Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 144: The Heavenly Master’s Disciples

At this moment, Yuan Mobai looked at the Rolling Panda with complete calm, no longer fazed by its antics.

Hearing Lei Jun’s question, he smiled and said, “It has a bit of talent, I suppose. But much will still depend on its own nature and how it’s nurtured.”

Though he said this, Lei Jun knew well that his master was renowned on Mount Longhu for his physical combat prowess.

Rumor had it that when Yuan Mobai fought his enemies, he seldom relied on other mystical techniques. The Tianshi Mansion’s true legacy techniques he was most known for using were just three:

1. Spirit Strike Talisman (Shen Da Fu).
2. Stepping the Big Dipper (Ta Gang Bu Dou).
3. Destiny Star Spirit (Ming Xing Shen).

One talisman, one method, and one divine ability—all suited for close combat.

Yuan Mobai’s combat style resembled that of a body refining martial arts master, which was a unique sight even among Mount Longhu’s elite, recognized by cultivators from other regions as well.

Looking again at the gigantic Rolling Panda, Lei Jun felt a strong sense of déjà vu regarding its future development path.

However, there was a significant difference between the Rolling Panda and Yuan Mobai. For example, the Rolling Panda seemed perfectly content just being a panda.

Even though Lei Jun had taught it the Salvation Sutra and patiently guided it, the panda didn’t seem interested in transforming into a human form. It remained a lazy, gluttonous bear.

Apart from its increasingly crafty eyes, there were no visible signs of progress in its cultivation of the Salvation Sutra. Instead, it had grown lazier, greedier, and more mischievous, constantly playing tricks on Lei Jun and his fellow disciples.

Chu Kun, in particular, found it unbearable.

The Rolling Panda especially loved being fed by Chu Kun. Because Chu Kun’s cultivation level was not as high, he often failed to restrain the panda, which took full advantage of him.

“Alright, alright, you bully me every time.” Chu Kun threw a piece of Spirit Bamboo to the panda in exasperation.

The panda happily chewed the bamboo leaves.

Chu Kun smirked in frustration. “Don’t get too smug. You’re not going to have it easy soon.”

He was about to leave the mountain for a while.

The mansion had organized a training expedition for young disciples, and Chu Kun had been selected to go with a group to Xuanyang Grotto-Heaven in the Yang Mountain Branch Estate.

It was an experience similar to the one Lei Jun had gone through previously.

“The Xuanyang Grotto-Heaven has been stable for years and should be relatively safe,” Wang Guiyuan said worriedly. “But given the current unrest, it’s best to stay vigilant.”

He looked at Lei Jun. “When Lei Junior Brother went to the Yang Mountain Branch Estate, he was attacked by disciples of the Yellow Heaven Sect.”

Lei Jun blinked.

That was true. But he also received a Supreme Good Omen back then and obtained a Fourth-Grade Opportunity in the form of a Fire Marrow Yangfish, which enhanced his comprehension.

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I’ll be careful,” Chu Kun promised. “Besides, the Yellow Heaven Sect suffered greater losses than us recently. They’ve been quiet lately.”

Wang Guiyuan’s expression was serious. “That’s precisely why we should stay alert. Complacency can be dangerous.”

Just as he had prepared Lei Jun for his trip, Wang Guiyuan now prepared supplies for Chu Kun.

With the recent years of turmoil, Wang Guiyuan adopted a cautious approach, packing extensively for Chu Kun.

Chu Kun, like Lei Jun, had a Geographical Compass Box—a convenient treasure for carrying supplies.

“Senior Brother’s advice about caution is wise,” Lei Jun agreed.

After sizing up Chu Kun, Lei Jun took out his modified Golden Threaded Robe. He had added Dragon Horse Scales to it, increasing its defensive power. Unfortunately, he hadn’t had many opportunities to use it.

“Take this,” Lei Jun said. “As you always say, safety first.”

Chu Kun, recognizing the value of the robe, was overjoyed and thanked Lei Jun profusely.

He felt lucky to have been accepted as Yuan Mobai’s disciple. As his cousin Chu Yu had said, not only was their master reliable, but his senior brothers were kind and dependable too.

Now well-equipped, Daoist Chu Kun bid farewell to his master and senior brothers and went to join his fellow disciples heading to the Yang Mountain Branch Estate.

Lei Jun, after seeing Chu Kun off, returned to his own cultivation.

He continued to draw the Azure Dragon Lightning Force into his body, refining it diligently.

In his Central Three Purities Palace, the roar of dragons and the sound of thunder echoed together.

Once he had absorbed enough yang energy for his cultivation, Lei Jun concluded this phase of his training at the mountain gate.

It was time to focus on yin energy.

He already had his target in mind: the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force from the Chiyuan Grotto-Heaven in the Chishan Branch Estate.

After making his preparations, Lei Jun set off again with the gigantic Rolling Panda.

“Senior Brother, I still have plenty of supplies left from last time. I really don’t need more this time.”

Before Wang Guiyuan could say anything, Lei Jun preemptively added, “Next time, I promise. Next time for sure!”

Wang Guiyuan smiled and said, “No matter what, take care of yourself.”

His smile faded, and his tone grew serious. “You’ve become quite noticeable now, Lei Junior Brother. Be careful.”

“I understand. Thank you for the reminder,” Lei Jun replied.

After informing his master Yuan Mobai of his plans, Lei Jun set off down the mountain.

Perhaps it was the season for farewells. Just as Lei Jun was about to leave the mountain gate, he ran into another familiar face who was also preparing to depart.

“Senior Brother Luo,” Lei Jun greeted.

Luo Haoran stood at the gate with a group of young disciples.

“Lei Junior Brother, you’re leaving too?” Luo Haoran asked with a smile.

Lei Jun nodded. “Yes, going out to travel and train.”

He nodded in greeting to the disciples with Luo Haoran. Seeing Lei Jun, their excitement was palpable.

Strictly speaking, Lei Jun was not much older than these young disciples. Some were even his peers from the initiation ceremony a decade ago.

A few of them regarded Lei Jun with complex emotions, while the majority looked at him with admiration and reverence.

For them, Lei Daozhang was already a legendary figure in the mansion.

It wasn’t just because they were still initiates while Lei Jun had already been conferred talismans.

Though they were of similar age, it felt like they were from two different generations.

Even in a place filled with geniuses like Tianshi Mansion, Lei Jun stood out as one of the few true prodigies.

“Senior Brother Luo, where are you heading?” Lei Jun guessed, given the season, that it might be flood relief.

Sure enough, Luo Haoran replied, “The floods at Xunjiang are severe. The Steward’s Hall assigned us to assist with the relief efforts.”

Even if the hall hadn’t assigned him, Luo Haoran would have volunteered to help. Now, he had a team of fellow disciples joining him.

As a Talismanic Daoist, Luo Haoran was leading the team.

“Take this with you,” Lei Jun said, handing Luo Haoran a faintly glowing Water-Repelling Golden Eye. He had obtained it at Qingxiao Lake in the Yunxiao Mountains.

Given their cultivation level, both he and Luo Haoran could easily craft superior Water-Repelling Talismans. But having this treasure provided an extra layer of safety.

Luo Haoran and the others thanked Lei Jun.

After exchanging farewells, they went their separate ways.

Lei Jun leapt onto the Rolling Panda’s back. “Let’s go, you glutton.”

The Rolling Panda, still fond of the Upper Qing Golden Bamboo, was curious to see if Chishan Branch Estate had any new delicacies.

After recent cultivation, the panda had grown even larger and faster, its speed now akin to a lightning bolt.

Riding the panda, Lei Jun sped across the mountains toward the Chishan Branch Estate.

When he arrived, the familiar red-glowing clouds above the mountains marked his destination: the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force.

He greeted the local elder, who regarded him with surprise and admiration.

The elder knew when Lei Jun had first refined the Nine Nether Yin Wind Force. He hadn’t expected Lei Jun to now be ready for the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force so soon.

“Jingzhen is also here,” the elder mentioned.

“Senior Sister Zhang?” Lei Jun nodded.

He visited Zhang Jingzhen, who remained as graceful and composed as ever.

“Be careful with the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force. Though it’s yin-based, it’s violent,” she warned.

“Thank you, Senior Sister,” Lei Jun replied.

She nodded and said no more, preparing to delve deeper into the Chiyuan Grotto-Heaven.

Lei Jun climbed to the mountain peak, ready to draw in the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force.

After a period of preparation, Lei Jun began to draw the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force into his body, refining it diligently.

With the harmonization of his Yin-Yang Sacred Physique and the Central Three Purities Palace, the Yin and Yang forces fused seamlessly. The Azure Dragon Lightning Force and the Scarlet Dragon Abyss Force intertwined like two dragons, one blue and one red, coiling around his Central Three Purities Palace.

Over time, he stabilized and nurtured the fusion of these two forces. Once he was confident in his progress, Lei Jun concluded his cultivation at the Chishan Branch Estate.

Having accomplished his goal, he didn’t linger. He patted the Rolling Panda, and the duo promptly set off to return to Mount Longhu.

But just after they started their journey, a familiar light sphere flashed in Lei Jun’s mind, revealing lines of text:

“The rise and fall of spiritual energy, the impermanence of nature, good and ill intertwine, and the fates of heaven and man bring both blessings and disasters.”

This was followed by four omen options:

1. Upper-Moderate Omen

   “Return to Mount Longhu via Twilight Gorge. You will gain a Fifth-Grade Opportunity without danger or consequences. Good.”

2. Moderate Omen

   “Return to Mount Longhu via Twilight Gorge, Cangling River Valley, or other routes outside Tiansong Mountain. No gain, no loss. Neutral.”

3. Lower-Moderate Omen

   “Return to Mount Longhu via Cangling River Valley. You will gain a Fifth-Grade Opportunity, but danger lurks at every step. The outcome is uncertain. Bad.”

4. Lower-Bad Omen

   “Return to Mount Longhu via Tiansong Mountain. You may gain a Seventh-Grade Opportunity, but you will face certain doom. Death awaits you. Very Bad!”