Xiao Nanshan.

Chen Mobai sat in front of his wooden hut, idly playing with a wisp of purple flame in his palm.

After demonstrating the “Sword Rainbow Division” in the Shenmu Hall, Meng Hong immediately had Zeng Woyou and Yan Jinye swear an oath of Dao heart, ensuring they would not reveal this matter.

Sword cultivators are known for their unparalleled combat prowess at the same level, relying on the formidable power of the sword light for devastating single-target damage.

The first three realms of sword cultivation—sword energy coalescing into armor, sword armor transforming into qi, and sword qi forming rainbows—are indeed powerful, but they do not guarantee invincibility at the same level.

Only after mastering the sword light, which concentrates all spiritual power into one point, does a sword cultivator begin their sweep across the world.

“Sword Qi Rainbow” draws upon a point of spiritual power to induce several times the natural energy of heaven and earth, transforming it into an overwhelming sword qi rainbow that crushes opponents.

However, such attacks, despite their strength, can be blocked by defensive artifacts or spirit talismans due to their dispersed power.

For instance, during the sect competition, the spirit leaf talisman that Zhou Wangshen gave to Feng Hongxue easily blocked Chen Mobai’s sword qi rainbow.

To compensate for this weakness, the fourth realm of sword cultivation is the “Sword Rainbow Division.”

Condensing the vast sword rainbow into a single strand concentrates all power into an extremely terrifying segment of sword light, with a force more than tenfold that of the sword rainbow.

Generally, those who can master the sword light are at least mid-Foundation Establishment sword cultivators, already considered prodigies.

In the history of Donghuang, records show that over eighty percent of sword cultivators who achieved the Sword Rainbow Division were in the late stages of Foundation Establishment.

Chen Mobai’s attainment of this sword realm at the early stage of Foundation Establishment was unprecedented in the records of the Shenmu Sect, making him the first in Donghuang.

It was for this reason that Meng Hong, as the sect leader, had Zeng Woyou and Yan Jinye swear an oath of Dao heart after witnessing the purple fire sword light.

This was an unparalleled divine sword that, once unsheathed, must result in rivers of blood, with no risk of exposure to enemy sects.

After mastering the sword light, the only ones who could stand against Chen Mobai were those in the late stages of Foundation Establishment and some exceptionally talented mid-stage cultivators.

Once Chen Mobai had recovered, Meng Hong sent him back to Xiao Nanshan.

The sect leader had only one thing to say.

Practice your swordsmanship well!

The realm of “Sword Rainbow Division,” as the starting point for invincibility among peers for sword cultivators, is also profound and complex. Mastering the sword light is just the beginning; being able to divide the sword light is the true mark of mastery.

At his current level, Chen Mobai could only condense a single strand of purple fire sword light, and that was with the aid of the Qingyang fire seed.

When the day comes that he can divide the sword light into hundreds or thousands, he will truly be an invincible force, both in one-on-one combat and against groups.

With this thought, Chen Mobai’s mind stirred, and the Qingyang fire seed in his palm ignited, drawing in the free-floating spiritual energy from the peak of Xiao Nanshan. In an instant, it condensed into a segment of sword light, crystalline as jade and flowing like magma.

This was the “Purple Fire Sword Light” of the Chiyang Sword Art.

Chen Mobai’s divine consciousness operated, and within the division of his mind, the suspended purple fire sword light began to split from the top, branching out like a tree limb into a second, smaller strand of purple fire sword light.

This newly divided small sword light shot out and landed on a rock at the mountain’s peak.

The sword light penetrated the rock, and without a sound, the stone melted into magma, rolling down and scorching a large patch of green grass.

This was the “Sword Light Division.”

The Dao Tree had bestowed upon him the complete insights of this realm, allowing him to easily achieve what would normally require years of cultivation, as if the understanding naturally emerged in his mind with just a thought.

Unfortunately, his divine consciousness was not strong enough. Although it was decent among his peers, he could only manage to divide the second strand of purple fire sword light.

He naturally kept this level of skill hidden, not displaying it in the Shenmu Hall.

This was to maintain his persona as an unparalleled sword cultivation genius, planning to reveal it naturally over a few years, as if it were his own realization.

The main reason for fabricating the story of the Green Emperor was also for this purpose.

Firstly, to show that the “Sword Rainbow Division” realm was a result of observing the Green Emperor’s Eternal Sword, not simply bestowed by the Dao Tree, highlighting his true genius in sword cultivation.

To continue solidifying his persona.

And secondly…

Chen Mobai took out his mobile phone and opened “Turtle Treasure.”

Where there was originally only one transmission button, there were now two.

【Transmission 1】, 【Transmission 2】.

He named Transmission 1 “Tianhe Realm” and Transmission 2 “Shenmu Realm.”

Turtle Treasure was indeed powerful; even when its master was unconscious, it successfully anchored the Shenmu Secret Realm.

If Chen Mobai’s cultivation were to advance enough to take control of the situation, he planned to develop this secret realm thoroughly.

Alone, he might not be able to utilize all the resources of the entire Shenmu Secret Realm; perhaps he would need the assistance of a sect or an Immortal Gate in the future.

However, compared to the Immortal Gate, Chen Mobai felt that cooperation with the Shenmu Sect would be more agreeable.

He felt that after mixing in for a few decades, he might even become the sect leader. If one day both Golden Elixir ancestors were gone, wouldn’t he have the final say?

Moreover, he did not want to expose the existence of Turtle Treasure; the Immortal Gate would not be so easily deceived. It was better to first cultivate deeply in the Tianhe Realm.

Therefore, Chen Mobai had already laid the groundwork for his story in the Shenmu Sect in advance, so that later he could claim to have comprehended the Eternal Sword and suddenly be able to freely enter and exit the Shenmu Secret Realm.

“Master, Brother Liu has returned.”

Just then, Zhuo Ming called out from outside the Formation.

Chen Mobai withdrew the Qingyang fire seed, and the purple fire sword light immediately dissipated.

He rubbed his eyes, which were slightly sore and swollen from staring at the flame for too long, and couldn’t help but think that he needed to buy some eye drops.

At the same time, the dense fog of the Formation that enveloped the peak of Xiao Nanshan opened up an entrance.This is the second-tier Cloud Mist Formation obtained from the Spirit Plant Division. Besides defense, it can also gather the cloud and mist from the sky. Once it accumulates to a certain extent, it can transform into spiritual rain that falls down, nourishing the earth.

Chen Mobai placed the core of the formation at the peak of Xiao Nanshan. After all, he had many secrets, and there were things he couldn’t let his disciples stumble upon.

After the Cloud Mist Formation was activated, Liu Wenbo and Zhuo Ming entered with respectful expressions.

“Master, your disciple has lived up to your expectations and has gathered all the spirit plants from the Water Mansion.”

As he spoke, Liu Wenbo took out three jade boxes of varying lengths and sizes from his storage bag.

These are the tools used in the Tianhe Realm to preserve spirit plants and herbs, capable of maintaining spiritual energy for the longest time.

Among the hundred arts of cultivation at the Immortal Gate, there is a special division called “Jade Master,” which includes knowledge such as finding, nurturing, cutting, carving, and repairing jade, considered a rather high-end profession.

However, in the Tianhe Realm, it’s much simpler, directly classified under the category of artifact refiners.

Chen Mobai took a look and found that these three jade boxes were prepared with care, each adorned with some patterns.

He first opened the longest jade box, which contained four slender bamboos, all uprooted with branches and leaves untrimmed, completely extracted. However, the Gold-Edged Jade Bamboo seemed to have been drained of its spiritual energy, as it had already withered.

“Eh, why is this?”

Chen Mobai had planned to use this piece of Jade Bamboo as a penholder, but now he was unsure if it could still be used.

“Please forgive me, Master. After I picked the bamboo fruit, this Gold-Edged Jade Bamboo withered completely. I only learned after asking my family that in order to harvest the bamboo fruit, one must drain the entire bamboo of its spiritual energy for it to mature.”

Chen Mobai was unaware of this, but he understood that his disciple wouldn’t deceive him on such a matter, so he nodded and accepted the explanation.

Next, he opened the smallest box, and a pure wood spiritual energy rushed towards him. Inside was a smooth-skinned, fist-sized cyan fruit.

This was the bamboo fruit.

After confirming, Chen Mobai immediately closed the box to prevent the loss of spiritual energy.

This bamboo fruit, after a cycle of sixty years of nurturing, had reached the quality of a second-tier superior product. If placed on the market, it could sell for at least several hundred spirit stones.

However, Chen Mobai had already decided on the use for this bamboo fruit and had no intention of letting the alchemists of the Tianhe Realm waste it.

In the Divine Tree Secret Realm, it was because the longevity spiritual power contained within was tainted with poison that it was not highly valued.

It would be better to let the alchemists of the Immortal Gate handle it.

Chen Mobai opened the last jade box, which was filled with red soil. Six or seven bamboo shoot tips were poking out, wrapped in the red earth.

“Wenbo, you’ve worked hard too. Take these two pieces of Jade Bamboo.”

Chen Mobai gave two Silver-Edged Jade Bamboos from the long jade box to his eldest disciple, who initially declined but eventually accepted.

“Zhuo Ming, you take one as well.”

First-tier Jade Bamboo was of little use to Chen Mobai, but for Zhuo Ming, it was a treasure. After all, the bamboo leaves could be used as talisman paper, and the bamboo itself could be made into talisman pen shafts.

After the two disciples expressed their gratitude, they were about to leave.

“The day after tomorrow, I have invited a few friends to formally accept you as my disciples.”

“Yes, Master.”

Hearing this, Liu Wenbo and Zhuo Ming showed joy.

Although the three had already established their relationship, it was only after the formal apprenticeship ceremony that Chen Mobai could become their support.

From then on, when the two acted outside, they could do so under his banner.

“Hahaha, now I have to call you Uncle Master.”

On the day of the apprenticeship, Qi Rui was the first to arrive.

He and Chen Mobai had a life-and-death friendship, and even though the latter was now the number one true disciple and even a Foundation Establishment elder, Qi Rui was still able to let loose and joke around.

“In a few years, this title will have to change back. This rule isn’t good.”

Hearing Chen Mobai’s words, Qi Rui’s face lit up with joy, which meant that he could get the next batch of Foundation Establishment Pills and succeed in Foundation Establishment in one go.

“This rule has been in place since ancient times; it can’t be changed.”

After chatting for a while, Xi Jinghuo also arrived, and not just him, but Qi Hou as well.

“Qi Brother, it’s rare to see you.”

Chen Mobai personally welcomed him up the mountain.

Qi Hou squeezed out a smile. After receiving the Foundation Establishment Pill, he had been in seclusion. Recently, due to the Divine Tree Secret Realm, he had pushed himself, but unfortunately, he failed in Foundation Establishment.

Seeing Chen Mobai, and remembering the youth who once dared to venture into Dream Swamp only under his protection, was now a successful Foundation Establishment cultivator and, along with Honghe, hailed as one of the twin jewels of the Shenmu Sect, Qi Hou couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and called out “Uncle Master.”

“Here, this is our gift.”

Compared to him, Xi Jinghuo was as casual as Qi Rui, handing a jade box to Chen Mobai.

Xiao Nanshan was rather simple.

Chen Mobai simply decided to hold the apprenticeship ceremony outside the wooden house, opting for an open-air ritual.

Cultivators are generally carefree, and they didn’t find any issue with it. Xi Jinghuo and Qi Hou sat down next to Qi Rui, forming a circle.

The next three to arrive were E Yun, Yuan Chiyi, and Yan Jinye.

The first two were Chen Mobai’s good friends, and the latter had taken care of him for a long time in the Shenmu Hall. After learning about Chen Mobai’s background, he was keen to make friends, and they had developed a relationship over time.

Once the three of them arrived, the group was essentially complete.

After all, Chen Mobai didn’t know many people in the sect.

Two more invitations were sent to Yue Zutao and Sun Gaochang, but the former disliked going out and sent a spiritual talisman through E Yun.

Chen Mobai thanked him and accepted it.

After a while, Sun Gaochang also arrived, bringing with him Lu Jun and Teng Jie.

Once everyone had arrived, Chen Mobai asked Liu Wenbo and Zhuo Ming to come forward and introduced them to everyone.

His two disciples were both good-looking, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, which drew praise from the crowd.

Then the apprenticeship ceremony began.The Shenmu Sect was not one for excessive formalities. Chen Mobai took his seat and, after drinking the tea offered by the two disciples, the master-disciple relationship was formally established.

From now on, their fates would be intertwined, sharing both honor and loss.

“Master, this is the gift from the elder of my Liu family for my apprenticeship.”

After serving the tea, Liu Wenbo presented a jade box.

Chen Mobai was slightly surprised as he took it and found it to be a second-order magical artifact—a bracer covered in scales.

“Please thank the elder for me.”

After some thought, Chen Mobai decided to accept the magical artifact.

He was aware of the Liu family’s background, which had started with the breeding of Bi Xue Carp. Besides the elder, there was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator who had taken refuge under the Wuxing Sect.

Now that Liu Wenbo was making waves in the Shenmu Sect, with the prospect of inheriting true teachings, the resources provided by his family were also on the rise, hence the particularly generous apprenticeship gift.

A second-order magical artifact, especially one meant for defense, was highly valuable. This bracer could be worth over a thousand spirit stones.

“Master, this is my apprenticeship gift.”

Although Zhuo Ming did not have a cultivator family backing her like Liu Wenbo, she still presented her most treasured possession.

It was a yellowed scroll of Daoist scripture, titled “The Hundred Herbs Scripture.”

“You are thoughtful.”

Chen Mobai did not look through it but accepted it with a smile.

He was familiar with this disciple’s circumstances; the scripture was a family heirloom. Her willingness to part with it showed the depth of her sentiment.

“Hahaha, it seems I’ve arrived at just the right moment.”

Just as the apprenticeship ceremony was coming to an end, a familiar voice echoed from above.

Meng Hong descended from the sky, walking over with a smile.

“Greetings, Sect Master.”

“Rise, all of you, no need for such formalities.”

Meng Hong gestured for everyone to relax and casually presented Chen Mobai with a storage bag.

“This is what I promised you, and I’ve added a little extra.”

After handing over the items, Meng Hong took out two bottles of elixirs from his pocket and gave them to Liu Wenbo and Zhuo Ming, then waved his hand and sat down without any pretense.

“Where’s your wine? Little Yun said your brewing is unparalleled, just like your swordsmanship.”

At these words, E Yun felt a bit embarrassed.

He wasn’t too keen on others knowing this nickname.

“Zhuo Ming, open the jar.”

Chen Mobai was not stingy today. Zhuo Ming had also participated in last year’s brewing of the Jade Bud Spirit Wine, and she delivered a small jar to each guest’s table.

“Today, there will be plenty of wine.”

At this, Sun Gaochang’s eyes immediately lit up.

That night, all the guests were merry.