Chapter 1369: Return Journey

These medicine kings in the Profound Sea Herb Garden, though they had fallen into the hands of the Five Elements Sect, had never truly submitted. After all, they were also a different form of Void Refinement. However, while cultivators like Chen Mobai entered and mastered the Grand Dao, these beings resided within the Grand Dao, becoming a part of it.

Thus, even with the Five Elements Sect possessing methods to refine them, these medicine kings never yielded. From their limited intelligence, being refined merely meant their souls would return to the Grand Dao.

This time, however, upon seeing the pure light of Saintly Virtue, these medicine kings felt that their imprisonment by the Dragon Race at the bottom of the sea had been precisely to meet such a sagely and enlightened master.

Someone capable of entering the Innate Saintly Virtue Grand Dao surely couldn't be a bad person.

Following him would definitely not be a mistake.

So, when Chen Mobai returned to the herb garden from the Eye of the Sea, accompanied by Spirit Venerable and Qing Nü, the Grade Six medicine kings, who had previously been indifferent to the Five Elements Sect, all emerged from the soil. They gathered around Chen Mobai's feet, bowing in greeting one after another.

They incessantly chanted, "Master!"

Some, with slightly higher intelligence, having heard Xuan Ze's address, changed their salutation and offered congratulations: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on reaching Void Refinement and stepping onto the Immortal Path."

Qing Nü watched this scene with an envious expression.

After all, as an alchemist, she and Zhuo Ming had communicated with these medicine kings one after another, yet had only managed to reach cooperation agreements with two of them.

Now, with Chen Mobai's Saintly Virtue established, all these Grade Six medicine kings bowed their heads in immediate submission.

"From now on, you shall all follow Madam's commands."

Chen Mobai had displayed his Saintly Virtue precisely to help Qing Nü subdue these Grade Six medicine kings, as heavenly materials and earthly treasures were no longer of great use to him. Cultivation after Void Refinement was a process of gradually mastering the entire Grand Dao, which mostly had to be achieved by oneself.

Of course, Chen Mobai possessed the Purple Heaven Palace. This treasure of Saintly Virtue exclusively occupied a Grand Dao. After refining it, he was akin to directly entering an unguarded treasury; how much gold he could carry depended entirely on his strength, with no other difficulties.

For Chen Mobai, the only difficult hurdle in his future cultivation would be the moment of Dao Integration.

After pacifying the medicine kings, Chen Mobai inquired about the situation in the Heavenly River Realm during his years of seclusion.

"Everything is fine, except in the Barren Sea, where many powerful demonic beasts suddenly appeared, causing the cultivators of the Myriad Stars Alliance to retreat repeatedly. However, the Eastern Continent Immortal Alliance has dispatched garrison troops to provide support, and they have also purchased many treasure ships from our sect, so the situation is currently stable."

"As for the Jellyfish Palace, since their last conflict with us, they have stopped sealing the sea and begun dispatching numerous Divine Transformation cultivators to travel the Heavenly River Realm. They seem to be forming alliances and planning something. Currently, only the territory of our Five Elements Sect remains untouched by Jellyfish Palace disciples; their traces can be found even in the Barren Sea."

"Furthermore, in the Central Continent Holy Land, the Pure Minor Sword Sect has gained two new Divine Transformation cultivators. According to intelligence from the Impermanence Hall, the Daoist Son and Saintess of the previous generation, who obtained the Twin Swords of Grand Purity and Minor Purity, have achieved breakthroughs. They focus on the sword, with the sword itself being their Dao fruit. Therefore, even though they have only recently entered the Divine Transformation realm, their mastery of the sword means that even the Heavenly River Realm's top Divine Transformation True Monarchs dare not face their sharp edge directly."

"The Impermanence Hall's records evaluate these two Divine Transformation sword cultivators as possessing 'the style of your past, when you wielded the Primordial Bell and traversed the Five Continents and Four Seas.'"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but smile faintly.

By generation, these two Divine Transformation cultivators from the Pure Minor Sword Sect were actually his contemporaries.

However, his power and status had ascended too rapidly; he was already the top Divine Transformation cultivator in the Heavenly River Realm even before reaching Void Refinement. Thus, at the Impermanence Hall, he was considered a benchmark figure across the Five Continents and Four Seas. When praised, the most talented Daoist Sons and Saintesses of this generation were said to possess "three-tenths of the Green Emperor's demeanor from the Eastern Barrens."

"Speaking of which, I've been in the Heavenly River Realm for over three hundred years, but I've never visited the Central Continent. I could certainly go before my ascension. Would you like to come along, Madam?"

Chen Mobai said. Previously, he hadn't ventured out because he always felt someone outside the sect wanted to harm him, but now he no longer had that concern.

Besides the mark of the Grand Void Measuring Ruler on his left hand, he had also condensed the Saintly Virtue power of the Purple Heaven Palace into another sealed mark on his right hand. An ordinary Void Refinement cultivator would, at most, only be able to make him use one hand.

Perhaps only Nangong Jin, wielding the Primordial Water-Controlling Banner, could make Chen Mobai take things a bit more seriously and use both hands.

With such strength, Chen Mobai believed no force in the Heavenly River Realm could possibly harm him.

"My second primordial spirit has already opened a branch of the Danxia Pavilion in the Central Continent. Fellow Daoist Shan Miaosu has already shown me everything worth seeing. However, if my husband wishes to go, I will certainly accompany you in my true form."

Qing Nü smiled gracefully, very willing to travel and explore with Chen Mobai.

"Then, once I return to Địa Nguyên Star and finish integrating my homeland into the Xuanhu Dao場, I'll come back and take you to the Central Continent."

Chen Mobai nodded, settling the plan with Qing Nü.

"Hmm, husband, do you need me to inform other sect members about your Void Refinement breakthrough?"

After hearing Qing Nü's words, Chen Mobai pondered for a moment. According to his past habits, he would definitely prioritize keeping a low profile. But this wasn't his true nature; after lying low in the Heavenly River Realm for over three hundred years, it was time to be high-profile for once.

"Not only should the sect be informed, but all other forces friendly with our Five Elements Sect should also be notified, letting them know that I have reached Void Refinement." Chen Mobai's words slightly surprised Qing Nü, who felt this was unlike her husband's usual character.

"The Heavenly River Realm is about to undergo a great transformation. Is Pure Yang planning to use his Void Refinement realm to suppress the Five Continents and Four Seas?" Spirit Venerable, upon hearing this, felt that this was Chen Mobai's true purpose for announcing his breakthrough.

"Quite the opposite," Chen Mobai shook his head, revealing his true intention. "I plan to make everyone in the Heavenly River Realm who harbors ill will towards our Five Elements Sect reveal themselves, and then eliminate them all, clearing the way in advance for the great transformation of heaven and earth."

"Oh, Pure Yang, please elaborate," Spirit Venerable said, becoming curious about how Chen Mobai intended to achieve this.

"As long as I am in the Heavenly River Realm, those petty individuals, even if they harbor designs on the Five Elements Sect, would only dare to secretly covet and not act, intimidated by my strength. But what if I were to ascend in front of everyone?"

As Chen Mobai's words fell, both Spirit Venerable and Qing Nü suddenly understood.

Qing Nü said, "If you ascend, they will only fear Master. But Master, being a Void Refinement cultivator, can at most make one move before also having to ascend. Although the sect's Sky Curtain Earth Net Formation has shown some power before, it was mostly you controlling it in conjunction with the Primordial Bell. So, if the potential gains are great enough, some might be willing to take the risk."

At this point, Qing Nü became somewhat nervous. After all, if the Jellyfish Palace made a move, they might once again use the Primordial Water-Controlling Banner. And if Chen Mobai ascended and left, the Grand Void Measuring Ruler might not necessarily be willing to offer assistance.

When she raised this concern, Chen Mobai burst into laughter.

"Don't worry, Madam. Even if my true body ascends to the Spirit-Void Immortal Realm, I still have my second primordial spirit, don't I? Besides, who says one can't return after ascending?"

As Chen Mobai spoke, he pointed a finger towards Qing Nü. Instantly, one of her Sea-Calming Pearls lit up with a silver glow, and then the Pure Yang Pearl, which she had been safeguarding, instantly teleported out.

This miraculous manipulation of void techniques greatly astonished Spirit Venerable. At least she, also a Void Refinement cultivator, could not achieve this.

Chen Mobai swept his hand over the Pure Yang Pearl. Soon, a fiery light flared, and his second primordial spirit stood beside him.

With Chen Mobai's current cultivation and artifact refining skills, promoting the Pure Yang Pearl to Grade Six would have been effortless. However, he had always kept it restricted to peak Grade Five, for reasons similar to the One Yuan Dao Body. This was because even if the avatar displayed Grade Six strength, it would trigger the Ascension Aura.

By remaining at peak Grade Five, he didn't have to worry about that.

Moreover, Chen Mobai could use his second primordial spirit to control the Sky Curtain Earth Net Formation and even numerous Grade Six Dharma artifacts, making him invincible among Divine Transformation cultivators once again.

This time, when Chen Mobai returned, he would bring his second primordial spirit into the Purple Heaven Palace and also seal the Grade Seven Saintly Virtue Grand Dao into its body. With that, even if the Primordial Water-Controlling Banner appeared, it would be able to put up a fight.

"In that case, I won't worry anymore."

Upon seeing the second primordial spirit, Qing Nü instantly felt all her pressure dissipate.

"Pure Yang, do you perhaps have a way to return to the lower realm after ascending? Or are you planning to feign ascension and hide in a Dharma Realm midway through the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation?"

Spirit Venerable, however, focused on the latter part of Chen Mobai's statement and asked curiously.

"After my Void Refinement breakthrough, my understanding of the four volumes of the Grand Void Heavenly Book has deepened. When I meet the Grand Void True King, assuming no unforeseen circumstances, I will come down to find you all immediately."

Chen Mobai didn't mention the Turtle Treasure, as he hadn't yet tried it and wasn't sure if he could teleport back after ascending to the Spirit-Void Immortal Realm.

However, since teleportation was possible even between the Heavenly River Realm and the Purple Heaven Universe, and positioning was achievable within the Purple Heaven Palace, he believed the Spirit-Void Immortal Realm couldn't possibly obstruct him. "Indeed, as an Innate Void Spirit Body, if you were to become a disciple of the Grand Void Dao Ancestor, even if you couldn't inherit his mantle, you might be entrusted with the Grand Void Measuring Ruler."

Spirit Venerable knew that Chen Mobai's Void Refinement breakthrough had been into the Innate Saintly Virtue Grand Dao and felt some regret about it. After all, if he had pursued the Void Grand Dao from the beginning, with his talent, he would likely be a direct disciple of the Pure Yang Dao Ancestor by now.

"I hope so."

Regarding this, Chen Mobai felt a little uneasy.

After all, he didn't know what scheme the Grand Void True King was orchestrating with the Turtle Treasure, but since he had been taught the four volumes of the Grand Void Heavenly Book and the Grand Void Measuring Ruler was friendly, he assumed it shouldn't be anything bad.

However, the thought of facing Pure Yang directly made it impossible for Chen Mobai's mind to remain calm, despite his usual composure.

After discussing these matters, and considering that Cheng Xuan and others were still waiting on Fushang Star, Chen Mobai and Qing Nü reluctantly said their goodbyes. He then brought Spirit Venerable into his Dharma Realm and clicked to return to the city.

All of this happened in front of Qing Nü, who merely felt that her husband's mastery of the Void Grand Dao had become even more formidable than before.

"Greetings, Spirit Venerable!"

After Chen Mobai appeared out of thin air with the golden-haired Spirit Venerable, Cheng Xuan and the other two, who had been drinking tea, immediately stood up and respectfully greeted them.

"No need for formalities. Pure Yang has already told me everything. Tomorrow, I'll go with Yu Heng to Sulfur Yuan Ranch to complete the employment process and first claim the subsidy for a Grade Six cave dwelling."

As Spirit Venerable finished speaking, Qi Yuheng nodded repeatedly and began to discuss related matters. "I plan to unseal the avatar of the God of Death and see if I can use it to locate its true body."

After concluding the miscellaneous affairs, Chen Mobai spoke to everyone present about this plan.

Although the Star-Guiding Sword and the Heaven's Calculus Bead were in his hands, they had originally been brought out from Địa Nguyên Star by the four of them together. It was only right, both emotionally and logically, to inform them.

"You can make the decision."

Qi Yuheng and the other two immediately nodded, indicating they had no objections.

After all, this concerned Bai Guang. Although many years had passed without any news, suggesting dire circumstances, no one dared to bring it up in front of Chen Mobai.

Even if the couple's relationship was strained, they were still husband and wife.

Moreover, Chen Mobai was known for being loyal and righteous, and they also had a daughter. After all these years, he surely held some affection for Bai Guang.

"Pure Yang, when do you plan to unseal it?"

Spirit Venerable held the same attitude. Although the God of Death was powerful, she believed that with her mastery of the Great Freedom Celestial Emperor Art, a combined effort with Chen Mobai, who had entered Innate Saintly Virtue, could suppress its avatar.

"The Star-Guiding Sword and the Heaven's Calculus Bead contain the life's Dao fruit of the Star-Guiding Ancestor's previous incarnation. While I could forcefully unseal them directly, doing so would completely dissipate the Dao charm remaining within. I happen to be returning to Địa Nguyên Star; I'll let Ah Xing retrieve these first, and then break the seal."

Chen Mobai explained his plan.

"Star-Guiding is truly fortunate to have met such an outstanding junior like you," Spirit Venerable commented after hearing this. If it were her or Bai Guang, they would have undoubtedly unsealed it without a second thought, not considering these implications at all.

"Senior Brother, when do you plan to return to Địa Nguyên Star?"

After Spirit Venerable appeared, Tao Hua, who had been silently keeping her head down, suddenly asked in a low voice.

"After I receive the cave dwelling subsidy from Fushang Star, I'll also take a look at that ancient teleportation array. Do you have anything you'd like me to take back for you?"

Chen Mobai replied. He remembered that Tao Hua had a daughter on Địa Nguyên Star and, feeling empathetic, thought Tao Hua must be missing Pei Qingshuang.

Because this return journey involved him using the Xuanhu Dao場's starry sky teleportation array to open a direct path to the universe for Địa Nguyên Star, he only intended to bring Spirit Venerable within his Dharma Realm.

Once the path was established, Cheng Xuan and the others would then be able to return to Địa Nguyên Star on their own.

"Thank you, Senior Brother. I'll write a letter when I go back and bring it to you tomorrow. Please deliver it to Cui'er for me."

Tao Hua repeatedly thanked him, following Chen Mobai's words.

"Mhm."

Chen Mobai nodded.

The next day, Spirit Venerable accompanied Qi Yuheng to Sulfur Yuan Ranch. Qu Yuanshan personally received them throughout, showing great respect for her husband's senior from the sect.

Upon receiving the news, Lao Xiaoyu also personally coordinated with official personnel, including Hua Yingxue, simplifying all procedures.

After all matters on Fushang Star were completed, Chen Mobai did not linger. He once again took the starry sky teleportation array, instantly moving to the space station of the Four Xuanhu Stars.

Soon, countless stars began to drift past during repeated teleports.