Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 198: Wang Guiyuan comes out

Was Chu Kun's Celestial Constellation Sacred Physique innate or acquired later? Lei Jun didn’t inquire too deeply.

The reason his junior brother brought it up was that he had some thoughts about his current cultivation of Daoist arts, which unexpectedly aligned with Lei Jun’s own insights when he had devised a spell in the past. Hence, apart from consulting their master, Yuan Mobai, he also sought Lei Jun’s advice.

“Senior Brother, please take a look.”

As Chu Kun spoke, he activated a Spirit Talisman.

On its surface, starlight flickered, resembling an arrangement of constellations.

Lei Jun focused on it and quickly noticed the subtle mysteries within. Each point of starlight seemed to contain hidden profundities.

“Flame Talisman, Thunder Talisman, Warding Talisman…” Lei Jun’s gaze swept across it, identifying them one by one.

He turned back to Chu Kun. “Are you gathering the spiritual energy of multiple talismans into one?”

Chu Kun explained, “Not merging them, just categorizing them. I aim to find connections between them, forming a cycle like revolving stars.”

Lei Jun nodded repeatedly. “I had a similar idea back then.”

Lei Jun didn’t pry into Chu Kun’s level of comprehension. However, Chu Kun’s creation of this entirely new talisman, named the Celestial Constellation Talisman, piqued Lei Jun’s interest.

The two immediately became engrossed in an intense discussion.

Their master, Yuan Mobai, didn’t interject but smiled as he watched his disciples debate.

Yuan Mobai had his own unique teaching style. He followed a very orthodox and methodical approach. Regardless of a disciple’s personality or specialties, all of them were exceptionally well-grounded in the basics under his tutelage. But he also encouraged his disciples to innovate and adapt their learning to suit themselves.

As for combat-related Daoist arts, apart from the First Life-Bound Spell, which was always the Spirit Strike Talisman—a signature of their lineage—the selection of subsequent Life-Bound Spells was left entirely to the discretion of his three disciples.

Wang Guiyuan’s first spell was the Spirit Strike, the second the Golden Barrier, and the third the Wind Talisman, all of which aligned with the traditional preferences of the Tianshi Mansion’s True Legacy.

Lei Jun’s first was also the Spirit Strike, followed by the Wind Talisman. But from the third spell onward, he veered off the beaten path, choosing the self-created Five Thunder Talisman.

As for Chu Kun, his first two spells mirrored Lei Jun’s—Spirit Strike and Wind Talisman. However, for his third, he diverged from all pre-existing foundational talismans within the mansion. Instead, he created the Celestial Constellation Talisman.

This talisman was developed during his Third Heaven Altar Stage, based on his Celestial Constellation Sacred Physique.

In this world, different cultivation physiques not only aided in advancing realms but often provided additional benefits. For example, Lei Jun’s Hidden Dragon Spirit Physique not only accelerated his cultivation but also gave him an innate momentum akin to a dragon ready to soar. As a result, the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the First and Second Heavens posed little challenge for him.

Similarly, his contemporary, Li Ying, possessed the Flame Thunder Spirit Physique, which offered remarkable enhancements for cultivating thunder- and fire-based Daoist arts. This was highly advantageous for mastering the Tianshi Mansion’s True Legacy of Heavenly Thunder and Earthly Fire.

Meanwhile, Guo Yan’s Flowing Wave Spirit Physique was more suited for water-based Daoist arts. Chen Yi’s Pure Void Spirit Physique not only had superior foundational potential but also aided in clearing the mind and enhancing the cultivation of the soul.

Sacred physiques like Lei Jun’s Yin-Yang Sacred Physique allowed for faster cultivation and versatile adaptability. It harmonized Yin and Yang energies, enabling Lei Jun to cultivate both Yin-oriented and Yang-oriented Daoist arts with ease. The black and white energies circulating around him also heightened his sensory perception, making him exceptionally alert. This had led to his reputation as a highly skilled combatant, adept at evading ambushes and detecting enemies.

Chu Kun’s Celestial Constellation Sacred Physique, on the other hand, provided the unique advantage of multitasking. Though most cultivators could multitask as their spiritual soul strengthened, Chu Kun’s physique gave him a distinct edge at equivalent levels of cultivation. For instance, when Lei Jun studied talismans, he sought ways to use them consecutively, like the Chain Blaze Talisman or Five Thunder Talisman. However, thanks to his physique, Chu Kun could activate multiple talismans simultaneously, even during the Lower Heavens.

Building on this foundation, Chu Kun developed and continuously refined the Celestial Constellation Talisman.

“Gathering the brilliance of stars with infinite mysteries—it still has so much room for improvement,” Lei Jun remarked as they concluded their discussion.

“I’ve recently advanced to the Primal Talisman Stage. Beyond my First Life-Bound Spell, I plan to refine my first three spells,” Chu Kun said with enthusiasm before shaking his head slightly. “That said, the Celestial Constellation Talisman isn’t always practical. Its mana consumption is enormous, so I have to use it judiciously.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Even so, it’s a promising start.”

Chu Kun asked, “Senior Brother, now that you’ve reached the Six-Heaven Dao Seal Stage, you can select your Third Life-Bound Spell. Do you have any plans?”

Lei Jun didn’t hide it. He pulled out a talisman paper and held it up. “I’m thinking of choosing this.”

Chu Kun, now familiar with advanced talismans thanks to their master’s teachings, instantly recognized it. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Senior Brother, is that… the Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman?”

Yuan Mobai smiled silently on the side, seemingly already aware of Lei Jun’s intentions.

“Yes, the Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman,” Lei Jun replied, smiling. “I’ve had some thoughts about this talisman that I’d like to explore. Right now, they’re still at a conceptual stage.”

Chu Kun was curious. While the Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman was incredibly practical—essential for communication during dangerous excursions—it was rarely chosen as a Life-Bound Spell due to its limited offensive capabilities.

Lei Jun explained, “I’ll refine my ideas further. Once I have more clarity, we can discuss them together.”

Chu Kun was delighted. “That would be fantastic, though I fear I won’t be of much help.”

“Collaborating and exchanging ideas is always productive,” Lei Jun replied.

While the three discussed their plans, Yuan Mobai observed quietly, his serene expression remaining unchanged. After some time, the topic shifted away from Chu Kun and Lei Jun’s advancements to their eldest senior brother, Wang Guiyuan.

Tang Xiaotang, the little senior sister of the group, was currently devoting all her time and energy to cultivating a thunder Daoist art of immense power. Within the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven, where purple lightning crackled year-round, golden lightning had recently begun to flicker sporadically. This phenomenon had already become a new sight on Mount Longhu, drawing the attention of disciples from all around.

Meanwhile, Wang Guiyuan had just concluded a long period of seclusion. His first statement upon emerging from his retreat shocked everyone:

“Master, during my isolation, I felt a faint understanding of the Dao and wish to journey down the mountain to experience the world.”

His words left Lei Jun and Chu Kun utterly dumbfounded. They both exchanged glances and then stared at their senior brother as if meeting him for the first time. Their gazes swept him up and down in disbelief.

“Who are you?” Lei Jun questioned in mock seriousness. “What have you done with our real senior brother? Where is the true Wang Guiyuan?”

“…” Wang Guiyuan nearly slid off his chair. “What’s wrong with you two?!”

Chu Kun took a step forward and jabbed a finger at him. “You’re acting suspicious! The real Guiyuan Senior Brother would never say something like this. Confess—what have you done to him?”

Wang Guiyuan sighed deeply. “Can you two not mess with me for once? I’m serious about this.”

Even Yuan Mobai, usually calm and unshaken, chuckled lightly. “They’re surprised because, since you joined this sect, I’ve only seen you leave the mountain twice. Counting this, it’ll be the third time.”

Wang Guiyuan forced a dry laugh. “It’s not like I’m unwilling, Master. I just prefer peace and quiet.”

Lei Jun smirked. “Senior Brother, your stillness is unparalleled. Sometimes I wonder if you’re a cabbage rooted to the peak of Mount Longhu.”

Wang Guiyuan countered seriously, “That’s not fair! Master himself just said I’ve left before.”

“Twice,” Lei Jun deadpanned.

Beside them, Chu Kun bent over, his shoulders trembling with laughter as he stared at the floor.

Wang Guiyuan cleared his throat and addressed his master earnestly, “As cultivators, we are taught to move according to fate and the natural flow of events. When the timing isn’t right, there’s no need to force matters. When the moment arrives, it’s only natural to act.”

After some more banter, the atmosphere calmed down. Before leaving, Chu Kun handed Wang Guiyuan a precious Celestial Spirit Seed he had been saving. Wang Guiyuan initially refused, but when Chu Kun insisted, he finally accepted it with gratitude.

Meanwhile, Lei Jun decided to prepare some items for their senior brother’s journey, but Wang Guiyuan declined, claiming he already had sufficient preparations. Lei Jun, however, was skeptical of this statement, though he chose not to press further.

After Wang Guiyuan’s departure, life on Mount Longhu seemed to return to normal. However, no major news concerning him reached the outside world. What did make waves were developments in Jiangzhou.

The Jiangzhou Lin Clan, an old rival of the Tianshi Mansion, had grown restless once more. Since the devastating Battle of Poyang Marsh, during which the Lin Clan patriarch Lin Che disappeared, the clan had struggled with a lack of leadership. Their once-prominent lineage had been crippled, and recovery remained slow.

Particularly damaging were the losses among the direct descendants, including Lin Zhen, the clan’s most outstanding talent among the younger generation. Though the collateral branches produced a few remarkable individuals, the imbalance in power within the clan created internal strife.

A pivotal turning point came four years prior, when Lin Yuwei, a rising star from a collateral branch, gained fame by slaying Li Zhengxuan, the former Young Tianshi of the mansion, during a duel over the Great River. This feat bolstered Lin Yuwei’s reputation and influence within Jiangzhou. Despite the complex circumstances surrounding Li Zhengxuan’s death, the Lin Clan used it to claim a symbolic victory against the Tianshi Mansion.

However, the clan’s struggles continued. The deaths of successive patriarchs left a leadership vacuum, sparking yet another power struggle.

Complicating matters further, the Lin Clan had recently drawn the attention of other influential families. The Ye Clan of Qingzhou, known for its strong martial heritage, initially attempted to mediate the conflict. However, the Ye Clan soon diverted its focus to other pressing matters, leaving Jiangzhou in greater turmoil.

Elsewhere, the Tang Imperial Court faced mounting threats. The deaths and injuries of prominent figures, including a Tianshi and a senior monk of Tianlong Temple, prompted the Empress to issue edicts for the suppression of the Yellow Heaven Sect and the Vast Void Temple’s rebels.

Among these announcements was the court’s plan to recruit new instructors for the Imperial Academy. One such appointee stirred significant attention: Fang Yue of the Fang Clan in Jingxiang, a prodigy of exceptional renown.

Lei Jun, upon seeing a portrait of Fang Yue sent from the capital, raised an eyebrow. “Him? I met this man years ago. Hasn’t he looked like this for decades?”

Chu Kun chuckled. “Senior Brother, that’s not the issue here.”

Lei Jun sighed, setting the portrait aside. “Fine, then. What’s the problem?”

Fang Yue was a strikingly sharp figure, with a scholarly and composed demeanor that exuded both wisdom and resolve. However, what made his appointment noteworthy was the Fang Clan’s historical aversion to the Imperial Court. For Fang Yue, a rising star within the family, to join the Academy was highly unexpected.

“Is the Fang Clan changing its stance?” Chu Kun wondered aloud.

Lei Jun shook his head. “Hard to say. Maybe it’s an individual decision, like the one made by Suzhou’s Moon Pavilion Mistress?”

Chu Kun’s expression remained skeptical but cautious. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

This shift in alliances within influential families had broader implications, especially as conflicts in the Southern Wasteland intensified.

Word arrived that Wei Anchang, the notorious Blood River Sect master currently vying to unify the Southern Wasteland, was rumored to be a descendant of the former royal family of the Shengkang Kingdom.

This revelation sent ripples throughout Mount Longhu, and Lei Jun felt a flash of intuition. A scene from the Heavenly Book’s starry sky resurfaced in his mind: the radiance of the Solar Luminary accompanied by a voice devoid of emotion.

“My question is this: does anyone know the exact whereabouts of Wei Anchang, master of the Blood River Sect?”

Was this merely a coincidence?