Chapter 1367: Returning to the Healing Star

When Chen Mobai emerged from Wangxing's Sky-Earth Fetal Membrane, several divine senses swept over him. These were all Void Refinement cultivators responsible for the outermost defense of the Xuangu Four Stars. The core area was protected by the Cang Sheng Pot, so they had no need to worry. When they saw Chen Mobai, they all greeted him warmly. After all, Void Refinement cultivators of the Innate Grand Dao, if they weren't overly arrogant, had a much higher chance of merging with the Dao by reverting to the Acquired Grand Dao than themselves.

After Chen Mobai responded to each of them, he flew to the space teleportation array station. Coincidentally, he saw two acquaintances there: Lao Xiaoyu and his disciple, Gao Tian. They were taking the same space teleportation array as Chen Mobai, all headed back to Fushang Star. Although Void Refinement cultivators could already traverse space without worrying about energy depletion, given a teleportation array—a method for instant arrival—none would choose to exhaust themselves. It's akin to choosing to ride in a car rather than walk on one's own two legs, unless they were ascetic cultivators.

“Fellow Daoist Lao, what a coincidence.” Chen Mobai, having received the ten Dao Gongs, had already reconciled with Lao Xiaoyu and proactively greeted him when the latter seemed embarrassed.

Lao Xiaoyu suppressed the resentment in his heart, trying not to dwell on those ten Dao Gongs, and forced a smile as he returned the greeting and asked, “I see, Lianxu.”

Qi Yuheng's mouth twitched slightly. He found it incredibly strange how that scoundrel in front of him had managed to enter the Innate Sagely Virtue Grand Dao. But he was also very pleased, given Chen Mobai's absolute strength.

“Greetings, Senior Uncle Chen. Previously, my mind was clouded by greed. I solemnly apologize to you here, and I also thank you for sparing my life. I will find a way to earn back the embezzled Dao Gongs and strive to compensate you ten times over.” At that moment, Gao Tian, who had been ignored by Qi Yuheng, suddenly looked up and sincerely confessed his sins to Chen Mobai.

“I accept your apology, but there’s no need for compensation from you. Your master has already paid me ten Dao Gongs on your behalf. From now on, you should diligently work to repay him.” Although the Dao Gongs were tempting, they should only be acquired through proper means. After all, following this incident, the master and disciple no longer shared any goodwill. Gao Tian also dutifully followed behind the two, never even considering escape. For Gao Tian, owing debts and integrating into Chen Mobai’s circle meant he wouldn’t have to worry about You Yujia’s excessive pressure. Moreover, if Gao Tian proved capable in the future, it was even possible he could make a comeback on Earth Star.

As soon as Gao Tian spoke, Qi Yuheng’s expression subtly shifted. Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, Qi Yuheng's opinion of him greatly improved; he understood that Chen Mobai was a gentleman of integrity. Considering the character Chen Mobai displayed, Qi Yuheng felt that Gao Tian’s judgment of people was quite accurate.

Just then, a starship, shimmering with moonlight and starlight, flew towards them. Immediately, a female cultivator in uniform respectfully approached Chen Mobai and the others, asking, “Two seniors, your teleportation array is about to activate. Would you like to proceed now?”

Void Refinement cultivators had access to VIP lounges at the space station. It was after entering one that Chen Mobai saw Qi Yuheng. “I hadn’t expected there to be seats…” Chen Mobai was also entering the VIP area for the first time. He noticed that each seat had a Void Stopping Talisman carved onto it, a luxury several grades above the standing tickets he had previously used. Qi Yuheng politely addressed Chen Mobai, and after a brief exchange of courtesies, followed the female cultivator into the teleportation array, taking a seat in a separate area delineated by a formation.

You Yujia knew Chen Mobai had a grand future ahead. Although he harbored some resentment, he also wished to foster a good relationship, so he discreetly explained the intricacies of the space teleportation arrays to prevent Chen Mobai from suffering a major loss over a minor oversight. After all, the news of Chen Mobai’s breakthrough had long spread throughout the sect following Huo Gaoyuan’s arrival.

You Yujia recalled another matter and inquired of Qi Yuheng. Chen Mobai looked surprised. Fushang Xing had already secretly transmitted a message, explaining the reason. Qi Yuheng, upon hearing him, immediately explained, “Lianxu, it’s like this: in this universe, all teleportation arrays belong to the Grand Void Dao Ancestor.” He continued, "If the Grand Void Dao Ancestor weren't Pure Yang, this rule certainly wouldn’t be widely obeyed."

“This space station has teleportation routes to the Xuanyang Star System, but there’s no direct path. You’ll need to transfer between star systems.” Qi Yuheng pointed, and immediately, a dense map of the Central Dao Court’s Northern Realm teleportation array routes appeared in the void before his eyes. After setting the starting point and the Xuanyang Star System as the destination, eighty-one transfer options quickly appeared.

You Yujia then described another method: “If you, Lianxu, are willing to spend one Dao Gong, the space station can also activate cross-galaxy teleportation, allowing you to freely teleport within a distance of 100 galaxy systems. But it’s too expensive; I, for one, having reached Void Refinement, don't mind the extra time.” It could only be said that it wasn't particularly expensive.

“Of course, if you were to pretend ignorance and activate it yourself, the populace wouldn't question it, and officials wouldn't report it. However, if you were to be reported in the future, it could become a blemish on your record.” After Chen Mobai heard this, he immediately recalled the Heavenly River Realm, where the Grand Void Misty Palace monopolized all teleportation arrays across the seven continents and seven seas. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of envy, hoping that he too could monopolize an industry and enjoy a continuous inflow of Dao Gongs without effort.

Chen Mobai was also aware of this cross-galaxy teleportation array; when the Seven Ancestors of the Immortal Sect traveled from the Central Dao Court to Lao Xiaoyu, there were records of Dao Gong expenditure for that purpose. As long as he wished, he could set it up at Lao Xiaoyu’s location at any time and connect it to that ancient teleportation array on Zhuye Star. For example, that time, Dao Lord Xuangu took a group of people to a meeting at the Central Dao Court, which opened this. Moreover, those who were particularly impoverished or lacked a sitting Daoist temple might, to attend major conferences, have to depart from their star domain hundreds or even thousands of years in advance, either teleporting themselves or using special space teleportation arrays along the way to avoid being late.

“Congratulations on your successful breakthrough, Lianxu! I'll immediately notify the relevant departments to arrange a grand welcoming ceremony.”

You Yujia, feigning solemnity, took out his communication artifact. He had originally thought that a Void Refinement cultivator of Innate Sagely Virtue would be very humble, disliking ostentation, and would surely prevent such a grand display. “Oh, that's too grand. Why did you even notify Senior Brother Cheng Xuan and the others? I was hoping to surprise them.” Although I don't possess the noble virtues of a sage, my fundamental moral principles are sound. Since I accepted Qi Yuheng's Dao Gongs, the karmic ties with Gao Tian and his master are already resolved. There's no need for further compensation.” Such a personality was far from sagely. But the smile at the corner of his mouth was impossible to suppress.

“Indeed. Although I achieved Void Refinement on Wangxing, Fushang Star is truly my other home, where I’ve resided for over a hundred years. I intend to return there in glory.”

While Qi Yuheng was pressing Gao Tian to apologize, the high-ranking officials of the sect, who were aware of Chen Mobai’s background, had already courteously sought out Cheng Xuan and the others. It turned out that after You Yushan’s Yuan cultivation failed, her Dao heart crumbled, leading her to drink herself into oblivion daily. Coincidentally, around that time, Fushang Xing recklessly engaged in stock speculation, so she simply became a director of Liuyuan Husbandry and began managing its operations. Because she (Fushang Xing) had experience in this area and had matured over the years, Liuyuan Husbandry, which was on the verge of bankruptcy, unexpectedly revived in her hands. The despondent Daoist Friend Shan, seeing how reliable Fushang Xing was, felt that she was a woman she could entrust her life to, and thus decided to pursue her. After hearing this, You Yujia was also pleased for Fushang Xing.

Chen Mobai looked towards Fushang Star, seeing a giant banner flashing within its Sky-Earth Fetal Membrane, displaying a line of large words:“Congratulations to Fushang Star's Chen Mobai on his advancement to Void Refinement and his glorious return home! “Pure Yang, I knew you would succeed!””From Chen Mobai’s perspective through the virtual sky orbit, all the top-tier Soul Transformation cultivators of the sect whom he knew were already in his sight. Gathered beneath the banner were the heads of various departments from the sect, led by Hua Yingxue. Essentially, the entire leadership team had arrived, along with capitalists and local gentry such as You Yushan from Liuyuan Husbandry.

By this point, You Yujia had completely abandoned the idea of opposing Chen Mobai, only wishing to foster a good relationship. He personally led Chen Mobai out of the space station, pointing towards Hua Yingxue and the other Soul Transformation cultivators who were surging forward to greet them. He clearly understood the principles of grand space shifting.

Daoist Friend Shan, holding Fushang Xing's hand, greeted him gracefully: “Greetings, Junior Brother Chen. I often hear Yuheng speak of you; truly, you are worthy of immortal ascension.”

“Lianxu, allow me to introduce you to everyone.”

Chen Mobai was the first to approach Cheng Xuan and the others, saying, “Two Senior Brothers, Junior Sister Taohua, it's been a long time. I’ve missed you dearly.” Because Taohua achieved Soul Transformation later than Chen Mobai, and also studied the One Yuan Dao Scripture, the two were considered senior and junior siblings.

With Chen Mobai's success, it meant that the cultivation methods of the Wuqi lineage could indeed lead directly to Void Refinement. “I, Wang Chengxuan, could now also aspire to higher realms.” Knowing Chen Mobai's new standing, the group was naturally very excited, yet also felt a sense of inevitability. That level of breakthrough was indeed no obstacle for one with the potential to become an Immortal. In the minds of those present, only upon reaching First Rank Dao Merging would Chen Mobai’s unparalleled talent truly be realized.