Chapter 782: Star Heavenly Dao Sect

Pure Nine Gates

While True Monarch Mingwen was purchasing and collecting spiritual rice, Chen Mobai was also taking stock of the Five Elements Sect's assets.

This trip to the Big Dipper Convention would certainly require bringing some Eastern Desolate specialties as bargaining chips.

Spiritual stones, and similar items, were crucial for making up any price differences.

After all, it was rare for two resources to be of completely equal value.

Chen Mobai took inventory of the Five Elements Sect's and his own personal wealth. Over the years, thanks to the continuous development of the Eastern Desolate Plateau, Beiyuan City had accumulated a significant amount.

Furthermore, with the central hub of the Five Elements and Five Meridians' Spiritual Treasure Pavilion now located here, there was an inventory of nearly fifty million spiritual stones.

However, most of these were mid-grade or low-grade spiritual stones.

At the Big Dipper Convention, the default currency for transactions was high-grade spiritual stones.

Chen Mobai ultimately converted three thousand high-grade spiritual stones and placed them into his inner realm. Of course, he also took some mid-grade and low-grade ones, just in case.

Among these, one thousand high-grade spiritual stones came from his personal savings.

This was because a considerable amount had been used previously for upgrading the fourth-tier spiritual vein, feeding the Violet-Green Twin Swords, and so on.

Apart from the spiritual stones, he did not touch the remaining fourth-tier resources of the Five Elements Sect.

He only brought the Return-to-Truth Pill, the Everlasting Beauty Pearl, and five fourth-tier Immortal Peach Fruits.

Zhou Shengqing knew the Big Dipper Convention was a rare opportunity and even advised Chen Mobai to bring sect specialties such as Longevity Tree Fruit, Cyan Sun Fire, and fourth-tier Longevity Wood.

But Chen Mobai merely smiled.

He had already prepared the Longevity Dan Scripture, which was exceptionally precious in the Sky River Realm.

This Longevity Dan Scripture had been updated by Qing Nü, making the elixir formulas within it seem like genuine ancient formulas.

If he encountered someone who recognized its true value, this Longevity Dan Scripture would be priceless.

In other words, almost everything Chen Mobai brought would be invaluable to those who needed it.

Time quickly arrived at the day of True Monarch Mingwen's departure.

Chen Mobai followed her to Kongsang Valley in the Barren Ruins.

Zhou Shengqing, feeling a little uneasy, followed behind them.

However, it turned out his worries were unfounded.

Venerable Muqin appeared even older, her aura of decay making Chen Mobai feel as though he could almost defeat her.

"Please excuse my appearance, Sect Master Chen."

Seeing Chen Mobai, who had come with True Monarch Mingwen, Venerable Muqin's wrinkled face nodded slightly, then she took the Pure Bamboo Hat handed to her by Yi Chenghan.

After putting on this magic artifact, wisps of pure qi descended, obscuring her face and simultaneously concealing all traces of her decay.

"We will be troubling Venerable One this time."

Chen Mobai spoke very politely to Old Ancestor Muqin, who nodded slightly, then produced a verdant bamboo boat.

With a flick into the wind, the verdant bamboo boat transformed into a flying magic artifact large enough for four or five people to stand on.

Old Ancestor Muqin boarded first, followed by True Monarch Mingwen.

Chen Mobai immediately followed suit.

Besides the three of them, there was also Xiao Lingli, whom he recognized.

"The situation regarding the establishment of the branch compound here needs to be reported to Senior Brother Kuzhu. She will depart once we reach Eastern Yi."

True Monarch Mingwen offered an explanation, and Chen Mobai nodded in understanding.

"Junior Sister, I will trouble you to look after Master."

Below, Yi Chenghan, who was staying behind to guard the sect, clasped his hands and said to True Monarch Mingwen. She nodded, and then the verdant bamboo boat transformed into a green streak, shooting into the sky.

On the bamboo boat, Old Ancestor Muqin sat at the bow, her presence obscured by the bamboo hat, making it unclear if she was cultivating.

Chen Mobai engaged in casual conversation with True Monarch Mingwen.

"If not for the interference of the Sunken Sea, the Profound Clarity Dao Palace would have long been trampled by our Kongsang Valley..."

As they chatted, the conversation naturally turned to the major events in Eastern Yi over recent years, and True Monarch Mingwen's tone was filled with hatred.

"What a pity."

Chen Mobai spoke these two words with genuine sincerity.

Their Five Elements Sect and the Profound Clarity Dao Palace were already irreconcilable mortal enemies.

If Kongsang Valley could kill Old Ancestor Jinfeng, it would save him a lot of trouble.

After all, with the Five Elements Sect's strength, even resting and waiting for them in the Eastern Desolate, killing the Profound Clarity Dao Palace's army of cultivators led by Old Ancestor Jinfeng would undoubtedly come at a heavy cost.

And regardless.

Kongsang Valley had bought Chen Mobai a lot of time for his Nascent Soul formation.

"It's also my second senior sister's fault. If she hadn't fallen into demonic cultivation and practiced the Corpse Dissolution art, attracting the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect, Senior Brother Kuzhu wouldn't have had to endure the punishment of Seven Swords Piercing the Body."

"If Senior Brother hadn't been gravely injured, allowing Old Ancestor Baiwu of the Sunken Sea to see an opportunity to crush him, the current situation wouldn't have arisen."

"Everyone in Eastern Yi, from top to bottom, is cunning and wicked, unlike your Eastern Desolate, Sect Master Chen, where people are mostly sincere."

True Monarch Mingwen's words made Chen Mobai feel a little embarrassed.

He had merely upheld the most basic moral standards of human conduct.

Under his example, the sect disciples in Beiyuan City, from top to bottom, also adopted this ethos.

Moreover, to reside in Beiyuan City, one had to sign a pledge confirming they were not a rogue cultivator. Therefore, when True Monarch Mingwen traded and purchased goods there, merchants would adhere to the market rules set by the Five Elements Sect.

This gave her the misconception that the locals in the Eastern Desolate had much better character than those in Eastern Yi.

"Since Kongsang Valley is still under siege by the Sunken Sea and the Profound Clarity Dao Palace, why would Venerable Muqin lead you to establish a branch compound in the Barren Ruins?"

Chen Mobai asked another question that had puzzled him for a long time.

"Don't let their fierce attacks deceive you. The core of our Kongsang Valley's mountain protection array is fifth-tier Pure Bamboo, and combined with Master's centuries of arrangement and optimization, it has long possessed the power of a peak fourth-tier array. Only a cultivator at the perfected Nascent Soul stage would stand a chance of breaking it..."

True Monarch Mingwen had a look of pride on her face as she spoke.

As Eastern Yi's top formation master, the sect's grand array left by Muqin, as long as a Nascent Soul cultivator was present, meant there was no need to fear the Profound Clarity Dao Palace and the Sunken Sea at all.

"Impressive."

Chen Mobai gave a thumbs-up after hearing this.

"The main reason for coming here to establish a branch compound is because Master feels her time is short and wishes to leave a legacy for our Kongsang Valley lineage in her final moments."

"The reason we initially chose the Eastern Desolate was that someone from the Star Heaven Grand Merchant Association informed us that Yan Shaoyin of Return-to-Heaven Valley had failed his Nascent Soul formation in their Eastern Yue region. They needed a new force to enter the Eastern Desolate to balance your increasingly powerful sect."

"Furthermore, if our Kongsang Valley were to establish a branch compound in the Eastern Desolate, the Star Heaven Grand Merchant Association would be willing to provide all necessary resources, and even hand over those ten thousand acres of Coiled Dragon Spiritual Rice to us."

"Although Return-to-Heaven Valley is weak, it still possesses eight thousand acres of medicinal herb fields. If we could take these over, we would quickly establish a firm foothold in the Eastern Desolate."

"It's just a pity that the Star Heaven Grand Merchant Association didn't know that Old Ancestor Zhou Shengqing of your esteemed sect had actually formed his Nascent Soul."

At this point, True Monarch Mingwen sighed.

If there were no Nascent Soul cultivators in the Eastern Desolate, with Kuzhu stalling Old Ancestor Jinfeng and Old Ancestor Baiwu, Old Ancestor Muqin, even in a half-crippled state, could have intimidated and cleared the area.

But no one expected the Five Elements Sect to be able to conceal itself so deeply.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai's gaze subtly chilled.

His favorable impression of the Star Heaven Grand Merchant Association decreased once again.

However, from their perspective, a unified Eastern Desolate was indeed unfavorable for business.

But since they had schemed to this extent, future cooperation with the Star Heaven Grand Merchant Association would need careful consideration.

However, he still had to attend the Big Dipper Convention, so this matter could only be temporarily kept in mind.

Thinking of this, Chen Mobai asked, "Will the other three Nascent Soul Old Ancestors from Eastern Yi participate in this Big Dipper Convention?"

True Monarch Mingwen immediately shook her head after hearing this. "Among our three major sects in Eastern Yi, no one dares to back down first. Until the outcome is decided, matters concerning the Big Dipper Convention cannot affect them."

It was clear now that the Profound Clarity Dao Palace and the Sunken Sea wanted to seize the opportunity of Kuzhu's severe injuries to suppress him permanently.

After all, Old Ancestor Jinfeng did not have much lifespan left, and Old Ancestor Baiwu was even more aware of how terrifying a sword cultivator could become once they fully matured.

If they didn't act now, once Kuzhu's cultivation advanced further, Eastern Yi would be completely at his mercy.

This was something Old Ancestor Baiwu could not tolerate.

After all, in his original view, once Jinfeng and Muqin died of old age, Eastern Yi would be his dominion.

Now, not only was his beautiful dream shattered, but he might even have to submit to others.

Therefore, upon seeing Kuzhu's vulnerability, he could no longer hold back.

Once they made a move, according to the local custom, a life-and-death struggle was inevitable unless a stronger external force, surpassing both sides, intervened.

Hearing this, Chen Mobai asked another question: "So, will their three Big Dipper Convention qualifications just go to waste like that?"

True Monarch Mingwen shook her head. "Not at all. As long as one holds an invitation and can prove they are a disciple or relative of a Nascent Soul cultivator, they can still enter the Big Dipper Convention."

Chen Mobai nodded slightly after hearing this.

That's good.

He was still wondering if he could exchange for a fifth-tier Sun Saint Fruit with the Sunken Sea.

If Old Ancestor Baiwu didn't attend the Big Dipper Convention, his replacement would likely be Zhu Jun, whom he had previously encountered.

After all, she was also at the perfected Golden Core stage and greatly needed the Three Luminaries Divine Water to form her Nascent Soul again.

With no more questions, Chen Mobai fell silent and began refining his Pure Yang spiritual power while sitting on the bamboo boat.

True Monarch Mingwen also took out a spiritual stone and began cultivating, though her foundation was clearly not as strong as Chen Mobai's.

By the time she finished her cultivation, Chen Mobai was still sitting in meditation with his eyes closed.

Bored, she called her disciple Xiao Lingli over and began to instruct her in cultivation.

Chen Mobai was not actually cultivating with full concentration, as he was surrounded by outsiders.

Likely also considering his presence, True Monarch Mingwen and her disciple did not discuss the Kongsang Valley's true legacy secret arts during their exchange.

Since the Barren Ruins between the Eastern Desolate and Eastern Yi had largely been developed by cultivators from both regions, they did not encounter any very powerful demonic beasts this time.

Xiao Lingli, a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, even managed to handle everything without Chen Mobai needing to intervene.

Approximately three days later, they entered the territory of Eastern Yi.

This place was quite different from the Eastern Desolate. Chen Mobai noticed that the terrain gradually became lower, the mountains were more picturesque, and the river systems were highly developed, making it feel like a flat, watery region.

In comparison, the Eastern Desolate was a highland region.

Chen Mobai silently observed, recording the topography he saw from the sky onto the blank map within his Turtle Treasure.

After flying over Eastern Yi for half a day, they dropped Xiao Lingli off on a barren mountain without spiritual energy.

Chen Mobai didn't know how Xiao Lingli would return to Kongsang Valley, which was surrounded by the Profound Clarity Dao Palace and the Sunken Sea, but there was likely a hidden teleportation array.

However, this teleportation array definitely wouldn't be on this barren mountain; after all, he was an outsider, and they wouldn't let him see it.

"Sect Master Chen, because Master is a Nascent Soul cultivator, using the large teleportation array in Golden Crow Immortal City would easily expose her. Therefore, we need to cross the continuous mountain ranges between Eastern Yi and Eastern Yue."

True Monarch Mingwen said apologetically as they once again steered the bamboo boat to fly.

Chen Mobai nodded as well.

Between Eastern Yi and Eastern Yue lay vast mountain ranges, part of the Barren Ruins, concealing numerous venomous insects and fierce beasts. Even Nascent Soul cultivators risked accidental death there.

Especially after the establishment of large teleportation arrays, most cultivators from both regions preferred to spend spiritual stones rather than risk traversing these dangerous mountains to save money.

However, he soon discovered.

The route the bamboo boat took seemed to be a safe one; they encountered almost no powerful venomous insects or demonic creatures along the way.

"This route was established by our Kongsang Valley over thousands of years, back when the large teleportation arrays had not yet been built. It was one of our safe channels for communication with Eastern Yue and even the Central Continent."

Seeing the confusion on Chen Mobai's face, True Monarch Mingwen proactively explained.

"I see. But is it alright for me to know about this route?"

Chen Mobai's words made True Monarch Mingwen smile bitterly and shake her head.

"Since the large teleportation arrays were established, our Kongsang Valley no longer uses this route ourselves. Only Master, due to her sensitive identity, still travels this way."

In other words, this route was exclusive to Nascent Soul cultivators.

As Chen Mobai thought this, he soon noticed a very strange and sinister aura rising from a valley below, transforming into a dark red, vast demonic qi.

But before the demonic qi could fully ascend, the verdant bamboo boat flashed with an even more crystalline green light, instantly darting thousands of miles away.

After a few more flashes, the dark red demonic qi had been left far behind.

"This is a fourth-tier Dark Violet Scorpion. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator, if stung, would experience bodily collapse, and without an antidote, their mind would gradually perish in excruciating pain."

True Monarch Mingwen explained, and Chen Mobai was greatly surprised, realizing that this region truly held treasures.

This grade of venomous scorpion could be used to refine a type of elixir in the Immortal Sect that stimulated and enhanced spiritual sense.

Unfortunately, in the Immortal Sect, this elixir formula could only be used to refine first or second-tier elixirs at most, because there were no third-tier or higher venomous scorpions in artificial cultivation.

Wild ones, however, were protected spiritual beasts and could not be killed for their medicinal properties.

Subsequently, Chen Mobai witnessed many more strange and terrifying venomous insects and demonic beasts, but the bamboo boat demonstrated its formidable capabilities.

This flying magic artifact, refined using high-grade fourth-tier Pure Bamboo, was exceptionally fast, ranking among the fastest even within the fourth-tier.

Most of the venomous insects and demonic beasts below were third-tier, but they did not stop to deal with them, instead directly accelerating the bamboo boat to evade them all.

Approximately seven days later, they finally crossed these continuous mountains and entered the territory of Eastern Yue.

This place was vastly different from Eastern Yi's flat, watery region. One could see massive mountain ranges rising from the ground, piercing the sky, enveloped in clouds and mist, exuding a sense of grandeur and ancient power.

Chen Mobai noticed that these mountain ranges seemed to conceal profound spiritual energy. He could see buildings constructed from white stones, rising along the mountainsides, forming village after village.

And between some of the magnificent peaks, these villages had grown into fortified settlements and small towns.

He could even see people dressed in simple blue clothing, carrying various venomous insects, moving through the mountains and rivers, gathering different fruits, vegetables, and the like.

"These are the humans living in Eastern Yue. Due to the separation by mountains and rivers, they are scattered and do not form a single nation. They revere the cultivators of the Star Heaven Dao Sect as Immortal Masters."

"Due to the terrain here, it's difficult to cultivate rice or similar crops. However, after tens of thousands of years of evolution, the local people have learned to coexist with venomous insects, possessing a certain degree of self-preservation."

"The Star Heaven Dao Sect dispatches people periodically to help them expel powerful and uncontrollable venomous insects using spells, and also takes away those with spiritual roots to teach them cultivation methods."

True Monarch Mingwen gave a general overview of the customs in Eastern Yue, and Chen Mobai couldn't help but nod after listening.

As their bamboo boat flew over a mountain peak, they were spotted by several young men and women in blue clothes and headwear. They cheered and simultaneously knelt down in a grand salute.

The mortals here worshipped cultivators as true immortals.

Upon realizing this, Chen Mobai thought that guiding these people towards a civilized society would be a considerable merit.

However, this was merely a thought.

After all, Eastern Yue was solely dominated by the Star Heaven Dao Sect, a super-force in the Eastern Continent second only to the Holy Lands.

With seven Nascent Soul cultivators in one sect, Chen Mobai even suspected that the current One Element Dao Palace might not be as strong as it.

After traveling through the sky for another three days, they arrived before the tallest mountain.

This was the most magnificent divine mountain Chen Mobai had ever seen in his life!

Immensely colossal, it blocked his view from a great distance, soaring into the clouds as if directly reaching the starry cosmos beyond the heavens.

Clouds and mist swirled around the mountain peak, like a layer of white gauze gently draped over it. On the mountainside, there was a dense, towering forest, so vast that Chen Mobai felt the entire Giant Wood Ridge could fit within it with plenty of room to spare.

What astonished him most, however, was that the mountaintop seemed to have been sliced off by a great powerful being, leaving behind a boundless platform.

One solemn, majestic, and immensely grand stone hall after another spread outwards from the center of the mountaintop. As they reached the edge of the summit, where they would otherwise fall into an abyss, a colossal, towering circular city wall enclosed them, protecting everyone within the stone city on the mountaintop.

Within the stone city, at regular intervals, stood stone pillars carved with different celestial patterns, a total of three hundred and sixty-five of them, forming a complete terrestrial star map on the mountaintop.

The seven tallest stone grand halls, resembling seven brilliant and dazzling stars, shimmered with magnificent starlight even in broad daylight.

These must be the residences of the Star Heaven Dao Sect's seven Nascent Soul cultivators.

"Normally, only three Nascent Soul cultivators reside on Star Pillar Mountain. With the Big Dipper Convention being held, I wonder if the other four have returned."

True Monarch Mingwen said to Chen Mobai as the bamboo boat flew towards the stone city on the mountaintop.

She had accompanied Old Ancestor Muqin here several times before.

She was very familiar with both the Star Heaven Dao Sect and the Big Dipper Convention.

For instance, the Grand Elder of the Star Heaven Dao Sect was known as Venerable Xingji, who had achieved perfected Nascent Soul stage a long time ago and was said to have been continuously seeking opportunities for Spirit Transformation.

He had even traveled beyond the Eastern Continent through the Grand Void Ethereal Palace, and his current whereabouts were unknown.

The youngest Nascent Soul cultivator, titled Xinghuo, had just formed his Nascent Soul sixty years ago. It was said that he had already condensed a wisp of Star True Fire, one of the most powerful True Fires in the Sky River Realm. Cultivated to its peak, it could even transform into Immortal Fire, a formidable divine ability capable of aiding ascension.

As the two conversed, a bright silver starlight flew out from the mountaintop and landed before their bamboo boat.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Muqin of Kongsang Valley. It seems only you have come from Eastern Yi this time."

The bright silver radiance dispersed, revealing a slightly plump middle-aged man with white hair and beard.

Chen Mobai recognized him at a glance: he was also a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xingchen. You are in charge of the Big Dipper Convention this time."

Muqin spoke in a calm voice, with no hint of her usual weakness or weariness.

"Hahahaha, Fellow Daoist, you guessed wrong. The Grand Elder has returned this time; I am merely running errands."

Venerable Xingchen laughed heartily, reached out to take the invitation handed to him by Muqin, and then opened a starlight portal above the mountain-top grand array, inviting them to enter.

From beginning to end, he did not spare a glance for True Monarch Mingwen or Chen Mobai.

After they followed him into the Star Heaven Dao Sect, Venerable Xingchen disappeared.

"Sect Master Chen, Master and I are going to Black Stone Street to rent two cave dwellings. Would you like to come with us?"

When coming to the Big Dipper Convention, the Star Heaven Dao Sect did not arrange accommodation, or perhaps they intended for their lower-level sect disciples to seize this rare opportunity to earn a substantial amount.

"I'll look around first. I'll contact you two later."

Chen Mobai intended to act freely. Muqin and her disciple had already anticipated this; entering required verification, but leaving did not.

"Sect Master Chen, if you wish to leave with us later, you can notify me."

True Monarch Mingwen gave him a communication talisman, Chen Mobai nodded, and then the three parted ways.

Before coming, Chen Mobai had heard Zhou Shengqing talk about the Big Dipper Convention.

This was essentially an exhibition and sales event for the Star Heaven Dao Sect's resources.

Precious resources collected by the Star Heaven Grand Merchant Association over sixty years of travel through various regions of the Eastern Continent would all be displayed and sold here.

The entire convention would last for forty-nine days (seven times seven).

Every seven days, the Star Heaven Dao Sect would reveal an exceptionally precious spiritual item.

Among them, the Three Luminaries Divine Water was guaranteed!

When Chen Mobai and his companions arrived, there was still half a month until the official start of the Big Dipper Convention.

Generally, apart from those from the Holy Lands and major sects, most people who received invitations would arrive early.

This was because, in addition to the Star Heaven Dao Sect's sales, they also needed to exchange their own resources.

"Senior, do you need a guide? I am He Sui, an inner disciple of the Star Heaven Dao Sect, and I am familiar with all aspects of this stone city."

Seeing Chen Mobai standing alone on the street, a casually dressed young man in a star-colored robe approached him and politely introduced himself.

"What's the price?"

Chen Mobai truly needed a guide and couldn't help but ask. Upon hearing this, He Sui's face lit up, and he held out one finger.

"One high-grade spiritual stone. During the Big Dipper Convention, I will be at your disposal, available whenever you call."

That expensive?

Chen Mobai inwardly cursed the Star Heaven Dao Sect for its exorbitant prices after hearing this.

However, cultivators capable of attending the Big Dipper Convention would certainly not care about the loss or gain of one high-grade spiritual stone.

He was no different.

So, Chen Mobai nodded in agreement.

"Can I pay with mid-grade or low-grade spiritual stones?"

Chen Mobai asked. He Sui hesitated, then nodded, and Chen Mobai gave him a mid-grade spiritual stone as a deposit.

"I want to refine an ancient elixir formula. Take me to the place where medicinal ingredients are sold and traded here."

"Senior, please follow me to Woodstone Street."

He Sui immediately led the way.

In a short while, they arrived at a street filled with the scent of herbs. Chen Mobai walked in and found that both sides were lined with various mineral-based medicines. There were also spirit plant-based herbs, but they didn't make up as large a proportion.

Upon asking, he learned that Eastern Yue had many elixirs, but they primarily used minerals as raw materials, which was a somewhat unique alchemy system of the Star Heaven Dao Sect.

Chen Mobai nodded after hearing this, then dismissed He Sui, planning to browse the shops one by one himself.

However, He Sui said he would wait by the entrance.

Chen Mobai thought he was worried about him welshing on the payment and didn't say much. He entered the first shop and began inspecting with his spiritual sense, comparing items against the list Qing Nü had given him.

In this shop, he found two secondary ingredients he needed, both at the second-tier level. After inquiring about the prices, he temporarily held off on purchasing.

Next, he looked at a few more shops and indeed found the same secondary ingredients. The price difference wasn't significant, but every bit saved was a gain.

"Do you know anyone who is familiar with the prices of medicinal ingredients here?"

Chen Mobai asked He Sui as he exited the fifth shop.

"There is a senior sister, but she would also require spiritual stones for her services."

He asked about the price, and it turned out to be two high-grade spiritual stones. Chen Mobai considered it, decided his time couldn't be wasted here, and nodded in agreement.

Shortly after, a female cultivator with ordinary looks but an excellent physique walked over with He Sui. Her name was Lu Huixin.

After agreeing on the terms, Chen Mobai gave her a list and asked her to help find the medicinal ingredients on it.

Chen Mobai then proceeded to the end of the street, to the area where only bartering was allowed.

However, upon entering, he spotted someone unexpected.

A cultivator with an aged face, slightly dark circles under his eyes, and a faint, almost nonexistent aura throughout his body.

Yan Shaoyin!

He didn't die after failing his Nascent Soul formation?