Chapter 803: Meeting with the Transformation God

Everyone in Wangwu Cave Heaven was astonished to see two edicts descend from Five Peaks Immortal Mountain.

It was a rule for Immortal Sect cultivators to visit a Deity Transformation Patriarch after forming their Nascent Soul. However, in recent years, it had always been Patriarch Qianxing who summoned the newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivators. When was the last time Patriarch Baiguang's Deity Transformation edict was seen?

Ying Guanghua, the Hall Master of Immortal Affairs, racked his brain, finally recalling that it was when True Lord Yuxiao formed his Nascent Soul, over two hundred years ago. Since then, Patriarch Baiguang had been in seclusion, and no one from the Immortal Sect, except her disciple Yu Huiping, had been able to meet her true form. Even Chancellor Chengxuan of the Instrument Dao Academy had not been allowed on Wangxian Peak for a long time. And now, Patriarch Baiguang had actually emerged from seclusion? Because Chen Mobai formed his Nascent Soul!

In that familiar small room, the three Nascent Soul cultivators of the Heaven-Mending lineage gathered, but the atmosphere was extremely oppressive. Gongye Zhixu sighed, looking at a frowning and bewildered Nangong Xuanyu. They had just been discussing whether to proceed with their original plan of transferring Gongye Zhixu to the Hall of Justice, pitting two Nascent Soul cultivators from their lineage against Chen Mobai. However, what was once considered a foolproof plan had become impractical after Nangong Xuanyu's defeat. Even with his confidence in his administrative abilities, Gongye Zhixu felt that facing Chen Mobai, who had already gained significant momentum, his utmost effort would, at best, only delay Chen Mobai's control of the Hall of Justice. While they could hope Chen Mobai's political skills were mediocre, as long as he continued to advance in cultivation, the forces uniting around him would grow stronger. As he drew closer to Deity Transformation, only defeat awaited them. Their discussion today revolved around whether to simply delay Chen Mobai. Even if Gongye Zhixu and Nangong Xuanyu couldn't stop him, they could at least force him to expend his energy on the administrative affairs of the Hall of Justice. Nangong Xuanyu, likely out of hatred, surprisingly agreed. Gongye Zhixu, however, felt it was not worth the trouble and would delay his own cultivation, making him very reluctant. Yet, the final decision rested with Ying Guanghua, whose previous attitude seemed to favor this idea.

However, upon seeing the two Deity Transformation edicts, Ying Guanghua abandoned his previous thoughts. In the Immortal Sect, the two Deity Transformation patriarchs were the true masters. "Since the Patriarchs have issued edicts, it seems the game is over. Let us three go pay our respects." Still, Ying Guanghua intended to make one last effort to probe Patriarch Qianxing's stance and her attitude towards Chen Mobai.

Chen Mobai, of course, was unaware of these discussions. He stood in his courtyard, gravely accepting the two shimmering Deity Transformation edicts. As a Nascent Soul cultivator who majored in talisman crafting in college, Chen Mobai had not yet taken the Tier 3 Talisman Master examination due to his busy cultivation, but his appreciation level was certainly not lacking. Feeling the immense spiritual power contained within the edicts, he recognized that both talisman calls were of Tier 5. He wondered whether the two Patriarchs had personally refined them or if True Lord Yu Yi had assisted. Chen Mobai examined the two Deity Transformation talisman calls, filled with emotion. After nearly a century of cultivation, having grown up hearing the legends of the Immortal Sect's Twin Saints, he finally had the opportunity for an audience. This was the most glorious moment for an Immortal Sect cultivator.

Amidst his surging emotions, Chen Mobai also found himself with a "happy dilemma." As a cultivator who graduated from the Instrument Dao Academy, he naturally had to visit Patriarch Baiguang when presented with the edicts from the Immortal Sect's Twin Saints. But would visiting Patriarch Baiguang first anger Patriarch Qianxing? Soon, however, Chen Mobai dismissed this thought. After all, his relationship with the Heaven-Mending lineage was already like fire and water; even if he visited Patriarch Qianxing first, he likely wouldn't be given a warm reception. He might as well go to Wangxian Peak first and rely on his own lineage's Patriarch Baiguang. With this in mind, Chen Mobai wasted no more time. He called Hua Zijing, his secretary, to delegate some tasks, then used Void Walk to travel towards Wangxian Peak.

"You're truly amazing," Zhongli Tianyu exclaimed sincerely when he saw Chen Mobai. It was Zhongli Tianyu's turn on duty at the security office of Five Peaks Immortal Mountain's main gate. Zhongli Tianyu possessed extraordinary talent; though not quite as exceptional as Chen Mobai, he considered himself only a step behind. However, due to the burden of his family's future, he couldn't act like Chen Mobai, making independent decisions and risking everything. He believed that even without waiting for the Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill, he could form his Core through his own foundation, but it would only be Core Formation. Therefore, upon witnessing Chen Mobai successfully form his Nascent Soul without relying on the Immortal Sect's spiritual medicines, Zhongli Tianyu was finally convinced. This was the first time he felt such profound admiration for a peer.

"Just a lucky success," Chen Mobai humbly replied. "I'll be waiting for you in the Nascent Soul realm; I believe you can do it too." Chen Mobai had encountered countless prodigies and believed that, besides himself and Wenren Xuewei, Zhongli Tianyu possessed the highest talent in the Immortal Sect. Of course, Lan Haitian from the previous generation was also impressive, though his vision was a bit limited. Therefore, after forming his own Nascent Soul, Chen Mobai greatly anticipated Zhongli Tianyu becoming the next pillar of the Instrument Dao Academy.

"I'll take your auspicious words," Zhongli Tianyu said. "When you come down the mountain, remember to dine at my house; the Clan Head also wishes to meet you." Chen Mobai readily agreed. The Zhongli Clan Head was one of the leaders in the military, and his allegiance would greatly assist Chen Mobai in gaining control of the Hall of Justice. Zhongli Tianyu gave a few instructions to another security guard in the security office and then personally escorted Chen Mobai towards Wangxian Peak.

They conversed extensively on the way, though most of the time, Zhongli Tianyu expressed his admiration for Chen Mobai's successful Nascent Soul formation. "We're here," he finally said, with a hint of reluctance to end the conversation. "The Patriarch is on the mountain. Activate your edict, and someone will come down to meet you."

Soon after, a silver light flashed before them. Yu Huiping appeared. "Greetings, True Lord Yu," both of them said in unison. "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. True Lord, please follow me," Yu Huiping replied, immediately turning sideways to avoid accepting Chen Mobai's bow, and politely invited him up the mountain.

After bidding farewell to Zhongli Tianyu, Chen Mobai followed Yu Huiping's steps towards Wangxian Peak. Soon, they reached the summit. Chen Mobai had long yearned to visit this mountain where Patriarch Baiguang cultivated. Today, he finally saw its true appearance and set foot upon it himself.

The peak of the immortal mountain was shrouded in clouds and mist, with a magnificent palace suspended in mid-air, surrounded by countless flying waterfalls, like a fairyland. Chen Mobai sensed that the clouds were dense spiritual energy, and the waterfalls were solidified spiritual liquid, each containing spiritual energy equivalent to a supreme-grade spirit stone. The palace, encompassed by these wonders, was naturally one of the hubs of the Immortal Sect's Tier 6 spiritual veins. Patriarch Baiguang was cultivating her sword arts in seclusion within it.

However, Yu Huiping did not lead Chen Mobai to the palace but to a row of exquisite wooden houses beneath it. Before one of the wooden houses, she said something that greatly surprised Chen Mobai: "True Lord, please forgive me, but my master has not yet emerged from seclusion. I summoned you here using the edict." Chen Mobai was puzzled: "Why is that?" He thought if Patriarch Baiguang hadn't left seclusion, he would have gone to see Patriarch Qianxing directly, hoping to salvage some goodwill.

Yu Huiping explained, "There are two reasons. First, it was Chancellor Chengxuan's request before he entered seclusion: if you formed your Nascent Soul, I was to use my master's edict to summon you to Wangxian Peak, officially passing on the legacy and name of the Instrument lineage to you." Chen Mobai was deeply moved by this, amazed that Chancellor Chengxuan had made such arrangements before his seclusion. Indeed, a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Instrument Dao Academy with Patriarch Baiguang's explicit recognition was a completely different matter. Even if Patriarch Baiguang did not emerge to meet him today, Chen Mobai's presence on Wangxian Peak would be tacitly understood by everyone in the Immortal Sect as full support from Patriarch Baiguang.

"The Chancellor has gone to such lengths; I hope he has the heavens' blessing to successfully achieve Deity Transformation," Chen Mobai said, performing an ancient ritual of the Instrument Dao Academy, bowing towards Mount Chicheng. He then turned to Yu Huiping and expressed his gratitude: "True Lord Yu, you issued a Deity Transformation edict for this matter. I worry if Patriarch Baiguang will punish you upon her emergence. If so, I couldn't bear it..." Yu Huiping was delighted by Chen Mobai's words, seeing him as a truly mature, steady, and responsible man, confirming her master's excellent judgment.

In truth, Yu Huiping would not have done this for any other newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator, even one from the Instrument Dao Academy. While Chancellor Chengxuan held some influence, it wasn't enough for her, a direct descendant of a Deity Transformation cultivator, to take such a risk. The primary reason was another one. Yu Huiping said, "After all, you are Xiao Hei's father. For her sake, I must help you." Although she said this, it wasn't the real reason. However, she certainly didn't dare to reveal the true reason, as her master might still be enjoying this secret pleasure. It was better to wait for the couple to reveal it themselves in the future.

Chen Mobai replied, "Thank you, True Lord Yu. Early next year, Xiao Hei and her mother will also come to Wangwu Cave Heaven, and I will bring her up to thank you properly then." Chen Mobai felt that his daughter was truly his cherished "warm jacket," allowing him to establish a connection with a direct descendant of a Deity Transformation cultivator like Yu Huiping.

Chen Mobai, feeling somewhat relieved despite Patriarch Baiguang not summoning him personally, relaxed and began to ask Yu Huiping about his curiosities. "By the way, I wonder what grand spell Patriarch is cultivating in seclusion? Is it the Immortal Sect's Sword Arts?" In the Immortal Sect, Deity Transformation was already the peak. Although some extraordinary individuals throughout history had attempted to cultivate to the Void Refinement stage, none had fully succeeded. As a sword cultivator, could Patriarch Baiguang be relying on the Immortal Sect's Sword Arts to explore a realm beyond Deity Transformation? Yu Huiping, considering Chen Mobai an insider, shared the secret: "That, I don't know for certain, but my master is indeed attempting to forge a sword path beyond the Deity Transformation realm." Chen Mobai exclaimed with awe, "As expected of the Patriarch!" He knew that a realm beyond Deity Transformation would allow for ascension in the Sky River Realm. The Immortal Sect's Twin Saints, even in the Sky River Realm, would be top-tier existences.

Yu Huiping pointed to a wooden house before them and told Chen Mobai, "This wooden house has Tier 5 spiritual energy. You can consolidate your cultivation here for a while and descend the mountain when you feel ready. If anyone asks what my master said, you can simply act profound and remain silent." She had even thought about his post-descent affairs. Since no one would dare spy on Wangxian Peak, Chen Mobai's silence would only encourage others to imagine various scenarios.

Yu Huiping then pointed to a delicate and beautiful three-story small building next to Chen Mobai's wooden house, saying, "Next door is where Xiao Hei used to live. It offers the best view of Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, so when my master emerged from seclusion, she would often sit on the balcony there." Chen Mobai listened carefully and found that it also had Tier 5 spiritual energy. He couldn't help but sigh, thinking that although his daughter had suffered a bit in her early years, she had received far better treatment than he, her father.

After explaining everything on Wangxian Peak, Yu Huiping took her leave. She lived in another wooden house not far from there. For the remainder of his stay, Chen Mobai utilized the abundant spiritual energy of Wangxian Peak, with the aid of his Drinking Device, to consolidate and advance his cultivation.

This was his first time experiencing Tier 5 spiritual energy, and after enjoying it, he suddenly found Tier 4 spiritual veins somewhat insufficient. After forming his Nascent Soul, he had tried cultivating on Mount Danxia's peak, and his progress was decent; he could achieve 0.03 progress in the first layer of the Pure Yang Scroll Nascent Soul daily. This meant he could reach the second layer of Nascent Soul in about ten years. However, on Wangxian Peak, his cultivation speed increased by fifty percent. This was still limited by his own realm, only allowing him to absorb and refine so much daily. He genuinely wished he could always cultivate here. After experiencing it, Chen Mobai truly fell in love with Wangxian Peak. However, he also knew this was a pipe dream. After all, this was Patriarch Baiguang's cultivation ground. In the future, during critical breakthrough moments, he might be able to use Xiao Hei's connection to get access, just as True Lord Qingping had visited Patriarch Qianxing's Juxian Peak. But to reside there permanently was impossible, given his lack of kinship with Patriarch Baiguang.

A month quickly passed. The Ministry of Finance released this year's list for the Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill, and the absence of the Heaven-Mending lineage caused an uproar throughout the Immortal Sect. If not for Tao Mingqing of Taiyuan Academy, who also had ties to the Heaven-Mending lineage, some might have even wondered if Patriarch Qianxing had passed away. After the list was released, Hua Zijing and others immediately exchanged their work experience for the Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill and began preparing for their Core Formation, with the most crucial step being the Core Formation spiritual ground. Chen Mobai had already made arrangements for his close associates regarding this. However, he told Meng Huang'er and Hua Zijing to wait two more days until he descended the mountain, acting as if he were truly busy receiving guidance from Patriarch Baiguang on Wangxian Peak.

In addition to the Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill list, the Kaiyuan Hall convened its annual year-end council meeting as customary. Core Formation council members stationed across the Immortal Sect rushed back to Wangwu Cave Heaven. Among them, Wang Shuye also came from his hometown at Chen Mobai's invitation. The person handling this was Chen Mobai's other secretary, Zhuang Jialan. She had been diligently leading the Heaven-Mending team in the Extreme North Cave Heaven, protecting the Purple Cloud Palace ruins and a group of Immortal Sect experts. However, this task was originally a ruse by Chen Mobai to allow himself to leave Wangwu Cave Heaven and buy time for his Nascent Soul formation. Now, the pretense was no longer needed. The mission was still ongoing, but Chen Mobai had decided to send Lin Yin to take over for Zhuang Jialan, allowing her to return. On her way back, she would pass by Wang Shuye's location, so Chen Mobai arranged for Zhuang Jialan to rehire Wang Shuye to Wangwu Cave Heaven in his name.

As the Immortal Sect's Core Formation council members gathered, the Kaiyuan Hall assembly commenced as scheduled. Chen Mobai, summoned by Patriarch Baiguang, had to be absent, with Wang Shuye attending in his stead. Ironically, his absence boosted the Instrument lineage's confidence. The Heaven-Mending lineage's planned strategies and proposals to regain face at the assembly were met with widespread opposition and obstruction, all thanks to Chen Mobai's presence on Wangxian Peak. Council members, even if not shrewd, understood the significance of Chen Mobai forming his Nascent Soul and ascending Wangxian Peak. Although the Instrument lineage still had few Nascent Soul cultivators, their future was bright. Once Chen Mobai achieved Deity Transformation, the Instrument lineage would undeniably become the Immortal Sect's foremost faction. Few would offer help in times of dire need, but everyone would rush to add luster to something already splendid. Thus, the Instrument lineage achieved a resounding victory at this Kaiyuan Hall assembly. Wang Shuye, supported by the Jumang lineage and further bolstered by the Kunpeng lineage, reclaimed many key positions previously taken by the Heaven-Mending lineage.

Chen Mobai completely delegated these matters, entrusting Wang Shuye with their control. After the assembly concluded, Chen Mobai decided it was time for him to descend the mountain.

Before leaving, he visited the small building next door where his daughter used to live. Upon opening the door, he entered a warmly decorated hall, but his attention was immediately drawn to a painting on the wall. The painting depicted a woman in a pale purple gown, sitting on a large rock with her head bowed, her face obscured. Her hands, as white as jade, cradled a sword as dark as ink, her posture one of focused concentration. Chen Mobai didn't know who the woman was but suspected it might be Patriarch Baiguang, given its location on Wangxian Peak and her renown as a swordswoman. A thought struck Chen Mobai, and he entered the state of the "Square Inch Scroll," hoping to imprint the painting into his mind, believing it might contain profound sword intent. However, he soon realized that while he could remember the woman's figure and posture, the jet-black sword she held could not be reproduced in his memory. He wondered if it was Patriarch Baiguang's life-bound flying sword or an Immortal Sect sword art. Chen Mobai was filled with surprise and doubt. Since he couldn't imprint it, he didn't force it, concluding that his cultivation level wasn't high enough. He then proceeded to the second floor.

On the second floor, Chen Mobai discovered another painting hanging in the living room. This one, however, depicted familiar faces: his wife, Shi Wanyu, smiling gently, and Chen Xiaohei. The mother and daughter were holding hands, gazing at the rising sun from the balcony of the misty mountain-top wooden house, a scene that filled Chen Mobai with warmth. He mused that Yu Huiping must have painted it when Shi Wanyu came to Wangxian Peak to care for Xiao Hei, capturing their serene expressions. With that thought, Chen Mobai stepped onto the outdoor balcony. He saw the long bench where the mother and daughter were seated in the painting. Chen Mobai smiled, imagining Shi Wanyu and Chen Xiaohei sitting there with him, and took a seat on the other side. He then retrieved a blank paper, talisman brush, and ink from his spatial realm. He envisioned himself and Shi Wanyu sitting together, his daughter nestled between them, watching the distant clouds drift by, the sun ascend, and life awaken. Although Chen Mobai hadn't yet qualified as a Tier 3 Talisman Master due to his focus on cultivation, his painting scores at the academy had always been top-tier. Soon, with his brush and ink, and referring to the painting of his wife and daughter in the living room, the image he held in his heart appeared on the white paper.

After finishing the painting, he took a photo with his phone and sent it to their small family group chat, "My Dearest Family," which only included the three of them.Chen Xiaohei: Dad, are you in my room?Shi Wanyu: So beautiful! I hope one day we can really take a photo here.Chen Mobai: Yes, I'm about to descend the mountain, so I came to see the place you used to live, Chen Xiaohei.Chen Mobai: Our family will move here next year. Then we can ask True Lord Yu to help us take a photo, Shi Wanyu.

Soon, the previously quiet "My Dearest Family" group chat became lively. The mother and daughter spoke of Xiao Hei's experiences on Wangxian Peak when she was unwell. As they talked, Chen Xiaohei suddenly asked, "Dad, did you see the Patriarch? I lived on the mountain for so many years and never saw her emerge from seclusion." Chen Mobai replied, "It's a secret." It wasn't that he wanted to keep it from his daughter, but to avoid implicating Yu Huiping, it was best not to say anything. Chen Xiaohei pressed, "Ah, but I'm your daughter! Can't you even tell me?" Chen Mobai responded with three dots. But Chen Xiaohei's curiosity persisted with more questions: "What does the Patriarch look like? Is she very pretty? But the Patriarch is quite old now..." Seeing his daughter's questions becoming increasingly outlandish, Chen Mobai quickly interrupted her, saying he was about to descend the mountain. He added that since the Kaiyuan Hall council meeting had also concluded, he would return to Yumu City as soon as he had arranged his current tasks. Then, he would help them pack and move to Wangwu Cave Heaven together. This statement finally made Chen Xiaohei stop her relentless questioning.

After arranging the time to return home, Chen Mobai put down his phone. At that moment, Yu Huiping had arrived. Chen Mobai saw her from the balcony and waved to her. "True Lord Yu, I shall take my leave now." Chen Mobai used Void Walk to appear before Yu Huiping, having already sent her a text message notification.

Yu Huiping offered a suggestion that made Chen Mobai's eyes light up: "Yes, Xiao Hei's room has always been kept for her. If the mother and daughter don't have a place to stay, they can come here. It's also a good place for her to prepare for Core Formation, which will make things easier for you." Although he now had a courtyard with Tier 4 spiritual energy in Wangwu Cave Heaven, it was better for his wife and daughter not to be exposed if possible. "Then I'll tell them when I go home. I imagine they won't refuse True Lord Yu's kindness," Chen Mobai said with a smile.

Chen Mobai smilingly followed Yu Huiping down the mountain, and they soon reached the foot. "Oh, I forgot to say, congratulations on successfully forming your Nascent Soul," Yu Huiping said. As they parted, she smiled gently at him and, with heartfelt joy, performed the ancient celebratory ritual of the Instrument Dao Academy. After Chen Mobai's successful Nascent Soul formation, all her previous worries and anxieties had dissipated. She was certain that he was the other half who could accompany her master on her journey. It was for this very reason that she was willing to take such a significant risk to issue Patriarch Baiguang's Deity Transformation edict to Chen Mobai. Chen Mobai also gave a slight bow, saying, "Thank you, True Lord Yu." After the禮儀, Yu Huiping's form twisted, transforming into a silver light, and she vanished from the spot.

Chen Mobai watched the direction she departed, silently vowing that he would live up to expectations and make the Instrument Dao Academy even greater.

As he left Wangxian Peak, the clouds in the sky gradually took on the hues of the evening glow. Chen Mobai's mood grew increasingly relaxed. He checked his direction, just about to head towards the Zhongli family's residence, when suddenly, a figure appeared in his line of sight. The person wore a plain long dress, had fair skin, dignified features, deep, serene eyes, and an elegant yet mysterious aura. Chen Mobai recognized her; it was Chen Chun.

"Long time no see," Chen Mobai greeted. In the past, he might have been somewhat wary, but after forming his Nascent Soul, even though Chen Chun was Patriarch Qianxing's disciple, he greeted her calmly and confidently. After all, he had just descended from Wangxian Peak, backed by Patriarch Baiguang, and was now the Instrument lineage's spokesperson for Deity Transformation. In terms of status, throughout the Immortal Sect, he was now second only to the two Deity Transformation patriarchs. If Chen Chun hadn't formed her Nascent Soul, she would have to defer to him. As expected, Chen Chun bowed upon seeing Chen Mobai, then calmly and courteously said, "I have been commanded by my master to invite True Lord up the mountain." Chen Mobai was slightly surprised but had already anticipated this. After all, he had received two Deity Transformation edicts. Patriarch Baiguang's was a ruse, but Patriarch Qianxing's was undoubtedly genuine. Even with Patriarch Baiguang's backing, Chen Mobai could not refuse this. "Please lead the way!" Chen Mobai nodded, gesturing for Chen Chun to go first. At the same time, he cautioned himself on how to manage his patience when facing potentially cold remarks during this meeting with Patriarch Qianxing. He needed to display the pride of a future Deity Transformation cultivator, indicating Patriarch Baiguang's support, but not be overly arrogant to avoid alienating Patriarch Qianxing.