Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 205: A surprising burst of good luck, continuous good fortune!

"Clear tranquility, huh..." Lei Jun opened his eyes and let out a soft breath, standing up within the True-One Altar.

As his gaze opened and closed, his inner essence remained hidden. Aside from a certain liveliness in his eyes, there was nothing visibly extraordinary about him.

However, when Lei Jun's gaze swept across the numerous Daoist patterns appearing on the second tier of the altar, countless Daoist insights instantly formed in his mind. He quickly grasped many of the underlying principles.

Connecting them with the various thoughts he had pondered during his past cultivation, sparks of inspiration ignited in his mind at this moment.

Unfortunately, the current time and place were unsuitable. He would have to slowly refine these insights in the future... Lei Jun restrained his thoughts, stepped out of the True-One Altar, and left the grotto-heaven, returning to the outside world.

Sure enough, he reappeared in the exact same spot.

Yuan Mobai stood there, neither rushed nor impatient, watching Lei Jun return with a slight smile. "Just now, did you enter the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven with your physical body as well?"

Lei Jun replied, "Yes. Ever since the Tianshi Seal revived, I have been able to bring my physical body into the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven that it generates. However, I have yet to test whether I can invite others inside."

Yuan Mobai nodded. "In the past, the Tianshi Seal could accommodate multiple people within the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven for a short period. But at that time, the seal had not fused with anyone’s soul, and it was being wielded by Upper-Heaven cultivators who had fully refined and controlled it. Your current situation is indeed different."

Lei Jun invited Yuan Mobai to try entering, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

It seemed that, for now, only Lei Jun himself could enter the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven in physical form.

"I suppose I will need to reach the Seventh Heaven realm and separate my soul from my artifact before I can use it as before," Lei Jun mused. "But as you have always said, Master, step by step, there’s no need to rush."

Yuan Mobai smiled and nodded. "That is indeed for the best."

He continued, "Regardless, now that the Tianshi Seal has returned, we can all rest a little easier. Chongyun, you have always been steady in your actions. As long as you keep this matter confidential, there should be no major trouble. The only remaining concern now is the Tianshi Robe."

"I remember you mentioning that you found some clues regarding the Tianshi Robe?" Lei Jun asked curiously.

Yuan Mobai nodded. "There are indeed some hints, but to say we have solid leads would be premature. We will still need a bit of luck in our search.

"There are two locations in the Southern Wastelands—Star Dragon Abyss and Rainbow Mirage Mountain. We should investigate them both."

Lei Jun had been listening quietly, but at that moment, a sphere of light suddenly flickered in his mind, displaying a set of words:

‘Lose one thing, gain another. As wrecked ships sink, a thousand sails pass by; before withered trees, spring returns with ten thousand buds.’

Then, three fortune slips emerged from the light. The moment he saw the first one, Lei Jun was momentarily stunned.

He quickly regained his composure, steadied his emotions, and read through all three slips.

• Supreme Good Omen: Within three days, a trip to Star Dragon Abyss presents an opportunity for a Third-Grade Opportunity. No risk, no consequences—Great Luck!
• Moderate-Moderate Omen: A trip to Rainbow Mirage Mountain within three days offers no additional gain or loss—Neutral.
• Moderate-Moderate Omen: A trip to Lunan Valley within three days presents an opportunity for a Sixth-Grade Opportunity but with some potential risk—Neutral.

Another Supreme Good Omen?!

Now, that was rare.

Previously, when he obtained the Reverse Flow Essence at Ox Soul Mountain, allowing the Tianshi Seal to awaken, it had been thanks to a Supreme Good Omen. And now, his fortune had granted him another one back-to-back!

Two consecutive fortune readings, both with the best possible outcomes—it almost felt too lucky to be real.

Was this some kind of ‘last meal before execution’ scenario? Or had he just hit an unprecedented streak of good luck?

Lei Jun suppressed his excitement and calmly analyzed the readings.

No doubt about it—this rare stroke of fortune couldn’t be wasted. He had to follow the Supreme Good Omen’s guidance. However, he still needed to plan carefully.

Star Dragon Abyss was an extremely remote and desolate area, even by Southern Wastelands standards. Before Yuan Mobai mentioned it, Lei Jun hadn’t even heard of the place.

But according to the Supreme Good Omen, this journey should be relatively risk-free.

"Star Dragon Abyss and Rainbow Mirage Mountain… Master, what do you think?" Lei Jun asked first.

Yuan Mobai replied, "Your arrival in the Southern Wastelands is no longer a secret. Even if we set aside the matter of the Tianshi Seal, it’s likely that some people are already watching you. For this reason, I suggest we move together.

"As for Star Dragon Abyss and Rainbow Mirage Mountain, I intend to head to Rainbow Mirage Mountain first. The opportunities there are greater, and the shifting mirages influence the mountain’s ley lines. Based on what I know, these mirages are stabilizing within the next few days—if we delay, we may miss the chance."

Lei Jun wasn’t familiar with Star Dragon Abyss, but he had a reliable scapegoat and excuse to use.

"Master, I don’t know much about the details either," Lei Jun said. "But recently, within the starry sky of the Heavenly Book, I came across some related information—someone mentioned the name ‘Star Dragon Abyss.’"

"Oh?" Yuan Mobai raised an eyebrow. "Tell me more."

"The information wasn’t about the Tianshi Robe but rather about the Yellow Heaven Sect," Lei Jun explained. "It mentioned that disciples of the Yellow Heaven Sect had been sighted near Star Dragon Abyss in the Southern Wastelands."

Yuan Mobai’s expression turned contemplative.

People often said that Tianshi Mansion had suffered heavy losses and was in decline. However, the Yellow Heaven Sect wasn’t doing much better either. Their repeated losses had also left them with only a handful of top experts.

Especially with their sect leader, Taoist Master Taiping, in long-term seclusion, the sect was now barely held together by figures like Qi Shuo.

In such a state, there weren’t many things that could lure them across thousands of miles to the Southern Wastelands.

They were unaware that the Tianshi Seal had returned to Tianshi Mansion. So their only possible motivations would be the Tianshi Seal or the Tianshi Robe.

For them to gather at Star Dragon Abyss, there must have been some concrete leads or information… Yuan Mobai pondered deeply.

"This is indeed valuable information," he said. "However, Rainbow Mirage Mountain is also important."

He continued, "Time is short. We must act quickly. Fortunately, General Xiao and his men are also likely heading toward Star Dragon Abyss. Here’s the plan—we’ll split up. Chongyun, you will travel with General Xiao’s group, while I will go to Rainbow Mirage Mountain first."

Lei Jun saw no reason to argue, especially since the reading for Rainbow Mirage Mountain was only a Moderate-Moderate Omen—there didn’t seem to be any major risks there.

"Understood, Master," he agreed. Then, he asked, "By the way, why is General Xiao heading to Star Dragon Abyss?"

Yuan Mobai calmly replied, "They wish to verify the authenticity of the Shengkang lineage—specifically, the relationship between Blood River Sect’s sect master, Wei Anchang, and the Shengkang royal descendants."

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. His master’s wording implied there was more to the story.

"Wei Anchang is undoubtedly of the previous dynasty’s royal bloodline," Yuan Mobai said. "However… he may not be of the direct lineage. The former Crown Prince of Shengkang might have other surviving heirs."

Lei Jun understood immediately. "So the branches are strong while the trunk is weak."

Yuan Mobai nodded. "It’s not fully confirmed yet. That’s what General Xiao and his men are investigating."

Lei Jun then added, "Speaking of the Heavenly Book’s starry sky, Master, I made another recent discovery."

He briefly recounted his encounter with Shen Qubing. Yuan Mobai chuckled after listening. "That young General Shen seems refreshingly straightforward."

Lei Jun remarked, "His talent and insight are truly remarkable."

Shen Qubing was likely even younger than him but had already reached the Sixth Heaven realm in martial cultivation.

Lei Jun had started cultivating relatively late, and his initial talent, bone structure, and comprehension weren’t particularly outstanding. But thanks to numerous fortuitous encounters, he had managed to close the gap.

Shen Qubing’s circumstances were likely similar to those of Fang Yue and other top prodigies—on one hand, he had been nurtured by a powerful faction from a young age, and on the other, even if his innate talent wasn’t on par with Tang Xiaotang, he was still a one-in-a-billion genius, as rare as a phoenix feather.

Xiao Xueting had once mentioned that Shen Qubing had grown up in the military, which suggested he had been noticed and groomed from an early age.

"Of course, as for General Xiao, there’s even less to say," Lei Jun remarked.

Yuan Mobai tilted his head in thought for a moment before speaking. "Regarding the Sun Luminary, you suspect she is the current Empress. As for the Fire Luminary, it’s already confirmed to be young General Shen. Chongyun, you are the Gold Luminary…"

Lei Jun asked, "Master, what are you suspecting?"

Yuan Mobai gently shook his head. "At first, I had a suspicion… Could this so-called Heavenly Book be a scheme orchestrated by the Empress to secretly select and cultivate young and outstanding talents for the court’s future use?

"But on second thought, that doesn’t quite add up. The Wood Luminary, according to your description, is very likely a member of the White Lotus Sect. Unlike other places, White Lotus Sect operates differently—they would prioritize secrecy for their infiltrators rather than allowing them to appear in the open.

"Moreover, young General Shen was already being trained as a rising star within the Divine Strategy Army. There wouldn’t be much need to place him into the Heavenly Book’s world, especially when his identity was exposed so quickly."

Lei Jun nodded. "I also had similar suspicions before, but there were contradictions that I couldn’t resolve, so I put that theory aside for now."

Yuan Mobai mused, "Regardless, the place has provided you with many benefits. As long as it truly upholds principles of honesty and fairness, it’s not a bad place to be."

With a wave of his hand, he dispersed the starlight talismans surrounding them, and the master and disciple stepped out together. "For now, let’s focus on our own matters. Hopefully, the Tianshi Robe will return to Mount Longhu soon."

---

Meanwhile, Xiao Xueting had already finished her meditation and was seated within the forest.

She wasn’t wearing her armor, and with no other members of the Tang Court around, she appeared much more relaxed and at ease—perhaps her true self.

What was a bit amusing, though, was how this prestigious young general was currently devouring a handful of lychees with absolutely no concern for her image.

Seeing Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai approach, she waved her lychees at them. "Daoist Yuan, Daoist Lei, want some?"

Yuan Mobai chuckled. "Then I shall thank General Xiao for her generosity."

Lei Jun also smiled as he took two or three lychees. "What about Senior He and General Shen?"

Xiao Xueting paused, the lychee in her hand hovering just before her lips. "Little Shen volunteered to keep watch—he’s over on that mountain. As for Elder He from Shushan, he’s communicating with his sect brothers."

Only then did she pop the peeled, snow-white lychee into her mouth.

"My apologies, but I will be heading elsewhere later. I won’t be able to accompany General Xiao and Brother He to Star Dragon Abyss," Yuan Mobai said with a hint of regret.

Xiao Xueting waved it off. "Master Yuan has important matters to attend to, I’m sure. I wouldn’t dream of delaying you. However, I do sincerely hope that if you have the time, you might lend us a hand again."

Yuan Mobai smiled. "Naturally. That is also my intention."

He turned to Lei Jun. "That is why my disciple, Chongyun, will be traveling to Star Dragon Abyss with you, General Xiao."

Xiao Xueting grinned. "That would be my pleasure."

At that moment, He Dongxing returned, looking somewhat troubled. "I need to make a trip to Lunan Valley. I won’t be able to travel with you, General Xiao. I’ll have to catch up later."

"Do your sect members require assistance?" Xiao Xueting asked.

He Dongxing explained, "My sect’s Jiang Shimei and her disciple encountered some trouble. They’re not in immediate danger, but Jiang Shimei herself is seriously injured. I need to go take care of her until the rest of our sect arrives."

Xiao Xueting sighed. "Unfortunately, Lunan Valley is in the opposite direction of Star Dragon Abyss. Otherwise, we could have brought them along."

He Dongxing nodded. "Indeed. But this matter can’t be delayed. I’ll have to trouble you to go ahead without me. I will catch up as soon as I can."

"Then there’s no time to waste. Elder Jiang is waiting," Xiao Xueting said.

Yuan Mobai added, "Brother He, be careful on the way."

Lei Jun also spoke up. "The destruction of the Nine Li Secret Realm’s entrance is a serious matter. The reactions of the Shengkang remnants and the Blood River Sect are unpredictable. Please be cautious, Senior He."

Lunan Valley was only rated as a Moderate-Moderate Omen, meaning it wasn’t particularly dangerous. Given He Dongxing’s strength as a Shushan sword cultivator of the Upper Heavens, he should be able to handle it with ease.

However, Lei Jun had only recently awakened the Tianshi Seal and wasn’t yet certain of his own risk tolerance. He had no way of gauging just how much "potential risk" a Moderate-Moderate Omen actually entailed.

While He Dongxing himself was likely safe, Jiang Dongyu was seriously injured, and Yang Chengjun was only a Lower-Heaven cultivator.

Since Lei Jun had a good relationship with He Dongxing and Ji Chuan’s group, he couldn’t help but offer another warning.

The old Daoist, He Dongxing, gave everyone a nod of gratitude before soaring into the sky in a streak of sword light, disappearing into the distance.

Xiao Xueting then called Shen Qubing back, while Yuan Mobai gave them a Daoist salute before departing for Rainbow Mirage Mountain to try his luck.

"Alright, let’s get moving."

Xiao Xueting pulled out a small brocade box, swiftly packed away the massive pile of lychee peels and seeds beside her, leaving the area spotless. Then, she gestured for Lei Jun and Shen Qubing to follow.

Well, at least she was neat and didn’t litter.

But still… using such a rare and precious artifact like a Confucian Geographical Compass Box to store fruit peels and trash? That just felt… weird.

Lei Jun couldn’t help but glance sideways at her.

As they officially set off on their journey, Lei Jun soon realized he had underestimated Miss Xiao Third.

She had not one, not two, but three Confucian Geographical Compass Boxes, a Daoist Shrinking Pouch, and a Buddhist Mustard Seed Bag.

Two of the Compass Boxes were specifically dedicated to her food supplies.

One held snacks.

The other held fruit peels and garbage.

Lei Jun watched in disbelief as she casually took out a handful of pine nuts from the first Compass Box, then waved at him and Shen Qubing.

"Want some? I brought these from the north—Southern Wasteland pine nuts just don’t taste as good."

As she spoke, she cracked open a large pine nut with ease and popped it into her mouth.

The shell? It went straight into her trash-storage Compass Box.

And so, they walked while she snacked, all the way forward.