Chapter 780: The Essence of Repairing the Heavens

Zixiao Palace!

Upon hearing this term, Chen Mobai couldn't help but be greatly surprised.

“Of course, it’s not the actual one,” Chen Baolan continued, “but a replica built at a location where the ancient traditions once stayed during their time at Zixiao Palace.” Chen Mobai finally calmed down a little after hearing this.

It was said that on Diyuan Star, before the existence of the Immortal Gate, the ancestors of humanity obtained cultivation methods in Zixiao Palace, which became the origin of all ancient traditions. The origin of Zixiao Palace was very mysterious; it was said to have shifted and moved in accordance with the changes in the sun, moon, stars, and the movements of heaven and earth. It was believed to be a self-contained realm, vast and boundless, containing the fundamental truths of the universe and demonstrating the laws of creation and destruction. During ancient times, humans with exceptional understanding entered it, comprehended methods of cultivation, and founded various traditional lineages.

However, the true Zixiao Palace only descended upon Diyuan Star every twelve hundred years. During its last descent, the True Yang Master of an ancient tradition seized the opportunity, entered it, and cultivated a Nascent Soul. However, after he emerged, he was killed by the Immortal Gate's Twin Sages who were waiting outside.

“This time, the ruins are likely from the Zixiao Palace's descent over three thousand years ago, located in the furthest Northernmost Cavern…” Chen Baolan spoke of this archaeological discovery. Due to his excellent professional capabilities and lack of personal ties, he had been selected to join this archaeological team and would pack his bags and leave after attending his elder brother and sister-in-law's funeral.

The Northernmost Cavern is the northernmost point of Diyuan Star, perpetually cold. Its seas are completely frozen, and the sun can remain high in the sky for weeks or even months without setting. If not for the Immortal Gate's valuable resources located there, they likely wouldn't even send people to establish outposts or dispatch cultivators. There are no dedicated flights or ships to that region; one must wait for the Immortal Gate's official arrangements, which might occur only once every few years, or even decades. Of course, cultivators who have reached the Core Formation realm can travel there on their own. For example, after Lan Haitian achieved Core Formation, he traveled to both the Northernmost and Southernmost Caverns, improving his innate magical artifacts while also laying the foundation for his Geomagnetic Domain.

Zixiao Palace from over three thousand years ago? Upon hearing this number, Chen Mobai's mind immediately recalled information about ancient traditions he had seen within the Heaven-Mending Group. Around that time, the Immortal Gate, leveraging the descent of Zixiao Palace, orchestrated the suppression and killing of the nine most powerful Grandmasters of the Divine Sect and Demonic Gate among the ancient traditions. However, the Heaven-Mending Group's records did not provide detailed information on the location of this suppression. He hadn't expected it to be in the Northernmost Cavern.

“Uncle, please take good care of yourself once you get there.” After hearing this, Chen Mobai immediately took out a talisman paper and drew a Profound Sun Divine Light Talisman for him. Considering that Chen Baolan had not yet reached Foundation Establishment, this talisman was only at the second-tier level, but wearing it would protect him from cold and poison.

“Thanks.” Chen Baolan didn't stand on ceremony, accepted it directly, and then bid farewell and left. The archaeological team's large ship was about to depart for the Northernmost Cavern; if he missed this one, he would have to wait at least several more years.

“Perhaps, I might also be accompanying you.” As Chen Baolan was leaving, Chen Mobai suddenly uttered these words, which greatly surprised him.

“Zixiao Palace is a sacred place in the eyes of the ancient traditions, and my Heaven-Mending Group in the Immortal Gate specifically targets those ancient evil traditions…” Chen Mobai's words caused a look of realization to dawn on Chen Baolan's face.

“I had forgotten that this archaeological team also includes many inheritors of intangible cultural heritage from the Immortal Gate's ancient traditions.” Most of the ancient traditions had already conformed to the prevailing trends and integrated with the Immortal Gate, such as the Ruyi Sect and Azure Feather Cliff. Whenever a Zixiao Palace ruin was discovered, they were always the most proactive. Of course, there were also evil traditions like the Ascension Cult operating in secret. At such times, Chen Mobai's Heaven-Mending Group was at its busiest.

After seeing Chen Baolan off, Chen Mobai also lit incense for his maternal grandparents, whose graves were next to his parents'. On another hilltop were the tombstones of his two maternal uncles and aunts-in-law. Unbeknownst to him, Chen Mobai had reached an age where he could be considered an elder. After visiting all the graves on the hill and offering incense, his family descended the mountain in silence.

“Mobai, when the two of us are gone, we'll have to trouble you to look after Ying'er.” At the foot of the mountain, his aunt's husband, Wang Jianyuan, and his aunt, Chen Yulan, looked at their daughter beside them with a hint of helplessness.

Wang Xinying's talent was decent; her initial Gold spirit root value was 30 points. With Chen Mobai's guidance and resources like the Vitality-replenishing spiritual water, her early cultivation was smooth sailing. After entering the Taiyuan Academy, she achieved Foundation Establishment on her first attempt. However, after Foundation Establishment, her spirit root and talent seemed less impressive. She was stuck at the third layer of Foundation Establishment for ten years before barely overcoming the bottleneck. Now, she was even stuck at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, with no signs of a breakthrough. Wang Jianyuan and Chen Yulan's idea was to have Chen Mobai introduce some of his excellent classmates, to see if they could have a grandchild before they passed away. However, Wang Xinying had grown up with such an outstanding brother like Chen Mobai, so her requirements for a future Dao companion were all based on Chen Mobai's standards. This led to her still being single to this day.

Chen Mobai did have excellent friends like Ming Yihua and Yun Yangbing, but both were true Dao Seeds with promising prospects for Core Formation, and they politely declined such proposals. It wasn't just them; outstanding young people graduating from the Martial Arts Dao Academy generally shared this mindset: "Unless the Great Dao is achieved, no family shall be formed!" Only when they truly had no hope of further breakthroughs would they consider settling down, starting a family, and having descendants. There were only a handful of cases, like Wang Xingyu and Gong Ranran, who were able to graduate together from university and eventually become Dao companions.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai looked at Wang Xinying, who was walking beside him and had grown into a beautiful, mature woman, and couldn't help but smile faintly as he recalled the little girl who used to follow him everywhere. "I've always treated her like my own little sister." As her elder brother, he would guide Wang Xinying in her cultivation whenever he had time. When she broke through to the third layer of Foundation Establishment, he was the one who helped purchase a Great Barrier-Breaking Pill. However, perhaps due to limited talent, even after breaking through the third layer, the bottleneck from the sixth to the seventh layer still held her back. This time, Chen Mobai didn't give her a barrier-breaking elixir. Instead, he told her to relax and, if her cultivation couldn't progress, to spend her time on spirit root enhancement techniques.

The Immortal Gate's foremost spirit root enhancement technique was the Gold-attribute "Midas Touch." Lan Haitian had also cultivated this technique back then, and it was the one with the most cultivation experience in the Immortal Gate. Wang Xinying had indeed followed Chen Mobai's advice over the years; besides helping him manage the talisman factory, she practiced the Midas Touch. Now, her Gold spirit root value had increased to 46 points. Furthermore, she was just elected president of the Danxia City Talisman Master Association last year. As long as she accumulates enough years of service, Chen Mobai would have no trouble arranging a Golden Origin Core-forming Pill for her.

“Mobai, with your words, we can rest assured.” Wang Jianyuan and Chen Yulan nodded, somewhat relieved, upon hearing Chen Mobai's reassurance.

“Thank you, big brother!” Wang Xinying on the side also expressed her gratitude. As she grew older and her views matured, Wang Xinying increasingly felt a vast, heaven-and-earth-like gap between herself and her exceptional brother. By now, Chen Mobai's brilliance shone even brighter within the Immortal Gate, causing her to respect him more and more, while gradually losing the carefree, playful mindset of her childhood.

“Call me if you need anything. You can also visit your sister-in-law and niece more often.” Chen Mobai had already introduced Shi Wanyu and her daughter. Wang Xinying and Shi Wanyu were not far apart in age, so their interactions as friends wouldn't arouse suspicion.

“Mmm.” Wang Xinying nodded.

After returning to his home in Danxia City, Chen Mobai knew he wouldn't be coming over constantly in the future, as his parents were no longer there. However, he still stayed there with Shi Wanyu and her daughter for seven days. After the seventh day of mourning passed, he hung his parents' portraits on the wall. After the memorial service, Chen Mobai handed a box to Shi Wanyu.

“This is…” With confusion, Shi Wanyu opened it and found a Youth-Preserving Pearl.

“When the time is right, find an opportunity to give this to Xinying, as a gift from her sister-in-law.” Shi Wanyu was slightly touched upon hearing this, realizing that Chen Mobai wanted her to get along better with his relatives.

After his parents' funeral, Chen Mobai put aside his grief and rushed back to Wangwu Cavern without delay. Nangong Xuanyu and Ye Yun'e had already jointly paid their respects to Patriarch Qianxing. And another piece of bad news arrived: Wang Shuye's attempt to form a Nascent Soul had failed.

Nangong Xuanyu had officially submitted an application to join the Righteous Law Hall. Given that he was a Nascent Soul cultivator and not during a general assembly, this application required a vote by the Kaiyuan Hall's standing committee. In such turbulent circumstances, Chen Mobai had no choice but to rush back to preside over the overall situation.

“What does Ye Yun'e mean?” Still in that small room, the four individuals from the Martial Arts and Jumang lineages were discussing Nangong Xuanyu's application to join the Righteous Law Hall.

“The Vice Hall Master intends to reject it,” Wang Xinfu said with a wry smile. “She has informed me of this and hopes that our two lineages can cooperate with them to veto this application at the Kaiyuan Hall's council meeting.” If so, it would mean completely offending the Heaven-Mending lineage. With Nangong Xuanyu having formed a Nascent Soul, this decision would not be easy to make.

“Do either of you have anything to say?” After listening, Chen Mobai nodded and then asked Wenren Xuewei and Song Yingzhi.

“Ying Guanghua has approached the Principal, hinting that our Jumang lineage should assist them,” Wenren Xuewei also spoke truthfully. Although the Martial Arts and Jumang lineages were close, they were not of the same faction, and in the eyes of outsiders, they could be divided.

“How did Elder Peach Blossom respond?”

“The Principal did not respond.” Hearing Wenren Xuewei's words, Chen Mobai nodded, understanding the Jumang lineage's intention.

“Then let's split our bets this time. I, representing the Martial Arts lineage, will support Kunpeng, and you, representing the Jumang lineage, will support Heaven-Mending. Let's see whose strength is greater between their two factions.” Chen Mobai's words brought a smile to Wenren Xuewei's lips.

“In that case, if the Heaven-Mending lineage wins, you might be ostracized by Nangong Xuanyu.”

“Recently, a Zixiao Palace ruin was discovered,” Chen Mobai said, speaking of an unrelated matter in response to the question. “To prevent cultivators from the Ascension Cult from causing destruction, I, as the head of the Heaven-Mending Group, believe it's necessary to personally lead my team to guard it.” But Wenren Xuewei immediately understood his intention.

“In that case, I'll have Cui'er come to Wangwu Cavern at that time,” Wenren Xuewei said. “She also has political aspirations, and during your absence from the center of the Three Halls, she can oversee the influence of our two lineages here.”

“That works!” Chen Mobai nodded, indicating his agreement with Wenren Xuewei's arrangement. If the Heaven-Mending lineage won the vote in the Kaiyuan Hall, Nangong Xuanyu would take charge of the Righteous Law Hall, and Chen Mobai would certainly have to distance himself and disappear for a while. At the very least, he needed to make a dignified exit before Nangong Xuanyu could act. Meanwhile, the Jumang lineage, having supported the Heaven-Mending lineage, would still be able to maintain its influence within the Three Halls. However, Wenren Xuewei also felt a sense of urgency to form a Nascent Soul as quickly as possible, so she didn't intend to get involved in this complicated situation. Coincidentally, Pei Qingshuang had achieved Core Formation, and she was also Elder Peach Blossom's daughter, with a background as profound as Ye Yun'e's. If she came to take over the two lineages' forces and oversee the overall situation, all Three Halls would have to show her respect.

After discussing the scenarios for both victory and defeat, the four individuals separated once more.

After returning to the Heaven-Mending Group, Chen Mobai first called Wang Shuye.

“Cough, cough, cough… I'm sorry… I've disappointed you…” Wang Shuye coughed softly, his voice weak and frail.

“Not at all, Senior. Just focus on recovering from your injuries. If I get the chance, I'll come visit you sometime.” After they chatted for a while, Chen Mobai told Wang Shuye to rest and proactively hung up the phone. Wang Shuye, too, had been influenced by the news of Nangong Xuanyu and Ye Yun'e successfully forming Nascent Souls, unable to remain calm, which prompted him to initiate his own Nascent Soul formation process. Unfortunately, his foundation wasn't as profound as theirs. Fortunately, he didn't force the breakthrough to the end; upon realizing signs of his failure, he immediately damaged himself to retreat from his realm, saving his life. Besides Wang Shuye, Nie Tinglan of the Jumang lineage was still in seclusion, though according to Wenren Xuewei, her prospects weren't very high either. In other words, both lineages would ultimately have to wait for the two of them to grow.

Realizing this, Chen Mobai also felt it was time to lie low, so he had Hua Zijing and Zhuang Jialan gather information about Zixiao Palace, preparing to dispatch himself at any moment. The Kaiyuan Hall's standing committee vote was scheduled to be held seven days later. Chen Mobai also went to pay his respects to Elder Water Immortal.

However, the moment they met, Elder Water Immortal frowned deeply, her small nose constantly twitching, clearly displeased. Chen Mobai immediately knew it was because he had condensed the Tushita Flame. He looked apologetic and didn't approach further, instead stating the purpose of his visit from a distance. It was about Nangong Xuanyu's application to join the Righteous Law Hall.

“Ying Guanghua has also discussed this matter with me,” Elder Water Immortal said. “If Nangong Xuanyu is to take charge, I will hand over the military department to him.” From Elder Water Immortal's mouth, Chen Mobai, however, received bad news. According to Immortal Gate custom, the military department is directly subordinate to the Righteous Law Hall Master. However, there have been instances of divided authority. For example, when Patriarch Baiguang served as the Righteous Law Hall Master, being engrossed in Immortal Gate sword arts, he delegated the military department's authority to the Vice Hall Master. If a Nascent Soul cultivator takes over, it is within the bounds of Immortal Gate law. However, this would mean the Righteous Law Hall would effectively have two Vice Hall Masters.

“What does Vice Hall Master Gongsun mean?” Chen Mobai asked, but received an expected answer.

“She had long wanted to go into seclusion to take the Nascent Nourishing Pill,” Elder Water Immortal explained. “If Nangong Xuanyu takes charge, she will use the opportunity to request leave for seclusion. During her absence, Nangong Xuanyu will also oversee her duties, preparing to take over the Righteous Law Hall in the future.” Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai knew that after Nangong Xuanyu formed his Nascent Soul, the general trend was essentially set. After all, Ying Guanghua had managed the Righteous Law Hall for centuries; it was deeply entrenched, and key positions in its two major departments were all filled by members of the Heaven-Mending lineage. If the Kunpeng lineage couldn't stop it, then Nangong Xuanyu becoming the next Righteous Law Hall Master in the future was a foregone conclusion.

“Since that's the case, Hall Master, could you do me a favor?” Chen Mobai knew that Elder Water Immortal told him this because he was the representative of the Martial Arts lineage in Wangwu Cavern, and thus qualified as one of the players involved in these highest-level power shifts. Since that was the case, he had to prepare for the worst.

“That's simple.” After hearing Chen Mobai's request, Elder Water Immortal nodded and signed her name on his application to lead the elite of the Heaven-Mending Group to guard and protect the Zixiao Palace survey team.

“If the Kaiyuan Hall's standing committee vote in seven days doesn't approve Nangong Xuanyu taking charge of the Righteous Law Hall,” Chen Mobai, receiving the signed document from Elder Water Immortal from a distance, said with a smile, “then Hall Master, just pretend you never signed this document.”

“Alright, alright, now hurry up and leave. And don't come to see me so often in the future!” Elder Water Immortal pinched her nose and waved her hand at Chen Mobai, urging him to disappear quickly and not appear before her again.

“Thank you, Hall Master, I'll take my leave now.” Chen Mobai immediately left Elder Water Immortal's island.

Then he went to the Righteous Law Hall and conversed for a while with Gongsun Jielu, who was handling official duties. She had long been weary of her work; if not for Elder Water Immortal giving her that Nascent Nourishing Pill, an immense favor, she too would have gone into seclusion like Wang Shuye and Ye Yun'e. Now that Nangong Xuanyu was coming to take over her position, she was even somewhat pleased. However, the Kunpeng lineage behind her did not agree to this! Ye Yun'e had also spoken with her, insisting that even if Nangong Xuanyu took charge of the Righteous Law Hall, she must hold her position and obstruct him for as long as possible. She was now caught between a rock and a hard place. However, no matter what she did, Elder Water Immortal supported her. After all, whether it was she or Nangong Xuanyu, they would handle her political affairs, allowing her to remain idle.

“Indeed, even within the Immortal Gate, once one's cultivation is powerful enough, it can change the overall situation,” Chen Mobai said with emotion. Nangong Xuanyu, previously the foremost Core Formation cultivator, was merely an ordinary councilor in the Kaiyuan Hall. But now, having formed a Nascent Soul, he was being groomed by the Heaven-Mending lineage to become one of the Three Hall Masters.

“That's why I also really want to put everything down and go into seclusion!” Gongsun Jielu's resentful words brought a faint smile to Chen Mobai's face.

“Oh, right, your sword intent feels increasingly potent,” Gongsun Jielu suddenly said as Chen Mobai was bidding farewell and leaving. “When my leave is approved, let's have a good discussion about swordsmanship and temper each other using our respective sword intents.”

“Okay, we'll talk when there's time.” Chen Mobai paused for a moment, then immediately nodded noncommittally.

After returning to the Heaven-Mending Group using the Underworld Grand Formation, Chen Mobai used his 'Inner Vision' to examine his 'Eternal Life Sword Intent,' which he hadn't focused on for a long time. He found that its progress, which had been stuck at around 10, had suddenly advanced to 50. He pondered in surprise, then began to retrace his memories. However, because he had been focusing his Inner Vision on the fusion of the Great Sun Pure Yang Fire and Extreme Yang Slash during this period, he didn't know when such a significant breakthrough had occurred. Using the Inch-Square Scroll, Chen Mobai entered deep thought, eliminating one possibility after another. He finally discovered a crucial point. When he used the 'Crown of Heaven and Earth and All Beings' to observe the world externally, he noticed that two thick but dim lines were missing. Chen Mobai remembered very clearly that these two lines were precisely those connecting him to his parents. In other words, was it because these two lines were gone? Chen Mobai was somewhat surprised. He had studied the function of 'external observation of heaven and earth' for a long time, knowing only that every person connected to him had a line, and these lines usually disappeared when a person died. However, in very rare cases, the connection would linger, giving rise to a new, thin yet resilient line. Because there were still too few samples of this phenomenon, Chen Mobai had merely recorded it, intending to analyze the similarities and differences with the Inch-Square Scroll once he collected enough information. And now, his parents' deaths had caused the two thickest lines connecting to him to vanish, with no new lines appearing. Was it because of this that the Eternal Life Sword Intent resonated even more strongly with him?

Realizing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but redirect his Inner Vision back to this sword intent. The fusion of the Great Sun Pure Yang Fire and Extreme Yang Slash was almost complete. Next, he wanted to see if the sword intent, after its rapid progress, would show further improvement if re-analyzed. After this, Chen Mobai once again activated the Tushita Flame and began to diligently refine Pure Yang True Qi.

Seven days later, the Kaiyuan Hall convened an internal meeting, represented by its standing committee. During the meeting, Nangong Xuanyu's application to join the Righteous Law Hall was approved! Upon seeing the voting results, Ye Yun'e, who was presiding over the meeting, had a face as cold as frost. However, in the face of the prevailing trend, she could only announce the outcome.

As one of the standing committee members, Chen Mobai immediately returned to the Heaven-Mending Group after the meeting to prepare for deployment. “Jialan, come with me. Zijing, please work hard and stay at headquarters.” The personnel assignments had already been drafted earlier. Chen Mobai first assigned his two direct subordinates. Next was the selection of elites from various groups.

Just as the Heaven-Mending Group began to get busy, Chen Mobai received a call from Lan Haitian. “You sure made a quick move.” Lan Haitian's words were quite artful, and Chen Mobai couldn't help but smile faintly upon hearing them.

“Running on my own is always better than being driven away.” Within the Immortal Gate, as long as one desired to maintain dignity, no one would push them to a dead end. While Chen Mobai's actions were the most correct path, Lan Haitian had initially thought that given his personality and pride, coupled with the powerful backing he represented, he could have stayed and hindered Nangong Xuanyu for a long time. Even if Nangong Xuanyu's political maneuvering skills were slightly worse, if Chen Mobai allied with the Kunpeng lineage, it might have been possible to confine him to the military department, preventing him from encroaching on other key departments and powers within the Righteous Law Hall. After all, in the Immortal Gate, the Nascent Soul realm was merely the entry threshold for the Three Hall Masters; truly ascending to power still required mastery of human relations and social etiquette. It was not uncommon for Nascent Soul cultivators, after serving in the Three Halls, to ignominiously return to teaching.

“However, with you doing this, I should actually thank you…” Lan Haitian said with a laugh. This call was also at Ying Guanghua's behest; the latter had just used the Heaven-Mending lineage's power to install Nangong Xuanyu in the Righteous Law Hall, and naturally didn't want anyone to oppose them. If Chen Mobai was willing to directly yield, it would be a good thing for the Heaven-Mending lineage.

“While I'm away, I'll trouble you to look after the Heaven-Mending Group.” Since Lan Haitian gained credit for free, Chen Mobai naturally wanted him to pay a little.

“Mmm, coincidentally, Lin Yin is returning after successfully forming her Core,” Lan Haitian replied. “I'll have her keep her position in the Heaven-Mending Group for now without resigning. That way, if any difficult problems arise, it'll be convenient for me to have her step forward.” Lan Haitian, having spent these years in the Immortal Affairs Hall, had become even more smooth and agreeable in his handling of matters. When Chen Mobai led the Heaven-Mending Group's elite out on missions, Lin Yin, as the Deputy Group Head and a direct subordinate of Lan Haitian, was also considered part of the Heaven-Mending lineage. Nangong Xuanyu would have no reason to target the Heaven-Mending Group under her leadership. However, besides her position in the Heaven-Mending Group, Lan Haitian had also arranged a new position for Lin Yin in the Immortal Affairs Hall. At that time, her primary work focus would be in the Immortal Affairs Hall. As for the Heaven-Mending Group, it would still primarily be managed by Chen Mobai's direct subordinate, Hua Zijing.

After their call ended, Zhuang Jialan also entered, leading three people. They were the three group leaders from Heaven-Mending Group Two, Three, and Six, who were also tasked with leading most of their respective elites to accompany Chen Mobai on this mission. Due to the large number of personnel, Chen Mobai had Zhuang Jialan apply for two combat aerial vehicles. Upon hearing that the Group Head was personally leading the team this time, the three group leaders were very surprised. After briefly explaining the mission, hearing the words 'Zixiao Palace,' all of them became serious. Chen Mobai arranged to depart early tomorrow morning. That evening, he went to see Yan Bingxuan.

“That kid sure slipped away fast!” In a simple room, after Lan Haitian reported Chen Mobai's reply, Nangong Xuanyu couldn't help but sneer.

“You've worked hard. It seems the remaining trump cards won't be needed,” Ying Guanghua said, nodding at Lan Haitian, then looking at the other person sitting opposite him.

“Hall Master, I'll take my leave then.” As Lan Haitian stood to leave, he glanced at the three people sitting in the room and couldn't help but feel a secret shock. He had never expected that, besides Nangong Xuanyu, Gongye Zhixu had also successfully formed a Nascent Soul! Was this the true foundation of the Heaven-Mending lineage!