Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 176: The Honest and Honest Lei Chongyun

"Mr. Xiujing," Li Xuan greeted with a Daoist bow upon reaching the Ye Clan elder.

Ye Qi, also known by his courtesy title Xiujing, was one of the prominent figures of the mid-generation in the Ye Clan of Jinzhou, ranking seventh among his peers. He was the very elder from the Ye Clan whom Lei Jun had found familiar earlier.

After Li Xuan approached, Ye Qi returned the courtesy, "Daoist Li, it's been a long time."

"This time, I must thank you, Mr. Xiujing, as well as the other Daoist lay practitioners from Jinzhou," Li Xuan said, exchanging greetings with the Ye Clan members.

Ye Qi sighed. "It is regrettable that rebellion has broken out on Mount Longhu."

Li Xuan responded with a cold tone, "Some people are insatiable and ungrateful. It’s truly disheartening."

Ye Qi cast his gaze back toward the scene.

The main peak of Mount Longhu was shrouded by an immense three-tiered altar, obscuring it from clear view. Yet faint outlines of the Yin Fire Tiger formed by green flames battling the Yang Lightning Dragon forged of violet thunder could still be discerned.

"I had heard that Yao Yuan was close to Elder Hongyu and often benefited from her care. To think even he would..." Ye Qi shook his head in disbelief.

Li Xuan's voice turned frosty. "His scheming is meticulous. He’s after the position of the new Tianshi, trying to snatch the fire from the cauldron!"

Ye Qi appeared momentarily surprised but then fell into contemplation.

If the Li Family were to lose its hold, and an outsider assumed control of the Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu, the pool of candidates for the position of the new Tianshi would be quite limited.

Shangguan Ning would be the first to be ruled out—it was simply impossible.

Mount Longhu regarded the Tang Emperor as the ruler of the world, but having someone from the Tang Imperial Family take the Tianshi position was an entirely different matter.

Xu Yuanzhen was absent from the mountain and could be set aside for now.

While Tang Xiaotang possessed formidable strength, she lacked public support. Her demeanor and way of handling matters did not inspire the confidence of a capable leader. Even if Tang Xiaotang managed to rise to the top and become the Tianshi, she would mostly serve as a figurehead or mascot. The day-to-day affairs would have to be managed by others.

Thus, the two most likely power figures on Mount Longhu in the future boiled down to Yuan Mobai and Yao Yuan.

From Ye Qi's perspective, Yuan Mobai was a far more suitable candidate than Yao Yuan in every aspect. He was even more likely to gain widespread approval than Tang Xiaotang herself.

But judging from Li Xuan's tone, he seemed to think Yao Yuan had a better chance than Yuan Mobai.

"Precision in scheming and seizing the right opportunity are critical, but to truly sit on that seat, one must have sufficient weight in their own right," Li Xuan remarked with displeasure. "As for Yuan Mobai... Hmph. In hindsight, his actions were less surprising. He knows he has no hope for himself, but he’s fighting for the benefit of his disciples and successors."

Ye Qi remarked, "Whether it’s Yuan Mobai or Yao Yuan, they both owe their Daoist teachings to the Li Family. Their treacherous actions of betraying their teachers and ancestors truly provoke the wrath of both gods and men."

"Fortunately, there are righteous individuals like you, Mr. Xiujing, and other Daoist lay practitioners. This proves that fairness still resides in people’s hearts," Li Xuan replied.

"The old clan master was a close friend of your grandfather," Ye Qi explained. "With rebellion erupting on Mount Longhu, Jinzhou would never stand by idly."

Ye Qi sighed again. "It’s just unfortunate that the chaos in the northern lands has left many of our clan elders unable to break away. Only a few of us were dispatched to assist. We mean no neglect."

Li Xuan nodded silently. "I’ve also heard about the demon chaos in the northern regions. What’s the current situation?"

Ye Qi answered solemnly, "The Bodhi Temple allied with demons and attempted to negotiate with a tiger. It ultimately resulted in catastrophe, harming both themselves and others. Numerous great demons are now wreaking havoc in the northern lands."

"The Lin Clan Patriarch from Youzhou and Prince Zhao personally stepped forward to lead the heroes of Youzhou and Jinzhou, barely managing to suppress the demon tide. Our clan's old patriarch, weakened from the previous turmoil in the Western Regions, has also been mustering his strength and resources to support the front lines."

He let out a heavy sigh. "The old patriarch has declared that, if necessary, he would personally return to the battlefield to combat the great demons, even at the cost of his life for the sake of the common people."

Such statements were treated with skepticism by both Lei Jun and Li Xuan. Each harbored their own thoughts, quietly speculating that the chaos in the north, with its rampant demons, was orchestrated behind the scenes by the Ye Clan of Jinzhou and the Lin Clan of Youzhou.

As for their true goals...

"What is the current state of the Bodhi Temple?" Li Xuan asked.

Ye Qi replied, "Just a few days ago, the Abbot of Bodhi Temple, Master Liaoyuan, sacrificed his life to atone for the chaos he caused, passing away in Youzhou. Three elders who traveled north with him also perished."

Li Xuan's eyes flickered.

As a member of the Demon Suppression Guard, his information channels were vast. He knew that one of the three elders who accompanied the abbot to retrieve the Buddhist relics in Youzhou was an eminent monk at the eighth heaven of cultivation. This meant that Bodhi Temple had lost at least two high-ranking monks of the eighth heaven in a single event.

"Although Master Liaoyuan and the others made grave mistakes, they were still human cultivators. The Lin Clan Patriarch and Prince Zhao intended to rescue them. Unfortunately, the chaotic circumstances and... the intervention of sinister forces made it impossible."

Ye Qi’s expression turned grim. "An unexpected appearance by a top expert from the Evil Sect in the northern border ultimately led to the tragic deaths of Master Liaoyuan and the others."

Li Xuan’s heart stirred. "A top expert from the Evil Sect? Could it be…?"

Ye Qi nodded. "The Blood River Sect of the Southern Wastelands. Wei Ancheng."

Li Xuan’s face darkened. "It’s him..."

Standing silently to the side, Lei Jun listened attentively.

Wei Ancheng, the leader of the Blood River Sect, was infamous for his ruthlessness and bloodlust, possessing unparalleled cultivation. Among the experts of the Southern Wastelands, the Blood River Sect was the most active in venturing northward into the Tang Dynasty. Recent years had seen them leaving trails of carnage wherever they went.

While many Blood River disciples perished far from home, some thrived due to their unique methods, harnessing death energy and bloodlust to rapidly enhance their cultivation. Wei Ancheng was the epitome of this brutal path.

Efforts to ambush or eliminate him had been numerous but unsuccessful. Each reemergence revealed him stronger than before, earning him the reputation of potentially becoming the next dominant figure of the Southern Wastelands' Gu Master sects.

Though Wei Ancheng had been absent during the recent conflicts involving the Tianshi Mansion and the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, and even during the Tang Imperial Family’s suppression of rebellions and demon outbreaks, his sudden reappearance now had dire consequences—directly correlating with the fall of the Abbot of Bodhi Temple.

A message of his presence carried with it devastation and infamy.

"The latest reports indicate that Da Kong Temple launched an assault on Bodhi Temple. With most of their top experts absent, Bodhi Temple was vulnerable and ultimately fell. I have yet to receive detailed follow-ups," Ye Qi said with regret. "It’s truly tragic for such an ancient sect, thousands of years old, to suffer this calamity. Abbot Liaoyuan’s earlier decisions were indeed unwise."

"Mr. Xiujing is absolutely correct." Li Xuan's eyes swept across Ye Qi and the other members of the Ye Clan.

It remained uncertain whether Wei Ancheng's actions were premeditated or opportunistic. However, the chaos surrounding Bodhi Temple clearly involved careful planning from the Jinzhou Ye Clan, Youzhou Lin Clan, and possibly even Qingzhou Ye Clan in the shadows.

The demon clans were unpredictable, but alliances with Da Kong Temple seemed to have been forged. Da Kong Temple, Bodhi Temple’s mortal enemy, would stop at nothing to obliterate them.

If the Tang Imperial Family had resources to spare, they might have stepped in to preserve Bodhi Temple's legacy. However, with their attention focused on the southeast, the fate of Bodhi Temple was sealed from the moment Abbot Liaoyuan led his monks northward.

Li Xuan couldn't help but wonder: if not for Tang Xiaotang's sudden breakthrough to the eighth heaven and her immediate return to Mount Longhu, would these renowned clans have first targeted the Tianshi Mansion amidst its internal rebellion?

Now, with the north’s plans already underway, they had no choice but to act against Bodhi Temple first.

Meanwhile, Mount Longhu received only a mid-level force from Jinzhou, led by Ye Qi.

"Daoist Li, how are your preparations?" Ye Qi asked.

Li Xuan handed him a list. "The names near the top warrant the most attention."

Ye Qi glanced at the document, noting the first name: Lei Jun.

"Lei Jun, also known as Lei Chongyun, is indeed exceptionally gifted," Ye Qi commented. "Precisely because of this, he must be eliminated early. Otherwise, who’s to say he won’t become the next Xu Yuanzhen or Tang Xiaotang?"

Li Xuan’s usually stern face grew even darker.

Yuan Mobai’s student, who resembled his master in both demeanor and skill, was unlikely to deviate from his teacher’s path. Regardless of the circumstances, he was now firmly an enemy of the Li Family.

With their enmity laid bare, this person could not be allowed to survive.

As Ye Qi reviewed the list, his peripheral vision caught Li Xuan's expression.

The list contained nearly all the prominent disciples of the Tianshi Mansion from non-Li Family lineages, spanning cultivators from both the Middle and Lower Heavens. Some were newly initiated and had yet to attain high cultivation levels, yet their potential warranted top consideration.

The rankings weren’t based on Li Xuan’s personal biases but reflected estimations of the disciples’ future capabilities.

Eliminating everyone on the list would be challenging, even locating them was difficult. However, dealing with a portion now would pave the way for more systematic efforts in the future.

However, Ye Qi noticed certain peculiarities.

For instance, names like Zhang Jingzhen, Lin Shan, and Shangguan Hong were conspicuously absent from the list. Evidently, neither Li Xuan nor Li Ziyang intended to completely sever ties with the Tang Imperial Family. Even amidst this internal conflict within the Tianshi Mansion, individuals like Shangguan Ning remained ambiguous in their stance.

Years of shared camaraderie and offerings were now wasted, and while Li Xuan and his clan harbored resentment, the Li Family had no real advantage in the current battle on Mount Longhu. Thus, they aimed to minimize their enemies to preserve their options for the future. Should they truly be forced to retreat from Mount Longhu today, they would inevitably seek to return and reclaim their ancestral grounds. For that reason, reducing obstacles was paramount.

Ye Qi could easily deduce these motives but chose not to expose them. Instead, he asked, "Daoist Li, do you have leads on the whereabouts of any individuals on the list?"

Li Xuan replied, "I’ve verified a few locations through the Talisman Bureau and will act quickly." His expression turned grim. "Unfortunately, Lei Jun remains elusive. His movements are far too erratic. I only know that he is somewhere near Mount Longhu, but his exact location is unclear."

Perhaps assistance from the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar might yield more clues, but given its current state, that seemed unlikely.

"Delays invite complications, and time waits for no one. We’ll start with secondary targets," Ye Qi suggested. "Meanwhile, continue searching for Lei Jun."

"Naturally," Li Xuan agreed.

After further discussion with the Ye Clan members, Li Xuan led several Li Family disciples downstream along Jinque Creek in search of targets. Ye Qi watched them disappear into the distance before casually handing the list to a clan member nearby.

The recipient asked cautiously, "Seventh Uncle, should we follow this list exactly?"

"Add one more name," Ye Qi instructed. "Fang Jian."

The clan member was taken aback. "Fang…?"

Ye Qi explained, "I’ve heard from the Fang Clan of Jingxiang about this individual. He’s focused on Mount Longhu. Since our paths diverge, there’s no point in aligning with him. With the current chaos, losing one or two people won’t attract much scrutiny. The blame will naturally fall on the Tianshi Mansion or the Li Family."

He sighed. "It’s a pity. Our clan’s strength is concentrated in the north. I’ve repeatedly suggested to my uncle that we should capitalize on the opportunity at Mount Longhu, but my advice went unheeded. This is such a golden opportunity, yet it will slip through our fingers."

The surrounding Ye Clan disciples nodded in agreement. "Seventh Uncle is right."

The world was vast, yet the cultivation realm was small. Ideally, only the Ye Clan’s bloodline would have the privilege to cultivate and inherit the Dao. Others should remain mere mortals, ignorant of the Dao’s existence.

Failing that, an unspoken truce among the great clans, where no one interfered with another, was barely tolerable. The worst-case scenario, however, involved sects like the Tianshi Mansion or Bodhi Temple, which indiscriminately accepted disciples. Such openness crowded the cultivation realm, with even common carp aspiring to leap through the dragon gate. Worse still, mudfish and shrimp began harboring delusions, creating an overcrowded realm.

For now, they had dealt with Bodhi Temple. Hopefully, they could systematically address the Tianshi Mansion and other sects in the future.

"Let’s go. Time is of the essence," Ye Qi ordered.

As he took his first step, a sense of foreboding gripped him, a sudden warning born of imminent danger.

Among the Confucian cultivation paths, the Recitation Lineage rarely emphasized physical strength, but their sensitivity to spiritual fluctuations was unparalleled. Practitioners of this lineage often had heightened awareness.

At this moment, Ye Qi felt a chilling, murderous intent freezing his soul.

Before he could turn, a glowing staff emerged silently from the forest and swung directly toward his head.

Despite his awareness, the assailant was already within striking distance, leaving Ye Qi no time to evade. However, he had long been mindful of his vulnerabilities and had prepared a defensive treasure in advance.

Before Ye Qi could react, his pristine Confucian robes activated, emitting written characters accompanied by recitations. The characters coalesced into a floating manuscript, forming a shield that blocked the incoming strike.

The staff shattered the protective manuscript, dispersing the written characters in an instant. But Ye Qi had seized the opportunity to retreat, finally getting a clear look at his assailant.

It was a young Daoist, taller than him by a head, with a sharp, handsome face clad in deep red Daoist robes. None other than Lei Jun.

Lei Jun had struck down Ye Qi's protective treasure with a single blow and closed the distance in a flash, leaving no room for escape.

But then, ice and snow materialized in the wintery forest, a manifestation of Ye Qi’s Confucian arts. His mastery allowed him to summon the elements through silent recitation, erecting an icy barrier between himself and Lei Jun.

Ye Qi dared not relax. Silent recitation carried less potency than aloud recitation. This initial move was merely to buy time. Transitioning swiftly, Ye Qi prepared to recite a second verse aloud. However, before he could begin, the ice and snow exploded. A minuscule ember ignited, expanding violently and obliterating the icy barrier.

Lei Jun pressed the attack, his staff smashing toward Ye Qi’s face. The strike silenced Ye Qi mid-recitation, breaking teeth and forcing his words back down his throat. Blood splattered as Ye Qi collapsed with a muffled groan, unable to cry out.

Lei Jun’s sudden and fierce ambush felled Ye Qi within three moves. The surrounding Ye Clan members were stunned, unable to comprehend how the enemy had snuck into their midst and struck their seventh uncle down.

As they surrounded Lei Jun, a black, viscous lightning spread outward from him, advancing upon the Ye Clan disciples. Empowered by the Heavenly General Talisman, Lei Jun grew larger and swung his staff in wide arcs, scattering those closest to him.

Just as Lei Jun prepared to deal with the remaining disciples, he too sensed an imminent threat. Turning swiftly, he swung his staff behind him.

A Confucian swordsman was silently closing in with a sword aimed at Lei Jun’s back. The ambush was as silent as Lei Jun’s own earlier attack, and the swordsman struck with lethal precision. Lei Jun’s staff intercepted the blade just in time.

At that moment, a vision flashed in Lei Jun’s mind: a colossal black serpent with wings, coiled deep underground, opening its maw in a soundless roar.

Teng Snake!

Lei Jun froze for an instant as his spirit wavered. Yet deep within his soul, the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven derived from his Tianshi Seal flared to life. The Four-Nine Lamps burned brightly, sweeping away the oppressive aura.

Lei Jun snapped back to clarity just as the swordsman unleashed another strike, this time with explosive sword energy. Reacting quicker than expected, Lei Jun deflected the killing blow with his staff.

Both combatants were momentarily taken aback. Lei Jun recognized his opponent’s youthful features from a prior portrait: Ye Chifeng, a rising talent from the Ye Clan, regarded as a future genius likely to ascend to the Upper Heavens.

Ye Chifeng had remained hidden for the sake of secrecy, unknown even to many clan members. Tasked with executing the targets on Li Xuan's list, he was the true driving force behind the Ye Clan’s mission.

Despite his skill, Ye Chifeng had not anticipated Lei Jun’s silent approach and subsequent ambush on Ye Qi. Swiftly adapting, Ye Chifeng had bided his time, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

During their clash, Lei Jun noticed the eerie bone chain coiled around Ye Chifeng’s arm. Its malicious aura not only concealed Ye Chifeng’s movements but also momentarily suppressed his opponent’s spirit during an ambush.

Lei Jun’s natural sensitivity to ambushes, honed through his own tactics, proved ineffective against this artifact. However, the Tianshi Seal within Lei Jun’s soul counteracted the chain’s effects, enabling him to recover in time.

“You possess a peculiar soul,” Ye Chifeng observed, his experience allowing him to grasp the situation immediately.

"Compared to you schemers, I’m far too simple and honest," Lei Jun retorted, attacking aggressively.

The two clashed fiercely, with Lei Jun’s magnetic techniques subtly slowing Ye Chifeng’s sword strikes. Exploiting this opening, Lei Jun’s golden bamboo staff struck Ye Chifeng’s head with precision, shattering his defense.