Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 236: Xu Yuanzhen's Road to Return

The Clan Leader of the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou, Lin Che, had returned to the mortal world for over two years now.

His return finally put an end to the internal conflicts within the Jiangzhou Lin Clan. However, during this period, neither Lin Che nor the Lin Clan had taken any further major action.

At Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu, Lei Jun and the others were not just curious about their movements but also remained highly vigilant.

Moreover, with Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen still absent, the people of Tianshi Mansion couldn't help but suspect that the Jiangzhou Lin Clan was biding their time, preparing to strike at Xu Yuanzhen, who was currently isolated outside.

When Lei Jun first heard that Lin Che had returned to the mortal realm, his initial reappearance was in the Great Black Mountains of the Northern Frontier. This immediately put Lei Jun on alert, prompting him to gather information through the Heavenly Book’s Starry Universe.

Now, upon hearing that members of the Jiangzhou Lin Clan were acting unusually in the Great Black Mountains, Lei Jun's first thought was that there might be a gateway leading to another realm there.

The Jiangzhou Lin Clan could be planning to seal the "gate" or destroy it.

Upon receiving this news, Tang Xiaotang couldn't sit still. "I'm heading to the Northern Frontier to check it out!"

Before Yuan Mobai could say a word, she quickly added, "I'll leave the control of the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, along with the Tianshi Sword, in the care of Junior Uncle."

Yuan Mobai sighed softly. "I should be the one to go. As Sect Leader, every action I take affects the sect, both inside and out. Right now, the situation in the Northern Frontier is unclear, and it would be unwise for me to take such a risk."

"Junior Uncle, when you went to the Southern Wasteland previously, the sect was noticeably short-handed in handling various affairs. If we have a choice, it's better for you to remain on the mountain."

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand dismissively, trying to put on a solemn expression—but no matter how one looked at it, she just seemed eager for action. "Junior Uncle, you're calm and level-headed, not easily influenced by outside forces. But me? Just the thought of those people from Jiangzhou plotting against Senior Sister is enough to make me restless! I can’t just sit here doing nothing—I have to go and help her!"

"……" Yuan Mobai said, "I understand how you feel, but in situations like this, we must remain calm."

Wang Guiyuan kept a straight face, clearly agreeing with his master Yuan Mobai’s perspective.

Lei Jun, meanwhile, turned his head to the side, avoiding the conversation.

Chu Kun lowered his gaze to the floor, also unwilling to look directly at Tang Xiaotang.

Sect Leader Senior Sister, you just can’t sit still on the mountain anymore, can you? Chu Kun thought to himself.

As he progressed in his Talismanic Rank and cultivation level, his primary focus remained on his own training. He didn't yet hold an official position in the sect, but over the past few years, he had started to sit in on discussions like these to broaden his experience.

Of course, this was mostly possible in informal settings like the current one.

In the upcoming formal discussion with Elder Yao Yuan, Elder Shangguan Ning, and the other senior elders, both Wang Guiyuan and Chu Kun would not be allowed to attend.

As for Tang Xiaotang, she actually wasn’t too worried about Xu Yuanzhen’s safety.

It wasn’t because she had a bad relationship with her Senior Sister.

It was simply because this new Tianshi was always brimming with confidence—particularly in herself.

Right after that came her confidence in Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen.

So right now, her mind wasn’t focused on saving Senior Sister. Instead, it was all about causing trouble for the Jiangzhou Lin Clan in the Northern Frontier.

Just then, a light sphere flickered in Lei Jun’s mind, once again providing clues about seeking fortune and avoiding misfortune.

After carefully reading through the information, he actually felt more at ease.

The details confirmed his earlier speculations, as well as the new intel provided by Lunar Luminary.

The Jiangzhou Lin Clan was indeed making moves in the Great Black Mountains of the Northern Frontier.

And based on the phrase "dispute over entry and exit to an otherworldly realm," it seemed highly likely that a gateway to another realm existed there.

Lin Che had returned through that gateway.

The reason they had waited two years before taking further action could be twofold:

1. Lin Che himself needed time to recover.
2. Sealing or destroying the gateway was not an easy task and required extensive preparation or specialized treasures.

If this was happening in the territory of the Youzhou Lin Clan, it was impossible that the Youzhou Lin Clan remained unaware.

Even though the Jiangzhou and Youzhou Lin Clans were at odds, they shared a common goal in suppressing Tianshi Mansion.

Thus, the Jiangzhou Lin Clan’s current actions likely had the support of the Youzhou Lin Clan.

Out of the four signed omens, aside from the Moderate-Moderate Omen, which meant completely ignoring the situation, two were Upper-Moderate Omens, and one was a Lower-Moderate Omen.

The Lower-Moderate Omen indicated great danger, while the Upper-Moderate Omens were not entirely peaceful either—they simply held greater benefits than risks.

This suggested that top-tier experts were present in the Great Black Mountains.

The level of importance the Jiangzhou Lin Clan placed on this mission was clear.

In this situation, even if Tang Xiaotang wasn’t involved, Tianshi Mansion would have to send an Eighth Heaven Realm expert like Yuan Mobai.

Having confidence in Xu Yuanzhen was one thing—but ignoring the situation entirely was another.

Of course, it was also possible that the Youzhou Lin Clan was the one making the moves.

Thus, the possibility of the Jiangzhou Lin Clan luring Tianshi Mansion away from their mountain couldn’t be ignored.

For that reason, either Tang Xiaotang or Yuan Mobai had to remain behind.

In theory, the Tianshi should sit in defense of the sect’s ancestral grounds.

But that was just theory…

Since Tang Xiaotang took on the role of Tianshi, over seven years had passed.

In all those years, she had never once stepped down from Mount Longhu.

If anyone had bet on whether she could stay on the mountain for this long, most would have wagered against it.

Now, at long last, the tigress was about to leave her cage.

To be fair, Tang Xiaotang did have a point.

Putting aside her identity, between the two of them, Yuan Mobai was better suited to stay and oversee the sect, while Tang Xiaotang was more suited for action in the field.

Especially since she chose not to bring the Tianshi Sword with her.

However, this decision made everyone even more worried about the safety of their Tianshi.

Even though she herself was absolutely thrilled.

"Master, I will accompany Sect Leader Senior Sister on this trip." Lei Jun pondered for a moment before speaking.

Tang Xiaotang patted him on the shoulder with a broad grin.

Wang Guiyuan, upon hearing this, sighed softly.

Lei Junior Brother may seem cold on the surface, but deep down, he's bold and full of spirit. Always ready to step up when needed… Wang Guiyuan thought, glancing at Lei Jun with a faint smile.

Yuan Mobai’s expression remained unchanged as he looked at Lei Jun. "Chongyun, what do you think?"

Lei Jun replied, "I will try to gather more information through the Heavenly Book. Since this matter concerns Senior Sister, I believe this clash between our sect and the Jiangzhou Lin Clan may be a pivotal moment."

"I agree with that assessment," Yuan Mobai nodded.

Lei Jun had always been diligent in his cultivation, so even in such an environment, he remained focused, silently practicing breathing techniques, adjusting his energy, and visualizing his spirit.

After a period of secluded cultivation on Mount Longhu, Lei Jun had further refined and condensed his lifetime of learning into his Dao Seal. At this point, his cultivation at the Sixth Heaven Realm could be considered complete.

With the foundation of his Yin-Yang Sacred Physique, his comprehension had also reached the level of Clear Tranquility. Furthermore, with Chu Kun’s Immortal Spirit Seed and the assistance of his own Tianshi Seal, Lei Jun’s accumulation and refinement at this stage far exceeded that of his peers.

However, having perfected the Sixth Heaven Realm was entirely different from being confident enough to cross the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Sixth and Seventh Heaven.

This was the watershed between Middle Heaven cultivators and Upper Heaven cultivators.

Since ancient times, countless cultivators had fallen in this tribulation, including many with unparalleled talent.

Even within the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu, apart from Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, and Lin Shan, there were still elders from the previous generation who remained at the Sixth Heaven Realm.

Among them, some had already perfected their Dao Seal, yet they remained stuck at the Sixth Heaven, hesitant to take the final step—because failure meant death and the complete dissolution of one’s Dao.

There had been no shortage of such cases in the past.

It was like drinking water—only the one drinking could tell whether it was warm or cold.

As for Lei Jun, he actually had considerable confidence in himself.

At this stage, all he needed to do was continuously adjust his mind and body, bringing his essence, energy, and spirit to their absolute peak, so that when the time came, he could break through in one decisive move.

Cultivation in this regard could be done in seclusion at an ideal location or through traveling the land, observing nature, and comprehending the Dao, allowing enlightenment to come naturally.

Thus, Lei Jun’s departure from the mountain had not caused Yuan Mobai or Tang Xiaotang any concern.

Lei Jun had always been diligent in his cultivation and knew his own path well.

Currently, he was sitting in the snow-covered mountains beside Longtian Lake. The accumulating snow had gradually buried him, yet he remained still, eyes closed, as if asleep, merging with nature itself.

The frigid air of the heavens and earth continuously entered Lei Jun’s body.

Then, the cold energy transformed into a warm flow, circulating within him.

As the cold and heat alternated, he naturally comprehended the cycle of Yin and Yang’s mutual generation and transformation.

Although the Northern Frontier’s bitter cold was extreme, it was not filled with sinister energy.

As Lei Jun refined it, he instead sensed a hidden Yang energy within, causing his cultivation to shift more toward converting Yang into Yin, allowing a constant interplay between the two forces.

For a moment, the profound mysteries of the heavens and earth filled his heart, bringing him a unique sense of enlightenment.

Although his Dao Seal was not currently suspended above his head, it resonated with his soul, trembling faintly.

His mind and body surged with energy, rising to a higher state.

As time passed, it gradually reached noon on the last day of November.

That day, Longtian Lake was covered in heavy snowfall, the sky overcast, with no sunlight in sight.

Yet Lei Jun could still sense that noon was approaching.

He opened his eyes and gazed ahead at Longtian Lake.

The lake was frozen solid, completely still.

There was no one in sight.

Until…

"Boom!!"

Suddenly, an earth-shattering explosion erupted in the distance!

Lei Jun turned toward the source of the sound—

Dragon Bone Ridge.

Was it their doing? Or Tang Xiaotang’s?

Standing atop the snow-covered peak beside Longtian Lake, Lei Jun looked into the distance and saw faint traces of golden light emerging amidst the swirling snow.

Though the surroundings were blanketed in white, the sharp and dazzling golden glow pierced through.

The entire world trembled.

Lei Jun remained seated, unmoving, but he extended his hand, pointing downward at the snow-covered ground.

There, a Heavenly Sight and Earthly Hearing Talisman he had placed in advance was affixed.

Through the spirit talisman, Lei Jun could clearly perceive the drastic shift in the flow of the surrounding earth veins.

It was as if a raging dragon was rolling beneath the surface, rushing from the depths toward him.

This "raging dragon" passed beneath Longtian Lake, but the lake was not its destination—it continued onward, extending far into the distance.

The snow-capped mountains in its path shook violently, triggering massive avalanches in an instant.

The spiritual energy in the surroundings grew chaotic, whipping up fierce gales. The once-heavy snowfall over Longtian Lake was forcibly swept away.

At that moment, the sun at noon pierced through from above.

Lei Jun stood up, avoiding the tremors from the shifting ground beneath him, yet he did not make any hasty movements. Instead, he carefully observed the transformations around Longtian Lake.

He watched as the ice covering the lake cracked open, and the thick ice layers suddenly seemed to come alive—water surged upward in defiance of gravity, rushing into the sky.

Even with the sunlight now shining down, it did not bring warmth. Instead, the entire world felt filled with a chilling aura of death.

Lei Jun sensed something unusual. Without hesitation, he immediately retreated into the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven, a domain manifested from his Tianshi Seal.

Just before leaving, he faintly glimpsed the collision of opposing spiritual energies that seemed to be tearing apart the space around Longtian Lake…

Within the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven, Lei Jun stood on the altar grounds, patiently waiting for the external turbulence to subside.

There was no need for him to actively perceive or investigate—

Because the upheaval outside was so intense that even the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven trembled faintly.

The turbulent winds roared, the ceremonial banners atop the altar fluttered wildly, and the Four-Nine Lamps flickered, constantly brightening and dimming.

"No wonder that Upper-Moderate Omen spoke of impending turmoil," Lei Jun thought to himself.

The Tianshi Seal possessed countless mysteries. By entering the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven, he could avoid detection even by Seventh Heaven cultivators, and in some cases, even escape the threats of Eighth Heaven enemies.

However, if a calamity—whether human-made or natural—was powerful enough to disrupt space itself, then even the True-One Altar Grotto-Heaven might be affected, forcing him out.

That said, while the commotion outside was massive, it was not yet dangerous enough to expel him.

Standing atop the third layer of the altar, Lei Jun calmly performed Stepping the Big Dipper, stabilizing the altar’s structure.

As the True-One Altar gleamed with light, the entire Grotto-Heaven became significantly more stable.

After a while, the external disturbances began to wane.

Considering the omen had emphasized the importance of the noon hour, Lei Jun didn’t wait much longer—he stepped out of the grotto ahead of time.

Outside, the storm had yet to fully subside, but the worst was over.

Surveying the surroundings, Lei Jun found Longtian Lake and the nearby mountains completely transformed. The world within a hundred miles had nearly collapsed.

The scenery before him twisted and distorted.

The moment he reappeared, he felt space itself twisting.

Without hesitation, he activated the Ninefold Abyssal Light from his Tianshi Robe, layering it over himself, while simultaneously unfurling the Breath-Taking Flag.

One defense was firm and unyielding, the other was enduring and resilient. Together, they safeguarded Lei Jun, preventing him from being harmed by the lingering spatial distortions.

Within the warped void, Lei Jun caught a glimpse of flickering spiritual light emerging from the upsurging icy waters below.

Yet as the spatial distortion gradually settled, the strange spiritual light also began to dissipate.

An ephemeral treasure born from the momentary shift in heaven and earth’s spiritual energy—fleeting as a flower that withers upon blooming.

In that instant, Lei Jun comprehended everything.

And he had no intention of letting it slip away.

Using the Ninefold Abyssal Light as a tether, he propelled himself forward, maneuvering smoothly through the turbulent void—straight toward his target.

In one swift motion, he gathered the spiritual light into his energy field.

The void then stabilized.

The icy waters fell back down.

The sunlight dimmed.

The snow resumed its descent, once again veiling the frozen world.

Lei Jun stood atop the snow-capped peak, surveying the desolate landscape.

Only then did he turn his attention to the treasure in his hands.

A name surfaced in his mind—

Mother-and-Child Essence Condensation Beads.

Atop Great Black Mountain, Lin Che, the elegant and refined patriarch of the Jiangzhou Lin Clan, stood with a solemn expression, his gaze fixed in the direction of Dragon Bone Ridge.

Behind him, several Lin Clan cultivators looked equally grim.

Fearing that information might leak, they had deliberately set up a diversion here at Great Black Mountain, laying numerous traps to ambush potential enemies.

In reality, their true ritual site was at Dragon Bone Ridge!

Yet now, nothing was happening at Great Black Mountain—while Dragon Bone Ridge had been struck by a major disturbance.

But why?

Even within the Jiangzhou Lin Clan, the operations at Dragon Bone Ridge were a closely guarded secret.

Many of the cultivators currently stationed here at Great Black Mountain didn’t even know what was happening, their faces filled with confusion as they watched the shocking changes unfolding in the distance.