Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 125: Master’s Dark History

"Shanpi?

...???"

Lei Jun's mind was full of question marks.

For a moment, he thought he misheard.

In this world, the term Shanpi—also known as Iron-Eating Beast—referred to a bear with black and white fur…

In other words, a panda!

He’d known for a while that this world’s Bashu region also had such creatures. He’d even been planning to see one on this trip to the Bamboo Sea of Southern Shu.

In this world of cultivation, it wasn't just humans who could cultivate using spiritual energy.

Other living beings could also cultivate, not necessarily becoming demons but transforming into spirit beasts or even celestial spirits.

There were tiger spirits, fox spirits, snake spirits… so naturally, pandas could cultivate too.

Lei Jun accepted this fact easily.

But listening to this Shu Mountain disciple, did it mean his own master, Yuan Mobai, was actually a panda spirit?

Master, I have to say, you’ve really given me a huge surprise...

No, seriously—how come you never mentioned this before?

Lei Jun’s mouth twitched, and in front of others, he didn’t quite know what expression to put on.

Before he left, Yuan Mobai had explained many things about Shu Mountain, but when it came to his own past, he had glossed over it.

"Back then, it was an unintentional mistake, but it was indeed my fault. Fortunately, the grudges have mostly been resolved."

At the time, the purple-robed youth had been calm: "Some matters involve your grandmaster, so I won’t go into detail. If you meet Shu Mountain disciples, those who know might tell you a bit."

Master, do you have an image to uphold now? Why skip the most crucial information?

Lei Jun inwardly complained.

He suddenly felt that the meaning of that Upper Qing Golden Bamboo he carried had changed.

Many past doubts were now instantly clear.

No wonder Yuan Mobai once told Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen that no matter what, he’d be the last choice for the next Tianshi.

It also explained why Yuan Mobai, an elder from an external family, could get along so well with the elders of the Li Family, serving as a bridge for compromise and balance, and even temporarily managing the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar.

Clearly, this was due to more than just Yuan Mobai’s personality and conduct; his origins also played a part.

Moreover, as Yuan Mobai had said before, he was curious about the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon but didn’t particularly desire it.

Considering his origins and strengths, the most suitable cultivation method for him in the Three Caves of Dao was indeed the Life Arts Talismanic Canon.

On one hand, it helped him transform into human form and practice orthodox Daoist talisman scriptures.

On the other hand, as a panda, he already had an innate physical advantage.

Hmm… now that I think about it, I really want to see Master’s true form...

Lei Jun quickly suppressed his wandering thoughts.

Looking at the hostile Ji Chuan before him, another question came to mind.

It seemed Yuan Mobai’s background hadn’t spread widely. Otherwise, Lei Jun would’ve heard about it by now.

Judging by the situation, it seemed limited to Mount Longhu and Shu Mountain, and only to a select few.

Whether he was lucky or unlucky, Lei Jun had happened to encounter Ji Chuan, one of those in the know.

It wasn’t strange for Tianshi Mansion to keep such matters confidential.

Even in the past, spirit beasts taking human form attracted attention.

Especially someone like Yuan Mobai, who held a high position.

Recently, with great demons causing chaos and a near-catastrophic demon rebellion in the Western Regions, such matters had become even more sensitive.

Revealing Yuan Mobai’s identity to the public would likely cause an uproar.

Even though Yuan Mobai cultivated with spiritual energy, not demonic energy.

But clearly, Shu Mountain hadn’t spread the news either.

This confirmed that the grudges Yuan Mobai mentioned had indeed been mostly resolved.

Of course, it didn’t rule out the possibility of a “This secret is mine to keep forever” situation.

Numerous thoughts flashed through Lei Jun’s mind, but outwardly, he remained calm:

“Ji Chuan... I’ve heard of you. You’re a top disciple under Senior He Dongxing of Shu Mountain.

I just didn’t expect your manners to fall short of your reputation.”

He held up a jade slip and waved it in front of Ji Chuan:

“What a pity. My master even wrote a letter, instructing me to visit Senior He and deliver his greetings.”

Ji Chuan, having just recalled his master’s teachings, regretted his earlier words.

Hearing Lei Jun’s response, his expression shifted as if he wanted to say something but swallowed it back.

Master, are you sure the grudges have been resolved?

Lei Jun almost had the urge to facepalm.

“I was rude just now. Please don’t take offense, Daoist Lei.”

Ji Chuan took a deep breath, calming himself.

His eyes landed on the jade slip in Lei Jun’s hand.

“Daoist Lei, this way, please. My master is up ahead. Since you have a letter from Elder Yuan, you can deliver it directly.”

Lei Jun nodded, maintaining his composure as he followed Ji Chuan forward.

He even took a moment to observe Ji Chuan.

Ji Chuan, like Lei Jun, was flying above the mountains using cloud-traversing techniques.

No sign of a flying artifact.

Earlier, Ji Chuan had appeared in a flash of sword light, his sword-flying technique clearly faster.

From what Lei Jun had heard and now witnessed, in this world, Daoist sword cultivators didn't ride their swords like skateboards.

Instead, they merged with the sword, slicing through the air like a fish swimming through water.

“How much do you know about what happened back then?”

Ji Chuan suddenly asked while leading the way.

Lei Jun vaguely replied, “Just a little.”

“I was out of line earlier. If you have time later, let me host you and show you around Bashu as an apology,” Ji Chuan said.

Lei Jun gave Ji Chuan a slightly surprised look.

But they didn’t chat further. Ahead, the mountains were bustling with activity.

Bright lights shot into the sky, forming an array that surrounded a vast area.

Not only were there sharp sword lights, but other magical artifacts as well.

Lei Jun did a quick count—there were probably hundreds of artifacts deployed, encircling a hundred-mile radius of mountains.

“A great demon, a Nine-Clawed Stone Lion, is wreaking havoc here. My master and some of my senior brothers are trying to kill it,” Ji Chuan explained.

Perhaps because of Yuan Mobai’s sensitive identity, Ji Chuan didn’t elaborate further. He simply led Lei Jun to meet his master, Elder He Dongxing of Shu Mountain.

On a solitary peak sat an elder who looked somewhat aged.

Based on Ji Chuan’s cultivation style, he was likely a Shu Mountain sword cultivator.

However, his demeanor was affable, even cheerful, without any hint of sharpness.

As Lei Jun and Ji Chuan approached the peak, Elder He looked over, smiling:

“Young friend Lei from Mount Longhu, your name has been thundering far and wide lately.”

Lei Jun saluted him. “Lei Chongyun, a junior from Mount Longhu, greets Senior He. My master sends his regards.”

He handed Yuan Mobai’s jade slip to Ji Chuan, who presented it to He Dongxing.

Ji Chuan whispered, “Master, I was rude to Daoist Lei earlier.”

“You really need to watch your mouth. Some things I’ve told you, your father’s told you, yet you still blurt things out,” He Dongxing chided gently.

Taking the jade slip without opening it, he smiled at Lei Jun:

“Before you came, your master didn’t tell you much?”

Lei Jun answered honestly, “He only mentioned that he unintentionally offended a senior of your sect, but that the grudge had mostly been resolved. He didn’t give me details, just asked me to deliver his greetings.”

He Dongxing nodded. “It was indeed an unintentional mistake, and the matter is settled.

A few years ago, my junior brother sparred with your master, purely to compare skills. Though he doesn’t say it, he deeply respects Yuan Daoist’s abilities.”

He glanced at Ji Chuan. “As for this disciple of mine... he overheard a bit and can’t keep his mouth shut. I’ll make sure he remembers.”

Ji Chuan lowered his head. “I understand, Master.”

He Dongxing turned to Lei Jun with a mischievous grin:

“Since you know already, you might as well listen. I’d love to give Yuan Daoist a bit of grief, hehe!”

Lei Jun couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Senior, isn’t that a bit inappropriate…”

Though inwardly, his curiosity was burning.

“Your master wasn’t lying. Back then, he truly made an unintentional mistake. At that time, his mind was still in a state of confusion.”

He Dongxing continued leisurely, “Shanpi are greedy eaters. After absorbing spiritual energy, their saliva corrodes gold and iron. They’ll chew on anything they find. One day, he ate a spiritual flower that belonged to my junior brother, Elder Ji.”

He paused before adding, “That spiritual flower had been cultivated by Elder Ji for nearly sixty years. It was just about ready to be harvested on the upcoming Jiazi cycle.”

Hearing this, Lei Jun's mouth twitched.

A spiritual flower growing for sixty years wasn’t particularly long.

But for a cultivator to personally care for and nurture it for six decades—relative to their lifespan—that was significant.

He couldn’t imagine what Elder Ji intended to use the flower for, or what loss he suffered from its destruction. But considering Ji Chuan’s explosive reaction, it was easy to guess the gravity of the situation.

Especially since Ji Chuan usually seemed calm and composed...

Apparently, a certain panda’s misadventure of eating the flower had led to Shu Mountain disciples chasing it out of the Bashu region.

Fortunately, the previous generation’s Tianshi intervened, protected the panda, compensated Shu Mountain, and resolved the grudge.

Aside from Elder Ji, only a few people like He Dongxing knew the details.

Others who were vaguely aware only knew there was some past conflict between Elder Ji and Yuan Mobai, but not the specifics—or Yuan Mobai’s true identity.

At Tianshi Mansion, even fewer people knew this story. Who could have guessed that the respected, composed Elder Yuan had such a “black history”...

“Since that day, your master hasn’t returned to Shu Mountain. I’d be happy to see him come back,” He Dongxing said cheerfully.

Lei Jun smiled back, thinking to himself, Hopefully, I won’t get silenced by Master when I return…

He Dongxing didn’t ask Lei Jun why he had come to Bashu or where he was headed. He simply said,

“We have business to finish here. If you’re not in a hurry, wait a few days. My disciple here can be your guide afterward.

These days, with the earth veins shifting frequently, Bashu is far more dangerous than regions outside. Be cautious.”

This was genuine concern. Lei Jun didn’t refuse and thanked He Dongxing and Ji Chuan.

The Shu Mountain disciples were hunting a great demon—the Nine-Clawed Stone Lion.

Through various methods, they had already trapped it underground within a confined area.

Now, He Dongxing would personally cast spells to force the demon out of the ground and kill it.

Ji Chuan and the other disciples had set up their artifacts in the surrounding area to assist.

Once preparations were nearly complete, other Shu Mountain disciples began arriving at the peak.

“Uncle He.”

A handsome young Daoist with a jade flute at his waist flew over on a cloud and reported to He Dongxing.

Ji Chuan turned to Lei Jun and introduced him, “Daoist Lei, this is Lin Xinran, a disciple under our Senior Gao.”

He kept the introduction brief, but Lei Jun was now sensitive to certain surnames.

Besides, before coming here, Yuan Mobai had mentioned that Shu Mountain had disciples from families like the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou.

Lin Xinran appeared calm and courteous, showing no particular reaction as he greeted Lei Jun.

However, another disciple who arrived later had a reaction even stronger than Ji Chuan’s initial one.

This disciple, named Zhao Gang, glared at Lei Jun with wide eyes.

Ji Chuan introduced him, “This is Senior Brother Zhao Gang, a direct disciple under Elder Ji.”

Zhao Gang’s eyes were filled with anger as he stared at Lei Jun.

But with He Dongxing present, he restrained himself.

Once He Dongxing left to prepare for the final assault on the Nine-Clawed Stone Lion, only Zhao Gang and Lei Jun remained.

Zhao Gang leaned in, lowering his voice:

“Yuan Mobai’s disciple, I’ll remember you.”

Lei Jun turned to look at him calmly.

Zhao Gang snorted, “We’ll settle this sooner or later!”

Lei Jun replied coolly, “Sure, you remember me—but it won’t matter, just like you don’t matter.

You seem impressive, but you’ve got no claws.”