Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 194: People sit in the mountains, and gifts are sent thousands of miles away

The news from the eastern section of the Danan Mountains left Ye Han and her daughter, as well as the elders of Jincheng Fortress, shocked and unsure.

At Jincheng Fortress, they immediately dispatched personnel to investigate. Out of caution, Ye Han and her daughter refrained from acting immediately. Instead, they instructed their information network to collect more detailed intelligence to confirm the whereabouts of Lei Jun and his master, Yuan Mobai.

In truth, Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai had not split into two groups. The master and disciple traveled together, one in the open, the other in secret. However, they weren’t heading toward Lonely City Ridge in the western Danan Mountains. Instead, they were journeying eastward along the mountain range.

“Master, I’ve found someone suitable to deliver the message,” Lei Jun said through a Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman, notifying Yuan Mobai while gazing down at the mountain below.

At the foot of a rocky slope, two cultivators were locked in battle.

At first glance, neither side seemed related to Lei Jun. On one side was a middle-aged man dressed in the distinct style of the Southern Wasteland. On the other side was a monk clad in robes, appearing to be in his forties.

Though not particularly tall, the monk had an imposing, muscular frame. His movements carried the immense strength of a dragon or an elephant. Unlike the ascetic monks of Xuanyan Temple such as Yong Xiang or De Xiang, his demeanor exuded the aura of a true disciple of the Bodhi Monastery’s Zen Martial tradition.

The Bodhi Monastery had been destroyed, with most of its disciples perishing. Only a few who had been traveling abroad at the time survived. Thanks to the Tang imperial family’s intervention, the blame for the northern demonic chaos had not fallen on the monastery’s remnants.

The surviving disciples were allowed to regroup and operate openly. However, after the monastery's fierce battles and destruction by the Vast Void Temple, its ancestral grounds were reduced to ruins. With its spiritual energy depleted and its earth veins shattered, the site had become a wasteland. Restoring it would take years.

Thus, the survivors sought a new location to establish themselves, reopening their mountain gates in the south—a place now referred to as "Southern Bodhi." With the Tang imperial family’s support, Southern Bodhi had slowly regained stability over the past three years. Yet, it still paled in comparison to its former status as the holy land of Zen Martial Buddhism.

Some disciples focused on rigorous cultivation, while others traveled extensively, hoping to restore the monastery’s former glory.

The monk currently battling appeared to be a disciple of Southern Bodhi. However, it was unclear why he had ventured to the Southern Wasteland.

Lei Jun’s gaze shifted from the monk to his opponent—a middle-aged man in traditional Southern Wasteland attire.

Around this man’s body, swirling clouds of witchcraft energy hovered like mist. He was clearly a Gu Master. Lei Jun found his face familiar, recalling an image he had seen before.

Any Gu Master whose portrait had reached the northern Tang territories was bound to be a renowned figure of the Southern Wasteland, particularly those from Yinshi Cavern, the sacred land of the Witchcraft lineage.

This man, Lei Jun remembered, was called Zhao Sen, a direct disciple of Yinshi Cavern elder Tian Linlong.

Lei Jun nodded to himself. With this connection, his planned intervention would seem more justified.

At this moment, the battle between the Southern Bodhi monk and Gu Master Zhao Sen had reached its climax.

The monk wielded a vajra pestle, his strikes enveloped in golden Buddhist light. His movements were bold and forceful, exuding unmatched power. Wherever the vajra pestle struck, swarms of Gu insects were obliterated instantly.

“Amitabha!”

The monk stomped the ground with full force, shattering the rocky terrain and sending dust flying. He then leaped diagonally upward, charging directly at Zhao Sen on the mid-mountain slope.

The Zen Martial tradition of Buddhism emphasized physical strength, often matching—or even surpassing—the capabilities of martial artists at the same level. However, their speed was typically lacking.

Yet this monk’s full-power leap propelled him forward swiftly, closing the distance to Zhao Sen in an instant.

The Witchcraft lineage of Gu Masters, on the other hand, focused on the soul and rarely emphasized the physical body.

Being confronted at close range by the monk was a clear disadvantage for Zhao Sen. Yet, he remained calm, his face revealing a sinister smile.

From Zhao Sen’s headscarf, a peculiar Gu insect suddenly appeared, emitting a golden glow.

The monk’s vajra pestle struck forward, only to be blocked by the golden light. His face twisted into a wrathful expression, his anger surging.

Lei Jun, observing from afar, realized that the golden light emanating from Zhao Sen’s peculiar Gu insect was not a typical defensive method like the Witchcraft lineage’s Golden Armor Gu. Instead, it shared a resonance with the Buddhist aura of the monk’s teachings.

As the golden light intensified and condensed, a phantom of a half-bodied Buddha appeared. Its hands pressed together in a gesture of defense, shielding Zhao Sen from the monk’s assault.

Looking closer, Lei Jun noticed that the peculiar Gu insect emerging from Zhao Sen’s headscarf resembled a combination of human bone fragments and Buddhist prayer beads.

The dignified radiance of Buddhist treasures fused with the eerie and unpredictable nature of Witchcraft.

Could it be...a Buddhist relic?

And Zhao Sen had somehow transformed it into a unique Gu insect... Lei Jun felt a sudden realization.

Following the destruction of the Bodhi Monastery, many Buddhist relics and treasures had been scattered. Among them were numerous relics from high-ranking monks.

It appeared that Zhao Sen had acquired one such relic and ingeniously refined it into a defensive “Relic Gu.”

Whether his actions were right or wrong was a separate matter. This level of ingenuity explained why Zhao Sen had quickly risen to fame as one of Yinshi Cavern’s most promising new talents. Many in the Southern Wasteland believed he would eventually reach the Upper Three Heavens.

However, the monk before him—one of the few surviving Mid-Heaven disciples of the Bodhi Monastery—was enraged by the sight of the Relic Gu.

After his initial strike with the vajra pestle was blocked, the monk swung the weapon again.

But just then, a strange and colorful flower blossomed at his forehead, embedded in his flesh.

Within the flower, traces of Witchcraft energy emerged.

It was yet another Gu, one of Yinshi Cavern’s signature creations.

“You monks are tough to crack with typical spiritual Gu like the Seven Emotions Gu or the Madness Gu,” Zhao Sen said, sneering. “But you gave me an opening yourself.”

Even for Zen Martial practitioners, who valued physical and spiritual fortitude, Gu like the Seven Emotions Gu, Madness Gu, and Heart Gu—designed to target the soul—rarely succeeded against Buddhist cultivators of equal level.

However, the monk’s rage over the Relic Gu had left his mind shaken, providing Zhao Sen the opportunity he needed.

Despite this, the monk reacted swiftly. Realizing the breach in his spiritual defenses, he immediately calmed his mind, fortifying his spirit once more.

His Buddhist training from the Bodhi Monastery was profound. Even after losing the initial advantage, he remained a formidable opponent.

The monk raised his hand and gently wiped his forehead.

The action was graceful, reminiscent of a Bodhi tree sprouting new branches.

The sinister Gu flower, already blossoming at his forehead, detached and fell into his palm.

The monk’s fingers opened and closed, halting the flower’s bloom in its tracks. The vibrant petals quivered, restrained by sheer will.

With his other hand, the monk’s vajra pestle transformed into a series of intricate movements—the Thousand-Hand Bodhi Palm.

This style embodied both the powerful, unyielding force of the vajra and the wisdom and perfection of the Bodhi path, demonstrating the essence of true Buddhist martial arts.

The monk, with one hand suppressing the yet-to-bloom Seven Emotions Gu and the other withdrawing the vajra pestle, swept his arm through the air. It seemed as though hundreds of hands extended outward, encompassing all directions, aiming to seize the Relic Gu that had blocked his vajra pestle earlier.

Though lacking the sheer ferocity of the Vajra Subduing Devil Pestle, the move resembled a Bodhi tree taking root in the earth, entangling the Relic Gu in an attempt to wrest it from Zhao Sen's control.

However, Zhao Sen, having gained the upper hand, wasn’t about to let the monk turn the tables so easily.

As the monk shifted to the delicate and intricate Bodhi techniques, a swarm of black Gu insects emerged around Zhao Sen, merging their energy with the Relic Gu.

The black Gu insects were held back by the dense, overlapping shadows of the monk's Thousand-Hand Bodhi Palm, unable to break through. Instead, they acted like miniature abysses, voraciously devouring the golden Buddhist light.

“Devouring Spirit Gu…” the monk observed, remaining composed.

The Thousand-Hand Bodhi Palm, tightly woven with Buddhist mana, made it difficult for the Devouring Spirit Gu to absorb his power freely. Even if some mana was lost, the monk could endure it.

Buddhist cultivators, regardless of their lineage, were renowned for their resilience and abundant mana reserves.

But Zhao Sen didn’t rely solely on the Devouring Spirit Gu. Another group of Gu insects, gold in color, flew out. They were few in number, only a few dozen, but they moved with exceptional speed and concentrated power. Like needles piercing leather, they aimed to puncture the monk’s palm technique.

These were none other than the famed Golden Silkworm Gu of Yinshi Cavern.

Zhao Sen’s offensive seamlessly combined flexibility and force, launching unrelenting attacks at the monk. If even one Golden Silkworm Gu managed to pierce the monk’s defense, the rest of the Gu swarm would follow in a relentless surge.

Yet the monk’s Bodhi Palm techniques were undeniably exquisite, forming an impenetrable defense. Under normal circumstances, he could have held his ground against Zhao Sen indefinitely while seeking an opportunity to counterattack.

However, having already lost the upper hand, the monk struggled against Zhao Sen's full-force assault. This left the suppressed Seven Emotions Gu within him showing signs of reawakening.

In contrast, Zhao Sen had the Relic Gu for protection and was firmly in control of the battle.

Though the monk was furious at the desecration of the Buddhist relic, he had to admit that continuing the fight would only worsen his situation.

His only option was to retreat and address the Seven Emotions Gu within him before seeking retribution against Zhao Sen later.

But retreating now was easier said than done.

Zhao Sen had unleashed a multitude of Gu insects, encircling the monk.

Buddhist cultivators of the Zen Martial tradition lacked proficiency in movement techniques or escape arts. Only upon reaching the Upper Three Heavens could they cultivate the grand divine ability “Lotus Blooming with Each Step,” which would significantly improve their mobility.

For now, the monk found himself trapped, each step hindered by the swarm of Gu insects.

Zhao Sen, smiling faintly, refrained from pressing too aggressively. Instead, he relied on the Devouring Spirit Gu, patiently wearing down the monk bit by bit.

“I’ve heard that monks of the Middle Three Heavens often leave behind relics upon death. I hope you won’t disappoint me. Perhaps you can contribute another relic to my collection,” Zhao Sen said, grinning as he deliberately provoked the monk’s spirit. This made it easier for his Gu insects to exploit any openings.

However, Zhao Sen suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. His body tensed as if pricked by countless needles, and cold sweat broke out.

Instinctively, he summoned the Relic Gu, which radiated Buddhist light to shield him.

At that very moment, a short staff descended from behind him, striking the top of his head.

The staff collided with the Buddhist light, causing it to tremble violently.

At the tip of the staff, a faint flicker of firelight swayed.

Then came a deafening explosion.

The staff unleashed a chain reaction of thunder and fire explosions, far exceeding Zhao Sen’s expectations. Despite the formidable defense of the Relic Gu, the Buddhist light was shattered in an instant.

The Relic Gu, which resembled prayer beads mixed with bone fragments, was struck and sent flying.

The short staff didn’t stop there; it continued its trajectory, landing directly on Zhao Sen’s body.

As a Gu Master, Zhao Sen’s physical body was far from durable, and the blow left his body mangled beyond recognition.

Yet his life force persisted.

From the swarm of Gu insects surrounding him, his face materialized, speaking in unison, “Well-played!”

The attacker was none other than Lei Jun.

With the short staff in one hand, Lei Jun raised a Boundless Sea of Flames Talisman in the other. As he activated it, roaring flames surged forth, engulfing the scattered Gu insects.

“Zhao Sen, is it? Your master, Tian Linlong, once dared to offend Mount Longhu. Consider this just a small token of payback,” Lei Jun said coldly.

The Gu insects scattered, attempting to flee in all directions. Zhao Sen’s voice echoed through them: “I recognize you too, Lei Jun of Mount Longhu! One day, I’ll repay you as well!”

The monk, finally relieved from the siege of Gu insects, saw the Relic Gu fleeing along with the swarm. Hastily suppressing the Seven Emotions Gu within himself, he followed in pursuit of the Relic Gu.

“I am Ru Yuan of the Bodhi Monastery. Many thanks to Daoist Lei for your assistance,” the monk said as he chased after the Gu.

“No need for courtesy,” Lei Jun replied. “Let’s first capture that vile cultivator.”

Zhao Sen had scattered his Gu swarm in every direction. Ru Yuan focused on the fleeing Relic Gu, while Lei Jun chose a different direction.

After eliminating a few Gu insects, Lei Jun stopped and concealed himself within the mountainous terrain of the eastern Danan range.

If Lei Jun had truly intended, Zhao Sen wouldn’t have escaped. But that was never Lei Jun’s plan.

He deliberately left Zhao Sen alive to spread news of his whereabouts to the outside world. This would draw enemies from Lonely City Ridge to the eastern Danan Mountains.

News passed through third parties carried greater credibility.

Later, Yuan Mobai’s whereabouts were also spotted in the eastern Danan range, appearing to converge with his disciple Lei Jun.

Reports then emerged of Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai being seen together in a valley, seemingly searching for something.

Not long after, rumors spread that the Nine-Colored Radiance of the Tianshi Robe had appeared near Chaoyang Peak, the main peak of the eastern Danan range.

Eyewitnesses included disciples of Reincarnation Abyss, another major faction of the Southern Wasteland's Witchcraft lineage.

Given past conflicts between Reincarnation Abyss and the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu, these sightings only added credibility to the rumors.

The news reached Ye Han and her daughter, as well as the cultivators of Jincheng Fortress, all of whom frowned upon hearing it.

If the Tianshi Robe was truly in the eastern Danan range, its retrieval had to be prevented at all costs.

While Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai had long left the area, their deception had successfully set the stage for further conflict. They withdrew quietly, leaving their enemies to walk into a carefully laid trap.