Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 180: New Heavenly Master is Born

"By the way..."

The old man continued gazing at the snowy scene outside the window. "Any further news on the one who ambushed Li Qingfeng?"

The middle-aged man replied, "None. That individual is extremely elusive, with formidable cultivation and strength. We cannot ascertain their identity or whereabouts."

The third internal conflict in Tianshi Mansion began with Tang Xiaotang and Li Hongyu both breaking through to the Eighth Heaven Realm.

During the chaos of the internal battle, two critical events stood out.

First, the Tianshi Sword autonomously returned to the area of Mount Longhu and fell into Tang Xiaotang's control. Without this turn of events, the outcome of the battle might have been uncertain.

Second, the mysterious person who had ambushed Li Qingfeng years ago, forcing him to fall with regret over the Great River, reappeared during the conflict.

This individual not only caused the death of Li Hongyu but also further shifted the tides of battle. Had it not been for their intervention, Li Hongyu might have abandoned the Tianshi Robe and escaped Mount Longhu. With Tang Xiaotang's attention focused on herself and the robe, Li Song might have had a chance to flee, and even Li Ziyang's fate might have been altered.

Even if Li Ziyang and Li Zhengxuan had ultimately perished at the hands of Qi Shuo, Cao Chu, Zhao Zongjie, and Lin Yuwei, the Li clan would still have had Li Hongyu and Li Song to hold the reins. At that point, the situation would have been entirely different.

The Daoist Talismanic Branch might have split into three factions, which could have been a favorable outcome for the Ye Clan in Jinzhou.

But unfortunately...

"Those with such cultivation and strength are exceedingly rare. I already have some guesses," the old man remarked. "There’s a slight chance the Southern Wastelands may have produced a new expert. If it’s someone from the Tang Empire’s Central Lands, their identities are almost entirely accounted for."

He tilted his head slightly upward. "The question remains—what is their true purpose? Do they have other plans?"

The middle-aged man spoke softly, "Some factions within the Yellow Heaven Sect seem to have ties to this mysterious individual. However, our agents within the Yellow Heaven Sect lack sufficient rank to provide concrete information."

The old man said calmly, "Continue investigating. Do not relax your efforts."

The middle-aged man nodded. "Yes, Father."

He hesitated before leaving, as if wanting to say more.

The old man said, "If you have something to say, speak plainly."

The middle-aged man replied, "Father, if the Tianshi Mansion truly shows signs of revitalization, then now, while the old tree has withered and the new shoots are still tender, is the best time to eliminate it entirely. Waiting further might allow those new shoots to mature.

"If you personally go south to take action, the matter can be settled. Although Xu Yuanzhen’s disappearance remains a potential threat, such hidden dangers will only multiply the longer we wait..."

If not for Tang Xiaotang’s rapid growth breaking the psychological safety net of the Li clan, they might not have resolved to sever ties completely despite concerns about Xu Yuanzhen's potential return.

As the saying goes, you can run from a monk but not the monastery. If there’s no monastery to speak of, it’s a different story entirely.

An Eighth Heaven expert with no ties or constraints is a terrifying threat.

Of course, everything comes down to weighing the odds. The Ye Clan of Jinzhou is far superior to the Li Clan of Xinzou in strength.

"No matter the validity of your argument, it’s too late now."

The old man finally withdrew his gaze from the snowy landscape. "I’ve just received word—the chaos in Wuyue has been quelled. Prince Wu is dead, and the Eastern Sea demon disturbance is nearing resolution."

The middle-aged man fell silent at this news.

The unrest in Wuyue had settled, and even the threat of the Eastern Sea demons was diminishing.

The Tang Imperial family now had the bandwidth to act.

After uprooting the Bodhi Monastery, the Tang Empress would not allow the Tianshi Mansion to vanish within a short span.

Though the Li clan had aligned itself with the Tang court previously, the Empress likely preferred to see an outcome where the "Outer Li" faction prevailed over the "Inner Li," leaving the Li clan defeated.

As the old man pointed out, it was now too late.

"The current Empress..." The middle-aged man’s expression was solemn.

"We shall observe her for now," the old man said. "Compared to the late Emperor, she is markedly different, even though they are siblings born of the same mother."

"Understood," the middle-aged man replied before withdrawing.

The old man began pacing slowly and eventually sat down again.

---

The fiercest battles atop Mount Longhu had concluded, and only the aftermath and cleanup remained.

After the final rupture, skirmishes also broke out between the middle and lower-tier factions, involving Li clan members and the true disciples of the outer surnames within the Tianshi Mansion.

Led by their respective elders, these clashes were less intense than those among the High Priests but no less bloody.

Scenes reminiscent of the internal strife from a century ago replayed, with heavy casualties.

However, as the battles among the High Priests ended, the situation across the mountain quickly became clearer.

The momentum of the Li clan collapsed, and most chose to flee rather than fight to the death. Few stayed behind to resist.

Elders like Yuan Mobai refrained from pursuing, instead instructing outer disciples to keep their pursuits within a set boundary before regrouping.

This decision was primarily for safety, given that experts from factions like the Yellow Heaven Sect, Golden City Stronghold, and Yin Mountain Cavern had retreated but could still pose a threat.

Mount Longhu's Tianshi Mansion had reached its lowest point in recent years, a natural consequence of successive upheavals.

While Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang were undeniably powerful, they were far from unrivaled. Moreover, as the saying goes, "The dead cannot rise again."

With so many successors dead, even if the surviving disciples sought revenge, it would only leave a mound of earth over the deceased.

Thus, Lei Jun and others began returning to the mountain, ready to close the curtain on the recent turmoil.

"Few direct descendants of the Li clan remain, and most of them fled toward Lanshan," Lei Jun reported to Yuan Mobai upon returning.

Lanshan, like the Purple Sky Sect, Jade River Sect, and Tianxu Sect, was one of the Tianshi Mansion's branches in the west of Xinzou.

What set Lanshan apart was its founding by a Li elder, and it primarily comprised Li clan members.

Now, with the Li clan forced out of Mount Longhu and their ancestral home in Xinzou untenable, they were compelled to retreat to Lanshan.

Lanshan's proximity to Mount Longhu meant it was unlikely to serve as more than a temporary refuge.

"If the High Priests of the Li clan were still around, they might attempt a revival at Lanshan. But as it stands, it’s likely just a brief stop before they flee further afield," Yuan Mobai said with a smile. "For now, let’s secure our ancestral grounds and reconnect with the various branches and grottos."

Lei Jun looked at his master and spoke softly, "Master, I’ve heard that Li Zhengxuan also fell by the Great River."

Yuan Mobai nodded solemnly. His usual smile faded, replaced by a rare moment of authenticity.

"This calamity was bound to attract opportunistic wolves. I opposed the complete rupture between Inner and Outer factions precisely because of this.

"Still, our sect’s fate is not yet sealed. The chaos outside has kept the top experts occupied, preventing the worst-case scenario for us.

"That said, deaths within our ranks, whether Inner or Outer faction, were not unexpected. To be honest, I had mentally prepared myself for this outcome, though I am grateful the heavens spared me today."

Yuan Mobai looked up at the ceiling with a complicated expression. "But the loss of my Second Martial Sister, Third Martial Brother, and Zhengxuan stirs my emotions in ways I cannot suppress."

Lei Jun stood silently.

Yuan Mobai turned to him and said, "If you have something to say, don’t hold back."

Lei Jun hesitated but then said, "Master, Li Xuan has also perished."

Yuan Mobai sighed. "I’ve heard about Fenghe. If we add your Junior Brother Chongxuan to the count..."

From the third Tianshi’s lineage, Li Qingfeng, Li Hongyu, and Li Ziyang had all perished. Li Hongyu left no descendants, while Li Qingfeng’s son Li Zhengxuan and Li Ziyang’s sons Li Xuan and Li Ming also died in the conflict.

Now, the only remaining member of the Li clan was Li Ziyang’s young daughter, Li Ying, who had fled to Lanshan with the other clan members.

Lei Jun glanced worriedly at Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai, however, had already regained his composure.

Seeing his disciple’s concern, he smiled gently, but his words remained unspoken.

At this point, words were meaningless.

---

Yuan Mobai suddenly recalled a scene from over a century ago, when the third Tianshi of the Li clan passed away during the second internal conflict.

Back then, Li Cangting, the son of the second Tianshi, perished alongside his uncle, the third Tianshi.

Yuan Mobai remembered the third Tianshi’s expression as he lay dying—neither anger nor regret, but a complex mixture of emotions.

Shaking off the memory, Yuan Mobai turned his attention back to Lei Jun and shifted the topic. "Tell me more about the Yellow Heaven Sect's Three Cavern Desolation Tribulation."

Lei Jun nodded and described the events in detail, finally producing the pair of Heavenly Desolation Enlightenment Jades.

Yuan Mobai examined them closely before returning them to his disciple. "From what you’ve heard, this method relied on the support of someone behind Qi Shuo. This individual must be the same mysterious figure who ambushed the former Tianshi, Li Qingfeng."

Lei Jun nodded. "That is Qi Shuo’s speculation."

"Though lacking concrete evidence, I share his intuition," Yuan Mobai said.

He looked at Lei Jun. "Do you remember the Yin Moon Soul Stone you obtained three years ago at Xiexing Peak?"

Lei Jun nodded gravely. "Today, when the mysterious figure tried to seize the Tianshi Robe, they also revealed a Yin Moon Soul Stone. However, the figure driven away from Xiexing Peak by the Moon Pavilion's mistress only had a Seventh Heaven cultivation at the time, far weaker than this one."

"They may still be connected," Yuan Mobai remarked.

"What could this mysterious expert want?" Lei Jun asked.

"It’s too early to say," Yuan Mobai replied.

"Do you think this person has reached the Ninth Heaven?" Lei Jun pressed.

Even when including the Southern Wastelands, the known Ninth Heaven cultivators in the human realm were few. A few years prior, the former Emperor Zhang Qilong had fallen to a great demon in the Western Regions.

"Even if not, they’re close," Yuan Mobai answered.

Lei Jun nodded lightly.

"But on that note," Yuan Mobai continued, "we may soon see another reach the Ninth Heaven."

"...Wei Ancheng!" Lei Jun exclaimed.

Yuan Mobai nodded.

With the battles at Mount Longhu concluded, the Tianshi Mansion disciples turned their attention to external events of great significance.

One such event was the death of the Abbot Liao Yuan of Bodhi Monastery at the hands of Wei Ancheng, the leader of the Blood River Sect.

Following years of turmoil in the Western Regions, the Blood River Sect had surged in power, with Wei Ancheng leading the charge.

Reports indicated that during his recent appearance in the northern province of Youzhou, Wei Ancheng displayed strength nearing the peak of the Eighth Heaven. After defeating Liao Yuan, also an Eighth Heaven cultivator, it was difficult to predict how much he might gain.

If he ascended further, it would undoubtedly transform the Southern Wastelands' power dynamics and ripple across the Tang Empire.

"Fortunately, the disturbances in Wuyue and the Eastern Sea are subsiding," Yuan Mobai said. "And the northern chaos will soon conclude as well."

Lei Jun’s eyes flickered. "The Ye Clan of Jinzhou, the Lin Clan of Youzhou, and the Ye Clan of Qingzhou..."

These noble families often avoided direct confrontation, allowing others to take the brunt of the conflict while they observed from the sidelines.

Liao Yuan and his peers fell to great demons and Wei Ancheng, while the Bodhi Monastery was destroyed by the Dakuang Monastery.

The blame for the demonic turmoil was pinned on the Bodhi Monastery, while the northern aristocratic clans ensured the situation did not spiral out of control.

"Nominally, they are still considered victims of the demonic chaos instigated by the Bodhi Monastery, valiantly resisting the northern great demons and driving them back beyond the northern desert. Truly, they managed to gain both substance and reputation."

"Though it might sound like taking advantage while feigning modesty, to some extent, the Bodhi Monastery shielded the Tianshi Mansion from a major blow.

"Had external forces intervened in this Li-Outer conflict, the outcome might have been far harder to predict—for both the outer disciples and the Li clan alike."

"Step by step," Yuan Mobai said with a smile.

Lei Jun also smiled. "Master is right."

Yuan Mobai continued, "For now, let’s focus on what we can do. The mountain is empty now, and many matters must be handled flexibly.

"I understand that you, Chongyun, are more devoted to cultivation and Daoist arts, but the sect needs you to shoulder some responsibilities in the interim, at least for a transitional period."

After this battle, Mount Longhu not only lost four High Priests but also suffered vacancies among mid-level elders and various stewards.

To address this, it became necessary to make exceptional promotions to fill the gaps.

Lei Jun, already at the Fifth Heaven, had previously been granted a Fifth-Grade Daoist rank through the Talisman Conferral Ceremony. His cultivation and status were more than sufficient, but he was still young and had preferred to focus on cultivation. Yuan Mobai and others had allowed him to concentrate on his training.

Now, however, with a severe shortage of manpower, Daoist Lei would have to step up and take on responsibilities for the time being.

"Disciple fears my youth and inexperience may make me unfit for such a role," Lei Jun said solemnly. "But given the sect's circumstances, I shall prioritize its needs. I only ask for Master’s continued guidance."

Yuan Mobai laughed. "I have every confidence in you. If you’re willing, you’ll excel."

Lei Jun felt his master’s words carried an implied critique of someone else.

"Master, how is Senior Sister handling things?" Lei Jun glanced in the direction of the Wanfa Sect Altar.

"She should be about finished," Yuan Mobai replied.

Following the battle, Yuan Mobai had entrusted Tang Xiaotang with the responsibility of managing the Wanfa Sect Altar without mentioning the Tianshi Sword, a gesture that clearly expressed his stance.

Today’s conflict had elevated Tang Xiaotang’s reputation within Mount Longhu to unprecedented heights.

She had defeated Li Song, a Supreme Elder of the Eighth Heaven, and then triumphed over Li Hongyu, also of the Eighth Heaven.

Apart from the missing Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang was now the foremost expert in the Tianshi Mansion.

Despite some complications during the process, she had contributed significantly to the sect, reclaiming the lost treasure, the Tianshi Sword.

With the sword in hand, she overcame the robe-enhanced Li Hongyu, swept through experts like Tian Linlong and Li Zhengxuan, and ultimately slew Supreme Elder Li Song.

Her achievements directly turned the tide, bringing order out of chaos and leading to the Li clan’s defeat.

In terms of both strength and merit, no one would remember Tang Xiaotang merely as a former Daoist apprentice.

To younger disciples, she was undoubtedly the ideal candidate for the new Tianshi.

Only a few cautious elders expressed concerns about her personality and approach.

In the world of cultivation, much like the mundane world, a leader’s strength was critical, but leadership and decision-making skills were equally vital.

This was particularly relevant for Yuan Mobai, who had revealed his true form to everyone during the conflict.

Though similar incidents were not unheard of in the cultivation world, especially in these chaotic times, Yuan Mobai had no desire to contend for the position of Tianshi.

By voluntarily handing over the Wanfa Sect Altar to Tang Xiaotang, he made his stance unequivocally clear, solidifying her role.

The Wanfa Sect Altar had always been managed by the Tianshi.

---

"Hahaha!"

Tang Xiaotang exited the Wanfa Sect Altar, her laughter resonating with joy when she saw Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai. "I told you I could do it!"

She seemed to revert to her youthful self, hugging Lei Jun with glee.

Lei Jun shared her joy. "Congratulations, congratulations."

Tang Xiaotang composed herself slightly and slapped Lei Jun on the shoulder. "Once I assume the Tianshi position, you’ll be the first elder I promote!"

Lei Jun chuckled. "Senior Sister, don’t say that. You’ll make me feel like a sycophant."

Tang Xiaotang’s eyes widened. "What nonsense is that?!"

Yuan Mobai watched with a faint smile.

"But Senior Sister," Lei Jun added, "you should prepare yourself mentally. After today’s battle, the sect has much rebuilding to do. You’ll be quite busy."

"Why should I be busy?" Tang Xiaotang replied, perplexed. "I have Master and all of you!"

"..." Lei Jun found himself at a loss for words.

He wasn’t even surprised anymore. He had long known that Tang Xiaotang valued the title, honor, and prestige of being Tianshi over actual authority.

She didn’t mind having the title without the responsibilities.

But to express it so openly and confidently? That was pure Tang Xiaotang.

"In the next few days, we’ll make some preliminary arrangements. On New Year’s Day, the sect will officially announce your appointment as Tianshi," Yuan Mobai said with a smile. "The grander ceremony can wait until later—it requires careful preparation and must not be rushed."

A Tianshi’s ascension was no small matter, and the ceremony needed to be held at an auspicious time.

While the formalities could be postponed, the announcement of Tang Xiaotang’s new role as Tianshi could not. The sect needed stability, especially after the upheaval of the Li-Outer conflict.

The approaching New Year presented an opportunity to lift spirits within the sect and beyond.

Originally, a Talisman Conferral Ceremony had been scheduled for the fifteenth day of the New Year, but given the recent chaos and Tang Xiaotang’s impending appointment, Yuan Mobai and the others had agreed to postpone it by a year.

By then, Tang Xiaotang herself would preside over the ceremony.

"This time will allow you to familiarize yourself with the rituals and protocols. When the formal ceremony is held, you will lead the prayers and pay respects to the ancestors," Yuan Mobai explained.

Tang Xiaotang pouted. "This isn’t the kind of thing I enjoy."

While her enthusiasm had yet to wane, her thoughts were already elsewhere. "I wonder when Senior Sister will return. It would be great if she could be here before the formal ceremony. I want her to see me become Tianshi!"

"I hope Xu Yuanzhen can return soon as well," Yuan Mobai said.

Tang Xiaotang suddenly grinned. "Hehehe, do you think she’d accept the Tianshi position if I offered it to her? Wouldn’t that catch her off guard?"

Lei Jun rubbed his forehead, once again marveling at how unreliable the new Tianshi was.

With only a few days left before the New Year, Yuan Mobai decided to delay official changes in protocol. Familiar with Tang Xiaotang’s personality, he smiled indulgently and handed her a set of ritual manuals.

"I’ve compiled all the ritual texts for you. Take a look, Tang Xiaotang."

Tang Xiaotang straightened up. "Fine, let’s see if they can stump me!"

She marched off with her usual exuberance, leaving Lei Jun to accompany Yuan Mobai to the High Priests' Hall.

He too had to undergo some training and guidance to prepare for his new responsibilities.

Elder Yao Yuan had already arrived, and later, Elder Shangguan Ning joined them.

It was evident that the latter brought news of a connection with the Tang Imperial Court.

The latest Tianshi Mansion internal conflict had concluded, but there was still much to address in its aftermath.

"Let’s summon Tang Xiaotang. Later, we’ll head to the ancestral tomb to pay respects to our predecessors," Yao Yuan said.

Shangguan Ning nodded. "Agreed, let’s discuss it together."

Yuan Mobai inclined his head. "Different people, different treatment."

They weren’t debating whether to visit the ancestral tomb but how to deal with the expelled Li clan members.

Would they treat everyone the same or evaluate them individually?

This wasn’t a decision for a single person. After Tang Xiaotang and the High Priests reached a preliminary agreement, the entire sect would deliberate before making a final decision.

"There’s one more thing..."

Shangguan Ning’s expression turned serious. "The Empress is expected to return to the capital before the New Year, but she intends to visit our sect on her way back."

The Empress herself would visit Mount Longhu.