Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 171: Another great fortune!

Lei Jun stood outside the mountain, gazing into the distance toward the ancestral hall of the mountain gate.

The rumble of thunder echoed incessantly. At the summit of Mount Longhu, the green flames grew increasingly fierce, seemingly overpowering the purple lightning. Were it not for the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven projecting a purple hue across the sky, the main color of the mountaintop might have shifted entirely to green.

Suddenly, a streak of spiritual light rose from the summit. This light unfurled mid-air, transforming into nine-colored radiance that spread in all directions. The purple lightning finally managed a counterattack, battling the green flames in an attempt to reclaim lost ground.

The disciples of Tianshi Mansion, including Lei Jun, looked at the nine-colored radiance and gained an epiphany:

It was the brilliance of the Tianshi Robe.

Under its illumination, a majestic purple Yang Lightning Dragon slowly emerged from the heavens, exuding unparalleled authority. Soon, however, a bright, pure golden light ignited above the summit, radiating with even greater intensity and heat than the green flames. It illuminated the skies over Mount Longhu.

Lei Jun retrieved his Spirit Sight Mirror to observe. In his view, two ferocious flaming tigers soared above the mountain, one green and one gold. The tigers charged domineeringly at the purple dragon, forcing it back into the thunderclouds.

Many disciples were curious. The golden flames resembled the mansion's Yin Fire Tiger, yet they were distinctly different. Lei Jun and a few others recognized it immediately—it was Tang Xiaotang’s unique mystical ability, derived from the Yin Fire Tiger of the mansion but modified with her Pure Yang Celestial Physique to create the Yang Fire Tiger, or as it was now known, her Pure Yang Flame Ancestor Apparition.

At this moment, two apparitions, Yin and Yang, were unleashed together. Both the Yang Fire Tiger and Yin Fire Tiger appeared simultaneously, marking her successful traversal of the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation to reach the Eighth Heaven in the Talismanic Branch of the Daoist arts.

Another master of the Eighth Heaven had emerged in Tianshi Mansion at Mount Longhu. While this should have been a celebratory event, the reality was starkly different. The two apparitions of Tang Xiaotang were attacking a fellow Tianshi Mansion disciple’s Yang Lightning Dragon.

A violent internal conflict was unfolding atop Mount Longhu.

This was no ordinary sparring match but a life-and-death battle.

From his position, Lei Jun could not discern the details through the Spirit Sight Mirror. However, apart from Tang Xiaotang's golden and green flaming tigers, a third green tiger appeared in the skies above. Simultaneously, another purple dragon surfaced faintly within the thunderclouds.

The battle had expanded into chaos. At least four elite high elders of Tianshi Mansion were now engaged in this melee at the mountaintop. Initially, disciples inside and outside the mountain mistook this for another assault by the Yellow Heaven Sect. However, to those in the know, it was clear—

a new internal conflict in Tianshi Mansion had erupted.

Veterans who survived the bloody civil war over a century ago felt an eerie sense of déjà vu. Although the scale might not match the past conflict, the intensity was just as fierce.

The mansion's true disciples outside the mountain, including Lei Jun, felt a wave of confusion, uncertain of their next move. Lei Jun exhaled deeply, shifting his gaze toward the summit.

Among the high elders of the Li Family, Elder Li Hongyu was currently in seclusion, attempting to advance to the Eighth Heaven. The other three—Elders Li Song, Li Ziyang, and Li Zhengxuan—had not cultivated the Yin Fire Tiger. Elder Li Song wielded the Yang Lightning Dragon and the Destined Star Avatar, while both Li Ziyang and Li Zhengxuan also controlled the Yang Lightning Dragon. Conversely, no non-Li high elders had mastered the Yang Lightning Dragon.

Thus, the two purple dragons on the mountaintop were likely Li Song and Li Ziyang. But who was the other Yin Fire Tiger allied with Tang Xiaotang?

Lei Jun knew his master, Yuan Mobai, had cultivated the Destined Star Avatar and not the Yin Fire Tiger. Could it be Elder Yao Yuan or Elder Shangguan Ning?

Shangguan Ning had been severely injured during the battle at Poyang Great Marsh and had remained in seclusion to recover, even resigning from duties at the High Priests’ Hall.

That left Yao Yuan as the likely candidate.

Lei Jun’s thoughts were interrupted by a message from his master, Yuan Mobai:

“Stay calm and wait.”

Observing the summit, some true disciples began hurrying back toward the mountain gate, while others, like Lei Jun, silently watched the unfolding events.

Soon, Yuan Mobai sent another message with unexpected yet unsurprising news.

Elder Yao Yuan and Tang Xiaotang had openly raised the banner against the Li Family.

Upon returning, Tang Xiaotang had exposed Li Song's prior plot to assassinate her. While their actions had been discreet, tension on the mountain had steadily escalated. Many young disciples had reassured themselves that any internal conflict would remain restrained.

However, Tang Xiaotang, with Yao Yuan's backing, had shattered this illusion. Yao Yuan, a senior elder who had overseen many affairs in the mansion, lent his credibility to Tang Xiaotang's accusations. This shifted the tide, as his standing allowed him to justify their actions with logic and precedent.

The battle erupted. Yao Yuan severed Li Song's connection to the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven, disrupting his attempt to heal using its power. Already weakened and aging, Li Song struggled against the newly ascended Tang Xiaotang. Without the intervention of the Tianshi Robe, he might have faced utter humiliation.

Meanwhile, Li Ziyang and Yao Yuan engaged in a fierce duel, further intensifying the conflict.

This marked the beginning of a new Li vs. Non-Li conflict in Tianshi Mansion.

Master Yuan Mobai, staying true to his neutral stance, remained uninvolved. However, he warned Lei Jun of external threats:

“Although no Upper Heaven experts from the Blood River Sect have appeared, the Yellow Heaven Sect’s Elder Qi Shuo has arrived nearby. Stay cautious.”

As Lei Jun considered his options, his Light Sphere glimmered, revealing an omen:

“The dragon bleeds; the sharks gather. Danger hides fortune, and misfortune masks opportunity.”

Three choices emerged:

• Supreme Good Omen: Travel to Dayu Ridge before sunset for a Third-Grade Opportunity with future prospects, minimal danger, and no lingering troubles.
• Moderate-Moderate Omen: Return to Mount Longhu for a Sixth-Grade Opportunity but face significant danger.
• Moderate-Moderate Omen: Wander outside the mountain, avoiding conflict but gaining nothing.

Surprised by the Supreme Good Omen, Lei Jun turned his gaze northward. Dayu Ridge, situated to the north of Mount Longhu, was reachable before sunset with some effort. What awaited him there, however, remained a mystery.

Lei Jun pondered deeply, his face betraying no emotion.

Lei Jun’s companions, many of whom he had been leading on this mission, now turned their gazes toward him. Some were confused, others hesitant. Among them were disciples from both the Li family and other surnames, yet their mutual glances were tinged with an undeniable distrust.

“Junior Brother Lei?”

From a distance, other disciples began to gather. Lei Jun glanced over and quickly spotted several familiar faces.

Leading the group were two Talismanic Disciples dressed in deep-red Daoist robes: one was scholarly and composed, the other stern and silent. The former was Fang Jian, the fourth direct disciple of the late Tianshi Li Qingfeng. The latter was Li Kong, the grandson and disciple of the elder Li Song.

Li Kong greeted Lei Jun politely but remained silent, his stern expression revealing a mix of emotions. Fang Jian, however, broke the ice.

“Junior Brother Lei, we’re preparing to return to the mountain. Would you like to join us?”

Lei Jun shook his head. “I’ll remain outside the mountain for now.”

Looking at Fang Jian and Li Kong, he continued, “My master has sent word. Apart from the Blood River Sect, there are signs of Yellow Heaven Sect activity outside the mountain. It’s clear they intend to take advantage of our situation. While things on the mountain are tense, they’re internal matters that can be resolved behind closed doors. But we absolutely cannot allow outsiders to exploit this opportunity or think that Tianshi Mansion has no defenders left!”

Lei Jun’s words revitalized the spirits of those nearby.

“Junior Brother Lei, you truly embody the demeanor of Senior Master Yuan,” Fang Jian remarked. “Serene on the surface but with the thundering resolve of a storm within. No matter how turbulent the outside world, our sect has you and others as its pillars. It’s our great fortune.” He smiled faintly. “I, Fang Jian, may not be much, but I am willing to follow your example.”

Lei Jun’s declaration inspired confidence among the disciples, though Fang Jian’s remark caught some off guard. After all, Fang Jian often represented more than just himself.

Li Kong, listening quietly, now spoke.

“Junior Brothers Chongjian and Chongyun, your concerns are valid. The situation outside will demand your vigilance. Meanwhile, the mountain is vulnerable, so I’ll return to await Senior Master Yuan’s instructions.”

The current complexity of the situation meant that Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and Fang Jian staying neutral was a relief to the Li family. Li Kong cast a deep, meaningful look at Lei Jun and Fang Jian.

“I hope… once the storm has passed, we can meet again as we are now.”

Li Kong had maintained a relatively amicable relationship with Lei Jun over the years. However, he often felt it was Lei Jun’s external demeanor, rather than his true nature, that made him approachable.

The Li family disciples largely followed Li Kong as they headed back to Mount Longhu. Among the non-Li disciples, some also returned, deliberately taking a different route to avoid encountering Li Kong and his group. Lei Jun and Fang Jian did not object, merely organizing those willing to remain into new teams and issuing commands.

Without senior elders present, Lei Jun and Fang Jian naturally took charge.

“Junior Brother Shangguan, aren’t you returning to the mountain?” Lei Jun asked another familiar face—Shangguan Hong, who had entered the mansion alongside him during their initiation.

Shangguan Hong clasped his hands in a Daoist salute.

“Senior Brother Lei, your words echo my thoughts. As disciples of Tianshi Mansion, our foremost duty is to the sect. We cannot allow external enemies to exploit this situation.”

Meeting Lei Jun’s calm gaze, Shangguan Hong added softly, “My master has emerged from seclusion but remains unwell. For now, she urges the third and fourth senior uncles, as well as Senior Sister Tang, to cease hostilities and resolve matters through discussion to avoid making a spectacle of our internal strife.”

Lei Jun nodded silently. Shangguan Ning—and by extension, the Tang Imperial Family—had adopted an ambiguous stance. Part of this was due to their inability to intervene effectively, with pressing matters such as the rebellion led by Prince Wu and the landing of Eastern Sea demons drawing their attention.

However, remaining completely neutral raised eyebrows. Previously, the Li family, especially Li Ziyang’s faction, had worked hard to align with the Tang Imperial Family. Now, it seemed that Empress Tang and the late Emperor Zhang Qilong held differing views.

The Empress’s urgent duties at the eastern coast made communication difficult, but Shangguan Ning’s swift decision hinted at prior alignment with the Empress or her acting independently.

Lei Jun noted this silently, giving polite yet noncommittal remarks. Turning his gaze, he looked toward another figure—Xu Rui, a quiet, unassuming Daoist who stood beside Fang Jian.

Xu Rui’s origins were unusual. He was the first disciple of Li Zhengxuan, the Young Tianshi. Despite being a non-Li disciple, Xu Rui had been selected over Li Zhengxuan’s nephew for the position, making him a symbol of Li Zhengxuan’s direct lineage. However, Li Zhengxuan’s disgrace and the loss of the Tianshi Sword had dimmed Xu Rui’s once-bright future.

In the turbulent currents of the Li vs. Non-Li conflict, Xu Rui’s position grew increasingly precarious. Now, as events reached a breaking point, even the outer disciples were casting scrutinizing glances his way.

“Stay vigilant and regroup regularly to share observations,” Fang Jian instructed.

Lei Jun added, “If you discover anything unusual, avoid acting alone. Plan not just against the enemy but for your safety as well.”

The group dispersed to patrol the outskirts of Mount Longhu, both to monitor external threats and to reassure nearby settlements shaken by the mountain’s upheaval.

Lei Jun departed, heading west before turning north toward his destination: Dayu Ridge. Along the way, he encountered a Blood River Sect disciple setting up a Blood River Formation. Lei Jun swiftly eliminated the disciple, destroyed the formation, and purified the area before continuing his journey.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Lei Jun reached the base of Dayu Ridge. Concealing his presence, he moved stealthily through the forest, blending into the landscape with the Breath-Taking Flag’s power. Upon reaching the ridge’s peak, he used the Spirit Sight Mirror to scan the area.

“Hm?”

After a brief search, Lei Jun noticed subtle spiritual energy fluctuations, barely detectable. Someone was using a secret technique for concealment.

Approaching cautiously, he identified the source as a high-grade Spirit Talisman—one unrelated to Tianshi Mansion’s teachings but sharing similar origins.

“Yellow Heaven Sect,” Lei Jun deduced.

The Yellow Heaven Sect had long since developed their methods of concealment to evade detection. This fluctuation meant they were preparing for something significant.

Lei Jun carefully bypassed the talisman’s veil, entering an area hidden behind a shimmering curtain of light. Beyond it, he found a hidden valley. Inside, Yellow Heaven Sect disciples were busy constructing a massive three-tiered altar, its summit glowing ominously.