Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 164: The prelude begins, a new battle between Li and Wai begins

The conflict between Tianshi Mansion and the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou had temporarily come to an end.

As for the atmosphere at Mount Longhu, it was complicated and difficult to describe. However, outside the ancestral grounds of the sect, most branches and affiliated academies of the Daoist Talismanic Branch, as well as other sub-divisions, were able to let out a sigh of relief. This included Lei Jun’s location at Xianliu Mountain's Xianliu Palace.

The disciples wore noticeably more cheerful expressions. Their vigilance shifted from human cultivators to guarding against potential appearances by spirit beasts.

Lei Jun, aside from reminding everyone not to completely lower their guard, also arranged for personnel to restore the various production activities of Xianliu Palace. Due to the prior conflict, although supply chains were maintained, the scale and output had fluctuated. Now, everything could gradually return to normalcy and stability.

Such matters were delegated to the Steward’s Hall for execution, leaving Lei Jun and his peers to oversee and inspect without expending much effort.

What caught Lei Jun's attention, however, was news from the ancestral grounds of the sect.

It was reported that Elder Li Hongyu, a senior elder of the High Priests’ Hall, had temporarily relinquished all her responsibilities, including her position in the High Priests’ Hall, to focus entirely on closed-door cultivation.

Many speculated that she intended to overcome the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Seventh and Eighth Heaven realms.

Li Hongyu had been at the Seventh Heaven realm for many years, having achieved it almost as quickly as the former Tianshi, Li Qingfeng. However, she had remained at that level ever since. After years of accumulation, if she could break through the tribulation, it wouldn’t be surprising.

The timing, however, added a subtle layer of intrigue. It was unclear what had triggered or inspired Li Hongyu, who had been stuck at her current level for so long, to make this decisive move.

Notably, she had not chosen to cultivate within the ancestral grounds of Mount Longhu but had instead ventured out to a private grotto-heaven she had established. Before leaving, she even left her Tianshi Robe behind, entrusting it to Li Song and Li Ziyang for safekeeping.

This news made Lei Jun feel even more intrigued.

The internal dynamics of the Li family were far from monolithic. They only appeared united when facing significant external pressure. That pressure likely came from Xu Yuanzhen.

The Jiangzhou Lin Clan had brought out their best assets and even sought reconciliation with the Youzhou Lin Clan, yet they had lost their patriarch Lin Che and elder Lin Feng to Xu Yuanzhen without achieving their goals.

This outcome not only left the Lin Clan frustrated but likely caused sleepless nights for the Li family in Xinzhou.

Li Hongyu now appeared to be taking an "all-or-nothing" gamble. It was also unlikely that Li Song and Li Ziyang would undermine her at such a critical juncture.

Conversely, Li Hongyu's decision suggested she was confident about her breakthrough.

Lei Jun thought of his Second Martial Uncle and shook his head slightly.

Her resolute decision was unlikely to be solely due to Xu Yuanzhen.

The Jiangzhou Lin Clan had suffered devastating losses at Poyang Great Marsh. Their heavy casualties were comparable only to the Xiao Clan of Longxi during the demonic chaos in the Western Region.

The Tianshi Mansion at Mount Longhu fared relatively better but still suffered some losses in their core ranks.

The good news was that none of the High Priests, except for the missing Xu Yuanzhen and the injured Elder Shangguan Ning, had fallen. The bad news was that the Middle Heaven realm had suffered significant losses, including someone Lei Jun had interacted with before.

This person was Li Hongyu’s husband, Elder Xia Bo, who perished in the battle at Poyang Great Marsh.

Upon hearing the news, Lei Jun lamented while at Xianliu Palace. Although he disliked most members of the Li family and knew of the Xia family’s ties to them, Lei Jun held no ill will toward Xia Bo personally. Over the years, they had maintained some contact.

Unfortunately, Elder Xia fell at Poyang Great Marsh. Lei Jun silently offered a stick of incense in his memory.

Li Hongyu and Xia Bo had no descendants. With Xia Bo’s death, Li Hongyu was effectively left alone, which might partly explain her determination to take this final step.

“It makes you wonder if there are other factors involved,” Lei Jun mused, shaking his head slightly.

He continued refining the Great Five-Element Creation Qi and advancing the construction of his third Dao Palace until…

“You’ve made quite a bit of progress in recent years, haven’t you?”

A tall woman suddenly appeared in Xianliu Palace, grinning at Lei Jun. It was none other than Tang Xiaotang, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Lei Jun was surprised. “What brings you here, Little Senior Sister? Have you been back to Mount Longhu?”

Tang Xiaotang casually plopped down in front of him and said, “I have. I just came from there and thought I’d swing by to see you.”

She sighed. “When I heard about your fight with the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, it was already over. Such a pity! If I had been there, I wouldn’t have let Senior Sister steal all the glory!”

Hearing this, Lei Jun glanced her over. “You’re not planning to visit the Lin Clan’s ancestral grounds alone, are you?”

Tang Xiaotang grinned mischievously. “I did consider it, but not yet. Maybe later.”

Lei Jun asked, “Does this have to do with finding the Tianshi Sword?”

Tang Xiaotang’s eyes lit up. “Exactly! I’ve reviewed what Senior Sister left behind. Combined with what I’ve gathered, I now have a much better chance than Li Zhengxuan.”

Her expression shifted as she puffed her cheeks. “But that sword is slippery as an eel. Catching it in the short term is still tough.”

Lei Jun quipped, “With how you talk about it, the sword’s spirit might avoid you altogether.”

“Uh…” Tang Xiaotang paused. “You might have a point.”

Fortunately, she quickly regained her enthusiasm. “But you’re right! If I can break through to the Eighth Heaven Divine Court realm, it’ll increase my chances significantly!”

She patted Lei Jun on the shoulder, then took out a fist-sized Glimmering Sun Gold Crystal and said, “Thanks a lot for this!”

Lei Jun replied, “No need for formalities, Little Senior Sister. I just hope it doesn’t endanger you. The tribulation between realms is always perilous.”

Tang Xiaotang laughed. “Don’t underestimate me. I’ve got this!”

Lei Jun sincerely wished her success but quickly thought of another matter. “Are you planning to cultivate to the Eighth Heaven realm here at Xianliu Mountain?”

“That’s not safe,” he added, frowning.

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand dismissively. “No, no. I’ll be at a grotto outside Mount Longhu. Little Martial Uncle introduced it to me. Since he’s gone out of his way to arrange it, I won’t decline.”

Lei Jun's eyes flickered. Was this Yuan Mobai's idea?

Given Tang Xiaotang’s personality, it would have been simpler for her to cultivate directly at Mount Longhu. However, Yuan Mobai seemed intent on convincing her to leave the mountain.

Pure Yang grottoes were rare, and even Mount Longhu’s Xuanyang Grotto-Heaven wasn’t entirely suitable due to its overly fiery Yang Qi. Yuan Mobai’s arrangement likely aimed to minimize risks.

Was the Li family behind this unease? Would they act recklessly?

Lei Jun pondered silently but maintained a calm expression. “Master is just looking out for you,” he said.

Tang Xiaotang nodded. “I know.”

Lei Jun refrained from asking for the specific location of her retreat. Such details were best kept secret. After chatting briefly, Lei Jun excused himself and instructed Yun Zhan and others to retrieve the finest Xianliu Ink.

Though curious, Yun Zhan obeyed without question. While officially intended as a gift for Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun secretly kept it in a pocket dimension.

After Tang Xiaotang left, although Yun Zhan and the others were curious, they refrained from asking since Lei Jun didn’t speak about it.

Until one day...

"Junior Nephew Lei," called Elder Liang Chen, a disciple of Martial Ancestor Li Song, as he arrived at Xianliu Mountain's Xianliu Palace.

"Elder Liang?" Lei Jun invited him to take a seat.

With a gentle smile, Liang Chen said, "This time, I’ve come out to inspect the branch mansions and academies across the region."

Lei Jun replied, "You’ve worked hard, Elder Liang. I’ll retrieve the Xianliu Palace records for your review right away."

He instructed Yun Zhan and others to bring the documents.

Liang Chen examined the records carefully, nodding repeatedly. "Everything here is well-organized and orderly. Junior Nephew Lei, not only do you have remarkable talent in cultivation, but you also handle these matters with exceptional diligence."

"You flatter me, Elder Liang," Lei Jun responded. "I tread cautiously, fearing any oversight. I hope to continue learning under your guidance."

Liang Chen chuckled, "You’re too modest. Junior Brother Yuan is fortunate to have a disciple like you; it’s truly enviable." Then, his tone shifted slightly. "However, there is one account..."

His finger tapped on the records. "A batch of superior-grade Xianliu Ink wasn’t delivered to the sect’s ancestral grounds but was temporarily diverted here. What happened?"

"This matter is true, Elder Liang. Please allow me to explain." Lei Jun maintained a calm demeanor. "Senior Sister Tang Xiaotang visited once and took the batch temporarily. I inquired about its use, but she only mentioned it was for her cultivation. I found it curious and reported it to the sect’s ancestral grounds."

Liang Chen nodded slightly. "I see."

Tang Xiaotang’s circumstances were highly unusual. By strict rules, she hadn’t participated in the Initiation Ceremony or the Talisman Conferral Ceremony, meaning her status remained that of a Daoist Apprentice. This persisted even after the former Tianshi Li Qingfeng secluded himself and after his passing—due to her own eccentricity.

Yet, from the day she entered Mount Longhu, her treatment had never adhered to protocol. Given her current cultivation level and power, she was essentially the youngest High Elder of Mount Longhu. Her authority included requisitioning materials from the mansion when needed, provided there were no conflicts with others.

Thus, when Tang Xiaotang requisitioned superior-grade Xianliu Ink from Xianliu Palace without providing a detailed reason, it was entirely within the rules and tacitly accepted. However, what benefit would such ink have for a cultivator of the Upper Heavens?

"Tang Xiaotang’s actions are naturally not a concern," Liang Chen concluded before asking casually, "Did she requisition anything else?"

Lei Jun shook his head. "Not to my knowledge; nothing else from Xianliu Palace."

Liang Chen remarked, "She’s always been capricious. Even after leaving the mountain, she hasn’t returned."

Though his words carried a smile, his eyes scrutinized Lei Jun.

Lei Jun appeared genuinely puzzled. "Is Senior Sister Tang searching for the Tianshi Sword again? What use would the Xianliu Ink be for that?"

"I have no idea." Liang Chen couldn’t discern anything unusual and shook his head. "Tang Xiaotang’s talent and aptitude are unquestionable, but her personality leaves much to be desired." He sighed with a smile. "If only she were as steady as you, Junior Nephew Lei."

"You flatter me, Elder Liang. I don’t deserve the comparison," Lei Jun replied humbly.

Liang Chen stood up. "Well, I must move on to inspect the next branch academy. Continue your good work here at Xianliu Palace."

Lei Jun bowed respectfully. "I will heed your guidance, Elder Liang."

After leaving Xianliu Palace and descending Xianliu Mountain, Liang Chen paused among the mountain ranges, gazing back in deep thought.

"Uncle Liang, about Junior Brother Lei..." A young man named Li Zhusheng, a descendant of the Li family and a disciple of Fourth Elder Yao Yuan, appeared beside him.

Liang Chen replied, "Tang Xiaotang took a batch of Xianliu Ink and has since vanished."

Li Zhusheng mused, "Is she attempting to break through to the Eightfold Heaven Divine Court stage?"

"Whether or not that’s her goal, it’s undoubtedly significant," Liang Chen said gravely. "Junior Nephew Zhengxuan mentioned Tang Xiaotang stopped pursuing the Tianshi Sword and returned to Mount Longhu. That return may have been driven by a breakthrough opportunity or some crucial discovery."

Li Zhusheng sighed softly. "With Xu Yuanzhen and now Tang Xiaotang..."

Liang Chen nodded silently. If Tang Xiaotang’s loyalty to Xu Yuanzhen—a direct disciple of the late Tianshi Li Qingfeng—was steadfast, any attempts by the Li family to win her favor were futile.

If Xu Yuanzhen had not insisted on never accepting disciples, Tang Xiaotang would essentially be considered her first disciple. Though Tang often declared she would one day surpass Xu, everyone, including Liang Chen, knew that Xu was the closest person to her in Mount Longhu.

Meanwhile, Liang Chen and Li Zhusheng turned their attention back to Lei Jun.

"Can we trust him?" Li Zhusheng asked softly.

"Not entirely, but we must tread carefully," Liang Chen replied. "The focus now is on Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang. Involving Yuan Mobai’s disciples unnecessarily would only complicate matters. If they remain neutral, that would be ideal."

Li Zhusheng nodded.

Lei Jun’s loyalty lay firmly with Yuan Mobai. While his cultivation was progressing rapidly, it was not yet threatening. His affable nature and neutral stance with both the Li family and non-Li disciples made him distinct from Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang.

For now, that was an advantage.

---

At Xianliu Palace

Life returned to normal as Tang Xiaotang and Liang Chen departed. Lei Jun resumed his routine, focused on refining his cultivation. His efforts bore fruit as the third Dao Palace—the Northern Xuanyin Palace—was successfully established. Sitting cross-legged in his meditation chamber, radiant energy swirled around him, connecting the Southern Longhu Palace, Central Sanqing Palace, and the newly formed Xuanyin Palace.

"Unknowingly, I’m nearly 32 years old," Lei Jun reflected, counting the years since his arrival in this world. "Time has flown, and the experiences have been many. It seems life is about to grow even more eventful."

Soon after, a message arrived from Yuan Mobai, his master at the sect’s ancestral grounds. Lei Jun was to hand over his duties at Xianliu Palace to an incoming elder and return to Mount Longhu.

---

Lei Jun’s departure from Xianliu Palace was uneventful, with Yun Zhan and others bidding him farewell. Along his journey, he traveled cautiously. However, as he traversed the mountain ranges, his Light Sphere activated with an ominous prediction:

“Heaven and earth form a net of calamity. A path to survival lies southward.”

Five fortunes appeared before him:

1. Upper-Moderate Omen: Head south through Dengfeng Ridge. Moderate risks may lead to a Fourth-Grade Opportunity. Auspicious.
2. Lower-Moderate Omen: Head east through the Rainy Peaks. No rewards, hidden dangers. Ominous.
3. Lower-Bad Omen: Head north past Longqing River. Chance for a Sixth-Grade Opportunity, but fraught with peril. Extreme misfortune!
4. Lower-Bad Omen: Retrace steps westward. Retreat blocked, death awaits. Extreme misfortune!
5. Lower-Bad Omen: Stay put. Disaster imminent, certain death. Extreme misfortune!

"Three lower-bad omens?" Lei Jun thought, his scalp tingling. "This day is truly cursed!"

His thoughts raced. Were his enemies—whether the Jiangzhou Lin Clan, Yellow Heaven Sect, or the Li family—waiting to ambush him? Or was this calamity something else entirely?

Deciding swiftly, Lei Jun turned southward, veiled by the Night Wind Talisman, disappearing into the mountain mists. To his surprise, he spotted Liang Chen and a group of Tianshi disciples combing the area.

“Are they searching for me?” Lei Jun wondered, pausing with his Breath-Taking Flag to conceal himself.

Observing carefully, he realized they weren’t looking for him—they were searching for Tang Xiaotang.

“Could Senior Sister be in seclusion nearby?” he speculated, contemplating the unfolding drama.