Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 242: Mastering the Heavenly Master Seal

In this world of cultivation, the Seventh to Ninth Heavens are collectively referred to as the "Upper Three Heavens."

The Seventh Heaven marks the beginning of this realm.

Among the various cultivation traditions, this is a critical threshold.

For the Daoist Alchemical Sect, reaching the Seventh Heaven is called the Nascent Soul or Forming the Infant stage. It evolves from the Sixth Heaven Dao Embryo Stage, where the cultivator undergoes a transformation—shedding their old self and merging their essence and life force, with both soul and body undergoing further refinement.

For the External Alchemy Sect, the Seventh Heaven is called Elixir Dissolution, progressing from the Sixth Heaven Celestial Seed Stage. At this stage, the external elixir reaches full mastery, the Celestial Seed undergoes metamorphosis, and the cultivator completely sheds their mortal flesh, entering a new phase of existence. Any future manifestation of their form is a product of their soul’s transformation, vastly different from before.

For the Talismanic Branch, the Seventh Heaven is called Tongtian (Connecting to the Heavens).

From Lei Jun’s personal perception, his physical body and soul have now formed a deeper connection with nature and the heavens, even merging with them.

Rather than stepping onto a new tier, it felt more like he had embarked on an entirely new path—a path to the heavens.

Walking this path meant stepping further into the Dao.

The text that had appeared earlier within the floating light sphere had mentioned, "Every step on the Path to the Heavens begins here." It seemed to have a double meaning—referring both to this foreign domain and to Lei Jun’s opportunity to embark on his own path to the heavens.

In the Talismanic Branch, it is often said: “The Law follows Heaven and Earth,” or alternatively, “The Law follows Heaven and Earth and manifests in humanity.” This principle emphasizes the triad of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

Tongtian signifies the beginning of following the law of Heaven—the first step in harmonizing Heaven, Earth, and Man.

During his Sixth Heaven Dao Seal Stage, Lei Jun had been constantly refining and integrating his past learnings.

But the moment he stepped into the Seventh Heaven Tongtian Stage, everything he had condensed before was like seeds buried deep within the soil—at this moment, they broke through the earth, sprouted, and in an instant, grew into towering trees, bursting into full bloom.

Every past insight into the Dao was now gaining new depth and transformation. Lei Jun felt an almost irresistible urge to immerse himself completely in the ocean of Daoist law.

As his cultivation grew, he could distinctly sense his vitality surging, stronger and more vibrant than ever.

Not just his body, but his soul as well.

Upon reaching the Seventh Heaven, his lifespan had once again increased—rising from a limit of 400 years to 800 years.

The prime period for rapid cultivation advancement had also doubled, extending from 100 years to 200 years.

His actual age was still under forty.

By mortal standards… wasn’t he just a four- or five-year-old child?

Lei Jun chuckled and shook his head.

Lifting his gaze, he looked up at the towering pillar of light that surrounded him and pierced the sky. He let out a long exhale.

“Your Tongtian Spiritual Radiance is quite impressive.”

From within the ever-expanding black thunderclouds, which thickened like glaciers piling layer upon layer, Xu Yuanzhen’s cool voice rang out.

She observed with interest the vast Tongtian Spiritual Radiance that Lei Jun had unleashed—covering an area far greater than that of an ordinary Seventh Heaven Talismanic Branch cultivator.

“Seems like you haven’t been slacking in your cultivation.”

Lei Jun’s radiance gradually retracted, merging fully back into his body.

He stood up, his expression calm yet serious, and performed a Daoist salutation toward Xu Yuanzhen.

“It’s all thanks to the guidance of you and Master over the years.”

Xu Yuanzhen, however, did not accept the gesture. Instead, she returned a courteous bow and said:

“If you were rotten wood, no amount of carving would make a difference. Where you stand today is due to your own efforts.”

Lei Jun smiled, saying nothing more, and focused his mind.

He stretched out both hands, palms open.

Above his head, his Tongtian Spiritual Radiance flickered, and from it emerged a white jade seal—floating gently before him.

Lei Jun reached out and carefully cradled it in both hands.

It was none other than the Tianshi Seal!

From the moment he had obtained this treasure, it had been fused deep within his soul.

Now that he had reached the Seventh Heaven, he could finally begin truly mastering it.

The Tianshi Seal was now seamlessly integrated with his soul, allowing him to summon it at will.

“I don’t need it. Later, you can discuss it with Xiaotang and Junior Uncle.”

Xu Yuanzhen’s tone was indifferent.

Lei Jun glanced at the dense, endless black thunderclouds surrounding her and asked:

“What about the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon?”

Xu Yuanzhen replied, “Since I’m here, I might as well take a look.”

She was known for her eccentric personality, but with the Li Family’s downfall now sealed in history, the past had naturally been left behind.

Lei Jun shifted to holding the Tianshi Seal in one hand, while his other hand formed a Daoist incantation gesture over his chest.

Immediately, the Tianshi Seal radiated layers of luminous jade light.

Within the hazy glow, a True-One Altar emerged.

Atop the third tier of the altar, Nine Heavens Divine Thunder began to gather.

A mysterious and ancient talisman flickered within, appearing and disappearing amidst the woven purple lightning.

The True-One Altar stood opposite the black thunderclouds, where Xu Yuanzhen remained, intently observing the talisman forming atop the altar.

Lei Jun found this intriguing.

From what he knew, Xu Yuanzhen’s cultivation method differed from Tang Xiaotang’s.

While the black thunderclouds surrounding her were striking, they were merely an external display of her mana.

Unlike Tang Xiaotang, who innovated and created her own techniques, Xu Yuanzhen adhered strictly to the orthodox teachings of the Tianshi Mansion.

At Seventh Heaven, she cultivated Life Canon Talismanic Scriptures.

At Eighth Heaven, she practiced Fire Law Earth Scriptures.

It seemed contrary to her personality.

But in truth, her mastery was profound.

Even when using identical spells and techniques, her execution was always stronger than others.

The same ability, when cast by her, unleashed far greater power and depth.

Many said that of the three greatest mystical arts of Mount Longhu, the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon was the most powerful.

Yet Xu Yuanzhen, despite not practicing Thunder Law, had never been surpassed by any Li family master who did.

Now that the Li family was gone, she had no plans to forge a new legacy.

Having already mastered the Life Canon and Fire Law Scriptures, her next step was to study the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon—steadily, step by step.

While Xu Yuanzhen observed the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon, Lei Jun entered the True-One Altar.

However, he did not proceed to the third tier.

Instead, he remained on the second tier, where the Life Canon Talismanic Scriptures began to emerge among the vast celestial stars.

Since Xu Yuanzhen was at a critical stage, Lei Jun refrained from disturbing her.

Instead, he began refining his own divine ability, preparing for the challenges ahead.

After watching for a while, Xu Yuanzhen withdrew her gaze.

Unlike others who secluded themselves for cultivation, she stood leisurely with her hands behind her back in the center of the pitch-black thunderclouds, appearing relaxed yet slightly lost in thought as she observed the world before her.

This foreign realm was now in turmoil, with spiritual energy surging more violently than before. While the center remained eerily calm, the surroundings turned into a terrifying storm, churning in all directions.

As time passed, the turbulence grew more intense. By the end, it seemed as if the world itself was collapsing into an apocalyptic disaster.

Yet at some unknown moment, everything suddenly settled. The storm ceased in an instant.

Only—the world had changed colors.

What met the eye was complete darkness.

The only remaining sources of light were the True-One Altar and the emerald-green sea of fire below.

"Congratulations, Senior Sister, for overcoming the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation and reaching the Ninth Heaven Great Ascension Realm!" Lei Jun stepped out from the True-One Altar and offered his congratulations to Xu Yuanzhen.

Daoist cultivation, though divided into three main lineages, shared common ground in certain aspects.

For instance, at the initial stages, whether it was the Talismanic Branch, the Daoist Alchemical Sect, or the Artifact Refining Sect, the First Heaven Realm was universally called Qi Refining, and the Second Heaven Realm was known as Foundation Establishment.

Similarly, the Ninth Heaven Realm across all Daoist lineages was referred to by the same name—Great Ascension.

Until now, the only known Daoist master of the Great Ascension Realm was Huang Xuanpu, the sect leader of the Pure Yang Palace within the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

The last known Great Ascension master from the Talismanic Branch’s Tianshi Mansion had been Li Zhiyuan, the first Tianshi, two to three hundred years ago.

Back then, Li Zhiyuan was known as the strongest Daoist cultivator, and the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu was revered as the greatest Daoist Holy Land.

Notably, during his time, Li Zhiyuan had slain Lin Jin, the then-leader of the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, who was also the last Ninth Heaven Grand Scholar of the Jiangzhou Lin Clan.

After Lin Jin’s death, the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou had never produced another Ninth Heaven Grand Scholar.

However, despite his victory, Tianshi Li Zhiyuan suffered grievous injuries and later succumbed to them.

Since his passing, the Tianshi Mansion had not seen another Great Ascension Daoist master—until today.

"The path of cultivation is long and endless. You and I both have a ways to go," Xu Yuanzhen’s figure emerged from the darkness, her tone calm and composed. "And that is what makes it so fascinating."

Lei Jun smiled. "Indeed."

Xu Yuanzhen gestured toward the emerald-green sea of fire below.

The Nine Abyss True Fire extinguished, and three black shadows shot out from it.

At the same time, the surrounding darkness dispersed, restoring the previous scenery.

Lei Jun could sense that the once-chaotic fluctuations of spiritual energy in the heavens and earth had been smoothed out by Xu Yuanzhen’s intervention. Rather than being depleted, the energy now felt more orderly and stable.

However, the previously present traces of martial arts and Confucian principles had become extremely faint, nearly imperceptible, and were continuing to dissipate.

As the emerald-green flames died out, the three black shadows landed before Xu Yuanzhen and Lei Jun.

Lei Jun focused his gaze and found that the three objects resembled the sharp tips of spears, though they lacked the long shafts.

The spear tips were pitch-black, devoid of any shine, their energy restrained. At first glance, they seemed unremarkable.

However, with Lei Jun’s superior perception, he discerned an indescribable, ominous aura emanating from them, as if they held some hidden mystery.

Xu Yuanzhen swept her sleeve, collecting all three spearheads.

A faint residue—something between ashes and debris—lingered in the air.

"Keep these for now. They might come in handy later," the black-robed woman remarked casually. "As for these three 'barbarians,' we'll decide who to give them to once we're out."

Hearing that name, Lei Jun raised an eyebrow slightly.

He gathered the remaining ashes.

A sudden insight flashed in his mind, revealing a name:

"Disgrace to Culture."

What an absurd name... Lei Jun found it amusing yet intriguing.

He recalled that the Upper-Moderate Omen he had drawn earlier hinted at both a Third-Grade Opportunity and a Fourth-Grade Opportunity.

His own recent breakthrough to the Seventh Heaven Realm was likely one of them.

Could this so-called "Disgrace to Culture" be the other?

Judging by its nature, it seemed to align with the martial energy that had trampled over the Confucian principles within the ruins they had explored.

As for its specific use, he would have to wait and see…

"Let's go."

Xu Yuanzhen took the lead.

As she stepped forward, the space before her warped and twisted, revealing a radiant portal.

Lei Jun followed closely behind, stepping into the void.

— — —

Northern Frontier, Snowy Mountain Range

The world outside, the mortal realm of Great Tang.

The once-frozen landscape had drastically changed.

The mountains had collapsed, and much of the snow had melted.

Above the heavens, golden light and emerald flames blazed across the sky, interwoven with torrents of sword energy. At times, streaks of arrow light shot through the battlefield like falling stars.

The battle had reached a critical, heated stage.

Even Lin Che was now fighting without restraint.

Sword energy swirled, painting a vision that resembled a living masterpiece—Jiangnan’s breathtaking scenery seemingly transplanted into this icy northern wasteland.

The entire scene felt like an independent world, bending the very boundaries of reality.

In the midst of this, an ancient melody of dance and music seemed to echo through the air.

Compared to Lin Che’s refined and scholarly elegance, Tang Tianshi’s style was… much wilder.

Yin and Yang interwove, the dragon and tiger clashed in harmony.

Though her cultivation level was lower than Lin Che’s, who had mastered the Three Treatises of Governance, Tang Xiaotang’s attacks remained fierce.

Her raw power, coupled with the profound techniques of the Tianshi Mansion, made for an unpredictable force.

Yet no matter how refined the Daoist arts were, in her hands, they always seemed to boil down to brute force…

And this made things particularly difficult for Lin Che.

Though he had recovered from earlier injuries, his vitality had yet to fully restore.

Forced into direct exchanges with Tang Xiaotang, he was beginning to feel the strain.

Fortunately, Lin Yuwei was by his side.

The Jiangzhou Lin Clan’s internal factions remained entangled, but at this moment, Lin Yuwei did not hesitate to act.

One arrow after another streaked across the sky like shooting stars, aiming for the golden-green Taiji Diagram floating above.

With Lin Che absorbing the brunt of the battle, Lin Yuwei kept his distance, focusing entirely on offense, unleashing the full potential of Confucian divine archery.

He deviated from the Lin Clan’s traditional style of overwhelming arrow barrages, opting instead for longer range and greater individual arrow power.

Though his shots appeared sparse, they were significantly more lethal.

Even as powerful as Tang Xiaotang was, she couldn't completely ignore Lin Yuwei’s arrows while fighting Lin Che.

Yet, rather than being at a disadvantage, Tang Tianshi adapted.

The Taiji Diagram spun in midair, its golden-green light blazing like a miniature sun. Around it, several smaller golden "suns" orbited, forming layers of defense.

Tang Xiaotang had cultivated Stepping the Big Dipper as part of her core techniques in the Middle Heavens.

Upon reaching the Upper Heavens, her Three Life-Bound Spells and Three Great Techniques had further evolved.

However, rather than expanding into a sprawling starry sky, her celestial domain had condensed.

Now, fewer stars remained—but each shone like a true sun.

The miniature suns intercepted Lin Yuwei’s arrows mid-flight.

Lin Yuwei adjusted his rhythm, sometimes unleashing a dense rain of arrows, other times sending single streaks of light chasing after the moon.

Tang Xiaotang’s stars constantly shifted between dazzling constellations and towering suns.

Though she preferred offense, it didn’t mean she lacked finesse.

On the battlefield, she was relentless.

Suddenly, she frowned.

A frigid sword aura descended—like a blizzard, instantly restoring the battlefield to its former frozen state.

Almost simultaneously, two streaks of light shot across the sky from the distant horizon, cutting through space in an instant.

Two arrows.

Fired by an Eighth Heaven Grand Scholar of the Confucian Divine Archery lineage.

Lin Litao's sharp gaze locked onto Chu Yu. "Was Brother Likong also killed by you?"

Chu Yu's eyes flickered. "Oh?"

Sword Qi erupted around Lin Litao, and a blizzard surged forth as he fixed his gaze on Chu Yu, pressing aggressively.

But just then, in the distance, atop the Great Black Mountain, the skies churned once more, forming a massive pillar of energy that shot straight into the heavens.

At the same time, centered around this pillar, space seemed to shimmer with a rippling glow, like waves spreading outward in all directions.

Within the ripples, a figure stepped forward.

Lin Litao, being closest, instinctively swung his sword in a reverse grip.

This strike was both offensive and defensive, wind howling against the enemy while ice and snow shielded him.

But in a flash, the figure was already in front of him. A sea of emerald flames unfurled in the sky, painting the entire heavens green.

From within the inferno, multiple enormous tigers, each as massive as a mountain peak, emerged. They surrounded Lin Litao while simultaneously charging at Lin Che and Lin Yuwei in the distance.

"Xu Yuanzhen?!" Lin Yuwei's expression drastically changed. Lin Che let out a long sigh, his face instantly aging. "...Daoist Ninth Heaven?!"

Having witnessed Lin Litao's momentary resistance, they immediately realized that the Xu Yuanzhen before them was no longer the same person they had encountered back at Poyang Great Marsh.

For them, the best course of action was neither an aggressive strike nor a defensive stand—it was to flee immediately.

The two Jiangzhou Lin Clan elders retreated at once.

"Senior Sister!"

Tang Xiaotang, now fully materialized, her hair and brows shining golden, called out loudly.

Chu Yu glanced at Lin Litao, who was now completely engulfed in Xu Yuanzhen's sea of flames, then spoke up. "Fairy Xu, there's word that Yanran Mountain of Youzhou will personally intervene!"

"Lin Huan is making a move?" Xu Yuanzhen had been watching Lin Che flee, but upon hearing this, she immediately turned back, her gaze sharp and cold.

She casually tossed a spear-like "barbarian artifact" to Tang Xiaotang. "We’ll talk later."

Tang Xiaotang caught it, sensing the profound energy within. She was momentarily surprised but quickly regained her composure. "Got it! But this time, don’t vanish on me again!"

Without further words, she turned and pursued Lin Che.

Chu Yu was initially puzzled but refrained from asking, lost in thought as he too turned and left.

Once they were gone, Lei Jun approached from the direction of the Great Black Mountain.

Meanwhile, Xu Yuanzhen continued roasting Lin Litao, the Eighth Heaven Confucian scholar, with her Nine Abyss True Fire. As she did, she spoke: "You should head to Jiangzhou as well."

Lei Jun pondered. "Senior Sister, it's better to cripple one enemy than to lightly wound ten."

Xu Yuanzhen chuckled. "I have a big appetite."

Her smile, no matter how one looked at it, was filled with malice.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow and departed at once.

He sped south like the wind while simultaneously relaying messages to Tang Xiaotang and the Mount Longhu sect.

Tang Xiaotang continued her relentless pursuit of Lin Che, who was fleeing toward the Lin Clan's ancestral land in Jiangzhou.

"Junior Uncle, bring the Tianshi Sword to Jiangzhou and wait for me!" Tang Xiaotang transmitted a decree back to the mountain.

At Mount Longhu, the three high-ranking elders, Yuan Mobai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning, received Tang Xiaotang's message, their expressions turning solemn.

"That our junior niece Yuanzhen has made another breakthrough is certainly a joyous event, but it also brings challenges. The taller the tree, the stronger the wind. Our sect can no longer afford to lay low and recuperate in peace. Even if we resolve this matter today, we'll have to stay on guard at all times moving forward," Shangguan Ning said calmly.

"Right now, we have a rare opportunity to strike fast and break their defenses. If we can seize the chance to crush the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, we gain the upper hand. A step ahead means every step ahead. However..."

She turned to Yuan Mobai and Yao Yuan. "The Lin Clan has spent years fortifying Jiangzhou. Their ancestral land is no less fortified than our own sect grounds. Furthermore, they possess their ancestral artifact, the Dragon-Serpent Brush. As long as Jiangzhou stands, even if Lin Che falls outside, their land remains a dagger at our throat."

Both Daoism and Confucianism had their own methods of refining artifacts.

The Five Great Surnames and Seven Prominent Clans were ancient aristocratic families with long histories, and their ancestral artifacts were key to their legacies.

The Lin Clan of Jiangzhou was renowned for its Dragon-Serpent Brush, an artifact that could inscribe characters into the world itself, shaping mountains and rivers.

The brush, combined with their ancestral scriptures, had been worshiped and cultivated over generations, forming the bedrock of their power. Even though the Lin Clan had split from their Youzhou kin, they remained one of the most distinguished families of their era.

The Dragon-Serpent Brush and their ancestral texts had never left Jiangzhou, further strengthening their homeland.

Even with Lin Che and Lin Yuwei absent, at least one Eighth Heaven elder, Lin Chou, remained to oversee the ancestral land.

With Lin Chou presiding and the Dragon-Serpent Brush in play, the Lin Clan’s ancestral home remained a near-impenetrable fortress.

Yuan Mobai spoke. "I trust that Junior Niece Yuanzhen and the sect master have considered this thoroughly and have plans in place. That’s precisely why I must bring the Tianshi Sword to aid them."

Shangguan Ning and Yao Yuan fell silent in thought.

"At the very least, we must intercept Lin Che before he reaches Jiangzhou," Yuan Mobai said as he took his leave. "Senior Brother Yao, Senior Sister Shangguan, I’ll leave the sect in your hands."

Yao Yuan’s expression was heavy. "This is risky. The sect rarely leaves itself this vulnerable."

Within the Tang Dynasty, countless factions vied for power, and the situation was constantly on the brink of chaos.

Among the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sects, the most hostile faction against the Tianshi Mansion was the Ghost Dao lineage, based in Golden Fortress.

Luckily, after the previous battle in the Southern Wasteland, Golden Fortress had suffered great losses, much like the Blood River Sect. Their leader, the "Ghost King" Zong Han, had also gone into hiding.

Still, they couldn't afford to be careless.

"Inform all disciples that starting now, the sect grounds will be sealed off entirely," Shangguan Ning ordered. "Senior Brother Yao, while the sect master and Junior Brother Yuan are away, I ask that you oversee the Ten Thousand Methods Altar."

Yao Yuan bowed respectfully to Yuan Mobai. "I’ll do my best. I hope you and the sect master, along with Junior Niece Yuanzhen, return soon."

"I understand. Take care, Senior Brother." Yuan Mobai returned the gesture.

A short while later, tremors shook the skies above Mount Longhu.

Thunder roared around the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven as lightning crackled wildly.

A streak of purple light, like both a sword and a bolt of thunder, shot out from the sky above Mount Longhu.

The disciples of the mountain were stirred.

The Tianshi Sword had left the mountain once more.

Sword light and thunder streaked north, aimed directly at Jiangzhou.

A new war was about to begin.

Though the disciples were filled with fervor, they strictly followed the elders' orders and remained within the sect.

Within the Ten Thousand Methods Altar, radiant lights were already flickering, prepared for activation, the sect on full alert.

However…

At that moment, a shadow crept toward Mount Longhu.

The figure made contact with someone within the mountain, whispering, "Yuan Mobai and the Tianshi Sword have left for Jiangzhou?"

A voice from within the mountain replied, "Yes. Today, they will attack the Lin Clan’s ancestral home."

The mysterious visitor smirked. "A rare opportunity. Help me from within."

The insider hesitated. "I thought your target was the Tianshi Sword."

"The sword might escape, but the Ten Thousand Methods Altar cannot move."

The insider paused before finally speaking. "Fine. Everything will go according to your plan."

The mysterious figure was about to infiltrate the sect—

But suddenly, they halted.

In that instant, the sky above Mount Longhu twisted, glowing with Daoist sigils—the sect's guardian formation had reacted.

The intruder had been noticed.

Realizing this, the figure withdrew immediately.

A storm was brewing.

The mysterious visitor had been caught just in time, retreating before the formation could fully lock them down.

"You didn’t leave the mountain, Yuan Mobai?" The visitor’s voice was unreadable, neither pleased nor alarmed. "Then who took the Tianshi Sword away?"

A brief silence followed before a gentle, almost breezy voice echoed from within the Ten Thousand Methods Altar.

"As expected, you’ve come."

The visitor wasn’t merely testing the waters with their question. They had genuinely sensed something amiss. Now that Yuan Mobai had spoken, they knew their suspicions were correct.

Yuan Mobai stepped forward, his figure appearing within the altar’s glowing sigils. "May I ask which esteemed master I have the honor of addressing?"

The visitor did not answer but instead countered, "Did Yao Yuan betray me?"

Though phrased as a question, the tone left little doubt—they were certain.

Inside the Ten Thousand Methods Altar, Yuan Mobai and Yao Yuan stood side by side.

The visitor continued, "Did Yao Yuan confess everything he has done to you?"

Yuan Mobai remained calm, his voice as mild as ever. "For Senior Brother Yao to decisively sever his ties, it must have taken great resolve."

Beside him, Yao Yuan’s expression was just as composed.

Calm, yet with a faint trace of relief.

"I made a grave mistake," Yao Yuan admitted. "Once our matters here are settled, I will head to the Ancestral Forbidden Grounds in the back of the mountain to receive my punishment and confess to the past masters."

Yes, a grave mistake—one that haunted him even now, despite the near extinction of the Li Clan.

Ten years ago, Li Clan disciple Li Zhenchang had died, suspected to have been killed by the traitorous disciple Chen Yi.

More deaths followed—other members of the Li bloodline were assassinated in secret.

Tensions between the Li family and outsiders in the Tianshi Mansion escalated, reaching the breaking point.

The second murder had not been carried out by an outsider—it was done by Yao Yuan himself, a high-ranking Daoist of the sect.

At that time, Yao Yuan had also been shot by Chu Yu on Xiexing Peak, where he had lost the Yin Moon Soul Stone.

Back then, resentment had clouded his judgment—resentment toward the Li family and ambition toward the sect.

It was then that he had accepted the aid of a mysterious individual.

The same individual who had attacked Li Qingfeng on the Great River.

With their assistance, he had obtained the Yin Moon Soul Stone and continued his secret machinations, fueling the conflict within the sect.

But when the day of reckoning finally arrived, Yao Yuan was horrified to realize the true scope of his actions.

His mysterious benefactor had never cared about personal grievances with the Li Clan.

They had their eyes set on the Tianshi Robe.

Their goal was not revenge against the Li family but the control of the entire Tianshi Mansion.

And Yao Yuan—had he continued down that path—would have become nothing more than a puppet.

That was why, this time, he had chosen differently.

Even at the cost of exposing himself.

"Reversing your stance so many times is unwise, Yao Yuan," the visitor remarked coldly. Without further words, they withdrew into the shadows.

They had not stepped into Mount Longhu, and now that they had sensed the ambush, their retreat was swift and effortless.

Seeing this, Yuan Mobai sighed. "A missed opportunity. But unfortunately, Senior Brother Yao, you have revealed yourself this time."

Yao Yuan smiled faintly. "It doesn’t matter."

Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he turned to Yuan Mobai. "The Tianshi Sword… didn’t return with you?"

Yuan Mobai nodded. "It has already gone to Jiangzhou."