Chapter 798: Transformation into Divine Talent, So Terrifying

The Hall of Immortal Affairs.

Vice Hall Master Bai Xiangqian was holding this year's meeting to distribute Core-forming spiritual materials. This batch had been delayed by two years because one of the main ingredients did not meet the requirements.

Lan Haitian, the Secretary-General, was also present, taking notes.

Besides them, many influential figures from the Three Great Halls were also in attendance. These included Wang Xinfu, representing the Dance-Weapon lineage; Pei Qingshuang, from the Jumang lineage; and Gongsun Jielu of the True Law Hall, among others.

However, the most significant pressure came from the two Nascent Soul Supremacies: Nangong Xuanyu of the True Law Hall and Ye Yun'e of the Kaiyuan Hall.

Core-forming spiritual elixirs were refined two batches every ten years, and for many, their distribution was crucial to their life's achievements. Consequently, a great number of public officials paid close attention.

Yet, these distribution meetings were usually attended by representatives from the most powerful departments of the Three Great Halls. The presence of Nascent Soul Supremacies was rare. After all, this matter was primarily discussed among the heads of the four lineages, who would have already consulted with their superiors beforehand. If a Nascent Soul Supremacy wanted to make arrangements, they would typically instruct their subordinates rather than participate in person.

Today, however, was a rare exception, with two Nascent Soul Supremacies present.

Most people, though, already had a subtle inkling of why.

After exchanging a few words, Wang Xinfu and Pei Qingshuang returned to their seats with grim expressions. Beside Wang Xinfu were two other ministers from the Dance-Weapon lineage. All three had used their networks to gather information, and the news they received was far from good. Nangong Xuanyu's presence was clearly aimed at suppressing the Dance-Weapon lineage. It was unclear whether Ye Yun'e would stand idly by or take advantage of the situation, but she certainly wasn't there to help. The thought filled Wang Xinfu with immense pressure. Unfortunately, facing a Nascent Soul Supremacy, he had no means of resistance, whether in terms of status, power, or connections.

"Everyone is here, so let's begin the meeting," announced Bai Xiangqian, the Vice Hall Master of the Hall of Immortal Affairs, who was presiding over the meeting, after checking the time.

Lan Haitian immediately activated a special magical artifact, and soon, sixty personal profiles with avatars appeared on the large screen embedded in the wall. These were the candidates for this batch of Core-forming spiritual elixirs.

First, internal competitions were held within the various departments of the Three Great Halls. After all eligible individuals demonstrated their unique capabilities, those with the strongest connections were selected to be on today's candidate list. Following that was the current selection process by the upper echelons of the Three Great Halls. Once confirmed, the final list would be announced at the end of the year. Essentially, the decision rested solely with the most powerful individuals.

"Teacher Ling from the Ministry of Education, with his exceptional organizational and leadership skills, has effectively coordinated and managed educational resources over the years... I believe he meets the requirements," Bai Xiangqian, the host, began. Teacher Ling, a rising talent specifically cultivated by the Heaven-Mending lineage, was considered the second most brilliant genius of his generation, only after Chen Mobai. Thus, once he accumulated sixty years of service, his name was immediately put forward.

As soon as he finished speaking, no one present objected. The motion passed unanimously.

Next, Shi Miao spoke, naturally endorsing Taishi Shu of the Kunpeng lineage, who was also hailed as the second most talented individual of her generation after Chen Mobai. This group of candidates had all just completed sixty years of service and had been eagerly awaiting this Golden Liquid Jade Elixir.

Following them were Song Yuexin of the Jumang lineage and Zhongli Tianyu of the Dance-Weapon lineage. Nangong Xuanyu remained expressionless when Zhongli Tianyu's name was mentioned. Although he intended to suppress the Dance-Weapon lineage, he could not touch this individual's Golden Liquid Jade Elixir. Despite the Zhongli family's decline, they were still descendants of a God Transformation cultivator, with deep foundations. Furthermore, it was rumored that the old ancestor of the Zhongli family had an excellent relationship with the Spirit Venerable.

The first four Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs were thus allocated among the four lineages. Hearing this, Wang Xinfu subtly exhaled in relief. As long as Zhongli Tianyu's elixir was untouched, it meant Nangong Xuanyu and the others were still operating within the rules. Even if other members of their lineage were eliminated in this meeting, at least the "fig leaf" of the four major lineages had not yet been completely torn away.

Next on the screen was Ding Guoyuan from the Department of Blessed Lands Construction. As he hailed from the Heaven-Mending lineage, no one objected, and Wang Xinfu abstained from the vote.

The Kunpeng lineage then secured another elixir for their own Qi Huanzhi.

"Zhou Tiangong from the Heavenly Craftsmanship Factory..." Soon, a person from the Dance-Weapon lineage appeared on the large screen. Everyone fell silent, and Nangong Xuanyu remained quiet. Then, Luan Xuehou, the Minister of the Environmental Protection Department of the Hall of Immortal Affairs, stood up and voiced his objection.

As the current representative of the Dance-Weapon lineage in the Three Great Halls, Wang Xinfu naturally spoke up to argue. When there were differing opinions, a vote was required. Unfortunately, Wang Xinfu lost by a significant margin during the voting process, and Zhou Tiangong was immediately eliminated.

It wasn't just Zhou Tiangong; every subsequent candidate with a Dance-Weapon lineage background was opposed by Luan Xuehou under various pretexts and subsequently lost in the voting. By the time their seventh candidate was removed, Wang Xinfu's face had grown quite grim. However, all of this fell within the immortal sect's rules, and in such a setting, he dared not cause a scene. He could only clench his teeth, remain in his seat, and advocate for his people, even if the outcome was always failure.

It wasn't just the Dance-Weapon lineage; the Jumang lineage faced a similar situation, with successive rejections. However, likely due to Pei Qingshuang's presence, one public official, a graduate of the Shan Hai Academy working in the Department of Ocean Management, eventually passed the selection and received an elixir. This was primarily because, for every batch of Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs, two were reserved for individuals outside the four major lineages. This was an unwritten rule, intended to provide hope and motivation for advancement to the other Foundation Establishment cultivators in the immortal sect.

This time, one elixir went to Leng Mingfeng of Shan Hai Academy, and the other to Tao Mingqing of Taiyuan Academy.

"Next, Hua Zijing, acting deputy head of the Heaven-Mending Group under the Enforcement Department..." At this point, another individual with a Dance-Weapon lineage background appeared on the screen. Just as Luan Xuehou, the Minister of Environmental Protection, was about to object again, a gentle cough resonated. Everyone immediately turned their gaze to Lan Haitian. Although he knew endorsing Hua Zijing at this moment would put him in an extremely awkward position, it was a promise he had made to Chen Mobai, a matter concerning his dao heart, which he absolutely could not break.

"Hua Zijing is passionate about her work, consistently maintains professionalism within the Heaven-Mending Group, and frequently leads the charge in dangerous missions... I believe she deserves a Golden Liquid Jade Elixir." As soon as Lan Haitian finished speaking, Luan Xuehou, who had been intending to object, turned his gaze to Nangong Xuanyu. To some extent, Lan Haitian represented Ying Guanghua, the Hall Master of the Hall of Immortal Affairs. When he spoke, almost everyone would show deference and not object.

"I, however, disagree," Nangong Xuanyu stated calmly. "Since Secretary-General Lan's departure, the Heaven-Mending Group, under its new head, has achieved virtually no notable merits. Furthermore, an elixir was already allocated to someone from this group last time. Granting another now would be unfair to other departments." While others might show deference to Ying Guanghua, whom Lan Haitian represented, Nangong Xuanyu would not. After all, he and Ying Guanghua had reached a consensus on suppressing the Dance-Weapon lineage. Perhaps on another occasion, he might have given Lan Haitian face, but not today. This incident, however, made Nangong Xuanyu question Lan Haitian's loyalty, believing he was not fully aligned with the Heaven-Mending lineage. He resolved to call Ying Guanghua after the meeting and suggest replacing the Secretary-General.

"Then let's put it to a vote," Bai Xiangqian said. With an objection raised, the minority would have to yield to the majority.

Lan Haitian sighed and sat down. He had done his best, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. He could only try to make amends when the next batch of Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs was refined, to soothe his dao heart.

As expected, Hua Zijing was eliminated. Wang Xinfu's face was ashen, but he still nodded to Lan Haitian.

Next, a strong and handsome young man appeared on the screen. Everyone present recognized him: Jiang Yuyuan, the immortal sect's great star. Besides him, another radiant and charming lady soon appeared on the second page. She and Jiang Yuyuan were the candidates jointly nominated by the Department of Arts and Culture. This was Meng Huang'er.

Both were graduates of the Dance-Weapon lineage. Thus, with Lan Haitian remaining silent this time, Luan Xuehou rose again to voice his objection.

"Then let's vote..." Bai Xiangqian was about to proceed with the usual process when Shi Miao, who had been silent, suddenly interjected. "Jiang Yuyuan possesses a high degree of professional competence and profound knowledge, as well as excellent teamwork skills... I believe he should receive an elixir."

As soon as Shi Miao finished speaking, everyone hesitated, for they all knew he was Ye Yun'e's subordinate, and his words essentially conveyed her intent.

"I, however, disagree..." Nangong Xuanyu knew he had to speak up at this moment. So he stood out again to object, offering a few casual reasons, primarily to make his stance clear to those who were wavering.

"Then let's vote. I think young Jiang is quite good," Ye Yun'e said, speaking her first words since arriving today. Everyone was startled, their gazes shifting back and forth between the two Nascent Soul Supremacies. Wang Xinfu was somewhat incredulous, surprised that Ye Yun'e would actually speak up to help. It was then that everyone suddenly remembered that besides being the Vice Hall Master of Kaiyuan Hall, Ye Yun'e also held the position of Minister of the Department of Arts and Culture. It seemed her presence today was to support someone from her own department.

Compared to Nangong Xuanyu, Ye Yun'e, who had been in Kaiyuan Hall for centuries, wielded greater influence. Her words swayed many, and in the end, Jiang Yuyuan secured the Golden Liquid Jade Elixir by an extremely narrow margin of just one vote. Witnessing this, Wang Xinfu was secretly alarmed, realizing that the Heaven-Mending lineage's power had grown to such an extent. Even though the other three lineages had all voted in favor of Jiang Yuyuan, they had still barely managed to overcome the opposing votes. The Heaven-Mending lineage had truly established its dominance!

Ye Yun'e also observed this. Although she had helped Jiang Yuyuan obtain the Golden Liquid Jade Elixir, her heart felt even heavier.

"Next is Meng Huang'er..." As Bai Xiangqian finished speaking, there was no need for Luan Xuehou to intervene; Nangong Xuanyu immediately stood up again to object. "It has been fifty years since anyone from the One Hundred and Twenty Prefectures received a Golden Liquid Jade Elixir. I believe we need to give them one to show that avenues for advancement are also open to them." This was a powerful argument. While the Four Great Daoist Academies largely controlled most of the immortal sect's positions and power, over ninety-nine percent of the sect's cultivators graduated from the One Hundred and Twenty Prefectures. Therefore, to maintain political stability, various methods were needed to appease these lower-tier cultivators. Granting a Golden Liquid Jade Elixir to a Foundation Establishment cultivator who graduated from the One Hundred and Twenty Prefectures was the best way to do so.

As soon as Nangong Xuanyu finished speaking, many people nodded in agreement. However, they still looked at Ye Yun'e, waiting to see if she would make any statement.

Wang Xinfu watched with anticipation, but ultimately, Ye Yun'e did not speak up again. With a look of disappointment, Meng Huang'er was voted down. This final Golden Liquid Jade Elixir was given to a public official from the Bureau of Sky Veil and Earth Network Management, a graduate of the Energy Academy. Needless to say, this Energy Academy was an offshoot of the Heaven-Mending Daoist Academy.

In the end, the allocation of all ten Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs was finalized.

As the meeting adjourned, Wang Xinfu was about to leave when Lan Haitian called out to him.

The two found a room and spoke privately.

"I'm truly sorry about the elixir for the Heaven-Mending Group; Hua Zijing will have to wait another ten years. If she doesn't mind, I can try to arrange something for her with the batch of Five Elements Core-forming Elixirs whose materials are currently being prepared." Lan Haitian felt awkward telling Chen Mobai directly, so he wanted Wang Xinfu to relay the message. In the immortal sect, due to the scarcity of Core-forming spiritual materials, it was common to wait an additional ten or twenty years unless one had connections as strong as Zhongli Tianyu. Nevertheless, Lan Haitian had made a promise he couldn't keep, so he felt he needed to make a gesture.

"I will convey this truthfully to Commissioner Chen," Wang Xinfu could only say. Given his status, he was not in a position to agree to Lan Haitian's offer.

"The competition for this year's batch of Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs was incredibly fierce, largely because Commissioner Chen's generation, the 'Golden Age,' produced too many geniuses," Lan Haitian continued. "The First Arsenal had originally intended to reserve an elixir for Ming Yihua of your lineage, but after communicating with us, they decided to wait until the next batch. If Ming Yihua had reserved an elixir, it would have been much harder for Hua Zijing, also a Dance-Weapon lineage graduate, to get one. But I will still keep my promise to help her obtain an elixir."

Lan Haitian revealed another piece of information, which Wang Xinfu was already aware of. If Nangong Xuanyu hadn't intervened, there wouldn't have been any issues. However, judging by this distribution meeting, it seemed that graduates from the Dance-Weapon lineage might face significant suppression in the future. At this thought, Wang Xinfu could only sigh inwardly and shake his head helplessly. Faced with this situation, he was powerless. His only hope was that they could endure for a century until Chen Mobai obtained a Nascent Soul-forming spiritual elixir and became a new Nascent Soul cultivator.

After reaching an understanding with Lan Haitian, Wang Xinfu left the room first.

One month later, Wang Xinfu returned to the Hall of Immortal Affairs to handle some official business.

"Councillor Wang, why did you suddenly disappear after the last meeting? I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet. Your Dance-Weapon lineage secured two Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs this time." As he reached the entrance of the Hall of Immortal Affairs, a tall man approached him. It was Luan Xuehou, the Minister of Environmental Protection, a graduate of the Pure Yang Academy, and the only other powerful figure from that academy, besides Nangong Xuanyu, to hold a high-ranking position in the Three Great Halls. "Haha, not at all, not at all. We conducted our review impartially, regardless of lineage," Wang Xinfu replied with a strained smile. Although Zhongli Tianyu and Jiang Yuyuan had indeed received Golden Liquid Jade Elixirs this time, the latter had clearly thrown his lot in with the Kunpeng lineage; otherwise, Ye Yun'e would not have personally spoken up for him. After the meeting, Wang Xinfu had specifically sent someone to find Jiang Yuyuan, who confirmed the matter. It was similar to Lan Haitian, who, despite graduating from Kunpeng, had essentially aligned himself with the Heaven-Mending lineage politically. However, this situation could be exploited to make lower-level public officials in the immortal sect believe that the Dance-Weapon lineage still retained its influence.

"Yesterday, I heard there was a Nascent Soul omen on Mount Danxia. It seems your person is a bit anxious," Luan Xuehou suddenly remarked, causing Wang Xinfu's eyes to widen. Mount Danxia? Wasn't Commissioner Chen consolidating his ninth-level Golden Core cultivation? How could he suddenly be forming a Nascent Soul? Damn it, it must have been someone from the Heaven-Mending lineage who deliberately informed Commissioner Chen, making him anxious. Wang Xinfu knew Chen Mobai was in seclusion and, to prevent him from becoming agitated by news of the Golden Liquid Jade Elixir distribution, hadn't even sent a text message to report. But he never imagined the Heaven-Mending lineage would be so shameless.

Wang Xinfu no longer had the mind to attend to business. With a grim expression, he left the Hall of Immortal Affairs and sought out Pei Qingshuang. As expected, Pei Qingshuang was also unaware of the matter. However, both their lineages had contacts within the Scarlet Mist Academy in Danxia City. After inquiring, they immediately learned of the spectacular phenomenon of spiritual energy gathering and clouds steaming with vibrant colors. After a rough understanding and reviewing video footage, Pei Qingshuang asked her mother, who confirmed that only the formation of a Nascent Soul could trigger such an extraordinary celestial omen. This was indeed a Nascent Soul omen.

"He actually formed his Nascent Soul directly!" Pei Qingshuang was also shocked. In her view, with Chen Mobai's talent, achieving a breakthrough was almost guaranteed if he just waited for a Nascent Soul-forming spiritual elixir. But to begin forming a Nascent Soul immediately after breaking through to the ninth level of Golden Core – wasn't he being overly confident? Even the two lineages that highly regarded Chen Mobai's talent were filled with worry and concern upon hearing this news. They all felt Chen Mobai was too hasty. Cultivation breakthroughs were not something to rush; one needed to progress steadily to succeed. If he failed this time, a portion of Chen Mobai's foundation would be consumed. Even if he could eventually achieve a complete Nascent Soul with the help of a spiritual elixir, his hopes of reaching God Transformation would likely be significantly diminished. After all, Chen Mobai wasn't cultivating the Eternal Spring Art.

Upon learning of this, Wenren Xuewei also sighed, believing that Chen Mobai's consistent success and self-confidence might have ultimately harmed him.

Virtually no one believed Chen Mobai would succeed in forming his Nascent Soul, except for Che Yucheng.

"That kid is a bit too hasty," Hong Mengkui said, frowning slightly as he and Che Yucheng drank tea in Mount Chicheng after hearing the news. Beside them was Bian Jingchun, who had successfully formed her Core with the help of a Golden Liquid Jade Elixir. Under the orchestration of the Dance-Weapon lineage, Bian Jingchun would follow Hong Mengkui's path and eventually become the Cavern Master of Chicheng Grotto-Heaven.

"You all just don't know him well enough," Che Yucheng replied. Although his expression was also solemn, he didn't believe Chen Mobai had hastily formed his Nascent Soul, unlike Hong Mengkui and the others.

"Oh, what makes you say that?" Hong Mengkui asked, puzzled. But Che Yucheng merely shook his head and remained silent.

Everyone in the immortal sect believed Chen Mobai, with his potential for God Transformation, was supremely confident and proud. His actions, from subduing all Foundation Establishment cultivators, including Wenren Xuewei, with a single sword during his student days, to refusing various arrangements, returning home for arduous cultivation after graduation, and finally achieving enlightenment and Core Formation, all demonstrated his absolute self-confidence. Chen Mobai's persona as a God Transformation talent, confident and arrogant, was deeply ingrained in everyone's minds in the immortal sect. But only Che Yucheng knew that beneath his extraordinary talent, his disciple possessed a cautious and meticulous heart. He either wouldn't undertake something, or once he did, it was certainly a sure thing for him.

"If you won't say, then don't. I just hope that if that kid fails to form his Nascent Soul, his foundation won't be too damaged," Hong Mengkui said, causing Che Yucheng to fall silent. Although he knew Chen Mobai's personality, Che Yucheng, with all his knowledge, couldn't fathom what trump card Chen Mobai possessed that would allow him to directly attempt Nascent Soul formation immediately after breaking through to the ninth level of Golden Core! Even without a Nascent Soul-forming spiritual elixir, he should at least have perfected his Golden Core and achieved great mastery of his True Qi.

Soon, news of the Nascent Soul omen on Mount Danxia spread throughout the entire immortal sect. Everyone knew who was in seclusion there. Chen Mobai's friends and family naturally worried. However, many cultivators outside the Dance-Weapon lineage felt a sense of schadenfreude. After all, Chen Mobai's reputation as a potential God Transformation cultivator had been lauded for too long, and his consistent success, without a single failure, made many long to see him fall from grace. This was also thanks to the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages; while they often voiced dissenting opinions during Chen Mobai's rapid ascent, they also used their own media to ceaselessly praise him, knowing that endless commendation could sometimes be more destructive to a person.

Chen Mobai, of course, was oblivious to all of this. At that time, he was busy nurturing his Nascent Soul with pure Yang True Qi.

"Why is he so impulsive? Could it be for me?" In Wangwu Grotto-Heaven, Meng Huang'er, who had been feeling down after failing to secure a Golden Liquid Jade Elixir, was startled upon learning that Chen Mobai had triggered a Nascent Soul omen on Mount Danxia. She began to overthink. After all, Chen Mobai had once promised her that he would arrange her Core-forming spiritual elixir. Now, unexpected circumstances had arisen. Initially, Meng Huang'er had felt some resentment, believing Chen Mobai had gone back on his word. But she had invested so much in him; if she wanted to compete for the next Golden Liquid Jade Elixir, she could only rely on him. So, Meng Huang'er had planned to express understanding and show her magnanimity when Chen Mobai called to comfort her. After all, for Foundation Establishment cultivators in the immortal sect, waiting seventy years for a Golden Liquid Jade Elixir was an acceptable timeframe. However, Meng Huang'er waited and waited, but Chen Mobai's call never came. She felt abandoned, accumulating more resentment internally. Yet, at this moment, hearing that Chen Mobai had directly triggered a Nascent Soul omen, all her grievances dissipated. She even regretted not calling him proactively, thinking that perhaps then Chen Mobai might have been calmer and not so hasty.

While Meng Huang'er was tangled in regret, Yan Bingxuan and Shi Wanyu were solely filled with worry. Although both women had full confidence in Chen Mobai, he was challenging an unprecedented limit within the immortal sect. At this moment, they could only pray that Chen Mobai would successfully form his Nascent Soul, even though they knew the possibility was infinitesimally small.

Time slowly flowed on. Half a month quickly passed. Just when everyone believed Chen Mobai would fail to form his Nascent Soul, the Nascent Soul omen grew even stronger. The purest fire spiritual energy from the entire Mount Danxia's spirit veins roared and converged towards the summit, forming a sea of red sun clouds. The spiritual energy grew increasingly condensed, and vaguely, a colossal illusory figure, seemingly devouring fire and exhaling mist, could be seen.

Huh, what's going on? After learning of Chen Mobai's Nascent Soul formation attempt, both the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages sent their media outlets to Mount Danxia, specifically opening dedicated channels to livestream the daily celestial phenomena. Their original intention was to broadcast the moment Chen Mobai failed his Nascent Soul formation to all in the immortal sect, thereby knocking the "God Transformation talent" they had personally hyped off its pedestal. But now, things seemed to be taking an unexpected turn?

Under the media's live broadcast, the colossal illusory figure within the red sun on Mount Danxia's summit grew ever larger and grander, even transforming from ethereal to tangible, like a spirit of flame, a brilliant pearl. Vaguely, phoenix divine birds could be seen circling, their vibrant wings sending forth ten thousand rays of colorful light and a thousand auspicious emanations. Could he actually succeed? Witnessing this scene, Zhongli Tianyu, who was glued to the livestream, widened his eyes. He should have been preparing for his own Core Formation, but after learning of Chen Mobai's Nascent Soul attempt, he insisted on waiting for the outcome. Zhongli Yue naturally objected, as she also thought Chen Mobai was too hasty; given his current state, even with immense talent, it was impossible for him to succeed in forming a Nascent Soul. If Zhongli Tianyu witnessed Chen Mobai's failure, it might affect his steadfast dao heart for Core Formation. However, Zhongli Tianyu was exceptionally rebellious at that moment, stating that if he didn't see it through, he would still have lingering concerns even if he went to form his Core, which might actually sow the seeds of failure. Hearing this, Zhongli Yue had nothing more to say. At the time, she too felt a slight resentment towards Chen Mobai, thinking he was not only wasting his talent but also setting a bad example for Zhongli Tianyu. But this thought gradually changed with time.

Finally, as the colossal illusory figure on Mount Danxia's summit leaped out from the red sun on the peak, and a translucent, fiery jade-like miniature Chen Mobai appeared before the eyes of everyone watching through the immortal sect's high-definition cameras, all three hundred million cultivators of the immortal sect stared with wide eyes. Though their cultivation levels varied, at that moment, they all knew Chen Mobai had successfully formed his Nascent Soul. A single thought echoed in everyone's mind: A talent for God Transformation, terrifying indeed!