Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 183: The Gathering of the Seven Luminaries

After the light sphere flickered and displayed the characters, two signs of fate emerged this time:

• [Upper-Moderate Omen]: Cultivate with a calm mind, neither rushing nor being impatient. Follow the natural course, and you may obtain a Fifth-Grade Opportunity. No danger, no repercussions. Auspicious.
• [Moderate-Moderate Omen]: Actively engage with the Tang Imperial Family and seek opportunities for advancement. You may gain a Sixth-Grade Opportunity. No immediate danger, but potential hidden troubles with karmic entanglements. Neutral.

Reading these two signs, Lei Jun felt a bit uneasy.

The signs seemed considerate, as if tailored for him.

The Upper-Moderate Omen aligned more with his wishes, being more advantageous.

Yet, its seamless alignment with his desires made Lei Jun uneasy.

"Luck this good makes even me feel on edge," Lei Jun quipped to himself, though outwardly he maintained composure, only displaying a slightly regretful expression.

"Master has assigned me tasks over the next few days, so I’ll regrettably have to miss out," he said to Lin Shan.

Lin Shan nodded. "Your responsibilities come first. Take care."

After sending Lin Shan off, Lei Jun returned to his usual routine: assisting his master, Yuan Mobai, with sect affairs during the day at the High Priests’ Hall, and focusing on his cultivation at night.

As the day drew nearer, more officials from the court began arriving at Mount Longhu ahead of time to prepare for the reception.

Lei Jun dutifully cooperated in the official arrangements but avoided personal interactions with members of the Tang Imperial Family.

That night, near midnight, Lei Jun paused his cultivation, completed his preparations, and immersed his consciousness deep into his soul.

Inside the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven derived from the Tianshi Seal, a page of the Heavenly Book floated mid-air, radiating light.

Lei Jun’s awareness entered, as if stepping into an illusory cosmic expanse.

Over the past two days, he had arranged to meet with Sun Luminary, Moon Luminary, and Jupiter Luminary tonight for another gathering.

Lei Jun arrived slightly later than the others.

Once the Venus Luminary representing him lit up, Lei Jun scanned the starry expanse. The lights of Sun Luminary, Moon Luminary, and Jupiter Luminary were already present, with three figures arriving one after another.

None of the three spoke.

Nor did Lei Jun.

Because tonight, three other luminaries, long dormant and ownerless—Mercury Luminary, Mars Luminary, and Saturn Luminary—had suddenly lit up.

It seemed these luminaries now had owners.

Lei Jun mused. Previously, his arrival had coincided with Jupiter Luminary’s.

His gaze shifted from Mercury, Mars, and Saturn Luminaries to Sun, Moon, and Jupiter Luminaries.

"Three new friends have joined us. Welcome, welcome," said Moon Luminary, breaking the silence.

From Mars Luminary came a voice: "What is this place? And who are you all?"

In the starry void, all voices sounded alike, indistinguishable by gender.

Yet, the tone of Mars Luminary was notably lively.

Lei Jun, however, remained calm.

As the saying goes, "Behind the screen, who knows if it’s a man or a dog?"

Just like his first meeting with Jupiter Luminary, Moon Luminary now took the lead in introducing the new arrivals to the group and explaining the situation.

Lei Jun, Sun Luminary, and Jupiter Luminary stayed silent, allowing Moon Luminary to speak on their behalf.

Midway through the conversation, Mars Luminary abruptly exclaimed, "I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll be back later!"

The light of Mars Luminary dimmed quickly, signaling its owner’s departure.

Lei Jun found this intriguing.

If the Heavenly Book’s numerical sequence corresponds to the luminaries, Mars Luminary likely aligned with Heavenly Book No. 6.

Lei Jun recalled a conversation with his Senior Sister, Xu Yuanzhen. She once mentioned hiding with Heavenly Book No. 6.

Now that this page had a new owner, Lei Jun wondered who it could be.

The hurried and seemingly immature behavior was notable—but was it genuine or an act?

In contrast, the newcomers representing Mercury and Saturn Luminaries adopted a cautious and observant approach, much like Lei Jun and Jupiter Luminary had upon arrival.

The four "veterans" didn’t mind and continued with the usual procedures.

"Finally, we’re all here. I have a suggestion: let’s explore the universe within this book together," Moon Luminary proposed.

"Of course. Let’s wait for Mars Luminary to return, so all seven of us can advance as one. Tonight, we’ll stick to exchanging knowledge and offering mutual support. What do you all think?"

Sun Luminary replied, "Let’s begin. My usual question remains: does anyone have information on the whereabouts of Wei Ancheng, the Blood River Sect’s leader?"

News had spread of Wei Ancheng’s sudden appearance in the northern Youzhou region, where he caused the death of the Bodhi Monastery abbot, Master Liaoyuan.

Sun Luminary’s persistent inquiry showed his determination to track Wei Ancheng’s movements post-assassination.

Moon Luminary then asked, "Does anyone know the identity of the mysterious expert who ambushed the former Tianshi, Li Qingfeng, six years ago on the Great River and recently attacked Li Hongyu of Mount Longhu?"

Hearing this, Lei Jun’s heart stirred.

Jupiter Luminary followed up. "I’m interested in that person’s identity as well."

Lei Jun finally spoke. "Same here."

Newcomer Saturn Luminary responded, "I have no information on these matters."

Mercury Luminary added, "I’m also in the dark."

Moon Luminary chuckled. "Our new friends are a bit reserved, but no matter—it’s a process. If you have questions, feel free to ask, whether publicly or privately. Just remember: sincerity and reciprocity."

Mercury Luminary replied, "Thank you for the courtesy."

Though polite, Mercury Luminary fell silent thereafter.

Saturn Luminary pondered aloud, "I have a question... The recent internal turmoil at Tianshi Mansion, while sudden, wasn’t entirely unexpected. Its roots lie in the rivalry between the Li factions, with the recent clash triggered by Daoists Li Hongyu and Tang Xiaotang, who both broke through to the Eighth Heaven Realm."

He continued, "These two Daoist prodigies of the Talismanic Branch are renowned for their talent. It’s no surprise their cultivation advanced further, but breaking through simultaneously seems too coincidental. Could there be some underlying cause?"

Lei Jun listened quietly, glancing at Sun Luminary.

After asking about Wei Ancheng, Sun Luminary had fallen silent once again.

Lei Jun had anticipated this since trading the Glowing Sun Gold Crystal with Sun Luminary in exchange for Dispersed Soul Essence.

Though Pure Yang Palace shielded them, Tang Xiaotang’s breakthrough to the Eighth Heaven Realm with the help of the Glowing Sun Gold Crystal made the crystal’s origin easy to trace.

Fortunately, the transaction had been conducted by Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen, keeping Lei Jun from immediate suspicion.

Still, Saturn Luminary’s question sparked unpleasant speculation in Lei Jun’s mind.

"Many secrets might have been buried with Li Hongyu’s death," Moon Luminary remarked.

Saturn Luminary added, "Others may know the truth."

With the newcomers, the discussions didn’t go too deep this time.

After a few more exchanges, the gathering ended somewhat hastily.

Once everyone dispersed, Lei Jun took the opportunity to meet with Jupiter Luminary privately.

Lei Jun got straight to the point: “Regarding Master Liaoyuan of Bodhi Monastery traveling to Youzhou in the North, you mentioned related information before.”

Jupiter Luminary replied, “Indeed, I did.”

Lei Jun asked, “At the time, were you trying to prevent this from happening?”

Jupiter Luminary neither affirmed nor denied, saying, “I simply heard about Bodhi Monastery’s intention to move northward and shared the news with everyone.”

“I see,” Lei Jun said, offering no further remarks before “logging off.”

Exiting the True-One Altar within his soul, Lei Jun opened the door and stood in the courtyard, gazing at the real starry sky above, lost in thought.

After a while, he collected his wandering thoughts, returned to his room, sat in meditation, and resumed his cultivation.

---

Two days later, the Empress was scheduled to officially arrive at Mount Longhu.

Shangguan Ning, Zhang Jingzhen, and Lin Shan accompanied Xiao Xueting down the mountain to welcome her.

By noon, the dragon chariot appeared in the skies far from Mount Longhu.

A literal dragon chariot.

Though not drawn by true dragons but by flood dragons, the grandeur remained undeniable.

Compared to the formal escort of the Tang Emperor, the Empress’s entourage was modest.

However, even this modest arrangement radiated immense authority.

Mount Longhu matched the grandeur, meticulously observing all rituals and protocols.

Tang Xiaotang, the newly confirmed Tianshi-to-be, led the High Priests of Mount Longhu in welcoming the Empress. The other talismanic elders and disciples followed suit.

Today, Lei Jun finally saw the current ruler of the Great Tang in person: Zhang Wantong, the fifth Tang Emperor.

A figure descended from the dragon chariot.

It was none other than the ruler of the vast Tang Empire, the Empress Zhang Wantong.

Dressed in simple attire, she wore casual clothing, which did not obscure her stunning facial features or perfect form—radiant and regal.

Her sharp, heroic features stood out compared to most women, exuding an air of martial dignity.

In Lei Jun’s view, her appearance and presence epitomized the grandeur, prosperity, and beauty of the imperial dynasty, combining heavenly grace and heroic poise.

That said, the Great Tang Empire currently faced turbulent times.

Still, its foundation remained secure, with no imminent signs of collapse.

The future would determine its fate.

Beneath her striking appearance, the Empress's restrained gaze concealed her true intentions.

“Not bad. She doesn’t seem malicious for now, but it’s hard to say—I can’t quite read her,” remarked Tang Xiaotang in private after greeting the Empress.

Lei Jun kept his thoughts to himself but felt a twinge of concern over the phrase “can’t quite read.”

Outwardly composed, he joined Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, and the others in hosting the Tang ruler.

---

Resting Amid the Lakes

Mount Longhu, scarred by recent battles, had undergone repairs. Though no longer dilapidated, some signs of damage remained.

The Empress would stay overnight in the mountains, her temporary palace arranged with great care.

At her request, the accommodations were not on the main peak but by a lakeside at its base.

After meeting with Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, and the others on the main peak, the Empress retired to her lakeside residence for the night.

As night deepened, the lakeside and the newly built pavilion in the lake’s center were brightly lit.

Xiao Xueting approached the lake and crossed the wooden bridge to the pavilion.

The palace maidens in the pavilion bowed upon seeing her.

Xiao Xueting nodded with a smile and entered the pavilion.

There, a woman was fishing, her gaze fixed on the floating bobber.

“Your Majesty,” Xiao Xueting greeted casually, her tone relaxed and cheerful.

The fishing woman didn’t turn but asked casually, “What do you think?”

Xiao Xueting replied, “Elder Shangguan’s disciple, Daoist Lin, is warm and enthusiastic. Elder Yuan’s disciple, Daoist Lei, is more reserved. Elder Yao’s disciple, Daoist Ke, is similarly enthusiastic but injured and will need time to recover.”

The fishing woman reeled in the line. “What do you think of Lei Jun?”

Xiao Xueting smiled. “He’s much like Elder Yuan—exceptional, of course, but difficult to read.”

The fishing woman stood up. “Often, when you can’t read someone, it’s because you’re overthinking things.”

She handed her fishing gear to Xiao Xueting and walked out of the lakeside pavilion.

The Empress’s Departure and Post-Conflict Rewards

The Empress’s stay at Mount Longhu was brief, lasting only a single day and night. Before the New Year, she had to return to the capital, making this visit more of a symbolic gesture than a prolonged stay.

Her personal appearance symbolized the imperial endorsement of the newly confirmed Tianshi, Tang Xiaotang—a gesture as meaningful as any grand ceremony.

Official rewards were also plentiful. Unsurprisingly, the lion’s share went to Tang Xiaotang, the soon-to-be Tianshi. However, all members of Mount Longhu, regardless of rank, received their share, with varying degrees of generosity.

After the chaos of internal strife, the Tianshi Mansion began to see a semblance of recovery, bolstered by the festive atmosphere brought by these imperial gifts.

Lei Jun, alongside other talismanic Daoists like Lin Shan, Zhang Jingzhen, and Fang Jian, was among the most richly rewarded.

Lei Jun’s Reward

Lei Jun’s new attire included a Daoist crown, robe, shoes, a whisk, and a ruyi scepter—symbols of honor that were expected.

Additionally, he received resources for cultivation, such as numerous Five-Qi Stones, Radiant Jade, 200 sheets of Purple Smoke Talisman Paper, 20 portions of Pine Essence Talisman Ink, and 5 Dragon Whisker Talisman Brushes.

Most notably, each individual received a unique spiritual item. Lei Jun’s prize was the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree, a spiritual plant whose dual blossoms and internal mysteries held great utility for mid-level Talismanic cultivators.

However, for Lei Jun, it was somewhat lackluster.

The tree’s primary function was to assist in cultivating the Dragon-Tiger Twin Spirit Technique, a technique Lei Jun practiced but did not consider central to his path, nor did he plan to make it his life-bound spell. While the tree could enhance his abilities in the technique, it was not something he found particularly valuable.

In contrast, he admired Lin Shan’s reward—the Essence-Gathering Ice Soul, which, though lacking specialized effects, could support a cultivator’s progress in daily cultivation and prove universally useful.

---

Lin Shan’s Role

The disparity in rewards seemed unsurprising. Lin Shan, possibly influenced by Shangguan Ning or his own inclination, maintained a close relationship with the Tang Imperial Family.

During the Empress’s visit, Lin Shan was tirelessly active, handling many of the reception tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. His master, Shangguan Ning, seemed intent on grooming him, entrusting him with significant responsibilities during the visit.

Given the Tianshi Mansion’s weakened state, forging closer ties with the Tang court was inevitable, and Lin Shan’s attitude reflected this new reality.

Already a promising young talent with cultivation at the Sixth Heaven Realm, Lin Shan had always been one of the foremost among his peers. Besides Zhang Jingzhen, who was slightly ahead, Lin Shan held his ground against others like Li Kong, Li Xuan, and Xia Xiushan.

With Li Kong confirmed dead and Li Xuan and the Xia siblings missing after the conflict, Lin Shan’s prominence among the younger generation had only grown. It was no surprise that the Tang court rewarded him generously.

---

Lei Jun’s Detached Perspective

In contrast to Lin Shan’s proactive engagement, Lei Jun maintained his usual neutral and amicable stance, neither drawing too close to anyone nor keeping excessive distance.

Though the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree was ostensibly equal in value to Lin Shan’s Essence-Gathering Ice Soul, Lei Jun found it somewhat unsuitable for his path, reflecting his measured relationship with the Empress.

His outward demeanor remained calm, appearing unperturbed and content. However, inwardly, he pondered, “The Essence-Gathering Ice Soul seems to correspond with the Moderate-Moderate Omen Lin Shan received—his Sixth-Grade Opportunity. But this Twin Spirit Treasure Tree... it hardly feels like a Fifth-Grade Opportunity to me, especially considering how mismatched it is for my needs.”

Still, he set the matter aside, choosing not to dwell on it.

---

An Unexpected Visit

Later, someone came to visit.

“Senior Sister Zhang?” Lei Jun greeted Zhang Jingzhen with a hint of surprise as she arrived at his residence.

After inviting her to sit in the courtyard, Lei Jun served tea.

Following some casual conversation, Zhang Jingzhen got to the point. “Junior Brother Lei, I must admit—I’ve come to ask for your help.”

“Senior Sister, there’s no need for formality. Our elders often remind us to support one another. Please, tell me how I can assist you.”

Zhang Jingzhen smiled. “During the imperial rewards, I noticed you received a Twin Spirit Treasure Tree. I was wondering if you might part with it. Of course, I’m not asking for it as a gift—I’m willing to trade something in return, so we both gain what we need.”

Zhang Jingzhen, unaware of Lei Jun’s lack of interest in the Dragon-Tiger Twin Spirit Technique, didn’t realize the tree was of little value to him.

As Lei Jun considered what Zhang Jingzhen had received, she produced a small vial.

“Junior Brother Lei, your physical strength and body refinement under Elder Yuan’s tutelage must be excellent,” she explained. “This vial contains Blood-Vitality Elixir, which can further enhance one’s physique. I believe it might suit you. Of course, if there’s something else you need, please let me know.”

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. “This Blood-Vitality Elixir will do.”

Compared to the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree, the elixir was far more aligned with his cultivation needs.

“So this is where my Fifth-Grade Opportunity lands,” Lei Jun mused.

“Now I’m curious—what hidden trouble lies in Lin Shan’s Moderate-Moderate Omen?”