Proofreader & Editor:Peter Pan

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"Thank you both for your hard work."

 

Inside Wu Wan's workshop in Danxia City, Chen Mobai put down the second-order talisman brush in his hand and expressed his gratitude to Luan Jingsheng and Wu Wan.

 

"It's nothing, it's nothing. Being able to help you is a very happy thing for us."

 

Wu Wan smiled as he began to clean up the scraps of paper scattered around his workshop.

 

Luan Jingsheng, on the other hand, seemed to have gained some insight, sitting in his place with his eyes closed.

 

"This Five Transformations Umbrella might even become a second-order magical instrument in the future."

 

Chen Mobai picked up the wooden umbrella, which was a collaborative effort of the three, and couldn't help but be filled with emotion.

 

He was someone who cherished the past.

 

***

 

The Five Transformations Umbrella had been through many battles with him during the demonic beast siege on Qingguang Island, and both the umbrella surface and the talismans painted on it were quite damaged.

 

If it were any other Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Tianhe Realm, they would have given up on such a damaged item and replaced it with a better defensive magical instrument.

 

But Chen Mobai was thinking about whether it could be repaired.

 

Although he himself had a second-order Green Scale Armguard, this mere first-order medium-grade defensive talisman was of little use to him, but it would make a very good gift for his disciple.

 

Liu Wenbo had the backing of his family, and Chen Mobai knew he had one offensive and one defensive first-order magical instrument, but Zhuo Ming, who came from a loose cultivator background, couldn't even afford a storage bag after saving for a lifetime, let alone a magical instrument.

 

It just so happened that he had quite a few magical instruments that he would soon no longer need, which he could sort out and give to his two disciples.

 

He had already thought it through, to be fair to both.

 

The Needle Case and Five Transformations Umbrella for Zhuo Ming, and the Green Scarf Handkerchief and Sword Casting Ring for Liu Wenbo, each getting two items, one first-order medium-grade and one first-order high-grade.

 

The Five Transformations Umbrella was previously damaged and only a first-order medium-grade, but this was not a problem for Chen Mobai.

 

He was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a registered first-order talisman master of the Immortal Gate, more than capable of redrawing the defensive talismans on the Five Transformations Umbrella.

 

However, upgrading a talisman instrument wasn't as simple as just redrawing it; it required meticulous design and calculation in advance.

 

To repair and upgrade the Five Transformations Umbrella to a first-order high-grade, Chen Mobai specifically invited its original creator, Luan Jingsheng.

 

Wu Wan, as an appraiser, was also invited by Chen Mobai to help.

 

With more people, they quickly confirmed the upgrade plan for the Five Transformations Umbrella after six revisions based on Luan Jingsheng's original design drawings.

 

Fortunately, Wu Wan had his own artifact appraisal workshop, so Chen Mobai brought the newly purchased talisman paper and ink and began the formal work.

 

Theory is shallow compared to practice, and during the actual work, they encountered some issues that were not apparent on the drawings.

 

But after all, Chen Mobai was a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a student of the Weaponry Dao Academy.

 

After consulting his talisman class teacher Xu Xiu and the artifact refining genius Ming Yihua, and relying on his excellent foundation in talismans, he finally overcame all the difficulties and completed the upgrade of the Five Transformations Umbrella after seven days.

 

During this process, Luan Jingsheng, who was observing and assisting, benefited greatly and now seemed to have entered some kind of epiphany.

 

***

 

Chen Mobai and Wu Wan did not disturb him, sitting down in the teahouse outside to wait for him to awaken.

 

When Luan Jingsheng came out, he naturally thanked Chen Mobai.

 

"My foundation in talismans was taught by you, there's no need for such formalities."

 

When Chen Mobai said this, Luan Jingsheng was also filled with emotion.

 

Back in the days at Chixia Academy, that student who even needed to be given the three basic volumes of talismans, had now successfully established his foundation.

 

But thinking of Chen Mobai being a student of the Weaponry Dao Academy, Luan Jingsheng understood.

 

After all, he was a genius.

 

The three of them had dinner together that night, and although Chen Mobai had originally planned to pay, Luan Jingsheng insisted on paying.

 

He felt that he had gained a lot from helping Chen Mobai this time and thought he could attempt the first-order talisman master exam next year.

 

Afterward, Chen Mobai met with Chan Si and Shen Juanxiu.

 

Shen Juanxiu looked unwell; she had attempted Foundation Establishment again this year but failed once more.

 

Moreover, she had been a bit stubborn this time, resulting in a fall in her cultivation level and a decline in her vitality, which might require ten years before she could attempt Foundation Establishment for the third time.

 

"I might really not have the talent for cultivation."

 

Shen Juanxiu looked at Chen Mobai, who had successfully established his foundation and was glowing with health, and smiled bitterly while drinking.

 

"Teacher Chan's energy is harmonious; you should be trying Foundation Establishment too, right?"

 

After comforting Shen Juanxiu, Chen Mobai chatted with Chan Si, whom he hadn't seen for a long time, and she nodded lightly.

 

She had also prepared a complete set of three treasures for Foundation Establishment, but Shen Juanxiu's example had cast a shadow in her heart, making her hesitant to take that step.

 

"There's a critical method in the National Library that you can look into."

 

Chen Mobai told them about this method that could improve the success rate of Foundation Establishment, and both women were fascinated when they heard about the miraculous effects of this method on Foundation Establishment.

 

"There's such a method in the Immortal Gate? How come we didn't know about it?"

 

"The critical method is very demanding on a cultivator's talent. Seven or eight out of ten in the four major Dao academies can master it, and only the top students in the ten major academies can succeed."

 

Chen Mobai didn't mention the success rate of students from the hundred and twenty prefecture schools practicing the critical method because the sample size was too small to be of reference.

 

It was only because Chan Si had already completed the Qi Refining stage and Shen Juanxiu had no other options that Chen Mobai mentioned the critical method to them.

 

Not just them, but all his old classmates who had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, he had given them a hint.

 

Song Zheng, Shi Jingjing, Cao Yaling, and others in their own academies had actually come into contact with the critical method, but unfortunately, they were still stuck at the threshold.

 

The critical method was indeed very difficult to master!

 

They asked Chen Mobai for the secrets, but he could only shake his head and sigh, telling them they had to comprehend it themselves.

 

Everyone could only lament their insufficient talent.

 

***

 

In the last few days of the holiday, Chen Mobai went back to Qingshan Village with his parents to visit his grandparents.

 

He found a suitable place, arranged the scene, and released the Green Blood Carps.

 

He had originally planned to invite Yan Bingxuan to play, but considering that it might affect the reputation of the great beauty, he also invited all his old classmates.

 

It was like saying goodbye to his younger self.

 

"The scenery here is really nice."

 

Shi Jingjing, admiring the lush grass and sparkling water, couldn't help but express her feelings and immediately dragged Cao Yaling to pick wildflowers.

 

In the distance, Song Zheng sat by the water with a fishing rod, Mo Simin was preparing to grill fish with Yan Bingxuan, and Lu Hongsheng was eagerly courting Pu Jiangxue and Yu Shu…

 

"Why haven't I seen your female friend?"

 

Mo Simin asked with emphasis, thinking that Qing Nv would also come.

 

"She had some matters to attend to at Jumang Dao Academy, so she went back first."

 

Chen Mobai said calmly.

 

The day after Kong Feichen left, Qing Nv called to say she wanted to improve herself and decided to return to Jumang Dao Academy.

 

Chen Mobai sent her to the train station. Although Qing Nv looked a bit haggard, she was still normal. She wanted to consult her mentor on how to rescue her younger siblings from the Ascension Sect.

 

"If there's anything I can help with, just let me know."

 

After thanking him, Qing Nv turned and walked into the station.

 

Chen Mobai watched her figure disappear from his sight and sighed.

 

"You seem to have something on your mind?"

 

Yan Bingxuan's voice rang in his ear, and Chen Mobai met her clear eyes, hesitated, and nodded slightly.

 

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Yan Bingxuan tilted her head and asked in her comforting way.

 

"It's nothing, I just feel that my strength is not strong enough. If only I had reached the Golden Elixir stage by now."

 

Hearing Chen Mobai's words, Mo Simin's expression was very stiff.

 

How had she never noticed his ability to pretend before?

 

"Cultivators are always unsatisfied, always pursuing higher realms. That's what my aunt said."

 

Yan Bingxuan nodded, empathizing, and Mo Simin opened her mouth wide in shock and said, "Ah?"

 

"Yes, when you're in Qi Refining, you think about Foundation Establishment. Now that I've established my foundation, I'm looking forward to forming the Golden Elixir. If I really become a Golden Elixir master in the future, I'll probably worry about how to form the Nascent Soul…"

 

Chen Mobai shook his head and smiled, feeling a bit greedy.

 

But this was because he had directly felt the power of a Golden Elixir master, and compared to that, he was indeed too weak.

 

One step at a time, he would work towards his smaller goals first.

 

"I believe you can do it."

 

Yan Bingxuan suddenly said this, and Chen Mobai was surprised.

 

"What?"

 

"Forming the Golden Elixir, forming the Nascent Soul, I believe you can reach these two realms."

 

"You have so much confidence in me?"

 

"The books say that agreeing like this will make friends feel good."

 

Yan Bingxuan spoke honestly, and both Chen Mobai and Mo Simin couldn't help but laugh.

 

"You don't need to agree with others. Just act and speak according to your own heart, and that's when you're the most beautiful and attractive to us."

 

Mo Simin couldn't help but hug Yan Bingxuan and said to her good friend.

 

"Really?"

 

Yan Bingxuan frowned slightly, surprised, and asked Chen Mobai.

 

"Yes!"

 

After receiving an affirmative answer, she nodded and then revealed a very beautiful smile.

 

"Although what I said just now was to agree, my intuition tells me that you really can reach those two realms."

 

"What about Deification?"

 

Chen Mobai asked again.

 

"That might not be possible."

 

Yan Bingxuan shook her head decisively, and Chen Mobai felt a surge of competitiveness in his heart.

 

"What if I do?"

 

"Then I'll apologize to you."

 

"That's not very sincere."

 

"Um…"

 

Mo Simin, watching the two of them talk in a strange frequency again, immediately pulled Yan Bingxuan to continue grilling fish.

 

"The fish needs to be flipped; let's go."

 

Chen Mobai watched the two leave with graceful figures and suddenly found his mood much improved.

 

The fear in his heart about Golden Elixir masters began to dissipate, and his face brightened again.

 

It seems that releasing the five Green Blood Carps was very worthwhile.

 

Thinking this, Chen Mobai went to the water's edge and sat next to Song Zheng, helping him catch one fish after another.

 

Then, he opened two jars of Qingshan wine that his grandfather had treasured.

 

Grilled fish with wine, everyone left satisfied.

 

Will you come back this year?

 

Sitting on the train back to the Weaponry Dao Academy, Chen Mobai saw Lu Hongsheng's message in the class group and shook his head slightly, replying.

 

【I'm going to enter the Myriad Treasures Grotto this year; it's a rare opportunity, so I might spend a lot of time cultivating in the back mountain and won't come back.】

 

After saying this, he sighed alone in the carriage.

 

Not just this year, but for many years to come, he probably wouldn't return to Danxia City.

 

To buy osmanthus wine and share it, but it can never be the same as the carefree days of youth!

 

***

 

After returning to the academy, Chen Mobai first visited Che Yucheng.

 

The latter said that there was no problem with going to the Myriad Treasures Grotto as Lesser Yang True Person had been contacted, but they had to wait for the responsible teacher to return after the school started to go through the corresponding procedures, so it would take some more time.

 

Having waited half a year already, Chen Mobai didn't mind this bit of time.

 

After thanking Che Yucheng, he had thought the teacher would ask about the Ascension Sect in Danxia City, but instead, he waved his hand, indicating Chen Mobai could leave.

 

It seemed that even Golden Elixir masters should not act rashly, and even with collusion with the Ascension Sect, the Immortal Gate had not taken any thunderous action.

 

Or perhaps, the Mending the Sky group had not reported it?

 

***

 

With full curiosity, Chen Mobai enrolled in many courses for the new year, as the academy allowed them not to attend classes, only needing to take exams at the end of the year.

 

Chen Mobai estimated his energy and time and chose three major courses: talismans, puppetry, and sword control.

 

Among them, talismans and puppetry were routine, while sword control was to supplement his swordsmanship foundation.

 

Embarrassingly, although he had now mastered the Sword Rainbow Splitting Light, he was still half-baked in the first three stages of sword cultivation.

 

His current swordsmanship was nothing but a castle in the air.

 

Therefore, it was necessary to enroll in the sword control department.Beyond the three major core courses, he had also enrolled in six elective courses: Agriculture, Herb Identification, Treasure Appraisal, Mineral Recognition, Talisman Ink Extraction, and Calligraphy.

 

Among these, Agriculture was of paramount importance for his future. Whether he could prosper in the Tianhe Realm depended on his mastery of this subject.

 

"Herb Identification" and "Mineral Recognition" were preparations for the future refinement of the Golden Elixir and Jade Pills.

 

After all, Jumuling was renowned in the Eastern Wasteland for its medicinal fields. If he wanted to collect resources from the Tianhe Realm to concoct pills, he couldn't always have his disciples search for herbs based solely on their illustrations.

 

He needed to recognize the various spiritual herbs of the Immortal Gate himself, then find a way to translate them into the names used in the Tianhe Realm. This way, when instructing his disciples to gather them, there would be no risk of exposure.

 

"Treasure Appraisal" was considered because of the thriving market for magical artifacts in the Tianhe Realm. He couldn't always rely on Wu Wan and Ming Yihua to appraise every new artifact he acquired.

 

Moreover, Wu Wan was merely a first-grade appraiser and could no longer be of much help to him.

 

Although Ming Yihua was loyal, Chen Mobai did not want to impose on him constantly and decided to dabble in treasure appraisal knowledge when he had spare time.

 

Besides, having cultivated the Hollow Spirit Eyes, he could achieve twice the result with half the effort in this area.

 

As for "Talisman Ink Extraction" and "Calligraphy," they were purely because these two subjects were easy for him.

 

Even without studying for a year, he could still earn credits during the exams.

 

With three core courses and six electives, if he passed them all by the end of the year, Chen Mobai would have 21 credits.

 

There were no other requirements; exchanging for a Zhu Fruit would suffice.

 

Thinking this way, Chen Mobai once again dropped a droplet of Clear Vision Bamboo Spirit Dew into his eyes, feeling the cool and refreshing essence surge into his sea of consciousness. The two Qingtong saplings in his Purple Mansion began to sway as if in delight.

 

However, Chen Mobai did not immediately allow his divine sense to absorb the efficacy of the Clear Vision Bamboo Spirit Dew. Instead, he let his Hollow Spirit Eyes be satisfied first before allowing the Qingtong saplings visualized by his divine sense to absorb it.

 

After cultivating the Hollow Spirit Eyes, Chen Mobai held a mid-grade spirit stone to enhance his Pure Yang Body. During this process, he multitasked by reading the "Pure Yang Scroll," focusing on the section about Foundation Establishment.