Chapter 1136: Wandering Mountain Opens

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Just as Ni Yuanzhong was feeling awkward, a surge of vast and pure spiritual energy suddenly shot up into the sky from Dongyi, thousands of miles away.

All those present were Spirit Transformation True Monarchs, and they naturally sensed it, exchanging bewildered glances.

The purity of this spiritual energy had already surpassed the fifth-tier level.

However, the most abundant spiritual energy in Dongyi previously came from the fifth-tier high-grade spiritual vein in Jinwu Immortal City. During the era of the distant Eastern Earth Imperial Court, when the Spirit Transformation True Monarchs of the Fanhai Sect were stationed here, a sixth-tier spiritual vein had been created using vast resources.

"Oh? Could it be..."

With this thought, Shen Xi looked towards the direction from which the sixth-tier spiritual energy was rising. After a quick calculation, her face filled with astonishment.

"That is where Mount Panghuang is located. I didn't expect it to emerge at this time!"

As a native of the region, Chen Mobai naturally discovered the source of the spiritual energy earlier than Shen Xi. Mount Panghuang was a relic of the Fanhai Sect.

After the conclusion of the Righteous-Demonic War, Chen Mobai personally surveyed all the mountain ranges and spiritual veins of Dongyi to incorporate the land into the Sky-Vein Earth-Net Grand Array. Mount Panghuang was naturally among them. He discovered that the core of this mountain range was sealed by powerful array restrictions. However, just as he attempted to enter using a void secret art, it triggered a warning from the Heaven-Penetrating Altar.

Being cautious, Chen Mobai immediately stopped and dispatched Luo Yixuan to the location. He had sensed that the array restrictions sealing Mount Panghuang's spiritual vein had significantly weakened over the long years and could completely break apart and emerge at any time. Since this was a relic of the Fanhai Sect, one of the Ten Directions Halls of the Eastern Earth Imperial Court, it might contain resources equivalent to those of a Holy Land. If the Five Elements Sect could secure it, it would greatly enhance the sect's foundation.

However, Chen Mobai had not expected Mount Panghuang's array restrictions to hold up until now. As a top-tier Geomancer, Chen Mobai, with a sweep of his divine sense, immediately understood the reason for the relic's and the sixth-tier spiritual vein's emergence.

The fifth-tier spiritual vein where the Sun God Tree was rooted served as the hub of Dongyi's coastal land. Chen Mobai's fierce battle with the old Flood Dragon caused this spiritual vein, now without its suppressive object, and the land itself, to completely shatter, which in turn affected the adjacent Mount Panghuang spiritual vein. Because Mount Panghuang, in Dongyi, was located at the border between the Five Elements Sect and Bathing Sun Sea, Chen Mobai had not included it within the scope of the Sky-Vein Earth-Net Grand Array. During this earth-shattering battle, it naturally also bore the brunt of the aftermath of the collision between the two sixth-tier artifacts, causing the array restrictions, which were already on their last breath, to completely fail.

Because of this, Chen Mobai, on the contrary, became somewhat worried. After all, if it were only a fifth-tier spiritual vein and a relic, Shen Xi and the others would probably not be interested. But a sixth-tier...

"'Sect Master Chen,' Shen Xi began, 'that place might be where True Monarch Xuanguang passed away. There could be many valuable items from the Fanhai Sect and the Eastern Earth Imperial Court. Our sect has preserved the most ancient texts from that era, which record many forbidden secret techniques of the Imperial Court. We are willing to offer them to help you clear any obstacles.' As expected, Shen Xi spoke up. Although her words were tactful, her intention to go along was very clear."

"'My sect as well...' Ni Yuanzhong immediately added."

"'My Void Dunjia Art can ensure our free entry and exit,' Grand Void True Monarch said, being much more direct."

However, Chen Mobai also knew the Void Dunjia Art. But after all, he had just accepted their sixth-tier spiritual materials. If he were to refuse them and send them away at this moment, Chen Mobai would find it a bit awkward.

"'Then let's go together,' Chen Mobai said. 'Coincidentally, I am not very familiar with the Ten Directions Hall of that era, so I would like to ask a few fellow Daoists for enlightenment.'"

Chen Mobai's straightforward words made Shen Xi and the other two nod repeatedly. The four Spirit Transformation True Monarchs simultaneously transformed into streaks of light and headed towards Mount Panghuang.

Chen Mobai also did not forget to use the Heaven-Connecting Device to instruct Zhou Ye to lead the Five Elements Sect disciples to the land outside the Sky-Vein Earth-Net Grand Array, which was protected by the nine sword stars of his Myriad Swords Dharma Body, and rescue all living beings there. At the same time, there were also places similar to Mount Panghuang that had been submerged by the sea and reappeared after the tide receded. There might be surviving cultivators there, so they should fly around as much as possible to rescue any survivors. In addition, because the old Flood Dragon fled quickly, many Xuanhai demonic beasts were left behind when the tide receded. All those that could be killed should be killed, and those that couldn't be killed should be driven back into the sea.

After Chen Mobai briefly gave instructions for several important matters, he and the three Spirit Transformation True Monarchs arrived above Mount Panghuang, which had resurfaced from the sea. After the old Flood Dragon swallowed the treasured pearl and dived into the underwater Dragon Palace, the previously turbulent Xuanhai Sea gradually calmed down.

Jinwu Immortal City had completely vanished, but the dark reef remained.

Just as the Five Elements Sect was in full swing rescuing the common people of Dongyi, an inconspicuous sword light streaked across the sky and landed on the reef. The sword light dissipated, revealing Kuzhu's figure.

He didn't wait long before a black-robed cultivator quietly appeared.

"'What do you want from me?'"

Kuzhu looked at the Qianyuan Island cultivator before him, his brows furrowed tightly. The first time he was taken away by him, Kuzhu only felt that this person was unfathomable. Now, he wondered if this guy was even human. Kuzhu's cultivation was already at the late Nascent Soul stage, and he had traversed both the East and West Continents. Yet, only when facing Chen Mobai, a Spirit Transformation True Monarch, did he experience such an unfathomable and elusive feeling. Yet the person before him certainly couldn't be a Spirit Transformation cultivator.

"'Bai Wu fled to Nanzhou. Go kill him.'"

The Qianyuan Island cultivator explained why he had summoned Kuzhu, and upon hearing it, Kuzhu's eyes lit up. Although many years had passed, Kuzhu had not forgotten the deep blood feud between Bathing Sun Sea and Kongsang Valley. However, Ancestor Bai Wu had always hidden in Jinwu Immortal City, protected by a fifth-tier grand array, rendering Kuzhu powerless even if he wished to kill him. Now, with Jinwu Immortal City gone and Ancestor Bai Wu alone, this was his best chance for revenge.

"'How do I find him?'"

The Qianyuan Island cultivator handed him a greenish-black spiritual talisman. "'Bai Wu accepted many resources from me,' he said. 'I planted a mark on them, and this talisman can track him.'"

Kuzhu accepted the talisman, injected his Heaven Abyss True Qi into it, and soon a direction appeared in his mind.

"'Bai Wu is an old hand; it's surprising he didn't detect your tricks,' Kuzhu remarked, somewhat surprised."

"'He did indeed purify the resources I gave him once,' the cultivator replied. 'But I also planted a mark on another item.'"

As the Qianyuan Island cultivator spoke, he revealed a strange smile. Kuzhu looked puzzled, not knowing what item it was.

"'Originally, my agreement with Bai Wu was for him to open the city gates, allowing the Xuanjiao Royal Court to land, and in return, I would give him resources to break through to the perfected Nascent Soul stage. Before he made his move, I only gave him half of the items. However, Bai Wu did not trust me, and he is a selfish person. I anticipated that he would directly break off and take away the most precious Sun God Tree of Bathing Sun Sea, so I planted a mark on it beforehand. After you catch up and kill him, you can keep those resources for yourself. As for the Sun God Tree, present it to the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation from the Five Elements Sect to gain his trust.'"

The Qianyuan Island cultivator rarely spoke at such length, which made Kuzhu's brows furrow even tighter.

"'You are colluding with the Xuanjiao Royal Court as well?'"

Although solitary by nature and responsible for countless killings, Kuzhu still considered himself a righteous cultivator, so he instinctively felt a sense of revulsion.

"'One could say we're working in collusion,' the cultivator replied. 'I use them, and they use us. After all, to overturn the dominion of the righteous path in the Eastern Continent, it can only be achieved by instigating these demonic beast royal courts to act.'"

The Qianyuan Island cultivator's words caused a slight shock in Kuzhu's heart. "'We?'" Which meant it wasn't just this person in front of him. And which force wanted to overthrow the righteous path of the Eastern Continent? Kuzhu felt that he might have fallen into a grand scheme, but having accepted the Heaven Abyss Dao Fruit, he had already become part of it and could not turn back.

"'Why gain the trust of the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation?'"

Kuzhu suppressed the doubts in his heart and asked a question he believed would be answered.

"'The three border regions of the Eastern Continent are barren lands,' the cultivator explained. 'This person is also a man of great talent and ambition; he surely won't be content with his sect being confined here. In the future, we can openly cooperate with him and together, charge towards the Eastern Earth to overthrow those ancient Holy Lands.'"

The Qianyuan Island cultivator's words made Kuzhu nod slightly. He didn't ask any more questions. He directly transformed into a sword light and, following the talisman's instructions, pursued Bai Wu in the direction he had fled. Seeing him disappear, the Qianyuan Island cultivator turned his head and gazed deeply towards the Eastern Continent.

Chen Mobai and the other three Spirit Transformation True Monarchs arrived above Mount Panghuang. The original array restrictions here had already failed due to the changes in the world and the shifting of mountains and rivers. The sixth-tier pure spiritual energy rising from the very center into the sky made everyone present nod in approval. A sixth-tier spiritual vein was already the standard for a Holy Land.

"'Strange,' Shen Xi mused, 'the spiritual energy here seems a bit thin.'"

But soon, Shen Xi noticed something amiss. Although the spiritual energy flowing from Mount Panghuang's spiritual vein core was indeed sixth-tier, it only barely met the standard, sometimes even being merely at the peak of the fifth-tier. This fluctuation was usually a sign of a spiritual vein that had just ascended to a higher tier. But this spiritual vein had existed for tens of thousands of years. Such a situation should not occur.

"'Within the spiritual vein's core, something is devouring and absorbing the spiritual energy,' Chen Mobai said." After Mount Panghuang's array restrictions failed, he had used the 'Sound of Empty Valley' technique to listen and could already discern most of what was happening inside.

"'Guessing from outside is also a waste of time. Let's go in and see.'"

As Grand Void True Monarch spoke, he raised his golden and silver twin rings. The others nodded, and together they flew towards the center of Mount Panghuang. Although the protective arrays and restrictions had failed, they had consequently transformed into more chaotic forces that, along with spiritual energy, were venting freely. Fortunately, all four were Spirit Transformation True Monarchs, and with Grand Void True Monarch's void secret art, they easily entered the interior of the relic.

Silver light flickered, and the figures of the four had already appeared on a moss-covered stone bridge. Looking around, they saw buildings from the Eastern Earth Imperial Court era revealing their true appearance amidst the chaotic torrents of spiritual energy within the vast mountain ranges. The ancient stone bridge where the four stood spanned between two mountains. Below, streams trickled in the valley, while scattered pavilions with upturned eaves and carved, painted structures stood in the water along the banks. However, many were already dilapidated and covered by green vegetation.

The scene before their eyes made Shen Xi and Ni Yuanzhong recall the images of the Eastern Earth Imperial Court passed down within their sects, and they couldn't help but sigh softly.

"'There's no mistake,' Shen Xi said. 'This is indeed the border pass where successive generations of Fanhai Sect's Spirit Transformation cultivators were stationed.'"

The Ten Directions Halls were enfeoffed powers of the Eastern Earth Imperial Court, guarding the ten directions of the world, and their authority was immense. The Fanhai Sect, which had confronted the Xuanjiao Royal Court for generations, was a particularly prominent one among them. However, after that great battle, many lands along the coast of Dongyi were also shattered and submerged, similar to the outcome of Chen Mobai's battle with the old Flood Dragon today. Due to heavy losses after the war, the Eastern Earth Imperial Court began a policy of retrenchment and abandoned this border pass. At that time, the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect and the Dao Sect were still under the command of the Eastern Earth Imperial Court and were even concerned about their own survival, so they naturally wouldn't send anyone here. After the Eastern Earth Imperial Court disintegrated, Dongyi once again became an untamed land, and the relics of the Fanhai Sect were naturally submerged in history.

Tens of thousands of years ago, the Heaven-Burning Pure Land opened up Dongyi and took on the heavy responsibility of confronting the Xuanjiao Royal Court. They had also searched for the Fanhai Sect's border pass relics. However, Mount Panghuang's array restrictions were still active at that time. Although they found some traces, they were unable to enter, and so it remained until now.

Chen Mobai and the other three followed the stone bridge to the central mountain peak, where a massive stone stele stood solitarily, covered with dense ancient inscriptions. Around it were various stone statues, some reclining, some standing, each with its own majesty. The core of the sixth-tier spiritual vein was suppressed by this stone stele, which absorbed most of the spiritual energy flowing out.

Shen Xi translated all the inscriptions: "'This stone stele is a boundary stone bestowed by the Human Emperor in ancient times. It contains a small world within it, serving as a supreme treasure passed down by successive Spirit Transformation cultivators of the Fanhai Sect. The stele also records that it is an imperial secret realm and the foundation by which the Fanhai Sect was able to resist the Xuanjiao Royal Court.'"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but narrow his eyes. The Tianhe Realm actually possessed such a supreme treasure. To be guarded and passed down by successive Spirit Transformation cultivators, it certainly wouldn't be inferior to the smaller realms of Immortal Sects, and might even surpass them.

"'How do we enter?'" Chen Mobai asked curiously. At the same time, he had also recorded the inscriptions on the stone stele, planning to find more information to cross-reference and translate them later.

"'It requires a secret technique of the Eastern Earth Imperial Court or the Fanhai Sect...' Shen Xi replied, shaking her head. She indicated that she needed to go back and consult her sect's ancient texts to see if there were any relevant records."

Ni Yuanzhong was also in the same situation. After the Eastern Earth Imperial Court perished, the two sects had almost completely divided all the imperial jade slips. If neither of their sects had records, then there might truly be no way.

Chen Mobai looked at Grand Void True Monarch, who had been silent all this time. Shen Xi and Ni Yuanzhong also realized and simultaneously looked towards the elder.

After looking at the stone stele for a long time, Grand Void True Monarch nodded and said this: "'My Void Dunjia Art can allow entry.'"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai secretly thought to himself, "You'd better not go in."