Chapter 1237: Farewell Ye Qing, Saintess of the Void

“Thank you for your assistance.”

After Chen Mobai vanquished True Monarch Suiyu's avatar, he immediately cupped his hands in thanks to True Monarch Wuchen and the other two who were not far away. He had originally intended to handle this matter alone but hadn't expected the Eastern Continent's Transformation Gods to possess such high moral standards. Like him, they also abhorred body possession.

“As orthodox Transformation Gods, we certainly cannot stand by and ignore such demonic acts,” True Monarch Wuchen said with a smile. Given a choice between Chen Mobai and True Monarch Suiyu, he would naturally side with Chen Mobai, with whom he had a better relationship, and this also aligned with righteousness.

“How should these two Dao fruits be handled, seniors?” Chen Mobai pointed to the blue and black Dao fruits hovering in mid-air after True Monarch Suiyu's death. If he wasn't mistaken, these should be the other two of the Three Yin Dao Fruits.

“My Grand Void Ethereal Palace has no shortage of Dao fruits,” True Monarch Dakong stated directly. Wuchen also shook his head, indicating that the karma associated with the Dao fruits was too immense; taking them would mean having to help pass on the Ice Heaven and Snow Earth lineage, which their Moral Sect would rather not do. Ni Yuanzhong felt the same. Chen Mobai was unaware of this detail, but since none of the three wanted them, he supposed he would have to endure the "burden." He figured passing on the Ice Heaven and Snow Earth lineage within the Immortal Sect would still count as a continuation of the inheritance.

“True Monarch Suiyu died by my hand, so I should naturally bear this karma,” Chen Mobai declared righteously, then swept his sleeve, collecting the two Dao fruits into his possession.

After dealing with the spoils, the Transformation Gods prepared to depart. Chen Mobai's divine sense surged out, locking onto Han Xingzi, who was hiding within the Snow Mountain Sect's grand formation. Under Chen Mobai's telepathic message, Han Xingzi dutifully flew up. Upon arrival, he repeatedly thanked Chen Mobai and the others, claiming that he had committed many wrongs due to the tyrannical power of True Monarch Suiyu, that old hag. As he spoke, he even shed tears: “My junior sister was such a wonderful person, yet simply because her physique was compatible, her consciousness was obliterated and her body was possessed. At that time, I swore in my heart that if I ever had the chance, I would definitely avenge my junior sister. Today, with the intervention of you True Monarchs, the greatest calamity for our Three Ice Heaven Lineages has been removed...” Seeing Han Xingzi's genuine emotional display, Chen Mobai and the other three did not pursue the matter further. Ni Yuanzhong merely confirmed through a Dao Heart Vow that Han Xingzi had not engaged in demonic acts, and the issue was dropped.

“We, the Four Great Sacred Lands, intend to form the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance. If the Three Ice Heaven Lineages are interested, you may also consider joining,” Chen Mobai said before leaving. He remembered that there were many good things in the frozen mausoleum where True Monarch Suiyu was buried, which should now all belong to Han Xingzi, so he extended the invitation.

“Thank you, True Monarch, please let me join,” Han Xingzi thanked him repeatedly, pretending not to notice Chen Mobai taking the two Dao fruits.

After settling matters there, the four Transformation Gods parted ways. However, True Monarch Wuchen traveled alongside Chen Mobai, mainly discussing matters concerning Zhuo Ming: “Longevity Brows could advance thanks to Junior Nephew Zhuo's diagnosis. Clan Leader Feng Qingshu said that if it had been delayed for another year or two, this spirit plant would likely have been unable to withstand the restrained and condensed power, forcing a breakthrough that would most likely have failed...”

“I am also very pleased that my humble disciple could be of assistance,” Chen Mobai replied politely, then inquired further about the Spirit Void Immortal Realm.

After the Heavenly Emperor's Seal descends, the Dao rules of the Heavenly River Realm will gradually change, allowing cultivators at the Void Refinement stage to remain. However, this is definitely not possible at present, so there will be a specific time point. Chen Mobai hoped to break through to Void Refinement by then, thus avoiding the need for ascension. He was not one to move around willingly, and now with the World Gate, he could earn Dao merits to exchange for various high-tier resources, making him even less interested in the Spirit Void Immortal Realm. After all, ascending would place him under the watchful eyes of the Heavenly Emperor and True Monarch Taixu, both Pure Yang mighty cultivators. He possessed the Heavenly Emperor Scroll and the Turtle Treasure, thus having karmic ties with both. His thought was to avoid it if possible. If unavoidable, he would then find a solution.

“Ancestor Wuwei did speculate about this timing; it should be three hundred years from now,” True Monarch Wuchen revealed directly, without concealment, as he owed a favor regarding Longevity Brows.

“Three hundred years from now? Isn't that exactly when the Orthodox-Demonic Sword Contest is scheduled!” Chen Mobai exclaimed, slightly surprised. It seemed the duel agreed upon by the Lord of the Central Demonic Path and the Grand Void Immortal held a deeper meaning.

“Since the Heavenly River Realm was created by the Water Mother, it has undergone several great tribulations. Currently, our human orthodox path holds the helm, while other forces like the True Spirits of the Monster Race, Extra-territorial Fiends, and even Netherworld Yin Spirits and ghosts all seek to defeat us, the orthodox path, and regain control of the world.”

“The Orthodox-Demonic Sword Contest, while ostensibly a duel between the Grand Void Immortal and the Lord of the Central Demonic Path, is in reality a war among several major factions to reallocate control and influence.”

“Within these three hundred years, the Heavenly River Realm will undoubtedly experience immense turmoil. Although our Eastern Continent is not at the center, we are involved in several significant karmic ties. If our orthodox path does not unite, there might be a great calamity for the populace, leaving nine out of ten homes empty and bones scattered across the wilderness.” True Monarch Wuchen shared some secrets he had heard from his ancestral master in the upper realm with Chen Mobai, then showed a hopeful expression: “The establishment of the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance should be able to save some lives during this great tribulation.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai suddenly felt that this might be why he had come to this world. The opportunity for the completion of his Dao of Sacred Virtue lay within this tribulation. When there is a great tribulation for the common people, a sage is bound to emerge. Although the Dao of Sacred Virtue in the Heavenly River Realm had already been claimed by Saint Qianqiu, Chen Mobai could still experience the perfected Void Refinement realm here before going to the Violet Cloud Universe to merge with the Dao. After all, the principles of Dao related to Sacred Virtue are the same across different realms. Thinking this, Chen Mobai became even more committed to the impending formation of the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance.

He simply went with True Monarch Wuchen directly to the Moral Sect's mountain gate and began discussing matters with Shen Xi. The general idea was to adapt the Immortal Sect's system, albeit with some localized modifications. As they chatted, they remembered there were still two other Sacred Lands.

Soon after, the Nine Heavens Demon Eradication Sect and the Grand Void Ethereal Palace each sent a Transformation God True Monarch. From the Nine Heavens Demon Eradication Sect, naturally, came Chen Mobai's friend, Ye Qing. The two met and exchanged smiles. However, the representative from the Grand Void Ethereal Palace was not True Monarch Dakong, but a female cultivator with slightly rounded cheeks and a full figure. Chen Mobai had met her once before; it was the Grand Void Saintess, Shan Miaosu. He never expected that she would successfully achieve Transformation God. Recalling Zhang Pankong's earlier concerns, it was clear that True Monarch Dakong had indeed given the Saint-Attaining True Spirit Pill to Shan Miaosu, and she had achieved Transformation God at the Grand Void Ethereal Palace headquarters in the Central Continent, which was why there had been no news in the Eastern Continent. Coincidentally, Shan Miaosu had just returned a few days prior and was able to attend this meeting today.

“Greetings, esteemed senior brothers,” Shan Miaosu politely saluted Chen Mobai and the other two upon her arrival.

“Congratulations, Junior Sister Shan. It's truly a shame when I think about it; among your generation, of the Four Great Sacred Lands in the Eastern Continent, only our Moral Sect's Dao Child and Saintess have not yet achieved Transformation God. Alas, we have no worthy successors...” Shen Xi remarked with emotion after exchanging greetings with Shan Miaosu, looking at the younger Chen Mobai and the other two beside him. Xuande, who was attending nearby, lowered his head in shame. Ye Qing and Shan Miaosu remained silent, but Chen Mobai interjected to smooth things over: “I see Xuande has also perfected his essence, qi, and spirit. I imagine he will soon join our ranks.”

“Let's hope so. But enough of this, let's discuss the specific regulations for the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance!” Shen Xi shook his head, though he didn't dwell on the matter. After all, even within Sacred Lands, only a minority of Dao Children and Saintesses managed to reach Transformation God. Even if Xuande and Qi Jiansu failed, with his own success, the Moral Sect wouldn't have to worry about Transformation God cultivators for at least the next thousand years. And a thousand years was enough time to cultivate several generations of Dao Children and Saintesses. Surely not every generation would fail.

Next, Chen Mobai explained the rules and regulations for the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance that he and Shen Xi had discussed. Ye Qing and Shan Miaosu also raised some questions based on their own perspectives, leading to a thorough discussion among the four Transformation Gods.

Half a month later, the four of them finally completed discussing the entire framework. “The Immortal Alliance will need a permanent base. Where would be most suitable?” Shan Miaosu asked. Once established, the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance would absorb eligible orthodox forces from the Eastern Continent. Furthermore, with the impending great changes and tribulations, all factions would surely seek the protection of the Sacred Lands and thus strive to join. This would transform the scattered orthodox forces of the Eastern Continent, who were previously only conscripted during events like the Orthodox-Demonic War, into a monolithic power due to the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance. With this power serving as a hub, it would also greatly facilitate business for the Grand Void Ethereal Palace. At the very least, they could fully control the flow of resources within the Eastern Continent.

“Dongling Region has just been opened up, and its geographical location is at the center of the Eastern Continent. It's also roughly equidistant from our Four Great Sacred Lands, so why not establish it there?” Chen Mobai, having already mastered the map of the Eastern Continent for arranging the Universal River-Luo Star-Dipper Array, quickly named the most suitable location.

“Excellent!” Shen Xi and Ye Qing also did not object, immediately agreeing. Moreover, if the territory in Dongling Region proved insufficient in the future, it could expand into the surrounding wilderness.

After the four Transformation Gods reached an agreement, each needed to summon a person in charge. Given their status, it was impossible for them to oversee every minor detail; they required someone to handle the practical work. Chen Mobai considered that within the Five Elements Sect, in terms of administrative ability, O Yun or Zhou Wangshen would be the most suitable, especially the latter, who was also the sect master of the Five Elements Sect in Dongling Region. Unfortunately, both of them had relatively low cultivation levels. For the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance established by the Four Great Sacred Lands, the representative would surely have to be at least a Nascent Soul cultivator. Otherwise, if a Golden Core cultivator represented the Five Elements Sect at meetings, Chen Mobai, as the foremost figure in the Eastern Continent, would be utterly disgraced. Among the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Five Elements Sect, the Dharma Body Nascent Souls were also somewhat low-tiered and not suitable for such a grand stage. That left only a few selectable individuals. After careful thought, Chen Mobai ultimately chose Chen Lingming.

After all, Mo Douguang was only adept at fighting, Zhou Ye was needed to oversee the Eastern Yi, and Qing Nü, Yin Qingmei, Zhuo Ming, and others were even less suited for engaging in political maneuvering with other factions. Chen Lingming's capabilities were beyond doubt; being solely responsible for repairing the treasure ship was somewhat underutilizing his talent. Chen Mobai had even considered having him inherit his position as the Five Elements Sect's grandmaster, an idea that grew stronger after O Yun's failure to form a Nascent Soul. However, considering how long O Yun had followed him, he decided to give him another chance. Coincidentally, the Primal Chaos Dao Fruit was no longer useful to Chen Mobai and could be passed down at this opportune moment. Having Chen Lingming represent the Five Elements Sect in the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance would also allow the responsibilities related to the One Yuan Dao Palace to be transferred from Chen Mobai to him. Surely, he wouldn't object.

With these thoughts, Chen Mobai took out a communication talisman, briefly outlining the matters concerning the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance, and instructed Chen Lingming to rush to the Moral Sect's mountain gate as quickly as possible.

Due to the advanced teleportation arrays of the Grand Void Ethereal Palace, Chen Lingming arrived two days later after receiving the communication talisman. After receiving Chen Mobai's instructions, Chen Lingming calmly began discussing the specific details for the establishment of the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance in Dongling Region with the Nascent Soul representatives from the other three Sacred Lands.

Since the general framework had already been decided by the Transformation Gods, Chen Lingming and the other Nascent Soul cultivators primarily focused on discussing implementation. Transformation Gods needed to maintain dignity, making it awkward for them to openly discuss certain self-serving interests. However, among Nascent Soul cultivators, such concerns were irrelevant; they were meticulous about every detail to secure greater benefits for their respective sects. And the Nascent Soul cultivators capable of representing Sacred Lands were all top-tier talents, some even possessing more than one Nascent Soul.

While the lower-ranked individuals debated, Chen Mobai and Ye Qing drank tea together. “After I reached Transformation God, I entrusted the Impermanence Pavilion to search for the whereabouts of Revered Ming. He definitely has avatars hidden across the Five Continents and Four Seas, and I must eventually avenge the past,” Ye Qing said, mentioning what he had been busy with recently. He had indeed received information earlier, which led him to travel to the Western Continent, but he found nothing.

“There will be a chance. I hope Revered Ming doesn't fall into my hands before you find him,” Chen Mobai replied. Chen Mobai also had some karmic ties with Revered Ming, as he had once destroyed a ghost embryo that Revered Ming had cultivated using Su Zilu's Primal Chaos Body. Now, Chen Mobai understood how crucial that ghost embryo had been to Revered Ming. It was practically the foundation for his path to Dao enlightenment. However, even if Revered Ming were to return to his peak or even advance further, facing Chen Mobai's second nascent soul wielding the Primordial Yang Sword now would likely be a one-sword affair.

“When I went to the Western Continent earlier, I encountered a Nascent Soul cultivator from your sect. She was being pursued by several other Nascent Soul cultivators...” Ye Qing began, recounting something that slightly surprised Chen Mobai. Did their Five Elements Sect have a Nascent Soul cultivator in the Western Continent? But soon, as Ye Qing continued, his expression changed to one of realization. It turned out to be Xuan Shui from the One Yuan Dao Palace. She had piloted the treasure ship, escorting Kuzhu to the Western Continent, and theoretically, she should have returned after the delivery. Why was she still lingering there now?

“...She was heavily pregnant, with a big belly. After I rescued her, she pleaded with me to save her Dao companion.” The latter part of Ye Qing's sentence made Chen Mobai almost spit out the tea he was drinking.