Chapter 586: According to Legend, It Is a Dragon

Pure Nine-Lotus Lantern

After Chen Mobai finished his instruction, he asked his two disciples about their requirements for their innate magical artifacts.

"Master, I don't think I'll need one yet," Zhuo Ming proactively said. After all, she was still far from forming her Core and had never considered innate magical artifacts. She also assumed Chen Mobai would ask Sheng Zhaoxi, an external sect master, to forge it, and she didn't want her master to owe more favors.

"If an innate magical artifact embryo can be nurtured with your spiritual power during the Foundation Establishment stage, it will completely merge with your mind and spirit after passing the Core Formation tribulation with you. Even if someone else helps forge it, you'll be able to wield it effortlessly. Since you are my disciples, I naturally want to arrange the best setup for you."

As Chen Mobai spoke, he remembered his two other disciples who were elsewhere. He decided to send them messages later to ask about their preferences. However, if he were to commission four innate magical artifact embryos, his good friend Ming Yihua might be too busy. He could, however, arrange them in order of priority: Luo Yixuan's would be first, while Jiang Zongheng, his newest disciple with no significant contributions yet, would be last.

"Master, I want a flying sword!" After this trial of life and death, Luo Yixuan regarded Chen Mobai as a beloved family member. Hearing his offer, she didn't hesitate and immediately voiced her wish. Her master was the foremost sword cultivator in the Eastern Desolate, and among all those under Xiao Nanshan's lineage, only she could inherit his mantle.

"The request for a flying sword is too broad. Think carefully about any other specific requirements..." Chen Mobai recalled how magical artifacts were custom-made in the Immortal Sect. Various shapes, sizes, and parameters had to be drawn and multiple versions compared before the final design was decided.

"Huh, isn't a flying sword just a flying sword?" Luo Yixuan was a bit confused by this. In the Eastern Desolate, when forging artifacts, one could only specify the general appearance. The artifact refiner would then improvise based on their state during the refining process and the available materials. It was a blessing if the artifact was successfully forged and met the required grade. Generally, refiners with over a fifty percent success rate were popular, and those with seventy or eighty percent were considered masters. A refiner who could guarantee success was unheard of in the entire Tianhe Realm.

"It's like this..." Chen Mobai called his two disciples over, spread a blank sheet of paper on the table under the peach tree, and began drawing while describing examples of custom-made artifacts from the Immortal Sect. After listening, Zhuo Ming and Luo Yixuan felt as if a new world had opened to them. They couldn't believe that so many specific requirements could be made for a magical artifact! The two of them took the sketches Chen Mobai had drawn, deciding to think thoroughly about them that evening.

After explaining all this, Chen Mobai picked up the jar of tea Zhuo Ming had offered on the table. It was the state of enlightenment he achieved after drinking this tea that had given him the sudden idea of using the Reversion Secret Art to solve Luo Yixuan's problem. "Good stuff," he thought. "I'll drink a cup at crucial moments when I get back, to solve any issues I encounter during cultivation."

Just as Chen Mobai stood up to leave, the ground beneath his feet suddenly bulged and cracked open. If he hadn't seen what it was beforehand, his Blazing Sun Slash would have already struck. The long-unseen Tai Sui crawled out, rubbing against his pant leg somewhat fawningly. Chen Mobai had almost forgotten about it.

Zhuo Ming saw this scene and immediately came over to bow to the Tai Sui. This spiritual item, which Chen Mobai had entrusted to her, had been incredibly helpful. Without the Tai Sui nurturing the soil of Xiao Nanshan and enriching the vitality of the entire mountain's ley lines, precious spiritual plants like the Immortal Peach Tree, Pure Bamboo, and Enlightenment White Tea, even if Zhuo Ming could make them grow, would not be as vibrant and thriving as they were now, nor would they show a continuous trend of advancement.

"Master, I previously soaked some Azure Jade Spirit Rice seeds in the Tai Sui's Senior's sap, and I found that the spirit rice that grew afterwards improved by a minor grade." Azure Jade Spirit Rice was a low-grade second-tier rice seed. Occasionally, some fully ripened grains that absorbed ample earth energy could grow into mid-grade second-tier. However, after Zhuo Ming soaked them in Tai Sui sap, she discovered that all the seeds reached their fullest state and could produce mid-grade second-tier spirit rice when sown. After realizing this, Zhuo Ming conducted several experiments and easily mastered the dilution ratio with water, ensuring the most efficient use of the Tai Sui sap. Moreover, using the Myriad Things Spiritual Connection, Zhuo Ming also discovered that this Tai Sui sap was incredibly versatile; at least all spiritual plants on Xiao Nanshan that required earth energy reacted positively to the sap. She was now trying to make the Tai Sui expand a bit, hoping to extract more sap and soak all the spiritual plants she had, and even those in Gigantree Ridge, for testing.

"No wonder it's gotten so much thinner." After listening to Zhuo Ming's experiments with the Tai Sui, Chen Mobai finally understood why the Tai Sui, which usually feared him like a tiger, suddenly crawled out to fawn on him when it saw he was about to leave. It was reminding him that it was a contracted spiritual creature and wanted him to take it along!

"Work hard, and when Ming'er achieves the Dao in the future, you won't be mistreated." However, in Chen Mobai's eyes, a hundred Tai Suis combined couldn't compare to Zhuo Ming, his direct inheritor. He laughed heartily, nudged the Tai Sui aside with his foot, and then left Xiao Nanshan, riding his colorful cloud.

The next day, Chen Mobai went to the Divine Wood Hall. Yue Zutao recounted all the sect's affairs and developments in the Eastern Desolate since Chen Mobai's seclusion, noting that everything was steadily progressing according to his plans.

In Yunmeng Marsh, ever since the Divine Wood Sect and the Five Elements Sect's Water Vein faction jointly issued their proclamation, even if Return Heaven Valley and Blowing Snow Palace were unwilling, they still had to send out Foundation Establishment elders with their disciples to help suppress the demonic beasts for the sake of profit. Among the Foundation Establishment cultivators leading the Blowing Snow Palace contingent was Xue Ting, whom Chen Mobai knew. It was unclear if she was being relegated to the frontier. As for Return Heaven Valley, the leader was He Jintong, Yan Shaoyin's senior disciple, who, after failing to form his Core, sought to hunt demonic beast inner cores to attempt an unorthodox Golden Core. However, the situation in Yunmeng Marsh was mainly stabilized by the forces of the Five Elements Sect and the Divine Wood Sect. This might also be due to the demonic beast army's primary objective being to encroach upon the riverbanks towards Eastern Wu, meaning they hadn't felt much pressure on their side yet.

After discussing external affairs, Luo Xue'er then updated him on the sect's financial status. This year, they could turn losses into profits, and as long as there were no wars, they would have a surplus every year going forward. It was all good news, and Chen Mobai was very pleased.

Yue Zutao said, "Sect Master, there's another matter. There were intense spiritual energy fluctuations at the border between Frost Kingdom and Snow Kingdom, possibly indicating the emergence of ruins or the mining of a spirit stone vein. However, when our people from Blowing Snow Palace investigated, the energy fluctuations had vanished." Luo Xue'er added, "I think it's very likely a spirit stone vein. After all, two medium-sized spirit stone veins have already been discovered near the border of the Wind, Snow, and Frost Kingdoms."

Currently, there were only four medium-sized spirit stone veins in the entire Eastern Desolate, two of which were held by the Five Elements Sect. The other two were in the Wind Kingdom and Frost Kingdom, respectively, and they were not far apart. If not for Blowing Snow Palace's connections in the Eastern Lands, Patriarch Hunyuan would have forcibly seized that spirit stone vein back then. According to the customs of the Eastern Desolate, if Blowing Snow Palace truly discovered a new medium-sized spirit stone vein, the Divine Wood Sect, as the new hegemon of the Eastern Desolate, would certainly claim a share, even if it wasn't on their own territory.

Although Chen Mobai intended to gradually absorb Blowing Snow Palace and unify the Eastern Desolate, he was unwilling for the Divine Wood Sect to initiate a war under the pretext of seizing a spirit stone vein. Having a legitimate reason was essential. Ideally, Blowing Snow Palace would admire their sect's grand demeanor and the dignity of a superior sect, willingly offering their territory and merging into the Divine Wood Sect! That would be the most honorable way, to subdue the enemy without fighting!

"Have the Divination Department send more personnel to first investigate the exact cause." Finally, amidst the expectant gazes of everyone, Chen Mobai issued an order that seemed quite moderate.

After handling the sect's internal affairs, Chen Mobai returned to the Immortal Sect. Things were even simpler here. Yumu City and Qingsang Academy had their own complete operational systems, and all major departments within the city were managed by higher-level Immortal Sect departments. It was best if he didn't interfere. Therefore, he only planned to stroll around Qingsang Academy. After all, above this academy were the Wuqi Daoist Academy and Jumang Daoist Academy, and as one of the higher-ups, he had a bit more personal concern for it.

Knowing he was coming, Vice Principal Song Mutu had arrived early to welcome him at the school gate and accompanied him throughout his inspection of the academy's various departments.

"Enrollment numbers have reached a new high again this year, Teacher Song, you've worked hard." After touring Qingsang Academy's two most renowned departments, Chen Mobai went to the principal's office, a place he might visit only once a year. He flipped through this year's enrollment brochure and, seeing the continuously rising curve, offered repeated praise.

"Not at all, not at all. Many new students applied to our academy because of Principal Chen's reputation; I wouldn't dare take credit," Song Mutu said humbly, repeatedly waving his hand to indicate that the continuous increase in enrollment over the past few years was entirely the principal's achievement.

"Oh, is this our academy's list of applicants for further study?" At that moment, Chen Mobai turned to a document. After seeing the cover, there were three personal profiles below, belonging to the only students from Qingsang Academy who had successfully established their Foundation over the past decade. Applications for further study allowed three choices, just like selecting universities for the college entrance exam, ranked from highest to lowest preference. The first choices of these three students were Kunpeng Daoist Academy, Jumang Daoist Academy, and Butian Daoist Academy. Wuqi Daoist Academy was conspicuously absent. Recalling what he had said earlier, and Chen Mobai's status as an outstanding graduate of Wuqi Daoist Academy, Song Mutu's expression became a bit awkward.

Although Chen Mobai felt a little disappointed, he still smiled, picked up the Qingsang Academy principal's official seal, and stamped the document. "Ever since Tianyu and I graduated, Wuqi Daoist Academy seems to have declined somewhat," Chen Mobai mused. After stamping, he checked the latest Immortal Sect University rankings and sighed, discovering that Wuqi Daoist Academy had once again become the lowest-ranked among the academies over the past decade.

"Butian Daoist Academy produced an exceptionally brilliant genius who mastered the 'Square Inch Scripture' and is reportedly being personally mentored by True Lord Yuanxu, having been brought into his new project. Kunpeng Daoist Academy also successively produced two outstanding super-geniuses who mastered the Wind and Rain sections of the 'Six Controls Scripture.' In comparison, our two academies have been facing a talent shortage for the past decade or so," Song Mutu, as a frontline educator, was well-informed about the chief geniuses of the four great academies over the last ten years, and he explained this to Chen Mobai. Basically, Jumang Daoist Academy and Wuqi Daoist Academy had been taking turns at the bottom. However, two years ago, Jumang Daoist Academy recruited a Heavenly Spiritual Root talent who had already reached the second level of Foundation Establishment before even entering university. Once this Heavenly Spiritual Root talent matured, Jumang Daoist Academy would be able to pull ahead of Wuqi Daoist Academy and contend with Butian and Kunpeng. It was no wonder that the three recent Foundation Establishment cultivators from Qingsang Academy were unwilling to choose Wuqi Daoist Academy as their first preference for further study.

Although Chen Mobai, in his youth, had bested all the proud talents and outstanding figures across the Daoist Academies, he was not arrogant or complacent; deep down, he held great respect for true geniuses. "Talented people emerge in every era!" Chen Mobai exclaimed with emotion after looking up the influential figures Song Mutu mentioned online. Especially the two from Kunpeng Daoist Academy who mastered the 'Six Controls Scripture,' he felt they were simply extraordinary!

"You mean Crystal and White Wave, right? They are spiritual beasts that transformed from the sea, just like True Lord Shuixian." Chen Mobai had sought out Wenren Xuewei to ask about the Myriad Transformation Thunderwater and took the opportunity to inquire about this matter as well. She directly informed him.

Chen Mobai was greatly astonished upon hearing this. "Could it be that the Immortal Sect will have two more Nascent Soul True Lords a century from now?" If they were from the sea and similar to True Lord Shuixian, then a Nascent Soul breakthrough was practically guaranteed.

"White Wave's future achievements might even surpass True Lord Shuixian's!" Wenren Xuewei, sitting in a pavilion surrounded by water on the video call, said something that greatly astonished Chen Mobai, while elegantly sipping her tea.

"What is its true origin?" "It's said to be a dragon!" As upright inheritors of the Daoist Academies within the Immortal Sect, and potentially future leaders of academies, Wenren Xuewei directly revealed this great secret to Chen Mobai.

"The Immortal Sect has a true dragon?" Chen Mobai was even more shocked upon hearing this. "That, I don't know," she replied, "but even if it's not a true dragon, it certainly has true dragon bloodline." True Lord Taohua of Jumang Daoist Academy was an extraordinary being, so he knew more about such matters. Wenren Xuewei, as a future Nascent Soul cultivator, was essentially second only to Nascent Soul cultivators in Jumang, so she was usually informed of such important matters.

Chen Mobai asked further questions, and Wenren Xuewei shared what she knew, saying that when White Wave enrolled, True Lord Beiming of Kunpeng Daoist Academy, who had been in seclusion for nearly a century, came out of seclusion. It was clear that White Wave's status in the sea domain must be extraordinary!

"What a shame. It seems Wuqi Daoist Academy won't escape the bottom rank for the next decade with this," Chen Mobai said with regret after finishing his conversation with Wenren Xuewei. A genius of White Wave's caliber, he thought, could probably only be rivaled if he himself returned to the academy!

"What are you complaining about? Jumang Daoist Academy finally managed to secure a Heavenly Earth Spiritual Root, hoping to cultivate him for a few years and reclaim the top spot among the academies. Who knew Kunpeng Daoist Academy would act dishonorably and recruit a transformed spiritual beast as an international student from the sea!" Wenren Xuewei was truly annoyed. After forming her Core, she began overseeing the operations of Jumang Daoist Academy, hoping to achieve some success to smoothly take over the vice principal position.

"At least you can contend for second place. Unlike us at Wuqi, who are stuck at the bottom." Chen Mobai's self-deprecating remark made Wenren Xuewei feel a little better. However, regarding the Myriad Transformation Thunderwater, Wenren Xuewei was truly helpless; even Nascent Soul True Lords were eyeing that item. After chatting for a while longer, the two hung up the call.

Five Peaks Immortal Mountain! Yu Huiping watched Xiao Hei operate the computer, filling in Wuqi Daoist Academy as his first choice, and hesitated to speak.