Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 121: Exchange between Brothers

Given the current situation, if Lei Jun wanted to venture beyond the Northern Frontier desert, it seemed he’d have to make the trip alone.

Among his reliable companions, his Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen’s whereabouts were always uncertain. The last he heard, she was in the Southern Wasteland, far removed from the Northern Frontier.

His Master, Yuan Mobai, was still on Mount Longhu. However, as the head of the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, he couldn’t easily leave. Even if Yuan Mobai weren’t managing the Sect Altar, he still wouldn’t be free to go.

The Senior Masters’ Hall had six Senior Masters, plus the auditing disciple Tang Xiaotang—making seven in total. But Xu Yuanzhen was often absent, and Shangguan Ning frequently traveled between the capital and Mount Longhu. If Yuan Mobai left too, the personnel shortage would be even worse.

It was rumored that Elder Yao Yuan, who had been in seclusion for reflection, was set to return to the Senior Masters’ Hall. But even with Yao Yuan back, Yuan Mobai’s duties would remain heavy, keeping him anchored to Mount Longhu.

As for Tang Xiaotang, she was still drifting over the eastern seas…

Lei Jun didn’t know much about his Senior Brother Wang Guiyuan’s abilities, but it was obvious he wouldn’t risk going to the demon-infested Northern Frontier.

While Lei Jun pondered whether to set out this summer, a glowing sphere suddenly flashed in his mind, followed by floating words:

“When misfortune strikes, it may be a blessing in disguise. Consider carefully, seek fortune, and avoid calamity.”

A Fortune Omen appeared at this moment… Lei Jun’s heart stirred slightly.

This time, the glowing sphere produced only two omens. Lei Jun examined them carefully:

Upper-Moderate Omen: Stay within the sect, cultivate diligently. When the time is right, there will be an opportunity to obtain a Fifth-Grade Opportunity, risk-free and without repercussions. Good.

Lower-Moderate Omen: Travel to the ice lake beyond the Northern Frontier. There is a chance to obtain a Fifth-Grade Opportunity, but the danger is immense, and your life is at risk. Bad.

Both omens offered a Fifth-Grade Opportunity, but the paths were vastly different.

The Upper-Moderate Omen promised a risk-free, no-consequence chance for a Fifth-Grade Opportunity.

The Lower-Moderate Omen also promised a Fifth-Grade Opportunity, but it came with life-threatening danger.

Given Lei Jun’s current cultivation level and the Breath-Taking Flag at his side, any danger that could threaten his life had to be incredibly severe.

Yet the Lower-Moderate Omen pointed precisely to the ice lake beyond the Northern Frontier.

Lei Jun’s brow furrowed briefly, but he quickly relaxed. He chose the Upper-Moderate Omen.

While this decision might mean missing out on the True Yin Spiritual Item he needed, it wasn’t worth taking such a significant risk.

In the worst-case scenario, if the ice lake truly contained a unique True Yin Spiritual Item that paired with his True Yang Mystic Flower, he would only lose the chance to upgrade his Bone Structure to a Sacred Physique.

And even if that were the case, he could still explore other ways to enhance his Bone Structure. Starting over wouldn’t be the end of the world.

His cultivation path was still on track. While it was wise to plan for the future, as long as he advanced steadily, his prospects remained bright.

Upgrading his Bone Structure would be a bonus. It would be nice, but there was no need to gamble for it.

Moreover, the True Yin Spiritual Item in the ice lake was only a possibility, not a certainty.

Based on his previous experiences with the Shadow Hare, Heart-Burning Wyrm, Purifying Spirit Rock, and the Divine Eye Mirror Stone, Lei Jun suspected that the item corresponding to the True Yang Mystic Flower would likely be a Fourth-Grade Opportunity, not a Fifth-Grade one.

Of course, this was just a theory.

But if chasing this theory meant risking his life, the danger far outweighed the reward.

I’ll check out the Bamboo Sea in Southern Shu later… Lei Jun thought.

For now, the ice lake beyond the Northern Frontier dropped to the bottom of his priority list.

If the Bamboo Sea didn’t yield results, he’d reconsider his options.

As his strength increased over time, the dangers of the Northern Frontier might lessen. If he missed out, it was fate. What’s past is past.

Having made his decision, Lei Jun no longer hesitated or worried about the Lower-Moderate Omen and its associated Fifth-Grade Opportunity.

He focused his attention on the Upper-Moderate Omen.

He noticed the wording: “When the time is right, there will be an opportunity to obtain a Fifth-Grade Opportunity.”

This implied the opportunity wasn’t guaranteed. It might depend on his actions when the time came.

Though uncertain what the opportunity would be, Lei Jun felt a flicker of interest.

Since the omen advised patience, he calmed his mind and continued to focus on his cultivation.

As Lei Jun sat cross-legged in meditation, the large Primal Talisman above his head remained steady. Over time, a new radiance began to emerge, weaving itself into a distinct pattern in the air.

On this day, Lei Jun concluded his breathing exercises, stored away the Purifying Spirit Rock and other treasures, then pushed open the door and stepped outside.

In his courtyard, he practiced several rounds of Internal Fist, invigorating his Qi and Blood.

In the middle of his practice, a voice called out from outside the courtyard:

“Senior Brother Lei!”

Lei Jun continued his movements without pause and replied casually, “Junior Brother Chu? Come in.”

The visitor was indeed Chu Kun.

The two of them had known each other for a long time and were quite familiar with one another.

Chu Kun entered the courtyard, poured himself some tea, and patiently waited for Lei Jun to finish his practice.

When Lei Jun completed his routine, he returned his stance to a neutral position, exhaled deeply, and then sat down at the table in the courtyard. He asked, “Shouldn’t you be attending Master’s lecture?”

Chu Kun handed Lei Jun a cup of tea and replied, “I heard there’s urgent business at the Senior Masters’ Hall, so Master is busy. My lessons are postponed for a few days, and he’ll make it up later.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Practice on your own for now. If you have questions, ask me. If I can help, I will. If not, you can ask Master later.”

Just a few days ago, Senior Brother Wang Guiyuan had gone into seclusion. So apart from their master Yuan Mobai, Chu Kun could only seek guidance from his Second Senior Brother Lei Jun.

“I'm not worried about the Daoist teachings. Master said he’d cover that later,” Chu Kun explained. “I actually came here to ask if you could help me draw a High-Grade Wind Talisman.”

Lei Jun glanced at him. “Planning to leave the mountain for a while?”

Chu Kun nodded. “Not far. I’ll be back before Master resumes lessons. I’m just going down the mountain for a few days with some fellow disciples. But, you know, better safe than sorry. So I thickened my face to ask you for a High-Grade Wind Talisman.”

Having formally been initiated into the mansion, Chu Kun practiced the Daoist Arts and Talismanic Scriptures of the Tianshi Mansion. He had also successfully reached the Foundation Establishment Stage and could draw basic Wind Talismans.

However, he could only create Lower-Grade versions, and they weren’t his Life-Bound Spell.

Like Wang Guiyuan and Lei Jun, Chu Kun’s first Life-Bound Spell was also the Spirit Strike Talisman.

In theory, he could rely on his family, the Chu Clan, to purchase a High-Grade Wind Talisman from other disciples. But that roundabout method wasn’t necessary.

Lei Jun nodded. “It’s always wise to ensure your safety.”

Without hesitation, Lei Jun agreed to the request. Having reached the Fourth Heaven Primal Talisman Stage, he could effortlessly draw High-Grade basic talismans.

Chu Kun gratefully accepted the Wind Talisman, thanked Lei Jun, and after chatting a bit more, took his leave.

Lei Jun watched Chu Kun’s figure disappear beyond the courtyard gate, then withdrew his gaze.

However, his movements froze slightly, and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he looked toward the courtyard entrance again.

“...Am I being overly sensitive, or did I miss something?”

After leaving Lei Jun’s courtyard, Chu Kun didn’t head straight down the mountain. He returned to his own residence first.

That night, when the world was silent and still, Chu Kun was fully prepared. He checked himself thoroughly, took a deep breath, and tapped his forehead lightly with his index finger.

In an instant, without any warning, he vanished from his room.

This time, he was gone for a long while.

Time passed slowly.

Just before dawn, when the sky was beginning to lighten, Chu Kun’s figure reappeared in his room.

He looked utterly exhausted and disheveled, though uninjured.

Slumping into a chair, he muttered, “Whew, that was truly risky.”

But the result was worth it. He had obtained what he wanted—and even gained an unexpected bonus.

“All thanks to Senior Brother Lei’s High-Grade Wind Talisman,” he thought. “Without it, I would’ve had to find another way or abandon the mission. Time was too tight.”

Was it my luck that paid off, or Lei Senior Brother’s? Chu Kun wondered. The biggest reward from this trip wasn’t useful to him yet, but it was perfect for Lei Jun.

Good deeds truly did get repaid.

He stretched and sat up. “If only I had more time to rest and enjoy myself. But I had to rush back. Not even time to catch up on sleep.”

Although he had reached Foundation Establishment and his body far surpassed ordinary mortals, Chu Kun was visibly drained, yawning repeatedly.

His Mana was heavily depleted, and his Essence, Qi, and Spirit were all exhausted.

Nonetheless, he forced himself to freshen up, took a few elixirs to restore his strength, and headed out to meet his fellow disciples.

“Junior Brother Chu, you look tired! Were you up all night training?” one of his companions joked.

Chu Kun replied nonchalantly, “Just hit a bottleneck in my cultivation. Don’t ask.”

There was no real need for secrecy, but Chu Kun needed to cover up his late-night activities to avoid suspicion.

The trip down the mountain was uneventful, and the group soon returned.

Chu Kun rested for a few days to fully recover.

Once his energy was restored, he went to see Lei Jun again.

“Senior Brother, I picked up a treasure during my trip. Take a look!” Chu Kun announced excitedly as he entered Lei Jun’s courtyard.

Lei Jun looked up, his eyes serious. “Oh?”

Chu Kun nodded enthusiastically, pulling out a bundle. He carefully unwrapped it in front of Lei Jun.

Immediately, brilliant lights of all colors burst forth, filling the courtyard with a dazzling radiance.