Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 199: Another great fortune

Perhaps the Sun Luminary’s attention on Wei Anchang stems more from his inherent danger than anything else.

However, if Wei Anchang truly is a descendant of the Shengkang King from the previous dynasty, it would explain many things.

For instance, when the Ye Clan of Jinzhou suffered a major loss in the Southern Wasteland—losing a key successor like Ye Lingxi—they did not react as fiercely as expected.

This suggests that the Ye Clan of Jinzhou may have already been aware of Wei Anchang’s identity, using him as a thorn in the side of the Tang Imperial Family.

In fact, it’s highly likely that the ones leaking this information are none other than the Ye Clan of Jinzhou themselves.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they’ll let go of their grudges over Ye Lingxi’s death and Ye Han’s severe injuries.

But with the Tang Imperial Family as the primary shield, the Ye Clan can conserve their efforts, waiting for the opportune moment to act from the sidelines.

Whether it’s Wei Anchang and the Blood River Sect showing a weakness or the Tang Imperial Family slipping up, the Ye Clan stands to gain either way.

As for the Sun Luminary, Lei Jun couldn’t help but envision the Empress’s face.

Xu Yuanzhen once attempted to probe into her background but came up empty-handed.

Given Xu Yuanzhen’s cultivation strength, whoever is behind the Sun Luminary must be an extraordinary figure.

And within the Tang Imperial Family, only a handful of people possess such power.

Connecting the Sun Luminary’s transactions involving Dispersed Soul Essence and the Soul-Cleansing Treasure from Daolan Mountain in the Northern Frontier, Lei Jun was inclined to believe that all signs pointed to the Empress herself.

The Dispersed Soul Essence and Soul-Cleansing Treasure weren’t for her own use but rather to nurture capable allies—like Xiao Chunhui, whose name had recently become renowned throughout the Tang Empire.

Xiao Chunhui possessed an incredibly frail body but an exceptional soul.

If not for him, Lei Jun might have suspected the late Emperor Zhang Qilong of somehow still being alive.

On second thought... the mysterious origins of Xiao Chunhui and Xiao Xueting might indicate deeper secrets.

“Wait, stop overthinking...” Lei Jun reined in his imagination and refocused.

The chaos surrounding Wei Anchang begged the question: What consequences would this bring to the Tang Empire and the Tianshi Mansion?

The Tianshi Mansion was in its own decline and depended on the support of the Tang Imperial Family.

Any major upheaval within the Imperial Family would inevitably ripple through the Tianshi Mansion.

Meanwhile, the news from the Southern Wasteland remained fragmented.

Wei Anchang neither confirmed nor denied his lineage as a descendant of the Shengkang King.

“Which, in essence, is as good as admitting it,” Lei Jun remarked to his master, Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai nodded. “But Wei Anchang is not fully prepared yet.”

The Blood River Sect’s leader was evidently displeased that his lineage had been revealed prematurely.

Even though he had successfully advanced to the Nine Heavens, Wei Anchang had yet to consolidate his position.

At the moment, he wasn’t ready to launch a direct uprising to reclaim the Central Plains.

First, he had to unify the factions within the Southern Wasteland.

Surely, the leader of the Blood River Sect was internally cursing his luck.

These swirling rumors had thrown countless obstacles in his way as he worked to consolidate power in the Southern Wasteland.

The Ye Clan of Jinzhou had delivered a subtle but deadly strike.

For now, Wei Anchang remained silent, refraining from making any bold declarations or outright rebellion.

The Tang Imperial Family, in turn, was also holding back from taking drastic measures.

For the Imperial Family, there were still internal matters to settle.

This resulted in a strange but amusing situation:

The Ye Clan of Jinzhou had exposed a massive secret that spread across the Tang Empire and beyond, but neither the Imperial Family nor the descendant of the previous dynasty made any high-profile moves.

Both sides worked in tacit agreement to suppress the situation.

But this was only a delay, not a resolution.

Though the Tang Imperial Family hadn’t made significant moves, reliable sources indicated that capable agents had been dispatched to the Southern Wasteland to investigate the rumors.

Lei Jun and the Tianshi Mansion remained focused on recovery and strengthening themselves.

“As for matters directly affecting us...” Yuan Mobai began, “Senior Sister Shangguan collaborated with the Imperial Family to destroy a major Yellow Heaven Sect branch, severely wounding Qi Shuo. Unfortunately, he managed to escape.”

Lei Jun remarked, “The Yellow Heaven Sect’s attack on Senior Brother Lin nearly cost him his life. This is simply retribution.”

Despite this success, the Yellow Heaven Sect had been very active recently, achieving many of its objectives.

Beyond attacking Lin Shan, they were also hunting down the remnants of the Li Family.

Compared to the Yellow Heaven Sect, which had temporary altars guarded by Upper Heaven cultivators, the remaining members of the Li Family were in a far weaker state.

After their failed assault on the ancestral grounds of Mount Longhu, the Yellow Heaven Sect turned to hunting down the Li Family, inflicting devastating losses.

The few survivors who remained dared not even reveal their Li surname.

It was rumored that the Tang Imperial Family and Shangguan Ning used the Li Family as bait to uncover the Yellow Heaven Sect’s tracks, successfully dismantling another important branch.

“Unfortunately, Qi Shuo burned the altar before fleeing, leaving us with little valuable information,” Yuan Mobai said.

Interrogations of Yellow Heaven Sect members yielded limited insights. However, one detail caught Yuan Mobai’s attention.

“Taoist Master Taiping has not been seen for years. Even his disciples haven’t encountered him in a long time.”

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. “Considering he was injured by Senior Sister and Elder Hongyu years ago, it makes sense he’d need time to recover. But even if he weren’t injured, his cultivation and foundation wouldn’t allow him to reach our Talismanic Branch’s Nine Heavens so soon, would it?”

Yuan Mobai shook his head with a faint smile. “Highly unlikely.”

Lei Jun thought back to the novels he’d read before transmigrating from Blue Star. A wild idea popped into his mind:

“What if... he was quietly killed and someone else is impersonating him?”

Yuan Mobai’s smile dimmed, and he pondered for a moment. “That’s... an interesting possibility.”

Lei Jun quickly added, “Just a random thought, Master. Don’t take it too seriously.”

Yuan Mobai replied, “Having more ideas is never a bad thing.”

For now, Lei Jun restrained his overactive imagination.

On the fifteenth day of the first month of the new year, the second Initiation Ceremony since Tang Tianshi’s succession was set to take place.

Most of the initiation masters this time would still be elders from the previous generation.

However, as Lei Jun’s generation matured in both age and cultivation, the responsibility of guiding destined disciples into the Dao would increasingly fall to them in the future.

Lei Jun himself already had a potential candidate—or rather, a "potential bear"—though this candidate was not participating in this year’s initiation.

That "bear," Rolling, had been sent to the Daoist Children’s Academy earlier this year, causing a bit of a stir.

Fortunately, as time passed, the commotion gradually subsided, likely thanks to Yuan Mobai’s careful preparation and groundwork.

Although Rolling’s cultivation foundation was already solid, he still needed time to learn the sect’s rites and rules.

No one could skip this step—not even Tang Tianshi himself, who, despite his casual demeanor, had never missed these lessons during his time at the Daoist Children’s Academy.

Rolling had been with Lei Jun for several years now. Thanks to his young age and cultivation in the Transformation Chapter of the Dao, he could still afford to wait three more years for the next Initiation Ceremony before formally entering the Mansion and taking a master.

“In the past, this might have sparked some controversy,” Yuan Mobai remarked.

Lei Jun and Chu Kun both nodded in agreement.

The Tianshi Mansion was currently at a low point, with challenges on all fronts.

Successive tribulations had not only caused significant losses in manpower but also damaged the Mansion’s reputation.

Recent Initiation Ceremonies had relied on the talents cultivated by the Daoist Children’s Academy in previous years.

However, the academy itself had seen a decline in the number of new initiates, and the quality of those joining the sect in recent years was far from remarkable.

This situation could have been worse if not for the fact that the neighboring Lin Clan of Jiangzhou had also suffered heavy losses and was now embroiled in internal disputes, unable to unite.

Otherwise, the Tianshi Mansion’s predicament would be even more dire.

Of course, no family could monopolize all good fortune.

To have produced young Upper Heaven cultivators like Xu Yuanzhen, Li Zhengxuan, and Tang Xiaotang, along with rising Middle Heaven stars like Lei Jun and Chu Kun, was already an enviable streak of luck.

It was no wonder that so many outsiders harbored jealousy and resentment.

However, if the Mansion hoped to recover its vitality, it would need a steady stream of promising new talent.

While they weren’t desperate enough to accept anyone without standards, some rules had been appropriately relaxed, with allowances made here and there.

Thus, among the group of young Daoist apprentices clad in grey robes, there was now one wearing an oversized, specially-made grey robe—Rolling the panda.

With the new year behind them, Lei Jun continued to focus on his cultivation without letting external matters distract him.

Winter turned to spring, and in the blink of an eye, summer arrived.

One day, Yuan Mobai suddenly summoned Lei Jun and Chu Kun.

“For the time being, I must leave the mountain again and make another trip to the Southern Wasteland,” he announced.

Lei Jun looked at his master. Yuan Mobai’s expression was calm, his smile gentle, and he nodded slightly under Lei Jun’s gaze.

Lei Jun understood that his master was fully prepared and would take precautions to avoid another incident like the one at the Great Southern Mountain.

“Master, I’ve heard that the situation in the Southern Wasteland has grown even more chaotic,” Chu Kun remarked.

Yuan Mobai nodded. “Indeed.”

Wei Anchang’s efforts to unify the Witch Sect had faced numerous overt and covert obstacles.

Since the revelation of his connection to the previous dynasty, attention from all sides had only increased.

Yet Wei Anchang had proven himself formidable. Not long ago, under his leadership, the Blood River Sect managed to crack open the "iron nut" that was Golden Castle, a sacred land of the Ghost Dao.

Some disciples of Golden Castle, unwilling to submit, fled in hopes of regrouping for a comeback. Others, however, chose to bow their heads to Wei Anchang.

After claiming Golden Castle, Wei Anchang didn’t stop there. His next target was the Yinshan Cavern, a holy site of the Gu Masters.

The Southern Wasteland was ablaze with conflict, its landscape soaked in blood and chaos.

This was why Chu Kun urged Yuan Mobai to be cautious.

“In my absence, if anything arises, consult with the Sect Leader, Elder Yao, or Senior Sister Shangguan,” Yuan Mobai instructed.

Shangguan Ning, who had previously traveled to the capital, had recently returned to Mount Longhu. This allowed Yuan Mobai to feel at ease about leaving, as the Mansion couldn’t afford to have too many high-ranking elders absent at the same time.

While the Southern Wasteland descended into turmoil, the situation in the capital of the Tang Empire had somewhat stabilized.

Although disputes persisted, after a prolonged stalemate, the new academy had begun to gain public support.

Previously, the chaos caused by the Yellow Heaven Sect and the Vast Void Temple had resulted in casualties among the Tianshi Mansion and Tianlong Monastery representatives at the academy.

In retaliation, while the Yellow Heaven Sect suffered a major loss with the destruction of one of its branches, the Vast Void Temple also paid a price, with rumors of a high-ranking monk’s death.

However, the current calm in the capital felt more like the calm before the storm, with a greater tempest likely to erupt at any moment.

---

Lei Jun focused on his cultivation.

In his quiet chamber, he sat cross-legged, a Dao Seal floating above his head, radiating a soft glow as wisps of Daoist intent flowed from it.

Lei Jun closed his eyes, calming his mind and adjusting his breathing.

Strands of his mana spiraled upward, transforming into black and white energies before merging back into the Dao Seal above him.

Around the Dao Seal, shifting images began to take form—light and shadow resembling a figure practicing the Daoist Internal Fist.

The movements were ethereal yet imbued with a natural spiritual essence.

When the practice was complete, the figure merged back into the Dao Seal, which continued to transform—sometimes taking the shape of a night breeze, other times the momentum of rolling thunder.

These were the techniques Lei Jun had learned over the years, now refined and integrated into his Dao Seal.

This was a slow and repetitive process, one that would eventually lay the foundation for breaking through to the Upper Heavens. It was the first step toward preparing for the Seventh Heaven.

Breaking through the chasm between the Sixth and Seventh Heavens would require additional effort, but Lei Jun had an advantage.

Thanks to the Immortal Spirit Seed gifted by Chu Kun, Lei Jun had already refined it, saving himself a great deal of time.

Additionally, he had another aid.

Deep within his soul, the Tianshi Seal remained tranquil.

Within the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven, the three-tiered altar frequently emitted faint flashes of light, which resonated with the Dao Seal above Lei Jun’s head, occasionally altering its shape.

Lei Jun continued his cultivation in peace, his connection to the Tianshi Seal and Immortal Spirit Seed accelerating his progress in the Sixth Heaven Realm.

  ChatGPT said:

"Hmm, another trip to the Southern Wasteland?" Lei Jun pondered, when suddenly the light sphere in his mind began to flicker.

Characters appeared within the sphere:

[Treasured light of renewal, a dire ritual in the Southern Wasteland, fortune and misfortune intertwined, hanging by a thread.]

Then, four fates unfolded:

1. Supreme Good Omen: Midnight on the 15th of August, head to Niu Hun Mountain downstream of the Yu River in the Southern Wasteland. An opportunity for a third-grade expandable chance awaits, with no risk or repercussions—Great Luck!

2. Moderate-Moderate Omen: Stay at the mountain gate, heading neither out nor south. No gains or losses—Neutral.

3. Moderate-Moderate Omen: Before midnight on August 15th, head to Niu Hun Mountain. You may gain a fifth-grade opportunity, but with hidden risks to consider—Neutral.

4. Lower-Moderate Omen: At sunrise on August 15th, proceed to Niu Hun Mountain. Danger looms large—Ill Omen.

Reading through the fortunes, Lei Jun's initial reaction was delight—a new Supreme Good Omen!

He calmed his excitement and reread the fates twice, thoughtfully murmuring, "Fortune and misfortune intertwined, hanging by a thread..."—clearly referring to the specific timing before and after midnight.

The "third-grade expandable chance" mentioned in the Supreme Good Omen must refer to the Tianshi Seal, Lei Jun speculated.

Calculating the dates, he saw there was enough time. First, he decided to visit the Decree Pavilion, where he was on duty, to check information regarding the downstream Yu River and Niu Hun Mountain.

Unlike the grand Southern Danan Mountains, the downstream region of the Yu River lay further south. Information on the Southern Wasteland was sparse, with ever-shifting environments and populations. Records in the Tianshi Mansion's archives only mentioned that the Yu River downstream marked the boundary between two major forces: Niu Hun Cave and Yu Cave.

Niu Hun Cave adhered to the Reincarnation Abyss, the sacred land of the Cursing Lineage of the Witch Sect. Meanwhile, Yu Cave followed the orders of Gepo Mountain, the sacred site of the Divine Dance Lineage.

Thus, the Yu River served as a traditional dividing line between these two Southern Wasteland strongholds.

Another intriguing point Lei Jun noticed was mentions of the Jiuli people in the archives. They were an ancient race, far older than the current tribes of the Southern Wasteland, now more myth than reality.

Refocusing on the Supreme Good Omen, Lei Jun noted that the timing was key—between midnight and sunrise on the 15th of August.

He resolved to contact his master, Yuan Mobai, to coordinate plans before the journey. After preparing, Lei Jun informed Tang Xiaotang, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning of his temporary departure, avoiding any mention of his destination to prevent potential ambushes from enemies.

Secrecy, after all, was often more effective than any defensive measures.

Lei Jun handed the Decree Pavilion to Initiate Disciples for temporary oversight, informed his junior brother Chu Kun, and descended Mount Longhu discreetly.

Traveling low-profile toward the Southern Wasteland, Lei Jun crossed the Danan Mountains, his old stomping grounds, with a hint of nostalgia. It was here, using a Lower-Lower Omen, that he had trapped members of the Ye Clan of Jinzhou and Golden Castle, inadvertently uncovering the Blood River Sect's lord, Wei Anchang, already at the Ninth Heaven.

Wei Anchang’s emergence had sparked a bloody storm across the land. Fortunately, the Blood River Sect was now engaged in a fierce war with Yin Mountain, far from the Yu River.

Still, with such unpredictable conflicts, there was no guarantee the chaos wouldn't spill over.

Lei Jun shook his head, continuing onward.

---

By the night of August 10th, Lei Jun arrived at the Yu River's lower reaches. Time was still on his side, but contact with his master, Yuan Mobai, had been severed.

Frowning, Lei Jun gazed toward the mountains on the river's far bank—Niu Hun Mountain, mentioned in the omen.

Though early, he deemed it better to arrive in advance than miss his opportunity. With a combination of Wind and Thunder Talismans enhancing his stealth, he also donned a Teng Snake Bone Chain, making himself nearly invisible, as if he had vanished from the world.

He then equipped the Breath-Taking Flag, completing his preparations, and crossed the river toward Niu Hun Mountain.

The riverbanks were anything but peaceful. Patrols from both Niu Hun Cave and Yu Cave moved warily, their tense vigilance signaling mutual distrust and the brink of conflict.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow at the sight.

Reports suggested that Reincarnation Abyss and Gepo Mountain had reached an agreement to temporarily set aside grievances and jointly support Yin Mountain against the Blood River Sect. Yet, the factions here seemed preoccupied with guarding their respective territories.

Silently approaching Niu Hun Mountain, Lei Jun discovered an unexpected group of visitors: disciples from the Shushan Sect, known for their External Alchemy Lineage.

Among them were a middle-aged woman and a young female disciple—a master and student pair.

Lei Jun recognized the elder woman, Jiang Dongyu, an Elder of Shushan and a cultivator at the Middle Heavens stage. He recalled seeing her at the ceremony when Tang Xiaotang assumed the position of Tianshi, where Shushan's elders, including He Dongxing and Ye Dongming, had attended.

Jiang Dongyu turned to her student, Yang Chengjun, frowning. "Chengjun, what's wrong with you these days? You seem so distracted."

The young woman lowered her head. "Don’t worry, Master. It’s nothing. I think it’s because the curse I was afflicted with hasn’t been fully lifted, so my mind often wanders."

Jiang Dongyu's frown deepened. "This has gone on too long. At this rate, we must return to Shushan and have your senior brother and the Sect Leader exorcise the curse."

Yang Chengjun hurriedly replied, "Master, there's no need! Liu, the Lord of the Cave, says my cultivation is at a critical stage. Moving now could ruin everything."

Jiang Dongyu's gaze sharpened. "You're putting so much faith in that shaman from Reincarnation Abyss?"

"Master," Yang Chengjun whispered, "Lord Liu saved me earlier."

Jiang Dongyu sighed. "He’s also harmed countless others. His reputation here is hardly clean."

Yang Chengjun hesitated, then replied softly, "He says he regrets his past sins and wants to atone for them while he still can."

Jiang Dongyu regarded her disciple for a long moment. "Yu River is no place to linger. Once your curse is lifted, we’ll leave immediately."

"Yes, Master," Yang Chengjun agreed.

Her tone shifted. "I’ve heard rumors that Yu Cave recently appointed a new cave lord. They claim he’s a local, but I saw someone who seemed to be from the Tang Empire."

Jiang Dongyu raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Yang Chengjun continued, "Do you remember Senior Brother Yu, under Uncle Lu’s tutelage?"

"Of course," Jiang Dongyu replied. "He joined the Demon Suppression Guard years ago under the late emperor’s reign."

"I once met Senior Brother Yu on a mission," Yang Chengjun explained. "He was with a man named Chen Yi, a former Tianshi Mansion disciple."

Hearing this familiar name, Lei Jun perked up slightly.

Jiang Dongyu was equally surprised. "Chen Yi? Interesting. Yu Cave’s leaders have always been Gepo Mountain disciples. For an outsider to assume the role is unheard of."

Yang Chengjun agreed. "It seems unbelievable, but I doubt I’m mistaken."

Jiang Dongyu pondered aloud, "After the Wu King’s Rebellion, the Demon Suppression Guard was marginalized. If Chen Yi left them and drifted to the Southern Wasteland, it’s not impossible."

"Master," Yang Chengjun asked, "should we inform Tianshi Mansion?"

Jiang Dongyu shook her head. "We’re of different sects, after all. Notify Tianshi Mansion, but let them handle it from there."

"Yes, Master," Yang Chengjun replied.

---

The pair left the mountain, leaving Lei Jun to his thoughts.

The situation at Yu River seemed far from tranquil. Yet, Lei Jun remained focused on the Supreme Good Omen and his missing contact with Yuan Mobai.

Exploring Niu Hun Mountain further, he began detecting faint traces of activity: preparations for a ritual formation tied to Reincarnation Abyss.

“So, the omen leads to their movements?” he mused, observing the peculiar setup.

As days passed, the air grew tenser. On August 15th, as twilight fell, the calm shattered—Gepo Mountain’s forces launched a full-scale attack on Niu Hun Cave, forcing Liu, the cave lord, and his disciples to retreat up the mountain.

Lei Jun observed silently, hidden in the shadows. Amid the chaos, he spotted an unexpected figure—Chen Yi, now leading Yu Cave.

"Prepare the Ritual Array of Blessings. We’ll crush them soon," Chen Yi commanded, his voice steady yet decisive.

Lei Jun’s expression turned peculiar. Chen Yi, seeking evidence of collusion with the Blood River Sect?