Chapter 805: The Number of Cultivators

"If a genius like you were to appear again, an exception could naturally be made."

"If all the resources on Earth Star were fully utilized, they could actually sustain six Divine Transformation cultivators. The current limit on the number below is simply to reserve slots for future Divine Transformations."

"Approximately fifty Nascent Soul cultivators absorb spiritual energy equivalent to one Divine Transformation cultivator. Currently, Earth Star has me, Bai Guang, and Spirit Venerable, so there are three vacant slots."

"In the future, if you or Qi Yuheng achieve Divine Transformation, we would either have to launch an Expansion War, or Bai Guang and I would have to leave this place and follow the star map left by the Five Immortal Sect Ancestors to seek out the original cultivation ground."

"Within the Immortal Sect, aside from Bai Guang and me, the spiritual energy reserved for the other three hundred million cultivators is equivalent to that of one Divine Transformation cultivator. According to my calculations, the optimal upper limits are twenty Nascent Soul, eight hundred Core Formation, and one million Foundation Establishment cultivators. With these numbers, the Heaven-Earth Array, which absorbs cosmic spiritual energy and transforms sunlight, moonlight, and starlight, would be entirely sufficient, even allowing for some reserves to be accumulated in preparation for future Expansion Wars."

"However, a slight excess wouldn't be an issue. After all, the spiritual energy quota for the sea region hasn't been fully utilized; we could always borrow a bit from the Spirit Venerable if needed."

After listening to Patriarch Qianxing's explanation, Chen Mobai gained a more concrete and intuitive understanding of the Immortal Sect's resource scarcity.

It was even worse than the Eastern Continent of the Heavenly River Realm.

Leaving aside the former Celestial Venerables, even during the Eastern Imperial Court era, there were dozens of Divine Transformation cultivators. He had never heard of spiritual energy being insufficient for their cultivation on the Eastern Continent.

"Yes, Patriarch, this Tushita Fire can actually only be used by cultivators who have cultivated the Purple-Green Demon Refining Scripture. Within the Immortal Sect, besides me, probably only Pei Qingshuang can use it."

Chen Mobai said this, noting that quite a few cultivators in the Immortal Sect practiced the Green Stone and Green Mirror cultivation methods. However, only Pei Qingshuang was truly connected to him in that regard. His remark was essentially an advance request to Patriarch Qianxing for Pei Qingshuang to use the Tushita Fire in the future.

"Pei Qingshuang? Who is that?"

Patriarch Qianxing seemed a bit confused after hearing the name.

"She is Reverend Taohua's daughter and the master of the Azure Frost Sword."

Chen Mobai immediately explained, surprised that Pei Qingshuang didn't even register with Patriarch Qianxing.

"Taohua's daughter? Wasn't her name Pei Cui? Did she change it?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai realized that Patriarch Qianxing was simply unaware of Pei Qingshuang's name change.

"She is dedicated to the sword. To achieve perfect harmony with the Azure Frost Sword and unite with it, she changed her name."

Chen Mobai explained for Pei Qingshuang. Patriarch Qianxing looked enlightened, then nodded.

"Of the twenty Nascent Soul slots, I originally allocated five to each of the four lineages, but only the Heaven-Mending Lineage has consistently used all of its allocation."

"Now, an Expansion War is about to begin, and we don't know the origin of the alien world bordering Earth Star. So, over these years, I've started selecting capable juniors to assist them in forming Nascent Souls, thereby increasing the number of high-level cultivators in the Immortal Sect as much as possible within the allowed spiritual energy limits."

"The spiritual energy quota for the Water Immortal lineage has always been allocated to the sea region. Therefore, it's perfectly within limits for your Instrument Cultivation and Jumang lineages to have one or two more Nascent Soul cultivators. The key figures in the four lineages can simply discuss this internally within the Three Great Halls. Even if there are two or three extra, it's fine; at most, those high-level spiritual plants will receive slightly less spiritual energy."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai finally understood why the Heaven-Mending Lineage had so many Nascent Soul cultivators.

It turned out that in Patriarch Qianxing's eyes, this was simply to avoid wasting spiritual energy.

Chen Mobai calculated again. The Instrument Cultivation Lineage currently had three Nascent Soul cultivators, meaning there were still two available slots.

As for Jumang, it currently only had Reverend Taohua and Reverend Sanjue. Even if Wenren Xuewei were added in the future, and even if Pei Qingshuang also formed a Nascent Soul, there would still be one slot remaining.

"To prepare for the Expansion War, I am ready to allocate the spiritual energy equivalent to another Divine Transformation cultivator, utilizing thousands of years of accumulated resources, to enhance the overall strength of the Immortal Sect."

At this moment, Patriarch Qianxing spoke again, uttering words that made Chen Mobai's expression solemn. Upon hearing them, he couldn't help but ask further.

"The World Gate has sensed the approach of an alien world. When will we be able to send people to investigate?"

In previous Expansion Wars, the Immortal Sect would send their people through the World Gate some time before the alien world drew near, to gather intelligence on the other side.

"Soon, perhaps in about ten years. Nangong Xuanyu just made a mistake, so I will have him lead a team there to atone for his actions."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai was completely convinced by Patriarch Qianxing.

For the Immortal Sect to enjoy such peace and prosperity today, his leadership was paramount.

He had previously harbored some resentment towards the Heaven-Mending Lineage, but at this moment, it completely dissipated.

"Patriarch, you are impartial and fair in rewards and punishments. I am deeply impressed."

Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, Patriarch Qianxing merely smiled slightly, then mentioned another matter.

"Regarding the Asura Incarnation you manifested last time, Reverend Yuanxu has already developed a substitute for Soul-Nourishing Wood. However, due to spiritual energy considerations, I haven't allowed him to publicize it. But if the opponent in the Expansion War proves to be a major enemy, this could be used to quickly increase the combat power of several Nascent Soul level cultivators. Coupled with your report on the Bloom Court Master, these are considered great merits."

"Merits must be rewarded. Generally, Nascent Soul cultivators who come to me ask for my help in divining the critical time nodes for their breakthroughs."

"However, you previously said you didn't want that, so I'll ask you directly now: what reward do you desire?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai was amazed by Reverend Yuanxu's research capabilities. He was also filled with curiosity, wondering what could possibly replace the fifth-tier Soul-Nourishing Wood.

But the most important thing now was to consider what would be best to ask from Patriarch Qianxing.

Should he ask for the Verdant Jade Parasol Tree?

Finally, he thought of a matter that had always weighed on his mind.

"Reporting to Patriarch, when I was young, I received Yu Tianguang..."

Chen Mobai told Patriarch Qianxing about Yu Tianguang, expressing his desire to know if there was a secret technique within the Immortal Sect that could help the divine seed eliminate the influence of the Soul Devouring Art.

"The Bifurcation Divine Art can achieve this. You are now a Nascent Soul cultivator, so you can download it from the Immortal Sect National Library."

Patriarch Qianxing mentioned something Chen Mobai already knew, but Chen Mobai had another purpose in bringing it up.

"Reporting to Patriarch, Principal Chengxuan has actually already arranged for Yu Tianguang to cultivate the Bifurcation Divine Art. However, because he was previously possessed by the Divine Control Pavilion Master, his essence, qi, and spirit were depleted, so his cultivation progress has been very slow. I deeply fear that he won't be able to remove the Divine Control Pavilion Master's divine seed on his own before his eventual demise."

"I wish to apply for permission to cultivate the Soul Devouring Art myself, to see if I can deeply research this forbidden art and discover methods to resolve the divine seed issue, beyond just the Bifurcation Divine Art."

Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, Patriarch Qianxing's eyes showed appreciation.

He felt that this junior, his descendant in learning, valued loyalty and righteousness, and knew how to repay kindness.

"I grant you permission for this matter. However, you must remember that every divine seed of the Soul Devouring Art is a thread. You may cultivate it, but absolutely do not fall into depravity."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai immediately thanked Patriarch Qianxing sincerely.

"I've also researched the Soul Devouring Art for a while. Here is my understanding; take a look."

At this moment, Patriarch Qianxing took out his phone, added Chen Mobai as a friend, and sent him an electronic document containing his notes and insights on the forbidden Soul Devouring Art.

After discussing this matter, Chen Mobai prepared to take his leave.

"Oh, by the way, Ying Guanghua came to see me a few days ago and spoke about the Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill."

But at this moment, Patriarch Qianxing suddenly spoke these words.

"Please forgive me, Patriarch. I was a bit too angry before. I certainly won't act that way with the next batch of Core Formation elixirs."

Chen Mobai first apologized, but his words did not convey an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

The apology was merely for not considering Patriarch Qianxing's reputation.

"After all, I am the Patriarch of the Heaven-Mending Lineage, and I must also look out for those below. Coincidentally, the Expansion War is not far off, so I propose adding one batch of Golden Liquid Jade Return Pills every ten years. What do you think?"

Since Patriarch Qianxing had put it that way, Chen Mobai naturally had no objections.

"Patriarch, your foresight is admirable. I wholeheartedly agree."

Compared to Ying Guanghua, Patriarch Qianxing's way of handling matters, his understanding of human nature, made Chen Mobai feel as if he was bathed in spring breeze; it was like night and day.

If Ying Guanghua had simply discussed things properly with him like this, would matters have escalated to such a degree?

"After this, Ying Guanghua will issue this proposal in the name of the Immortal Affairs Hall Master. You can help communicate with the other two lineages to distribute the ten Golden Liquid Jade Return Pills among the four lineages."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai felt even more strongly that Patriarch Qianxing's conduct and way of life were exemplary, worthy of learning by everyone in the Immortal Sect.

"See him out."

After giving all instructions, Patriarch Qianxing said to Chen Chun, then disappeared from the spot, returning to his game room.

Chen Mobai respectfully bid him farewell, then followed Chen Chun down Gathering Immortal Peak.

"Thank you."

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Chen Mobai said to Chen Chun.

"You're welcome, Reverend. Please take care."

Chen Chun, however, shook her head, not accepting Chen Mobai's thanks.

Seeing her standing with hands by her side, respectful and courteous, Chen Mobai couldn't help but recall their first meeting.

Back then, when he asked her for a divination, she had been somewhat dismissive.

Their second meeting involved a certain grievance.

However, without her arrangements, Chen Mobai likely wouldn't have had any blood descendants in this lifetime.

After all, according to his thoughts, he would absolutely not consider having children until his cultivation reached an insurmountable bottleneck.

At this moment, Chen Mobai also recalled the scene in the alley where he and Shi Wanyu had their fortunes told together.

Shi Wanyu's reading was: 'Stars burst beyond the clouds, flying embers fall before the steps.'

Looking back now, it probably meant that Shi Wanyu lacked sufficient talent and perseverance, unable to accompany him to the very end, implying she would die of old age.

At this thought, he couldn't help but sigh.

This meant that his marital relationship with Shi Wanyu would only last a few decades. However, the fruit of their union was a Pure Yin Physique, an incredibly talented individual in the Immortal Sect, who could accompany Chen Mobai for a very long time.

Perhaps in the future, both father and daughter might even achieve Divine Transformation.

Thinking this way, Chen Mobai no longer held any particular views towards Chen Chun.

After nodding to her again, Chen Mobai turned and left Gathering Immortal Peak.

Chen Chun watched his retreating figure, lamenting her own insufficient cultivation.

At this moment, she was certain that the celestial mechanism guiding her to divine in Scarlet City Grotto-heaven, bringing Chen Mobai and Shi Wanyu before her, was actually the greatest fortune for her in cultivating the Secret Art of the Divine Mechanism Pavilion.

She had even thought herself unlucky back then, encountering Chen Mobai, an unexpected individual.

Thinking back now, providence had already placed opportunities before her, yet she hadn't seen through them.

At this moment, Chen Chun profoundly felt that 'Heaven's will is unfathomable.'

Heaven grants wishes, yet fate plays tricks on people!

"Indeed, my cultivation is still too shallow."

Thinking this, Chen Chun listlessly returned up the mountain.

Chen Mobai, naturally unaware of Chen Chun's emotional fluctuations, had already arrived at the Zhongli family residence and had a meal with Zhongli Zheng, the patriarch of the Zhongli family, who had been waiting for him.

Zhongli Yue personally cooked, and Zhongli Tianyu accompanied them.

At the dinner table, Chen Mobai and Zhongli Zheng reached an agreement: in the future, within the Hall of Righteous Law, the Zhongli family would follow his lead and fully support him in becoming the future Hall Master.

In fact, after communicating with Patriarch Qianxing, Chen Mobai's desire to become the Immortal Sect Master was no longer as strong.

However, since the Instrument Cultivation Lineage currently had no suitable successor, he was the only one who could take on the role.

"I have no interest in power struggles. However, among our lineage, I am currently the only one who has garnered widespread respect and can genuinely impress the various figures in the Three Great Halls. I hope Tianyu can raise his cultivation as quickly as possible after forming his Core. When that happens, I will do my utmost to support him in obtaining a Nascent Soul elixir and cultivating him to become the next Nascent Soul cultivator of our lineage."

Chen Mobai stated his position at the dinner table, right then and there.

Zhongli Zheng and the other two were all excited upon hearing this.

Because what Chen Mobai said was true: among the older generation of Core Formation cultivators in the Instrument Cultivation Dao Academy, those who had hoped to form Nascent Souls had largely failed. Although there was still Reverend Shaoyang's generation, none were as exceptional as Chen Mobai.

As long as Zhongli Tianyu proved himself capable, obtaining the Immortal Sect's Nascent Soul elixirs in the future, combined with the Zhongli family's treasured Soul Transformation Pills, his chances of forming a Nascent Soul were very high.

It was precisely under these circumstances that Zhongli Zheng was willing to proactively propose a deep alliance with the Instrument Cultivation Lineage.

However, this was primarily due to Chen Mobai having formed his Nascent Soul.

After the meal, Chen Mobai politely declined their attempts to make him stay and left Five Peaks Immortal Mountain.

News of his return to Wangwu Grotto-heaven quickly spread.

Although there were no outsiders in the places where the two Divine Transformation Patriarchs resided,

within the Five Peaks Immortal Mountain's facilities, there were informants from various major forces.

The news that Chen Mobai had visited both Patriarchs' peaks, Wangxian Peak and Juxian Peak, had already spread throughout the Immortal Sect.

Among these, regardless of which Patriarch Chen Mobai met, it was explosive news for the Immortal Sect.

Patriarch Bai Guang had specifically emerged from seclusion for Chen Mobai, the Instrument Cultivation lineage's Nascent Soul.

And as for Patriarch Qianxing, it went without saying: Chen Mobai had just thoroughly humiliated the Heaven-Mending Lineage in the Three Great Halls, yet he had now emerged unscathed from Gathering Immortal Peak.

These two incidents combined made everyone realize that Chen Mobai's talent had been recognized by both Patriarchs, who acknowledged him as a future Divine Transformation cultivator.

Consequently, even more people came to visit.

Especially from the Hall of Righteous Law, many military leaders, besides Zhongli Zheng, sent messages expressing their desire to deliver New Year's gifts.

People in the military now knew that Nangong Xuanyu was no match for Chen Mobai, and furthermore, when Patriarch Bai Guang was active, the Hall of Righteous Law was originally the territory of the Instrument Cultivation Lineage.

So now, most of them followed their inner convictions and chose to pledge allegiance to Chen Mobai.

Only two individuals from the Heaven-Mending Lineage, whose positions were already fixed, did not come to greet Chen Mobai.

However, Chen Mobai merely returned their calls and did not grant them an audience.

After all, nominally, he was only the General Leader of the Heaven-Mending Group, a position lower than theirs, and thus not entitled to receive their visits.

"It's not suitable right now. Once my position is properly established in the future, I will invite Minister Pan for tea..."

After making the calls, Chen Mobai handed these matters over to Wang Shuye to handle.

"The ministers and council members from the Three Great Halls are too enthusiastic. I'll go back to my hometown for a while to avoid the limelight."

Chen Mobai's words made Wang Shuye a bit troubled, yet he had to nod in agreement.

"The end of the year is when the grand assembly concludes, so most of the Immortal Sect's Core Formation council members are currently in Wangwu Grotto-heaven. If you return early next year, there won't be so many people."

If Chen Mobai were still a Core Formation council member, he would certainly have to receive these people.

But now that he was a Nascent Soul cultivator, Chen Mobai could decline all but a few influential figures like Zhongli Zheng.

Moreover, knowing that he would certainly have to step down if he were to cultivate to the Void Refinement stage in the future, Chen Mobai didn't want to get too entangled with these individuals.

"Then I'll trouble you, Senior Wang."

Chen Mobai expressed his gratitude to Wang Shuye, who, with the support of the Instrument Cultivation Lineage, had returned to the Kaiyuan Hall at the year-end council meeting.

Starting next year, he would be able to act on Chen Mobai's behalf as a member of the rotating committee.

This was originally his position, ceded to Chen Mobai before his attempt at forming a Nascent Soul. Who would have thought he could return after his failure?

One could only say that Chen Mobai's progress was astonishingly fast!

However, returning to Kaiyuan Hall this time, Wang Shuye felt an unprecedented sense of ease.

Compared to before, when the Instrument Cultivation Lineage had no Nascent Soul cultivators in the Three Great Halls and, along with the Jumang Lineage, walked on thin ice with trepidation, his mindset was now completely different.

With Chen Mobai's backing, Wang Shuye now walked with a very firm posture.

Even people from the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng Lineages now had to treat him with politeness.

This turn of events, where fortunes shifted, made Wang Shuye realize that within the Immortal Sect, strength truly spoke loudest.

It was truly a great fortune for the Instrument Cultivation Lineage to encounter Chen Mobai during its period of weakness!

Wang Shuye did not go home for the New Year, staying in Wangwu Grotto-heaven to actively handle political affairs, while Chen Mobai booked a flight back to Yumu City.

However, before returning home, he first arranged cultivation grounds for Hua Zijing and Meng Huang'er to form their Cores.

"Brother, I have good news. Patriarch Qianxing has personally decreed that, in preparation for the Expansion War, an additional batch of Golden Liquid Jade Return Pills will be refined next year. I will submit your name then..."

Chen Mobai called Yun Yangbing again. Upon hearing the news, Yun Yangbing, who was usually calm, began to get excited.

"Thanks, brother."

"Don't mention it, we're brothers, of course I'll help you. By the way, Zijing received a Golden Liquid Jade Return Pill this year, and she's going back to her hometown to form her Core. But the spiritual脈 there isn't quite high enough. Do you have time to go over and help set up a Spirit Gathering Array?"

After hearing this, Yun Yangbing patted his chest, assuring Chen Mobai that he would take care of it.

"Zijing, these are five high-grade spirit stones I obtained from a Void Blind Box. When the time comes, tell Yun Yangbing to incorporate them into the Spirit Gathering Array..."

After the call, Chen Mobai looked at his tall, capable secretary and took out high-grade spirit stones from his domain, handing them to her.

"This... it's too valuable..."

Hua Zijing was somewhat overwhelmed and hesitant to accept.

One should know that even within the Heaven-Mending Group, there weren't many high-grade spirit stones, and those that existed were often imbued with various restrictions, requiring a password from the finance department to be released before each use.

"These are my personal property. Don't mention it to anyone, and remember to put them away properly after use."

After forming his Nascent Soul, Chen Mobai taking out a few spirit stones and using the Void Blind Box as an excuse wouldn't cause anyone to investigate further.

"Yes, thank you, Reverend!"

Hua Zijing, with a moved expression, accepted the five high-grade spirit stones.

After arranging things for her, Chen Mobai went to see Meng Huang'er.

After a passionate interlude.

Meng Huang'er lay on Chen Mobai's chest, holding an Ever-Youth Pearl, her eyes filled with adoration.

"Thank you. This is my favorite gift I've ever received in my life."

Meng Huang'er spoke sincerely. Since Chen Mobai had previously given her twelve Water Spirit Pearls, which were equivalent to high-grade spirit stones, he hadn't given her any more spirit stones this time.

He then remembered that he hadn't given her an Ever-Youth Pearl yet, so he gave it to her before she formed her Core.

Research indicates that cultivators attempting breakthroughs with a joyful mood can also help increase their success rate.

After receiving the Ever-Youth Pearl, Meng Huang'er became more proactive than ever, making Chen Mobai enjoy himself even more.

"I've already called the Dao Academy. Once you get there, Teacher Che will arrange everything for you, and Reverend Shaoyang will vacate that place..."

Chen Mobai dressed himself and spoke to Meng Huang'er, who nodded happily, but with a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Just do your best. If it's not successful, I will arrange a second one for you."

With Patriarch Qianxing's word, the Immortal Sect would produce an additional batch of Golden Liquid Jade Return Pills every ten years. After waiting for two or three more batches, it wouldn't be a big deal for Chen Mobai to arrange for Meng Huang'er to receive another one, given his standing.

The two of them went to the airport together and waited in the VIP lounge.

At Chen Mobai's current cultivation level, some matters were no longer of great concern.

Nascent Soul cultivators in the Immortal Sect had access to private flights.

Coincidentally, the Scarlet City Grotto-heaven was along Chen Mobai's flight path back to Yumu City, so he simply had Meng Huang'er travel with him, citing it as a convenient ride.

As both were from the Instrument Cultivation Dao Academy, outsiders would find this reason acceptable.

"Reverend, I'll excuse myself now. Call me if you need anything."

Inside the flight artifact's private compartment, the beautiful and graceful flight attendant gently said this after setting down the drinks.

Chen Mobai hummed in acknowledgment, followed by the sound of the door closing.

Once only the two of them remained, the famous star, who had been sitting opposite him, had, at some point, softly settled into his embrace. A short while later, her light yellow long dress had slipped off...