Chapter 1449: Star Array Formed

“Greetings to the three Grand Patriarchs.”

After retracting his Nascent Soul manifestation, Beiming immediately approached Chen Mobai and the other two, bowing respectfully.

Chen Mobai first offered a few words of encouragement, and then Spirit Venerable took Beiming away.

As the inheritor of the Kunpeng lineage and the Candledragon Path, Spirit Venerable had promised to look after Beiming when Grand Patriarch Long Zhuo departed. Now that Beiming has achieved God Transformation, she can impart all her understanding of the Six Imperial Sutras to him. After that, Spirit Venerable would focus solely on cultivating the Great Freedom Heavenly Son technique.

Beiming's departure left the Kunpeng lineage somewhat bewildered, as they had already prepared for his God Transformation celebration. Fortunately, Ye Yun'e was there to manage the situation. Upon hearing the news, she ensured the celebrations continued as planned, first spreading the word about her father's successful God Transformation.

After all, the reputation of Kunpeng Dao Academy had been declining year by year. Were it not for the Jumang Dao Academy being suppressed by the three lineages, Kunpeng might have even fallen to the bottom of the top four. The key reason was simply the lack of a direct lineage disciple achieving God Transformation. Narcissus belonged to the sea domain, and Yunhai was from an affiliated university. Jumang Dao Academy, however, still had Wenren Xuewei, a direct lineage God Transformation expert who was once mentioned in the same breath as Chen Mobai. With Heavenly Tome and Nature Dao Academies rising as new academies, Kunpeng even risked falling out of the top four.

After all, these two were rapidly developing with strong support from Chen Mobai. Now that Beiming had achieved God Transformation, Kunpeng Dao Academy could at least stabilize its position as the Immortal Sect's third-ranked university. As for the first and second positions, neither he nor his daughter dared to even dream of them.

Another ten years passed.

On this day, Chen Mobai and Qianxing were working together to set up the Zhou Tian He Luo Star Dou Array. The two had captured a demon-corrupted planet, purified it, and were now transforming it into a satellite to orbit Geomagnetic Star, making it another hub of the grand array. At that moment, both suddenly stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Geomagnetic Star.

The ethereal image of a plum blossom tree, with branches as dark as ink, gnarled and intertwined, appeared above the planet. Tiny, star-like blossoms bloomed on it, some blood-red, others like white jade. A chill permeated the air, with ice crystals hanging down, yet a wisp of faint fragrance drifted like a gossamer thread, reflecting in the void of the celestial orbit, perceived by both Chen Mobai and Qianxing. The clear, crisp floral scent subtly permeated their lungs, making both of them feel their minds refreshed, and their thoughts on array operation quickened by a third.

“It seems that Meihua’s Nascent Soul manifestation shares a similar effect with your Inch-Square Tome,” Chen Mobai said with a smile, turning to Qianxing. “It can assist others in their cultivation breakthroughs and in comprehending the Great Dao.” Qianxing nodded gently, unable to hide the joy on his face.

Meihua, as Qianxing's disciple, was originally intended to inherit the legacy of the Divine Mechanism Manor. However, Meihua adamantly refused, stating that he only wished to be a part of the orthodox Immortal Sect and did not want to inherit ancient Daoist traditions. Qianxing could only find another disciple, Chen Chun, but unfortunately, he was unlucky. He only learned superficial knowledge, caused chaos, was backlashed by Baiguang's malevolent aura and Chen Mobai's Sacred Virtue, and ultimately died at the hands of the demonized Lin Daoming. With Chen Chun gone, and Qianxing now advanced in age, he had no plans to take on new disciples. Thus, the Daoist tradition of the Divine Mechanism Manor, after many turns, was set to fall into Meihua's hands again. One Yuanxu, one Meihua. They could perfectly inherit Qianxing's two most important lineages. Now that both disciples had achieved God Transformation, Qianxing felt that once he finished setting up the Zhou Tian He Luo Star Dou Array, he could become a 'hands-off' manager, just like Chen Mobai.

“Leave this to me, Senior Brother. You should return to Geomagnetic Star; after all, it’s your disciple who achieved God Transformation.” Chen Mobai said to Qianxing, but the latter shook his head, indicating that such a minor matter wasn't worth a special trip for him.

In the past, for the Immortal Sect, the emergence of a God Transformation cultivator was a momentous and joyous occasion. But now, it had become commonplace. After all, there had been too many newly advanced God Transformation cultivators in recent years. The general public's reaction to this was that their 'gold content' was not as high as before. Because the Immortal Sect's distribution of God Transformation resources to Nascent Soul cultivators also required public announcement, everyone knew that recent successful God Transformation cultivators did not break through purely by talent, like Chen Mobai, Qianxing, and Baiguang, but rather by piling up resources. Yu Yi and others felt the same way. But even if the 'gold content' was lower, they were still God Transformation cultivators. After seeing their success, the remaining Nascent Soul cultivators in the Immortal Sect could no longer sit still. Especially those at the ninth layer of Nascent Soul. For example, Zhongli Tianyu, Gongye Zhixu, Nangong Xuanyu, Ming Yihua, Lan Haitian, Yan Qiongzi, and others. Many of these were geniuses from Chen Mobai's era. Although not as strong as Chen Mobai, they had all realized their talents. Additionally, there was Chen Xiaohei. Although she started late, her talent was simply too exceptional. Coupled with the abundant resources provided by Chen Mobai, she had also refined Dao Fruits. However, compared to other Nascent Soul cultivators in the Immortal Sect who eagerly wanted to attempt God Transformation, she was not particularly keen on it.

During this massive release of various resources, although Chen Mobai had hinted that anyone willing to attempt a breakthrough would be supplied, the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Immortal Sect, accustomed to poverty, feared missing this opportunity. They believed that once there were enough God Transformation cultivators, the threshold for resource distribution might tighten again. After all, the ideas of sustainable development and leaving resources for future generations had become deeply ingrained in their minds. So they all intended to seize this opportunity to try as much as possible. Lord Beiming and Meihua were the best examples. One failed attempt, and then success on the next try.

Once Chen Mobai and Qianxing transformed the demon-corrupted planet in their hands into a spiritual pivot for the Zhou Tian He Luo Star Dou Array, and entrusted Yuanxu with the specific details of the subsequent planet modifications, they returned to the Immortal Sect. There, they suddenly discovered that many Nascent Soul cultivators had applied to enter seclusion on Five Peaks Immortal Mountain. Naturally, Chen Mobai approved all of them; he was eager for more God Transformation cultivators in the Immortal Sect. However, there was one person about whom he hesitated. It was Lan Haitian.

As the Hall Master of Immortal Affairs, and effectively the core of the entire Immortal Sect's departmental operations, if Lan Haitian went into seclusion, the Immortal Sect would likely fall into a period of chaotic order.

“Senior Brother, what do you think?” Chen Mobai consulted Qianxing for his opinion on the matter. After all, Lan Haitian belonged to the Heaven-Mending lineage. If he entered seclusion, he would certainly have to hand over his position as Hall Master of Immortal Affairs. Qianxing was also reluctant to part with Lan Haitian. Although the Immortal Sect had many Nascent Soul cultivators, Lan Haitian was the only Hall Master of Immortal Affairs capable of commanding all departments to operate smoothly, coordinating major forces for sincere cooperation, and perfectly fulfilling the various demands of Transcendent Grand Patriarchs like themselves.

Thus, sometimes, being too capable isn't always a good thing. However, Chen Mobai and Qianxing also understood that Lan Haitian had toiled for the Immortal Sect for several centuries, and they certainly couldn't stop him now that he requested to achieve God Transformation. Otherwise, morale among the lower ranks would crumble, and Lan Haitian himself would surely have grievances.

“By my reckoning, it’s almost time for a leadership change. Let’s select a new Hall Master of Immortal Affairs from among the other Nascent Soul cultivators.” Qianxing stated his thoughts, and Chen Mobai nodded in agreement. As for the minor matter of who would be chosen, the two Transcendent Grand Patriarchs wouldn't concern themselves with it; they would simply await the result.

After receiving approval, Lan Haitian faithfully served his final shift. Soon, a new succession meeting was convened under Chen Xiaohei's moderation. Lou Fengcheng of the Heaven-Mending lineage succeeded Lan Haitian as the new Hall Master of Immortal Affairs, winning over fifty percent of the votes. Lou Fengcheng was also an acquaintance of Chen Mobai, one of the Foundation Establishment geniuses suppressed by Chen Mobai in the past. However, merely being able to contend with Chen Mobai already showcased his talent. At that year's offline exchange conference of the Dao Academy, those who had sparred with Chen Mobai were at least at the perfected Core Formation stage, such as Pei Qingshuang, Lou Fengcheng, Tao Mingqing, and Qi Huanzhi. They were now the backbone of the Immortal Sect's new generation of Nascent Soul cultivators, with even Wenren Xuewei among them, who had achieved God Transformation — truly embodying significant talent.

Chen Mobai was very satisfied with the vibrant vitality of the Immortal Sect; his cultivation of Sacred Virtue increased daily. However, with life comes death. Soon, the news of an acquaintance's passing made Chen Mobai sigh. Sanjue's lifespan had ended, and he passed away peacefully in his wooden hut.

After the Changchun incident, Chen Mobai, considering their past relationship, sealed Sanjue's cultivation and assigned him to sweep the grounds on Five Peaks Immortal Mountain, allowing people from the other three lineages to constantly monitor him there. With a flash of silver light, Chen Mobai instantly teleported to the foot of the mountain. Wenren Xuewei and Pei Qingshuang had already arrived.

“I examined the body; he died of heart failure,” Wenren Xuewei informed Chen Mobai. Chen Mobai's divine sense swept over him, revealing the regret and unwillingness on Sanjue's face.

“This is his last message,” Wenren Xuewei handed a letter to Chen Mobai. Sanjue had written that if the Immortal Sect had possessed such resources during his cultivation, he would absolutely not have conspired with Changchun and Taohua. The successive God Transformation successes of Yu Yi, Beiming, and Meihua were clearly the greatest stimulus for Sanjue. Because had it not been for the Changchun affair, Sanjue, with the Immortal Sect's current abundance of resources, would undoubtedly have also achieved God Transformation. Alas, one wrong step led to eternal damnation. After seeing Zhongli Tianyu and other younger cultivators also entering seclusion on Five Peaks Immortal Mountain to attempt God Transformation, Sanjue finally could not bear the immense disparity and died of heart failure.

“Give him a proper burial,” Chen Mobai said after reading the letter. He then handed the letter to Wenren Xuewei. Only with his words did Wenren Xuewei and Pei Qingshuang dare to arrange Sanjue’s funeral. However, given Sanjue's special status, everything was kept simple. After burying his ashes in the public cemetery, the two women erected an unmarked tombstone. Sanjue's death caused no ripples in the Immortal Sect. Only after the news spread, did flashes of silver light appear one after another, as Cheng Xuan and others came to offer incense to Sanjue.

On this day, Chen Mobai was instructing Ming Yihua on the secrets of achieving God Transformation with the Pure Yang Scroll, when suddenly, sword qi whistled through the sky, sweeping up some of the spiritual energy from Five Peaks Immortal Mountain and transforming into towering waves of sword light. “Oh, this is...” Ming Yihua's expression was a mix of surprise and joy upon seeing this. This was also an anomaly indicating a breakthrough, but unlike the earth-shattering phenomena of God Transformation, it was merely the formation of a Nascent Soul. However, the one forming a Nascent Soul was from their own Martial Arts Dao Academy, Zhai Jianbai.

As a genius from the same generation as Chen Mobai, Zhai Jianbai was a true sword dao prodigy, but his cultivation path had been quite rough; his first attempt at forming a Nascent Soul had failed. Now, after the Immortal Sect's massive release of resources, his second attempt finally succeeded. Soon, the Nascent Soul anomaly dissipated, and Zhai Jianbai arrived below Wangxian Peak, requesting an audience. After Ming Yihua brought him up, Chen Mobai offered a few pointers and then imparted the Immortal Sect's sword art. This was Baiguang's revised version, allowing cultivation all the way to the Transcendent realm. Zhai Jianbai possessed a natural sword physique, making it possible for him to house a Nascent Soul, so Chen Mobai had also invested considerable resources in him. “This is my token. Take it to the Sword Tower of the Mountain Sea Academy and see if you can gain the recognition of a Heavenly Sea Sword to achieve mutual enlightenment.” Chen Mobai's forging of the Thirteen Heavenly Sea Swords was a significant chapter in the Immortal Sect's sword dao history. For all sword cultivators, obtaining a Heavenly Sea Sword was an unparalleled honor. Zhai Jianbai was deeply moved upon hearing this: “Many thanks, Grand Patriarch!”

Not long after, Chen Mobai received a message from Meng Huang'er, stating that Zhai Jianbai had resonated with the Heavenly Sea Golden Sword and entered a state of deep seclusion for mutual enlightenment in the Sword Tower. Chen Mobai was very pleased, understanding that Zhai Jianbai's hope of achieving God Transformation had greatly increased.

Time flowed like water; a century passed in the blink of an eye. Over these years, the Immortal Sect had developed thriving. Relying on abundant resources, Nascent Soul cultivators continuously achieved God Transformation. But what pleased Chen Mobai the most was the completion of the Grade Seven Zhou Tian He Luo Star Dou Array. For this, he had expended nearly 500 points of Dao Merit. The moment the Grade Seven grand array took shape, the surrounding stars around Geomagnetic Star, numbering in the Zhou Tian count, lit up one by one. With the Immortal Sect at its center, it resembled a vast river of stars, or brilliant meteors in the cosmos, piercing through the boundless darkness, carrying resplendent light towards the direction of the White Crane Daoist Temple. Along the way, the free-floating energy in the cosmic starry sky was swept up by the grand array, transforming into the purest Grade Seven spiritual energy, continuously supplied to the hundreds of stars of the Zhou Tian He Luo Star Dou Array. These stars had all been modified by the Immortal Sect and were suitable for human habitation. However, many only had a single base with a few cultivators stationed, as the Immortal Sect's population was not yet that large. But with incentives for childbirth and abundant resource supply, the population was already beginning to explode. And all newly born individuals, as long as they received education from the Immortal Sect, would become part of Chen Mobai's Sacred Virtue cultivation.

Just as everything was progressing in a positive direction, a dramatic change occurred in the Heavenly River Realm. Chen Mobai sensed the urgent call from his avatar in the Spirit Void Immortal Realm. Handing over matters concerning the Immortal Sect to Qianxing, he excused himself for seclusion and activated his Turtle Treasure. With a flash of silver light, Chen Mobai had already teleported to the Spirit Void Immortal Realm. Before he could even recall his avatar, he was shocked to find that the Sacred Virtue Grand Dao there was intensely fluctuating, causing his own mind, as a practitioner of Sacred Virtue, to waver, his realm unstable, and even showing signs of regressing. What was happening?

Chen Mobai immediately went to the Void Department to inquire about the situation. In the Void Department hall, Kongming had already returned from quelling the chaos. The moment he saw Chen Mobai, he respectfully greeted him: “Junior Martial Uncle, you’ve emerged from seclusion.”

Chen Mobai said: “During my cultivation, I suddenly felt unsettled. Has something bad happened?”

Kongming smiled bitterly and said: “Saint Qianqiu has fallen.”