“This is Fellow Daoist Zhu Wujiu, the Immortal in Flames from the Mysterious Fire Sect,” Fen Qingshu introduced, knowing Chen Mobai didn't recognize him.
It was indeed him. After hearing the introduction, Chen Mobai nodded slightly in greeting.
“I've long heard of the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation, renowned as the foremost artificer across the Five Continents and Four Seas. I've always wished to witness your skill firsthand. I wonder if that wish can be fulfilled today?” the Immortal in Flames asked after returning the greeting.
“Oh, Senior, what do you mean by that?” Chen Mobai raised an eyebrow, a little perplexed.
“Can you repair this Nine Tribulations Celestial Phoenix Zither?” the Immortal in Flames asked bluntly, causing Lay Buddhist Fan Yun and Pharmacist Li beside him to exchange awkward glances, finding his directness a bit much.
“I can't say for certain, but I'll do my best to try,” Chen Mobai replied. He had long heard that the Immortal in Flames possessed a terrible temper, and his direct encounter confirmed it. Despite having never met, the hostility directed at him was blatant.
It seemed his new title as the foremost artificer across the Five Continents and Four Seas had genuinely displeased the Immortal in Flames. However, Chen Mobai was broad-minded and chose not to dwell on such matters.
Just then, the Immortal in Flames suddenly added, “It’s no disgrace if you can’t repair it. After all, for tens of thousands of years, countless sixth-rank artificers across the Five Continents and Four Seas have tried and failed.”
At these words, Fen Qingshu couldn't help but frown and snapped, “Zhu Wujiu, this is Sky Phoenix Valley, not your Mysterious Fire Sect. Fellow Daoist Chen is my guest!”
“Please don't mind him, Fellow Daoist Chen. Fellow Daoist Zhu is not very tactful,” Pharmacist Li quickly interjected to smooth things over. Beside them, Venerable Dagu joined Fen Qingshu in rebuking the Immortal in Flames.
Clearly, even as an outsider, Chen Mobai's popularity far exceeded that of the Immortal in Flames, a native Spirit Transformation cultivator of Nanzhou.
“Fellow Daoist Zhu has a point, but I am, after all, a sixth-rank artificer. You, a mere fifth-rank, should just observe. It’s not your place to offer guidance.” Chen Mobai wasn't one to shy away from confrontation either. With the Immortal in Flames openly provoking him, he dropped his polite smile and retorted with cold sarcasm.
“Heh, whether it’s sixth-rank or fifth-rank, neither of us has been able to fix this zither,” the Immortal in Flames scoffed, implying that Chen Mobai, despite being a sixth-rank artificer, was on the same level as him.
In that instant, Chen Mobai, who had originally intended to proceed slowly and repair the zither only when he was absolutely confident, suddenly changed his plan. “Then open your eyes wide and see precisely why I am a sixth-rank, and you are merely a fifth-rank!”
As his words settled, everyone turned to him with curious gazes. It appeared the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation was about to begin the zither's repair today!
“Do you have any resin from the Divine Parasol Tree, fish glue for bonding, or the roots of the Celestial Ling Potato…?” Chen Mobai inquired about several other materials. Fen Qingshu possessed most of them, as previous sixth-rank artificers had also considered bonding the zither strings. Although their attempts had failed, the materials remained in Sky Phoenix Valley. Other roots from sixth-rank spirit plants could simply be gathered from the Duguang Wilds.
“On this second broken string, there’s still a residue of the Grand Dao of Music. I will replace it with sixth-rank Crimson Fire Silkworm Silk and then bond it with the original string. This will lay the foundation for the second string of sound…” Chen Mobai broadly outlined his repair method. Fen Qingshu nodded repeatedly, recognizing it as precisely the same approach conceived by the Mysterious Fire Sect's sixth-rank artificer eight thousand years ago.
“Ancestor Muxin already tried what you’re suggesting,” the Immortal in Flames interjected again. “But even if we ignore the challenge of transferring and integrating the residual Grand Dao power from the original broken string, and even if that were possible, without a continuous infusion of the Grand Dao of Music, this string would eventually be consumed by the String of Fire over many years…” He felt it was impressive that Chen Mobai could think of this much, but clearly, his experience was still lacking.
“You should understand that not all sixth-rank cultivators are the same,” Chen Mobai retorted. “Your Mysterious Fire Sect’s ancestor was a sixth-rank simply because that was his limit. I am sixth-rank because the Heavenly River Realm can only accommodate cultivators of that rank.” Chen Mobai never minced words with those he disliked, and his tone grew increasingly sharp.
“Such arrogance, boy! Your zither repair method was likely just something Yiyuan heard about here in Sky Phoenix Valley and passed down, wasn’t it…?” Upon hearing Chen Mobai’s conceited words, the Immortal in Flames immediately suspected he had plagiarized his sect’s ancestor.
At that moment, Fen Lizhu, following Fen Qingshu’s instructions, brought over the Divine Parasol Tree resin and other sixth-rank materials. Chen Mobai, disinclined to continue bickering with the Immortal in Flames, placed each material on the zither hall table for inspection. After selecting the highest quality ones, he mixed them into a translucent, sweetly fragrant adhesive.
Next, he formally began the zither repair. He first took a roll of Crimson Fire Silkworm Silk, unrolled it, and then cut off the required length using his sixth-rank sword intent. This precise move caused the Immortal in Flames, who had been preparing to offer a few pointers, to blanch.
Under the intimidating display of power, and considering the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation’s past accomplishments, the Immortal in Flames decided to keep silent for now and reserve his mockery until after a potential failure.
Chen Mobai meticulously kneaded the fire silkworm silk strand by strand until it formed a bundle with the same diameter as the original broken string. Throughout this process, he continuously applied the adhesive, winding and twisting with extreme patience, knowing that even a slight misstep could nullify all his efforts.
Previously, Ancestor Muxin of the Mysterious Fire Sect had failed three times at this very stage before finally managing to twist a suitable new string.
However, this was merely the first step. Stringing, fusion, shaping, tuning—each subsequent step was more challenging than the last.
Drawing upon his experience refining the Dao Fruit from the Alchemical Cauldron Jade Tree, Chen Mobai possessed complete mastery of all knowledge pertaining to zither-type artifacts. Under his fluid and masterful manipulation, the first string was swiftly assembled in his palm.
This initial success brought a flicker of joy to Fen Qingshu’s face, who had initially held little hope.
Witnessing this, the Immortal in Flames felt a surge of tension. As the former foremost artificer across the Five Continents and Four Seas, he still possessed keen discernment. He could see that the string Chen Mobai had crafted was far more refined and flawless than the segment Ancestor Muxin had left within the sect.
In this respect, the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Desolation was undoubtedly a sixth-rank master in the craft of string making. However, having already initiated his mockery, there was no way he could now back down.
“Mere luck!” the Immortal in Flames muttered under his breath.
Meanwhile, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Chen Mobai swiftly completed the stringing process. As the new string was secured, and the adjacent String of Fire began to glow with the spiritual light of the Grand Dao, threatening to encroach, Chen Mobai suddenly extended his right index finger and gently pressed the String of Fire.
After a clear chime, the Fire Phoenix Zither Spirit, which had retreated and steadfastly refused to emerge, finally flew forth from the flames. To Fen Qingshu’s utter astonishment, the Zither Spirit circled Chen Mobai’s head once, then obediently settled on his shoulder, affectionately nudging his cheek with its beak.
“This new string will require a long time to cultivate its spirituality anew. Can you control yourself and prevent the Grand Dao of Fire from encroaching upon it?” Chen Mobai asked, pointing to the newly replaced string beside the String of Fire. While he intended to establish restrictions, convincing the String of Fire’s Zither Spirit would yield much more effective results.
“Yes, Master!” The Zither Spirit nodded repeatedly, uttering a title that made everyone present gape in astonishment.
“Fellow Daoist Chen, I merely asked you to repair the zither; I never said it was yours,” Fen Qingshu immediately interjected. Though she couldn’t fathom how Chen Mobai had subdued such a proud zither spirit, she was determined to prevent her clan’s treasured artifact from being taken.
“The zither spirit called me that on its own; I didn’t instruct it to,” Chen Mobai quickly explained, seeing Fen Qingshu’s suspicious, almost wary expression.
While top-tier sixth-rank magical artifacts were formidable, he wasn't in need of one, and there was no reason to risk his reputation by taking it. If it had been a Path-Attainment treasure, he might have considered it.
As for why the zither spirit addressed him as master, Chen Mobai surmised it was either due to his extensive use of the 'Universal Resonance Scripture' on the Nine Tribulations Celestial Phoenix Zither, or perhaps because his Cinnabar Phoenix Primordial Spirit was drenched in phoenix essence blood when he resonated with the broken Tribulation Fate string.
However, neither of these reasons was suitable to explain to Fen Qingshu. To prevent the zither spirit from speaking further, Chen Mobai simply proceeded with the subsequent stringing steps.
He wrapped the removed broken string onto the new one, then superficially began applying adhesive, though in reality, he was activating the 'Universal Resonance Scripture' to merge the two.
This cultivation method, passed down by the Alchemical Cauldron Daoist, did not disappoint Chen Mobai. As the Immortal in Flames stared wide-eyed in disbelief, the new string and the original broken string began to fuse into one. During this process, strands of melody, like phoenix cries, resonated in the ears of the Spirit Transformation cultivators, filling them with a sense of blissful tranquility as if listening to celestial music.
It was at this exact step that Ancestor Muxin of the Mysterious Fire Sect had failed repeatedly in the past, showing no signs of success even after numerous attempts.
Yet, in Chen Mobai’s hands, it was completed with effortless ease, as simple as eating and drinking.
“Fortunately, I have not failed the task. This String of Sound is now repaired. However, for it to fully develop its spirituality and eventually rival the String of Fire, it may require a long period of nurturing, or perhaps the Phoenix Clan could cultivate a practitioner of the Grand Dao of Music…” After completing the repair of the second String of Sound, Chen Mobai also remembered to set up restrictions, ensuring the string had ample space for its spirituality to fully manifest, while also advising Fen Qingshu.
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Chen, you must be thirsty. My Sky Phoenix Valley has sixth-rank Divine Parasol Tree tea, which is excellent for restoring spiritual sense and enhancing the Purple Mansion. Lizhu, quickly bring the tea!” Chen Mobai had never witnessed such enthusiasm from Fen Qingshu before.
He had always assumed aloofness was her defining trait. But could sixth-rank Divine Parasol Tree tea actually be brewed from the leaves of the Divine Parasol Tree itself?
As it happened, Chen Mobai had expended considerable spiritual sense from operating the 'Universal Resonance Scripture' at high intensity. He simply paused his work and waited eagerly. And while he was at it, he decided to address the Immortal in Flames.
“By the way, when I was repairing it just now, my movements might have been a bit fast, and my techniques rather profound. If Fellow Daoist Zhu didn't quite follow, feel free to ask. I did promise Clan Head Fen that I would offer you some guidance.” Chen Mobai’s words made the Immortal in Flames’ face burn crimson.
Given his temperament, facing such provocation would typically lead to a heated retort. But the Immortal in Flames simply had no ground to stand on.
Because the successfully repaired String of Sound undeniably demonstrated Chen Mobai’s level as the foremost artificer across the Five Continents and Four Seas, even surpassing the past ancestors of the Mysterious Fire Sect.
If he were to hurl insults, what would that make him, inferior even to Chen Mobai, let alone the revered ancestors of the Mysterious Fire Sect?
“Fellow Daoist, your artificing skill is formidable; I am no match for it!” After a long silence, the Immortal in Flames finally managed to utter these words.
“Just one rank higher than you,” Chen Mobai replied. These words caused the Immortal in Flames to hang his head in even deeper shame. Without even bidding farewell to Fen Qingshu, he simply covered his face and retreated.
Seeing this, Pharmacist Li called out twice and even chased after him, clearly indicating their close relationship.
“That old fellow finally got what he deserved today, hahaha!” Venerable Dagu couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight, and Venerable Wuchen and Ao Yuxia on the side chuckled along.
Evidently, the Immortal in Flames truly had a terrible reputation.
“Fellow Daoist Chen, I confess I didn’t quite comprehend your technique for repairing the string just now. Might I humbly request your instruction?” Lay Buddhist Fan Yun, who genuinely wished to learn, finally couldn’t help but ask after the Immortal in Flames departed. Chen Mobai, out of respect for Venerable Yiyuan and the Primordial Bell, nodded gently and began to offer selective guidance.
At that moment, Fen Lizhu entered the zither hall carrying a pot of strong tea. Fen Qingshu personally poured a cup and presented it to Chen Mobai. “Please, Fellow Daoist, moisten your throat and speak at your leisure!”
Chen Mobai drained the Divine Parasol Tree tea in one gulp. He found its taste rather unremarkable, but its potency was astonishing. The spiritual sense he had expended during the zither repair, among other drains, not only fully recovered with this single cup of sixth-rank spiritual tea but even showed a tendency to improve further.
Indeed, he felt his spiritual sense become remarkably clearer, and his comprehension of the Grand Dao seemed to sharpen significantly.
And thanks to him, Venerable Wuchen and the others also managed to enjoy a cup.
“Fellow Daoist, when do you anticipate repairing the remaining strings?” Fen Qingshu asked politely after Chen Mobai finished his tea.
“That might be quite difficult. At my current level, repairing one String of Sound is already my limit.” Chen Mobai didn't pretend to be more capable than he was. Although the broken Tribulation Fate string remained, it belonged to a Primordial Grand Dao, and its residual power had not dissipated with time. With his mere Spirit Transformation cultivation, he was utterly unable to merge it using the 'Universal Resonance Scripture'.
If he were to force it, there was a risk of being backlashed by the Grand Dao of Tribulation Fate.
“I see…” Upon hearing this, Fen Qingshu’s previously radiant expression once again fell into disappointment.
“However, Clan Head Fen, rest assured. I already have some general ideas for repairing the remaining four strings: Life, Death, Desire, and Stars…” Just as Chen Mobai reached this point, outside the zither hall, Pharmacist Li and the Immortal in Flames unexpectedly returned together, the latter apparently having been persuaded by the former.
Upon hearing Chen Mobai’s words, Fen Qingshu’s face brightened once more. “Fellow Daoist, have you already identified the other four Grand Daos?”
[2 minutes ago] Chapter 709: True Dragon
[3 minutes ago] Chapter 634
[4 minutes ago] Chapter 354: Don't Get Yourself Dirty
[5 minutes ago] Chapter 574: "……Me?"
[6 minutes ago] Chapter 1357: Taking the Immortality Pill
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