Chapter 757: Lin Daoming Defects

Although Chen Mobai said his goodbyes, he was persuaded to stay for the night due to their warm hospitality. After all, Qing Nü needed time to study the original *Evergreen Art*. Early the next morning, Wenren Xuewei personally saw him and Qing Nü off at the station.

Inside the compartment, Chen Mobai looked at the six vials of Myriad Transformation Thunder Water in his hand, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He had originally exchanged for five vials, but just before their departure, True Lord Peach Blossom presented him with an additional one. Chen Mobai politely declined a couple of times before accepting it. After all, this item was incredibly useful to him, as the possessor of the Five Elements Sect. Not to mention anything else, just consider the immortal peach tree. Although he had already consumed it and the Fourth-tier immortal peach fruit was of no further use to him, it could be given to other Core Formation cultivators within the sect. Alternatively, it could serve as valuable merchandise for the Five Elements Chamber of Commerce, to be sold or exchanged for other elixirs beneficial to late-stage Core Formation cultivators beyond the Eastern Wilderness. After carefully storing the Myriad Transformation Thunder Water, Chen Mobai and Qing Nü began to enjoy the scenery outside the window together. Although Qing Nü didn’t understand his preference for leisurely train rides, to her, nothing else mattered as long as she was by his side.

“The *Evergreen Art* is truly profound and vast; I definitely wouldn’t be able to cultivate it.” Their conversation naturally shifted to this illustrious Divine Transformation cultivation method of the Immortal Sect. Besides studying the original *Evergreen Art*, Qing Nü also brought a photocopied copy. Upon receiving it, Chen Mobai couldn't help but marvel at Wenren Xuewei's exceptional talent and astonishing perseverance. In truth, she was the real Divine Transformation prodigy of this era within the Immortal Sect, merely overshadowed and suppressed by his even more astonishing presence. Beyond requiring a Triple Heaven Spirit Root for entry, cultivating the *Evergreen Art* also severely tested one’s patience. This was due to the constant need for communication with the Grand Tsubaki Tree, the Immortal Sect’s foremost spiritual plant. Its grade was exceptionally high, making Wenren Xuewei’s consciousness feel like an ant in comparison. Although the *Evergreen Art* contract prevented her from being crushed, the sensation of a mayfly attempting to shake a tree constantly assailed her. Should her resolve waver, she risked getting lost within the Grand Tsubaki Tree’s boundless, starlike power. As long as Wenren Xuewei’s cultivation realm did not surpass that of the Grand Tsubaki Tree, she would constantly experience this impact. After the two mused on the arduous nature of the *Evergreen Art*, Chen Mobai concluded that Qing Nü would be better off focusing on water-attributed cultivation methods.

“You joined the Heaven Mending Group relatively early. I’ll see if I can help you apply for a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill in about ten years.” As they continued to converse, their topic naturally shifted to Qing Nü’s Core Formation. The Heaven Mending Group, a department directly subordinate to the Lord of the Righteous Law Hall within the Immortal Sect, granted its chief leader the authority to designate members who had completed sixty years of service to exchange for a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill. As Chen Mobai’s trusted associate and closest friend within the Heaven Mending Group, Qing Nü was certainly on that list.

“Mhm, thank you!” Qing Nü’s response was a sweet murmur of gratitude.

Half a day later, the train pulled into Nantian City. According to the schedule, it would stop there for half an hour. Seeing that they still had time, Chen Mobai took Qing Nü to explore. Nantian Jade, famous here, could produce a chime-like sound when imbued with spiritual energy, aiding cultivators in refining their spiritual sense. Around the station, numerous shops specialized in selling this jade. However, high-grade Nantian Jade mines had long been appropriated by the Immortal Sect, leaving only first and second-tier jade for private commerce. Qing Nü enthusiastically began selecting items. Beyond carved jade pieces, many shops also offered raw jade ore, all bearing hefty price tags. Many disembarking passengers were using their spiritual sense to examine the jade ore. However, Nantian Jade naturally absorbed spiritual sense, so many cultivators simply observed rather than gambling on raw stones. Most, like Qing Nü, merely selected finished jade pieces.

Chen Mobai activated his Void-Piercing Spirit Eyes. As he strolled through the shops, he meticulously examined and saw through every piece of jade ore. He discovered a few decent pieces, classified as top-tier First Grade, with some sections inside the jade even having mutated into Second Grade. Regardless of their cultivation realm, cultivators inherently enjoyed finding a good bargain. Chen Mobai approached a piece of jade ore with the highest internal quality. After inquiring about the price, he promptly paid 130,000 Merit Points to purchase it. The shopkeeper asked if he needed assistance cutting it open, but Chen Mobai shook his head. As the jade ore was merely the size of two fists, it was easily portable. Chen Mobai had the merchant package it in a bag and carried it away. It was not in his nature to openly display his domain and reveal his identity as a Golden Core True Lord in public.

While he was purchasing the jade ore, Qing Nü was also in the same shop, selecting a beautiful jade bangle which she placed upon her fair, delicate wrist. Under the sunlight, the simple jade bangle glowed with a faint emerald green light. With every movement of Qing Nü’s left hand, the bangle produced a soft, clear, and melodious chime. Qing Nü evidently loved it, but after glancing at the 88,000 price tag, she found it a bit expensive and reluctantly took it off. Witnessing this, Chen Mobai was about to ask the shopkeeper to package the jade bangle as well, when he suddenly frowned and looked towards the security monitor in the corner of the shop. Unbeknownst to him, one of the screens had glitched before suddenly displaying Yan Xinjie’s back. Chen Mobai, seeing Qing Nü still preoccupied with selecting other jade items, silently approached the monitor. However, just as he did, the surveillance feed abruptly returned to normal.

“Are you moving a bit too slow?” At that moment, an electronic voice suddenly sounded in Chen Mobai’s ear. He looked up at a jade figurine beside the monitor. Upon activating his Void-Piercing Spirit Eyes, he immediately perceived the intricate and complex internal structure of the jade figurine. This was, surprisingly, also a puppet. Chen Mobai considered for a moment, then, instead of immediately confronting Yan Xinjie, he uttered a single sentence.

“Qing Nü is with me; I will protect her.” As he spoke, he waved his hand, establishing a soundproof barrier to prevent others in the shop from overhearing.

“I admit you might become the strongest cultivator in the Immortal Sect in the future, but facing Lin Daoming now, what can you use to protect her?” Yan Xinjie’s electronic voice, emanating from the puppet, was transmitted directly into Chen Mobai’s ear, audible only to him.

“This is the Immortal Sect! Does Lin Daoming truly dare to act here?” Chen Mobai already held the Immortal Sect’s laws and regulations in deep reverence, a respect that only intensified after learning about the Fruit of Dao Laws. Not only had Lin Daoming retired, but even if he were still the Hall Master of Immortal Affairs, he would never dare to defy the rules established by generations of Divine Transformation cultivators in the Immortal Sect.

“Lin Daoming is returning from his hometown, Mount Jinting, to the Wangwu Grotto-heaven today. He will be transferring trains right here in Nantian City, taking the same train as you.” At this, Yan Xinjie uttered a statement that caused Chen Mobai’s pupils to widen.

“Such a coincidence?”

“You have the Great Teleportation Talisman, don’t you? It’s not too late to send Qing Nü away now. If you board the same train as him, do you believe you can protect her from a Nascent Soul cultivator like him?” Yan Xinjie’s words plunged Chen Mobai into silence. While he had utmost faith in the Immortal Sect’s regulations, he was certainly unwilling to gamble with Qing Nü’s life. He always preferred to preemptively eliminate dangers. But to send Qing Nü away...

Upon this thought, Chen Mobai retrieved a shimmering silver talisman from his domain—it was the Great Teleportation Talisman Yan Xinjie had mentioned to him previously. However, he didn't fully trust Yan Xinjie, and believing he could protect Qing Nü within the Immortal Sect, he had kept the talisman stored away.

“I’m waiting outside the Heavenly Curtain of the Earth Star. This is your last chance to get Qing Nü away from Lin Daoming’s clutches.” After Yan Xinjie finished speaking, the jade figurine abruptly dimmed. Chen Mobai, observing with his Void-Piercing Spirit Eyes, realized the figurine had dimmed because its stored spiritual energy was depleted. Still, to be safe, he extended his hand and injected a pure Yang spiritual force into the jade figurine, utterly destroying all its internal puppet structures.

“Quick, help me decide which of these bangles looks better?” As soon as he finished, Qing Nü, with a collection of jade bangles adorning her wrist, waved at Chen Mobai. She raised her left hand towards him, the bangles clinking with a clear, melodious sound that made her appear even more charming and delicate.

“None are as pretty as the one you liked earlier.” Chen Mobai pointed to the emerald green jade bangle, priced at 88,000, that Qing Nü had initially favored. He then called the shopkeeper over and gestured for that one to be packaged as well.

“But this is too expensive…”

“It’s fine; consider it a thank-you gift for helping me finalize the deal for the Myriad Transformation Thunder Water.” Chen Mobai paid the Merit Points with a smile. Qing Nü, seeing this, still murmured her reservations, but her face and eyes were brimming with smiles. She glowed with happiness, like a blooming flower. Following this, Chen Mobai visited several other shops and acquired all the jade ore of the highest quality.

“It’s almost time; the train is about to leave.” Qing Nü, noting that only five minutes remained, prompted Chen Mobai.

“I’d like to stay here for the night to open the jade ores I just purchased.” Chen Mobai’s sudden statement left Qing Nü looking puzzled, yet she offered no objection. After all, nothing else mattered as long as she was with him. In a secluded spot, Chen Mobai waved his hand, transferring all the newly acquired jade ore into his personal domain. Afterward, he and Qing Nü hailed a car and headed into the city.

Meanwhile, within the train station, Lin Daoming transferred into the compartment originally occupied by Chen Mobai and Qing Nü. Just as the train began to depart, Lin Daoming suddenly frowned. He took out a jade cloud dragon sculpture and, with a hint of puzzlement, addressed it.

“What’s wrong?”

“That damned brat is so cautious! He wouldn’t take the easy way out and now forces me to act personally!” The jade cloud dragon spoke, its voice an electronic rendition of Yan Xinjie’s. Then, under Lin Daoming’s bewildered gaze, the jade cloud dragon shimmered with a pure white, profound spiritual light before instantly soaring out the window, heading towards Nantian City. Lin Daoming was somewhat surprised; after knowing Yan Xinjie for so many years, it was the first time he had witnessed him in such a state of discomposure.

More than half a year into his retirement, Lin Daoming had settled all his affairs within the Immortal Sect and resolved all his mundane ties in his hometown of Mount Jinting. He was following the itinerary Yan Xinjie had planned for him, intending to disembark at Duruo City, which was beyond Nantian City. Yan Xinjie had left a Great Teleportation Talisman there, allowing Lin Daoming to depart the Immortal Sect immediately after acquiring it. Lin Daoming, however, had not foreseen that his journey would become a component of Yan Xinjie’s plot against Chen Mobai and Qing Nü. What Yan Xinjie had not anticipated was Chen Mobai’s unwavering composure, even when facing the imminent threat of a Nascent Soul cultivator. Not only did Chen Mobai deviate from Yan Xinjie’s plan by refusing to use the Great Teleportation Talisman to deliver Qing Nü into his hands, but he even abandoned the train altogether, intending to avoid Lin Daoming. After this current display, Yan Xinjie realized that such a favorable opportunity might not arise again. After all, once Lin Daoming left the Immortal Sect, he would no longer have this powerful "tiger's skin" to intimidate Chen Mobai. In that scenario, Chen Mobai would become even more fearless, confident in his ability and authority to protect Qing Nü, and would certainly not deliver her into his hands. This was Yan Xinjie’s final chance to seize Qing Nü. Therefore, seeing that Chen Mobai had not fallen into his trap, he cast aside all reservations and immediately activated the powerful puppet he had left with Lin Daoming, preparing for a forceful intervention.

“I have something to attend to. Go directly to Duruo City and wait for me; I’ll certainly arrive by the time the train pulls in.” While Yan Xinjie’s words still echoed in Lin Daoming’s ears, the jade cloud dragon had already soared into the sky, concealing its presence as it rapidly traversed the heavens.

“Something is amiss!” Upon hearing this, Lin Daoming frowned slightly. Having presided over the Immortal Affairs Hall for nearly five hundred years, he had experienced every kind of open and covert struggle. From Yan Xinjie’s lapse in composure, he quickly discerned the issue. After a moment of contemplation, his figure shimmered with silver light and vanished from the compartment.

In Nantian City, as Chen Mobai and Qing Nü disembarked and prepared to find a hotel, the skies suddenly churned. Dark clouds billowed forth, and from within them, an enormous claw emerged, reaching directly for Qing Nü. Chen Mobai’s eyes blazed, his expression shifting dramatically. His innate combat instincts propelled him to unleash his full power in an instant. As the void tore open, the Purple Lightning Sword roared like thunder, erupting with blinding purple lightning that clashed directly with the descending dragon claw.

“Yan Xinjie, how dare you! How audacious of you to act within the Immortal Sect!” Before Chen Mobai could utter a word, an exasperated voice echoed from afar. A moment later, a profound, golden-yellow true qi illuminated the distant sky, simultaneously blocking the jade dragon’s claw and engulfing the Purple Lightning Sword. This profound true qi made Chen Mobai feel an overwhelming power he had never encountered before. The top-grade Fourth-tier Purple Lightning Sword, enveloped by the profound golden-yellow true qi, was like a blade stuck in quicksand. Despite its violent struggles, there was no sign of it breaking free.

“Lin Daoming!” Chen Mobai instantly realized who was acting. Only the former Hall Master of Immortal Affairs, a Grand Cultivator at the perfected Nascent Soul realm, could suppress him in an instant. But soon, doubt surfaced in his mind. *Wasn’t Lin Daoming his greatest adversary? Why was he assisting him?* But quickly, Chen Mobai realized he had surely been deceived by Yan Xinjie. Fortunately, he was a cautious man; otherwise, had he truly delivered Qing Nü into Yan Xinjie’s hands, he would likely have regretted it for a lifetime, just like Kong Feichen. It was then that Chen Mobai realized Yan Xinjie must be the mastermind who lured Kong Feichen and Yang Jing away from the Immortal Sect, as their underhanded tactics were practically identical. *Fortunately, I’m not as foolish as Kong Feichen!*

As Chen Mobai thought this, he noticed the people of Nantian City holding up their phones, recording the fantastical spectacle in the sky. There was a jade-like white dragon, vaguely visible within the dark clouds, and a tall, magnificent figure shrouded in golden-yellow light.

“I am a cultivator from the Law Enforcement Department! Those in the sky are wanted criminals of the Immortal Sect. Everyone, find cover immediately!” Chen Mobai, seeing their reckless behavior, immediately spoke up, explaining the gravity of the situation. His words immediately caused many to blanch and flee. However, a segment of the younger crowd, eyes wide with wonder, grew even more excited instead. Chen Mobai no longer paid them any mind. He pulled out his phone and activated the highest-level distress signal within the Heaven Mending Group.

“This girl possesses your original Fetal Transformation Essence Qi. If you wish to achieve Divine Transformation, you must take her with you!” At that very moment, Yan Xinjie revealed Qing Nü’s origins to Lin Daoming. Lin Daoming, who had previously been resolute in forbidding Yan Xinjie from acting within Immortal Sect territory, immediately blanched upon hearing “Fetal Transformation Essence Qi”!

“Didn’t you say the experiment failed, and that no immortal sprout could withstand Fetal Transformation Essence Qi?!”

“I withheld some information; she was the only successful one!” Yan Xinjie grew anxious. Operating within the Immortal Sect’s territory, especially against Chen Mobai—who was arguably the most crucial Divine Transformation prodigy—meant that if he didn’t resolve the situation within minutes, complications would surely arise. Seeing Lin Daoming’s refusal to yield, he had no choice but to reveal the truth.

“Just how many things have you been hiding from me, you scoundrel?!” Lin Daoming’s face was contorted with fury, but then Yan Xinjie pointed towards the Five Peaks Immortal Mountains! If the Divine Transformation Grand Patriarchs noticed this location, they could instantly arrive by executing Great Void Teleportation. Furthermore, Lin Daoming knew that Chen Mobai’s identity might even prompt Grand Ancestor Baiguang to personally intervene.

“After we capture that immortal sprout, how do we escape?” Lin Daoming posed the most critical question. In response, Yan Xinjie spat out a talisman. Lin Daoming took it and recognized it immediately: it was the very Great Teleportation Talisman he had been instructed to retrieve from Duruo City. In that instant, the trust between them completely shattered. However, Lin Daoming also knew there was no turning back for him. After being expelled from the Heaven Mending lineage by Grand Ancestor Qianxing on Gathering Immortal Peak, his only path to Divine Transformation was to leave the Immortal Sect. The Fetal Transformation Essence Qi, in particular, was the very foundation he had gambled everything on to achieve Divine Transformation. Had it not been for this, why would someone of his dignified status as Hall Master of Immortal Affairs have authorized Yan Xinjie to conduct such an experiment?

“Act swiftly, then we leave at once!” Lin Daoming released his earth-attributed true qi, which had been blocking Yan Xinjie, but maintained his grip on the Purple Lightning Sword. Chen Mobai saw Yan Xinjie’s dragon claw suddenly break through the profound golden-yellow true qi in the sky. His heart sank, realizing it was a critical moment of life and death.

“Qing Nü, do you trust me?” He abruptly asked Qing Nü, who was behind him.

“In the Immortal Sect, I only trust you!” Qing Nü’s resolute words brought a satisfied smile to Chen Mobai’s lips.

“No matter what I do to you in a moment, do not resist!” After speaking, Chen Mobai retrieved the Azure Frost Sword. After settling on a price with it, he borrowed the inherent power of this top-grade Fourth-tier sword to engage Yan Xinjie’s cloud dragon puppet. This puppet was clearly only at the peak of the Third Tier; he had a chance to fight. However, after just one exchange, the anxious Lin Daoming could no longer hold back and directly entered the fray! The profound golden-yellow true qi descended, ensnaring the Azure Frost Sword once more! The immense cultivation of a perfected Nascent Soul directly suppressed these two most powerful Fourth-tier swords!

“Hand Qing Nü over to me; I won’t let him harm you!” Lin Daoming’s words echoed in Chen Mobai’s ear. Yan Xinjie seemed to have heard them as well, offering no objection, and even nodded.

“My sole target is Qing Nü. I’ll give you three seconds to consider. If you wish to die, I’ll have no choice but to be ruthless. The Immortal Sect’s Twin Sages cannot intimidate us ancient orthodoxies.” As Yan Xinjie spoke, the jade cloud dragon puppet extended its claw once more, reaching for Qing Nü behind Chen Mobai.

“Alas, Seniors, please halt. I wish to personally escort Qing Nü for a short distance!” After Lin Daoming entered the fray, Chen Mobai appeared truly desperate. With a bitter smile, he ordered the Purple Lightning Sword and Azure Frost Sword to cease their resistance. Then, he extended his hand and produced the Great Teleportation Talisman he had long possessed!

Witnessing this, Yan Xinjie halted his actions. The Great Teleportation Talisman he had crafted was designed for a single user. His original intention was to use the talisman within the jade cloud dragon puppet to abduct Qing Nü, leaving Lin Daoming to face the Immortal Sect’s wrath. However, if Chen Mobai were willing to use another Great Teleportation Talisman to send Qing Nü away, he could also bring Lin Daoming along. This would both strengthen the Ascending Sect and weaken the Immortal Sect, all while not violating his own promise.

“You have five seconds to say your farewells!” Yan Xinjie’s voice was cold. Similarly, Lin Daoming released his profound golden-yellow true qi, allowing the Twin Purple-Azure Swords to return to Chen Mobai’s side. As a perfected Nascent Soul cultivator, Lin Daoming was confident in his ability to control the entire situation.

“Qing Nü, I will spend the rest of my life with you!” Chen Mobai said this to Qing Nü, then raised the Great Teleportation Talisman in his hand. As potent void energy erupted, Chen Mobai reached out and grasped Qing Nü’s hand.

“Lad, are you also planning to join our Ascending Sect?” Witnessing this, Yan Xinjie was utterly bewildered! *How could this be? Could the Great Teleportation Talisman have performed beyond expectations during its refinement? It actually teleported two people away directly!*

“This is bad! The Heavenly Star is projecting light towards this location; someone is coming!” At that very moment, Lin Daoming’s expression drastically changed. He looked up at the sky, and from the otherwise daylight firmament, a dazzling star suddenly shone forth. Being intimately familiar with all matters of the Immortal Sect, he naturally understood what this signified! This indicated someone was pinpointing their location; once the targeting was complete, they would perform the Great Void Teleportation technique, instantly teleporting here. Within the Immortal Sect, apart from the Twin Sages, only Qi Yuheng, the Hall Master of Kaiyuan Hall, possessed the ability to perform Great Void Teleportation. Regardless of who arrived, they would be unable to contend with them.

“Quick, leave!” Upon hearing this, Yan Xinjie dared not be arrogant. He immediately activated the Great Teleportation Talisman in his hand, then transformed back into a jade statue, and together with the talisman, flew into Lin Daoming’s grasp. Amidst a flash of silver light, Lin Daoming instantly vanished from the skies above Nantian City!

Just seven minutes later, the void abruptly distorted, and from within stepped a young man with a high-bridged nose, cold eyes, and a face as sharply chiseled as if carved by a blade. His skin was as smooth as jade, and he wore a pair of exquisite jade pendants on his ears. With a graceful flick of his long fingers, the void portal behind him instantly closed, and he slowly descended to the spot where Chen Mobai and Qing Nü had vanished. A subtle radiance flickered within his pupils, as if possessing a strange power that pierced through illusion and the past. Moments later, he ascended again, reaching the mid-air location where Lin Daoming had used the Great Teleportation Talisman to depart.

“To think, you ultimately succumbed to unorthodox ways. You have greatly disappointed me!” The young man was Qi Yuheng, the Hall Master of Kaiyuan Hall, renowned as the Immortal Sect’s foremost Nascent Soul cultivator. He had no idea what spell he had cast, but he could actually see the scene that had transpired there a quarter of an hour prior. The departure of Chen Mobai and Qing Nü did not concern him. However, Lin Daoming’s defection deeply disappointed Qi Yuheng, who had spent centuries in his company.

At this juncture, the City Lord of Nantian City, accompanied by Immortal Sect public officials from various departments, also arrived at the scene. Upon seeing Qi Yuheng, their expressions drastically changed, and they quickly disembarked to salute him.

“Locate Commissioner Chen of Kaiyuan Hall. He was attacked by cultists from the Ascending Sect. He may have used a Great Teleportation Talisman, or perhaps escaped using Void Walking. We need to find him, alive or dead!” After Qi Yuheng finished speaking, the Nantian City Law Enforcement Bureau immediately sprang into frantic action. Chen Mobai was still the Deputy Minister of the Law Enforcement Department, their direct superior!