Chapter 962: The Secret of Ascension

Main Text

"After leaving Fire Cloud Palace, I also visited the Morality Sect," Xingji explained. "Sect Master Shenxi assured me that he had no communication with Hongyun regarding that matter." Xingji had believed that the alliance targeting the Five Elements Sect, led by Fire Cloud Palace, was instigated by the Morality Sect, but Ye Qing's investigation revealed otherwise.

"Then it must have been my misunderstanding," Chen Mobai mused, recalling his conversation with Xingji. "Venerable Xingji never explicitly named the Morality Sect." He realized Xingji had merely guided him to think in the direction of the Morality Sect, marveling at the old fox's impeccable way with words.

Ye Qing also revealed another detail: during his recent visit to the Morality Sect, he encountered True Monarch Wuchen emerging from seclusion, who had successfully refined a batch of Rejuvenation Pills.

With these pills, his master and True Monarch Wuchen could extend their lifespans by several sexagenary cycles, allowing them to remain in the Heavenly River Realm for a longer time.

"It seems both seniors are ready to ascend at any time," Chen Mobai remarked, immediately grasping Ye Qing's implication.

The lifespan of a Nascent Divinity cultivator is typically around two thousand years. True Monarch Xuantian, having achieved the Dao fifteen hundred years ago, should logically be nearing the end of his lifespan.

However, given True Monarch Xuantian's standing, he must have consumed numerous longevity elixirs. For instance, the Morality Sect's fifth-grade immortal tea, Longevity Brows, can extend one's life by 360 years.

True Monarch Xuantian's lifespan had already surpassed two thousand years. Without new longevity elixirs, he would inevitably need to consider breaking through his current realm and ascending to survive.

"My master could have attempted ascension a long time ago," Ye Qing admitted candidly. "However, his earthly ties remain, and our sect has yet to produce another Nascent Divinity cultivator, so he has stayed in the mortal realm. Venerable Wuchen, on the other hand, is still a bit short." Hearing Ye Qing mention ascension, Chen Mobai pressed him for more details.

He had been curious about the ascension process in the Heavenly River Realm for a long time.

"There are two paths to ascension in this realm," Ye Qing explained. "The first is to await the opening of the Immortal Mansion, then utilize the Pure Spirit Immortal Essence of the Ascension Platform to purify one's mortal essence, transforming into an immortal body before ascending. The second is to break through to the Void Refinement realm and forcibly shatter the void to ascend."

"However, shattering the void to reach the Lingkong Immortal Realm requires enduring nine layers of heavenly tribulation, which weaker Void Refinement cultivators typically cannot overcome."

"However, when the Ghost Mother descended upon the mortal realm, she buried the Immortal Mansion and the Ascension Platform in the Underworld to prevent true immortals from the Lingkong Immortal Realm from descending," Ye Qing continued. "Therefore, Nascent Divinity cultivators in the Heavenly River Realm now only have the path of shattering the void if they wish to ascend." Ye Qing did not hide this information, revealing these secrets known only to the major holy lands.

"After the Ghost Mother's calamity, did no senior experts try to retrieve the Immortal Mansion and Ascension Platform from the Underworld and bring them back to the mortal realm?" Chen Mobai asked. He recalled Grand Ancestor Hunyuan, who had forcibly entered the Yellow Springs Road back then, wondering if that was precisely what the ancestor had attempted.

"Of course, there were," Ye Qing confirmed. "However, the deepest parts of the Underworld are home to the Ghost Mother's lingering remnant soul and numerous powerful ghost gods. Furthermore, cultivators from the mortal world can only exert thirty to forty percent of their full strength there due to the hostile environment."

"In the Central Continent, cultivators on the verge of ascension once entered the Underworld, hoping to retrieve the Ascension Platform, but they never returned."

"Even now, Nascent Divinity cultivators in the Heavenly River Realm whose lifespans are ending and who cannot shatter the void will attempt to break into the deep Underworld in search of the Ascension Platform." Chen Mobai was greatly astonished upon hearing this.

He had never imagined the Yellow Springs Underworld to be so perilous. Thinking back, it was incredibly fortunate that Luo Yixuan, when taken there, managed to return alive.

However, it might also be because she didn't delve too deep. If that were the case, the Yellow Springs Road sealed by Grand Ancestor Hunyuan might still serve as a path to ascension in the future.

Taking advantage of Ye Qing's presence, Chen Mobai inquired further about the Lingkong Immortal Realm.

"The Lingkong Immortal Realm lies above the Heavenly River Realm," Ye Qing explained. "One can ascend there by crossing the Nine Heavenly Gangs and passing through the Nine Heavenly Tribulations. The Ascension Platform is merely a shortcut; you can view it as a teleportation array from the Heavenly River Realm to the Lingkong Immortal Realm. However, the Ascension Platform was originally left specifically by True King Taixu for the cultivators of this realm." This new revelation made Chen Mobai hold the Grand Void Ethereal Palace in even higher esteem.

Truly a super-powerful force, with holy lands present in all five continents of the Heavenly River Realm.

"Since Void Refinement cultivators can shatter the void and ascend to the Lingkong Immortal Realm, why can't true immortals from the Lingkong Immortal Realm descend directly? Why do they still need the Ascension Platform?" Chen Mobai pondered this new question.

"Thirty thousand years ago, an extraterrestrial supreme true devil descended upon the Heavenly River Realm. It could split into thousands of heart demons, possessing cultivators and causing an incredibly terrifying demonic calamity. Eventually, one of this supreme true devil's heart demon clones ascended to the Lingkong Immortal Realm and was detected by a supreme being in the upper realm."

"When true immortals descended to investigate, they discovered that all major sects harbored heart demon avatars of this true devil. No matter how many cultivators they killed, they could not locate its true body. The Incarnation Devil Sect within the demonic path today is a legacy of this very supreme true devil."

"Ultimately, several Dao Lords from the Lingkong Immortal Realm collaboratively employed a profound heavenly art, altering the grand Dao laws of the Heavenly River Realm. This forced all beings above the Nascent Divinity realm to ascend and leave, finally compelling the supreme true devil to reveal itself."

"To pass through the Nine Heavenly Tribulations and descend through the Nine Heavenly Gangs into the Heavenly River Realm, one must inevitably use the power of the Void Refinement realm. However, once the essence of Void Refinement is exposed, it will be detected by the grand Dao laws of the Heavenly River Realm and forcibly compel ascension." After Ye Qing finished his explanation, Chen Mobai's expression showed dawning realization.

So, that's how it is.

"So that means the highest cultivation realm in this world is Nascent Divinity Perfection, and there are no more Void Refinement grand cultivators?" Chen Mobai inquired further. If this was true, he could potentially enlist Qianxing and others from the Immortal Sect if he ever truly provoked a holy land, alleviating the need for such apprehension.

"Theoretically, yes," Ye Qing responded, a statement that immediately startled Chen Mobai.

"The major holy lands in the Central Continent and super-forces like the Heavenly Sea Jellyfish Palace are all capable of communicating with the upper realm," Ye Qing elaborated. "The grand Dao rules of this realm were also altered by their respective patriarchs, so there might be some hidden means at their disposal." *Sigh*, I'd best continue to play it safe.

After hearing this, Chen Mobai resolved to remain true to his cautious approach.

"Does your esteemed sect possess any hidden power beyond the Nascent Divinity realm?" Chen Mobai finally couldn't resist asking, driven by curiosity.

Ye Qing merely smiled, offering no further comment. Chen Mobai, understanding the hint, wisely did not press the matter.

At that moment, Qing Nü finished explaining the method and taboos for taking the Infant Nurturing Pill to Yuan Zhen, so Chen Mobai took his leave.

"Sect Master Chen, with the righteous-demonic war commencing and the One Yuan Dao Palace emerging from seclusion, what are your plans?" Ye Qing asked as Chen Mobai was about to depart.

"As you know, I'm an impostor," Chen Mobai replied. "What identity would I use to participate in such a war?"

"What if the One Yuan Dao Palace recognizes you?" Ye Qing's question made Chen Mobai pause. If anyone else had suggested it, he wouldn't have believed it, but Ye Qing's words might genuinely make the One Yuan Dao Palace concede and acknowledge him, the imposter, as their Saint Son.

He certainly had no desire to get involved in this quagmire. With his current strength, being unmatched among Nascent Soul cultivators, he would undoubtedly stand out on the battlefield. Slaughtering all the demonic Nascent Soul cultivators would surely attract the attention of the Bright Venerable, who harbored immense resentment towards the One Yuan Dao Palace.

Chen Mobai still held great reverence for Nascent Divinity cultivators, knowing he stood no chance against them. Thus, he needed an excuse to keep the One Yuan Dao Palace from involving him!

"If they are willing to let me refine the Dao Fruit, I might just be able to help them restore the prestige of the One Yuan Dao Palace!" Ultimately, Chen Mobai still didn't believe the One Yuan Dao Palace would allow him, an outsider, to refine the Dao Fruit left by Dao Lord One Yuan.

"My master and True Monarch Wuchen are stationed at the eastern border, so the demonic path will certainly not be able to break through there. We only fear they might bypass it by sea," Ye Qing continued. "If the demonic path allies with the demon royal court, then Dongwu and Dongyi, these two major gateways, will bear the brunt. My master's intent is that if such a situation truly arises and our holy lands are too stretched to offer further assistance, he will arrange for the Star Heaven Dao Sect to guard Xuanhai, while your esteemed sect reinforces Dongwu." He added, "Dongwu borders the Barren Sea, and Dongyi borders Xuanhai!"

The Xuanhai region is home to the Xuanjiao Royal Court, a force even more powerful than a holy land. The Barren Sea, while lacking a demon royal court, still contains numerous formidable demons, though their overall strength is definitely inferior to the Xuanjiao Royal Court.

Chen Mobai certainly couldn't refuse this arrangement from the holy land, especially since he still operated in the Eastern Continent.

"Leave it to me!" Chen Mobai assured him. However, this revelation made Chen Mobai somewhat understand why Xingji had wanted him to seize Golden Crow Immortal City.

If the Five Elements Sect were to occupy the territory of Bathing Sun Sea, they would certainly be forced to fight desperately against the Xuanjiao Royal Court, giving the Star Heaven Dao Sect an excuse not to intervene.

After all, on the eastern border battlefield, although they would face the demonic army, with the holy lands bearing the brunt of the fighting, the Star Heaven Dao Sect could afford to be cautious. With their eight Nascent Soul cultivators, the demonic forces would likely not push them to a desperate struggle.

However, it would be a different story if they came to Dongyi. Directly confronting the Xuanjiao Royal Court, if an old flood dragon of the Nascent Divinity realm were to act, even with a fifth-grade grand array for protection, their lives would no longer be their own.

That old Xingji, how utterly insidious! Upon this realization, any lingering goodwill Chen Mobai had for Xingji immediately evaporated.

Still, they were currently doing business with him, so Chen Mobai decided to simply make a mental note. Upon returning to the Five Elements Sect's courtyard, he summoned Mo Douguang and Zhou Ye.

Inside the room, he recounted the intelligence he had just gathered. Mo Douguang, whose thoughts were less intricate, simply stated that he would follow the Sect Master's arrangements.

"Brother Zhou, what are your thoughts?" Chen Mobai asked, knowing that Zhou Ye was a capable talent who could handle responsibilities independently. Moreover, the sect had already planned for Zhou Ye to be stationed in Dongyi after forming his Nascent Soul.

"We need to plan for this promptly," Zhou Ye stated without hesitation, expressing his philosophy of sacrificing land to preserve people. "If the Xuanjiao Royal Court genuinely intends to land in Dongyi, our sect lacks the strength. We should prepare to destroy the teleportation arrays and retreat to Donghuang."

"If we retreat directly without any resistance, I won't be able to explain it to the holy lands once the righteous-demonic war concludes," Chen Mobai countered. "Let's do this: if war truly breaks out in Dongyi, as neighbors, we still need to provide some support to Bathing Sun Sea. Only if we absolutely cannot hold out, should the disciples from Mirror Mountain then retreat."

"When the war begins, first pack up all the sect's resources in Dongyi and immediately transfer them to Donghuang. Golden Crow Immortal City possesses a fifth-grade grand array, which should buy us some time even if a Nascent Divinity realm expert makes a move."

"Then, if the Star Heaven Dao Sect comes to take over Golden Crow Immortal City, Brother Zhou, you will personally lead our sect's cultivators in Dongyi to provide support. However, if it's still Bathing Sun Sea that requires aid, just hire a group of rogue cultivators to go over and make a token gesture." Although Chen Mobai's meaning wasn't entirely explicit, Zhou Ye understood perfectly and nodded immediately.

"With the war imminent, the prices of various magical artifacts, talismans, and elixirs are sure to skyrocket," Chen Mobai instructed Mo Douguang and Zhou Ye. "Take advantage of this Big Dipper Assembly and tell the disciples not to be stingy with spirit stones; they should procure a good amount." After their discussion, everyone but E Yun and a few others, including the two Nascent Soul cultivators themselves, went out to browse.

Chen Mobai possessed top-tier magical artifacts; only fifth-grade items could truly catch his eye. Mo Douguang and Zhou Ye, however, were not nearly as affluent.

Both had only recently formed their Nascent Souls, and even fourth-grade magical artifacts were scarce for them, with each possessing only one. Before the Big Dipper Assembly officially began, many Nascent Soul cultivators organized private trading fairs. Although the Five Elements Sect had no direct connections to these, their reputation was well-known, and the Star Heaven Dao Sect even proactively helped introduce them.

Chen Mobai, disinclined to attend, gave the invitations to Mo Douguang and Zhou Ye. When they returned, both wore solemn expressions.

Upon asking, he learned that the prices of items at the trading fair were more than double the market rates in the Eastern Land.

"Some people left directly after obtaining what they needed, without even attending the Big Dipper Assembly," Zhou Ye recounted with a sigh. "Brother Mo acquired a sword cultivation method from a major sect in Western Continent. There was also a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Morality Sect at the fair; I exchanged for a set of Heavenly Yang Fire Liquid and Spirit Ice Xuan Liquid. I hope Green Pearl can successfully form her Core." He had initially thought himself quite wealthy, only to find he was the poorest at the trading fair.

Fortunately, what he sought to exchange for was merely core-forming spiritual medicine, which was easily produced by Nascent Soul cultivators, especially alchemists from the Morality Sect.

"Oh, right, Sect Master," Zhou Ye remembered. "Regarding the White Glass Sky Crystal and Nine Yang True Fire Stone you asked us to inquire about, no one at the trading fair had those spirit materials. It's possible they simply weren't available in the circles we accessed. There's another session tomorrow and the day after, so we'll go check again then." Although Chen Mobai didn't attend in person, he had specifically instructed Mo Douguang and Zhou Ye to keep an eye out for the items he needed.

"Then I'll trouble you two, Senior Brothers." The day of the Big Dipper Assembly's opening quickly arrived. Although the trading method was quite primitive, Chen Mobai enjoyed browsing with Qing Nü. Qing Nü, in particular, found great interest in the many precious medicinal herbs unavailable in Donghuang.

She currently possessed a large sum of spirit stones and began quoting prices for everything that caught her eye. Meanwhile, Zhuo Ming, in the earth-attributed stone city district, located the subsequent cultivation method for the Nine Ren Dharma Body. This particular item turned out to be of the highest grade. After quoting her price, Zhuo Ming nervously awaited a response.

Mo Douguang also quoted prices for all sword cultivation methods related to the metal attribute. Most attendees at the Big Dipper Assembly were Nascent Soul and Core Formation cultivators, so the cultivation methods offered could at least be cultivated to Core Formation Perfection, with a select few capable of reaching the Nascent Soul realm.

Only a handful of cultivation methods, perhaps one or two, could facilitate cultivation to Nascent Soul Grand Perfection. Chen Mobai meticulously selected ten Five Elements cultivation methods capable of reaching the Nascent Soul realm, precisely two for each attribute, planning to bring them back to expand the Five Elements Sect's library.

However, the prices were indeed steep. Nascent Soul cultivation methods started at a minimum of one thousand high-grade spirit stones. And those capable of supporting cultivation to Nascent Soul Grand Perfection astonishingly required ten thousand high-grade spirit stones.

Chen Mobai chose only the cheapest options, those priced at one thousand high-grade spirit stones. Zhuo Ming's Nine Ren Dharma Body, which could be cultivated to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, had a starting price of three thousand high-grade spirit stones.

She had coincidentally saved exactly that amount over the years. Upon learning this, Chen Mobai supported his cherished disciple with two thousand high-grade spirit stones.

Such things could always be earned again, but if a cultivation method was missed, there was no telling when another opportunity would arise. Chen Mobai almost completely emptied his spirit stones just for these cultivation methods alone.

Not only Chen Mobai, but Mo Douguang also found himself in a similar situation. Among the metal-attributed sword cultivation methods at the Big Dipper Assembly, the highest-tier one could be cultivated to the late Nascent Soul stage. It was rumored to be an original cultivation method of the former Eastern Land Imperial Court, named the "Imperial Sword Dao," which was initially capable of reaching the Nascent Divinity realm. Naturally, the version on display was incomplete.

Mo Douguang lacked sufficient spirit stones and sought Chen Mobai's assistance. Chen Mobai then advanced Mo Douguang his sect's stipend for the next hundred years, overdrawing ten thousand high-grade spirit stones.

Upon learning this, Zhou Ye also wanted to employ the same method. He had taken a liking to a mid-fourth-grade defensive magical artifact but lacked the necessary spirit stones.

"Brother Zhou, what kind of defensive magical artifact are you looking for?" Chen Mobai asked. "Tell me your requirements, and I'll provide you with a material list. Once you've gathered them, I'll personally refine it for you." Chen Mobai felt it unnecessary for outside parties to profit from such an item; a mere fourth-grade magical artifact was something he could refine with his eyes closed using the Doushuai Fire.

"Thank you, Sect Master!" Zhou Ye exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy. Earlier, when he and Mo Douguang had attended the private trading fair, he had heard Mo Douguang mention that after forming his Nascent Soul, Chen Mobai had refined his destiny Long-Life Sword, elevating it to a top-grade fourth-tier sword artifact.

Zhou Ye had been wondering why he hadn't received similar treatment after forming his Nascent Soul, suspecting perhaps some differential treatment. Thus, he subtly prompted Chen Mobai today.

Sure enough, the Sect Master was still fair and just; he must have simply been too busy to remember before. In the Heavenly River Realm, defensive magical artifacts were far more expensive than offensive or functional ones. Knowing Chen Mobai was personally offering to refine one for him, Zhou Ye immediately stated the requirements he had long considered.

After Zhou Ye finished speaking, he still felt a touch of unease, wondering if he had been too greedy.

"Are these all your requirements? Aren't they too brief?" To Zhou Ye's surprise, Chen Mobai frowned upon hearing them, stating that his requests were too broad and needed to be much more specific and detailed.

"Huh?" Zhou Ye was a bit confused. It was only when Chen Mobai produced a form, similar to those used by the Immortal Sect for custom artifact requests, and began asking about dozens of specific details, that Zhou Ye understood.

"I have a general idea now," Chen Mobai said. "Brother Zhou, your spirit stones are likely insufficient, so I'll also advance you fifty years of your sect contributions." After consolidating Zhou Ye's requirements, a clear prototype of a magical artifact formed in Chen Mobai's mind, and he then wrote out a highly detailed material list for him.

For this trip to the Big Dipper Assembly, Chen Mobai had instructed E Yun to withdraw all available liquid funds from the Five Elements Sect's account.

The total amounted to roughly over a billion, which translated to over a hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones. He couldn't help but feel their sect's wealth was still somewhat modest.

He would need to continue accumulating wealth in the future. Just as Chen Mobai was pondering this, the Big Dipper Assembly began showcasing its final, most prized items.

The first item immediately left him unimpressed: a set of top-grade fourth-tier formation. This formation was a creation of the Xuanfa Sect, a prominent formation school in the Eastern Land. If situated on a suitable fifth-grade spirit vein, it could even unleash power equivalent to a fifth-grade array.

Any major Nascent Soul sect that acquired it could utilize it as a protective mountain array. The Xuanfa Sect had traded this formation for the Three Lights Divine Water, and now the Star Heaven Dao Sect presented it as the first highlight item of the Big Dipper Assembly.

The second highlight, however, piqued Chen Mobai's interest: it was a fifth-grade Golden Light Grass.

This item was a supreme treasure for sword cultivators, used to purify one's destiny flying sword. There was a story of a sword cultivator whose top-grade fourth-tier sword artifact, after refining a fifth-grade Golden Light Grass, surprisingly gained sentience and upgraded to a fifth-grade flying sword.

Mo Douguang's eyes also gleamed with desire upon seeing this Golden Light Grass, and he again approached Chen Mobai, hoping to overdraw his sect contributions.

Chen Mobai considered it and found it difficult to refuse, though he only provided another ten thousand high-grade spirit stones. The third item was a pitch-black bead named the Yellow Springs Bead. It wasn't exactly a magical artifact, yet it drew the attention of holy land representatives such as Ye Qing and Qi Jiansu.

Chen Mobai inquired with Venerable Xingxuan, who was hosting in the main hall. Xingxuan informed him that the Yellow Springs Bead contained a fissure leading to the Underworld, and anyone who refined it could enter the deep Underworld.

Many Nascent Soul cultivators present were perplexed, unsure why the Yellow Springs Bead would attract representatives from the holy lands.

However, since Ye Qing had made an appearance, it was clearly a treasure. Thus, some Nascent Soul cultivators, driven by curiosity, also placed bids.

"Brother Zhou, is the talisman left by Grand Ancestor Hunyuan, which can sense the Yellow Springs Road, still in your possession?" After viewing the day's highlight items, Chen Mobai returned to their courtyard with the Five Elements Sect cultivators, then led Zhou Ye into a room and posed a question.

"Yes, it's right here. Does Sect Master need it?" Zhou Ye replied. Though inwardly puzzled, he did not hesitate, immediately producing a palm-sized, rectangular talisman shimmering with five colors from his storage bag and handing it to Chen Mobai.

"The ghosts and creatures of the Yellow Springs Road are a great disaster for our mortal realm," Chen Mobai explained. "If they burst forth during a war, it would be a major calamity for our sect. Seeing that Yellow Springs Bead today reminded me of this. After we return, I'll see if I can use it to sense the seal and reinforce it." Chen Mobai deliberately refrained from mentioning the Ascension Platform to Zhou Ye, as it was a matter far too distant for their Five Elements Sect.

If Nascent Soul cultivators were to learn of such a shortcut to ascension, their Dao hearts could easily become unstable.

"Then I'll trouble you, Sect Master," Zhou Ye said, simultaneously explaining the method for using the talisman, which Grand Ancestor Hunyuan had taught him just before his death. "If there's anything you need me for, please don't hesitate to command."

It primarily required Hunyuan True Qi to activate. Chen Mobai tested it, and after confirming its functionality, he went to visit his neighbor.

"The Yellow Springs Bead was left by the Ghost Mother," Ye Qing explained, "originally intended to allow demonic cultivators to open Underworld passages at any time, thereby letting ghost gods descend upon the mortal realm."

"After the Ghost Mother's demise, the ghost gods of the Underworld became hesitant to descend openly. However, it remains a hidden danger, so whenever such an item appears, our major holy lands intervene to reclaim it."

"Of course, it's also partly for the Ascension Platform," Ye Qing admitted honestly to Chen Mobai. Many Nascent Divinity cultivators would keep a Yellow Springs Bead on hand, hoping to venture into the Yellow Springs Underworld when their lifespan neared its end and they couldn't break through to Void Refinement. With luck, they might just find the Ascension Platform there.

After all these years, while none of the Nascent Divinity cultivators who ventured into the Underworld have returned, and some of their soul plaques have shattered, there are still a handful whose soul lamps remain lit, indicating they are still alive.

While it's possible they transformed into ghost cultivators, what if they actually found the Ascension Platform and ascended? This is why Nascent Divinity cultivators in the Heavenly River Realm will always contend for a Yellow Springs Bead whenever they encounter one.

"Is Saintess Yuan not here today?" Chen Mobai asked, noticing Yuan Zhen's absence despite his prolonged conversation with Ye Qing. He recalled how enthusiastic she had been during his previous visits.

"Last night, I attended a trading fair hosted by the Grand Void Ethereal Palace and helped her acquire a Nascent Soul Condensing Pill," Ye Qing replied. "The Star Heaven Dao Sect's Three Lights Divine Water had already been given to her some time ago, and with your Infant Nurturing Pill as well, she couldn't wait to return to her sect's Tongtian Peak to prepare for her final attempt at forming a Nascent Soul." Upon hearing Ye Qing's explanation, Chen Mobai immediately wished Yuan Zhen success in her endeavor.

"Was the person from the Grand Void Ethereal Palace Daoist Zhang Pankong?" Chen Mobai asked again. Thanks to Ye Qing's connection, he maintained a good relationship with Zhang Pankong, and the rapid development of the Five Elements Sect was largely due to the teleportation arrays Zhang Pankong had helped establish.

"Yes," Ye Qing confirmed. "He arrived when the Big Dipper Assembly began and brought along several Nascent Soul cultivators from other continents. There are many rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures not found here in the Eastern Continent available for exchange at the trading fair he hosts." Chen Mobai's interest was immediately piqued.

"I have a powerful magical artifact to refine, but I'm still missing two fifth-grade materials," Chen Mobai began. "I wonder if Brother Ye could help inquire about them..." After hearing "White Glass Sky Crystal" and "Nine Yang True Fire Stone," Ye Qing pondered for a moment.

"It seems Fire Cloud Palace possesses these items," Ye Qing stated. "They inherited the greatest legacy of the Burning Heaven Pure Land. Unfortunately, Hongyun certainly dislikes both of us now. He would sell these to anyone else, but definitely not to us." As soon as Ye Qing spoke, Chen Mobai immediately thought of another individual.

"Could we ask Daoist Brother Zhang Pankong to mediate, or perhaps act on our behalf?" Ye Qing considered this feasible. He immediately took out Zhang Pankong's communication talisman and informed him of the matter.

A short while later, Zhang Pankong, to their surprise, personally arrived, showing great respect.