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Chapter 974: Boundary Fluctuation

After forming her Core, Wang Xinying had been waiting for an assignment in Wangwu Immortal Cave. However, Chen Mobai, considering Shi Wanyu's limited lifespan, decided to let Wang Xinying stay and spend more time with her.

"Brother!"

Soon after, Wang Xinying arrived at the Hall of Rectification. While the siblings were drinking tea, Zhuang Jialan explained the situation.

"Leave it to me," Wang Xinying said, feeling much more confident after forming her Core. "If we want to keep this discreet, it's best not to do it here in Wangwu Immortal Cave. I can return to Danxia City and have someone register a new company specifically for this." Chen Mobai nodded, adding, "You can arrange it as you see fit. Jialan will assist you."

Chen Mobai nodded. At his level, he only needed results for most matters.

He then retrieved a box from his domain. Wang Xinying took it, opened it, and saw ten glass bottles containing the Innate Turbid Yin Qi that Chen Mobai had prepared long ago.

Both Zhuang Jialan and Wang Xinying were very curious about the origin of this primeval energy.

However, since Chen Mobai didn't mention it, they dared not ask.

This was a reflection of their differing statuses.

"This item is extremely precious. Make sure all companies we collaborate with sign a non-disclosure agreement first," Chen Mobai instructed. Wang Xinying solemnly closed the box and placed it in her own domain. After forming her Core, she had also successfully opened her Golden Core domain, with Chen Mobai personally assisting her once.

Soon, Wang Xinying, a new council member of the Kaiyuan Hall, was assigned to her hometown of Danxia City as her base. After handling this matter, Chen Mobai prepared to refine the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita into its complete form.

According to the Immortal Sect's standards, with all fifth-grade materials, this lantern should at least be refined into a fifth-grade artifact.

If Reverend Chengxuan were to refine it, Chen Mobai believed the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita could reach mid-grade fifth-tier.

Unfortunately, fifth-grade White Glass Celestial Crystal and Nine Yang True Fire Stone were materials not found in the Immortal Sect. Even though he was now the top artificer, he couldn't think of any excuse to explain the origin of these two materials.

He certainly couldn't claim that Ancestor Baiguang, who had departed, sent them from the depths of the universe.

However, if Chen Mobai were to refine it himself, he felt it would be quite good if he could manage to make the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita a fifth-grade artifact.

It was known that, according to the records in the Purple-Green Celestial Book, this artifact could be refined into a sixth-grade item using fifth-grade materials.

However, that would require at least sixth-grade artificing skill, or even the level of Daoist Dandings.

Given Chen Mobai's talent, it would be impossible for him to achieve this through self-study and practice alone.

Fortunately, their Artificing lineage still had some hidden resources.

If Chen Mobai remembered correctly, there was a Dao Fruit of a lantern-shaped artifact on the Jade Tree of Elixir Cauldron, which had not yet been picked and refined by a successor.

Although according to the rules of the Elixir Cauldron Sect, each disciple could only pick one Dao Fruit after being promoted to a fifth-grade artificer.

But now that the Elixir Cauldron Sect no longer existed, Chen Mobai felt it was necessary to change the rules.

As the disciple most likely to lead the Elixir Cauldron Sect back to its peak, he believed Daoist Dandings, if his spirit watched over them from above, would surely agree to him taking another Dao Fruit.

Thinking of this, Chen Mobai immediately called Reverend Chengxuan. Although the Artificing lineage had three Nascent Soul cultivators, Chen Mobai was essentially in charge after Ancestor Baiguang's departure. However, this matter was somewhat unconventional and still required Reverend Chengxuan's approval.

"Chunyang, isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Reverend Chengxuan politely refused after hearing him out.

He was relatively conservative, believing that since their ancestor had left this rule, it was best for future disciples to abide by it.

"The Immortal Sect lacks materials, and my Eight Views Lantern of Tushita now has two fifth-grade materials, plus the complete nine Tushita Flames, making it theoretically possible to refine it to fifth-grade. This way, a century from now, even after we are gone, we can leave another fifth-grade foundation for the Daoist Academy," Chen Mobai continued to persuade. Not long ago, he had legitimately acquired the Immortal Sect's treasured third-grade White Glass Celestial Crystal and fourth-grade Nine Yang True Fire Stone.

He had done so to ensure the legitimate use of the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita within the Immortal Sect in the future.

Of course, given Chen Mobai's current skill level, success seemed somewhat uncertain.

"Chunyang, how about this? I'll ask Ancestor Qianxing, and we two will work together to help you refine this Eight Views Lantern of Tushita. That should ensure it reaches fifth-grade," Reverend Chengxuan suggested sincerely after listening.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai felt a bit embarrassed.

"That might be too much trouble. Besides, I intend to make this Eight Views Lantern of Tushita my masterpiece for achieving fifth-grade artificer status."

In the future, Chen Mobai also planned to collect higher-grade materials in the Heavenly River Realm to upgrade the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita, so he definitely needed to master the sixth-grade refining method for this artifact.

"In that case, Chunyang, you can hone your skills slowly. With your talent, your artificing skill will surpass mine, and even Ancestor Qianxing's, sooner or later." Reverend Chengxuan's words clearly indicated that breaking the rules was not an option.

Moreover, the Immortal Sect had always emphasized frugality. Chen Mobai felt regret, but he didn't force the issue of the Dao Fruit from the Jade Tree of Elixir Cauldron.

"Alright, Headmaster. If I encounter any difficulties while refining, I will certainly seek your guidance then."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Mobai began to consider an alternative method.

That was to collaborate with Reverend Chengxuan to first refine the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita using the Immortal Sect's materials, and then slowly replace the lower-grade materials using the method of promotion from the Can Tong Qi.

However, the higher the grade of an artifact, the more difficult and time-consuming it was to upgrade later. With the war between righteous and demonic forces already underway in the Heavenly River Realm, he feared he might not have enough time.

Furthermore, if it was only refined to a fourth-grade quality, its effectiveness against a powerful ancient demon capable of unleashing Spirit Transformation-level power might not be significant.

It was at this moment that Chen Mobai truly felt how crucial the Spirit Transformation realm was. If he were at that level now, he wouldn't have to worry about anything in the Immortal Sect, be it the Innate Turbid Yin Qi or the Dao Fruit from the Jade Tree of Elixir Cauldron.

As for slowly improving his artificing skills, Chen Mobai would certainly not waste time on such a thing.

After two days of deliberation, he still decided to first refine the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita using the Immortal Sect's materials. Just as he was preparing to gather all the materials and go to Chicheng Mountain to use the Artificing Daoist Academy's most excellent refining equipment, a sudden invisible void fluctuation caused him to frown deeply. Amidst flashing silver light, Chen Mobai had already appeared in mid-air, looking towards the source of the void fluctuation: Zixian Peak in the Five Peaks Immortal Mountains.

It was Qi Yuheng's cultivation ground.

"Boundary Gate!?"

Chen Mobai quickly realized that after the Expansion War, Ancestor Qianxing had entrusted the Boundary Gate to Qi Yuheng for him to comprehend and verify the Six Imperial Scriptures.

Why would the Boundary Gate fluctuate?

"Could it be that Qi Yu has successfully formed a Dharma Realm?" Chen Mobai wondered, though he didn't dwell on it. After all, with a Spirit Transformation cultivator guarding the place, it wasn't his concern.

However, just as Chen Mobai was about to fly down and return to his cultivation chamber, he received a call.

It was from Qi Yuheng!

"Chunyang, there's been an unexpected fluctuation with the Boundary Gate. Ancestor Qianxing is in seclusion, so I can only ask you to come and take a look." After hearing this, Chen Mobai didn't hesitate. He left a quick message for Shi Wanyu and immediately used the Great Void Teleportation to reach Zixian Peak.

Upon arrival, he saw not only Qi Yuheng but also Immortal Shui.

The two Spirit Transformation cultivators of the Immortal Sect greeted Chen Mobai courteously. After nodding in return, Chen Mobai immediately went before the Boundary Gate, closed his eyes, and began to perceive this most treasured artifact of the Immortal Sect.

Before Yu Baiguang's departure, he had already informed Chen Mobai of the method for refining the Boundary Gate, a technique passed down through generations of Spirit Transformation cultivators.

However, both Qi Yuheng and Immortal Shui found it perfectly natural for Chen Mobai to refine the Boundary Gate.

A moment later, Chen Mobai abruptly opened his eyes, his face filled with shock!

"What's wrong?"

Seeing his expression, Qi Yuheng and Immortal Shui also frowned deeply. In fact, they had already refined the Boundary Gate just moments ago and had found the meaning behind this void fluctuation in the Immortal Sect's historical texts: "A new world has been detected and is approaching Di Yuan Star!" Chen Mobai stated the answer he had gleaned from sensing the Boundary Gate, his expression not looking good.

The Expansion War of Dragon God Star had just concluded. Logically, it should take at least several centuries before another world-expansion-level war was encountered.

Yet, only sixteen years had passed since Dragon God Star entered the Tianyang star system.

Yu Baiguang and Spirit Venerable had only left a little over a year ago.

Why had the Boundary Gate suddenly detected a new world?

Moreover, from Chen Mobai's perception, the planet located by the Boundary Gate was shrouded in dark clouds, like a massive cloak covering the entire planet. It seemed to be a world completely corrupted by demonic will, similar to Pluto.

"It seems our judgment wasn't bad; neither of us was mistaken," Immortal Shui joked, easing the tension.

Both she and Qi Yuheng had also seen the approaching new world through the Boundary Gate's fluctuations. "When did Ancestor Qianxing go into seclusion?" Chen Mobai asked, feeling how fortunate it was to have someone powerful above to rely on at times like this.

"A month ago. He came to see me before entering seclusion," Qi Yuheng replied, then hesitated, and offered a simple, understandable analogy: "Ancestor Qianxing's current state is the same as Ancestor Baiguang's before the Expansion War."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai and Immortal Shui both looked enlightened.

Although they didn't know about "Subtraction for Void," they understood that Ancestor Qianxing couldn't be relied upon for at least the next 120 years.

"Hopefully, Ancestor Qianxing will emerge from seclusion before the Expansion War, just like Ancestor Baiguang did." As Immortal Shui said this, a look of doubt suddenly crossed her face. She wondered if Ancestor Qianxing's sudden seclusion at this time was precisely to time it with the upcoming events.

"It's probably just a coincidence!"

In contrast, Qi Yuheng knew more. Ancestor Qianxing had taught him the "Subtraction for Void" method and left him a talisman for emergency awakening before going into seclusion.

If there truly was a crisis threatening Di Yuan Star, Ancestor Qianxing could still be forcibly awakened. "This is good. We've gained many resources from the Dragon God Star, and the Immortal Sect now has many more Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators. A century from now, we'll surely have five or six more Nascent Soul cultivators, and Chunyang, you should also be close to Spirit Transformation. That will be the peak of the Immortal Sect's prosperity. It would be best if this alien world is like Pluto, so we can avenge our predecessors!" Qi Yuheng declared. He was a hawk, and his Six Imperial Scriptures, which used his body as a realm, required vast resources to advance. Consecutive expansion wars might allow him to forge a path that no Spirit Transformation cultivator of the Kunpeng Daoist Academy had ever succeeded in.

"Spirit Transformation in a hundred years? That's a bit challenging, but I'll try my best!"

Ideally, by that time, the war between righteous and demonic forces in the Eastern Continent and the pioneering efforts would have concluded, and if all went well, he would obtain a True Spirit Pill of Achieving Sainthood.

"The Immortal Sect has accumulated many Dao Seeds of Profound Sound and Marvelous Arts. Depending on the situation, we can hold a performance of the 'Soul-Shaking Melody' then!" Qi Yuheng added. All the Immortal Sect's Dao Seeds of Profound Sound and Marvelous Arts were in Ye Yun'e's department, so Qi Yuheng was most knowledgeable about them. A century from now, two Core Formation cultivators would be nearing the end of their lifespan; they could use their remaining life to perform, increasing the chances of a Spirit Transformation cultivator appearing in the Immortal Sect.

"When I opened a void blind box before, I obtained a secret art called 'Asura Dharma Form,' which can help cultivators at the Core Formation Completion stage achieve an alternative Nascent Soul realm. Ancestor Qianxing told me that Reverend Yuanxu has found the key substitute material. If we are to perform the 'Soul-Shaking Melody' then, to ensure the completeness of the piece, I think we could train one or two cultivators of Profound Sound and Marvelous Arts to master the Asura Dharma Form!" Chen Mobai considered for a moment and then proposed a method he had thought of long ago.

Previously, due to the Immortal Sect's insufficient spiritual energy, it would certainly not allow Dharma Body Nascent Souls to share resources. But now, with Di Yuan Star having incorporated Dragon God Star's reserves, and the potential arrival of an alien world corrupted by demonic will, this idea had become possible.

"Let's call Yuanxu over and ask him. Also, the Boundary Gate fluctuation needs to be announced to the other Nascent Soul cultivators!" As a hawk, Qi Yuheng certainly hoped for more Spirit Transformation cultivators in the Immortal Sect and inwardly agreed with Chen Mobai's idea.

Moreover, this would most likely benefit Jiang Yuheng, Ye Yun'e's husband, which would increase the strength and foundation of their Kunpeng lineage.

While speaking, Qi Yuheng called the Nascent Soul cultivators from the three major halls and various Daoist academies and palaces one after another.

A notification from a Spirit Transformation cultivator naturally made everyone drop what they were doing and rush over. Two flashes of silver light at the main gate of the Five Peaks Immortal Mountains indicated the first to arrive were Reverend Chengxuan and Wenren Xuewei, who both mastered the Great Void Teleportation.

Then came Ying Guanghua and others from the three major halls. Soon, the summit of Zixian Peak was unprecedentedly lively.

When the many Nascent Soul cultivators learned about the Boundary Gate fluctuating again and a new world being detected and approaching, they all frowned, yet their eyes subtly gleamed with anticipation.

The previous Expansion War of Dragon God Star had led to Qi Yuheng and Immortal Shui achieving Spirit Transformation.

Would this alien world offer more opportunities for Spirit Transformation?

Thinking of this, Reverend Chengxuan, Yunhai, and other cultivators at the Nascent Soul Completion stage quietly clenched their fists. Ying Guanghua and the other Nascent Soul cultivators of the Heaven-Mending lineage gathered together. Although they were the most numerous, they seemed somewhat weakened by Ancestor Qianxing's seclusion.

"Yuanxu, come here for a moment. We have something to ask you."

Reverend Yuanxu, who had just arrived at Zixian Peak and hadn't yet chatted much with Ying Guanghua and the others, was immediately called over by Qi Yuheng.

Everyone watched as Yuanxu went to Chen Mobai and the other two. Then Qi Yuheng cast a soundproofing barrier, making everyone curious about what they were discussing.

"What? Immortal Shui, you didn't know? The substitute material is a peculiar item from your sea region called Sea Soul Agate." Reverend Yuanxu looked at Immortal Shui with a surprised expression when he heard it was about the Asura Dharma Form.

"So it's this item! No wonder!" Immortal Shui exclaimed, first surprised, then realizing.

Sea Soul Agate was a solidified crystal formed from ancient creatures in the sea region after their death, under special marine conditions, over hundreds of millions of years. Consuming it could greatly enhance the soul, enlighten intelligence, and help cultivators open their Violet Mansion and Sea of Consciousness, strengthening their spiritual sense and will!

However, such a spiritual item was of the fifth-grade. Even in the sea region, there weren't many.

After she became a Spirit Transformation cultivator, she grew lazier, even neglecting to explore the treasure trove left by Spirit Venerable before his departure. However, Immortal Shui knew that Spirit Venerable had taken away many precious collections from the sea region before he left.

"I still have half a piece left from my experiments. If you can find another half, it will allow a Profound Sound Dao Seed to possess the strength of an alternative Nascent Soul for performing the Soul-Shaking Melody!" Yuanxu, usually quite aloof, became unusually proactive after hearing Chen Mobai's idea.

After all, if the Soul-Shaking Melody was successfully performed, all Nascent Soul cultivators in the Immortal Sect would benefit. A century from now, Yuanxu would certainly have reached Nascent Soul Completion, and perhaps he could take that crucial step with its help.

"For now, only the four of us should know about the Sea Soul Agate, to avoid complications."

After saying this, Qi Yuheng cautioned Yuanxu, as it concerned opportunities for Spirit Transformation and he feared some Core Formation Completion cultivators in the Immortal Sect might lose their minds just to hear the Soul-Shaking Melody.

Chen Mobai also nodded, but his mind had already drifted to Meng Huang'er, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

With her aptitude, it was unlikely she would ever form a Nascent Soul in this lifetime. Chen Mobai definitely favored her getting this opportunity, as she was his woman.

However, that would mean competing with Jiang Yuheng.

He hoped she would prove herself worthy then.

Thinking this, Qi Yuheng removed the soundproofing barrier, and the four of them walked together to the Boundary Gate.

Although Yu Yi, Yu Xiao, and others had not yet arrived, they sat down and began to discuss the matter, just as they had when Dragon God Star was first detected by the Boundary Gate. They eventually came to the same conclusion.

Next, the Immortal Sect's entrance exams for new students in all major Daoist academies and schools would focus on combat, screening for combat geniuses similar to Chen Mobai.

The Immortal Affairs Hall would recharge the spirit stones depleted during this expansion war to ensure logistical reserves. They also needed to mobilize various military factories to repair and maintain the Grand Cloud Palace, the Four Symbols Daoist Palace, the Four Celestial Gates, and the Starry Sky Warships, ensuring they could be deployed at any time during the expansion war.

As for the Hall of Rectification, which Chen Mobai oversaw, it would need to unearth and proficiently drill all sorts of war artifacts belonging to the Immortal Sect within the next century, even dispatching personnel to assist in factory repairs.

After the discussion concluded, everyone dispersed into their respective groups.

Chen Mobai led Reverend Chengxuan and Wenren Xuewei to the neighboring Wangxian Peak.

"The spiritual energy here is still sixth-grade?" Wenren Xuewei landed on Wangxian Peak and sensed the spiritual energy at its center, slightly surprised.

"Ancestor Qianxing is nostalgic and didn't reclaim it. My daughter stays here sometimes when she's free," Chen Mobai explained. However, both Reverend Chengxuan and Wenren Xuewei exchanged knowing glances, implying that Chen Mobai, a mere Core Formation cultivator, had no need for sixth-grade spiritual energy, and this was clearly property left to him by Ancestor Baiguang before his departure.

"This expansion war might be faster than expected, and the alien world sensed through the Boundary Gate is likely to be corrupted by demonic will."

Regarding demonic will, Wenren Xuewei, who could communicate with the Great Chuns Tree, knew even more about it than Chen Mobai, and in greater detail.

"If it truly is an alien world corrupted by demonic will, its strength must not be underestimated. The Three-Eyed Race on Pluto, which the Immortal Sect encountered, is a prime example!" Wenren Xuewei said with worry. Although the Immortal Sect now possessed the Grand Cloud Palace, the past devastating expansion wars still filled her with anxiety.

"At that time, a vanguard will be sent to scout the alien world. If it proves as powerful as Pluto, the Kaiyuan Hall intends to play the 'Soul-Shaking Melody!'" Chen Mobai mentioned this, but did not reveal the Sea Soul Agate.

Wenren Xuewei politely commented that in the Immortal Sect's history, Core Formation cultivators had also performed the Soul-Shaking Melody, but even after exhausting their spiritual strength, it had only a superficial effect.

"It's still a path forward. Hopefully, all three of us can successfully achieve Spirit Transformation before the next expansion war." Chen Mobai said.

Reverend Chengxuan was already a half-step Spirit Transformation cultivator. With the resources obtained from Dragon God Star and the Dao Fruit from the Jade Tree of Elixir Cauldron, he had already upgraded his Red Heart Treasure Mirror to high-grade fifth-tier, with signs of further improvement.

"However, his lifespan is running out. He's recently planning to collaborate with Reverend Sanjue to refine a batch of longevity pills. You should be fine, but I might not have enough time!" Wenren Xuewei said. Everyone in the Immortal Sect was confident in Chen Mobai's ability to achieve Spirit Transformation, which put a lot of pressure on him.

He only hoped that the True Spirit Pill of Achieving Sainthood from the Daoist Sect would be as effective as the legends claimed.

Combined with the Immortal Sect's Soul-Shaking Melody and his solid foundation, he should be able to successfully achieve Spirit Transformation in one go!

Thinking this, Chen Mobai again spoke about his desire to refine the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita. "Since the Immortal Sect is about to face an alien world corrupted by demonic influence, I shouldn't rigidly adhere to the rules. The sooner you refine the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita, the more time you'll have for future upgrades, and you'll be able to focus on cultivation and achieve Spirit Transformation as quickly as possible." Reverend Chengxuan did not object this time. After all, in the face of the Immortal Sect's survival, a mere Dao Fruit from the Jade Tree of Elixir Cauldron seemed less important.

Inheritance needed to be preserved to be passed down!

"Thank you for your understanding, Headmaster!" Chen Mobai's face lit up with joy upon hearing this.

The three then discussed some ideas for training younger disciples before the expansion war, strengthening exchanges between the two great Daoist Academies, hoping to nurture a few more Nascent Soul cultivators.

According to Chen Mobai's estimations, Zhongli Tianyu would have no problem forming a Nascent Soul in a century. And from the Jumang Daoist Academy, there was also Pei Qingshuang!

However, compared to the Heaven-Mending and Kunpeng lineages, their numbers of Nascent Soul cultivators were still few.

He only hoped that other hidden talents would emerge.

After Wenren Xuewei left, Chen Mobai and Reverend Chengxuan used the Great Void Teleportation together, landing above Chicheng Mountain.

They flew into Fangbao Cave and expertly entered the Yuping Minor Realm. After Chen Mobai retrieved and refined the Dao Fruit related to lantern-shaped artifacts, he went to the Artificing Department of the Artificing Daoist Academy.

This place had the most advanced refining equipment in the entire Immortal Sect. Accompanied by Reverend Chengxuan, Chen Mobai meticulously inquired about everything he needed based on the recently refined Dao Fruit. After confirming everything was in order, he took out the semi-finished Eight Views Lantern of Tushita.

"Chunyang, this supreme demon-slaying treasure might have come into being through your hands precisely for this expansion war!" Reverend Chengxuan suddenly said, seeing the semi-finished lantern in Chen Mobai's hand.

"Perhaps," Chen Mobai replied casually, not quite understanding.

"Do you need my help?" Reverend Chengxuan asked again. Chen Mobai, however, shook his head, indicating he wanted to refine the fifth-grade artifact himself.

The Immortal Sect was not like the Heavenly River Realm, where one could easily get assistance. Soon, Reverend Chengxuan left, leaving Chen Mobai alone.

He stood in the center of the refining chamber and first set up a formation to insulate sound, preventing too much noise while he handled the fifth-grade materials.

Soon after, the temperature in the refining chamber surged, as if the entire space was trembling.

Chen Mobai carefully placed the White Glass Celestial Crystal and Nine Yang True Fire Stone into the refining furnace. His hand seals changed continuously, and complex runes formed around him, then flew into the furnace, merging with the two precious materials. The fifth-grade furnace fire suddenly ignited, and the temperature in the refining chamber rose again.

Time passed minute by minute. Chen Mobai did not relax at all. The White Glass Celestial Crystal and Nine Yang True Fire Stone in the furnace fire began to change, gradually merging with the Eight Views Lantern of Tushita.

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