Chapter 999

Sect Reform: The Retirement Policy

After the war, under Chen Mobai's guidance, the Five Elements Sect began managing the newly acquired territories. The Eastern Yi region was handed over to Zhou Ye, while Zhuo Ming was responsible for post-war reconstruction in Eastern Wu. The Eastern Desolation, having been untouched by the war, required no significant effort. The sect's primary goal now was to resettle the populace of Eastern Wu.

As they were now subjects of the Five Elements Sect, the immediate priority was to arrange housing. Chen Mobai entrusted this task to E Yun and Jiang Zongheng. E Yun was responsible for settling the cultivation families, while Jiang Zongheng handled the mortals. Even as Chen Mobai and Zhou Ye led the Five Elements Sect in developing the Desolate Ruins, E Yun and Jiang Zongheng were already orchestrating the migration of the Eastern Wu populace.

Upon Chen Mobai's return, the newly developed Desolate Ruins were already bustling with activity. Under the Five Elements Sect's direction, some were clearing battlefield debris, while others began constructing basic access roads and simple shelters. Because they were building their future homes, and the Five Elements Sect had promised each household a dwelling once the Immortal City was established in exchange for their labor, the people of Eastern Wu, having just emerged from the shadow of war, were vibrant and thriving. Throughout this process, basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter were, of course, provided by the Five Elements Sect.

According to Chen Mobai's plan, six new cities were to be built in the Desolate Ruins, forming a continuous line to Mirror Immortal City in Eastern Yi, allowing for the deployment of a fifth-tier Seven Stars Heavenly Gang Array. After surveying the entire Eastern Yi territory, Chen Mobai found it highly suitable for the Immortal Sect's Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Stars Array. The core spiritual nodes of the Immortal Sect's Celestial Web and Earth Veins were the Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens and Seventy-Two Blessed Lands. The formations of these Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens represented the Heavenly Gang, while the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands represented the Earthly Fiends. Once the grand Celestial Web and Earth Veins Array was complete, the 108 spiritual nodes of Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends would constantly shift, with even some backup nodes to ensure the array's perpetual vitality.

However, to set up the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Stars Array, the entire Eastern Yi territory, along with the Desolate Ruins, would need to be secured to barely gather the required thirty-six spiritual nodes. Chen Mobai was not in a hurry, instructing Zhou Ye and Song Huangda to proceed step by step: first completing the Seven Stars Heavenly Gang, then gradually expanding outwards with Mirror Immortal City as the core, until eventually encompassing all of Eastern Yi.

Besides the Desolate Ruins, the Cloud Dream Lake region, now entirely under the Five Elements Sect's control, also saw Chen Mobai plan two new cities. The reason for so few was primarily the high cost and long time required for land reclamation from the rivers. The main purpose of these two new cities was not to resettle the Eastern Wu populace but to provide logistical support to Zhuo Ming. After all, restoring the entire Eastern Wu land demanded vast resources and manpower, and as Wind and Rain Immortal City was too far from the Eastern Wu coast, located in the center of Cloud Dream Lake, it was simply decided to build new ones. The array used was still the original Heavenly Waterfall Wind and Rain Three Origin Array from Wind and Rain Dock. After Chen Mobai's modifications, it combined with the fifth-tier spiritual vein of Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion to reach a fifth-tier level. However, since these arrays would be integrated into the Celestial Web and Earth Veins, becoming a part of it, their actual power would depend on the grade of the Celestial Web and Earth Veins. Chen Mobai awaited the day when his Celestial Web and Earth Veins here would complete the numbers of Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends, allowing him to possess a sixth-tier spiritual vein similar to that of Five Peaks Immortal Mountain. This war had conveniently provided him with such an opportunity.

During the reconstruction process, the first priority was, naturally, the issue of food. Fortunately, Zhuo Ming had completed the great agricultural reform in the Eastern Desolation much earlier, leading to massive stores of grain in the warehouses of various counties there. Furthermore, the Desolate Ruins were rich in demon beast resources, and Cloud Dream Lake teemed with fish, making it easy to sustain millions of people. However, the combined work efficiency of mortals was inferior to that of cultivators. Therefore, the newly planned six cities in the Desolate Ruins primarily needed to galvanize the enthusiasm of these Eastern Wu cultivators. On this point, the Five Elements Sect was quite experienced.

The merit points earned on the Eastern Wu battlefield were, after the war, fully redeemed as per Chen Mobai's request. Among these, the most frequently redeemed items were the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures. After all, 99% of the rogue cultivators in Eastern Wu were Qi Cultivators. Their greatest goal and ambition was merely to achieve Foundation Establishment. Even being able to redeem just one of the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. After the redemption of the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures, the Five Elements Sect also pledged to provide protection within its territories, vowing to intervene with decisive force against any cultivators attempting robbery.

Currently, the Five Elements Sect's territories that could guarantee safety were the Eastern Desolation and a few immortal cities beyond it. To settle in the Eastern Desolation, cultivators needed to own local property. Most of those from Eastern Wu who had just risked their lives fighting demons for resources were impoverished and could not afford housing. Thus, the newly constructed six cities in the Desolate Ruins became their destination. The Five Elements Sect's infrastructure projects always recruited externally. The recruitment had few requirements; even someone completely unskilled, who merely knew a simple object-manipulation spell, was more useful than dozens of mortals. Upon hearing this news, apart from the bandit cultivators with guilty consciences, most others chose to sign contracts with the Five Elements Sect, willing to even perform hard labor to ensure their safety within the sect's territory.

Furthermore, in addition to ensuring safety, the Five Elements Sect also provided basic remuneration. Besides issuing Five Elements Coins based on work performed, they also offered free spirit rice, spirit meat, and other benefits. Many Eastern Wu rogue cultivators, recruited by the Five Elements Sect for the first time, widened their eyes, feeling the conditions were too good. In their view, with free food, housing, and guaranteed safety, they should have been paying spirit stones to work for free; how could they still be making money? Cultivators in the Eastern Desolation truly lived like they were in an immortal realm! Upon learning this was the minimum treatment offered by the Five Elements Sect, the rogue cultivators from Eastern Wu gnashed their teeth, thinking they should have found a way to smuggle themselves into the Eastern Desolation decades ago; perhaps they would have already earned enough for a down payment and settled there. But it wasn't too late now. As long as they worked diligently, they could receive a free property in the newly built six cities of the Desolate Ruins. Filled with beautiful expectations for the future, construction in both the Desolate Ruins and Cloud Dream Lake began in full swing. The current leadership team of the Five Elements Sect had been mentored by Chen Mobai for a century. Although it was their first time encountering such large-scale post-war reconstruction, under the control of Chen Mobai, the chief architect, the chaotic post-war situation quickly transformed into orderly governance.

Of course, besides arranging matters in Eastern Wu, Chen Mobai did not forget internal rewards. In this war, many talents also emerged within the Five Elements Sect. For these disciples who had rendered meritorious service, in addition to rewards like resources, spirit stones, and cultivation techniques, Chen Mobai felt they should also be given hope for advancement. However, the upper echelons of the Five Elements Sect were already full, and promoting these young talents inevitably required the older generation to step aside. So, he seized the opportunity to propose a retirement policy.

He set the retirement ages as: Qi Cultivators at 80 years old, Foundation Establishment Cultivators at 160 years old, and Core Formation Cultivators at 300 years old! Beyond these ages, individuals were not permitted to hold positions within the sect, except in special circumstances. This new policy naturally provoked strong backlash within the Five Elements Sect, as over half of those currently holding high-ranking positions in the Three Halls and Twelve Departments had already reached retirement age. Thanks to the Five Elements Sect's development over the years, these individuals had largely accumulated vast wealth. Besides their basic salaries, these people could earn at least several thousand spirit stones annually. They all dreamed of accumulating enough wealth to purchase Core Formation elixirs. Now, with Chen Mobai asking them to retire, they were naturally unwilling.

However, in the Five Elements Sect, Chen Mobai's word was absolute law! Moreover, those who opposed were mostly Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Three Halls and Twelve Departments, who, even with grievances, dared not express them openly. They were veterans who had lived since the Divine Wood Sect era, fully understanding the significance of a Nascent Soul Ancestor within the sect. If they spoke too much, they might be killed one day. As for Core Formation cultivators in the Five Elements Sect, the only ones who met the retirement age were Sheng Zhaoxi and Nu Jiang, who was currently away. Sheng Zhaoxi was naturally unwilling, but after Chen Mobai personally spoke with her, he persuaded her to be the first to respond to the retirement policy, stepping down from the Three Great Halls. With Sheng Zhaoxi's retirement, the other Foundation Establishment cultivators dared not say anything more. Some, indeed, were genuinely tired and immediately came to Beiyuan City to hand over their work.

However, Chen Mobai did not go to extremes. He stipulated that retired sect cultivators would enjoy their previous benefits and treatment after retirement. Furthermore, all their past merits and demerits, as long as they weren't major betrayals of the sect, would not be investigated. This meant that while these old officials were stripped of their positions, benefits like spirit rice and spirit stones would continue to be issued. But what attracted these elders most was the phrase "would not be investigated." The Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Three Halls and Twelve Departments had, to varying degrees, engaged in corruption. They were also worried that once they handed over their positions, the next person in charge might audit the accounts and discover irregularities. Now that Chen Mobai had made this statement, no one dared to resist anymore. All of them dutifully came to Beiyuan City, nervously completing their retirement procedures. Chen Mobai had originally considered setting a retirement age for Nascent Soul cultivators as well, but after careful thought, he decided against limiting himself, so as not to contradict himself in the future. He would add that rule after he advanced to Soul Transformation.

After implementing the retirement policy, Chen Mobai also introduced a series of institutional reforms within the Five Elements Sect, including new regulations for disciple selection and the allocation of cultivation resources, which were re-evaluated and optimized. Among these, to intensify competition among disciples, he reduced the number of True Disciple slots from twenty-four to ten. Below the True Disciples, he established three categories: Inner Disciples, Outer Disciples, and Side Disciples. Among these, True Disciples naturally held the highest prestige, requiring successful Foundation Establishment before the age of sixty. If this was not achieved, the position would remain vacant rather than allowing Qi Cultivators to fill it merely for the sake of numbers. Once a disciple became a True Disciple, they would receive the full support of the Five Elements Sect, not only having free access to the Scripture Pavilion to read various cultivation techniques and secret manuals, but also receiving guidance from Nascent Soul Venerables like Chen Mobai.

Inner Disciples were Qi Cultivators in the late stage of cultivation under sixty years old, while Outer Disciples were those in the middle stage of Qi Cultivation under sixty. As for Qi Cultivators in the early stage, the Five Elements Sect did not recruit them at all. After all, most of the disciples currently recruited by the Five Elements Sect came from its various academies. If, under such conditions, a student could not break through to the fourth layer of Qi Cultivation by graduation age, it indicated a lack of talent. The Five Elements Sect did not recruit mediocrities. Finally, the Side Disciples category was for Qi Cultivators within the Five Elements Sect who were over sixty years old. This signified that their potential had been exhausted, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would remain Qi Cultivators for life. The sect would provide basic Five Elements Coins and spirit rice benefits monthly, but for more resources, they would need to find ways to strive for them themselves.

Above Qi Cultivators were Foundation Establishment cultivators. For these, Chen Mobai used the simplest nine-level division. Aside from the prodigies who could compete for True Disciple positions, the rest were to diligently complete sect missions and accumulate contribution points. Due to the expansion of the Five Elements Sect's territory, tasks increased, and accumulating contribution points became easier than before. Therefore, Chen Mobai set one level at 10,000 contribution points. As long as a cultivator accumulated over 90,000 contribution points through missions, even if they had already spent them, they would still be considered at the ninth level. Given the current scale of the Five Elements Sect, even the laziest Foundation Establishment cultivator would surely reach the highest level after a few decades.

Upon reaching the ninth level, a mission would be issued for them to transfer to a High Merit Elder position. After successfully completing the mission and transferring, they could begin participating in sect affairs. If there were vacancies in the Three Halls, Twelve Departments, or as town guardians in various counties, appointments would be made based on their records. Furthermore, Chen Mobai stipulated that High Merit Elders could choose one of the sect's Core Formation cultivators as their master, though Core Formation cultivators also retained the right to refuse. However, to encourage Core Formation cultivators, Chen Mobai offered a reward of 10,000 contribution points for each High Merit Foundation Establishment cultivator they accepted as a disciple. Even for Core Formation cultivators, 10,000 contribution points was not a small sum. If this High Merit Foundation Establishment cultivator successfully formed their core in the future, the sect would heavily reward the educator with 100,000 contribution points, aiming to ensure Core Formation cultivators diligently taught their disciples. In this regard, Chen Mobai also referenced Immortal Sect standards, establishing a rigorous assessment system for the Hundred Immortal Arts. If a cultivator could excel in the Hundred Immortal Arts among those of the same realm and obtain a certificate, the sect would prioritize arranging various positions for them.

Chen Mobai's series of reforms immediately galvanized the enthusiasm within the Five Elements Sect. As for the complaints from the older generation, they were all suppressed by the younger ones. Some elders sought out Zhou Shengqing, but Zhou Shengqing directly entered seclusion, refusing to see anyone. Over the past century, everything Chen Mobai had done, from leading the Divine Wood Sect out of Giant Wood Ridge to now encompassing nearly the entire three border regions of Eastern Continent, had proven correct. Even reforms that initially seemed unconventional had now become policies benefiting the Five Elements Sect. And after this war between righteous and demonic paths, Chen Mobai's prestige within the Five Elements Sect was akin to that of a deity; even Zhou Shengqing, Zhou Ye, and Mo Douguang could not stop what he wished to do. Moreover, the three of them already had a somewhat blind trust in Chen Mobai. With the Nascent Soul and Core Formation cultivators in the upper echelons remaining silent, Chen Mobai's reforms were smoothly implemented.

However, Chen Mobai considered that the elders had, after all, contributed to the Five Elements Sect, so he added a final clause as appeasement. Retired sect members would have priority in exchanging for Outer Path Golden Cores available in the Spirit Treasure Pavilion. During the decade-long war between righteous and demonic paths, there was an abundance of demon beast inner cores of various attributes, and Chen Mobai planned to release one each year. Upon the introduction of this supplementary clause, over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators who had not yet reached retirement age immediately rushed to Beiyuan City to find E Yun, stating that they had altered their age when joining the sect and were now truthfully confessing, wishing for the sect to arrange their retirement. However, before E Yun could think of a reason to refute them, the Foundation Establishment elders who had previously been forced into retirement began to scold them, stating that they had no shame. E Yun observed that some Foundation Establishment elders, who had originally harbored grievances about the retirement policy, had now become its most loyal supporters. He felt that the Sect Master's methods were incredibly clever and that he would need a lifetime to learn them.

At the end of the year, Chen Mobai personally watched the annual sect competition. Due to the war, many young disciples of the Five Elements Sect had exchanged merit points for the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures. Their essence, qi, and spirit, refined through the trials of war, were perfectly harmonious. Before the grand competition, thirty-two individuals successfully achieved Foundation Establishment and emerged from seclusion. This gave Chen Mobai a pleasant problem, because only ten True Disciples could be chosen. This year's sect competition was hailed as the most spectacular in the Five Elements Sect's history. The final rounds largely featured clashes between Foundation Establishment geniuses. Their mastery of spells, magical artifacts, talismans, and even puppets was effortless, each showcasing brilliant aspects. Some cultivators from outside regions who had stayed hidden in Beiyuan City during the war watched the entire event and felt even greater reverence for the Five Elements Sect. This sect, merely a few centuries old, was now brimming with vitality. If dozens of new Foundation Establishment disciples appeared every year, then in a century, there might be over a hundred Core Formation cultivators and a double-digit number of Nascent Soul cultivators. If Chen Mobai could successfully advance to Soul Transformation, then the Five Elements Sect would undoubtedly become the new sacred land of the Eastern Continent. Chen Mobai personally customized nascent magical artifact embryos for the top ten True Disciples, which made the other Foundation Establishment cultivators incredibly envious.

After completing this task, Chen Mobai remained in Beiyuan City for another six months to ensure everything was on track. Then, using seclusion as an excuse, he returned to Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion.

"I feel I'm about to break through," he received good news immediately upon his return. Over the years, while refining elixirs, Qing Nü had diligently consumed pills synthesized from the Poison Dragon Ancestor's inner core to enhance her cultivation. With her Heavenly Spiritual Root talent, she quickly cultivated the "Black Emperor Abyssal Scripture" to the peak of the mid-Core Formation stage. After being stuck at the bottleneck for a few years, she finally sensed an opportunity for a breakthrough today.

"Excellent, excellent, I'll guard you," Chen Mobai was greatly surprised and pleased to hear this. Once Qing Nü broke through to the late Core Formation stage, she could begin preparing for Nascent Soul formation. With her alchemy skills, it was possible that she, and not Yin Qingmei, would be the next in the Five Elements Sect to form a Nascent Soul.

"My breakthrough might take a while this time. When it happens, just activate the grand array of Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion. You've been in the Eastern Desolation for a long time; you should go back to the Immortal Sect and make an appearance." Qing Nü shook her head after hearing Chen Mobai's words. Because the "Black Emperor Abyssal Scripture" she cultivated was a Soul Transformation cultivation technique, it contained many profound aspects that she needed to thoroughly study and verify during her breakthrough, which might take more than just one or two years. Due to the war between righteous and demonic paths, Chen Mobai had stayed in the Eastern Desolation for a long time. Although he occasionally returned to make an appearance, Qing Nü felt it would be better for him to be at the Immortal Sect while she was breaking through.

"Alright then." Chen Mobai nodded upon hearing this, recalling that Shi Wanyu's lifespan was also nearing its end in these coming years. After spending an intimate night together, Chen Mobai watched Qing Nü enter the grand hall and personally activated the grand array of Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion, sealing it.

Wangwu Grotto-Heaven. Chen Mobai opened his eyes in the main hall of Wangxian Peak, feeling the dense spiritual energy around him, and controlled his cultivation to the initial stage of the sixth layer of Nascent Soul. His last breakthrough in the Immortal Sect was during the Opening War, when he advanced to the fourth layer of Nascent Soul on the battlefield with the aid of the Four Symbols Dao Palace. Twenty-four years had passed since then. Breaking through two layers to reach the sixth layer of Nascent Soul in the sixth-tier spiritual energy environment of Wangxian Peak was quite reasonable.

"Congratulations, Pure Yang Venerable, on your cultivation breakthrough." After he emerged from seclusion, Yu Huiping, who guarded Wangxian Peak, immediately sensed him. Seeing Chen Mobai's undisguised aura, he was astonished and performed an ancient salute.

"I have troubled your esteemed place these past years." Chen Mobai returned the salute and thanked Yu Huiping, as this sixth-tier spiritual vein was nominally left by Baiguang, and Yu Huiping, as his disciple, had priority in its use.

"Not at all, this was originally left by my master for your family, Venerable." Yu Huiping shook his head repeatedly, positioning himself very appropriately. After exchanging a few polite words, Chen Mobai went next door to pay respects to the Immortal Sect's Dual Sages. However, Qianxing was still in seclusion, so he only met Chen Chun.

Qi Yuheng, however, he did meet. He was also very shocked to see Chen Mobai had broken through to the sixth layer of Nascent Soul. Even with six-tier spiritual energy, such speed was somewhat astonishing and unheard of. An average of one layer every twelve years – even Qi Yuheng only achieved such speed when forming his Core. And reflecting that his Core Formation cultivation speed was merely comparable to Chen Mobai's Nascent Soul formation speed, Qi Yuheng for the first time doubted his reputation as a genius.

"The next to achieve Soul Transformation will undoubtedly be you." Qi Yuheng said this sincerely. Chen Mobai, naturally, humbly shook his head, stating that he hadn't even reached the perfected Nascent Soul stage, and considering Soul Transformation was still too far off. Next, the two came before the World Gate, observing the void fluctuations captured by this Immortal Sect's supreme treasure.

"At least a planet with strength similar to or even surpassing Dragon God Star is approaching…" Over the years, Qi Yuheng had been cultivating the "Six Imperial Sutras" with the aid of the World Gate, gaining a deep understanding of its fluctuations, and he spoke with a solemn expression.

"It's just a pity that Ancestor Baiguang and Spirit Venerable have left. I wonder if we'll be able to conquer it as easily as Dragon God Star then." Chen Mobai also used his own method to sense it, faintly detecting an ominous aura through the World Gate, and couldn't help but sigh.

"I hope you can successfully achieve Soul Transformation before that time." Qi Yuheng said this in response. If he had harbored some doubts about this idea before, seeing Chen Mobai's astonishing cultivation progress now made him believe it was highly possible.

"If the Immortal Sect faces a crisis of life and death, I am willing to sacrifice my own path to forcibly break through to the Soul Transformation realm by refining the Pill Cauldron Jade Tree." Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai spoke with a determined expression. Given Qi Yuheng's status and position, he naturally knew about the Pill Cauldron Jade Tree, the foundational treasure of the Weapon Refining Dao Academy. While the Immortal Sect here did not possess methods like those in the Sacred Lands of the Heavenly River Realm for refining Dao Fruits, they were aware of this concept. However, such a method was far too wasteful and would absolutely not be permitted. Furthermore, refining the Pill Cauldron Jade Tree would undoubtedly result in the same outcome as those Soul Transformation True Monarchs in Immortal Sect history who refined Dao Law Fruits. That's why Chen Mobai said his path would be severed after refining it.

"This is a method only to be considered in the direst of circumstances. With your talent, you are the most likely person in thousands of years of Immortal Sect history to reach Void Refinement; it's best not to resort to this." In response, Qi Yuheng, surprisingly, advised against it. He certainly hoped that Chen Mobai would break through to the Soul Transformation realm normally, but if the Immortal Sect truly faced another planet-destroying crisis like Pluto or the Three-Eyed Race, an individual's future would not be as important in the face of the safety of billions of sentient beings.

"For the sake of all living beings, what does one individual like me matter!" After laying the groundwork with Qi Yuheng with a resolute gaze, Chen Mobai bid farewell. Filled with admiration, Qi Yuheng personally escorted him to the entrance of Five Peaks Immortal Mountain.

After performing a great void shift to return to his courtyard in Wangwu Grotto-Heaven, Chen Mobai immediately sensed Shi Wanyu in the yard. She was tending to the flowers and plants she had cultivated. Previously, after her graduation, when she was living alone, she had opened a flower shop and even obtained a second-tier spiritual plant cultivator certificate from the Immortal Sect. After starting a family, she spent her free time cultivating flowers in the courtyard.

This year, Chen Mobai was 144 years old. Shi Wanyu was the same age as him. As a Qi Cultivator, her lifespan was generally 120 years, but thanks to years of comfortable living and the three Xuantian Wujin Pills Chen Mobai had given her, she was still in good spirits.

"Why didn't you tell me when you came out of seclusion!" Chen Mobai walked behind Shi Wanyu, who immediately sensed his presence, turned around, and smiled in surprise upon seeing him. Because she had refined a Face-Stabilizing Pearl long ago, her appearance remained at its most mature and beautiful. Her smile made Chen Mobai vaguely recall their first meeting on a train when they were nineteen.

"Let me help you." Seeing the trowel in Shi Wanyu's hand, Chen Mobai couldn't help but squat down to help her dig soil and repot a somewhat withered violet.