Scripture Pavilion.

Chen Mobai sat on the first floor, sipping tea, while the brother Hu in charge of guarding the pavilion kept him company.

Zhuo Ming had already begun to select the cultivation technique she wished to switch to. After hearing her request, brother Hu pointed her in a direction, towards the majority of the Earth-attribute cultivation techniques of the Shenmu Sect, which he had organized.

“Uncle-Master has a good eye. Your disciple has an innate elegance about her, and she should be able to reach Foundation Establishment in the future.”

Brother Hu, named Jinshan, watched Zhuo Ming flipping through the books on the shelves in Area B. After pouring Chen Mobai a cup of his treasured tea and stroking his white beard, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion.

“Oh, does brother Hu also excel in physiognomy?”

Chen Mobai was somewhat surprised. Although Zhuo Ming looked delicate, everyone who met her for the first time felt she was very unremarkable, like a stone or grass by the roadside.

Her aptitude was average, and her cultivation was ordinary.

She was diligent, though, and earnestly completed any task Chen Mobai assigned to her.

E Yun and the others thought that Chen Mobai took her as a disciple because he had no one else to use, coupled with the fact that they came from the same place and shared a sense of hometown camaraderie. So, when Liu Wenbo became a disciple, he conveniently took her in as well.

After all, Liu Wenbo, as the future true successor favored by their faction, would surely not stay with Chen Mobai for long. Xiao Nanshan’s many fertile fields would need someone to manage them, and Zhuo Ming was fortunate to be the only choice at that time.

Countless Qi Refining disciples in the entire Shenmu Sect envied her.

From an ordinary Qi Refining sixth layer disciple, she leaped to become the chief disciple of a Foundation Establishment elder.

Regardless of whether she could become a true successor in the future, at least after joining Xiao Nanshan, Zhuo Ming would no longer be looked down upon and bullied at will.

For dangerous missions like opening up Dream Swamp, as long as she was unwilling, no one would force her to go to the battlefield.

“I have reached the peak of Qi Refining, but failed at Foundation Establishment, and have passed the age of sixty, so there’s no need to waste time on cultivation. Naturally, I read various books.”

“This junior sister Zhuo looks ordinary, but her features are well-proportioned, with a round forehead and a smooth jaw, which is a top-notch sign of fortune. If she did not cultivate, she would at least lead a life of wealth and die a peaceful death in the secular world.”

“Others may not see it, but I can see the naive elegance hidden between her brows, and with you, her master, who can at least protect her for two hundred years, she has enough to grow.”

After hearing Hu Jinshan’s words, Chen Mobai couldn’t help but show a look of surprise.

This little round face had so much to say about it? How could he not see it?

If it weren’t for the spirit root testing instrument showing that Zhuo Ming’s Earth spiritual root was exceptional, he would never have thought she could reach the step of Foundation Establishment.

“I hope brother Hu’s vision is accurate, so I will have a disciple to take care of me in my old age.”

Chen Mobai didn’t really want others to know about Zhuo Ming’s talent, especially since she hadn’t even developed her divine consciousness yet. He was already outstanding enough in the Shenmu Sect, and it was better if his disciples didn’t stand out too much.

He knew the principle of “the outstanding tree in the forest.”

“Your hope might not come true, as my physiognomy suggests you have a thirty percent chance of forming a Golden Core. By then, your disciple probably won’t live as long as you.”

Hu Jinshan’s words made Chen Mobai laugh out loud.

“Master, can you help me choose between these four books?”

At this moment, Zhuo Ming also came down, holding four blue-covered books and seeking Chen Mobai’s opinion.

“Earth Mother Technique,” “Mountain Moving Mantra,” “Wu Earth True Law,” “Fossil Treasure Scroll.”

“What does brother Hu think?”

Chen Mobai looked over the four cultivation techniques while asking Hu Jinshan, who had been in the Scripture Pavilion for decades. Although he was only at the Qi Refining stage, he surely knew about the exchange situation of the techniques.

“The ‘Mountain Moving Mantra’ is the most widely practiced, starting from Qi Refining to cultivate a famous magical instrument called the Mountain Flipping Seal. It’s considered a tool cultivation technique, with astonishing combat power among peers, and if the magical instrument is well cultivated, it can in turn promote the cultivator’s own progress. However, it’s very resource-intensive, and ordinary people can’t afford to practice it.”

“The ‘Wu Earth True Law’ is the most comprehensive and is the Qi Refining cultivation technique of the Earth vein of the Five Elements Sect. It’s profound and extensive, and theoretically, once perfected, it can even connect to the supreme method of the Five Elements Sect, the Mixed Yuan Dao Fruit. Generally, disciples with some ambition and confidence in themselves choose to cultivate this.”

“The ‘Fossil Treasure Scroll’ is a Qi Refining cultivation technique passed down from the Flying Sand Sect of the Ten Directions Hall. Although it’s the most exquisite among the four techniques, the Shenmu Sect’s collection only allows cultivation up to the Foundation Establishment stage. If one chooses to cultivate this technique, they must consider this point well.”

“Lastly, the ‘Earth Mother Technique’ is not as popular as the other three because cultivating this technique requires the supplementary skill of nurturing spiritual plants. Its combat power is average, but if one has vast fertile fields and medicinal fields to apply it, it’s actually the fastest in terms of cultivation speed. You also know that our Shenmu Sect has many medicinal fields, so there are quite a few people who exchange for this technique, but many of them are just absorbing the knowledge within, and most exchangers primarily cultivate the Longevity Scripture.”

As Hu Jinshan explained each one, Chen Mobai had already finished looking through the four techniques. Naturally, he had no doubts in his mind.

But since this matter concerned Zhuo Ming’s entire life, he still gave her a choice.”Since you have become my disciple, I can make you a promise: as long as I am in the Shenmu Sect, as long as you do not wish to go to the battlefield, you can stay away from the slaughter and battle.”

After saying this, Chen Mobai picked out the “Wutu True Law” and the “Earth Mother Technique” and placed them on the table.

“These two techniques are complete in our sect. You won’t need to worry about techniques before reaching the Nascent Soul stage.”

“If you feel that you can develop comprehensively and have the determination to climb to the peak of cultivation, then choose the ‘Wutu True Law’.”

“If you decide to spend a peaceful life under my tutelage, then choose the ‘Earth Mother Technique’. The sixty acres of good farmland under Xiao Nanshan, I will give them to you for your cultivation.”

After listening, Zhuo Ming’s mouth fell open, her mind in a daze.

“Master, my biggest wish in life is just to reach Foundation Establishment. I never even dared to dream of forming a Nascent Soul.”

“To be human, one must have dreams.”

Chen Mobai shook his head, feeling a bit sentimental that his disciple’s dreams were so humble.

Children from the Immortal Gate dream of Deification and roaming the universe from a young age.

“I’ll take this one.”

Chen Mobai picked up the “Earth Mother Technique” and took out 50 spirit stones to exchange for this Qi Refining technique for Zhuo Ming.

“Foundation Establishment elders can exchange for three Qi Refining techniques for free each year.”

Hu Jinshan smiled and pushed the spirit stones back. Chen Mobai was actually unaware of this rule.

But thinking that Foundation Establishment elders must also have many Qi Refining disciples, he guessed that the Shenmu Sect did this for the better growth of the next generation.

“Except for the ‘Mountain Driving Mantra’, give me a copy of the other three.”

Now that he knew, Chen Mobai didn’t plan to waste the opportunity. Hu Jinshan nodded, registered it, swiped Chen Mobai’s sect badge, and then handed over the three techniques to Zhuo Ming.

“Why give them to her? Her realm is too low right now; it’s better for her to focus.”

Chen Mobai remembered when he was studying, he wanted a Qi Refining technique with a beautiful cover, but his parents refused his request with this reason, ruthlessly crushing his hopes.

He also enjoyed a bit of the pleasure of being a mentor.

He took the “Wutu True Law” and “Fossil Treasure Scroll” directly from Zhuo Ming’s hands and put them into his storage bag.

Zhuo Ming pouted but didn’t dare to resist.

She quickly stuffed the “Earth Mother Technique” into her storage bag, fearing that if she was too slow, her teacher might decide to teach her layer by layer and confiscate it.

After returning to Xiao Nanshan, Chen Mobai grandly waved his hand, indicating that the sixty acres of good farmland below were hers to manage and plow. The spiritual fields at Xiaoyangling were still planted with Jade Bud Spirit Rice, which also needed care.

The master is going into seclusion to cultivate the “Supreme Sword Path.”

Unless it’s something extremely important, even if the sect leader comes to visit, do not disturb him.

Zhuo Ming felt both anxious and excited, anxious that she might not be able to manage so much farmland, but also excited that her teacher trusted her so much.

The cultivation of the “Earth Mother Technique” also required this process, in the planting and tilling of the fields, nurturing seeds, to condense a spiritual power known as “Mother Qi of All Things.”

“By the way, I also have a shop and courtyard in Shenmu City; remember to manage them as well. The spiritual wine and rice can also be put on sale, priced the same as the market. If you have any difficulties, seek your senior brother.”

After leaving these words, Chen Mobai went up the mountain and activated the cloud mist formation, sealing off the peak of Xiao Nanshan.

Back at the Immortal Gate, Chen Mobai, who attended classes without worries, had only one thought in mind.

The feeling of being a hands-off shopkeeper is truly exhilarating.

Now that he didn’t have to worry about the Shenmu Sect, he focused on the courses at the Weaponry Dao Academy. Since he had reached Foundation Establishment, his divine consciousness far surpassed that of Qi Refining cultivators, and his learning efficiency was five times that of his peers.

Although he had taken nearly half a year off for Foundation Establishment, he still finished all his courses with nearly perfect scores at the end-of-year exams.

Two majors, four electives, all first place.

But everyone thought it was only natural, after all, he was the first of his peers to reach Foundation Establishment.

Zhong Li Tianyu was not counted among them.

“I’m really envious of you, casually studying for two months and still able to come first.”

After the exams, the small circle from the Divine Transformation class started gathering again. Ming Yihua held a wine glass and sighed as he looked at Chen Mobai; he had thought he would be the first in their circle to reach Foundation Establishment.

“How did you master the critical technique? We’re all clueless.”

Yun Yangbing and Wang Xingyu also joined in. Their cohort, after four years at the Weaponry Dao Academy and benefiting from the strong spiritual energy of Chicheng Mountain, had basically all reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

However, due to the Divine Transformation techniques and the deductions from the Formless Puppets, to ensure successful Foundation Establishment, they were all contemplating the critical technique under the guidance of Chen Mobai, the successful one.

But only two people had made achievements, one was Ming Yihua, and the other was named Lan Yufan.

“Hey, this is the difference in talent.”

Ming Yihua said this; he had already sensed the trick to breakthrough and had applied for his three treasures for Foundation Establishment at the end of the year, along with a bottle of Xuanhuo Spirit Liquid. He planned to rent a cultivation room in Building No. 9 during the holidays, waiting for that hint of mystery to attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm.Seeing Ming Yihua’s punchable face, the others naturally couldn’t stand it. They picked up their cups and swarmed over, intent on making him drink until he fell to the ground.

“Cough cough cough!”

When the gathering dispersed, Ming Yihua coughed several times by the roadside before he managed to force all the alcohol out of his stomach.

“Why do these bastards always pick on me to force drinks?”

“Others like Lan Yufan and Lu Zixuan are sitting together as a couple, with a girlfriend to shield them. We’d feel bad forcing drinks on them.”

The speaker was Yun Yangbing, and Ming Yihua’s response was to flip him the middle finger.

“Here, this is a special Spirit Gathering Formation I’ve refined. It can raise the grade of a spirit vein by a minor rank. If you start with a third-grade high-quality spirit vein, it can help you elevate it to a fourth-grade low-quality one.”

“Damn, that’s awesome, Old Yun. How did you manage that?”

Ming Yihua snatched the canvas bag from Yun Yangbing’s hand, pulled out a formation plate and eight formation flags, and couldn’t help but marvel.

It was known that as students, they could at most apply for a third-grade high-quality spirit vein cultivation room, and even that required a teacher’s signature. Generally, it was only approved the first time one applied for Foundation Establishment.

A fourth-grade spirit vein was something they hadn’t experienced even after four years at the Daoist Academy.

“This can’t be disclosed. Just keep it to yourself, and don’t let it get out. If the school finds out, we both might be punished.”

“Is there a problem with this formation? Don’t tell me you’ve found a bug in the formation of Building Nine?”

“You’re overthinking it. This special Spirit Gathering Formation only works for a short time. You can only use it at critical moments.”

The three sat by the mountain path and chatted for a while longer before Yun Yangbing let out a sigh.

“I didn’t expect I’d be the last one.”

“Haha, it’ll be your turn next year.”

That was all Chen Mobai could say before he asked Ming Yihua about the favor he had requested.

“How’s my talisman brush coming along?”

“It’s ready. He’ll deliver it personally in a couple of days. But have you prepared the ‘Condensing Liquid’ you promised him in exchange?”

“I’ll exchange it tomorrow. After all, credits aren’t easy to come by.”

Due to the bamboo fruits of the Gold-Edged Jade Bamboo maturing and draining all the spiritual energy, the bamboo itself withered. After being sent for inspection, it was found unsuitable for use as a handle for a second-grade talisman brush.

Therefore, the talisman brush maker introduced by Ming Yihua added his own materials and used rabbit and wolf hair to help Chen Mobai make two second-grade talisman brushes, one large and one small.

In exchange, Chen Mobai had to help the talisman brush maker exchange for a portion of “Condensing Liquid.”

After waiting two days.

The talisman brush maker arrived, also a young man, a high school classmate of Ming Yihua, with good grades, who had been admitted to one of the top ten scholarly institutions, the Heavenly Book Academy.

After the transaction was completed, Ming Yihua took him around for a good two days.

Meanwhile, Chen Mobai was already on the train home.

When he left, he also exchanged a “Vermilion Fruit” from the Daoist Academy’s treasury for 20 credits, as Qing Nv had requested.

The Vermilion Fruit Tree was unique to Red City Mountain, with one planted on each peak, and was a key research subject in the spiritual plant class.

The grade of Vermilion Fruit Trees varied, with the highest being fourth-grade, which Chen Mobai naturally couldn’t afford to exchange.

The second-grade Vermilion Fruit he brought home had nearly exhausted all his credits.