Chapter 772: Yuan Ying Confrontation

Yan Shaoyin is dead!?

This was the first thought that came to Chen Mobai's mind after hearing True Monarch Mingwen's words. Although Returning Heaven Valley was weak, it was backed by the Starlight Dao Sect. Even Chen Mobai had meticulously planned for a long time, intending to use an indirect, accelerated method to remove Yan Shaoyin, then find a way for Returning Heaven Valley to surrender to the Five Elements Sect. This approach aimed to avoid giving the Starlight Dao Sect any reason or excuse to intervene. Now, Empty Mulberry Valley, located far away in Eastern Yi, had directly set its sights on Returning Heaven Valley, a major sect of the Eastern Desolate, intending to absorb it completely. They must have received some information Chen Mobai was unaware of. The simplest explanation, naturally, was that Yan Shaoyin had failed to form a Nascent Soul and had passed away in Mount Dongyue. At this moment, Chen Mobai once again lamented that the Five Elements Sect's intelligence work in the Heavenly River Realm was too backward; in fact, outside the Eastern Desolate, they had virtually no intelligence at all.

Regardless of whether Yan Shaoyin was dead or not, Chen Mobai already considered the entire Eastern Desolate his own domain, allowing no one to share it.

“Returning Heaven Valley and my Five Elements Sect are allies. As major sects of the Eastern Desolate, I will not allow your sect to act like a powerful dragon invading foreign territory.” Chen Mobai pondered for a moment before reiterating his refusal.

“Sect Master Chen, my master is waiting for the result of our discussion today!” True Monarch Mingwen's eyes turned cold after hearing this, and she spoke with a hidden threat. “If Venerable Muqin is not satisfied, then let her come find me!” However, Chen Mobai calmly uttered words that made True Monarch Mingwen frown.

“Sect Master Chen, if I'm not mistaken, your Five Elements Sect has not had a second Nascent Soul cultivator since Grand Ancestor Hunyuan passed away.” True Monarch Mingwen thought her hint wasn't clear enough, so she continued to openly threaten him. “In that case, what is your sect waiting for? Why doesn't Venerable Muqin act directly?” Chen Mobai, however, retorted with a smile.

“Sect Master Chen truly lives up to his title as the Eastern Desolate's foremost God of Slaughter. What courage!” After hearing this, True Monarch Mingwen's face turned ashen, and she left those words before turning and departing the hall directly.

“Junior Brother Chen, Junior Brother Mo will arrive tonight. Do we need to strike first?” Just after True Monarch Mingwen left, Zhou Shengqing emerged from the back hall, asking with a murderous glint in his eyes. “Fighting and killing are only to be resorted to when absolutely necessary. If it can be resolved through negotiation, I'm quite willing to persuade Venerable Muqin with words.” Chen Mobai, however, shook his head and said something that Zhou Shengqing found very strange.

“Would a Nascent Soul cultivator be willing to negotiate with a Golden Core cultivator?” In the Heavenly River Realm, a difference of one major cultivation realm meant a world of difference. For instance, Foundation Establishment families were vassals before major Eastern Desolate sects; they even had to express gratitude for being allowed to be vassals. Not to mention the even greater difference between Golden Core and Nascent Soul realms.

“Senior Brother also knows that Nascent Soul cultivators would certainly not lower themselves to negotiate with a Golden Core sect like ours. They usually speak with a commanding tone. But this time, Empty Mulberry Valley was very polite; they even waited for us to arrive before sending someone to negotiate. Doesn't Senior Brother find that strange?” Chen Mobai's words made Zhou Shengqing ponder deeply, and he nodded, finding it very reasonable. “This indicates that Empty Mulberry Valley needs something from us and won't rashly turn against us!” After realizing this, Zhou Shengqing thought, "As expected, he's the genius junior brother capable of leading the Five Elements Sect to unify the Eastern Desolate. If I were in this situation, 'kill' would be the only word in my mind."

“No, there's another possibility: among the Empty Mulberry Valley cultivators who came, none possess Nascent Soul strength.” Chen Mobai, however, shook his head and said something that startled Zhou Shengqing. “Junior Brother means...” “Grand Ancestor Muqin might have a problem and came to the Eastern Desolate to seek refuge or recuperate?” Chen Mobai nodded. Based on his understanding of the locals, it was absolutely impossible for a Nascent Soul cultivator to personally descend upon a Golden Core sect with such an attitude. This situation would only arise if a Nascent Soul cultivator was no longer a Nascent Soul cultivator, or had lost their Nascent Soul strength!

“Then we must act even faster!” Zhou Shengqing also found this very reasonable, and the murderous intent in his eyes intensified as he looked towards the Empty Mulberry Valley residence in Beiyuan City. “Senior Brother, calm down. It's just a guess, after all. Let's wait for their response. Anyway, with you here, our Five Elements Sect has nothing to fear.”

As Chen Mobai and his senior brother spoke, True Monarch Mingwen had already arrived at the entrance of a Tier 3 cave dwelling. This was immediately purchased by the Empty Mulberry Valley cultivators after they arrived in Beiyuan City by flying boat. Originally, there were no vacant Tier 3 cave dwellings. But under the name of Empty Mulberry Valley, a Foundation Establishment family quickly gave up their dwelling at its original price. The Nascent Soul cultivator, Grand Ancestor Muqin, resided here. After True Monarch Mingwen paused at the entrance for a moment, she heard a voice transmission telling her to enter.

Inside the cave dwelling was an aged cultivator whose face was wrinkled like tree bark and whose hands were as thin as withered branches. Yet, her eyes were deep and bright, like a starry night sky, revealing a glimmer of wisdom. “Master, Sect Master Chen rejected our proposal!” True Monarch Mingwen first reported the outcome of the matter. Grand Ancestor Muqin's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this. Instead, she inquired about the detailed circumstances of their conversation. True Monarch Mingwen recounted her conversation with Chen Mobai word for word, without any omissions or changes. After she finished, Grand Ancestor Muqin closed her eyes, seemingly in thought.

“What a remarkable person! For the Divine Wood Sect to break off from a mere branch of the Five Elements Sect, then annihilate major sects like Quaking Mountain Peak within sixty years, re-integrate the five elemental lineages, and unify the Eastern Desolate—this person's ability is truly key.” After recalling the conversation between Chen Mobai and True Monarch Mingwen, Grand Ancestor Muqin realized that her situation might have already been detected by Sect Master Chen of the Five Elements Sect. “So Master, what should we do next?” True Monarch Mingwen looked at the aged Grand Ancestor Muqin with some concern and asked. She knew that although her master was still a Nascent Soul cultivator, every time she acted, she was taking another step closer to death! “Arrange a meeting with Sect Master Chen in my name. Let him decide the place and time.” Grand Ancestor Muqin said in a calm tone.

“Master, it's all my fault for being so useless. I couldn't even subdue a mere Golden Core sect from the Eastern Desolate!” Upon hearing this, True Monarch Mingwen knew her master intended to use her Nascent Soul status to bully a weaker opponent, and a look of shame appeared on her face. “Go.” But Grand Ancestor Muqin did not react to her words. Instead, she closed her eyes and waved her hand, signaling her to withdraw.

After leaving the Tier 3 cave dwelling, True Monarch Mingwen looked towards the direction of Beiyuan City's main hall, frowning slightly. She had just spoken harsh words to Chen Mobai. If she were to invite him now, wouldn't she be slapping herself in the face? She decided to send someone else. However, when Yi Chenghan, another Golden Core cultivator in their team, heard this, he repeatedly shook his head, indicating he wouldn't go. After all, to the Five Elements Sect, they were like powerful dragons crossing the river. If misunderstood, he might be sacrificed first. “Junior Sister, you'd better find someone more capable!” Hearing Yi Chenghan's words, True Monarch Mingwen could only frown and retreat, then summoned her three Foundation Establishment disciples.

“Lingli, you go.” Finally, True Monarch Mingwen chose her third disciple, Xiao Lingli. The latter immediately nodded respectfully, then took the letter from her master's hand and headed towards Beiyuan City's main hall.

Chen Mobai received a report from Yuan Chiye that a disciple from Empty Mulberry Valley had come to deliver a letter. “Greetings, Sect Master Chen!” After Xiao Lingli entered, she immediately bowed. Halfway through her bow, she saw the noble and handsome face imprinted in her mind, and her voice paused for a moment. However, she quickly composed herself and more respectfully handed over the letter. “I remember seeing you. It was in the Desolate Ruins, right?” At Chen Mobai's cultivation level, he already had photographic memory. Although they hadn't met for decades, the once young and beautiful female cultivator had now become a mature and attractive young woman, yet her eyebrows and facial features had barely changed, so he recognized her at a glance.

“Yes. Back then, I didn't get a chance to thank Sect Master Chen. If it hadn't been for your help at that time, I would surely have died at the hands of Profound Expanse Dao Palace.” At that time, Chen Mobai had just formed his Golden Core and returned to the Heavenly River Realm. Before encountering Grand Elder Tai Sui, he came across Xiao Lingli, who was being pursued by Profound Expanse Dao Palace, and casually saved her. However, he didn't give her any chance to chat. With his mind on his sect, he left directly. “It was merely a small effort. Please trouble yourself to deliver this letter to Venerable Muqin.” Chen Mobai nodded with a smile, then picked up paper and brush and set the time and place for the meeting: tonight, at Heavenly Meal Tower!

After Xiao Lingli returned, she immediately came back again. It was still a letter. Chen Mobai opened it and saw only one word: “Good!”

Time quickly passed to evening. A golden light flashed, and Mo Douguang stepped out of Beiyuan City's teleportation array. His sharp aura made all cultivators dare not approach him. “Senior Brother Mo, congratulations on achieving great success in your cultivation!” Chen Mobai flew over to personally greet Mo Douguang. The latter, seeing him, showed a faint smile on his face. The two headed towards Heavenly Meal Tower together.

Zhou Shengqing was already seated in the private room next door to the meeting place. Shen Shanqing knew that a Nascent Soul cultivator was being entertained tonight, so he put in extra effort, preparing a table full of his best spiritual dishes. As soon as the appointed time arrived, Chen Mobai felt an indescribably powerful pressure emanating from downstairs.

Soon after, Shen Shanqing led three people upstairs. The one leading them was likely Grand Ancestor Muqin. She wore a bamboo woven hat, from which strands of clear energy hung down, obscuring her face. Chen Mobai's eyelids involuntarily twitched upon seeing the hat. This was because he recognized it as being woven from high-grade Tier 4 Clear Bamboo, forcefully crafted into a Tier 4 Dharma artifact purely by exploiting the material's properties. As Grand Ancestor Muqin, accompanied by her two Golden Core disciples, Mingwen and Yi Chenghan, sat down, Chen Mobai carefully observed the bamboo hat again and found that this Tier 4 Dharma artifact likely had no artifact spirit, which made him feel a slight sense of relief.

“Sect Master Chen, I've long admired your reputation!” Grand Ancestor Muqin spoke first. Her voice was like winter sunlight, or clear lake water, carrying both gentleness and depth. “It is my honor to meet a Venerable Nascent Soul. I am truly fortunate!” Chen Mobai responded humbly, then personally opened a small bottle of Tier 4 Immortal Peach Wine.

“This must be True Monarch Mo of your Five Elements Sect's Metal Vein, right? His aura is sharp, his sword light keen. It seems he's not far from forming his Nascent Soul!” Grand Ancestor Muqin turned to look at Mo Douguang, who was seated next to Chen Mobai, and instantly discerned his cultivation realm. “Oh, no, no. Senior Brother Mo has just perfected his Golden Core and still needs some time to consolidate.” Chen Mobai knew Mo Douguang was not skilled at conversation and socializing, so he immediately took over the topic. Hearing his words, Mingwen and Yi Chenghan couldn't help but show surprise.

They had cultivated for three hundred years and were only at the late Golden Core and mid Golden Core stages, respectively. Who would have thought that a mere Five Elements Sect from the Eastern Desolate could produce a cultivator who had perfected their Golden Core! It seemed this Sect Master Chen wasn't going to yield easily today! The two exchanged glances, both having realized this. However, their gazes fell upon Grand Ancestor Muqin before them, and they were filled with confidence again. Even a perfected Golden Core cultivator was no different from them before a Nascent Soul; none would have the power to resist! Thinking of this, they calmed down and looked at Chen Mobai and Mo Douguang opposite them, their expressions once again calm and undisturbed.

“Sect Master Chen, I am old and need a Tier 4 spiritual vein to retire. Would you be able to lend one to me?” Grand Ancestor Muqin didn't beat around the bush and directly stated her need. “I already refused True Monarch Mingwen earlier. Didn't she tell you?” Chen Mobai still refused.

“Sect Master Chen, you can refuse her, but you cannot refuse me!” Grand Ancestor Muqin's tone deepened upon hearing this. As she spoke, the powerful pressure belonging to a Nascent Soul cultivator made the entire Heavenly Meal Tower suddenly begin to tremble. Chen Mobai even felt the surrounding air being drawn away, experiencing a suffocating sense of heavy pressure.

A hum sounded! Golden light burst from Mo Douguang's eyes, and his perfected Golden Core sword qi erupted. He resembled a sharp sword soaring into the sky, actually breaking through Grand Ancestor Muqin's oppressive aura field! “As expected of a sword cultivator!” Grand Ancestor Muqin saw this, evaluated it calmly, then picked up her wine cup from the table, flicked it gently. The crystal-clear, jade-like wine splashed out, transforming into a transparent circle that descended over Mo Douguang's head, attempting to trap him.

The transparent circle formed by the wine was surprisingly resisted, but Grand Ancestor Muqin gently blew a breath, and a wisp of clear energy that hung from her bamboo hat was exhaled by her, merging into the transparent circle. At this moment, Mo Douguang's sword finally couldn't hold on. His previously standing body was slowly pressed back down into his seat, seemingly about to be completely restrained.

Clang! A section of a purple sword blade appeared from empty space. As Chen Mobai's thoughts moved, it pierced into the transparent circle of wine, which had merged with the clear energy. The Violet Lightning Sword erupted with dazzling radiance, and with a deafening thunderous roar, completely split the transparent wine circle into two halves. “Is that Sect Master Chen's Sacred Sword of the Longevity Sect? Not bad!” Grand Ancestor Muqin, seeing this scene, still had the leisure to comment.

Afterwards, she blew out two more wisps of clear energy. They flew out and merged into the now split wine, instantly forming two more transparent circles that descended over Chen Mobai's and Mo Douguang's heads respectively, seemingly carrying immense weight, slowly falling with an irresistible force. Chen Mobai once again controlled the Violet Lightning Sword to resist, but found that the sword transmitted a feeling of being overwhelmed. Is this the strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator?! Chen Mobai couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Fortunately, the Five Elements Sect also had such power, otherwise, they might have been humiliated today!

“You are a guest from afar, which is why we extended courteous hospitality. Venerable Muqin, if you bully the weak, don't blame us for using numbers against you!” As Zhou Shengqing's voice sounded, two pristine, flawless light needles flew from the adjacent room, piercing into the two transparent wine circles in the blink of an eye. Subsequently, a terrifying tremor, which made half of Beiyuan City feel a chill in their hearts, began to spread from the top floor of Heavenly Meal Tower as its core. Yuan Chiye, who had already received instructions, immediately led the Five Elements Sect's Foundation Establishment cultivators in the city to activate the Sumeru Nine Palaces Array. Although this array was only Tier 3, it was sufficient to stabilize the immortal city and suppress the remaining Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation disciples of Empty Mulberry Valley. However, Grand Ancestor Muqin hadn't used her full power, so Zhou Shengqing only exerted equivalent force to neutralize her spell. The Heavenly Wood Divine Needles, after dispelling the wine's clear energy, also dissipated without a trace.

Shen Shanqing, who had almost thought Heavenly Meal Tower was about to collapse, put down his spoon in the back kitchen, wiped cold sweat from his forehead, and his heart pounded wildly. “These are definitely Nascent Soul-level grand cultivators fighting. The Five Elements Sect truly has such a foundation...” Shen Shanqing vaguely knew some things. After all, when Venerable Bingyun had rushed over aggressively, she was ultimately blocked by the Five Elements Sect in the Desolate Ruins outside the Eastern Desolate, which indicated that a similar Nascent Soul-level combat power must have intervened. Although the subsequent rumors claimed that Sect Master Chen had absorbed the power of the Five Elements Dao Soldiers to raise his Myriad Dharma Body to the Nascent Soul level, Shen Shanqing felt that things might not be that simple! This time, in his Heavenly Meal Tower, he could be certain that the Five Elements Sect, while in Beiyuan City, had not gathered the Five Elements Dao Soldiers, yet still directly withstood Venerable Muqin. This meant that the Five Elements Sect had a regularly deployable Nascent Soul-level combat power! Or even... a true Nascent Soul cultivator! Thinking of this, Shen Shanqing felt even more strongly that his usual choice of staying close to the Five Elements Sect was very correct. Perhaps in the future, he could even use the Five Elements Sect to return to the Eastern Land.

Heavenly Meal Tower, top floor. Grand Ancestor Muqin fell silent. Her two disciples behind her, Mingwen and Yi Chenghan, looked at the private room next door with faces full of shock. The wall had been pierced by the Heavenly Wood Divine Needles, leaving two tiny holes, but they dared not use their spiritual sense or gaze to investigate which Nascent Soul cultivator it was! But one thing was certain: this Nascent Soul cultivator was definitely from the Five Elements Sect! Thinking of this, Muqin also felt that bringing her sect disciples to the Eastern Desolate to find a retreat this time was a bit rash!

“May I ask your esteemed name, fellow Daoist?” Although it was merely a simple exchange, Muqin could confirm that the person in the adjacent private room was a genuine Nascent Soul cultivator. In that case, using dominance to pressure them was no longer an option. After all, her current lifespan could no longer support her in fully exerting herself in combat against cultivators of the same realm. So, she could only show goodwill.

“Zhou Shengqing, of the Five Elements Sect's Wood Vein!” This name was transmitted from within the adjacent private room. “I never expected it. You actually succeeded in forming your Nascent Soul!” Since Grand Ancestor Muqin had brought her disciples to the Eastern Desolate to find a retreat, she must have investigated the situation of the Five Elements Sect, this overlord of the Eastern Desolate. When Zhou Shengqing formed his Nascent Soul, the news of his powerful killing spree spread throughout Eastern Yi following Profound Expanse Dao Palace's defeat. But as decades passed, Zhou Shengqing never appeared publicly, and almost everyone believed that after failing to form his Nascent Soul, he had used a secret technique to burn his last essence, qi, and spirit to slay his enemies. He should have passed away by now! Even Grand Ancestor Muqin thought so. But she never expected that Zhou Shengqing had actually succeeded in forming his Nascent Soul and had remained hidden for so long! However, this was also due to her incomplete intelligence. Because Empty Mulberry Valley was blockaded at its doorstep by the Sun-Bathed Sea and Profound Expanse Dao Palace, all their intelligence was collected before the war. If Muqin had known that Venerable Bingyun had returned from the Eastern Desolate without success, she might have connected the dots. But now she had come to Beiyuan City and had offended the Five Elements Sect by making a move. This made the situation difficult to resolve!

“Junior Brother, I'll kill the woman, you kill the man. Senior Brother Zhou, just hold back the Nascent Soul; give us some time!” At this moment, Mo Douguang, holding his Longevity Sword, stood up with an icy expression, uttering his first words of the day. His gaze was already fixed on True Monarch Mingwen, who was at the late Golden Core stage. “This...” After hearing this, Chen Mobai's expression showed a hint of hesitation, but his hand was already gripping the Violet Lightning Sword. At the same time, powerful spiritual energy, almost at the perfected Golden Core stage, surged towards Yi Chenghan opposite him as he stood up.

“Sect Master Chen, this is all a misunderstanding!” Yi Chenghan, who was only at the mid Golden Core stage, felt the cultivation gap between himself and Chen Mobai. Then, seeing the Violet Lightning Sword in Chen Mobai's hand, he immediately stood up, waving his hands repeatedly, while signaling True Monarch Mingwen with his eyes. He wanted her to persuade Grand Ancestor Muqin. “Daoist Brother Zhou, this matter was my fault. I apologize to you here!” Finally, Grand Ancestor Muqin spoke. As she spoke, she removed her bamboo hat. Her incredibly aged face brought a hint of realization mixed with surprise to Chen Mobai. “Although I don't have much time left in this life, if I fight with all I have, taking this immortal city with me wouldn't be a problem.” As Grand Ancestor Muqin spoke, she gathered the clear energy from her bamboo hat into a single complete strand, then released it, allowing it to seep into the floor and dissipate into the earth. At that instant, Chen Mobai's expression couldn't help but change. He walked to the top floor window. With his Void-Piercing Spiritual Eye activated, he saw that the Sumeru Nine Palaces Array, which originally covered the entire Beiyuan City, had now ceased operation! “I have long heard that Venerable Muqin is Eastern Yi's foremost formation master. Truly impressive!” At this moment, Zhou Shengqing's words came from the adjacent private room, also reminding Chen Mobai that if they truly intended to slay Grand Ancestor Muqin here, what she said could very well come true! Nascent Soul cultivators are indeed difficult to kill! Chen Mobai sighed inwardly. However, he had only intended to flex his muscles tonight and had no intention of completely falling out with Empty Mulberry Valley.

“Senior Brother Mo, everyone makes mistakes. We should still give our distinguished guest a chance to atone.” As Chen Mobai's words fell, Mo Douguang frowned slightly but still put away his Longevity Sword and sat down again. At this moment, True Monarch Mingwen finally dared to breathe! Just now, she had been locked by Mo Douguang's sharp gaze, as if tens of thousands of swords were pressing against her entire body, forcing her to frantically circulate her spiritual energy, concentrating fully, not even daring to breathe. The strength of this Five Elements Sect was actually so terrifying! At this moment, True Monarch Mingwen realized how naive and laughable her threats to Chen Mobai had been earlier in the day. Indeed, sects that can become overlords are never simple. The matter of Zhou Shengqing forming his Nascent Soul had been hidden for decades. This must have been a killing blow reserved for Profound Expanse Dao Palace, but unexpectedly, their Empty Mulberry Valley had stumbled upon it!

Grand Ancestor Muqin had also largely understood the situation by this point. From her storage bag, she took out a section of crystal-clear bamboo and handed it to Chen Mobai. “This is a high-grade Tier 4 Clear Bamboo. If Sect Master Chen refines it, it can elevate your spiritual sense to the perfected Golden Core realm.” Using this as an apology, Grand Ancestor Muqin's sincerity was evident! Chen Mobai's eyes lit up upon hearing this. His Danfeng Chaoyang Diagram's progress was somewhat slow, but with this, he might be able to directly break through to the third layer, the 'Yin Youyi' realm. However, the opportunity to make a Nascent Soul cultivator pay a hefty price was very rare, so although Chen Mobai truly wanted it, he remained silent.

“I will lead my disciples away from the Eastern Desolate.” Grand Ancestor Muqin made another guarantee. “Then, Venerable, where do you plan to settle?” Chen Mobai also understood by this point that Grand Ancestor Muqin was likely leading these people to find a retreat, to preserve the Empty Mulberry Valley lineage.

“How about the Cloud Dream Lake? I heard it's plagued by demonic beasts. My remaining body, if it encounters that nascent poison dragon, could resist it somewhat. My disciples could also help you shoulder some of the demonic beast calamities!” When Grand Ancestor Muqin said this, Chen Mobai knew she must have conducted a comprehensive investigation before coming to the Eastern Desolate. “The Cloud Dream Lake region has always been jointly governed by our Five Elements Sect and Eastern Wu. After the poison dragon is cleared, its abundant water resources will also belong entirely to our Five Elements Sect.” But Chen Mobai thought for a moment and still didn't agree.

“In that case, I will lead my disciples to the Desolate Ruins.” Grand Ancestor Muqin sighed deeply and stated her final plan. Establishing a new Dao field in the Desolate Ruins would be fine while she was there, but if she left, relying solely on two Golden Core disciples might not be enough to secure a firm footing! “If you are in the Desolate Ruins, my Beiyuan City's resources will be open for your sect's supply!” Chen Mobai actually wanted to refuse again, as the Desolate Ruins, especially the surrounding areas, were another future territory he had set his sights on for development. But if he refused again, Muqin might truly turn hostile! He still had to give some consideration to a Nascent Soul cultivator's dignity. And most importantly, regarding the Desolate Ruins, his Five Elements Sect indeed had no sovereignty there, and he couldn't immediately think of an excuse to refuse.