immortal City, supporting countless cultivators in the elixir industry's supply chain.

In comparison, the development of other immortal cities in Donghuang had been somewhat unsatisfactory. Chen Mobai intended to give them another boost. By leveraging this opportunity to refine a fifth-grade artifact, he planned to establish Huozhen Immortal City as the foremost artifact refining city in Dongzhou. After all, One Yuan Immortal City had already declined. While other Holy Lands also valued artifact refining, they wouldn't invest heavily for such a purpose.

Yanhuo and Reverend Jingchi didn't comment much on this, as the teleportation arrays in Donghuang were extensive, allowing instant travel between Beiyuan City and Huozhen Immortal City. However, their desire for fifth-grade artifact refining surpassed everything else. Knowing that Chen Mobai had already gone to Huozhen Immortal City, they didn't linger and immediately followed the disciple arranged by Su Zilu to the teleportation array.

In the following days, the previously quiet Huozhen Immortal City suddenly became a sensation across Dongzhou. Every artifact refiner of some skill inquired about Chen Mobai's impending refinement of a fifth-grade artifact and immediately rushed to Donghuang, then proceeded to Huozhen Immortal City. Artifact refiners were generally quite wealthy, so in Huozhen Immortal City, they mostly rented the best grotto-mansions. Chen Mobai had already activated the Heaven Screen Earth Net Array, elevating the spiritual veins here to the fifth-grade level. Huozhen Immortal City was considered rural in Donghuang, and property prices weren't yet exorbitant. Therefore, some wealthy artifact refiners outright purchased homes. They recognized that this immortal city would undoubtedly become renowned throughout Dongzhou due to this event, and property values would surely increase in the future. It even attracted real estate speculators like Shen Shanqing from Beiyuan City, causing property prices in Huozhen Immortal City to skyrocket in a short period, reaching nearly one-fifth of Beiyuan City's average price.

One day, Chen Mobai received a communication talisman from Zhang Pankong, informing him that Yuwen Baozhi, the Dao Child of the Purple Cloud Heaven's Gate, had arrived in Dongzhou via the Grand Void Ethereal Palace's super teleportation array. Accompanying him was his mother, Ao Yuxia, a Divine Transformation True Monarch from the Purple Cloud Heaven's Gate.

So he was the son of a Divine Transformation cultivator; no wonder Palace Master Biluo personally interceded. Upon learning this, Chen Mobai's expression showed sudden realization. He then began to recall information about the Purple Cloud Heaven's Gate, a Holy Land. Ye Qing had once told him it was an ancient sect with a long heritage in Zhongzhou, and its current Grand Elder, True Monarch Zi Qi, Yuwen Yin, was even among the Four True Ones.

Hmm, Yuwen Yin, Yuwen Baozhi! Could they be father and son?