Chapter 762: Two Secretaries

Pure Nine Gates:

Lin Yin looked at Hua Zijing, who was tall, spirited, and dignified, and nodded slightly. She appeared very capable and would undoubtedly excel as the Chief's secretary.

"Hello, I'm Hua Zijing!" Hua Zijing extended her hand, introducing herself to the flat-chested beauty in front of her, who wore a black mask but clearly possessed striking looks.

"Lin Yin." After shaking hands and stating her name, Lin Yin quickly released her grip and pointed to a nearby sofa, saying, "Let's wait a bit; there's another person we need to pick up."

The two women were in an airport VIP lounge. Lin Yin had been sent by Chen Mobai to pick people up, which also served as a chance for her to rest, while Chen Mobai took the opportunity to resolve accumulated matters within the Butian Group. Although Hua Zijing wanted to converse, seeing Lin Yin's somewhat aloof nature, she remained silent.

Soon after, a woman with snow-white skin, delicate features, and a slender figure entered, pushing the door open with her luggage. She wore a light-colored floral dress. Hua Zijing was first surprised upon seeing her, then immediately recognized her, standing up to greet her.

"Long time no see, Jialan!"

Compared to her delicate and youthful appearance at the academy, Zhuang Jialan now exuded a more intellectual charm. Today, she had also removed her glasses, applied bright eye makeup, and styled her smooth, long hair into soft curls, giving her an elegant yet serene demeanor.

This one looks good too. Lin Yin's eyes also lit up upon seeing Zhuang Jialan; her matured elegance made everyone who saw her feel a sense of comfort and pleasure. Hua Zijing had a more striking physique, but her appearance was somewhat heroic. However, if Lin Yin had to choose, she would wish for Hua Zijing's figure, as her own was a significant flaw in that regard.

"The Chief has booked a formal dinner for this evening. There's half a day left; would you two like to rest first?" Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lin Yin announced the day's arrangements. Chen Mobai had business at the Celestial Affairs Hall today, so he had no time during the day.

"I heard him say that joining the Butian Group requires an assessment. If we go today, will there be enough time?" Hua Zijing asked, primarily concerned about whether it would delay her meeting with Chen Mobai that evening. Lin Yin naturally understood her meaning, checked the time, and nodded.

"Your induction assessments were specially arranged by the Chief. The members responsible for this within the group can be ready at any time."

"Then let's go now. We can start work officially tomorrow and lighten his burden." Hua Zijing's decisive words made Lin Yin look at her with a hint of surprise. Zhuang Jialan, meanwhile, quietly nodded, holding her suitcase.

Lin Yin made a phone call, then directly took the two women there. With Chen Mobai having made arrangements beforehand, the two women naturally had smooth sailing. By the time they left the Butian Group, they had not only received their work permits but also completed the submission of their records from various locations.

***

Evening.

After Chen Mobai and Lan Haitian dealt with a case involving a public official researching forbidden techniques, he invited Lan Haitian to dinner.

"Secretary Lan, you should know Zijing. In the future, if I'm quite busy, I might have Zijing contact you." During the dinner, Chen Mobai introduced the newly inducted Hua Zijing to Lan Haitian. When the Minor Crimson Heaven was first opened, Lan Haitian was invited to assist, and the Martial Arts Academy gave him a natal magical artifact embryo as a gift. At that time, Hua Zijing was Chen Mobai's secretary. Golden Core cultivators possess near-perfect recall, so with Chen Mobai's reminder, Lan Haitian recalled Hua Zijing, who had been serving dishes nearby back then.

"Chief Chen, after your rapid ascent, you haven't forgotten to help your former classmates. You are truly benevolent!" Lan Haitian smiled and clinked glasses with Chen Mobai. Lin Yin, Hua Zijing, and Zhuang Jialan, seated at the same table, immediately raised their glasses as well.

Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan, who had only just started their positions that afternoon, couldn't help but feel that one's fortune truly changes in an instant as they watched the two men conversing and laughing before them. Yesterday, they were still repeating exceedingly dull and exceptionally demanding work. But today, they were able to accompany high-ranking figures from among the Celestial Gate's Three Great Halls, those holding the foremost positions. They were even about to participate in their work, becoming a part of it themselves. This dramatic shift made the two women tell themselves that they absolutely must seize this opportunity.

After all, both Chen Mobai and Lan Haitian had the potential to become future Hall Masters of the Three Great Halls, and the chances were high. If that day truly arrived, then as secretaries who rose alongside Chen Mobai, it was possible for both of them to become Deputy Hall Masters of the Three Great Halls, just like Ye Yun'e was now. In that case, even the three spirit medicines for Nascent Soul formation would be guaranteed to them. Thinking this, both Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan felt their breathing quicken slightly. The chance to change their destinies was right before their eyes. If they missed this opportunity, they would surely regret it for the rest of their lives!

***

After the dinner concluded, Chen Mobai had Lin Yin escort Lan Haitian back. As for himself, he caught up with his two old classmates.

"It truly has been a very, very long time since we last met!" After moving to a private room for conversation, Chen Mobai was the first to speak with emotion. He had been so immersed in his cultivation and the construction and development of the Wuxing Sect that he hadn't noticed it had been over forty years since he last saw that group of classmates and friends from the academy. Even in the Divine Transformation class, where relationships were close, no one had spoken in over twenty years.

The liveliest time was the day news of Chen Mobai's successful Core Formation spread. On that day, everyone was marveling at his extraordinary talent and calling for him to give out red packets. That was also when Chen Mobai's vanity was most satisfied. Unfortunately, after Core Formation, the previously active group chat grew quiet. Now, Chen Mobai only kept in touch annually with Ming Yihua, Yun Yangbing, and Wang Xingyu.

"Thank you for still remembering us and for being willing to give us a hand." Hua Zijing raised a glass and thanked Chen Mobai solemnly. In an environment like the Celestial Gate, exchanging sixty years of service for a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill was almost like a second chance at life.

"We're all friends." Chen Mobai smiled and clinked glasses with her, then both drained their drinks. The quiet Zhuang Jialan, on the side, picked up the opened wine bottle after they finished and refilled their glasses. After thanking her, Chen Mobai began discussing future work arrangements.

"You two should already be aware of the Butian Group's work. Zijing, from now on, you will represent me externally, contacting and liaising with various departments of the Three Great Halls."

"Jialan, you will be in charge internally. All matters concerning Butian Group Nine will be consolidated with you. You and Lin Yin can directly handle whatever you are capable of."

"If you encounter anything you can't resolve, don't force it; just tell me directly. There will certainly be a period of adjustment at first, but as long as everyone cooperates sincerely, it will be fine. I believe in your abilities, which is why I called you here, and I'm sure you won't disappoint me."

After Chen Mobai finished speaking, both women nodded, their eyes firm.

After discussing the two secretaries' work arrangements, Chen Mobai saw that it was getting late and asked if Lin Yin had arranged accommodation for them. Upon receiving an affirmative answer, he nodded and bid them farewell. Then, in front of the two women, he vanished from the spot in a flash of silver light. Seeing this scene, both Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan trembled slightly. Although they had long known that their old classmate had mastered Void Walk, seeing it in person still left them astonished.

Is this the Celestial Gate's number one talent?!

***

After returning to his apartment, Chen Mobai wasted no time, taking out the Essence of Five Elements to continue his cultivation. He was close to fully refining all twenty portions of the Essence of Five Elements obtained from Zhou Wangshen. He discovered that one hundred portions of the Essence of Five Elements were required to cultivate one complete strand of Primordial Chaos True Qi! No wonder if Primordial Chaos True Qi was to reach mastery, it required the assistance of five Core Formation cultivators expending sixty years of their spiritual power to succeed.

In the middle of the night, after refining the last portion of the Essence of Five Elements, Chen Mobai felt the newly formed small strand of Primordial Chaos True Qi in his middle Dantian and nodded slightly. Then, seeing that it was still dark outside, he continued to use the Lantern Ignition Art to purify this Primordial Chaos True Qi. Because the quality of this batch of Essence of Five Elements was ordinary, the resulting Primordial Chaos True Qi was somewhat dispersed, necessitating this purification process. According to Chen Mobai's estimation, it would take about half a month to refine this Primordial Chaos True Qi to its utmost purity.

In the early morning, Chen Mobai precisely stopped his cultivation at six o'clock, then tidied himself up and used the Underworld Array to go to work. Outside his office, Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan were already seated at their desks, each holding a large pile of documents, learning and adapting to their work responsibilities. Lin Yin was also there, happily distributing the heavy workload she had been carrying to the two women. Seeing Chen Mobai emerge from his office, the three women immediately looked up, stood, and greeted him.

"Today, I need to go to Open Heaven Hall to discuss some matters with Councilor Wang Xinfu. Zijing, come with me." Hearing Chen Mobai's words, Hua Zijing immediately put down her work and picked up her briefcase.

"Chief, this is the breakfast I brought for you." Zhuang Jialan, however, took a thermal container from her drawer and handed it to Chen Mobai. Hua Zijing and Lin Yin, watching from the side, were both stunned.

Chen Mobai was a bit surprised; he hadn't eaten breakfast in a long time. However, since it was a subordinate's thoughtful gesture, he wouldn't refuse. After thanking her, he took it and ate it on the way. It was steaming hot spirit rice porridge, seemingly freshly made that morning. After taking a bite, Chen Mobai couldn't help but finish it all. When he put the lid back on the thermal container, Hua Zijing, who was driving, glanced at him from the front, and he noticed her.

"It tastes quite good. How are you two adapting to the work?" As Chen Mobai spoke, he placed the thermal container on the adjacent seat and then asked them about their feelings on their first day of work.

"There's quite a lot to do; it will probably take some time to get organized and fully adapt." Hua Zijing, who had served Chen Mobai as a student council secretary for several years at the Martial Arts Academy, knew he disliked pretense, so she spoke her true feelings.

"I know your abilities. Decades of grinding at the grassroots level since graduation have thoroughly tempered your temperaments. All you lacked was an opportunity to soar." In fact, those who could graduate from the Martial Arts Academy generally had no issues with their personal abilities. Especially Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan, who were both Vice Presidents of the student council and secretaries before graduation, possessing even high-grade talent within the Martial Arts lineage. But there were only so many positions in the Celestial Gate. Until those who held them retired, they could only remain at the grassroots level. Furthermore, compared to the countless other Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Celestial Gate, they were already very fortunate. At least with their background of graduating from the Martial Arts Academy, they were assigned public positions, gaining the qualification to queue for Core Formation spirit medicines.

Without Chen Mobai, they might have spent all their resources and savings in the last peak years of their Foundation Establishment cultivation just to exchange for a single Core Formation spiritual item, then grit their teeth and attempt their only chance at Core Formation. If successful, they would soar, becoming a councilor in Open Heaven Hall. If they failed, it would mean retirement, enjoying the rest of their lives while awaiting the arrival of death.

"Many people wait their entire lives and never get this opportunity," Hua Zijing said with emotion. She added that Zuo Qiushi, the former chief of the Martial Arts Academy before Chen Mobai, was highly regarded by everyone because he had broken through to Foundation Establishment Layer Seven while still at the academy, and was recruited by the Enforcement Department even before graduation. After graduation, he only waited one year before being arranged by the Martial Arts lineage's influence into an enforcement bureau in a blessed land city. He was promoted to deputy section chief of the traffic management enforcement department after five years and full section chief after ten. Now, fifty years later, Zuo Qiushi is the deputy director there. This was already considered doing very well.

But even Zuo Qiushi couldn't exchange sixty years of service for a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill; he still needed to queue, and it was highly probable he would have to wait a full 120 years before being arranged for the exchange. Therefore, the opportunity Chen Mobai provided could truly be said to defy fate for Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan. Because they had both reached Foundation Establishment Layer Nine early, obtaining the Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill in advance meant that even if they failed, they would have the opportunity and time to try a second time.

The Celestial Gate did not lack talent; in fact, one could say talent was overly abundant. What was lacking were positions that allowed talent to flourish. Of course, top talents still received preferential treatment from the Celestial Gate. For example, Chen Mobai's good friends Ming Yihua and Yun Yangbing were invited by the First Military Factory and the Sky Net Geo-Network Administration even before graduation, with the offered benefit being the exchange of sixty years of service for a Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill. And Chen Mobai, with his Divine Transformation potential, was even more exceptional.

Through Hua Zijing, Chen Mobai also learned about the situation of student council graduates from their cohorts. She occasionally kept in touch; they were all at Foundation Establishment Layer Nine, just waiting for their years of service to qualify for Core Formation spirit medicines. In these monotonous days, the grand ambitions they had upon graduation, to achieve great things, had basically been eroded away. Now, they were just drifting through life.

"If you have the time, you could cultivate other secret arts and cultivation methods, such as the Spirit Root Enhancement Technique." Chen Mobai said this, and Hua Zijing shook her head.

"Someone as disciplined and hardworking as you is very rare. The Spirit Root Enhancement Technique, in its later stages, can only improve by a tiny bit after decades, even tens of years. Many people, facing the obvious fact that it's an endless endeavor, mostly choose to give up." After all, lying flat is very comfortable. The peaceful years of the Celestial Gate led most cultivators, while waiting for Core Formation spirit medicines, to choose to enjoy life, family, and leisure.

"Alas, if I could, I would also want to live such a life," Chen Mobai sighed, saying something that greatly surprised Hua Zijing. Since her student days, Chen Mobai's diligence and self-discipline had earned her great admiration. So, even though his reputation as a Divine Transformation talent echoed throughout the Celestial Gate, Hua Zijing knew that even without such talent, his unwavering determination to set a goal and never give up would eventually lead him to the peak of the Celestial Gate.

"With your current achievements, surely no one can force you?" Facing Hua Zijing's question, Chen Mobai sighed softly as he looked out the window.

"Indeed, no one can force me. But I am the only one from the Martial Arts lineage who can step forward and take charge of the overall situation now. Responsibility compels me to act!" Hearing this, Hua Zijing was filled with solemn respect. She felt that the man sitting behind her was truly great and responsible!

***

At this moment, the car had arrived at the Open Heaven Hall's office building. Chen Mobai took her to meet Wang Xinfu, who was currently the second-highest figure of the Martial Arts lineage in Open Heaven Hall, ranking just below Chen Mobai, the committee member. Wang Xinfu was somewhat surprised to see the unfamiliar Hua Zijing, but his expression cleared, and he relaxed when he learned she also graduated from the Martial Arts Academy.

The reason for their meeting today was that Ye Yun'e had suddenly requested a long leave of absence. "She must be about to take the Nascent Cultivation Pill!" Chen Mobai thought of this, and Wang Xinfu nodded, stating that his inquiries confirmed it. During Ye Yun'e's long leave, Shi Miao would be the acting head of the rotating committee in Open Heaven Hall. He was also from the Kunpeng lineage.

Halfway through Chen Mobai's conversation with Wang Xinfu, a councilor from Jumang Academy named Song Yingzhi knocked and entered. If Wenren Xuewei was absent, she was the principal figure of the Jumang lineage in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven. The three of them discussed and speculated on Ye Yun'e's long leave and agreed on a course of action. The overall plan was to maintain current stability. However, if Ye Yun'e successfully formed her Nascent Soul, the influence of their two lineages would undoubtedly contract again. So, deep down, they hoped Ye Yun'e would fail. But none of the three voiced this thought.

After introducing Hua Zijing to Song Yingzhi, Chen Mobai took her and left Open Heaven Hall. Afterward, the two went to the Boundary Gate Administration. Chen Mobai purchased another Void Blind Box. From now on, he would only need to place orders and pay, while Hua Zijing would handle the pickups.

After getting the Void Blind Box, the two then went to the Celestial Affairs Hall to apply for the Butian Group's budget for the current quarter, which was a top priority. With Lan Haitian's intervention, the process went very smoothly.

"Thanks. Let's have another drink tonight." Chen Mobai invited Lan Haitian, but the latter shook his head and refused, stating he had to deal with something for Ying Guanghua that evening and had no time. The two arranged to drink together next time they were free. Then, Chen Mobai took Hua Zijing to the Enforcement Department of the Righteous Law Hall. Although the Butian Group reported directly to the Hall Master of the Righteous Law Hall, it was nominally subordinate to the Enforcement Department, so the Finance Department's funds would be transferred to the Enforcement Department's account. If the Butian Group had a poor relationship with the Enforcement Department, the procedures here would also be stalled. However, after Chen Mobai intervened, Wen Lianshan personally greeted them out of respect, guaranteeing that as soon as the funds arrived, they would be immediately transferred to the Butian Group that same day.

By the time they returned to the Butian Group, it was completely dark outside. The busy day had also allowed Hua Zijing to visit all three Great Halls of the Celestial Gate, giving her a general understanding of these supreme organs of power.

"Chief, Senior Sister Hua, you must be hungry. I asked the cafeteria to keep dinner for you." When the two returned to the office, they were surprised to find Zhuang Jialan still reading documents. Seeing them enter, she immediately stood up and greeted them warmly.

"Well then... let's eat!" Usually, after finishing work, Chen Mobai would not eat, opting instead to meditate and cultivate. But since Zhuang Jialan had already arranged it, it was certainly better to eat. After all, the food supplied to him as Chief was quite good: fourth-tier spirit rice, which couldn't even be bought with high-grade spirit stones in the Eastern Wilds. Because they were in the Imperial Capital, the food for Chen Mobai's position was low-grade fourth-tier Five Peaks Spirit Rice, a variant of immortal rice. Or rather, it was immortal rice that failed to advance, unsuitable for Divine Transformation Patriarchs, so it was provided to the Three Great Halls instead. Chen Mobai, as the fourth-ranked figure in the Righteous Law Hall, although he couldn't eat top-grade fourth-tier semi-immortal rice, this Five Peaks Spirit Rice was plentiful. This could be considered another benefit after his promotion. Consuming spirit rice would prolong the peak vitality and spiritual state of cultivators. This was a benefit that required long-term persistence to observe, but many cultivators in the Eastern Wilds couldn't afford it. Currently, only the Wuxing Sect could utilize the tens of millions of acres of spiritual fields cultivated on the Eastern Wilds Plateau to ensure their disciples ate spirit rice three times a day. Other rogue cultivators, on average, ate it once every three days, and this was only due to the massive surge in spirit rice production after the Wuxing Sect began cultivating it. Previously, cultivators mostly relied on sustenance pills, or would only eat spirit rice as a treat after making a significant sum of money.

After eating, Chen Mobai prepared to leave work. He asked Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan, but both shook their heads. Hua Zijing: "I was out all day today, and I haven't finished reviewing these documents that Deputy Chief Lin gave me. I'll use the evening to look through them so I don't delay tomorrow's work." Zhuang Jialan: "I'll keep Senior Sister Hua company."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai also advised them to take things step by step and not rush, but seeing the two women's firm gazes and attitudes, he let them be. "Then I'll go use Group Two's artifact refining room and work overtime with you today." Seeing his subordinates work so hard, Chen Mobai felt a bit embarrassed. Coincidentally, he remembered there were still a few pieces of Nantian Jade ore in his realm that he hadn't processed, so he familiar went to the Group Two's artifact refining room that was reserved for him, which had the best equipment. Under his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eyes, the interior of the jade ore was completely revealed. Chen Mobai precisely controlled his sword qi to cut away the stone skin...

***

Early in the morning, Zhuang Jialan came and placed breakfast at the entrance of the artifact refining room. The next day, Zhuang Jialan placed dinner at the door, cleaned up the lunch plates, and was about to leave when the artifact refining room door suddenly opened.

"Chief!" Seeing Chen Mobai emerge, Zhuang Jialan immediately greeted him.

"You've worked hard these past few days," Chen Mobai said with a smile, handing her a jade pendant. "This Nantian Jade is of good quality. When infused with spiritual power, it emits a clear sound audible only to divine sense, which can purify divine sense and relieve fatigue. Since you're working overtime daily, it will be very useful."

"This is too precious..." Zhuang Jialan took it, saw that it was second-tier jade, and couldn't help but politely refuse.

"Take it. I have plenty more." As he spoke, Chen Mobai extended his hand into the void. His personal realm opened, and six or seven jade artifacts of various shapes floated into Zhuang Jialan's sight.

Afterward, when they arrived at the office, Chen Mobai also gave Hua Zijing a pair of jade bracelets, which she accepted without hesitation. Coincidentally, Lin Yin was also working overtime today, so Chen Mobai gave her a jade bracelet as well. Seeing the joy on his three subordinates' faces after receiving the jade artifacts, Chen Mobai felt his efforts over the past two days were worthwhile.

For a period afterward, their work enthusiasm soared even higher. It was originally estimated that it would take over half a year for them to fully take over and integrate into the work, but unexpectedly, within just two months, Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan had already become proficient. Lin Yin felt an unprecedented sense of ease; she now only needed to focus on her primary responsibilities and could concentrate fully. The efficiency of Butian Group Nine also began to greatly improve. Chen Mobai was even more satisfied to see this. He, too, was freed from the busy mundane affairs of the Celestial Gate, gaining more free time. He could use this time for his own cultivation, or to go to the Eastern Wilds to check on the establishment of the Wuxing Chamber of Commerce, and also to deepen his relationship with Qing Nü.

Time quickly passed until the end of the year.

***

On this day, Chen Mobai was attempting to merge two strands of Primordial Chaos True Qi, one large and one small, when a very urgent call came in. On the phone, Shi Wanyu, with a slight choke in her voice, told him that her father had stopped breathing at the hospital. Upon hearing the news, Chen Mobai immediately requested leave from Shuixian, who approved it directly without asking for a reason.

Shi Wanyu's father died peacefully of old age. Before he died, he held his wife's hand and passed away with a smile. As a Qi Condensation cultivator, his 120-year life had been very happy. Especially since he saw his daughter's happy face before his death, he had no regrets in life. Not long after Chen Mobai returned, Shi Wanyu's mother also closed her eyes one night, holding Xiao Hei's hand, accompanied by the three of them.

The loss of both parents within a short period was naturally a tremendous blow to Shi Wanyu. Although she had long known this day would come, facing it in reality still left her overwhelmed with grief. Chen Mobai accompanied her in handling the elders' funeral arrangements. Due to his special status, it was inconvenient for him to appear publicly, so he entrusted the Yu family head to assist. The head of the Yu family was named Yu Shijia. It was he who called Yu Huiping, enabling Xiao Hei to go to the Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, so Chen Mobai owed him a favor. Therefore, Yu Shijia was aware of his relationship with Shi Wanyu.

After burying the elders, Chen Mobai lit incense. Just as he was about to leave with the grieving Shi Wanyu and their daughter, he suddenly noticed Yu Shijia approaching the mountain with a respectful expression, accompanied by an unexpected person.

"Grandma, why are you here?" Chen Xiaohei exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Yu Huiping, who was with Yu Shijia. She then ran to her side and took her slightly aged hand.

"Your grandmother was considered my junior. Hearing of her passing, it's only right that I come to offer incense." As Yu Huiping spoke, she nodded towards Chen Mobai, and the two exchanged greetings.

"It's an effort for True Person Yu to specially come all this way!" Shi Wanyu bowed in salute to Yu Huiping on behalf of her parents, but the latter immediately stepped forward and stopped her.

"No need for formalities, no need for formalities..." Chen Mobai saw Yu Huiping, who seemed overly polite, saying "no need for formalities" twice. He then had Shi Wanyu take an incense stick from the basket slung over her wrist and hand it to Yu Huiping.

"Thank you!" Yu Huiping thanked Shi Wanyu after receiving the incense.

"True Person Yu, you are too kind. Please!" Chen Mobai, seeing that Shi Wanyu still seemed to be in grief, took over, receiving Yu Huiping and guiding her to the elders' tombstone.

After paying respects, Yu Huiping was about to bid farewell and leave, but Xiao Hei held her back, saying that since she rarely visited, she wanted to properly accompany her and explore the area.

"Alright, alright!" Yu Huiping listened, then looked at Xiao Hei with doting eyes, letting her hold onto her arm.

"Then you take good care of True Person Yu. Your mother and I will go to your grandparents' old home to tidy things up." After instructing his daughter, Chen Mobai greeted Yu Huiping and Yu Shijia, then took Shi Wanyu and headed towards Yumu City.

Watching Shi Wanyu obediently leave with Chen Mobai, Yu Huiping seemed to want to say something but held back.