Chapter 761: Expressing True Feelings

Pure Nine Lotus Treasure Lamp: 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 9.

Qing Nü looked at the ancient five-pointed maple on the mountaintop, which still had large patches of charred bark. After listening to Chen Mobai's explanations about the Heavenly Tribulation, "Deadwood Blossoms," and "Myriad Transformation Thunderwater," she couldn't help but show surprise in her eyes.

"Why would this world have a Heavenly Tribulation?"

Chen Mobai roughly explained his conjecture: the Heavenly Tribulation was a materialized disaster formed by the condensation of spiritual energy from heaven and earth. In the Immortal Sect, however, because all the spiritual energy was controlled by the Heavenly Curtain and Earth Net, no Heavenly Tribulation would form.

"So, this means the Immortal Sect is unique, and other worlds outside of it should all experience Heavenly Tribulation?"

Qing Nü asked again. Chen Mobai thought for a moment, then shook his head. He couldn't provide that answer.

"It's also possible that this Heavenly River Realm is special, and perhaps other worlds, apart from this one, don't have Heavenly Tribulation."

They left the discussion at that point. If a third different world were found to verify, they might then get an answer.

Qing Nü was an excellent graduate of the Gou Mang Daoist Academy. Although she couldn't use the "Myriad Creature Telepathy" or "Empty Valley Echoes" techniques, her own skill as a spirit plant cultivator was at the third rank. After Chen Mobai told her all the details about caring for the five-pointed ancient maple, she would essentially have no problem looking after it.

Afterwards, Chen Mobai activated a "Wooden Cabin Talisman" and placed it on the summit of Mount Tianpeng.

He also set up a large Cloud Mist Formation to envelop the area, protecting his and Qing Nü's privacy.

For the next month, Chen Mobai also stayed on Mount Tianpeng, mainly accompanying Qing Nü as she adapted to her new environment.

While taking care of the five-pointed ancient maple, Old Ancestor Liu Jingxian of the Liu family paid a visit.

As requested, he brought ten Blood Jade Carps.

His eldest disciple had gone to Dongwu. Besides dealing with the heretical Golden Core, he was also trying to see if he could expand the trade routes for Xiao Nanshan Shop there.

Since Mount Tianpeng and the Liu family were both in Yun Commandery, Chen Mobai simply had Liu Jingxian deliver the fish to them.

He had consumed this Blood Jade Carp many times, and it had increased his Water Spirit Root by a total of 8 points.

After that, no matter how much more he ate, it had no further effect.

On the summit of Mount Tianpeng, Qing Nü tasted a bite of the fish Chen Mobai had cooked. Her face showed a look of realization, but then she asked, puzzled, "So, the fish I ate back then came from here. That's not right. If this Blood Jade Carp can enhance the Water Spirit Root, why did my Water Spirit Root show no change at all during the entrance exam, despite me eating it so many times?"

"Each Blood Jade Carp only has the effect of enhancing the Water Spirit Root after a single cultivator consumes the entire fish," Chen Mobai explained with a smile, revealing the reason. "The more people who eat it, the more diluted the effect becomes. So even if you eat it multiple times, you won't accumulate the full effect needed to enhance your spirit root."

Being cautious, Chen Mobai had also eaten it with his parents after discovering the Blood Jade Carp's effect, then used a spirit root testing device to confirm this.

"I see! No wonder when you invited me to eat fish, you always brought your classmates along."

Upon hearing this, Qing Nü finally understood why, during their pleasant dates in Danxia City back then, Chen Mobai always brought along "third wheels" like Yan Bingxuan.

"According to my experience, each Blood Jade Carp can permanently increase the Water Spirit Root by 1 point. Tomorrow, I'll use the spirit root testing device to check yours again."

The next day, Chen Mobai specifically rummaged through his storage bag to find the old model spirit root testing device that he hadn't used in a long time.

"Do you remember? You sold this to me back then. Although its response time is very slow now, I've always kept it."

Seeing the severely aged spirit root testing device in Chen Mobai's hand, Qing Nü was deeply moved and couldn't help but embrace him again.

Enjoying the warm, fragrant embrace of her delicate body, Chen Mobai took Qing Nü's fair right hand and had her channel spiritual energy into the device.

After several minutes, the screen of the spirit root testing device finally displayed the values for her Five Elements Spirit Roots.

Metal 4, Wood 8, Water 82, Fire 1, Earth 23.

These were standard Heavenly Water Spirit Root values, but their total sum reached 118 points, which surprised Chen Mobai somewhat.

"When I first entered the academy, I also had thoughts about the 'Evergreen Cultivation Art,' so I cultivated the 'Earth Gathering Incantation,'" Qing Nü said with a hint of small pride from within Chen Mobai's embrace. "Afterwards, I also wanted to be on par with you, so I never gave up these past few years and have already cultivated it to the ninth layer."

In the Immortal Sect, with its lack of resources, for her to cultivate the "Earth Gathering Incantation" to the ninth layer could be considered extremely diligent.

Counting the time, it was clear that she hadn't slackened in this spirit root enhancement technique since reaching Foundation Establishment.

"Very good, keep up the hard work. Conveniently, the Eastern Barrens also have Dragon Vein Qi. I'll have two of my grand-disciples collect materials later, and then you can refine a batch of Earth Vein Pills to consume."

Actually, Chen Mobai still had some extra Earth Vein Pills, but these were considered substandard by Immortal Sect's criteria. He had also intended to save them for Zhuo Ming, as the Green Cicada Spirit Tea meant there was no need to worry about pill toxins.

But if Qing Nü could refine Earth Vein Pills without pill toxins, why would she need to consume his substandard products?

"Even with Earth Vein Pills, I'm afraid it would take at least the Golden Core or even Nascent Soul stage to raise my Earth Spirit Root above 80 points," Qing Nü said.

Qing Nü now understood why Chen Mobai wanted her to apply to view the original "Evergreen Cultivation Art." He clearly hoped she could master it.

But having three Heavenly Spirit Roots was truly too difficult.

"In the Eastern Barrens, there are many ores suitable for cultivating the 'Earth Gathering Incantation,' such as Life-Nourishing Stones, which can directly enhance the Earth Spirit Root when refined. There's also the even more profound 'Essence of Creation'..."

Chen Mobai shared his experience of enhancing his Earth Spirit Root. As Qing Nü listened, she became even more astonished by the abundance of resources in the Heavenly River Realm.

"Then your current Earth Spirit Root must have a very high value, right?"

Hearing Qing Nü's words, Chen Mobai smiled faintly, then channeled a stream of spiritual energy into the spirit root testing device in his palm.

A few minutes later, Qing Nü looked at the Five Elements Spirit Root values displayed on the screen, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Around next year, my 'Nine Yang Body' should complete its first transformation. At that time, my Fire Spirit Root value will increase to 100 points. I wonder what benefits an 'Immortal Fire Spirit Root' brings?" Chen Mobai said after displaying his impressive spirit root values, then patted Qing Nü in his arms, indicating that the second Blood Jade Carp was cooked and ready to eat.

"I once attended a lecture by Venerable San Jue at the Gou Mang Daoist Academy," Qing Nü said. "He was explaining the relationship between spirit roots and the human body at the time, and he mentioned that a cultivator, after raising their spirit root value to 100 points, experienced an 'Enlightenment.'"

What Qing Nü said made Chen Mobai somewhat curious.

When he achieved Foundation Establishment through enlightenment, he directly acquired a Fire Spirit Body. Because of this, his cultivation of fire-attribute cultivation arts and techniques had been almost universally successful.

If he could experience enlightenment again, would the effects stack?

Qing Nü, however, didn't know about these things.

After all, during that class, Venerable San Jue had merely mentioned it in passing, presenting it as a unique case for them to hear.

Chen Mobai then recalled what Wenren Xuewei had said: most research concerning Immortal Spirit Roots was conducted at the Heaven Mending Daoist Academy, with a small portion at the Grand Medical Palace.

It seemed he would have to find a way to research this information after returning to the Immortal Sect.

As he thought this, Chen Mobai also remembered his experience of enhancing his Wood Spirit Root.

He immediately instructed Wei Qiurong, who was down the mountain, to go to Green Bamboo Ridge and acquire jade bamboo shoots.

Early the next morning, Chen Mobai re-measured Qing Nü's Water Spirit Root, only to discover that it had only increased by 1 point after she ate two fish.

He had initially thought that no matter how much she ate at once, it could only increase by 1 point.

That day, he only cooked one for Qing Nü, but when he tested her on the third day, he found no increase at all.

After numerous experiments, Chen Mobai had Liu Jingxian send over another ten, and also let Wei Qiurong eat a few. Then, by constantly analyzing with Qing Nü, they roughly reached a conclusion.

The Blood Jade Carp was indeed useful for enhancing the Water Spirit Root, but its effect became weaker for cultivators with higher Water Spirit Root values.

For instance, since Qing Nü already possessed a Heavenly Water Spirit Root, it took two fish to barely increase it by 1 point. Moreover, after reaching a total increase of 4 points, even consuming more second-tier Blood Jade Carps had no further effect on her.

Chen Mobai was slightly disappointed by this but didn't dwell on it.

After all, besides the Blood Jade Carp, there were many other aquatic products in Yunmeng Marsh that could enhance the Water Spirit Root.

And there were also Immortal Peach Fruits.

That morning, Chen Mobai gently patted awake the naked Qing Nü in his arms, measured her spirit root values, and seeing the Water value of 88, he couldn't help but smile faintly.

If quality wasn't enough, then quantity would make up for it.

The beast tide in Yunmeng Marsh had begun to subside this year, so under his command, various aquatic products that could enhance the Water Spirit Root were personally delivered by cultivators from the Five Elements Sect, transported in large water tanks.

Furthermore, Qing Nü had consumed her first third-tier Immortal Peach Fruit yesterday. The quality of this spiritual fruit was high enough that its effect wasn't weakened for her at all, increasing her Earth, Water, and Wood spirit roots by 1 point each.

Next, once Qing Nü reached the Golden Core stage, she could consume fourth-tier Immortal Peach Fruits, and basically, achieving an Immortal Water Spirit Root would no longer be an issue.

After resolving this matter, Chen Mobai felt much more at ease.

"I'm returning to the Immortal Sect. This place is in your hands now," Chen Mobai said, looking at Qing Nü after she finished eating the jade bamboo shoots stir-fried with fish.

Qing Nü's eyes showed some reluctance, but she knew that this man before her was different from her; he still had many ties back in the Immortal Sect.

"Mm, with me here, you can rest assured," Qing Nü said with a smile, forcing back her emotions.

During this period, the five-pointed ancient maple had absorbed half a tube of diluted Myriad Transformation Thunderwater. Its originally charred and dead bark had completely peeled off, revealing a vibrant, rejuvenated trunk underneath.

However, after its rebirth, this five-pointed ancient maple was only at the ordinary third-tier level. It might take a very long time to recover to its fourth-tier peak.

This was still due to the Myriad Transformation Thunderwater; otherwise, according to Chen Mobai's estimation, the revived spirit plant would at most be high-grade second-tier.

But for Chen Mobai, this was already sufficient.

After all, he wouldn't need to use this five-pointed ancient maple until after reaching the Nascent Soul stage.

Chen Mobai left one and a half tubes of Myriad Transformation Thunderwater for Qing Nü. He then held her, dressed in a traditional ancient-style dress, for a long time before reluctantly activating his Red Cloud Smoke Net and departing.

Their relationship had long been a natural progression. When Qing Nü was willing to follow Chen Mobai to the Heavenly River Realm, he already understood her heart, so they confessed their feelings to each other in the Divine Tree Secret Realm.

Chen Mobai also promised Qing Nü that at an appropriate time, he would hold a Dao Companion ceremony with her in this world, announcing it to the entire Eastern Barrens.

Qing Nü, however, stated that being with him was enough, and nothing else mattered.

However, because Qing Nü's primordial yin was very important for her cultivation, they had not yet broken through the final barrier.

But such matters were no challenge for the experienced Chen Mobai.

Before reaching Foundation Establishment, Qing Nü had already mastered the "Boundary Method." With her talent, reverse-engineering it, combined with Chen Mobai's personal guidance, she finally cultivated the original "Jade Lock Golden Gate Incantation" of the "Boundary Method" a few days ago.

With no more qualms, they had already tried "that" during their time in the Divine Tree Secret Realm.

Qing Nü's reaction during their first time made Chen Mobai feel an unprecedented passion.

It was an intimate experience he had never felt before, full of emotion, where their minds were almost perfectly synchronized.

When Qing Nü had come from the Immortal Sect, the black stockings on her long legs had ripped in his hands.

In the wooden cabin within the Divine Tree Secret Realm, Chen Mobai did not leave his room for three days and three nights.

From that day onwards, Qing Nü started wearing traditional long dresses or qipaos to blend in with the local customs, though Chen Mobai found her even more appealing in such attire.

And precisely because of this, he had no time when Meng Huang'er called him during that period.

As he was about to depart using the Red Cloud Smoke Net, Chen Mobai looked at the tall and elegant Qing Nü and suddenly asked, "How about we leave tomorrow instead..." Qing Nü immediately looked up, her face and eyes filled with joy.

That night, the summit of Mount Tianpeng was once again sleepless.

The next day, with great willpower, Chen Mobai reluctantly released Qing Nü, who was only wearing a pure white dudou, from his embrace. Under her lingering gaze, he quickly put on his clothes and departed swiftly using the Underworld Array.

"Chief, these matters need to be handled as soon as possible!"

Inside the headquarters of the Heaven Mending Group, Lin Yin, looking exhausted, handed a large pile of documents to Chen Mobai, who had just emerged from his cultivation retreat.

As the deputy chief, after Qing Nü's "disappearance," she had to concurrently take on Chen Mobai's secretarial duties and hadn't rested or slept for an entire month.

"You've worked hard."

Chen Mobai naturally noticed Lin Yin's suddenly acquired dark circles under her eyes and felt a bit embarrassed.

After all, during this period, he had used the excuse of showing signs of a cultivation breakthrough to enter seclusion, when in reality he was living like an immortal couple with Qing Nü on Mount Tianpeng.

Although he was accustomed to being a hands-off boss, he still felt a little bad about putting such high-intensity pressure on his subordinates.

"Chief, if this continues, I'll have no choice but to resign."

Lin Yin really couldn't take it anymore.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, serving as deputy chief was actually a bit beyond her capabilities. During Chen Mobai's seclusion, she was virtually in charge of the entire Heaven Mending Group's operations. However, because this department knew too many secrets, Golden Core Perfected Ones from the Three Great Halls would frequently come to "say hello."

After all, every family had unruly descendants, and according to Immortal Sect rules, if someone entered the Law Enforcement Department, their case needed to be publicized to the entire Immortal Sect.

However, due to its special status, the Heaven Mending Group could keep the cases it handled confidential.

Therefore, the higher-ups from the Three Great Halls often came to "greet" them, asking the Heaven Mending Group to help conceal matters.

Lin Yin dared not offend any of these people, but she also dared not make promises, because Chen Mobai disapproved of such practices.

But only Chen Mobai could refuse them, so Lin Yin's pressure was immense during his seclusion.

"See if there's anyone suitable within the group to promote."

Chen Mobai wanted to find a secretary similar to Qing Nü. Previously, because Qing Nü had no attachments and only listened to Chen Mobai, she would very decisively refuse requests from Golden Core Perfected Ones she didn't know.

Lin Yin had been waiting for these words and immediately named a few individuals.

The person Chen Mobai was most familiar with was naturally Zhong Liyi, who had returned to the Heaven Mending Group after failing to achieve Golden Core.

She was previously the deputy leader of Group Four, also a friend of Qing Nü, and a member of the Zhongli family. Logically, she would have been the most suitable candidate.

But to his surprise, as soon as she heard about becoming Chen Mobai's secretary, she immediately shook her head and refused.

Her reason was also very sound.

"Chief, you know our family has existed for a long time, and our network of connections is incredibly complex. Any councilor from the Three Great Halls can find members of our family. If they pass a message to me then, how could I dare refuse?"

Listening to Zhong Liyi's complaint, Chen Mobai understood.

People with family backgrounds wouldn't be as decisive in their actions as Qing Nü.

It seemed he needed to find someone with no particular background, or someone loyal only to him.

Unfortunately, there was no such person in the Heaven Mending Group!

Chen Mobai thought for a moment and decided to recruit externally.

Lin Yin had no objection to this, but subtly reminded him that because the Heaven Mending Group was a covert department, its reputation in the Immortal Sect was generally unremarkable. Furthermore, it had casualty quotas and high entry barriers, making it difficult to recruit people.

Chen Mobai, however, had long been prepared for this.

He clearly understood his greatest reliance for holding his current position.

Therefore, the newly recruited person definitely had to be a graduate of the Weapon Daoist Academy, so they would naturally be aligned with him. Ideally, they should also be from a commoner background, with no complex connections within the Immortal Sect.

If it was someone he was familiar with, even better!

After considering these conditions, Chen Mobai quickly thought of two people.

His two former secretaries from his time as Student Council Chief at the Weapon Daoist Academy!

Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan!

Under his command, Lin Yin quickly retrieved the two women's files through the Heaven Mending Group's channels.

Among them, Hua Zijing was currently serving as an office director in the Agricultural Bureau of Baoqian Blessed Land. Among the graduates of the Weapon Daoist Academy, she was considered to be doing moderately well, if not above average.

After all, she was already officially employed as a public servant.

If her connections were strong enough, she could exchange her accumulated years of service for Golden Core elixirs once she had enough.

As for Zhuang Jialan, after graduation, she joined the Talisman Master Association and was now the president of the Talisman Master Association in her hometown's Blessed Land city. Although she could barely be considered a public servant, it was estimated that she could only exchange her service for Five Elements Golden Core Pills.

After reviewing the two women's profiles, Chen Mobai first called Hua Zijing.

"Hello..."

On the phone screen of Hua Zijing, who was idling away her days in her office, a number that hadn't lit up in decades appeared. She answered it with a slight tremble, suppressing her excitement, and greeted him first.

"Long time no see. I currently need a secretary here. If you come, I can ensure that your sixty years of service will qualify you for a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill," Chen Mobai said, cutting straight to the purpose of his call after a brief exchange of pleasantries.

After hearing this, Hua Zijing's mind raced for a moment, concluding that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transcend her current social circle. She immediately gave an indirect affirmative response.

"It might be a bit inconvenient for me to transfer positions!"

"I'll arrange it!"

Chen Mobai's four words made her overjoyed. She then hummed in affirmation, giving a definite answer to becoming his secretary.

"You can start packing. My work here is quite busy, so be mentally prepared."

"I will seize this chance to reach the heavens in a single step!"

Hua Zijing gave the most enthusiastic reply.

Chen Mobai smiled as he hung up the phone, then hesitated for a moment.

He actually only needed one secretary, but two wouldn't matter. After all, he would be rising higher in the future, and cultivating someone loyal to him to control the Heaven Mending Group was also very important.

Wunai City!

As a blessed land city near Huayang Grotto-Heaven, it was somewhat famous for producing an excellent type of talisman paper.

As the president of the local Talisman Master Association, Zhuang Jialan tiredly removed her glasses after proofreading the quality of one hundred second-tier talismans that were to be sent to Huayang Grotto-Heaven. After applying eye-clearing spiritual dew, she extended her slender fingers and massaged her overworked eyes.

Ring, ring!

Just then, her phone rang.

Zhuang Jialan frowned her delicate brows and reluctantly opened her eyes. She thought it was another director from Huayang Grotto-Heaven, urging her to deliver the talismans as soon as possible.

She was tempted to reach out and hang up, but considering that she still relied on the Talisman Master Association to obtain Golden Core spiritual items, she could only suppress the frustration in her heart and sighed.

Just as she picked up her phone and was about to answer, she looked at the caller ID and instantly sobered up, all fatigue gone.

"Jialan, long time no see. How have you been recently?"

As the call connected, Chen Mobai's cheerful voice came from the other end, making Zhuang Jialan feel a sense of flattered surprise.

Right after graduation, she used to call or send text messages during holidays and festivals.

But as Chen Mobai's cultivation grew higher and higher, especially after he reached the Golden Core stage, Zhuang Jialan consciously stopped this practice.

She felt she was no longer worthy of contacting him.

The most recent text message should have been thirty-seven years ago, when Chen Mobai successfully established his Golden Core domain at the Foundation Establishment stage. After learning this news, she couldn't help but send him a congratulatory message, brimming with excitement and pride.

Chen Mobai had replied with "Thank you."

Since then, their next contact was this very phone call.

And what's more, Chen Mobai had initiated the call!

Suppressing her excitement, Zhuang Jialan began chatting with Chen Mobai, mostly about the various trivial matters at the Talisman Master Association. Originally, she had thought that after graduation, she could pursue her interests here while accumulating years of service and improving her professional knowledge and skill.

But little did she know, it was the beginning of dull, monotonous days and years.

There were too many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Immortal Sect waiting in line for Golden Core spiritual items. Even though she had reached Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer early, there were hundreds of people ahead of her just from the Weapon Daoist Academy lineage.

Moreover, this number was increasing every year.

She wasn't simply waiting in line to receive it in order.

Many people behind her could use various complex yet flawless maneuvers to bypass her in the queue.

So, by the end of their conversation, when Chen Mobai extended the invitation, Zhuang Jialan didn't hesitate at all and immediately nodded in agreement.

At the Talisman Master Association, she might have to wait one hundred and twenty years to qualify for exchanging for Golden Core spiritual items, but by joining the Heaven Mending Group, it would only take sixty years, and possibly even a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill.

This was almost equivalent to an invitation offering several times her current salary conditions.

Furthermore, Zhuang Jialan felt that if given this opportunity, she would even pay out of her own pocket to work for the Heaven Mending Group.

"Joining the Heaven Mending Group requires an assessment, but I'll arrange everything. Send me an electronic copy of your resume and details. Once you arrive at Wangwu Grotto-Heaven, I'll send someone to pick you up. You should be starting your new role with Zijing then."

Hearing that her senior, Hua Zijing, had also been invited, Zhuang Jialan felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment. She wasn't the only one after all!

However, after hanging up the phone, she immediately put on her glasses and began arranging her resignation.

Soon, a director from the Huayang Grotto-Heaven Talisman Master Association, who was her liaison, called her after receiving her resignation report. His tone was initially calm but then turned to pressure. "President Zhuang, why the sudden resignation? Is the pressure of talisman paper delivery too high lately? Young people shouldn't be so lax; if you can't even handle such small matters, how can I recommend you for Golden Core spiritual items in the future?"

"Director Guo," Zhuang Jialan said calmly, "I've been invited by a classmate to go to Wangwu Grotto-Heaven. For the work here, please find someone more capable."

"Classmate? Which classmate? Little Zhuang, I'm practically an elder who guided you into the association. Listen to my advice: life and work pressure in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven are immense. Furthermore, if you leave without a document from our main association, other departments won't recognize the years of service you've accumulated at the Talisman Master Association. You're not young anymore; if forty-five years of service are cleared, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, you won't have enough lifespan to wait another one hundred and twenty years..." the director on the other end of the phone said, with an implied threat in his voice.

"Director Guo," Zhuang Jialan said, no longer bothering to waste time, "this classmate of mine is from the same graduating class. After last year's assembly, he became a rotating committee