Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 170: Tang Xiaotang comes out of retreat and returns to the mountain to settle accounts

Hearing Lei Jun’s words, Yue Yao spoke up, “Do you know which Spirit Pill the pill recipe pertains to?”

Lei Jun replied, “The Clarity Pill.”

Yue Yao commented, “Unfortunately, it’s a fragmented recipe. Speaking of which, I recall that Mu Yao also has a fragmented pill recipe?”

Mu Yao confirmed, “Indeed, I have the Daoist Tianyuan Qingjing Pill recipe.”

Lei Jun was interested in the recipe but not urgently so; thus, he deliberately feigned indifference. “A fragmented recipe? I’m not particularly interested. There’s no need to exchange one incomplete recipe for another.”

Yue Yao remarked, “Your recipe is also fragmented, making it hard to evaluate its worth. I won’t be participating.”

Ri Yao and Mu Yao remained silent, seemingly uninterested as well.

Lei Jun wasn’t discouraged and calmly listened as Yue Yao continued, “I wanted to inquire if any of you have information regarding the movements of Great Demons. Specifically, large-scale coordinated actions by the demon clans, not isolated incidents of individual demons causing trouble.”

Although Ri Yao continued to emit a glow, he seemed focused solely on information about Wei Ancheng, the sect leader of the Blood River Sect. Receiving no response, he lost interest in other matters and fell silent, appearing to be resting.

Lei Jun also stayed silent for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts about Yue Yao’s intentions in seeking information on Great Demons.

“I have some unverified information, but I’m not sure if it’s what you’re looking for,” Mu Yao interjected.

Yue Yao asked, “What do you want in return?”

Mu Yao replied, “Let’s discuss it privately later.”

As it turned out, Mu Yao wasn’t the only one he sought a private discussion with.

Later, after everyone appeared to have dispersed, Lei Jun received a message from Mu Yao.

The topic was about the fragmented Clarity Pill recipe in Lei Jun’s possession.

Despite the private setting, Mu Yao’s direct display of interest raised several speculations in Lei Jun’s mind.

He couldn’t determine whether Mu Yao was a member of the Buddhist Sect or deliberately misleading him. Lei Jun leaned more towards the former.

After all, the Clarity Pill recipe’s significance wasn’t limited to itself; it might also connect to the damaged Candelabra Artifact.

Still, Lei Jun maintained his composure during their conversation.

Mu Yao asked, “What do you want in exchange?”

Lei Jun replied, “I need some information.”

Mu Yao prompted, “Go on.”

Lei Jun clarified, “First, let me state upfront that while the recipe is incomplete, I guarantee its authenticity. This makes its value greater than ordinary intelligence. Therefore, I require at least two pieces of information in return.”

Mu Yao seemed to contemplate this for a moment before responding in a neutral tone, “What kind of information are you looking for?”

Lei Jun stated, “I want information on the White Lotus Sect, the Yellow Heaven Sect, and the Great Empty Temple—at least two of the three.”

These names were prominent in the cultivation world, infamous as hubs of rebellion.

The White Lotus Sect needed no introduction.

The Yellow Heaven Sect was long denounced by the Tang Imperial Court as an evil sect and was subject to constant manhunts.

The Great Empty Temple, too, was notorious. As a Buddhist heretical sect, it was a sworn enemy of the Four Great Holy Lands of Buddhism, often clashing with the White Lotus Sect. Despite both seeking to overthrow the old world, their ideologies diverged significantly.

The White Lotus Sect preached the destruction of the current world and the birth of a future paradise of bliss, while the Great Empty Temple advocated perpetual cycles of destruction and renewal.

In practice, Great Empty Temple disciples were more aggressive and ruthless, making them starkly different from mainstream Buddhist sects.

Approximately 200 years ago, the Great Empty Temple incited widespread rebellions across the Tang Empire, creating significant chaos before being suppressed. The sect suffered heavy losses, and its surviving members fled overseas.

For many years now, there had been no sightings of Great Empty Temple disciples within the Tang Empire’s borders. However, during her travels overseas, Tang Xiaotang had mentioned encountering some of their members while searching for the Tianshi Sword, though she hadn’t engaged much with them.

Lei Jun’s inquiry about the Great Empty Temple was more to balance the mention of the three rebel hubs. His real focus, however, was on the Yellow Heaven Sect.

“I have two pieces of information for your consideration, but both are unverified. I’m not sure if they’re worth your pill recipe,” Mu Yao said evenly.

He began explaining: “The first concerns the Yellow Heaven Sect. According to some rumors, their leader, Taoist Taiping, was injured six years ago during a battle on Mount Longhu at the hands of Xu Yuanzhen and Li Hongyu. Since then, he has been in seclusion, rarely appearing.

“Currently, their internal affairs are managed by the sect elders. However…” Mu Yao paused briefly before continuing, “There are whispers of severe internal strife within the sect, splitting it into two factions frequently at odds. The specifics, though, remain unclear.”

Lei Jun couldn’t help but feel the urge to sigh. Could their internal divisions really be endless? His own Tianshi Mansion faced growing tensions between the Li family and outsiders, and now even the Yellow Heaven Sect seemed plagued by similar discord.

Mu Yao then moved on to the second piece of information: “The Great Empty Temple appears to be reemerging, aiming to return from overseas. A new prodigy has risen within their ranks—a Buddha Child of exceptional talent. This figure has unified the previously fragmented remnants of the sect, initiating efforts to reorganize and rebuild.”

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. His inquiry about the Great Empty Temple had been a secondary concern, but if Mu Yao’s information was accurate, it signaled significant changes ahead. The implications for the Tang Empire could be profound, though the direct impact on the Tianshi Mansion remained uncertain.

“Although both pieces of information are unverified, I am willing to trade with you,” Lei Jun said calmly. He handed over the original, unrefined version of the fragmented Clarity Pill recipe, the same version he had acquired before it underwent any repairs in the True-One Altar.

He showed no urgency regarding the Tianyuan Qingjing Pill recipe. The damaged candelabra and the Clarity Pill recipe were still in his possession, giving him strategic leverage.

This transaction differed from his earlier exchange of Dispersed Soul Essence for Blazing Sun Gold Crystal, which required a specific meeting place and method. This time, he could simply provide the fragmented recipe to Mu Yao directly.

Mu Yao accepted the recipe, bade Lei Jun farewell, and left.

As Lei Jun watched the vast, dim starry sky, now devoid of light from the Star Lords, he fell into deep thought.

Later that evening, he emerged from his musings in the Heavenly Book and considered seeking an audience with his master, Yuan Mobai, after returning from the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven. However, Yuan Mobai was occupied in the High Priests’ Hall and seemed particularly busy of late.

Lei Jun decided not to disturb him and instead focused on his cultivation. He continued refining the Great Five-Element Creation Qi within his body, steadily forming the embryonic stage of his fourth Dao Palace, the Western Spirit Officer Palace.

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Jiangnan Water Village

In the midst of midwinter, while not as bitterly cold as the north, the region carried a slight chill. However, the waterside pavilion where Chu Yu resided remained perpetually warm and picturesque.

She wore casual attire, reading quietly in her water pavilion until an unexpected guest arrived at her Moon Pavilion.

“Father.” Chu Yu welcomed an elderly man into the pavilion and invited him to sit.

The old man exuded a refined and gentle demeanor, with sharp and handsome features that commanded respect at first sight. This was none other than Chu Xiuyuan, the patriarch of the Chu Clan, one of the Five Great Surnames and Seven Prominent Clans of Jiangnan.

Seated across from Chu Yu, there was no visible tension despite the father and daughter’s recent disagreements. However, the truth was that they had recently had a significant conversation, after which Chu Yu left the Chu ancestral grounds to settle in the Moon Pavilion.

No one could have predicted that the Chu patriarch would personally and discreetly visit her rather than summon her back to the ancestral grounds.

“Prince Wu has been stirring trouble for some time, and now it’s come to this,” Chu Xiuyuan said with a warm smile as he looked at his youngest daughter. “When will you set out?”

Chu Yu responded, “Everything is prepared. After meeting with you, I will head north to join Her Majesty.”

“Once the bowstring is drawn, it’s best to release the arrow. Very well,” Chu Xiuyuan said approvingly, gazing at his daughter. After a moment of silence, he sighed, “To be honest, I hadn’t expected you and the Empress to develop such rapport.”

Chu Yu smiled faintly. “I could boast about my foresight, but in truth, I simply made friends with kindred spirits back then. I never imagined the Tang Empire would reach its current state, especially with the former emperor’s unexpected passing. Had the crown prince succeeded the throne smoothly, Her Majesty wouldn’t be where she is now.”

“The Empress is truly extraordinary,” Chu Xiuyuan remarked, his smile fading slightly.

Chu Yu’s expression remained unchanged. “Out of respect for both friendship and decorum, I will refrain from discussing Her Majesty with you.”

Rather than feeling offended, Chu Xiuyuan’s smile returned, and he nodded approvingly. “Good.”

He regarded his daughter, whom he cherished deeply, and spoke with calm determination. “Since you’ve chosen to side with the Empress, you must prioritize her interests above all else. Even if there comes a day when she targets Suzhou, you must not hesitate.”

The old patriarch was pragmatic. So long as the Chu family endured, he was willing to let the old branches fall to ensure new ones flourished.

“Take care of yourself, Father.” Chu Yu bowed respectfully to her father.

Chu Xiuyuan nodded with a smile.

Mount Longhu

Lei Jun continued his quiet cultivation until Yuan Mobai returned from the High Priests’ Hall. Lei Jun then went to meet his master, first presenting the Thunder Heart Furnace he had obtained from the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven.

Seeing the artifact, Yuan Mobai couldn’t help but smile. “So this item ended up in your hands? It seems fate has played a part.”

Lei Jun replied, “I was planning to ask for your guidance when you have time.”

He then relayed the information Mu Yao had shared about the Yellow Heaven Sect.

Yuan Mobai listened quietly and then asked, “What are your thoughts?”

Lei Jun responded, “The clues are sparse, making it hard to draw conclusions. However, if I were to speculate, two scenarios seem most plausible.”

Yuan Mobai nodded. “The first scenario is that some within the Yellow Heaven Sect, seeing the increasing tensions between the Li family and outsiders in our Tianshi Mansion, hope to ally with those of us who are non-Li disciples. Others may view the entire Tianshi Mansion, Li and non-Li alike, as enemies. These opposing judgments might be causing internal conflict and division.”

Lei Jun agreed. “The second possibility is that external forces, likely multiple major factions, are secretly supporting the Yellow Heaven Sect. This has led to internal power struggles within the sect as each faction backs its representatives.”

Yuan Mobai maintained his gentle smile. “Regardless of the cause, if turmoil truly erupts on Mount Longhu, the Yellow Heaven Sect is likely to seize the opportunity and act recklessly. We must remain vigilant.”

Lei Jun bowed respectfully. “I understand, Master. I will follow your guidance.”

“These are turbulent times,” Yuan Mobai remarked. “We can only focus on doing what we can, leaving the rest to fate.”

Lei Jun detected an underlying message in his master’s words. “Has something happened?”

Yuan Mobai nodded. “News has just arrived: Prince Wu has rebelled.”

A decree summoning Prince Wu to the capital had been issued, but the prince feigned illness to avoid complying. Even when imperial physicians were dispatched to his territory, he delayed them repeatedly. Unable to stall any longer, he finally raised the banner of rebellion, accusing the Empress of numerous crimes, including assassinating the previous emperor, Zhang Qilong, and attempting to silence him to cover her tracks.

Such accusations were not merely verbal attacks; they were part of a strategic play to weaken the Empress’s authority and sway public sentiment.

“Will the Empress be able to handle Prince Wu?” Lei Jun asked, seeking his master’s insight.

Prince Wu was not without capability, but his rebellion seemed like a desperate move, forced by the Empress’s relentless pressure. It was widely understood that Prince Wu had been backed into a corner, making this rebellion an act of defiance rather than a calculated strategy.

“Prince Wu’s rebellion coincided with a massive demon uprising in the East Sea, which is causing significant havoc. Though not as severe as the recent troubles in the Western Regions, it is comparable,” Yuan Mobai explained softly.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. “That explains it.”

Yuan Mobai continued, “The Empress has already sent officials to handle the rebellion in Wu-Yue, but she herself is personally leading efforts to quell the East Sea demon chaos.”

Lei Jun asked cautiously, “Has this situation implicated you, Master, or Senior Brother Wang?”

Although he didn’t expect the imperial court to complicate matters further, he believed in being cautious.

Yuan Mobai chuckled. “Not at the moment. Even Senior Sister Shangguan hasn’t inquired about it. If anything arises, it’ll likely be later.”

Lei Jun mused aloud, “In that case, if something significant happens within the Tianshi Mansion, the imperial court will be limited to issuing verbal admonitions and won’t directly interfere?”

Yuan Mobai nodded. “Precisely.”

His expression grew serious. “In recent days, traces of Blood River Sect cultivators have been spotted near Mount Longhu and in the Xinzhou region.”

Lei Jun sighed. “They’re like vultures, circling for scraps.”

“Stay alert,” Yuan Mobai advised.

“Yes, Master,” Lei Jun replied.

Under the leadership of Yuan Mobai and the other elders, the Tianshi Mansion organized capable teams to patrol the mountain’s surroundings, targeting and dismantling the Blood River Sect’s formations and activities.

Lei Jun, now at the Fifth Heaven Realm in cultivation, began taking on more responsibilities. Though he had not formally accepted disciples, he often led teams on missions.

In the mountains, they destroyed several Blood River Formations, engaging in fierce battles with mid-level cultivators of the Blood River Sect.

In one such encounter, polluted blood filled the air, only to be countered by a vast sea of fire spreading outward. Lei Jun deployed two advanced spirit talismans—the Endless Sea of Fire Talisman and the Wind-Fire Fortress Talisman—engulfing the area in relentless flames.

The opposing mid-level elder from the Blood River Sect, despite his cultivation at the Sixth Heaven Realm, found himself overpowered and was forced to retreat under Lei Jun’s barrage.

Lei Jun refrained from pursuing, wary of higher-level Blood River Sect cultivators potentially lying in wait. Strangely, none of the sect’s upper-tier cultivators had appeared in the area recently.

“Boom!!!”

While Lei Jun pondered this anomaly, a deafening explosion erupted from the direction of Mount Longhu. All Tianshi Mansion disciples operating outside the mountain turned their attention toward their ancestral grounds.

Atop the mountain, purple lightning and azure flames clashed violently in the sky, accompanied by the roars of a dragon and a tiger—not in harmony, but in fierce contention.

Lei Jun immediately understood. His Little Senior Sister had concluded her seclusion and returned to settle old scores.