Chapter 1300: Nine Tribulation Heavenly Phoenix Harp

"Do you know the origin of the person who possessed you?" Chen Mobai waved his hand at Kanzhu, signaling him to rise, and then asked. In the entire Heavenly River Realm, cultivators at the Transcendent Realm basically all had known names and identities. Excluding the sleeping True Spirits across the Five Continents and Four Seas, there shouldn't be an unknown demonic cultivator of such caliber.

"That person claimed to be a cultivator from Qianyuan Island. He suddenly appeared over two hundred years ago during our Eastern Yi Three Sects War..." Kanzhu immediately recounted everything he knew and could disclose.

"Qianyuan Island, you say? I didn't expect this branch of the Ten Directions Palace remnants to have completely fallen into the demonic path." Chen Mobai nodded slightly after listening.

"Senior, the Heavenly Abyss Dao Fruit I refined belongs to that demonic cultivator. To prevent myself from losing control again in the future, I ask you to abolish my cultivation." At this moment, Kanzhu made a solemn request.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai looked surprised: "You've gone through so much hardship to cultivate to this realm; are you truly willing to give it up?"

"Cultivation is certainly important, but the people around me are more important. I don't wish to become a tool for killing and harming innocents." Although Kanzhu was unaware of Zhao Nansheng's true origin, he had no doubt that he was a demonic cultivator. He was acutely aware of the destructive power of a Transcendent cultivator; if he lost himself, he might even turn against his wife and children. Having finally escaped this time, he did not want to leave any lingering dangers.

"Excellent, excellent! My effort to save you was not in vain. With such a compassionate nature, your future achievements will be great." Chen Mobai laughed heartily, beckoning Kanzhu closer. "Extend your hand."

"Senior..." Kanzhu, though confused, obediently extended his right hand.

Chen Mobai pointed a finger, drawing a talisman on Kanzhu's palm using his Inherited Peace Sword Intent, which represented his complete understanding of the Primal Yang Sword Art. "This sword art contains supreme demon-slaying power. You are the only one I have seen who can grasp the Inherited Peace Sword Intent, and you have already forged your own path. Today, I will transmit the complete sword art and intent to you. This also serves as a seal; should you ever fall to demonism, this sword intent will erupt and turn you to ash." As Chen Mobai spoke, the Primal Yang Sword flew out of the void, infusing its sixth-tier sword intent into the golden talisman on Kanzhu's palm.

"If Senior would not reject me, I wish to bow to you as my Master!" After receiving the transmission of the Primal Yang Sword Art, Kanzhu felt Chen Mobai's immense kindness was beyond repayment in this lifetime. He gritted his teeth and immediately prostrated himself.

"I am nearing ascension, and I decided long ago not to take any disciples in this lifetime. Besides, your children are already disciples of my wife; if you were to become my disciple, wouldn't the generational ranks be confused?" Chen Mobai, seeing Kanzhu kneeling before him, helped him up and shook his head in refusal.

"Whether Master acknowledges it or not is Master's decision. In my heart, you are my second Master, and for the rest of my life, I will treat you with the respect of a disciple," Kanzhu said with a firm expression.

Chen Mobai, hearing this, allowed it.

"Never mind. Let's talk about the Primal Yang Sword Art first. Your physique isn't compatible with this sword art, so you can only comprehend its sword intent at most. In the future, if you encounter a suitable disciple, you may pass it down in my name; there's no need to hoard it." Chen Mobai remembered his mission from the Purple Cloud Palace. The Primal Yang Sword Art originated from the Pure Yang Scroll, making it a Dao method of the Purple Cloud lineage. Moreover, by teaching Kanzhu now, even if he ascended in the future, Kanzhu could still guide Zhang Sizhu.

"Thank you, Master!" Kanzhu first contemplated the sword art, then evolved his own Inherited Peace Sword Intent. His sword intent originated from his desire to protect his loved ones. After integrating the framework of the Inherited Peace Sword Intent taught by Chen Mobai, it transformed into a unique sword intent. It was precisely because of this that he was able to protect his primordial spirit from being devoured during the heart demon's possession. Though this sword intent was still incomplete, its future potential would be no less than that of Patriarch Primal Yang's Inherited Peace Sword Intent.

Chen Mobai knew this meant Kanzhu had forged his own path in the sword and nodded in satisfaction: "Since it's for protection, let's name your sword intent 'Family Bonds'."

"Thank you, Master, for the name." Kanzhu nodded, retracting the sword intent he had evolved.

"What do you plan to do next?" After giving his guidance, Chen Mobai asked Kanzhu about his future plans.

"This disciple wishes to see his family, then seclude himself for cultivation in Kongsang Valley. Does Master have any instructions?" For Kanzhu, who had fought his entire life, he now only desired to live out his remaining years peacefully and enjoy life.

"Go ahead then. However, your son has been sent to the Shattered Jade Hall, and Xuan Shui went with him. Your daughter, on the other hand, is still in the Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion..." Chen Mobai briefly explained the arrangements for Kanzhu's children, and Kanzhu nodded repeatedly, expressing his approval of Chen Mobai's actions.

Soon after, Kanzhu arrived at the Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion.

"Sizhu, this is your father." Chen Mobai had Jin Ling'er bring Zhang Sizhu. As Zhang Sizhu looked on in disbelief, Chen Mobai pointed to the slightly emotional Kanzhu.

The touching reunion of father and daughter reminded Chen Mobai of his own reunion with Chen Xiaohei. Unconsciously, he realized it had been decades since he last saw his own daughter, and he wondered how she was doing. With these thoughts, Chen Mobai took Jin Ling'er and left the hall, leaving the space to Kanzhu and his daughter.

"Master, I plan to take my daughter to the Shattered Jade Hall." Once their emotions stabilized, Kanzhu brought his daughter to pay respects to Chen Mobai. Kanzhu's respectful address caused Jin Ling'er, who was nearby, to widen her eyes in surprise. This newly advanced Transcendent cultivator was actually her grand-master's disciple?

"Indeed, family reunions are most important." Chen Mobai produced his command token. Although the Shattered Jade Hall wouldn't be able to stop Kanzhu, his token would help avoid many misunderstandings. After all, reaching the Shattered Jade Hall required passing through the Eastern Lands, which were the territory of the Three Great Sacred Lands. As a Transcendent cultivator, Kanzhu would inevitably be viewed with caution or even suspicion.

After seeing off Kanzhu and his daughter, Chen Mobai was about to thoroughly investigate Zhao Nansheng when True Monarch Wuchen arrived.

"Young friend, I've come this time because I need your help with something..." True Monarch Wuchen, knowing Chen Mobai's nature, got straight to the point upon sitting down, explaining that he wanted Chen Mobai's help to repair the Phoenix Clan of Duguang Wild's ancestral artifact.

"The Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither!" After listening to True Monarch Wuchen, Chen Mobai's expression became solemn. The Phoenix Ancestor of Duguang Wild was an innate True Spirit Fire Phoenix. Her divine powers were said to be no less than those of the Water Mother, but because this world was primarily created by water element, she achieved the Dao later than the Water Mother.

The Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither was the Fire Phoenix's Dao-achieving treasure. It was said that a single melody could conjure infinite calamities. However, during a battle with a formidable enemy, the Fire Phoenix underwent nirvana, and the zither's seven strings all snapped, causing its rank to fall. Afterward, despite the Duguang Wild Phoenix Clan exhausting all their efforts, they only managed to repair one string. Yet, even in this state, it possessed the power of a peak sixth-tier artifact.

Generally, artifact refiners who advanced to the sixth-tier in the Heavenly River Realm would be invited by the Phoenix Clan to attempt repairing the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither. For example, True Monarch Yiyuan had once visited Duguang Wild with Lay Buddhist White Lotus from the Sun Lotus Temple. However, even with these two sixth-tier artifact refiners, they were still unable to repair a single string.

For this reason, when Chen Mobai advanced to a sixth-tier artifact refiner, Duguang Wild did not invite him. In Feng Qingshu's view, if even Patriarch Yiyuan couldn't do it, Chen Mobai certainly couldn't. However, word had somehow spread that Chen Mobai's artifact refining skill surpassed True Monarch Yiyuan's, so they wished to invite him to take a look. After all, at worst, he wouldn't be able to fix it. But if, by chance, he could repair even one string, it would be an immense boon for Duguang Wild.

"Senior, I'm afraid I'm powerless in this matter." Chen Mobai sighed after pondering for a moment. Although he was confident in his artifact refining skills, believing them to surpass True Monarch Yiyuan's before his ascension, he had no confidence whatsoever regarding Dao-achieving treasures. The difference between seventh-tier and sixth-tier, though seemingly just one level, was as vast as heaven and earth. After all, his own cultivation was merely at the perfected Transcendent Realm.

Since it was something he couldn't do, he spoke honestly, not wanting to waste time.

"Young friend, whether you succeed or not, you should at least go to Duguang Wild and take a look. The Nine-Layered Heavenly Tribulation for ascension was set up by the Dao Lords of the Immortal Realm, referencing the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither. You will surely reach the Void Refinement stage in the future, and contemplating that zither will bring nothing but benefits. Moreover, it was once a seventh-tier Dao-achieving treasure, which will also aid in improving your artifact refining skills..." True Monarch Wuchen earnestly persuaded him, revealing many secrets.

"The Nine-Layered Heavenly Tribulation originated from Duguang Wild's Ancestor's Dao-achieving treasure?" Chen Mobai was indeed surprised after hearing this.

"That zither can evolve 129,600 calamities; it is the manifestation of the Dao of Calamity and Fortune, corresponding to the Dao of Nirvana of the Duguang Wild Ancestor, the Fire Phoenix. Their combination forms the path of Pure Yang."

"In the primordial age, this Fire Phoenix was a mighty being on par with the Water Mother and True Monarch Taixu. However, when she took the step towards Pure Yang, she suffered severe damage and underwent nirvana to transform into the Dao, leaving behind the damaged Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither."

"The seven strings of the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither each represent a Dao. Young friend, even if you just symbolically tune the repaired Fire String, at least I, an old Daoist, will have fulfilled my duty." True Monarch Wuchen, having received Ao Yuxia's assurance, had truly gone all out.

The information revealed by True Monarch Wuchen, however, greatly impacted Chen Mobai. Calamity and Nirvana! According to the Pure Yang Scroll taught by his master at Purple Cloud Palace, shouldn't Nirvana correspond to the Dao of Annihilation? But on second thought, Calamity also made sense, as Nirvana was the Dao of Transcendence, requiring transcendence over various calamities. Thinking this way, had his Senior Sister Tianhuang achieved Pure Yang through these two Daos?

Then, Chen Mobai thought of the Water Mother and True Monarch Taixu. Back in Purple Cloud Palace, when Senior Sister Tianhai sought to create a new world and attain ninth-tier creation, almost all fellow Daoists who had achieved Dao integration participated. It seemed the Duguang Wild Ancestor was Senior Sister Tianhuang's incarnation in this world. The Phoenix Clan of the Southern Continent must be her lingering traces. However, after creating the Heavenly River Realm, how did the Water Mother and other mighty beings disappear? Chen Mobai secretly thought that only True Monarch Taixu likely knew the answer to this question.

"Young friend, if you help me repair the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither this time, when I refine the Immortal Pill, how about the fourth pill goes to you, after setting aside mine, Duguang Wild's, and Purple Cloud Heavenly Palace's?" True Monarch Wuchen raised the stakes at this point. He had already collected all other ingredients for the Immortal Pill, lacking only a few sixth-tier main herbs from Duguang Wild. Previously, Feng Qingshu had been completely uninterested, but this time, Ao Yuxia also desired the Immortal Pill, so Purple Cloud Heavenly Palace stepped in to mediate, thus reaching this agreement. Within this agreement, asking Chen Mobai to repair the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither was Feng Qingshu's core demand.

"How many pills can be produced from one batch of Immortal Pills?" Chen Mobai felt a slight stir of interest upon hearing this. Although the Immortal Pill wasn't strictly necessary for him, an extra pill would increase his chances of reaching the Void Refinement stage, so he certainly wouldn't refuse. Most importantly, the effort required wasn't significant.

"In terms of medicinal efficacy, a perfect batch yields ten pills. However, this is my first time refining it, so at a discount, I should be able to produce five pills." True Monarch Wuchen said this to reassure Chen Mobai. The most successful refinement of the Immortal Pill by their Daoist Sect for the Eastern Lands Imperial Court had yielded five pills. For this current refinement, he estimated it would likely produce around four pills. "Only five pills? That's not very good!" Chen Mobai secretly thought after hearing this, but he certainly couldn't say it aloud. It was a pity that Qing Nü had not yet reached the Transcendent stage; otherwise, if she participated and assisted True Monarch Wuchen, they might have been able to produce a few more pills. However, Chen Mobai, considering his Sagely Virtue Dao, believed that in such a probabilistic matter, he would surely obtain a pill, so he didn't mind the potential waste.

Receiving something without effort made Chen Mobai feel a bit guilty: "Alas, in that case, I feel I'd be receiving it undeservedly."

"Young friend, you needn't worry. Without your help, this batch of Immortal Pills would likely have to wait until an ancestor from the upper realm descended before I could refine them." True Monarch Wuchen, however, insisted that Chen Mobai deserved it. Perhaps it was precisely by relying on this Immortal Pill that he could ascend and escape the current great calamity. This was a great favor.

"Since that's the case, I won't decline any further." After silently activating his Heavenly Blessing and confirming there was no life-threatening danger, Chen Mobai nodded, indicating he accepted the task.

"Excellent! Young friend, when will you depart? I'll accompany you to Duguang Wild." True Monarch Wuchen was overjoyed and already urging Chen Mobai.

"Do I still have to go there?" Chen Mobai, being quite a homebody, was unaccustomed to traveling and wondered if Duguang Wild could simply send the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Phoenix Zither to him.

"Young friend, after all, Clan Leader Feng Qingshu is providing the sixth-tier main herbs..." True Monarch Wuchen said with a light cough.

"Then I'll make some arrangements. Let's meet at the Grand Void Ethereal Palace in a month." Chen Mobai thought for a moment and decided it was best to show respect to the other party, setting a time.