Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 122: A blessing in disguise

As Chu Kun entered the courtyard, Lei Jun could tell from his expression that something big had happened.

But when he actually saw the item, he was still surprised.

Chu Kun opened a small bundle, revealing a mass of glittering, sand-like material. These grains shimmered with multicolored radiance, illuminating the entire courtyard with a dazzling glow. The sheer intensity of the Spiritual Energy emanating from them was remarkable.

When Lei Jun took the bundle from Chu Kun, he felt a noticeable weight in his hand. Though the package seemed small, it was surprisingly heavy. No wonder Chu Kun looked strained when he brought it out.

Without using his own Mana to inspect it, Lei Jun could already sense the Five Elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth manifesting and interacting before his eyes.

"It resembles the Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand described in ancient texts..." Lei Jun said, looking up at Chu Kun. "But this spiritual item has long been extinct; I've never seen it in person."

Chu Kun nodded. "It should indeed be the Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand. I’ve never seen it before either, but I read about it in my clan’s records when I was young. The descriptions match those in the Mansion's ancient texts."

Lei Jun asked, "So, how did you get this?"

Chu Kun replied, "I went down the mountain with some senior brothers, but we got separated along the way. I stumbled upon this treasure deep in the mountains and brought it back. At first, I thought I was seeing things—after all, the Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand was said to have disappeared long ago.

"But considering the recent surge of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy and the frequent disruptions in the Earth Veins, perhaps that’s what brought it back into the world."

The young Daoist smiled. "Either way, it’s a good thing."

This treasure had been forgotten for so long that few in the world knew about it. Only top-tier sects like the Tianshi Mansion or the Chu Clan of Suzhou had preserved such ancient knowledge. That’s why Lei Jun and Chu Kun could recognize it.

According to the texts, this treasure had many uses, but its most significant function was to help certain Daoist lineages' cultivators ascend from the Fourth Heaven to the Fifth Heaven, reducing the risks of the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between these realms.

For the Talismanic Branch of Daoism, this was especially valuable.

In the Tianshi Mansion tradition, the Fourth Heaven was called the Primal Talisman Stage, and the Fifth Heaven was the Dao Palace Stage. The Dao Palace involved internal and external cultivation, merging essence and spirit, rooted in the Five Viscera and the Five Elements.

The Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand was perfect for this.

For Chu Kun, it might be useful in the future, but he still had a long way to go.

Lei Jun, already in the Fourth Heaven Primal Talisman Stage, was much closer to using it.

However, Chu Kun didn’t have to give it to him. He could have quietly kept it, and Lei Jun would have been none the wiser.

Though Lei Jun had his suspicions, they were just that—suspicions. He hadn’t expected Chu Kun to use the Superior Wind Talisman for such a purpose.

"Without your Superior Wind Talisman, Senior Brother, I wouldn’t have gotten this treasure," Chu Kun said gratefully. And the other things I wanted... he thought to himself.

"Perhaps this is fate. I’m still far from the Middle Heavens, so this treasure suits you better, Senior Brother Lei."

Chu Kun smiled inwardly. He had traveled thousands of miles from home to join the Tianshi Mansion. While he had Chu Andong, an uncle from his clan, in the Mansion, they weren’t from the same lineage. Chu Kun knew it was wise to build good relationships with his fellow disciples.

Thanks to Lei Jun's Superior Wind Talisman, he had gotten what he needed. While Lei Jun didn’t know the details, favors should be repaid to strengthen bonds. So, giving away the Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand didn’t bother him.

"Thank you, Junior Brother Chu," Lei Jun said sincerely, accepting the treasure.

Lei Jun didn’t believe for a second that Chu Kun just stumbled upon such a rare item nearby. He was curious how Chu Kun really obtained the treasure.

Even the Chu Clan of Suzhou might not have any left. But since Chu Kun didn’t mention it, Lei Jun didn’t pry. As long as Chu Kun harbored no ill intent, Lei Jun respected his right to secrecy.

After all, Lei Jun himself had many secrets.

When he saw Chen Yi wielding Blood River Secret Arts, he hadn’t interrogated him. With Chu Kun, a closer friend, he had even less reason to ask.

Based on his guess, this Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand was likely the Fifth-Grade Opportunity mentioned by his Upper-Moderate Omen. If so, there was no hidden danger—he could safely accept it.

Lei Jun thought back and realized that if he had chosen the Lower-Moderate Omen, he would have missed Chu Kun’s request and the chance to give him the Superior Wind Talisman.

Chu Kun’s gratitude for the talisman seemed genuine.

If Lei Jun had gone to the northern frontier, Chu Kun might have missed the treasure or had to find another way to get a Superior Wind Talisman.

"Whether it’s good karma or luck, the result is good."

After Chu Kun left, Lei Jun stored the Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand safely.

A few days later, his master, Yuan Mobai, returned.

Lei Jun and Chu Kun informed him of the situation.

"This is indeed a rare treasure," Yuan Mobai said. "I’ve only read about it in ancient texts."

He didn’t ask how Chu Kun obtained it, merely ensuring there were no hidden curses or dark forces in the sand. Then he warned Lei Jun:

"The Five Elements Grand Evolution Treasure Sand can help you overcome the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Fourth Heaven and Fifth Heaven, but it’s your cultivation that truly matters."

Lei Jun nodded solemnly. "I will remember your teachings, Master."

Yuan Mobai smiled, encouraged them, and caught up on their missed lessons.

Later, he mentioned the recent activities of the High Priests’ Hall.

"With the surge in Spiritual Energy and the disruptions in the Earth Veins, the sect must make preparations," Yuan Mobai explained.

The changes in Heaven and Earth were clear, and the political situation in the Tang Dynasty was also shifting.

While the southern regions were relatively stable, the north was becoming turbulent. The Tang Emperor's recent hunting trip had been a feint; his real target was the Xiao Clan of Longxi, one of the Five Great Surnames.

The power struggle between the imperial court and the noble clans had entered a new stage.

No wonder the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou had been quiet lately—they were focused on more significant battles.

Though these matters were beyond Lei Jun and Chu Kun for now, they focused on their cultivation.

With the help of Pure Spirit Stone and the Yin-Yang Twin Fiends, Lei Jun's Mana grew purer.

As winter approached, Lei Jun finally condensed his Second Primal Talisman.

He had reached the Intermediate Primal Talisman Stage.

A year and a half later, the Tianshi Mansion would break tradition and hold an Initiation Ceremony on the fifteenth of the first month of the new year.