Chapter 800: Covered Hand Becomes Rain

Elder Ling's Golden Elixir and Jade Return Pill, similar to Zhongli Tianyu's, represented the baseline. If Chen Mobai were to reject this one as well, the Heaven Mending Lineage would essentially lose all face and standing in the Three Great Halls from then on.

"Since Minister Nangong opposes, let's proceed to a vote," Chen Mobai said with a smile. At that moment, Bai Xiangqian hesitated. Not only him, but Lan Haitian and other previously neutral individuals in the conference room exchanged uneasy glances. Everyone present was astute and fully understood the implications of Elder Ling's inclusion. It's always wise to leave some room for maneuver for future interactions.

Lan Haitian, anxious, directly sent a voice transmission to Chen Mobai. As Ying Guanghua's confidant, he knew that if Elder Ling were rejected, the Immortal Affairs Hall Master would lose significant face. This could potentially lead to a full-blown conflict among the four lineages within the Three Great Halls. Such a situation might even lead to the collapse of the Immortal Sect's long-standing rules, which had been maintained for thousands of years.

"Some matters, I didn't initiate," Chen Mobai transmitted back.

"But Zhongli Tianyu's case was handled normally in the previous meeting," Lan Haitian countered.

"Had he not been a member of the Zhongli family, I believe he would have been rejected as well," Chen Mobai replied simply. Lan Haitian fell silent upon hearing this, as it was the truth.

"I object," Lan Haitian declared. Given the situation, Lan Haitian had no choice but to take a stand. Seeing Nangong Xuanyu on the verge of losing his temper, he immediately stepped forward to voice his objection. His declaration caused further hesitation among those who had remained neutral. Within the Three Great Halls, Lan Haitian essentially acted as Ying Guanghua's representative.

Chen Mobai was not surprised by Lan Haitian's actions, as he had been Ying Guanghua's close associate for the past century, and his allegiances were firmly established. Yet, even if Ying Guanghua himself were present today, Chen Mobai was determined to assert dominance over the Heaven Mending Lineage.

"Deputy Hall Master Bai..." Chen Mobai prompted, his tone subtly intensifying as Bai Xiangqian remained silent. Bai Xiangqian, with a wry smile, could only comply and announce the vote according to protocol.

However, many individuals not affiliated with the four main lineages chose to abstain from this vote. This was a pragmatic approach to self-preservation. The undercurrents between the four lineages were so dangerous that anyone caught in them would be utterly crushed. Even so, the Heaven Mending Lineage could not withstand the combined might of the other three.

Jumang had long been aligned with Wuqi, and Ye Yun'e, eager to see Heaven Mending's focus and aggression directed at Chen Mobai, further fanned the flames by signaling her lineage to support the motion. Consequently, Elder Ling's candidacy was rejected. This particular outcome, however, was not considered a significant defeat for them.

Ultimately, Chen Mobai selected a public servant who had graduated from Qingsang Academy and studied at Jumang Daoist Academy to fill the vacancy. He chose her because he had a favorable impression; during his time as principal of Qingsang Academy, she had returned several times as an outstanding graduate, and he happened to be present on one such occasion.

Upon witnessing this, Nangong Xuanyu, whose face had been contorted with rage, unexpectedly calmed down. He even sat back down and addressed Lan Haitian. "Secretary-General Lan, please take note of the proceedings of this meeting. It's possible there will be a third session to revise this list again."

At his words, everyone present felt a chill. It was evident that the Heaven Mending Lineage would not accept this outcome and intended to reverse today's list, just as Chen Mobai had done. To overturn the combined efforts of the three lineages in a potential third meeting, they would clearly need to win over the neutral parties. This meant those neutral parties would inevitably be drawn into the conflict. The realization brought a look of distress to the faces of all attendees not affiliated with the four main lineages.

"We are all decision-makers of the Immortal Sect, and our daily schedules are packed. Holding frequent meetings for such minor issues merely wastes time and energy, and it creates a misconception among the people that we are inefficient. I propose that once this meeting concludes, it should be considered the final deliberation." Chen Mobai naturally chose to contradict Nangong Xuanyu, and Wang Xinfu and others from the Wuqi lineage immediately nodded in agreement.

"It has always been the Immortal Sect's practice to announce the list at the end of the year," Bai Xiangqian interjected. "I will take the meeting's minutes for the Hall Master's review. Let's adjourn today." At a subtle glance from Lan Haitian, Bai Xiangqian immediately declared the meeting adjourned, preventing a direct confrontation between the two Nascent Soul cultivators, Chen Mobai and Nangong Xuanyu.

However, for cultivators of Chen Mobai's caliber, emotional control was a simple matter. It was even possible that Nangong Xuanyu was deliberately feigning anger.

After the meeting concluded, Nangong Xuanyu let out a cold snort and was the first to rise and exit the conference room. Observing this, Chen Mobai merely shook his head slightly and remarked, "I'm surprised that there are still Nascent Soul cultivators in the Immortal Sect who haven't mastered Void Walking. It seems each generation is worse than the last..."

Nangong Xuanyu, who had just stepped outside, heard Chen Mobai's words clearly. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, his fists immediately clenched in anger. Void Walking was considered a standard ability for Nascent Soul cultivators. However, mastering it required diligent practice and a deep understanding of void frequencies. While Nangong Xuanyu's swordsmanship was arguably unparalleled among all Nascent Soul cultivators, spatial techniques were his weakness. Furthermore, as a recently ascended Nascent Soul cultivator, he had not yet fully mastered Void Walking. If anyone else had uttered such a remark, Nangong Xuanyu would undoubtedly have made them experience the full force of a Nascent Soul's might. But Chen Mobai... Nangong Xuanyu paused to consider, then continued his rapid departure without stopping.

Chen Mobai was rather surprised by his unexpected temperance. He had been ready to use Nangong Xuanyu as the perfect example to establish his authority after ascending to Nascent Soul.

After Nangong Xuanyu's departure, Bai Xiangqian and Lan Haitian approached Chen Mobai and Ye Yun'e to bid them farewell before leading the Heaven Mending lineage out of the conference room. Next, individuals from outside the four main lineages politely approached, briefly introducing themselves, keen to make a lasting impression on Chen Mobai. These were largely the influential figures from various departments within the Three Great Halls, effectively representing the Immortal Sect's true upper echelons. Chen Mobai acknowledged each in turn and exchanged contact information with them. Although he had previously been the head of the Wuqi lineage, his lack of social interaction and his position within the discreet Heaven Mending Group meant he hadn't had the opportunity to engage with these individuals. After achieving Nascent Soul, Chen Mobai was even less inclined to concern himself with such trivialities. He was already contemplating the process of rehiring Wang Shuye.

"Commissioner Chen, before you speak, I hope you consider others' feelings," Ye Yun'e stated. This was said as Ye Yun'e and the Kunpeng lineage were departing, and she passed by Chen Mobai.

"Huh?" Chen Mobai responded, puzzled. But soon, as he watched Ye Yun'e's retreating back exit the conference room, he had an epiphany. She hadn't mastered Void Walking either! Is it really that difficult to learn? Chen Mobai, who had comprehended it even before forming his Core, found it hard to believe.

"Venerable, Gongye Zhixu, as a member of the Kaiyuan Hall's Rotating Committee, has the right to challenge this and request the meeting be reopened," Wang Xinfu immediately said to Chen Mobai. This was precisely why Nangong Xuanyu had made his earlier remark before departing. If Chen Mobai could reverse the list in this manner, the Heaven Mending Lineage could similarly utilize the rules to reconvene the meeting.

"That's Ye Yun'e's domain. If she blocks it, Gongye Zhixu's application might not even leave the Kaiyuan Hall." To reopen the meeting, it would need to be done under the authority of the Kaiyuan Hall, and despite Gongye Zhixu being a Nascent Soul cultivator, he was ultimately subordinate to Ye Yun'e.

"The Kunpeng lineage would undoubtedly be pleased to see us and the Heaven Mending Lineage clash violently," Wang Xinfu said with a wry smile. "Deputy Hall Master Ye wouldn't just refrain from stopping it; she might even add fuel to the fire, intensifying the conflict between us." In the past, the Wuqi Lineage had maintained a low profile, and the Jumang Lineage had remained silent, which led to the Heaven Mending Lineage largely focusing their efforts on the Kunpeng Lineage, seeking to help Gongye Zhixu usurp Ye Yun'e's authority in the Kaiyuan Hall. Now that Chen Mobai had stepped forward, the Kunpeng Lineage was eager to seize the opportunity to distance themselves, hoping that both Heaven Mending and the combined Wuqi and Jumang forces would suffer. Thus, Ye Yun'e would not hesitate for a second to create conditions for their conflict.

"It's fine," Chen Mobai said with a smile. "I was only testing the waters. I hadn't expected public sentiment to actually lead to Elder Ling's rejection." To be honest, his sole intention was to exact revenge for his people being rejected by the Heaven Mending Lineage. With Hua Zijing and Meng Huang'er now on the list, his initial objective had already been achieved. Elder Ling was merely a pawn in his conflict with the Heaven Mending Lineage.

"At the next meeting, the Kunpeng Lineage might not necessarily continue to side with us," Pei Qingshuang said, a hint of worry in her voice. They had only managed to suppress the Heaven Mending Lineage this time because the three lineages had allied.

"Do you think the Heaven Mending Lineage will try to persuade me, or Ye Yun'e?" Chen Mobai asked, his words making Pei Qingshuang and the others realize the situation.

"So, the Heaven Mending Lineage will seek a private reconciliation with us?" This was, in fact, the usual political procedure. Typically, before the distribution of Core Formation spiritual items, the senior members of the four lineages would have already finalized the list through negotiations. The official meeting merely served to announce the outcome to others. However, Nangong Xuanyu had previously deviated from convention, aggressively targeting individuals with Wuqi lineage backgrounds without prior notice. Had Chen Mobai not yet achieved Nascent Soul, the Wuqi Lineage would have simply had to endure it. But now, things were different. With both sides now possessing comparable top-tier cultivators, negotiation, exchange, and compromise would become the norm.

Sure enough, just as Chen Mobai settled into the car driven by Hua Zijing, preparing to depart, Lan Haitian's call came through. "Hall Master Ying wishes to meet with you. Are you available?" Lan Haitian inquired politely. Chen Mobai nodded, then instructed Hua Zijing to drive back to the Righteous Law Hall as usual, while he himself used Void Walking to disappear from the back seat.

Chen Mobai reappeared at the Immortal Affairs Hall. Lan Haitian was waiting for him in the original conference room and then led him towards Ying Guanghua's office.

"Long time no see. You truly live up to your reputation as a potential Deity Transformation cultivator of our Immortal Sect," Ying Guanghua greeted. Ying Guanghua, who appeared to be handling official matters, immediately set aside his work and rose with a smile to greet Chen Mobai upon his entry. Chen Mobai nodded and offered a polite remark in return, then both men took their seats.

"I won't waste words," Ying Guanghua began. "I will approve the two new individuals from your lineage who were added to the list in this meeting, but at the next meeting, Elder Ling's name must also be included." Ying Guanghua, having dealt with Chen Mobai before and knowing him to be a confident and proud individual, bypassed further pleasantries and directly stated his terms for the exchange.

"Regarding that matter, perhaps we should wait until the next meeting and let the general assembly decide through a vote," Chen Mobai replied with a slight smile, subtly declining.

"After forming a Nascent Soul, one is required to pay respects to a Deity Transformation ancestor," Ying Guanghua said, his expression unchanged. "When does Commissioner Chen plan to visit Five Peaks Immortal Mountain?"

Chen Mobai frowned slightly upon hearing this. Of the Immortal Sect's two Deity Transformation cultivators, Bai Guang of the Wuqi Lineage had not appeared in a long time, but Ancestor Qianxing of the Heaven Mending Lineage was quite active, and all newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivators met with him. According to Venerable Chengxuan, Ancestor Bai Guang was seemingly in secluded cultivation, pursuing a higher realm of swordsmanship, with his spirit roaming beyond the physical world. There was no telling when he would emerge. This meant that the Deity Transformation cultivator Chen Mobai was expected to meet was likely Ancestor Qianxing. After publicly shaming the Heaven Mending Lineage in the Three Great Halls, Chen Mobai was unlikely to receive a favorable reception from Ancestor Qianxing.

"After all, you initiated this matter. If I simply let it go like this, it would be difficult to explain to my subordinates," Chen Mobai stated, implying his willingness to negotiate.

"I've heard you cultivate the 'Crimson Phoenix Facing the Sun' technique," Ying Guanghua continued. "The Jade Phoenix Tree on Danxia Mountain is incredibly beneficial for this cultivation method. When you visit Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, you might mention this to the Ancestor. Perhaps he would agree to you transferring that top-grade fourth-tier spiritual plant into your domain." Ying Guanghua's words greatly piqued Chen Mobai's interest.

"If the Ancestor agrees, then revising this list might not be out of the question." Ying Guanghua nodded subtly upon hearing this. After all, the Heaven Mending Lineage had initiated this conflict. Since they had failed, it was necessary to offer some compensation.

After these words, Chen Mobai teleported away. After Chen Mobai vanished, the smile on Ying Guanghua's face instantly faded.

That evening, in the same room, the three Nascent Soul cultivators of the Heaven Mending Lineage from the Three Great Halls reconvened.

"Are we truly going to give him the Jade Phoenix Tree?" Gongye Zhixu asked, frowning with concern after Ying Guanghua had finished speaking. "His cultivation speed is already incredibly fast; if it increases further, he might genuinely achieve Deity Transformation..."

"You're overthinking it," Nangong Xuanyu said confidently. "If achieving Nascent Soul is a difficulty of ten, then Deity Transformation is dozens, perhaps even a hundred times harder. He ascended to Nascent Soul prematurely under our pressure, so his condensed Pure Yang True Qi is certainly the lowest grade, thirty-six strands. This makes his path to Deity Transformation even more arduous." As a cultivator who also formed his Nascent Soul using the Pure Yang Scroll, he understood this perfectly. One could even say that forming a Nascent Soul with only thirty-six strands of Pure Yang True Qi practically closed off the path to Deity Transformation. With his forty-nine strands, there was still a glimmer of hope. "Furthermore, the Ancestor may not necessarily agree," Nangong Xuanyu added, which made Gongye Zhixu frown slightly.

"If the Ancestor doesn't agree to give him the Jade Phoenix Tree, he definitely won't back down at the meeting," Ying Guanghua said, his gaze deep, speaking his first words of the night. "The Ancestor has recently been engrossed in a game, which he might not finish until after the New Year. Therefore, his audience with Chen Mobai will take place after the meeting."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Xuanyu smiled, and Gongye Zhixu also experienced a moment of realization. Since the list was to be announced at year-end, with only a month remaining, the third meeting would indeed be the final review. If Chen Mobai desired the Jade Phoenix Tree, he would undoubtedly need to demonstrate his sincerity before his audience with Ancestor Qianxing. As long as Elder Ling's name was reinstated on the list, their objective would be achieved. In this scenario, if Ancestor Qianxing denied Chen Mobai's request, by the time Chen Mobai returned from Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, it would be too late to rectify the situation. He would have no choice but to accept his misfortune. This strategy aimed to exploit the Immortal Sect cultivators' profound reverence for Deity Transformation ancestors. Even Chen Mobai, with his potential for Deity Transformation, could not circumvent this. If he truly desired the Jade Phoenix Tree, he would have to secure his end of the bargain beforehand, as everyone in the Immortal Sect knew that Ancestor Qianxing was the pillar of the Heaven Mending Lineage. This particular maneuver, designed to manipulate people's minds, Ying Guanghua had learned from Lin Daoming.

"In the future, this young man will likely pursue the position of Deputy Hall Master of the Righteous Law Hall," Gongye Zhixu remarked to Nangong Xuanyu. "At that point, it will be a direct competition between you two." If Chen Mobai hadn't achieved Nascent Soul, Nangong Xuanyu would undoubtedly have had victory secured. But now, circumstances could very well change.

"The military side is largely settled," Nangong Xuanyu stated with self-assurance. "Many in the Enforcement Department have also sworn allegiance to me. Although this young man has achieved Nascent Soul, he is, after all, ten years behind. He won't be able to compete with me for the Deputy Hall Master position."

"Let's take it one step at a time," Ying Guanghua said, his gaze distant, to Gongye Zhixu. "If it truly comes to it, we can transfer you from Kaiyuan Hall to the Righteous Law Hall to replace Wen Lianshan as head of the Enforcement Department. We'll abandon the strategy of slowly undermining Kaiyuan Hall. You two can then combine forces to suppress him and force him out of the Righteous Law Hall." Gongye Zhixu nodded subtly in response. As the former Deputy Hall Master of the Immortal Affairs Hall, Gongye Zhixu's various talents were considered top-tier within the Immortal Sect, and his masterful application of the Sect's rules was particularly exceptional. He was confident that he could use the Immortal Sect's regulations to corner Chen Mobai.

After reaching their agreement, the three dispersed.

Chen Mobai, of course, was unaware of these machinations. He was currently occupied with Meng Huang'er.

"You're incredible..." Half an hour later, Meng Huang'er, glistening with sweat, collapsed into Chen Mobai's arms, looking utterly blissful.

"Now that you've received the Golden Elixir and Jade Return Pill, where do you plan to undergo Core Formation?" Chen Mobai asked, gently caressing her slender form and enjoying the smooth feel of her skin after their exertion.

"I'm still debating that," she replied. "This is where I've lived the longest, but the spiritual energy here only goes up to the third tier. The Cultural Department would arrange fourth-tier spiritual energy, but I'm not comfortable in unfamiliar places. As for Mount Chicheng, I haven't been back in ages, and I'm unsure what level of spiritual energy they could provide." Graduates of the Four Great Daoist Academies were typically provided with fourth-tier spiritual energy if they chose to undergo Core Formation at their alma mater. However, fourth-tier spiritual energy also had superior, medium, and inferior grades. The location where Chen Mobai had formed his Core was personally provided by True Monarch Shaoyang, a privilege Meng Huang'er certainly wouldn't command.

"If you return to the Daoist Academy, I can arrange for you to undergo Core Formation at the center of the Myriad Treasures Cave, where the fifth-tier Vermillion Fruit Tree is located. However, the spiritual energy there is at most top-grade fourth-tier." Chen Mobai's casual remark delighted Meng Huang'er, and she couldn't resist sitting up again.

"I'm so incredibly grateful to you this time," she gushed. "Without your help, even if I waited another ten years, I might never have obtained the Golden Elixir and Jade Return Pill. Finding such a wonderful man as you has been the greatest fortune and opportunity of my life." After profusely thanking him, Meng Huang'er fully relaxed, yet continued to express her emotional appreciation, conveying her admiration and reverence for Chen Mobai.

The moment she witnessed Chen Mobai's Nascent Soul formation on television, Meng Huang'er reached an unprecedented peak of ecstasy in her home. Although she knew that, given Chen Mobai's talent, it was highly probable he would reach this stage, his successful Nascent Soul formation at the young age of eighty-nine far exceeded her expectations. It was precisely at that moment that Meng Huang'er felt immensely grateful that she had recognized Chen Mobai's extraordinary potential back in school and had, early on, invested her most precious asset in him. And over the years of their acquaintance, despite the limited time they spent together, Meng Huang'er knew Chen Mobai was a man of his word. With him as her patron after his Nascent Soul formation, she could at least secure two Core Formation spiritual elixirs. This meant that even with her talent, she might successfully achieve Core Formation. Her unwavering loyalty to this powerful figure for decades had finally yielded a rich reward.

"Oh, by the way, I still don't know your spiritual root aptitude," Chen Mobai said, lightly patting her. "Let's see if Mount Chicheng would be suitable for your Core Formation." He then prepared to offer her advice on the nuances of Core Formation.

"My initial spiritual roots are triple-attributed: metal, water, and wood," Meng Huang'er replied, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. Her spiritual root attributes had only allowed her entry into the Wuqi Daoist Academy through special recruitment. This was precisely why the Foundation Establishment stage had been so challenging for her.

"Do you cultivate any spiritual root enhancement techniques?"

"Yes, I've consistently practiced the 'Alchemy Art,' and my metal spiritual root has now reached 52 points." For cultivating the Profound Sound Marvelous Arts, a high metal spiritual root attribute was a better fit. Although Meng Huang'er's innate talent was somewhat limited, her tenacious will and the arduousness of Foundation Establishment had further tempered her. Initially, to assist Chen Mobai in his Core Formation, she rapidly advanced to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment using elixirs. Consequently, for the next few decades, she primarily focused on cultivating the 'Alchemy Art' to enhance her metal spiritual root. She had increased it from the original 32 points to 52 points.

"Excellent," Chen Mobai praised. "To be able to persevere in this cultivation shows you have potential worth nurturing. Don't be afraid of the monotony; you have me supporting you. As long as you can achieve Core Formation, I will ensure you have the necessary spiritual elixirs for Nascent Soul formation in the future." Now that Chen Mobai had achieved Nascent Soul, he needed to start considering his path to Deity Transformation. Within the Immortal Sect, the "Startling Spirit Melody" was most beneficial for reaching Deity Transformation. As an insider, nurturing Meng Huang'er would definitely be more advantageous than supporting other Dao Seeds of the Profound Sound Marvelous Arts from the Cultural Department.

"Yes, I'll work hard not to disappoint you," Meng Huang'er replied, though with a hint of lacking confidence. She harbored a deep fear that even with two Core Formation spiritual elixirs, she might still fail. The sheer difficulty of her Foundation Establishment stage had left a lingering shadow, causing her to doubt her own talent.

"Don't be afraid," Chen Mobai said, sensing her apprehension. "If it doesn't work once, we'll try twice. If twice isn't enough, we'll try thrice. No matter how many attempts it takes, I will ensure you have the Core Formation elixirs you need." His words sent a thrilling ripple through her, invigorating her instantly. At that moment, his hand gently descended to her waist, and Meng Huang'er instinctively and skillfully turned her pale body...

Over the next few days, Chen Mobai instructed Meng Huang'er on various insights and techniques for Core Formation.

Of course, he also didn't forget to apply for an audience with the Deity Transformation ancestor at Five Peaks Immortal Mountain. Unfortunately, even with the help of Zhongli Tianyu, the property guardian, the message could only be relayed to Wangxian Peak and Juxian Peak. When the two ancestors would be available was beyond anyone's control. Chen Mobai soon realized the implication: what if he still couldn't meet Ancestor Qianxing even after the meeting concluded? In that case, should he proceed with Elder Ling's matter? Chen Mobai frowned slightly at the thought. If he stubbornly insisted on rejecting Elder Ling, it would surely make it awkward to bring up the Jade Phoenix Tree when he met Ancestor Qianxing later. But what if he proceeded with the request first, and Ancestor Qianxing refused? Where would his dignity be then?

Chen Mobai immediately contacted Ying Guanghua through Lan Haitian, but Ying Guanghua stated that he could only do his best to have Chen Chun relay the message, and he could not influence the Ancestor's decision. After hanging up, a cold sneer appeared on Chen Mobai's face. He now understood Ying Guanghua's intent: there was absolutely no sincerity in his offer. Hmph, so it's just a Jade Phoenix Tree? Do they truly believe a top-grade fourth-tier spiritual plant is that rare? Within his Five Elements Sect, he possessed almost a dozen spiritual plants of that very caliber. Furthermore, now that he had achieved Nascent Soul and possessed the Taiyi Five Smoke Net and Primordial True Qi, he no longer feared Zhou Ye's Primordial Five Elements Extinction Divine Thunder. He could, in fact, excavate the Five Elements Spirit Tree from the One Yuan Secret Realm right in front of Zhou Ye. Beyond the Five Elements Spirit Tree, it was also high time to investigate the origins of the Great Dao Tree in the Divine Tree Secret Realm, which had once caused Chen Mobai considerable hardship.

Soon, it was time for the next meeting. The other nine individuals on the list passed without any objections. When Elder Ling's name was brought up, there was a silence. Just as Bai Xiangqian assumed his superior had secured the cooperation of the Wuqi Lineage, Chen Mobai spoke up.

"I object!"

In that instant, all eyes turned. Nangong Xuanyu, who had been relaxed moments before, instantly widened his eyes and glared fixedly at Chen Mobai. An objection necessitated a vote. Ye Yun'e hesitated, then, seeing the sparks in the intense gaze between Chen Mobai and Nangong Xuanyu, decided to add fuel to the fire and fully ignite the conflict. She signaled for the Kunpeng Lineage to lend its support.

Elder Ling was once again rejected.

*Bang!* Nangong Xuanyu rose from his seat like a drawn sword, striding purposefully towards Chen Mobai.

Chen Mobai sneered! And stood his ground, unwilling to show any weakness.