Chapter 1353: Thousand Gold Purchases a Horse's Bone

Volume One: The Main Text

For the Five Elements Sect, Dongyue's allegiance was undoubtedly a great achievement. The power of the Sky Curtain Earth Vein Grand Formation depended on more territory and spiritual veins, and this greatly benefited Jiang Zongheng's cultivation of the Emperor's Tome. Even Chen Mobai, given his status, was very pleased when he learned of this.

"Well done," Chen Mobai exclaimed with a hearty laugh. He opened his Tongtian device to summon high-ranking Five Elements Sect members like E Yun for a meeting to discuss how to reward Xinghuo and the others. Soon, streaks of Nascent Soul spiritual light flew out from the teleportation array of Fengyu Immortal City, heading directly for Huanglong Cave Mansion.

Under Chen Mobai's leadership, the specific rewards were quickly determined with everyone. First, for the four Nascent Soul cultivators of the Starlight Dao Sect, each would receive a top-grade Tier 4 magical artifact, custom-forged by Chen Mobai. If well-nourished, these might even be promoted to Tier 5 in the future. It was worth noting that the Starlight Dao Sect's most treasured artifact was merely a Tier 5 drum. In addition, there were several cultivation-enhancing elixirs refined by Qing Nü. As for minor requests like the Face-Fixing Pearl, there was no problem at all.

For Xinghuo, who played the most crucial role, Chen Mobai specifically awarded a wisp of Touzi Fire. This was his improved Tier 5 true fire, which could be refined by outsiders. With its assistance, Xinghuo might even advance to become a true Tier 5 artifact refiner. Besides the Touzi Fire, Chen Mobai planned to have Xinghuo assist him and provide guidance while he refined artifacts for the four Starlight Dao Sect members. Upon hearing this, E Yun and the others all remarked that it was a bit too generous to Xinghuo.

"It's like buying a horse's bones for a thousand pieces of gold. The Five Elements Sect currently occupies only four regions in Dongzhou: Donghuang, Dongyi, Dongwu, and Dongyue. We must have a long-term vision!" Chen Mobai said earnestly, indicating that these expenditures were worthwhile for the sect's grand plans. He even felt it was too little. If not for the immense power of Tier 5 magical artifacts and the fear of a backlash if granted to outsiders, he would have wanted to refine Tier 5 artifacts for all four, including Xinghuo. E Yun and the others immediately expressed their respectful understanding.

Then Jiang Zongheng brought up the disciples of the Starlight Dao Sect. Although the leadership had pledged allegiance, it was necessary to prevent the disciples from harboring independent thoughts. Therefore, the Five Elements Sect's benefits should be used to show them that clinging to the Starlight Dao Sect had no future.

"Zongheng, select some excellent teachers from the various academies within the sect to establish an academy in Dongyue, monopolizing the spiritual root bearers among Dongyue's human population in the future. If we persevere, the Starlight Dao Sect will lack successor strength and gradually decline. By then, the entire Dongyue region will be completely controlled by our sect. At the same time, open the opportunity to ascend the suspended platform in Beiyuan City to the Starlight Dao Sect, but stipulate that anyone wishing to ascend must transfer to our Five Elements Sect. This way, we can attract the talented disciples already within the Starlight Dao Sect to our sect. As for Xinghuo and the other three, grant them the status of guest elders of the Five Elements Sect. The Spiritual Treasure Pavilion will open accounts for them, allowing them to undertake our sect's missions, and they will receive an additional three million contribution points in their accounts. Inform them that if they accumulate one hundred million points, they will also qualify to exchange for a Longevity Grand Dao Elixir."

After hearing Chen Mobai's three points, all the high-ranking members of the Five Elements Sect present were utterly impressed. This way, Xinghuo and other Nascent Soul experts, hoping to achieve Spirit Transformation in the future, would desperately undertake missions for the Five Elements Sect. And these missions would be issued by them. Even if the Starlight Dao Sect disciples below the Nascent Soul stage felt a strong sense of belonging to their sect, according to local customs, they would certainly not refuse the conditions offered by the Five Elements Sect. After all, there was a Tier 6 Evening Drum on the suspended platform, allowing them to break through realms without fear of qi deviation. Chen Mobai had even prepared their excuses: This was to improve their realm and better restore their sect; transferring to the Five Elements Sect was an act of enduring humiliation for a greater purpose. However, to earn this qualification, the Starlight Dao Sect's geniuses would first need to compete internally and suppress all their peers. Once that step was reached, these geniuses who transferred to the Five Elements Sect would be ostracized by the common disciples and essentially would have no way back. Coupled with establishing an academy in Dongyue, their future was monopolized. With these three strategies—upper, middle, and lower—working in concert, once this generation of Starlight Dao Sect members passed away, the Dongyue territory would be completely governed by the Five Elements Sect, with no possibility of reversion. Most importantly, it would be a peaceful evolution, unlike the Five Elements Sect's conquest of the Black Flood Dragon Royal Court, which involved killing countless Xuanhai creatures and staining the ocean with blood.

"Proceed as I've instructed." Chen Mobai thought it through carefully, and after confirming that the handling of Dongyue and the Starlight Dao Sect was flawless, he issued his final instructions. "Yes, Ancestor!" All those present nodded and accepted the command.

After the discussion concluded, E Yun suddenly spoke, "Reporting, Ancestor, the allegiance of Dongyue was primarily due to Junior Brother Jiang's efforts. For expanding such a significant territory for the sect, I believe he should be heavily rewarded according to the rules.""Indeed, this is a heavenly achievement.""For the sect, this achievement is second only to the Ancestor's expedition to Xuanhai and the capture of the Black Flood Dragon Royal Court.""I believe he should be rewarded with ten million merit points."Those who could cultivate to this level were generally intelligent individuals. With a quick thought, they understood E Yun's intention and immediately chimed in with praise. However, some remained silent at this moment, because even within the Five Elements Sect, some resources were extremely scarce.

"Given Junior Brother Jiang's great merit, I believe he deserves the sect's reward of one Longevity Grand Dao Elixir." E Yun revealed his true intention, proposing to secure an opportunity for Jiang Zongheng to achieve Spirit Transformation. Hearing his words, Nascent Soul cultivators like Zhou Ye, who also desired to achieve Spirit Transformation, grew slightly solemn. They wanted to object, but Jiang Zongheng was Chen Mobai's direct disciple, so the words died in their throats.

"Although it's a great merit, it's not yet at the point of directly bestowing a Longevity Grand Dao Elixir..." Chen Mobai understood E Yun's meaning but directly shook his head in refusal. This was not only due to his impartiality but also because the Longevity Grand Dao Elixir was the Five Elements Sect's most valuable resource in the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion, and there was only one. If it were given to Jiang Zongheng now, all Nascent Soul cultivators of the Five Elements Sect, including guest elders like Xinghuo, would lose their drive. Furthermore, Qing Nü was about to begin refining another Longevity Grand Dao Elixir. When it was ready, he could simply give one to Jiang Zongheng, making such complications unnecessary. Of course, if Jiang Zongheng could truly surpass the many Nascent Souls of the Five Elements Sect through his own efforts and obtain the Longevity Grand Dao Elixir, Chen Mobai would be very happy.

"Reward him with ten million contribution points instead." Ultimately, Chen Mobai chose Zhou Shengqing's suggestion. "Ancestor is wise!" As soon as he spoke, Nascent Soul cultivators like Zhou Ye and Zhou Wangshen immediately stood up and shouted loudly. Although Jiang Zongheng, with ten million contribution points, was now the closest among the Five Elements Sect to exchanging for the Longevity Grand Dao Elixir, he hadn't obtained it directly. This meant they all still had a chance.

"As the sect master, E Yun also played a crucial role in Dongyue's allegiance. Reward him with two million contribution points." Chen Mobai thought for a moment, knowing that E Yun had considerable merit in persuading Xinghuo and others to return to Dongyue and pledge allegiance. So, he also announced a reward for him. E Yun modestly declined several times but eventually accepted under everyone's persuasion. Compared to Jiang Zongheng's one-time influx of ten million contribution points, his two million seemed rather small, so Zhou Ye and others were willing to grant a favor. However, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sometimes, grand goals are achieved by taking small steps.

After the meeting, while the Five Elements Sect's high-ranking members were still present, Chen Mobai announced his impending seclusion for Void Refinement. "From now on, the sect will be in your hands. If you encounter any insoluble problems, you can come to Huanglong Cave Mansion and consult my wife." Thanks to the solid foundation Chen Mobai had laid, the Five Elements Sect was currently managed primarily by the younger generation, led by E Yun, while the older generation, such as Zhou Shengqing, had largely retired. Moreover, for over a century, E Yun and his peers had excellently performed their duties. Chen Mobai felt very assured leaving the sect to them.

"We wish the Ancestor great success in cultivation and ascension in broad daylight!" Upon hearing this, the Nascent Soul cultivators present all congratulated Chen Mobai, offering their premature blessings for his successful Void Refinement.

"Very well, then." Chen Mobai delivered this final, decisive remark, waved his hand, and transformed into a silver light, vanishing from the spot. The younger generation, including E Yun, departed first. Zhou Shengqing, Fu Zongjue, and Mo Douguang, however, remained behind.

"Sirs, please follow me." As expected, once only the three of them remained, the Grand Age Child approached and led them to a courtyard within Huanglong Cave Mansion. Chen Mobai was already waiting, with the Little Yellow Dragon Girl pouring wine beside him.

"My three senior brothers, today we won't return until we're drunk." Chen Mobai smiled, rose, and personally guided Zhou Shengqing and the other two to their seats. No matter how high his cultivation, he always treated these three senior brothers with the utmost respect.

"Junior Brother, the luckiest thing that happened to us in this life was your apprenticeship to the Divine Wood Sect back then!" Zhou Shengqing said with emotion, raising his wine cup. Fu Zongjue and Mo Douguang nodded heavily beside him."My greatest fortune was coming to Donghuang and becoming a disciple of the Divine Wood Sect," Chen Mobai said with a smile, draining his wine. These words made Zhou Shengqing's lips tremble and his eyes fill with emotion."Drink!" Mo Douguang, not one for many words, clinked his cup and drank it straight. Amidst clinking cups, the four seemed to return to the Donghuang of old, when the Divine Wood Sect and Jinguang Cliff were mere Golden Core minor sects, yet it was in Chen Mobai's hands that the unification of Dongzhou's borders began. The current Five Elements Sect was a massive power they wouldn't have dared to dream of. What they missed most, however, were the days of life-and-death struggles with the major sects of Donghuang.

"Master, Mistress, I have seen the three sirs off." The Grand Age Child returned to the main hall and reported to Chen Mobai and Qing Nü, who were seated."Very well, you may go." Chen Mobai waved his hand. After drinking with Zhou Shengqing and the others, his remaining worldly connections had thinned out significantly.

"Husband, when do you plan to undertake Void Refinement? Will you ascend to the Spirit Void Immortal Realm then, or remain in the Immortal Sect Universe?" Qing Nü asked with concern. In her mind, Chen Mobai was sure to succeed in Void Refinement."The Grand Dao is not yet completely clear, but it will be in the next decade or so. At that time, I should go and see the Spirit Void Immortal Realm. After all, True King Taixu passed the Heavenly Book to me; if I don't go, he might have objections," Chen Mobai said with a sigh. If he hadn't seen the Taixu Measuring Ruler, he could still deceive himself. But now that he possessed all four volumes of the Taixu Heavenly Book, it was clear that from the moment he acquired the turtle treasure and traversed to Donghuang, he had already fallen into True King Taixu's sight. Although he didn't know why True King Taixu didn't reveal his identity and meet him directly, since the Taixu Measuring Ruler instructed him to bring the Heavenly Books and pay respects, it was clear he couldn't escape it. After all, even returning to the Purple Cloud Universe, it would still be True King Taixu's territory. Moreover, the Central Dao Arena's influence was even vaster, making escape even harder.

"Don't worry, Husband, I will undertake Void Refinement and ascend to find you as quickly as possible," Qing Nü said, nodding solemnly."Hahaha, perhaps I'll be back before you even ascend," Chen Mobai said with a laugh. Although he hadn't yet tried whether he could use the turtle treasure to teleport back to the Tianhe Realm after Void Refinement, based on past experience, it shouldn't be an issue. Furthermore, in over two hundred years, the Great Dao rules of the Tianhe Realm would change, at which point it could accommodate Void Refinement cultivators. It was even possible that due to True Monarch Yiyuan's integration with the Dao, the innate life and death cycle would be fully activated prematurely, reorganizing the Six Paths of Reincarnation. Regardless, Chen Mobai had to achieve Void Refinement as quickly as possible.

"Oh, by the way, my dear, I met Senior Yuan Qingque in the Tongtian Dao Refining Pagoda earlier, and I learned that the primordial qi within you is the Spirit Vein Qi of Absolute Beginning..." Chen Mobai recalled this matter and spoke to Qing Nü. Previously, before the Xuanhai Sea Eye, the primordial qi resonated, producing strange fluctuations, but out of caution, Chen Mobai had not allowed Qing Nü to refine it. After learning the origin of this Spirit Vein Qi of Absolute Beginning from Ye Qing and understanding that it only brought benefits to cultivators, Chen Mobai decided to guard Qing Nü while she refined this primordial qi before his Void Refinement."Mmm, then I'll trouble you to protect me, Husband." Qing Nü nodded with a serious expression. For her, the misfortunes of her first half of life stemmed from this primordial qi. However, the happy days of her latter half of life were undeniably due to it. Without it, she wouldn't have been in Danxia City, nor would she have met Chen Mobai. Now, finally about to completely refine it, Qing Nü's feelings were still somewhat complex.

Considering that the primordial qi had resonated with the Sea Eye, Chen Mobai performed a Great Void Teleportation, bringing Qing Nü to Xuanhai.