Natural Academy (7k)

Chen Mobai naturally understood what his little apprentice wanted to do, but returning home in glory was only natural. So he did as she wished, writing a letter and politely expressing his desire to rent the Luo Family's Spirit Camel to transport the Fire Spirit Rice.

"The sect's Spirit Beast Department should also have quite a few spirit beasts for transporting goods. Before you go to the Luo Family, come with me to the Divine Wood Hall. This is also to do our part for the sect and get the Sect Leader to order that we can save some Spirit Stone."

After instructing Zhuo Ming to go down the mountain to organize the Spirit Rice in the warehouse, Chen Mobai took Luo Yixuan to see Chu Zuoshu. Upon hearing this, the latter immediately summoned Ma Wuniang, the Minister of the Spirit Beast Department.

"There is a large transaction of Spirit Rice between our sect and Blowing Snow Palace. Due to the large quantity of goods, we need to mobilize some spirit beasts for transportation. You can discuss the details with Junior Brother Chen."

After Chu Zuoshu gave the order in the name of the sect Sect Leader, Ma Wuniang frowned but still nodded in obedience.

"Junior Brother Chen, the spirit beasts that the sect cultivates for transportation are called Deer Horse. There are about a dozen available for deployment now. I need to go back and ask the disciple in charge for the exact number."

As one of the Twelve Departments Minister, Ma Wuniang had a basic understanding of the situation. With the sect about to go to war with the Mountain Shaking Peak, she figured out the inside story of why such a large amount of Spirit Rice needed to be transported to the Blowing Snow Palace. So she immediately took Chen Mobai and his apprentice to inspect the Deer Horse.

This is a mythical beast that resembles a horse, with a white head, tiger-like stripes all over its body, and a red tail. Although it cannot carry a thousand pounds like the Spirit Camel of the Luo Family, it is extremely fast and can travel a thousand miles a day.

After checking, Ma Wuniang found that there were still sixteen Deer Horse in Giant Wood Ridge, but two of them had suffered excessive damage during the last trip and were still recovering.

Chen Mobai then instructed Luo Yixuan to hand over the matter to the disciples of the Spirit Beast Department in charge of deer and Deer Horse, while he thanked Ma Wuniang and took his leave.

After entrusting the matter of the Fire Spirit Rice to his three disciples, Chen Mobai returned to the Immortal Sect.

Then, he skillfully called Yan Bingxuan.

Chen Mobai: [Where are you?]

Yan Bingxuan: [At school, after the Snow Elf Water is delivered, I will go into seclusion to Foundation Establishment.]

Chen Mobai: [I happen to have a friend in the Extreme North Cave Heaven. Thanks to him, I managed to purchase a Second Grade Water Mist Ice Crystal.]

Upon hearing this, Yan Bingxuan on the other end of the phone hesitated, then asked incredulously, "Did you buy this for me?"

Chen Mobai: [If I don't give it to you, who else should I give it to? I don't need it.]

This wasn't the truth. To upgrade Crimson Cloud Mist Silk to Taiyi Five Smoke Net, it also needed Water Mist Ice Crystal. However, Chen Mobai felt that saying it made him seem more righteous, showing that he was a hero willing to sacrifice for his friends.

Upon hearing this, Yan Bingxuan was terrified, a feeling she had never experienced before welling up from the bottom of her heart throughout her body.

After a long silence, her voice, tinged with gratitude yet slightly stammering, came through the phone. "Thank you. This requires a lot of Merit Points; I'll try to gather the necessary funds for you."

There's no need for formalities between us. I'll bring the things over first, and you can see if you can use them.

After saying that, Chen Mobai asked Yan Bingxuan for the address of the Natural Academy, which was located on the south side of Rongcheng Cave Heaven, which was adjacent to White Stone Cave Heaven.

After all, this Cold Ice Congealed Crystal came from the Sky River Realm, and it's unknown whether it's different from the Water Mist Ice Crystal here in the Immortal Sect. It would be better to let Yan Bingxuan, the user, personally identify it.

Before leaving Chicheng Mountain, he looked up and saw the lights on at Meng Huang'er's Villa on the mountaintop. He thought about going there for a meal, but after thinking about it carefully, he realized that he might not be able to leave that night. So he booked a plane ticket overnight and flew to Rongcheng Cave Heaven.

It was already past midnight when we got off the plane.

Chen Mobai traveled light, carrying only a small bag, which of course contained storage bags with various items inside.

He followed Yan Bingxuan's directions and arrived at the airport pick-up point.

From afar, Chen Mobai spotted Yan Bingxuan waiting for him at the door, wearing a hat. After all, even in a crowd, she was still very conspicuous.

With her delicate features and smooth skin, she is a beautiful and serene sight to behold.

Their eyes met, they smiled slightly at each other, and walked towards one another.

Chen Mobai: "Long time no see."

Yan Bingxuan: "It'll be two years since we last met in just one month."

Chen Mobai was clearly surprised that the beautiful Yan remembered the time when they last parted so clearly, but for some reason, he was very happy to hear her say that.

"Give."

He immediately took out the Jade Box containing the Cold Ice Congealed Crystal from his backpack and handed it to Yan Bingxuan.

"Thank you, let's go eat first."

Yan Bingxuan took it without checking it, thanked her sincerely, and put it into her small white leather bag.

The two walked side by side and arrived at a Grilled Fish Shop.

"The food here is alright."

After Yan Bingxuan sat down, she took off her hat, and her smooth black hair fell over her shoulders. Her originally aloof temperament suddenly softened at this moment.

"Take a look at the items; I'm just afraid they won't meet your requirements."

After Chen Mobai finished ordering, he reminded her again.

Yan Bingxuan nodded, took the Jade Box out of her small purse and opened it. The bone-chilling cold made her slightly excited. She stretched out a finger and pressed it on the crystal. Then, her originally fair cheeks suddenly glowed with a Baiguang, like white jade.

"The quality is outstanding, even among Second Grade, it's top-grade. It's a bit of a waste for me."

Hearing Yan Bingxuan's words, Chen Mobai felt relieved.

It seems that Blowing Snow Palace genuinely wanted to build a good relationship with him, and the gift she gave him did not embarrass him in front of his old classmate.

"Will it affect your Foundation Establishment?"

However, Chen Mobai was still somewhat uneasy, fearing that the superior quality of the Cold Ice Congealed Crystal might actually be detrimental to Yan Bingxuan. After all, for Qi Cultivation Cultivator, Second Grade low-level items were the most suitable.

"It's alright. The Water Spiritual Energy contained in this Water Mist Ice Crystal is very stable. I can extract as much as I need. If the quality is high, my success rate in Foundation Establishment will be greater."

When Yan Bingxuan said this, she had a smile on her face, which amazed Chen Mobai. After all, his old classmate had maintained her icy beauty style ever since she transformed into Ice Spirit Root, and she had only smiled in front of him a handful of times.

This smile, however, came from the heart. Her lips were slightly upturned, her eyes were slightly narrowed, and she radiated a bright and gentle light, like the warm sun in winter.

"Then I'll congratulate you in advance on your successful Foundation Establishment."

Chen Mobai was very pleased to hear her say that, and offered a toast with water instead of wine.

Yan Bingxuan nodded gently, and after finishing her drink, she stared straight at Chen Mobai.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Mobai thought she had something to say, so he asked.

"This Second Grade high-quality Water Mist Ice Crystal is worth tens of millions of Merit Points in the Immortal Sect, which I may not be able to repay for the time being."

Yan Bingxuan said with a serious expression. Chen Mobai was surprised that she was still thinking about this, and couldn't help but shake his head.

"I already said, your most important task is to Foundation Establishment. Tens of millions of Merit Points may be a lot for Qi Cultivation Cultivator, but after Foundation Establishment, you will find that you can earn that much in a few years."

After hearing this, Yan Bingxuan asked again, "What if I Foundation Establishment Failure?"

"Don't talk nonsense, you will definitely succeed."

Chen Mobai, however, felt that with her talent and resilience, Foundation Establishment would not be difficult for her.

"Thank you for your kind words. In order to repay your Merit Points with the Water Mist Ice Crystal, I will definitely succeed in Foundation Establishment."

Yan Bingxuan also sensed that her words had a bad omen, and nodded apologetically.

"Even if you fail to Foundation Establishment this time, there's still a year left next year. As long as you hold onto this firm belief, I will help you deal with this Water Mist Ice Crystal next time Foundation Establishment."

Chen Mobai genuinely hoped that Yan Bingxuan could successfully Foundation Establishment. After all, without her guidance on the basics of Ice Spell, he might not have been able to stand out in the entrance exam and be admitted to the Wuqi Dao Academy.

In fact, she played a crucial role in helping me take off.

In addition, the two have known each other for more than ten years since they were classmates in high school, making them the closest of friends who are still in contact with each other.

So as long as Yan Bingxuan doesn't give up before graduation, Chen Mobai will lend a helping hand.

"I can try to work to earn money to pay you back for one yuan, but if I Foundation Establishment Failure, I'm afraid I really won't be able to pay back two yuan."

Upon hearing this, Yan Bingxuan frowned slightly.

Just as Chen Mobai was waving his hand, about to reassure her and help her focus on her Foundation Establishment again, she suddenly said seriously, "If you really can't repay me, would you accept my body in return?"

"Cough cough cough..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai suddenly couldn't help but cough violently, and it took him a long time to recover.

With a "pfft," Yan Bingxuan suddenly burst out laughing.

Chen Mobai then realized that she was joking, and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He was still thinking about how to refuse.

"Judging from your expression, you seem a little reluctant."

In front of Chen Mobai, Yan Bingxuan completely shed her usual aloof facade and revealed her charming and innocent nature.

"No, it's just that it was too sudden, and I'm a little overwhelmed."

Chen Mobai would certainly not admit that he was unwilling; he would only say things that sound nice.

"But you're so nice to me, it's really easy for me to misunderstand. I even thought you were interested in me."

For some reason, Yan Bingxuan was unusually direct today, which made Chen Mobai, who was used to her aloof and taciturn style, feel very uncomfortable.

"I don't have many friends. If you also Foundation Establishment Failure, I don't know who I'll be able to reminisce about our youthful days a hundred years from now."

Chen Mobai spoke the truth, which was rare for him.

At the beginning of the year, Song Zheng Foundation Establishment Failure without comprehending the Critical Point Method.

Mo Simin, Shi Jingjing, Xu Yuan, and other high school classmates followed in their footsteps and all Foundation Establishment Failure.

Only Shi Yuanqing, with the Critical Point Method as a safety net, made steady progress and finally succeeded in Foundation Establishment six months ago.

In this graduating Immortal Sect Fifth High School, three Foundation Establishment True Cultivator— Chen Mobai, Cao Yaling, and Shi Yuanqing —have emerged. The principal is so pleased that he has placed portraits of the three in the corridor, and the banner is still hanging there to this day, with a proud look on his face.

Although Chen Mobai was friends with his other high school classmates, his feelings for them were definitely not as strong as those for his classmates.

After Song Zheng Foundation Establishment Failure, Chen Mobai called to comfort him, only to find that the once confident and proud genius classmate no longer had the same spirit he had in his youth.

Needless to say, squad leader Mo Simin, after Foundation Establishment Failure, had already decided to give up and find someone to marry in order to avoid military service.

If Yan Bingxuan fails again, it will be a significant blow to Chen Mobai.

There is a sense of "life between heaven and earth is like a journey of a traveler".

Although his lifespan will inevitably increase as his cultivation level improves, Chen Mobai still hopes that he can find friends of the same age to talk and chat with as much as possible during his lifetime.

"Based on your words alone, I will not only successfully Foundation Establishment, but I will also follow in your footsteps, constantly improve my cultivation, and live as long as you."

After listening, Yan Bingxuan spoke with the most serious tone she had ever used in her life.

"Then I'll wait and see. I hope that at the end of my Dao Path, you'll still be by my side."

Seeing Yan Bingxuan's serious tone, Chen Mobai responded sincerely.

However, he felt in his heart that this was impossible. After all, he had gathered resources and knowledge from both realms, so his chances of Core Formation were very high, and there was even a slight possibility of Nascent Formation.

With Yan Bingxuan's aptitude, the probability of her reaching Foundation Establishment Core Formation, even someone as amazing as Yan Qiongzhi could only barely pass. If she were to follow Yan Qiongzhi's path, Chen Mobai would probably only reach the peak of Foundation Establishment at most.

But deep down, Chen Mobai was very happy about the possibility of Yan Bingxuan accompanying him on his future Dao Path.

Humans are social beings, and cultivators are no exception.

Chen Mobai did not want to be alone in the future.

After finishing their late-night snack, the two strolled around Rongcheng Cave Heaven for a while, talking about all sorts of topics.

Chen Mobai shared his interesting experiences at the Dao Academy, Yan Bingxuan asked various questions about Foundation Establishment, and finally she also inquired about the Purple Lightning Sword.

"I guess I was lucky. My swordsmanship talent just happened to be pretty good, and the Purple Lightning Sword took a liking to me."

Chen Mobai is quite humble in front of acquaintances.

"I heard from the teacher that you have the potential to become Potential for Spirit Transmutation, which is why you were able to suppress those three Golden Core True Person. But why did you slack off before your senior year of high school? If you had shown your talent earlier, you might have been able to directly Foundation Establishment before the College Entrance Exam and be recommended to Four Great Dao Academies."

Yan Bingxuan's words made Chen Mobai feel extremely ashamed. It was clear that she had also believed the exaggerated claims made by the media and actually thought that Chen Mobai did not want to improve before high school, rather than having tried his best but only achieved mediocre grades.

"Now that you know I have the Potential for Spirit Transmutation, do you still have the confidence to follow in my footsteps?"

"I will do my best to keep up with you," Yan Bingxuan replied earnestly.

As the two chatted, it became clear that dawn was approaching.

"How about you take me on a tour of your school?"

Chen Mobai originally planned to return to Chicheng Cave Heaven after delivering the items, but thinking of Yan Qiongzhi's invitation, he felt it would be better to go to the Natural Academy and take a look at the traces left by the former owner of Purple Lightning Azure Frost.

"Let's go, the teacher has been waiting for you to come."

Yan Bingxuan took Chen Mobai onto a bus, the final stop of which was the Natural Academy.

This is a lake and wetland nestled among nine mountain peaks. The academy is located on the lakeside, at the foot of the mountains. The scenery is beautiful, with all kinds of green plants, flowers, mudflats, insects, birds, animals, and planktonic creatures.

Compared to the Thousand Mountains and Myriad Waters of the Goumang Dao Academy, this place is like a small microcosm of the entire natural world. Almost all the surface features of the Earth Origin Star can be found here. Although it is not majestic, it is very beautiful.

This is "nature".

When Chen Mobai arrived here, this word immediately came to mind.

Indeed, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Even though I had seen the Natural Academy's promotional videos and photos online several times, I was still very amazed and satisfied after coming here in person. It was a worthwhile trip.

At the entrance of the Natural Academy stands a wooden archway, one large and two small, arranged in a row. A graceful and beautiful woman is already waiting there.

"Having met Master Yan, how could I trouble you to come all this way? Bingxuan will be fine with me for a stroll."

Chen Mobai was not inflated by the hype from various media outlets of the Immortal Sect. He had a very clear understanding of himself and held Golden Core True Person in the highest esteem. Upon seeing Yan Qiongzhi waiting for him, he immediately went over and exchanged polite greetings.

"The Bright Mirror House requires Golden Core True Person from our academy to escort you in. Since you're here, as the Master of the Purple Lightning Sword, I should definitely take you there to have a look."

Bright Mirror House is where Qingshi Shangren and Qingjing Shangren their hermitage and lived in seclusion. Actually, it was not originally within the scope of the Natural Academy, but after these two passed away, that area was included.

The Natural Academy is surrounded by nine beautiful and sacred mountains, one of which is called Huagai Mountain. It is named so because the mountaintop resembles a canopy when viewed from the archway.

However, the mountain is not high, less than 100 meters high. The Bright Mirror House is located halfway up the mountain. It is a simple house built of stone and wood.

This could also be considered a visit to a famous historical site. Chen Mobai followed Yan Qiongzhi and carefully stepped onto the stone path into the courtyard.

"That crevice in the rock was Qingjing Shangren using his Azurefrost Sword, which caused the water to fall in."

Yan Qiongzhi pointed to a simple, square stone crevic in front of the courtyard, resembling an inkstone trough, and explained.

Chen Mobai walked over, and before he even got close, he felt a chilling sword intent that made his hair stand on end.

There seemed to be a spring at the top of the mountain, with trickling streams falling from the height into the crevice of the rock. But no matter how much water was poured in, the crevice was only seven-tenths full, with the rest turning into cool water vapor that dispersed into the atmosphere.

"This is one of the sword intents left behind by Qingjing Shangren. There are two more over there where she was plowing the land, one more on the clothesline, and nine more inside the Bright Mirror House."

"Is there no Qingshi Shangren?"

After listening to Yan Qiongzhi's introduction, Chen Mobai asked curiously.

"Yes, but only one, on the door of the wooden house."

As Yan Qiongzhi spoke, she led Chen Mobai and Yan Bingxuan toward the Bright Mirror House. She took out a Key shaped like a small sword, and the wooden door opened. A majestic sword intent, as heavy as a mountain and as vast as the stars, slowly dissipated.

Chen Mobai stood at the door, staring blankly at the wooden door for a long time.

Yan Bingxuan looked puzzled and was about to speak when Yan Qiongzhi stopped her.

"Don't touch him. With his unparalleled talent, he might have gained some insight."

But in reality, it was the Purple Lightning Sword in the storage bag that sensed its old master's aura and sent a wave of energy to Chen Mobai, wanting to come out and take a look.

However, in order not to expose the storage bag, Chen Mobai could only reassure it, saying that he would have to wait a while.

Fortunately, the Purple Lightning Sword was soaked in enough Spirit Stone on a regular basis and was very obedient. Upon hearing this, it obediently stopped.

"I had a sudden feeling, which took up a lot of time."

Coming to his senses, Chen Mobai could only use this as an excuse, and said to Yan Qiongzhi and Yan Bingxuan who were waiting for him with a humble expression. The two women looked at him with an expression of knowing that it was true.

"Here, there are more sword marks and sword intent from Qingjing Shangren, while Qingshi Shangren only has one on the door."

Upon entering the Bright Mirror House, Chen Mobai saw a very modern interior, complete with all kinds of home appliances and furniture, as well as a spacious Cultivation Room with two futons inside. Qingjing Shangren had left four sword intents in this room alone.

Chen Mobai's aptitude was average. Although he could sense the clear and pure sword intent, he was unable to comprehend it at a deeper level.

"Can I stay here for a day?"

However, he still had to put on a show, after all, he needed to maintain his image as an unparalleled sword genius.

"Sure, you can stay as long as you want. The handwritten copy of the Purple Green Demon Refining Heavenly Script is in the Library. I'll apply for it later and have Xuan'er bring it to you."

Yan Qiongzhi said something that left Chen Mobai speechless. Unbeknownst to him, he had become quite famous in the Immortal Sect, and he was able to receive such treatment at the Natural Academy.

After he thanked them, Yan Qiongzhi and Yan Bingxuan left Huagai Mountain without disturbing him as he comprehended the sword marks and sword intent.

After watching the two women leave, Chen Mobai took out the Purple Lightning Sword from his storage bag.

I never imagined I'd be able to come back here.

The Purple Lightning Sword clearly knew this place. After turning into a purple light and circling the Bright Mirror House once, it landed in front of the wooden house door and trembled slightly in front of the sword mark left by the Qingshi Shangren, as if it were crying.

"Is this the place where the two venerable masters practiced?"

I suppose so, but they mostly enjoyed the idyllic rural life here, working at sunrise and resting at sunset. I was hung on this door, and Little Azure was placed in that stone crevice. Our two owners probably wouldn't even dance with us once a year. That lazy, monotonous life, which I initially found a bit dull, is now, in retrospect, the beginning of the spirituality that blossomed between Little Azure and me.

After hearing the description of the Purple Lightning Sword, Chen Mobai suddenly understood.

The Purple Lightning Azure Frost also progressed step by step from ordinary Natal Magic Tool to become Fourth Tier High-grade and develop spirituality, which was also a very fortuitous coincidence.

The opportunity arose in this Bright Mirror House.

Unexpectedly, these two renowned Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator from the immortal Immortal Sect, in their later years, actually laid down their swords and gave birth to spirits instead of swords.

"Will these sword intents be helpful to my cultivation?"

Chen Mobai pointed to the sword marks and sword intents inside and outside the Bright Mirror House and asked the Purple Lightning Sword.

For cultivators practicing the Qingxiao Sword Canon and the Purple Splendor Sword Canon Manual, these are the supreme paths. They might be somewhat useful to you, since the basic sword dao realms are common to all.

Purple Lightning Sword spoke the truth, Chen Mobai nodded slightly, not thinking much of it.

He was just a fake swordsmanship genius, and he didn't have any expectations for this Bright Mirror House. He would just stay here for a day to pretend.

A short while later, Yan Bingxuan came up the mountain and handed Chen Mobai a yellowed book, which was the "Purple Green Demon Refining Heavenly Script".

Chen Mobai thanked her and then kept her around for a while, but Yan Bingxuan was afraid of affecting his comprehension of sword intent, so she said a few words and quickly took her leave and went down the mountain.

The night was long, Chen Mobai could only read books.

With his current level of comprehension, he could basically understand the Purple Green Demon Refining Heavenly Script the two masters had deciphered. However, after practicing it for a while, he found that there was no reaction at all, which made him a little embarrassed.

Do you remember this celestial Heavenly Book?

After trying several times, he had no choice but to shamelessly ask the Purple Lightning Sword.

[The two masters used me and Little Azure to practice on the Purple Green Canopy above, in order to draw upon the Yin Two Energies from the Nine Heavens Astral Wind.]

Upon hearing the response from the Purple Lightning Sword, Chen Mobai was overjoyed. It turned out that he needed to wield both the Purple Lightning Azure Frost swords to cultivate, not because he lacked talent.

"If Pei Azurefrost and I join forces, will we be able to cultivate?"

"Not necessarily. I've talked to Little Azure, and she doesn't think much of her current master. If Little Azure doesn't cooperate with her, relying solely on you and me achieving Human Sword Unity might lead to a qi deviation."

Chen Mobai was greatly surprised after hearing the exclusive information revealed by the Purple Lightning Sword.

No wonder Pei Azurefrost didn't know the true method of cultivating the Purple Green Demon Refining Heavenly Script; it turns out the Azurefrost Sword hadn't told it.

I thought that with Pei Azurefrost's status and talent, she must have gained the approval of the Azurefrost Sword, but I didn't expect that the truth was not like that.

Is the Azurefrost Sword feigning compliance, or is it succumbing to the authority of the Peach Blossom Venerable?

Or perhaps he was dissatisfied with the amount of Spirit Stone Pei Azurefrost had given him? However, Chen Mobai could only pretend not to know after hearing this, since he considered himself a friend of Pei Azurefrost and had to be considerate of her feelings.

"If I really do want to cultivate the Purple Green Demon Refining Heavenly Script, could you try to persuade the Azurefrost Sword? It can ask for any amount of Spirit Stone, just consider it as labor cost. You know how generous I am."

No problem, leave it to me.

Upon hearing this, the Purple Lightning Sword immediately emitted a clear ringing sound, its tone brimming with confidence.

[However, there's something I need to tell you beforehand. Back then, the two masters were only able to control me and Little Azure to calmly absorb the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Qi after Core Formation Perfected. If you don't cultivate the two great sword manuals, even if Little Azure and I are completely under your control, you might not be able to succeed.]

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai frowned. He certainly couldn't abandon the Pure Yang Scroll he had invested so much in, but since the Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Purple Qi had enabled both of them to Nascent Soul Formation Success, it was obviously extremely useful, and he also wanted it.

Most importantly, he learned the correct method of cultivation.

Wouldn't it be such a waste to give this up for nothing?

However, this matter is not urgent; we can think of a solution after Core Formation.

The latter half of the night passed by as Chen Mobai chatted with the Purple Lightning Sword. To reward the Purple Lightning Sword for answering his questions, he gave it a Mid-grade Spirit Stone as a reward, and happily spun the Fourth Tier Sword Artifact around twice.