Chapter 746: Breaking Down Barriers

Pure Nine-Lotus Lantern.

After receiving this email from Kaiyuan Hall, Chen Mobai gained permission to go to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven.

The Immortal Sect had quite a few restrictions on official Golden Core Perfected Persons like them. However, the corresponding benefits were also good. At least in Danxia City, Chen Mobai received free supplies of top-grade fourth-tier spiritual veins, spiritual rice, and other resources from the Immortal Sect.

Half an hour after he received the email, Che Yucheng called him. The master and disciple mainly discussed the Immortal Sect's leadership transition. Since the Martial Arts lineage was currently weak among the Immortal Sect's upper echelons, these matters did not concern them much.

This transition primarily involved the transfer of power between the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages. Among the three Hall Masters, Lin Daoming, who was from the Heaven-Mending lineage, was gone, and in his place was Shuixian, who had a Kunpeng and sea domain background. For the past few centuries, the Martial Arts Dao Academy and the Jumang Dao Academy had largely played a minor role. This was largely thanks to Patriarch Baiguang; otherwise, the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages would have likely long since devoured most of their interests within the Three Great Halls.

"Let them build their grand buildings and perform their plays on stage. Our two lineages just need to wait for now."

"Once you and Wenren form your Nascent Souls, we will exert our strength and elevate you both to the positions of Hall Masters."

"By then, the authority of the Immortal Sect will once again be in the hands of our two lineages..."

Over the phone, Che Yucheng's words were calm but full of confidence. In summary, his message was: "We can't compete now, so we endure. Our future is promising."

Originally, before Chen Mobai's sudden rise, the two lineages relied on Wenren Xuewei, who had mastered the Evergreen Art. However, after Chen Mobai, a Transformation God potential with astonishing compatibility with the Pure Yang Scroll, appeared, their Martial Arts lineage was even more pleasantly surprised. After all, Wenren Xuewei belonged to the Jumang lineage, not their own. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the Evergreen Art, she had no interest in entering officialdom before forming her Nascent Soul. This was why she hadn't yet taken the civil service exam to join Kaiyuan Hall.

"For this Immortal Sect transition, you should go to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven early. Wang Shuye will introduce you to some people. These are the foundations of our Martial Arts lineage, and they will all be entrusted to you in the future."

Chen Mobai was quite moved by Che Yucheng's words, as becoming the master of the Immortal Sect had been his lifelong dream. However, he still felt it would be better to build connections within the Immortal Sect after he formed his Nascent Soul.

"Teacher, Senior Wang is in the prime of his life, and I am dull by nature, only understanding cultivation. I am not good at socializing..."

Chen Mobai had ideals, but he was also a very realistic person. For him, the most useful thing from the Immortal Sect's Three Great Halls was nothing more than the three spiritual medicines for Nascent Soul formation. However, in the Tianhe Realm, he could collect resources for Infant Nurturing Pills under the name of the Five Elements Sect. He could also establish a Five Elements Chamber of Commerce to go to the Eastern Land and see if he could use his connections with the Nine Heavens Demon Eradication Sect to purchase Nascent Soul Condensing Pills, or even the Three-Light Divine Water. Furthermore, with his Primordial Chaos True Qi, which was close to grand completion, he essentially didn't need to strive for Nascent Soul formation resources within the Immortal Sect. Therefore, he wasn't very interested in building connections.

"This Immortal Sect transition is also a time for resource allocation. By then, Wang Shuye will be able to obtain one Infant Nurturing Pill."

"He joined Kaiyuan Hall precisely for this. Now that his goal is achieved, he plans to retire and prepare for Nascent Soul formation."

"Once he retires, our lineage will need to put forward a new representative within the Three Great Halls. Among all the Golden Core Perfected Persons, you are the most qualified. If you don't step up, our Martial Arts lineage will likely face a fierce internal struggle for this representative position."

"Only with you coming forward to take over the Dao Academy's connections within the Three Great Halls will everyone have no objections..."

Che Yucheng stated the main purpose of his call today, and Chen Mobai felt a headache after listening. Sometimes, being too outstanding was a disadvantage. In the Immortal Sect's Martial Arts Dao Academy lineage, besides him, the remaining Golden Core Perfected Persons were all equally capable, and none would submit to another. Only Chen Mobai's succession would truly be what everyone desired.

Che Yucheng had spoken to this extent; if Chen Mobai were to decline again, it would be ungrateful for the many years of cultivation provided by the Martial Arts Dao Academy. Especially now that Perfected Chengxuan was in seclusion testing the "Instant Blossom" technique, it was even more imperative for him to step up. Therefore, Chen Mobai could only nod in agreement.

"After you arrive at Wangwu Grotto-Heaven, also make sure to contact the Jumang Dao Academy frequently. Our two lineages have been allies for thousands of years, and we will continue to be allies, at least until the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages decline."

Che Yucheng was satisfied, but then subtly reminded him one last thing. Chen Mobai understood his meaning. Currently, because the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages were powerful, the Martial Arts and Jumang lineages had always supported each other. But if Chen Mobai and Wenren Xuewei, these two Transformation God potentials, grew strong and gained control of the Immortal Sect's authority, then under the principle of "one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers," there was a high probability that the Martial Arts and Jumang lineages would need to engage in a political struggle.

Just like the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages now, except that Heaven-Mending, with Celestial Star supporting it, had always steadily suppressed Kunpeng. The reason Shuixian was able to ascend to power this time was due to the prestige of the Spirit Venerable behind her. Hall Master Zhenfa, Ying Guanghua, had gained an unparalleled foundation from the pure water of the Heavenly Realm when he was studying in the sea domain, so this could also be considered him repaying a favor. After this transition, the power of the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages would not differ much, and in the future, there would likely be some competition and conflict for higher-level resources.

However, Chen Mobai had long thought about how to avoid such a situation. He didn't value the Immortal Sect's resources; at most, he would just retire when the time came. Furthermore, Wenren Xuewei had mastered the Evergreen Art and possessed the sixth-tier immortal plant, the Great Toon Tree, giving her unlimited chances to experiment. She likely wouldn't compete with him to the end just for the Immortal Sect's meager resources. In the future, as long as these two leaders exercised mutual restraint, internal friction could be avoided.

However, these matters still needed to be discussed face-to-face with Wenren Xuewei. Thinking of this, Chen Mobai called her.

"Alright, I'm also going this time. Once you arrive at Wangwu Grotto-Heaven, I'll invite you for tea."

Wenren Xuewei was incredibly intelligent. Chen Mobai only hinted at it, and she immediately understood the meaning, inviting him with a smile.

After Chen Mobai hung up the phone, he heard footsteps descending the stairs. His daughter came down for breakfast, dressed in her black suit and skirt from before, ready for work.

"When you're at work, it's better to wear something more formal. Finish eating, then change into a pair of trousers."

Chen Mobai had only recently acknowledged his daughter, so he found it hard to speak before. Now that the family got along well, he felt it necessary to mention it as the head of the household. Chen Xiaohei, hearing this, puffed out her cheeks while eating breakfast, and finally gave an unwilling "Oh."

"Dad, I heard you on the phone upstairs. Are you going to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven?"

After changing into dark trousers the same color as her suit, Chen Xiaohei saw she still had some time and couldn't help but ask.

"That's right. The Immortal Sect's leadership transition is at the end of the year, and Committee Member Wang Shuye will be preparing to step down. Our Dao Academy is losing talent, and only I can take his place. So, Teacher called me and told me to go to the Imperial Capital early to take over our lineage's influence."

Chen Xiaohei had also graduated from the Martial Arts Dao Academy, and as his daughter, with Five Peaks Immortal Mountain backing her, she would certainly be a significant figure in their lineage in the future. Therefore, Chen Mobai didn't intend to hide these matters from her. Learning from his grandfather's teaching methods, he began to instill in her all aspects of being an official. This way, after his daughter formed her Golden Core in the future, he could retire early and entrust the Martial Arts Dao Academy lineage to her.

"Then, Dad, could you stop by Wangxian Peak? I came in such a rush this time, and I forgot to pick up some things there."

Chen Mobai nodded after hearing this. He had also planned to visit Zhongli Tianyu at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain at that time. He just wondered if he would be able to see Patriarch Baiguang when he went to Wangxian Peak.

"Dad, this is Grandma Yu's phone number. Just contact her when you want to go. I'll let her know beforehand."

After speaking, Chen Xiaohei, in front of Chen Mobai, called Yu Huiping and told her about it. The latter said to just inform her before coming.

"Then I'm off to work now. Goodbye, Dad and Mom!"

Watching his daughter rush downstairs, Chen Mobai unconsciously revealed a smile he hadn't noticed himself.

After the family of three finished breakfast, Shi Wanyu began to clear the table.

"On the Immortal Sect Network, I can reserve one of the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures every month. If you want to try Foundation Establishment, I can prepare a set for you."

Chen Mobai saw Shi Wanyu and said what he had intended to say earlier. With his daughter's talent and Chen Mobai's support, she would definitely be able to form a Golden Core in the future. If Shi Wanyu were to pass away early due to reaching the end of her lifespan, leaving only him as her father, his daughter would undoubtedly be very sad. Therefore, Chen Mobai wanted to help Shi Wanyu as much as he could, to see if she could achieve Foundation Establishment.

Shi Wanyu, who was clearing the table, trembled slightly upon hearing this. She raised her beautiful face, met Chen Mobai's serious gaze, and couldn't help but show a moved expression, but ultimately shook her head and refused.

"My talent is ordinary, and I've long passed the age of sixty. Even if I were to take the complete Three Foundation Establishment Treasures, the chance of success wouldn't be high. Let's not bother."

Shi Wanyu clearly had a very clear understanding of herself and didn't believe she could succeed in Foundation Establishment at her age.

"Our daughter grew up without a father's love. Now, it's rare for our family of three to be reunited. I also don't want it to be just the two of us, father and daughter, in just a few decades. I will still prepare the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures for you; please consider it carefully yourself."

Chen Mobai expressed his thoughts. In truth, he knew that Shi Wanyu's chances of succeeding in Foundation Establishment were extremely low, just like his father, Chen Xinglan, back then. But he still prepared for her as much as possible. After all, for him, the Golden Core Perfected Person's monthly reservation privilege was mostly wasted, so preparing the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures for Shi Wanyu could be considered putting it to good use.

"Mmm..."

Shi Wanyu lowered her head and acknowledged him after listening.

Evening.

After the family of three finished dinner, Chen Mobai lightly coughed.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

Chen Xiaohei was picking her teeth and couldn't help but ask when she saw his action.

"Since I have some free time today, I'll give you some guidance on your cultivation."

Chen Mobai enjoyed teaching others in the Tianhe Realm, and now with his own daughter, it went without saying. He believed that with her talent, she should be able to try comprehending the Dao to form a Golden Core. After all, she was essentially a female version of Patriarch Yuanyang. If she could form a Golden Core without the aid of the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill, just like her father, it would become a celebrated story within the Immortal Sect in the future.

For this purpose, Chen Mobai crammed on the Five Elements Art and, in the state of the "Inch Square Book," re-watched Perfected Qingping's lecture videos. Considering that the Five Elements Art was merely the Immortal Sect's most basic cultivation method, with only a handful of practitioners reaching the Foundation Establishment realm, Chen Mobai could even say that he was currently the foremost expert in the Five Elements Art, second only to Perfected Qingping. But who would have known that Chen Xiaohei's understanding of the Five Elements Art was not inferior to his. Upon asking, he found out that when she was little, Perfected Qingping had been invited by Yu Huiping to give her private lessons at Wangxian Peak. The two had even exchanged contact information, so Chen Xiaohei could ask Perfected Qingping any time she had difficulties with the Five Elements Art, and he would usually reply immediately.

Chen Mobai broke out in a sweat upon hearing this. Even with his advantages, his understanding of the Five Elements Art could not possibly surpass Perfected Qingping's. But seeing his daughter's expectant gaze, he could only recall his own knowledge base and ponder how to "teach" her appropriately.

Ultimately, he thought of the Five Elements Sect's supreme divine ability, the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit. This was left by True Monarch Yiyuan, and most importantly, it could only be cultivated on the basis of the five elements returning to one, making it a perfect match for the Five Elements Art. However, Chen Mobai was still a little worried. After all, one was a basic cultivation method of the Immortal Sect, and the other was a secret ascension art from the Tianhe Realm. He wasn't sure if the method he derived using the knowledge from the "Crown of Heaven and Earth's Beings" would be useful.

"When I was young, I was also quite playful. It wasn't until my senior year of high school that I felt I couldn't go on like that, so I started studying diligently and eventually got into the Dao Academy."

"Before entering the Dao Academy, I cultivated this Five Elements Art. At that time, I once had a hypothesis: what would happen if the five-element spiritual power were cultivated separately and then eventually merged into one?"

"After I formed my Golden Core, I remembered this childhood idea. During my daily cultivation, I began to experiment with this using the Inch Square Book, and I actually figured out something."

As he spoke, Chen Mobai raised his right hand, and splendid, multi-colored Primordial Chaos True Qi lit up from his palm. Before Chen Xiaohei's widened eyes, it transformed into a radiant, spherical orb, its colorful light flickering like a constantly spinning lantern.

"Dad, what kind of spell is that?"

Chen Xiaohei asked with some surprise. At this moment, she hadn't yet realized the power of the Primordial Chaos True Qi.

"I call it 'One Yuan True Qi'!"

Chen Mobai hesitated, then gave the Primordial Chaos True Qi a new name in the Immortal Sect, but still named it after True Monarch Yiyuan, as it was created by a senior predecessor.

"Dad, what's the use of this One Yuan True Qi besides looking pretty?"

Chen Xiaohei's question almost made Chen Mobai choke. How could this top secret art of the Tianhe Realm only be "pretty"?

"Cast a spell at me."

Chen Mobai's words made Chen Xiaohei hesitate slightly. Then, she cautiously cast a Water Sword Art. Invisible water currents in the room suddenly condensed into a sword, but it had no sharp edge, appearing more like a long water column, rushing towards Chen Mobai. He raised the Primordial Chaos True Qi in his palm, perfectly blocking the Water Sword Art and transforming it into a mass of the purest water spiritual energy.

"Huh?"

Chen Xiaohei's eyes instantly widened at this sight. Chen Mobai gestured for her to continue using Five Elements spells. Because she cultivated the Five Elements Art, she could cast all five-element spells. Before long, one Five Elements spell after another was transformed into masses of pure five-element spiritual energy under the Primordial Chaos True Qi in Chen Mobai's palm.

"Dad, teach me, teach me! I want to learn this!"

As the top graduate of the Martial Arts Dao Academy, Chen Xiaohei's talent and intelligence were first-rate, and she immediately understood the power of this One Yuan True Qi. Once she mastered this, Five Elements spells would become useless to her in the future.

"This One Yuan True Qi took me decades to barely master. I'm passing it on to you today, but you must remember not to be greedy for quick results or act rashly..."

Chen Mobai regained face in front of his daughter and also breathed a slight sigh of relief. Remembering that Zhou Ye had restricted this cultivation method to only be passed on to those of the Five Elements and Five Lineages, he had Chen Xiaohei perform the disciple-taking ritual.

"Become your disciple?"

Although Chen Xiaohei was a bit surprised, since Chen Mobai had said so, she didn't think much of it and immediately performed the Immortal Sect's disciple's bow to him.

"This method is still in its early stages and incomplete. You may cultivate it yourself, but you must not pass it on to others without my permission."

When Chen Mobai imparted the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit, he gave a solemn instruction. Chen Xiaohei immediately nodded, her mind completely captivated by the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit.

"Dad, this seems a bit difficult to cultivate."

After trying it, Chen Xiaohei showed a troubled expression. She currently possessed a Heavenly Water Spiritual Root. According to the cultivation method of Primordial Chaos True Qi, she needed to cultivate the Water element to its extreme, and then, in the order of the five elements generating each other, derive and transform them one by one, ultimately unifying the five elements. But Chen Mobai believed that with her Five Elements Art, she could use another method: cultivating all five elements simultaneously.

"When you cultivate, try to cultivate spiritual power that is balanced in all five elements. Then, convert this spiritual power into One Yuan True Qi. You might not be able to do this at the Foundation Establishment realm due to your low cultivation, but as long as you persevere, you will master it eventually."

This was also a method Chen Mobai derived after attaching the "Crown of Heaven and Earth's Beings" to the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit, combining it with the knowledge of the Immortal Sect from the Inch Square Book. Because the spiritual power cultivated by the Five Elements Art in the Immortal Sect was adapted to the attributes of the five-element spiritual roots. Therefore, theoretically, cultivators in the Immortal Sect could use spiritual root techniques to cultivate their five-element spiritual root values to be exactly the same. Innate five-element spiritual roots all being at 20 might be even rarer than heavenly spiritual roots, but four-attribute pseudo-spiritual roots were common everywhere. A cultivator with a pseudo-spiritual root could take their highest five-element spiritual root value as a standard and cultivate the spiritual root techniques of the other four elements. Since they only needed to increase their spiritual roots by single digits, they might even complete this step before Foundation Establishment. For example, a cultivator with all five-element spiritual roots at 30 points would, by cultivating the Five Elements Art, achieve the most balanced five-element spiritual power. According to the theory of the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit, this was the most perfect state of simultaneous five-element cultivation! The spiritual power cultivated could be easily transformed into Primordial Chaos True Qi.

However, to transform and condense spiritual power into true qi, one would at least need late-Golden Core cultivation. Therefore, although Chen Mobai imparted the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit to Chen Xiaohei, he didn't expect her to master it at the Foundation Establishment realm. He just wanted her to lay a foundation and understand the concept. Later, when his Primordial Chaos True Qi reached grand completion and he formed his Nascent Soul, he would find a way to instill a complete "One Yuan True Qi" into her as a Dao Seed. Originally, Chen Mobai hadn't planned to impart it so quickly, but today he had "lifted a stone only to drop it on his own foot," so to avoid further trouble, he had no choice but to reveal and impart the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit to her early.

"Dad, let me try."

After hearing the cultivation method of the Primordial Chaos Dao Fruit, Chen Xiaohei was full of interest and wanted to try it immediately. For her, the difficulty lay in cultivating spiritual power that was balanced in all five elements. With unbalanced five-element spiritual roots, she would need to control the intake of five-element spiritual energy herself, which was a great test of her divine sense and willpower. But she still had decades before she could obtain the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill, so she could just use the time after reaching peak Foundation Establishment to try cultivating this.

As she attempted to cultivate, Chen Mobai watched intently from the side, making sure she didn't make any mistakes in refining the five-element spiritual energy. Soon, Chen Xiaohei cultivated the first stream of spiritual energy that she believed to be balanced in the five elements, but after Chen Mobai checked it, he found it was quite far off. He directly used his Primordial Chaos True Qi to disperse this spiritual energy, telling Chen Xiaohei to start over.

Shi Wanyu, being of a lower cultivation realm, didn't know the power of this "One Yuan True Qi," but seeing the father and daughter teach and learn diligently, a happy smile couldn't help but appear on her face. For her, this was the most fulfilling moment.

"Alright, that's enough for today. I'll continue guiding your cultivation tomorrow."

Chen Mobai dispersed the five-element spiritual energy his daughter had cultivated that didn't meet the requirements. Seeing that it was late, he told her to go upstairs and rest.

"Okay, Dad. You and Mom should also rest early."

Chen Xiaohei wiped the sweat from her forehead. To precisely control the balance of the five-element spiritual energy she refined, she had consumed a lot of divine sense, and was indeed quite fatigued. After she went upstairs, only Chen Mobai and Shi Wanyu remained on the second floor.

Over these past days, the two had grown accustomed to each other's presence. In the beginning, Shi Wanyu used to sleep in her clothes, but now she would naturally go to the bathroom to wash up and change into her pajamas before coming out.

Chen Mobai simply continued to stabilize his realm. After meditating on the "Danfeng Facing the Sun Map" daily, he began to use the "Lamp Lighting Art" to refine his Pure Yang spiritual power. As a result, his seventh-layer Golden Core, which he had forcibly broken through using Pure Yang Purple Qi, quickly consolidated. The Golden Core in his Dantian Qihai, after being purified by the Lamp Lighting Art, subtly shrank significantly but became even more brilliant and dazzling. This indicated that his foundation was solid and no further refinement was needed.

In his joy, Chen Mobai opened his eyes. To his surprise, he saw Shi Wanyu emerging from the bathroom. She had just showered, her long hair wet and slightly draped over her shoulders. Her fair skin had a fresh, dewy glow, as if gently caressed by mist, appearing even more delicate and smooth. Her soft nightgown clung gently to her skin, its loose fit unable to conceal her graceful curves—a slender waist, an upright upper body, and a pair of bare, fair, long legs, forming her even more enchanting and perfect mature figure. As she walked out, her face carried an air of relaxed ease, and her bright, gentle smile made Chen Mobai feel warm and comfortable.

"Ah..."

At this moment, Shi Wanyu also saw Chen Mobai, who had opened his eyes and was looking at her from the window. She couldn't help but widen her eyes, raise her right hand, let out a soft gasp, and gently cover her tender, rosy lips. Before, after Chen Mobai entered the room, he would usually close his eyes and meditate until dawn.

"I had a breakthrough in my cultivation, so I finished a bit early today."

Chen Mobai gave his reason, and Shi Wanyu nodded gently after listening. A sudden silence fell between them.

After a few breaths, Shi Wanyu bit her moist lips, her fair face suddenly flushed, and she asked, "Then, should we go to bed early together?"

Chen Mobai's expression hesitated after hearing this. He wanted to refuse, but seeing Shi Wanyu so nervous that she seemed to be trembling all over, he sighed inwardly and couldn't help but nod.

"You go to bed first. I'll go wash up too."

Hearing his words, Shi Wanyu's soft cheeks suddenly glowed, her eyes brightened, and she shyly nodded.

Chen Mobai hadn't showered in a long time. After entering the bathroom, he couldn't help but tap his forehead. He couldn't quite figure out why he had nodded just now. Perhaps it had been too long since he had done "that kind of thing," and he couldn't bear to refuse Shi Wanyu... After thinking of several reasons, Chen Mobai quickly finished his shower, absorbed all the water droplets on his body into a water sphere, placed it in the basin, and then walked out of the bathroom.

The room's lighting had been changed to a warm, pale yellow. Chen Mobai saw that Shi Wanyu had already gotten under the covers. However, since cultivators were no longer bothered by heat or cold, the covers were merely a thin blanket, allowing a clearer view of her mature, feminine figure. Chen Mobai didn't know when he had gotten into bed. He gently lifted the covers and saw Shi Wanyu, lying on her side, slightly trembling, dressed in a light black nightgown. The nightgown covered most of her curves, but the full, rounded, long, fair legs beneath the dress directly entered his sight.

At this moment, Shi Wanyu actually turned around. On her flushed cheeks, her eyes were shy yet bright, like stars in the dim light.

"Turn off the light!"

She said, her face flushed. Chen Mobai nodded gently, and soon, the room was completely plunged into darkness.

The next morning, Chen Xiaohei habitually came downstairs, only to find that Chen Mobai was making breakfast.

"Your mom isn't feeling well, I told her to rest..."

At first, Chen Xiaohei didn't react to Chen Mobai's words. It wasn't until she left the house that she suddenly remembered that even though her mother's cultivation wasn't high, she was still at the ninth layer of Qi Refining and had always been healthy. Although she and her mother hadn't been together for a very long time, she had never seen Shi Wanyu sick. Could it be a serious illness? Worried, Chen Xiaohei was about to go back to ask for clarification. But soon, she realized something. After listening at the flower shop's entrance for a while, her face flushed, and she awkwardly turned and left.

When Xiaohei returned that evening, she saw Shi Wanyu with a rosy complexion and a radiant look, and secretly rejoiced. After her parents broke through their estrangement, the family became even more warm and sweet for Chen Xiaohei.

Chen Mobai also rarely relaxed himself. He began to contact Wang Shuye as per Che Yucheng's instructions, obtaining from him a list of Immortal Sect officials belonging to the Martial Arts Dao Academy lineage within the Three Great Halls and even all Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands. Wang Shuye had prepared this list for him long ago. Chen Mobai contacted them one by one, from top to bottom, starting with the Golden Core Perfected Persons. Fortunately, his name was known worldwide, so when he called, everyone was polite to him. Chen Mobai didn't delve into deep conversations with them, merely getting to know each other and arranging to meet in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven at the end of the year during the Immortal Sect's leadership transition. At this point, everyone basically understood the implication and all agreed to definitely attend.

Time slowly passed. One morning, Chen Mobai woke up, released the trembling, voluptuous young woman from his embrace, and booked a flight to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven. Since he needed to transfer in Danxia City, he had to leave a day early. Both mother and daughter were naturally a bit reluctant to see him go. But they also knew that their man was destined for great things, so they could only watch him leave.

To be honest, Chen Mobai almost became addicted to this "tender haven." In this three-story house, he experienced unprecedented satisfaction, warmth, joy, and happiness. This sense of fullness, as if both his body and mind were completely filled, made him feel that living like this for the rest of his life would also be quite good. If Wang Shuye hadn't called to urge him, he really might not have gone to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven so early.

In the VIP lounge of Yumu City, Chen Mobai was closing his eyes, reminiscing about the wonderful time he had. Suddenly, he frowned and opened his eyes. He looked towards the door; an invisible black flying insect was approaching him. This was a mechanical puppet insect. With Chen Mobai's attainment as a third-tier Immortal Sect puppeteer, he knew at first glance that his own skill level couldn't create such tiny and precise puppet insects. With Chen Mobai's cultivation, he naturally captured the puppet insect with ease. However, he knew that the master behind the puppet had intentionally let him discover it. The puppet insect contained a piece of information. Chen Mobai connected it to his Heavenly Computing Bead and quickly deciphered it. It contained a place name.

Chen Mobai's pupils constricted upon seeing it. That was...

In all of Yumu City, there were two places Chen Mobai had always refrained from setting foot in or investigating deeply, as they held profound secrets. One was the prison previously guarded by Miao Wanliang, but due to Chen Xiaohei, he had already broken his rule regarding it. The other was the experimental base for the Immortal Seed Cultivation Project, where Qing Nü and others had lived as children. Although Lan Haitian said that the relevant authorities had already dealt with it and there would be no further clues, Chen Mobai always felt that many secrets were still hidden there. And now, the place recorded on this puppet insect was precisely that location.

Chen Mobai pondered for a long time, intending to ignore it. But from the puppet insect, he guessed who was inviting him. Within the Immortal Sect, besides Che Yucheng, the only one whose puppetry skills surpassed his was the mysterious middle-aged puppeteer he had encountered at Gedda Courtyard. It was also his reminder that made Chen Mobai realize that Shi Qing was the reincarnated body of the Instant Blossom Courtyard Master. That person could almost certainly be confirmed as the rumored Master Xinjie. Chen Mobai had thought that after the previous puppet self-destructed, he had completely disappeared from Yumu City. Unexpectedly, he still had a hidden move.

Chen Mobai pondered for a moment, and finally decided to get up and meet him. After all, he needed to ensure that this place contained no power that could threaten his daughter. Deep in thought, he got up and entered the restroom, then used the Underworld Great Array to leave the waiting room. After continuous teleports, he approached the sealed experimental base of the Immortal Bud Cultivation Project.

However, Chen Mobai was also naturally cautious. He didn't enter directly in his true form but instead manipulated a Faceless Puppet to attend the meeting on his behalf. The experimental base was indeed as Lan Haitian had said: already empty. All equipment and tools inside had been removed, leaving only open, square rooms stacked vertically within a wall, with doors but no windows, like prison cells. Chen Mobai's Faceless Puppet used its detection function to scan all the enclosed, hidden spaces inside, confirming that there were no people.

Just as he was about to leave, an old liquid crystal display (LCD) screen embedded in the wall suddenly lit up.

"Councilor Chen is a bit too cautious, isn't he, meeting with a puppet!"

On the LCD screen, a person with their back to Chen Mobai spoke using a synthesized electronic voice.

"My name is Yiyuan. Just state your business directly; I need to catch my ride."

Facing a stranger, Chen Mobai naturally wouldn't admit his identity. This time, he didn't simulate his own face with the Faceless Puppet, but casually used the face of a Tianhe Realm cultivator.

"In that case, we can't continue this discussion. The secret I'm about to tell can only be heard by Councilor Chen himself."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai didn't indulge him at all. He immediately manipulated the Faceless Puppet to turn and leave. Just as he was about to fly out of the experimental base, the screen suddenly flickered several times, like a distorted display.

"Hey, hey, hey, wait..."

But Chen Mobai ignored him, and quickly flew out.