Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 124: Yuan Mobai's Background

The news spread uncontrollably, sweeping through the entire Mount Longhu and stirring up a frenzy.

The Tianshi Sword had been missing for over two years—could it finally return to the Tianshi Mansion?

Compared to the long-lost Tianshi Seal, the Tianshi Sword's disappearance of just over two years seemed relatively short.

But for all the successors of Mount Longhu, whether bearing the surname Li or not, each day without it felt agonizingly long.

Now that there was finally hope, everyone was overjoyed.

But their joy was short-lived—a cold splash of reality quickly sobered them up.

In the vast East Sea, the Tianshi Sword appeared briefly, only to vanish back into the ocean, once again leaving no trace.

Tang Xiaotang missed this priceless treasure of the Tianshi Mansion by a hair’s breadth.

If not for the sudden appearance of a great demon, she would have succeeded.

The "First Daoist Apprentice in History" was so furious that she was practically "one Buddha was born, and two Buddhas ascended to heaven."

Though she eventually tore that great demon to pieces, the Tianshi Sword still eluded her.

Tang Xiaotang was relentless, plunging even deeper into the ocean, vowing not to return without her goal.

Due to the environmental barriers, her contact with the Tianshi Mansion was temporarily cut off.

“The ancient records mention that in the depths of the East Sea lies the Great Void, also called the Gui Void, a perilous place where the world meets its end,” sighed Wang Guiyuan. “Although Junior Sister Tang has great talent and strength, she mustn’t underestimate the dangers of the world, especially in such complicated and perilous times.”

Lei Jun nodded silently.

Clearly, their Little Senior Sister was too invested in this.

But it was too late for words; all they could do was hope that her good fortune would shield her from harm.

Outside, the storm raged on, but within the Tianshi Mansion, a calm sanctuary remained.

The latest Talisman Conferral Ceremony had been successfully held and concluded without a hitch.

After the ceremony, the Pure Yang Palace cultivators, including Lü Jinduan, Yue Xiling, and other guests, departed the mountain and returned home.

Lei Jun and his fellow disciples assisted their master Yuan Mobai in the post-event tasks. Once everything settled down, life returned to normal.

For Lei Jun, the days ahead were dedicated to focused cultivation.

Though the Pure Spirit Stone had been exhausted, the Yin-Yang Twin Fiends—Azure Sky Thunder Fiend and Nine Nether Yin Wind Fiend—continued to provide Lei Jun with endless support.

Not only did this sustain his daily progress, but it also enhanced and accelerated his growth.

Thus, Lei Jun’s primary focus shifted to two goals.

First, after his second Primal Talisman, he continued refining his mana to construct his third Primal Talisman.

Second, he began inscribing his spells onto his second Primal Talisman.

Previously, with just one Primal Talisman, his three life-bound spells and one major technique were all crammed into it. This gave him a complete combat framework even at the early stages.

Now, with a second Primal Talisman, he could distribute his spells, making his mana more refined, flexible, and responsive.

In the future, once he perfected the Primal Talisman stage and acquired four talismans, the ideal scenario would be to dedicate each life-bound spell or technique to a separate talisman.

At that point, each spell’s flexibility and power would reach their maximum potential.

With the Yin-Yang Twin Fiends aiding him, his spell power would ascend to new heights.

Time blurred during cultivation; seasons passed unnoticed.

In the blink of an eye, another year slipped by.

This peaceful routine was disrupted by Lei Jun’s master, Yuan Mobai.

“Yuanzhen has sent word that the True Yin Land in the Bamboo Sea of Southern Shu is approaching maturity,” said Yuan Mobai. “The exact time is uncertain, so she left the site. To gain the upper hand, we should send someone to wait there for the right moment.”

Lei Jun nodded calmly. “Understood, Master. I’ll set out shortly.”

This situation mirrored their discovery of the Water Marrow Yinfish. If someone else got there first, there’d be no recourse.

Back then, Yuan Mobai had accompanied him. But now, with Yuan Mobai overseeing the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, he wouldn’t leave Mount Longhu unless absolutely necessary.

This time, Lei Jun would have to go alone.

He hoped to find a True Yin Spirit to pair with the True Yang Mystic Flower. Combined with the True-One Altar, these three elements might further enhance his Bone Structure beyond his current Spirit Physique.

“Be careful, Chongyun,” Yuan Mobai advised. “It’s a shame Junior Sister Xiaotang hasn’t returned yet.”

Tang Xiaotang had reestablished contact after months of silence, having ventured deep into the East Sea.

The good news was that she was unharmed and thriving.

The bad news was that the Tianshi Sword still eluded her.

Her latest reports placed her heading north, toward the Northern Ice Sea.

She was clearly obsessed.

As long as she was safe, Yuan Mobai and the others had little choice but to let her be.

Others were less fortunate.

A year was neither long nor short, yet it had seen dramatic events.

For instance, the Emperor of the Tang nearly died.

If not for the timely intervention of royal experts, the Pure Yang Palace elder Huang Lao, and other powerhouses, the Emperor might have perished in the Western Regions.

In the autumn, the top human and demon experts clashed in a decisive battle in the deserts of Longxi.

The fierce battle changed the very landscape.

The cost was devastating.

Many powerful demons perished.

On the human side, the Longxi Xiao Clan was almost wiped out, their clan head slain and their elites decimated—a loss even greater than the Tianshi Mansion's past internal strife.

The leader of the allied Shangguan Clan fell, and Emperor Zhang Qilong was gravely injured.

The Fang Clan of Jingxiang and the Ye Clan of Jinzhou suffered similar heavy losses.

Even the sacred Daoist Pure Yang Palace, and the Buddhist Bodhi and Vajra Monasteries, lost many experts.

The Tang Court, noble clans, and Daoist sects were all severely weakened.

Despite the devastating losses, they achieved a narrow victory, pushing the Western Region demons back and securing peace for the foreseeable future.

But the price paid left deep scars.

These changes disrupted many plans—and inspired new ones.

“I heard the northern elder played his cards well?” Chu Kun asked curiously.

Hailing from the Suzhou Chu Clan, he often heard about the rivalries between the great clans.

Chu Kun’s master, Yuan Mobai, shook his head. “Mind your words, Chongyun.”

“Yes, Master, I misspoke,” Chu Kun apologized.

Yuan Mobai continued, “We may not know Elder Ye’s true intentions, but the reports stand.”

Lei Jun mused, “The Xiao Clan is out. The Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, the Fang Clan of Jingxiang, and the Ye Clan of Jinzhou are keeping low. That leaves the Ye Clan of Qingzhou, the Chu Clan of Suzhou, and the Lin Clan of Youzhou…”

The Tang Court was vulnerable.

Would they hold the empire together?

Yuan Mobai smiled. “The Tang Court still holds deep reserves of power.”

Lei Jun nodded. The Zhang royal family, though young compared to the noble clans, was undeniably influential.

“The Princess was always praised for her talent,” Yuan Mobai remarked. “In the Western battle, she finally proved herself.”

Chu Kun added, “My aunt once spoke highly of her, too.”

Lei Jun commented, “Let’s hope the Emperor endures.”

The future of the Tianshi Mansion remained uncertain.

“We Daoists follow fate and do our best,” Yuan Mobai said. “Our priority is preserving our Dao. But we must also live without regret.”

Lei Jun and Chu Kun bowed. “We’ll remember your teachings, Master.”

After Chu Kun left, Yuan Mobai addressed Lei Jun. “Chongyun, when you reach Southern Shu, you may encounter the Shu Mountain Sect. Be cautious.”

Lei Jun listened carefully.

Yuan Mobai’s past was entwined with the Shu Mountain Sect.

“Bring these letters to their elders,” Yuan Mobai instructed.

Lei Jun accepted the task and prepared for his journey west.

Avoiding airships for stealth, he traveled on foot, cultivating as he went.

Soon, he entered the lands of Bashu.

Near Mount Wu, a flash of sword light appeared.

A young Daoist in coarse robes greeted him with a Daoist salute. “Greetings, Daoist brother from Mount Longhu. I am Ji Chuan of Shu Mountain.”

He squinted at Lei Jun, recognition dawning.

His expression changed. “Wait, you’re that mountain monster’s disciple!”

Lei Jun: “?”