Chapter 756: Borrowing the Sword

Xuan Shu had once said that he entered the ruins of the Fanhaimen sect in Fanghuang Mountain, Dongyi, and obtained the Golden Mist Pearl.

It seemed that when Yue Zutao formed the Five Elements Chamber of Commerce and left the Eastern Wilderness, he should be asked to pay special attention to this place. However, since Xuan Shu had mentioned it to him, it was clear that the Fanhaimen ruins in Fanghuang Mountain were likely a well-known location in Dongyi.

Thinking this, Chen Mobai took out an ore imbued with earth spiritual energy and began cultivating the "Earth Gathering Art," which he had prepared earlier. This was a method from the Immortal Sect for enhancing earth spiritual roots. After Chen Mobai finished consuming nine Earth Vein Pills, his earth spiritual root had conveniently reached 80 points. Such a coincidence could only be attributed to the auspicious blessing of the "Phoenix Facing the Sun" diagram. Even after achieving a Heavenly Earth Spiritual Root, Chen Mobai did not slacken. He continued to diligently cultivate, hoping to raise his earth spiritual root to 100 points. Thus, he downloaded the Earth Gathering Art. Wenren Xuewei had relied on Earth Vein Pills and the Earth Gathering Art to raise her earth spiritual root to 80 points.

The Earth Gathering Art was the most balanced and moderate spiritual root enhancement technique in the Immortal Sect, consisting of forty-nine layers, each capable of increasing the earth spiritual root by 2 points. During cultivation, one could absorb earth spiritual energy directly or utilize various minerals, spiritual stones, and other items containing earth spiritual energy. The Earth Gathering Art was extremely easy to begin; almost every cultivator could manage it, but it became progressively harder with each subsequent stage. For example, the first layer could generally be mastered within a year by a Qi Refining cultivator, even without resources, simply through consistent daily meditation and practice. The second layer required two years; the third, three years... The time required to advance each layer increased by one year compared to the previous one. This spiritual root enhancement technique did not emphasize comprehension; it solely depended on perseverance, embodying the spirit of moving mountains and filling seas, a relentless determination that was the essence of the Earth Element Grand Dao. However, with abundant mineral and spiritual stone resources, the cultivation time could be halved.

Most spiritual root enhancement techniques in the Immortal Sect followed this pattern: simple in the early stages but increasingly difficult later on. Thus, cultivators with naturally high spiritual root values could more easily ascend to the Heavenly Spiritual Root level. It was precisely for this reason that cultivators in the Immortal Sect generally only raised their spiritual roots to 80 points, as further advancement required an excessive amount of effort and energy. It might take years, or even more than a decade of investment, to achieve just a 1-point increase. This was why precious resources and treasures that could boost spiritual root values simply by consumption and refinement were so highly prized.

Among the many methods for enhancing earth spiritual roots, Chen Mobai meticulously chose the Earth Gathering Art precisely because it allowed for acceleration with resources. After all, the Eastern Wilderness Plateau abounded with various earth-attributed minerals and spiritual stones. Given his current earth spiritual root of 80 points, he would only need to cultivate the Earth Gathering Art to the tenth layer to reach a 100-point Immortal Earth Spiritual Root. Even without resources, he felt he could commit to 55 years of effort.

However, Chen Mobai remained clear-headed; he would only practice the Earth Gathering Art during his fragmented free time. Previously, this time was used for cultivating the "Treasure-Dropping Golden Light" technique. Now that this secret art was perfected, the time was freed up perfectly for the Earth Gathering Art. His primary time would still be dedicated to the Pure Yang Scroll and the Pure Yang Dharma Body. In the train compartment, relying on the "Crown of Heaven and Earth's Beings" for inner self-observation, he easily achieved mastery of the Earth Gathering Art's introductory stage. Looking at the progress bar, which showed completion in half a year after adding the mineral condition, Chen Mobai couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

Although it had been nearly 50 years since he last visited Linwu Grotto-Heaven, the fresh air here was still as it used to be, completely unchanged. Chen Mobai saw Qing Nü waiting for him at the train station and waved to her. Upon arriving at the "Thousand Mountains and Ten Thousand Waters," Wenren Xuewei, dressed in a celestial green robe, was already by the lake.

"I didn't expect a busy person like you to come in person?" Wenren Xuewei smiled and personally cast a water bridge spell, guiding Chen Mobai towards Wood God Island, where the Great Chinese Toon Tree was located. Chen Mobai now knew that this was the core of Diyuan Star, where all life on the land was born. He tilted his head to look at Qing Nü beside him. Whether it was an illusion or not, her already beautiful face seemed even more radiant here, her skin glowing like jade, and her entire state was astonishingly good. Of course, it was also possible that she didn't have to worry about the Heaven-Mending Group here, nor did she have to fear being watched from the shadows, leading to a dissipation of stress. Regardless, Chen Mobai was already inclined to believe Yan Xinjie's claim that Qing Nü possessed embryonic vital essence within her.

"Has Senior Sister Pei emerged from seclusion?" Chen Mobai had a brief discussion with Wenren Xuewei about the Three Great Halls, then inquired about the main purpose of his visit today. "Knowing you were coming, the Headmistress and Cui'er emerged from seclusion a day early and are already waiting for you." Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but feel his current standing within the Immortal Sect. What Golden Core True Person could make a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator wait!

"I am truly ashamed to have kept Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom waiting." But on the surface, he certainly couldn't be so arrogant; humility was still necessary. "We're here, let's go."

On Wood God Island, it was likely class time, as there weren't many students by the shore. However, seeing Wenren Xuewei personally greet someone, they all showed expressions of surprise. When they saw Chen Mobai, their faces lit up with understanding. "So it's him, no wonder!" Meeting the gazes of the crowd, Chen Mobai's expression remained as usual. He then followed Wenren Xuewei to the island lake where the Great Chinese Toon Tree was located; this was where Pei Qingshuang had formed her Golden Core.

The Great Chinese Toon Tree absorbed the prime essence of Diyuan Star, along with the sun and moon essences from beyond the heavens, and through special methods, could release spiritual energy almost at the sixth tier. Throughout the entire Immortal Sect, only the Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, where the two Soul Transformation Grand Ancestors resided, had more abundant spiritual energy than this place. Hearing that Pei Qingshuang used spiritual energy close to the sixth tier to form her Golden Core, Chen Mobai couldn't help but sigh, realizing that his decades of struggle still couldn't compare to the second generation of the Immortal Sect.

On a north-facing branch of the Great Chinese Toon Tree, a resplendent flower bloomed. Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom, full of charm, and Pei Qingshuang, who seemed even more beautiful and tall, stood there, awaiting him. After Chen Mobai flew up with Wenren Xuewei, he first greeted Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom.

"Have a seat. Cui'er was able to form her Golden Core this time thanks to your pearls. Otherwise, it might have taken another ten or more years of arduous cultivation." Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom nodded gently. With a wave of her sheer, gauze-like sleeve, a set of reception furniture materialized out of thin air on the flower platform. Everyone immediately sat down. Wenren Xuewei naturally produced tea sets, tea leaves, and other items, beginning to display her tea ceremony skills.

"My main purpose in coming this time is to take Qing Nü back. Also, hearing that Senior Sister Pei formed her Golden Core, I came to offer my congratulations." As he spoke, Chen Mobai took out a prepared box containing three Water Spirit Pearls, perfectly suited for Pei Qingshuang to consolidate her realm after forming her Golden Core.

"This is too precious." Pei Qingshuang took it, glanced at it, and then slightly shook her head, pushing it back. Previously, she needed the Water Spirit Pearls to communicate with the Qing Shuang Sword for forming her Golden Core. Now that the Golden Core was complete, accepting such a valuable gift felt excessive to her. "There's no need for formality between us. If Senior Sister Pei hadn't guided me back at the Mountains and Seas Academy, I might not have acquired the Purple Lightning Sword." If Pei Qingshuang didn't accept it, Chen Mobai would find it difficult to voice his next request. Thus, he pushed his congratulatory gift back to her again. "Junior Brother Chen, you are a heaven-sent genius. Even without me, you would certainly have gained the Purple Lightning Sword's acknowledgment." Pei Qingshuang knew Chen Mobai's talent in the way of the sword most clearly; it was a talent that even she felt inferior to, a true potential for Soul Transformation.

"Cui'er, since Councillor Chen is giving it to you, just accept it." Just as Pei Qingshuang was about to decline again, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom seemed to have discerned something and spoke directly. "This... well then, thank you very much." With her mother speaking, Pei Qingshuang had no choice but to accept.

At this moment, Wenren Xuewei had already brewed the first pot of tea. As she offered it to Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom, she gently reminded her that Chen Mobai had been promoted to a rotating committee member of the Kaiyuan Hall after last year's assembly. "Is that so? I've been busy protecting Cui'er during her Golden Core formation this past year, so I haven't paid attention to these matters." Upon hearing this, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom's expression shifted to understanding. She then smiled and changed her address to "Councillor Chen," to which Chen Mobai quickly demurred.

"Grand Cultivator, you can just call me 'Little Chen.' This time, I'm mainly here for two other matters that I need your and Senior Sister Pei's help with." Chen Mobai dared not presume before a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator. Seeing that Pei Qingshuang had accepted the three pearls, he immediately stated the true purpose of his visit.

First, he wanted Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom's help in refining some "Face-Setting Pearls." He had many female cultivator friends in both the Immortal Sect and the Heavenly River Realm with whom he had good relationships, and he hoped they would remain beautiful forever, untouched by the ravages of time. Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom nodded and agreed directly, as refining Face-Setting Pearls was not difficult for her. Subsequently, Chen Mobai began to speak about the second matter.

"It's like this: after mastering the 'Inch-Sized Book,' I specifically spent some time on the 'Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Book' using my inner observation ability. Not long ago, I finally comprehended its profound mysteries and learned how to use the Purple-Green Twin Swords to absorb and refine the 'Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi.'"

As soon as these words were spoken, all four women present turned their gazes towards him. Within the Immortal Sect, resources beneficial for forming a Nascent Soul were few and far between. The "Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi" was one of them, and since only Grand Cultivators Qingshi and Qingjing had ever successfully refined it, its success rate remained 100% to this day.

"You haven't cultivated the Purple Splendor Sword Manual, and your cultivation base is still a bit lacking. I'm afraid you might not be able to control the Purple-Green Canopy!" Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom evidently knew the principles of the "Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi." Her beautiful eyes looked at Chen Mobai, her delicate brows slightly furrowed as she spoke.

"The key to refining the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi lies in the Purple-Green Twin Swords. Although I haven't cultivated the Purple Splendor Sword Manual, I've already achieved 'Sword-Heart Unification' with the Purple Lightning Sword. As long as the Purple Lightning Sword fully assists me, this won't be an issue." Chen Mobai had long since used his inner observation ability to analyze the Purple Splendor Sword Manual, and had even reviewed the "Purple-Green Demon Refining Heavenly Book" that the two Grand Cultivators had deciphered in the Natural Academy. He now fully understood the process of absorbing and refining the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi with the Purple-Green Twin Swords. The reason it typically required a cultivator of the Purple Splendor Sword Manual was that with the assistance of Purple Splendor spiritual power, the pressure on the Purple Lightning Sword during this process would be significantly reduced. It would only need to exert about 50-60% of its power to calmly absorb and condense. In reality, as long as Chen Mobai provided sufficient spiritual power, it would still be effective for the Purple Lightning Sword, even if it wasn't as potent as a Purple Splendor Sword Manual cultivator. The only difference was that it couldn't slack off, needing to expend nearly 80-90% of its power, almost its full strength, to absorb it.

As soon as Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom heard Chen Mobai mention "Sword-Heart Unification," she immediately understood. If the Purple Lightning Sword was willing to go all out for a sword dao genius as brilliant as him, then it could indeed be accomplished. But her daughter couldn't do it!

"Cui'er has just formed her Golden Core. Although she can now perceive the true nature of the Qing Shuang Sword, achieving Sword-Heart Unification will likely require some time for cultivation and integration." Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom's words were essentially praising her daughter. According to Pei Qingshuang's own estimate, she might need to cultivate the Cyan Sky Sword Manual to the perfected Golden Core realm before she could achieve that.

"My apologies, I've held you back." Pei Qingshuang spoke with a touch of embarrassment. She had been incredibly happy when Chen Mobai gained the Purple Lightning Sword's acknowledgment. At that time, in her view, she would certainly succeed in forming her Golden Core decades before Chen Mobai. Then, with his potential for Soul Transformation, that decades-long gap would surely be closed before the Nascent Soul formation stage, allowing both of them, as perfected Golden Core cultivators, to combine their swords and absorb and refine the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi. But who knew, that idea was turned on its head from the very beginning. She had underestimated Chen Mobai's potential for Soul Transformation. He simply bypassed the Golden Core formation hurdle with his talent, while she lagged decades behind in successfully forming hers. And now, Chen Mobai was nearing the late Golden Core stage, widening the gap between them even further.

"It's not a big deal. Cui'er, you've already formed your Golden Core, and your inherited talents and divine abilities will gradually awaken. You'll catch up to Little Chen someday in the future. When that happens, it won't be too late for the two of you to combine your swords." As Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom spoke, she had already implicitly acknowledged that the Purple-Green Canopy could not be formed at present. Listening to her words, Chen Mobai once again carefully observed Pei Qingshuang, noticing that after forming her Golden Core, she seemed to have grown taller, making her already graceful figure even more statuesque. He estimated she was almost as tall as he was. Furthermore, her previously heroic facial features began to soften after forming her Golden Core. Her features remained the same, but now they appeared balanced and perfect. It was as if she had fully blossomed. Was this the influence of paternal or maternal genes? Who exactly was Pei Qingshuang's father? Many questions flashed through Chen Mobai's mind, but he didn't forget the true purpose of his visit.

"It's like this: I plan to borrow Senior Sister Pei's Qing Shuang Sword to see if I can also achieve Sword-Heart Unification with it. If so, I alone could combine the twin swords and cast the Purple-Green Canopy." As soon as he uttered these words, Wenren Xuewei's elegant tea ceremony paused, and she looked up at him with wide-open mouth. The other three women also wore the same expression, all completely stunned.

"You... want to achieve Sword-Heart Unification with the Qing Shuang Sword as well?" Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom suspected she had misheard. Within the Immortal Sect, no matter how astounding a sword dao genius, none had ever achieved Sword-Heart Unification with two powerful swords. After all, the way of the sword cultivator also emphasized purity and singularity. One person, one sword, with absolute sincerity and loyalty! Chen Mobai had already achieved Sword-Heart Unification with the Purple Lightning Sword. Would the latter be willing to share its nearly perfect master, giving half to the Qing Shuang Sword? This was like a man who had already married a wife and then wanted to take a concubine. Even if the concubine was the wife's biological sister! It was absolutely impossible!

"I intend to try. If I can achieve it, I can shorten the time needed to condense Pure Yang True Qi, and perhaps reach the perfected Golden Core realm within a hundred years." Chen Mobai spoke honestly. Generally, only after reaching the perfected Golden Core realm could one begin refining spiritual power into higher-grade true qi. However, the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi could shorten this process. This was a primordial, extremely pure Yin-Yang Qi, floating above the Ninth Layer Heavenly Gang, capable of being transformed into any postnatal true qi, and also beneficial for nurturing and cultivating a Nascent Soul. Chen Mobai even thought that this Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi might also be effective in enhancing the Mixed Yuan True Qi. It was precisely for this reason that he brazenly came to borrow the sword this time.

"This..." Upon hearing this, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom was about to refuse, but Pei Qingshuang considered that she had just formed her Golden Core and would need considerable time to consolidate her realm, so lending the sword might not be out of the question. "I'll ask the Qing Shuang Sword about this. If it has no objections, I can lend it." As soon as Pei Qingshuang spoke, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom frowned slightly. But then, considering Chen Mobai's terrifying talent and knowing that this young man would certainly be a fellow Daoist in the future, she swallowed her words of objection. Furthermore, the Wuqi and Jumang lineages had thousands of years of friendship, and Grand Ancestor Baiguang was still alive. For the sake of their long-standing relationship, she might as well consider it an investment in the future. In any case, it was unlikely to succeed. When Chen Mobai failed to communicate with the Qing Shuang Sword, he would naturally return it. After all, in the Immortal Sect, Chen Mobai was a prominent figure, so there was no fear of him borrowing it and not returning it. Moreover, the spirit of the Qing Shuang Sword was extremely proud. Even after more than a century of constant companionship with Pei Qingshuang, it had only just barely let down its guard. Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom didn't believe it would be willing to leave the daughter it had spent a hundred years with to temporarily reside with a stranger for a few years. Thinking of this, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom calmed down, handing her empty teacup to Wenren Xuewei and asking for another pour.

"The Qing Shuang Sword says it wishes to communicate with the Purple Lightning Sword..." At this moment, Pei Qingshuang finished communicating with her sword. With a flick of her finger, the sword at her waist flew out of its sheath and rang clearly in mid-air. Seeing this, Chen Mobai smiled faintly. With a thought, his domain opened, and the Purple Lightning Sword, enveloped in intense spiritual light, emerged from within.

"Go communicate with the Qing Shuang Sword. You know the terms on my side. As long as it's willing to come and absorb and condense the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi with you, I'll give one high-grade spiritual stone for each strand. If there's an emergency requiring its intervention, I'm willing to add more spiritual stones, starting from one high-grade spiritual stone!" Chen Mobai mentally communicated, holding back the Purple Lightning Sword that was about to fly out to reminisce with the Qing Shuang Sword."Master, your spiritual power doesn't quite match ours. To condense that Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi, even if Little Qing and I cooperate with all our might, success isn't guaranteed." The Purple Lightning Sword spoke honestly first, after all, the last time it and Qing Shuang Sword condensed the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi was in the hands of the two Nascent Soul Grand Cultivators, Qingshi and Qingjing. Now that it was Chen Mobai, a cultivator of the Pure Yang Scroll, they weren't sure if it would succeed."For every strand of Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi condensed, I'll provide two high-grade spiritual stones—one for each of you!""This..." The Purple Lightning Sword was greatly moved by Chen Mobai's increased offer."If the two of you successfully condense one strand, in addition to the two high-grade spiritual stones, I will privately subsidize you with an additional high-grade spiritual stone." Upon hearing this, the Purple Lightning Sword completely caved. This way, if it and the Qing Shuang Sword worked together to condense one strand of Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Splendor Qi, it would receive two high-grade spiritual stones, while the Qing Shuang Sword would only get one. Having achieved Sword-Heart Unification for so long, this was the first time it had encountered such an offer. This differential treatment made its simple mind feel that it had completely outshone the Qing Shuang Sword. "Master, don't worry, I'll take care of this!" With a whoosh, the Purple Lightning Sword shot out from Chen Mobai's hand like a brilliant streak of lightning, causing the four women to turn their heads in surprise. They thought this was a sign of profound understanding between the sword and its master.

"The Qing Shuang Sword should refuse, right!" Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom thought to herself, while Chen Mobai, taking advantage of the Purple-Green Twin Swords' communication, also took out a bag of Water Spirit Pearls. These were what he wanted Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom to help refine into Face-Setting Pearls. "Little Chen, how many high-quality pearls did you actually get from the Void Blind Box? Even in the sea domain, these are rare." As Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom spoke, she gently opened the bag. Upon seeing the quantity inside, her right hand trembled slightly. There were twenty full pearls inside! "I obtained a whole 'dou' (measure) of them, but this item is quite precious. To avoid trouble if outsiders found out, I've always claimed to have only acquired a few." Chen Mobai's status was now different; he could protect these items. Plus, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom and Pei Qingshuang had also benefited from the pearls, which was why he revealed so many in front of them. However, the main reason was that he had many close female cultivator friends, and he also intended to use these Face-Setting Pearls to open up opportunities for the Five Elements Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern Lands, which was why he took out twenty at once.

"Fortunately, these Face-Setting Pearls can all be refined together in the same medicinal pool. Otherwise, with so many, I might not have been willing to help you." Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom had calmed down by now. After all, she was a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator. While these twenty pearls were precious, their value of merely a few billion merit points was not overwhelmingly significant to her. It was just that she hadn't encountered such a valuable transaction in several centuries, which was why she was initially surprised. "Thank you, Grand Cultivator, for being willing to help. Once the Face-Setting Pearls are refined, Grand Cultivator, Senior Sister Pei, and Senior Sister Wenren, each of you please take one. This is just a small token of my appreciation." Chen Mobai's words surprised even Wenren Xuewei, who was in the midst of brewing tea. She hadn't expected there to be one for her as well. Pei Qingshuang felt the same. She had one before, but it was used for communicating with the Qing Shuang Sword. Although it could be recharged, no one ever had too many of such items. "Little Chen, you're such a thoughtful child. Cheng Xuan is truly fortunate to have you as an heir!" Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom also smiled slightly upon hearing this. Aside from the three pearls as remuneration, Chen Mobai had previously gifted four pearls to Pei Qingshuang, which totaled seven hundred million merit points. Even commissioning her to refine fifth-tier spiritual water elixirs would be around this price. However, the most important thing was that the pearls provided by Chen Mobai enabled Pei Qingshuang to successfully form her Golden Core. For this favor, she would help even if it meant doing so for free.

Just then, two streaks of sword light, one purple and one green, descended from the sky. They then circled Chen Mobai, ringing clearly for a moment, and settled to float on either side of him. Seeing this scene, Pei Qingshuang inexplicably felt a sense of loss within her. "As expected, is it because my talent in the sword dao is insufficient? When it's someone with Soul Transformation potential like Chen Mobai, even the proud Qing Shuang Sword is willing to humble itself." "The Qing Shuang Sword seems to have agreed. Senior Sister Pei, do you still wish to communicate with it for confirmation?" Chen Mobai had witnessed the scene and communicated mentally with the Purple Lightning Sword, knowing it had successfully "poached" the other. He then spoke to Pei Qingshuang. "No need. For the next few years, I kindly ask Junior Brother Chen to take good care of it!" As she spoke, Pei Qingshuang unclipped the sword sheath from her waist and, with a look of reluctance, handed it to Chen Mobai. This sheath was custom-made for the Qing Shuang Sword, crafted from branches shed by Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom herself, making it a fourth-tier spiritual wood. After receiving it, Chen Mobai repeatedly thanked Pei Qingshuang.

Subsequently, he first sent the Purple Lightning Sword back into his Golden Core domain. Then, holding Pei Qingshuang's sword sheath in one hand, he reached for the Qing Shuang Sword on his left side. With the four women's beautiful eyes wide with disbelief, the always proud Qing Shuang Sword, after a slight struggle, allowed Chen Mobai to grasp it. With a clang, this top-grade fourth-tier sword was sheathed by Chen Mobai and then, following the trajectory of the Purple Lightning Sword, entered Chen Mobai's domain. Pei Qingshuang became even more dejected seeing that her sword didn't even bid her farewell. She felt that perhaps she wasn't suited for the Qing Shuang Sword, and that her possession of it for over a century might have hindered this powerful sword.

As she was lost in thought, Chen Mobai, having achieved his objectives, had already bid farewell. "So quickly? Aren't you going to wait until the Face-Setting Pearls are refined?" By this point, Grand Cultivator Peach Blossom had also accepted Chen Mobai's astonishing talent in the way of the sword, and her tone was now more cordial than at the beginning. "I'm busy with many matters, and I hold several positions in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven. If I'm away for too long, things there will get chaotic." Chen Mobai offered an excuse. In reality, he only needed to oversee the Heaven-Mending Group, and the Wuqi lineage in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven consisted of shrewd individuals who could generally handle affairs perfectly well without him. And with Lin Yin in the Heaven-Mending Group, he had even less to do. Qing Nü heard this and beamed with joy. She had already packed and was just waiting to return with Chen Mobai.