Chapter 1301: Du Guangye, Wutong Sacred Tree

Traveling to Nanzhou was Chen Mobai's first time venturing far from home in his true body since arriving in the Tianhe Realm. For him, it was a rather novel experience.

Before leaving, he naturally had to make arrangements for the Five Elements Sect, as evil cults and deviant paths were constantly emerging throughout the Five Continents and Four Seas. With his second Nascent Soul avatar stationed at Mount Panghuang, combined with the Sky Screen Earth Network Array, defense was generally not an issue. However, just in case, Chen Mobai still decided to summon Kuzhu back.

At the Jadefall Palace, Kuzhu's brows were tightly furrowed, while Xuan Shui was filled with anxious rage. Beside them, Han Xingzi paced back and forth, sweating profusely, scolding his disciples.

The cause of the commotion was Zhang Yiku's disappearance. Apparently, fed up with his mother Xuan Shui's strict supervision, Zhang Yiku took advantage of his fellow disciples' inattention while browsing the market city with them and directly departed via a teleportation array. It wasn't until the Jadefall Palace disciples were preparing to return to the sect that they realized he was missing during a headcount. This instantly caused a huge problem.

Han Xingzi and Xuan Shui, both Nascent Soul cultivators, immediately descended upon the market city. Their powerful divine senses scoured the entire city and its surroundings, searching high and low dozens of times. When they finally discovered he had left by a teleportation array, Xuan Shui felt as though her world was collapsing. Just then, Kuzhu arrived. But even as a Spirit Transformation cultivator, he was at a loss when faced with such a situation.

Fortunately, before leaving, Zhang Yiku had used a Heaven-Penetrating Instrument to leave a message, which was automatically sent to Xuan Shui several days later. It stated that he was going to pursue freedom and asked his mother not to look for him. After exploring Dongzhou, he planned to venture out to sea to see the sights of the Five Continents and Four Seas, with his ultimate destination being Xizhou, to find his father whom he had never met.

After reading the message, Kuzhu could only lament how unfair fate had been to him. Just as his life was nearing completion, an unexpected turn occurred at the final step of reuniting with his son. However, Kuzhu was accustomed to this by now. Moreover, having met his daughter and now having his wife Xuan Shui by his side, he felt quite fortunate.

"This child, he's just had it too good normally; he doesn't realize how dangerous the outside world is..." Xuan Shui mumbled into Kuzhu's ear, describing how the cultivation world outside the Eastern Desolation lacked the illuminating influence of Ancestor Chen, filled with many dangerous individuals. Their son was only forty years old, still immature in mind. What would she do if something happened to him? She certainly couldn't just have another child, even though her husband had returned.

"Fellow Daoists, we've currently tracked Yiku's teleportation destination, but he didn't stay there; he continuously teleported further. Since this is deep within the Eastern Lands, my influence isn't extensive enough. To investigate further, it might require both of you to step forward, or perhaps directly seek out Ancestor Chen and approach the Grand Void Misty Palace..." Han Xingzi braced himself and relayed his disciple's report to Kuzhu and Xuan Shui.

Kuzhu's gaze, in particular, exerted immense pressure on him, as Kuzhu was a Spirit Transformation cultivator. Fortunately, although Xuan Shui was somewhat agitated, Kuzhu was reasonable and didn't vent his anger on Jadefall Palace.

"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist. Yiku has caused you distress." Hearing Kuzhu say this, Han Xingzi repeatedly shook his head, stating that it was his oversight.

Just then, a communication talisman flew from the horizon and landed directly in front of Kuzhu. He took it, read it, and then turned to Xuan Shui, saying, "My master has summoned me back. Let's return to the Eastern Desolation first. With his connections, a single command will surely locate Yiku easily."

"Your master? Didn't he pass away?" Kuzhu had just arrived and faced the issue of his son's disappearance, so the couple hadn't had a detailed discussion yet. Thus, Xuan Shui, upon hearing his words, thought he was referring to Muqin and asked with some surprise.

"My return as a Spirit Transformation cultivator is entirely thanks to the intervention of Ancestor Chen of the Five Elements Sect. Although Ancestor Chen hasn't officially accepted me as a disciple, I consider myself his follower."

Kuzhu's words filled Xuan Shui with both surprise and joy. Whether he had formally become a disciple or not, the fact that Chen Mobai sent a communication talisman indicated his tacit acceptance of Kuzhu calling him 'Master'. Being connected to Ancestor Chen would bring numerous benefits to them as a couple, and even to their children's future.

Meanwhile, Han Xingzi, overhearing this, displayed emotions ranging from envy and shock to sudden realization. One must know, even a Nascent Soul cultivator with the heritage of a sacred land like himself would not dare to attempt the Spirit Transformation stage, as failure was almost certain. For example, Xing Ji, the former Grand Elder of the Stellar Dao Sect, tried with two Sagely True Spirit Pills but still perished on the path to breakthrough. The Palace Master Biluo of the Grand Void Misty Palace, possessing a Dao Fruit, Sagely True Spirit Pills, and the Spirit Transformation insights of past sages, also failed. These examples all demonstrated the extreme difficulty of Spirit Transformation. Logically, a Nascent Soul cultivator from a rural sect like Kuzhu attempting Spirit Transformation would almost certainly die. Yet, he succeeded. Han Xingzi had pondered this in bewilderment but now understood the reason. It turned out he had allied himself with the Eastern Desolation's Azure Emperor.

Kuzhu brought Xuan Shui back to the Eastern Desolation to meet Chen Mobai and explain Zhang Yiku's situation.

"It just so happens I'm going to the Grand Void Misty Palace; I'll mention this to Brother Zhang then. Yiku certainly couldn't have made the Grand Void Misty Palace open an inter-continental teleportation array. Given his Foundation Establishment cultivation and the short time, he's probably still wandering within Dongzhou. Xuan Shui, go find Chen Lingming and have him mobilize the forces of the Dongzhou Immortal Alliance to search for him." Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai immediately made arrangements.

With the Five Elements Sect's current influence, major sects throughout Dongzhou would treat them as honored guests wherever they went. The Dongzhou Immortal Alliance already encompassed most Nascent Soul forces; once mobilized, they could turn the seven regions upside down, excluding special places like the Barren Ruins.

"Thank you, Ancestor." Xuan Shui nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

Next, Chen Mobai informed them that he would be traveling to Nanzhou with True Monarch Wuchen. Kuzhu stated that he would guard the three border regions of Dongzhou to prevent any opportunists from causing trouble.

"That's not necessary. With Yiku missing, you, as his father, must be worried. As long as you are within the seven regions of Dongzhou, you can return at any time via a teleportation array..." Chen Mobai indicated that Kuzhu only needed to remain within Dongzhou. After all, security primarily relied on his second Nascent Soul avatar; informing Kuzhu was merely a precaution.

"Understood, Master."

After arranging the matters at hand, Chen Mobai left a message for Qing Nv, who was in seclusion, and then departed for the Eastern Lands.

The mountain gate of the Grand Void Misty Palace was located atop Mount Tianya, where the inter-continental teleportation array was situated. Chen Mobai was the last to arrive. Besides True Monarch Wuchen, Ao Yuxia of the Purple Cloud Heaven's Gate was also present, along with Zhang Pankong and Shan Miaosu.

With several Spirit Transformation cultivators gathered, a conversation naturally ensued. Shan Miaosu, as the host, accompanied them, while Zhang Pankong went to activate the inter-continental teleportation array, which required coordination with True Monarch Dagu in Nanzhou.

"I didn't expect to see Lady Yuwen again. I hear True Monarch Ziqi is about to ascend; I offer my congratulations in advance." Chen Mobai greeted Ao Yuxia, who politely returned the courtesy.

"Oh, no, perhaps Fellow Daoist Chen will be the one to ascend first."

As they were all prominent figures, they exchanged pleasantries, and the atmosphere quickly became warm and harmonious. After half an hour of conversation, Zhang Pankong sent a message, indicating that everything was ready. True Monarch Wuchen, somewhat impatient, stood up.

Chen Mobai lagged behind slightly, mentioning Zhang Yiku's situation to Shan Miaosu. She immediately stated that she would issue instructions, and if any trace of him was found within the teleportation arrays under their control, the Five Elements Sect would be informed immediately.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist." After expressing his gratitude, Chen Mobai followed them to the mountaintop. Soon, a silver light shot into the sky, connecting with Nanzhou on the other side, powered by immense void energy.

Among the Five Continents and Four Seas, Nanzhou's power was second only to Zhongzhou. It was home to five great sacred lands: the Blazing Fire Sect, Sun Lotus Hermitage, Medicine King Sect, Grand Void Misty Palace, and Duguang Field. Chen Mobai had only not interacted with Duguang Field before.

Under the personal guidance of True Monarch Dagu, they quickly reached their destination. Duguang Field was located at the very center of Nanzhou, a fertile land where spring reigned all year round and vegetation flourished. But upon arriving, what most captivated the eye was a magnificent tree that overshadowed the sky. The moment Chen Mobai saw this tree, his emotions surged violently, and his eyes widened.

"This is the Tianhe Realm's foremost spiritual plant, the peak sixth-grade Wutong Divine Wood," True Monarch Dagu introduced, seeing Chen Mobai's expression and assuming he had never seen a spiritual plant of such caliber.

True Monarch Wuchen and Ao Yuxia had clearly been to Duguang Field before; while still amazed, their expressions weren't as animated as Chen Mobai's.

"So this is the Wutong Divine Wood..." Chen Mobai muttered to himself after hearing the introduction. He wasn't merely shocked by a sixth-grade spiritual plant, although this Wutong Divine Wood was indeed the most powerful spiritual plant he had ever seen. Its canopy was like a heavenly cover, soaring straight into the nine heavens, almost reaching into the nine-layered heavenly tribulation. The Great Chun tree of the Immortal Gate paled in comparison.

"Originally, the Wutong Divine Wood connected the Spirit Void Immortal Realm and the Tianhe Realm. Cultivators in Nanzhou, after achieving Spirit Transformation, could directly enter the Immortal Realm through this spiritual plant."

"Unfortunately, with the Nirvana of Duguang Field's ancestral Fire Phoenix, this spiritual plant severed itself, and its upper half vanished along with the undergoing-Nirvana Fire Phoenix."

"The current Wutong Divine Wood has regrown from the root system of the original one, but even so, it easily reached the peak sixth-grade level."

True Monarch Dagu continued his introduction, and Chen Mobai nodded ceaselessly, masking his inner shock. Chen Mobai was absolutely certain that this Wutong Divine Wood was of the same species as the Azure Jade Wutong from the Immortal Gate. This further confirmed his belief that Duguang Field's ancestral Fire Phoenix was the Sacred Venerable Sky Phoenix of the Zixiao Cosmos's Phoenix Palace. The Phoenix Palace had an eighth-grade Azure Jade Wutong, revered as the Wood God, which had protected the Sky Phoenix's Nirvana multiple times. And here in Duguang Field, there was also a Wutong Divine Wood that protected the Fire Phoenix's Nirvana. Chen Mobai had previously heard of a Wutong Divine Wood here but thought it might be a coincidence of names, as spiritual trees where phoenixes nested were often called "Wutong."

"This place originally had thousands of volcanoes, but after the Wutong Divine Wood took root here, it regulated all the fire veins, transforming this area into the Tianhe Realm's most fertile land..." True Monarch Dagu's words made Chen Mobai feel even more strongly that he should have realized long ago that the Wutong here was the Azure Jade Wutong.

Just then, a fiery light descended from the sky, transforming into a beautiful woman with a gentle demeanor and graceful bearing. Her hair was coiled high in a bun, adorned with a pearl crown, and her flowing strands were vermillion, with tips like flickering flames, dazzlingly brilliant. But what was most striking were the three cinnabar moles below her left eye, as crimson as blood.

Seeing her, True Monarch Dagu and the others immediately greeted her. After responding to each, she gave a slight bow to Chen Mobai.

"This must be the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation. I am Feng Qingshu."

"Greetings, Clan Leader Feng."

Chen Mobai immediately returned the bow, and then their group followed Feng Qingshu into Duguang Field.

"I heard that after I invited you, Immortal in Flame and Fanyun both wished to come and observe, but artifact refining is a very private matter, and it's not for me to decide..." Feng Qingshu mentioned on the way. Immortal in Flame from the Blazing Fire Sect and Lay Buddhist Fanyun from Sun Lotus Hermitage were both fifth-grade artifact refiners. Hearing that Chen Mobai, currently the only sixth-grade artifact refiner in the Tianhe Realm, had come to repair the Nine Tribulations Sky Phoenix Guqin, they wanted to observe and learn.

However, cultivators here were very respectful of boundaries, so if Chen Mobai did not agree, Feng Qingshu would not let them come. Chen Mobai had previously met Lay Buddhist Fanyun during the Nine-layered Heavenly Tribulation. Considering True Monarch Yiyuan's connection to Sun Lotus Hermitage, he found it difficult to refuse. If he agreed to one, he couldn't reasonably refuse the other, so he simply agreed to both. He also had long admired Immortal in Flame, who was previously considered the Tianhe Realm's top artifact refiner.

"It is my honor to communicate with both Fellow Daoists. However, I cannot guarantee success in repairing your clan's artifact." Chen Mobai was confident he could impress fifth-grade artifact refiners, but he had no confidence at all regarding the Nine Tribulations Sky Phoenix Guqin, a former treasure of enlightenment, so he offered a pre-emptive disclaimer.

"Fellow Daoist, please do your best," Feng Qingshu replied politely after hearing this, though a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

With the evasion speed of these Spirit Transformation cultivators, they quickly arrived at the very center of Duguang Field. At this point, Chen Mobai also got a clear view of the Wutong Divine Wood up close. Although not as striking as from a distance, he saw another scene that astonished him.

Beside the divine tree flowed a river, where agile fish occasionally leaped out of the water, blowing bubbles. He had seen this very scene before, during his enlightenment. The origin of the Heavenly Venerate was a branch from a heaven-reaching divine tree that drifted along such a river. It eventually rooted and grew in a valley rich in spiritual energy in Dongzhou, becoming a mighty figure. So, it drifted all the way from Nanzhou's Duguang Field? The Heavenly Venerate truly had a great destiny.

Chen Mobai looked up at the Wutong Divine Wood again. Its canopy, like a heavenly cover, could only partially overlap with the images in his mind; there were no multi-colored spiders, nor was there the majestic figure seated atop the canopy.