Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 264: Double the Good Luck!

Xu Yuanzhen had been making a name for herself for more than just a year or two.

Her temperament was as well-known as her overwhelming strength and extraordinary talent.

Thus, neither Chu Yu, Elder Miaoyi, nor the others were surprised by her solitary and aloof ways.

After giving Lei Jun a quick word, Xu Yuanzhen indeed left without hesitation.

Lei Jun, however, smiled at the members of the Tang Imperial Court and Elder Miaoyi of Tianlong Monastery. “The enemy is in the open, while we remain in the shadows. Senior Sister’s intention, I believe, is for us to split into two groups—one overt, one covert—to coordinate our actions and ensure we catch them all, leaving no room for the Huangtian Sect disciples to escape.”

Chu Yu also smiled. “That would indeed be ideal.”

Lei Jun performed a Daoist salutation to those before him. “This campaign to purge the Huangtian Sect disciples is originally an internal matter of our Tianshi Mansion. However, given the sect’s cunning and treachery, we truly appreciate your assistance in this endeavor.”

Among those accompanying Chu Yu was Shangguan Sheng, a general of the Tang Divine Strategy Army and a member of the Shangguan family.

He returned the gesture. “You’re too polite, Daoist Lei. The Huangtian Sect is an outlawed demonic sect, explicitly listed as enemies of the Tang Empire. Now that we’ve found their traces, it is our duty to eradicate them.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Thank you, Master Chu, and thank you, General Shangguan.”

Chu Yu smiled. “Daoist Lei, you’re too courteous.”

Lei Jun then turned to Elder Miaoyi of Tianlong Monastery. “We greatly appreciate your assistance, Elder.”

The dignified and solemn old monk pressed his palms together. “Daoist Lei, you give us too much credit. We monks have no intention of interfering in your sect’s internal affairs. However, the Huangtian Sect threatens the world, bringing calamity upon the people of the Tang Empire. For the sake of the common folk, we merely wish to lend a hand. As long as the Daoists of Tianshi Mansion do not mind, we are happy to help.”

Lei Jun smiled. “Not at all, not at all.”

Tianlong Monastery’s willingness to assist was, in fact, quite straightforward.

The Huangtian Sect, much like the White Lotus Sect and the Vast Void Temple, had been officially designated as a nest of rebels by the Tang Imperial Court.

Tianlong Monastery had no direct enmity with the Huangtian Sect.

But their grudge with the White Lotus Sect and the Vast Void Temple ran deep.

The Vast Void Temple had suffered a crushing defeat at Vajra Monastery, leaving them battered and bloodied. Soon after, they were ambushed by elite forces of the Tang Divine Strategy Army, resulting in heavy losses.

Their remaining members were now being hunted down.

Tianlong Monastery had long since sent its own experts to aid the Tang Imperial Court in this pursuit, and for years, they had been eliminating disciples of the Vast Void Temple.

Aside from their young abbot, Yuanmie, many more disciples of the Vast Void Temple had been captured or killed over the past three to four years.

With their foothold on land completely lost once more, they had no choice but to retreat overseas again.

Yet the Tang Imperial Court and the Buddhist holy lands, including Tianlong Monastery, continued to pursue them, sending forces across the seas to finish the job.

In the spirit of mutual support, now that the Tang Imperial Court was dealing with another faction of rebels—the Huangtian Sect—Tianlong Monastery felt compelled to show some goodwill.

After all, though the Vast Void Temple had fallen, the White Lotus Sect remained.

Once hailed as the true inheritors of demonic Buddhism, the Vast Void Temple had risen like wildfire when they first returned to the mainland, their momentum unstoppable.

But within just ten years, they had been brought to ruin once more.

By contrast, the White Lotus Sect had kept a low profile in recent years, quietly accumulating strength. This made Elder Miaoyi and other senior monks from the orthodox Buddhist holy lands even more uneasy.

Years ago, the Future Maitreya had appeared briefly in the world, a fleeting yet astonishing presence.

Despite his youth, he had already reached the Eighth Heaven Realm, ensuring that the new abbot of the Vast Void Temple, Yuanmie, would not be the only rising star.

Both had attained the Eighth Heaven Realm before the age of fifty, undeniably ranking among the most prodigious talents of their generation.

Yet neither was from the orthodox Buddhist tradition—they were both grave threats to the true Buddhist sects.

How could this not be a thorn in Elder Miaoyi’s heart?

“If only Sixth Senior Brother were still here…” whispered a disciple beside Elder Miaoyi.

The elder monk did not reprimand his disciple but sighed deeply.

A hundred years ago, Tianlong Monastery had once produced a disciple of exceptional wisdom and extraordinary talent. He had reached the Upper Three Heavens at a young age and was hailed as the foremost Buddhist successor of his era.

But eighty years ago, heaven was jealous of his talents—he perished overseas.

Though regret was futile, even Elder Miaoyi could not help but feel sorrowful.

Had he survived, he might have even reached the Ninth Heaven Realm.

At that point, Tianlong Monastery would have had its own true successor at the Ninth Heaven Realm, leaving no room for those demonic Buddhist heretics to run rampant.

Alas, fate was unpredictable, and Tianlong Monastery could only live in the present and face the future.

And their most pressing concerns?

First, the White Lotus Sect was not just about the Future Maitreya.

What troubled Elder Miaoyi and the Tang Imperial Court even more was the true master of the White Lotus Sect—its current leader.

In recent years, the Future Maitreya had been the one walking the world, while the real sect leader had been silent for a long time.

Years ago, this White Lotus Sect leader was already widely recognized as a master at the peak of the Eighth Heaven Realm, capable of stepping into the Ninth Heaven Realm at any time, standing alongside the likes of Ye Yan from Qingzhou and Lin Huan from Youzhou.

Unlike these figures who moved openly in the world, the White Lotus Sect leader remained shrouded in mystery.

There were even rumors that he had already broken through but had simply yet to reveal himself.

For Tianlong Monastery, this was a grave concern.

Their second pressing issue was the emergence of the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru in the West.

Though they seemed to be part of Vajra Monastery and aligned with orthodox Buddhism, their relationship with Tianlong Monastery was far more complicated than before.

Previously, Daoist sects, particularly Tianshi Mansion, had been so dominant that Buddhist sects had been forced to adjust their stance accordingly.

Now, with the Vajra Division’s rise, the Vast Void Temple’s decline, and the heavy losses suffered by Pure Yang Palace, Buddhism’s stance was bound to shift once again.

What exactly was going on in the minds of Tianlong Monastery’s monks, Lei Jun did not know.

But he could make some guesses from their actions and decisions.

His expression remained composed, and his words carried the proper respect and courtesy.

The group set off from Wuyue, traveling discreetly across the sea.

Their numbers were intentionally kept small to avoid attracting attention.

If they had indeed found the right place, the Huangtian Sect’s headquarters would have no chance of escape. However, Chu Yu, Shangguan Sheng, and the others anticipated that some disciples might make desperate attempts to flee.

Thus, their goal was not only to destroy the sect’s base but also to capture as many as possible.

Although their group was small, each member was exceptionally skilled.

Most notably, Xu Yuanzhen herself, a master of the Ninth Heaven Realm. With her alone, it was as if an entire army was surrounding the enemy.

By comparison, Elder Lei seemed to be nothing more than her assistant.

Or rather, his primary role appeared to be serving as the bridge between Xu Yuanzhen and the Tang Imperial Court.

Though his cultivation was not as high as Xu Yuanzhen’s, Lei Jun was much easier for Shangguan Sheng and the others to work with.

Compared to his master, Elder Yuan Mobai, Lei Jun seemed more composed and reserved.

He was polite and measured in his interactions—especially when contrasted with Xu Yuanzhen.

“The most suitable candidate for the next Tianshi is Lei Chongyun!”

As they traveled, disciples of the Shangguan family whispered among themselves.

“Xu and Tang may be powerful, but they’re just too unpredictable!”

The group soared over the vast ocean.

"We're almost there." Lei Jun, who was leading the way, introduced the group.

However, at that moment, the Light Sphere in his mind suddenly flickered and displayed a message:

【Chasing waves in the deep sea, overturning heaven and earth. The birth of new life, the death that is not death. Between illusion and reality—supreme great fortune.】

Following this were three omens.

But when Lei Jun looked at these three omens, he was shocked—even to the point of rereading them carefully:

【Supreme Good Omen: Travel to the Hidden Wave Grotto in the deep sea south of Qingshi Island. There is a chance to obtain a Second-Grade Opportunity. Currently, there is no risk. Handle it properly, and there will be no future troubles—great fortune!】

【Supreme Good Omen: Travel to Jiufang Island. There is a chance to obtain a Third-Grade Opportunity. Though there may be some turbulence, it will be thrilling yet safe. No future troubles—great fortune!】

【Moderate-Moderate Omen: Travel to Qingshi Island. No risk, but also no additional gains—neutral.】

Two Supreme Good Omens at the same time?

Lei Jun was delighted—this was the first time his luck had been this overwhelming.

And one of these omens even pointed toward a Second-Grade Opportunity?

That was truly rare. But it didn't feel like it was related to the Tianshi Robe... Lei Jun pondered.

He had already grasped two leads concerning the Tianshi Robe and was certain that this supreme treasure of the Tianshi Mansion remained unclaimed. At the very least, it was not in the hands of Huangtian Dao.

He was currently approaching Huangtian Dao’s ancestral altar, yet there had been no sign or reaction from the Tianshi Robe.

From this, it seemed likely that the Second-Grade Opportunity was something else. But what exactly? That remained a mystery.

This made Lei Jun quite curious.

Besides, there was another Supreme Good Omen, pointing toward a Third-Grade Opportunity.

Qingshi Island and Jiufang Island…

Lei Jun mused.

From what he currently knew, Kang Ming had already arrived in the vicinity of Qingshi Island—which matched the omen for the Second-Grade Opportunity.

But what about Jiufang Island?

Reading the details of both omens carefully, the Supreme Good Omen for Qingshi Island mentioned a Second-Grade Opportunity and no immediate risk, though there might be lingering complications requiring careful handling. The Supreme Good Omen for Jiufang Island, on the other hand, pointed to a Third-Grade Opportunity, with possible minor turbulence but no lasting concerns.

Interestingly, the first omen did not point to Qingshi Island itself but to a hidden grotto in the surrounding deep sea…

After a brief moment of contemplation, Lei Jun sent a message to his Senior Sister, Xu Yuanzhen, informing her about the new lead on Jiufang Island and requesting that she investigate.

Among their group, she was undoubtedly the strongest.

As for Lei Jun himself, he would first take the main team to Qingshi Island.

"Two islands?" Xu Yuanzhen asked. "If no one else is interfering, the most likely scenario is that one is real and the other is a decoy altar. Where is this Kang Ming you mentioned?"

Lei Jun had similar suspicions.

If Jiufang Island was controlled by another faction or a powerful great demon, then that was another matter entirely.

But if both islands were under Huangtian Dao’s control, then one of them was likely a decoy altar meant to conceal or mislead.

To Huangtian Dao, their ancestral altar was of utmost importance. It would make sense for them to set up additional layers of deception.

"He’s still near Qingshi Island," Lei Jun replied.

"In that case, I’ll take Jiufang Island," Xu Yuanzhen decided.

If Huangtian Dao really had a decoy altar, then Kang Ming—who had only recently gained access to their ranks—would not have been immediately brought to the real ancestral altar.

Instead, he would likely have been sent to a fake altar on another island for further vetting.

That meant that Qingshi Island was more likely to be the decoy, while Jiufang Island was the true Huangtian Dao ancestral altar.

And their leader, Master Taiping Daoist, was likely there.

Lei Jun had no objections. "If things unfold as expected, we’ll clear out Qingshi Island first and then rush to regroup with you, Senior Sister."

Stepping lightly across the rolling waves, Lei Jun and his team quietly approached the outer seas of Qingshi Island.

At the same time, Lei Jun subtly checked his surroundings—and suddenly noticed that Kang Ming seemed to be leaving Qingshi Island, heading south.

The Hidden Wave Grotto mentioned in the Supreme Good Omen? Lei Jun speculated but maintained a calm expression.

Beside him, Chu Yu gazed at the massive island on the horizon where the sea met the sky.

The island was large, densely covered in jungle, with a massive crater at its peak. Though currently dormant, it contained explosive energy, as if it could erupt with magma at any moment—explaining its uninhabited appearance.

Chu Yu glanced around. "Where is Daoist Xu?"

Lei Jun replied, "Senior Sister is guarding the perimeter to prevent anyone from escaping or outside forces from interfering. Once the situation is clear, she’ll deliver the final thunderous strike."

Chu Yu nodded. "Good. Then let’s begin."

Lei Jun added, "Senior Sister suspects that the true altar is somewhere in these waters—but we must be wary of Huangtian Dao setting up a fake altar to mislead us or ambush us."

Chu Yu’s gaze flickered. "Daoist Xu is right. We must proceed with caution."

Her eyes locked onto Qingshi Island, her pupils gleaming with an almost tangible radiance.

Lei Jun observed her carefully. Though her eyes didn't seem particularly bright, the moment their gazes met, he felt an intense pressure—so sharp that without using his Celestial Ground-Through Talisman, his eyes would have started stinging.

Around them, Shangguan Sheng, Elder Miaoyi, and the others instinctively turned their heads away, avoiding direct eye contact with Chu Yu.

An Eighth-Heaven Godly Archer from the Confucian Lineage—with such focus, her sight alone was as keen as an eagle’s, piercing through illusions.

A strange ripple distorted the air above Qingshi Island.

Lei Jun and the others instantly realized they had found their target.

Although Qingshi Island appeared uninhabited, it was actually concealed by a powerful magic barrier.

Ordinary people who approached—even if they set foot on the island—would see nothing but a barren wasteland, oblivious to the hidden structures within.

But with Chu Yu’s piercing gaze, the island’s illusions began to unravel.

A massive longbow appeared in Chu Yu’s hands, and as she drew its string, shimmering light arrows coalesced into existence.

"Ready."

Unlike traditional archers who angled their shots upward, she aimed directly at the island.

With Chu Yu’s command, Shangguan Sheng gave a simple gesture.

Immediately, the Divine Strategy Army of Tang split into two wings, swiftly moving to encircle Qingshi Island.

But before they could reach the shore, Chu Yu’s arrow had already been loosed.

Before the arrow even touched the island, the air above Qingshi Island tore apart, swirling into a vortex of violent energy—a desperate attempt to consume the arrow.

But the Heavenly River Meteor Arrows of the Suzhou Chu Clan were known for their unstoppable force, combining the might of a tsunami and the speed of a falling star.

The vortex shattered.

And with it, the illusionary barrier covering Qingshi Island collapsed.

One arrow, and a Daoist altar was destroyed.

It was as if he was calling them out by name.

Chu Yu didn’t advance but relied on keen observation and powerful arrows to provide long-range support for Shangguan Sheng, Lei Jun, Elder Miaoyi, and the others who charged ahead. At the same time, she remained on guard for the sudden appearance of their opponent’s leader, Taoist Master Taiping.

Although the island had backup altars that could be activated, their numbers were limited and couldn’t withstand Chu Yu’s systematic targeting.

Shangguan Sheng, Lei Jun, Elder Miaoyi, and the others successively set foot on the island.

Upon landing, they began dismantling the altars used for the Stargazing Prayer, which reflected the starry sky.

With this, the Yellow Heaven Sect’s reserve altars were soon depleted.

And as the number of Celestial Fiends dropped below a critical threshold once again, the island’s defensive formations began to collapse.

For secrecy, the island’s defenses didn’t rely on manpower but rather on formations and prohibitions that had been built up over the years.

But all of these were being broken through one by one by Lei Jun and the others.

Lei Jun didn’t waste time on unnecessary movements. Around him, talismans spun and shimmered like stars, constructing the Doumu Star God Apparition. His fighting style was almost identical to that of martial arts expert Shangguan Sheng—

Swift approach, close-range combat, and every punch and kick carried the force to split mountains and rivers.

As for the others, it was hard to say, but Shangguan Sheng still had energy to spare and could afford to glance at Lei Jun.

Cultivators of the Talismanic Branch trained in life-bound spells and also inherited Daoist martial arts, making them formidable in close-quarters combat—something widely acknowledged.

But what the world knew best was that martial cultivators had taken this to the pinnacle.

Be it the Daoist Alchemical Sect, the Zen Combat lineage of Buddhism, the Talismanic Branch, or even the Blood River lineage of the Witch Sect and the Confucian Scholarly School, all of them had powerful melee capabilities.

Yet none could match true specialists. Especially in terms of movement techniques—martial cultivators were unrivaled.

However, as Shangguan Sheng observed Lei Jun’s actions, he realized that Lei Jun’s movements were no slower than his own, a true martial arts master.

Purely relying on the Star Avatar of the Tianshi Mansion shouldn’t allow such speed and agility...

Shangguan Sheng narrowed his eyes in thought.

It seemed that Lei Jun’s life-bound spell had undergone some transformation, giving him a unique advantage in this area.

While Shangguan Sheng was assessing Lei Jun, Elder Miaoyi from Tianlong Monastery was also watching him.

However, his hands didn’t slow down. He pressed his palms together and chanted:

“The Lion strides forth, complete in all paths, like the Tathagata.”

Golden Buddhist light surged, condensing into an enormous lion with a fierce face and sharp fangs, exuding both power and a profound Zen aura.

With a roar, the entire Azure Stone Island seemed to tremble.

In Daoism, those who command the laws of Heaven and Earth are called Apparitions.

In Buddhism, they are known as Manifestations.

The Tianlong Monastery’s teachings emphasized grand vows, immense power, and divine manifestations. Their pinnacle achievement was the Great Majestic Heavenly Dragon, formed through the Great Majestic Heavenly Dragon Sutra.

Besides this, Tianlong Monastery cultivated other manifestations—

The Azure Lion was one of them.

At this moment, Elder Miaoyi’s Azure Lion Manifestation shook the surroundings.

With Shangguan Sheng and Lei Jun, three Upper Three Heavens cultivators charged forward, unstoppable, straight to the island’s central volcano.

Thanks to Lei Jun’s prior warning, they all slowed their pace.

Shangguan Sheng and Elder Miaoyi didn’t need Lei Jun’s help identifying Daoist formations. They quickly confirmed that the altar at the volcano’s heart, though appearing unique, was not the true religious altar of the Daoist sect.

If that was the case, then—

Boom!

Just as expected, a violent surge of spiritual energy erupted from the volcano’s crater.

Something inside was about to explode.

A raging force had been slumbering but was now awakened.

Scorching earthfire was about to surge forth.

But at that moment, a streak of glowing light, seemingly ignoring space, suddenly appeared near the crater—

An arrow.

Launched in an arc, it plunged straight into the volcano’s mouth.

The unrest in the volcano instantly weakened.

Lei Jun, Shangguan Sheng, Elder Miaoyi, and the others immediately retreated.

The truth was clear now—

Azure Stone Island was nothing more than a deception.

If the enemy failed to discover it, that was ideal.

If they did, then it would serve as a death trap, luring intruders in and then detonating everything—burying both the enemy and the false altar.

This way, even if outsiders later investigated, distinguishing between real and fake altars would become impossible, buying time to keep the true one hidden.

The real altar had to be on Jiufang Island...

Lei Jun thought to himself.

Chu Yu’s actions to suppress the volcano’s eruption were deliberate—leaving the site intact for further investigation.

But just then, violent disturbances came from the eastern sea—

A battle was raging, far fiercer than on Azure Stone Island.

Jiufang Island.

“Looks like Daoist Xu found the true Yellow Heaven Sect altar…”

Chu Yu was speaking when her expression suddenly changed.

"Hmm?!"

She abruptly looked down, her gaze piercing through the island and into the depths of the volcano.

Lei Jun caught her reaction, and deep within his pupils, the radiance of the Celestial Ground-Through Talisman flickered.

“Zhou Peng?!”

Chu Yu called out loudly.

At the same time, the arrow she had used to stabilize the volcano suddenly started trembling.

The eruption resumed.

The ground quaked, rocks shattered, and the entire island trembled violently, as if about to be torn apart.

Alerted by Chu Yu’s shout, Lei Jun and the others had already scattered toward the perimeter.

The eruption was so intense that it didn’t just shatter the mountain—

The entire island itself was fracturing.

Amidst the flying debris and thick smoke, a figure emerged.

A Daoist robe, black on the outside, white on the inside—the unmistakable attire of Pure Yang Palace from the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

But this middle-aged man was no longer a member of Pure Yang Palace.

He was a traitor.

Former Elder Zhou Peng sat cross-legged in the lava.

Scorching Yang Flames raged around him, yet he remained unaffected.

An invisible force expanded around him like a pearl or an elixir, shielding him from all external harm.

Only when Chu Yu’s second arrow came flying did he rise to evade it.

The Alchemical Sect’s cultivators were renowned for their near-invincible bodies, the toughest in Daoism.

But Zhou Peng, a fresh Eight Heavens cultivator, had no intention of testing if he could withstand Chu Yu’s arrows.

His mood had already soured the moment he was exposed.

How did they find Azure Stone Island?

And judging by the commotion—Jiufang Island had also been discovered.

The Yellow Heaven Sect’s holy altar was doomed.

More pressing, Zhou Peng needed to figure out how to escape—

Thwip!

Another luminous arrow shattered his thoughts.

Chu Yu had no time to ponder. She immediately intensified her attacks, increasing the speed, frequency, and power of her shots.

Lei Jun was just as shocked.

But as the battlefield turned chaotic, with the island crumbling and spiritual energy spiraling out of control, he took advantage of the chaos—

Silently, he vanished into the deep sea.

Lei Jun silently pursued a Mid Three Heavens elder of the Yellow Heaven Sect who was attempting to flee southward.

Under the cover of chaos, he swiftly eliminated the elder.

With everyone's attention divided, he took the opportunity to disappear into the deep sea.

His previously used Yang Path Talisman Technique from the Heavenly Movement Talisman was now replaced with the Yin Path, seamlessly blending with the Illusory Mirror to conceal his presence.

At the same time, the other side of the Illusory Mirror worked in conjunction with his Celestial Ground-Through Talisman, scanning the seabed south of Azure Stone Island.

Very quickly—he found it.

Zhubo Grotto.

A hidden underwater residence.

Formations guarded the entrance.

Lei Jun didn’t force his way in.

Instead, he extended his hand and lightly brushed across the barrier.

Under the effect of the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book, the grotto’s defensive formations dissolved without a sound.

He didn’t immediately enter.

Instead, he sensed another fluctuation before the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book returned to calm.

Kang Ming is also here...

Lei Jun’s thoughts were confirmed as he silently slipped inside.

The Celestial Ground-Through Talisman flickered deep within his pupils, and a line of spiritual light extended from his brow.

Lei Jun suddenly stopped.

Aside from Kang Ming—

There was someone else inside.

A cultivator from the Upper Three Heavens.

But they didn’t seem to be Qi Shuo or Zhao Zongjie, the two High Masters of the Yellow Heaven Sect.

Rather—

Their aura felt eerily similar to Zhou Peng, as if they, too, were from the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

Interesting.

A Talismanic Branch traitor’s hideout, yet it was crawling with Alchemical Sect defectors.

And from what Lei Jun could see—

Zhou Peng and the others weren't just guests.

They weren't discussing business.

Instead—

They had completely made themselves at home.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow and stepped forward.