Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 265: Second-level opportunity, easy to turn the universe into qi!

Lei Jun’s Tianxing Talisman's Yin Movement Technique exerted its full effect at this moment, pushing his concealment to the extreme. With the assistance of the Illusory Mirror, his figure blended seamlessly into the void.

Even so, Lei Jun remained cautious as he moved forward.

Daoist cultivators from the Daoist Alchemical Sect were known for their acute spiritual perception—especially if they had reached the level of Yang Spirit Projection. At that stage, their ability to sense and perceive their surroundings would be further enhanced.

Lei Jun silently infiltrated the hidden cave. Before he even saw the master of this place, he felt a slight shift in his own mind.

His Yin-Yang Sacred Physique seemed to have been triggered by some unknown presence.

Aside from his physique, both the Balance of Motion and Stillness and Heavenly Book·Three, which explained the changes of the Two Elements of Creation, were also stirred.

Lei Jun remained composed. The surface of his Illusory Mirror flipped, alternating between light and shadow in an instant.

At the same time, his Celestial Ground-Through Talisman activated.

Even though he was in a sealed cave, the general layout of the space soon became clear in his mind.

Kang Ming, along with a Seventh Heaven Daoist cultivator from the Daoist Alchemical Sect, were located in the core area of Zhubo Cave.

As Lei Jun approached, he was surprised to find Kang Ming restrained, unable to move freely.

The deep-red Daoist robe Kang Ming wore glowed with a radiance that did not originate from him.

Numerous talismans shimmered on his robe, forming a suppressive force that sealed his cultivation and controlled his movements.

Kang Ming cursed his misfortune.

He had never imagined that the Huangtian Sect had been secretly infiltrated by defectors from the Pure Yang Palace—to the extent that some members had already been possessed and taken over.

What should have been an inspiring tale of a young prodigy traveling to an overseas sect for secluded cultivation and a breakthrough into a higher realm had suddenly turned into a horror story filled with tragedy.

And as for Daoist Kang, he had walked straight into a trap.

In truth, Zhou Peng and the others hadn’t planned to act against him immediately.

They had intended to continue nurturing Kang Ming, waiting until he reached the Seventh Heaven before making their move.

If a cultivator merely possessed another’s body temporarily, they could eventually return to their original form. That was one thing.

But if they were to live the rest of their life in a stolen body, their future progress in cultivation would become exceedingly difficult due to the Unchanging Form Principle.

Moreover, the Possession Technique itself would erode the cultivator’s soul, making repeated use dangerous.

Back when Lei Jun had destroyed the body of Zhao Sen, the heir of the Yinshan Grotto in the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sect, Zhao Sen had opted to sustain himself through Gu insects rather than hastily possessing a new body. The reason was precisely because of these drawbacks.

Thus, while Kang Ming's breakthrough into the Seventh Heaven would grant him immense power, Zhou Peng and the others still wished to let him develop further. They were confident that when the time came, they could still control him.

Unfortunately, Kang Ming was both alert and perceptive—he quickly noticed that something was off.

Though he had tried to feign ignorance and maintain a composed demeanor, Zhou Peng and his group had been secretly observing him the entire time.

Once they realized their cover had been blown, they didn’t hesitate any longer.

They subdued Kang Ming immediately.

The core area of Zhubo Cave was shrouded in mist, suffused with spiritual energy, resembling an ethereal paradise.

Yet the events unfolding within were far from Daoist serenity.

Kang Ming lay immobilized on the ground, while the surroundings were arranged like a miniature Daoist altar.

At the front of the altar, a towering three-tiered platform stood—its design slightly different from the traditional Talismanic Branch style.

Atop the altar, there was no person to be seen—only a massive, golden Dan Pill, more than a meter in diameter, radiating dim light.

Upon closer inspection, faint cracks marred its surface, and it reflected images like a mirror.

Within that mirrored surface, a middle-aged Daoist’s reflection appeared.

The Daoist had an elegant appearance and a composed expression, but he seemed slightly weak.

Standing beside Kang Ming, however, was a young Daoist dressed in white and black robes.

Though he was dressed as a proper Pure Yang Palace Daoist, his appearance was far too youthful—he looked no older than ten. Rather than a Daoist, he resembled a mere young Daoist apprentice.

Yet, his eyes held an ancient wisdom, and his demeanor was mature beyond his years.

The contrast between his aged soul and childlike body made him appear even more eerie.

Moreover, his form was somewhat hazy and insubstantial, as if he weren’t truly physical.

His facial features bore a striking resemblance to the middle-aged Daoist reflected on the Dan Pill above the altar.

As if… this middle-aged Daoist had been reborn into a younger version of himself.

“…Wen Zhaoqian!” Kang Ming glared fiercely at the middle-aged Daoist.

As the sub-sect leader of Huangtian Sect, Kang Ming had always kept a low profile, frequently relocating to evade detection. However, his awareness of the outside world had never faltered.

The middle-aged Daoist reflected on the Golden Dan Pill was unmistakably a Seventh Heaven Nascent Soul Elder of the Pure Yang Palace, named Wen Zhaoqian.

The problem was—according to all intelligence gathered by Kang Ming and Huangtian Sect—this very Nascent Soul Elder, Wen Zhaoqian, had supposedly perished four years ago during the Great Northern Demon War while defending his sect.

Who could have predicted that Wen Zhaoqian had not only survived but was now attempting to possess Kang Ming’s body?

There was no sign of Wen Zhaoqian’s original body—only the cracked Golden Dan Pill remained.

His Nascent Soul was previously sealed within that Dan Pill.

Whether Wen Zhaoqian had truly fought against the Great Northern Demons or deliberately faked his death to escape, the battle had left his physical body severely damaged.

Only his Nascent Soul and a remnant of his Golden Dan had survived.

His Nascent Soul, however, remained formidable.

Though his current appearance was that of a youth, this was due to the Daoist Alchemical Sect’s unique practice—when a cultivator combined their Yang Spirit with their Dao Embryo to form a Nascent Soul, its initial form resembled that of an infant.

Wen Zhaoqian’s current adolescent form indicated that he had cultivated his Nascent Soul for many years, steadily growing its power.

Ordinarily, Daoist Alchemical Sect cultivators reached a stage where their physical body, mind, and soul became one, making possession almost impossible.

But due to his injuries, Wen Zhaoqian’s body and soul had become separated. Now, he had no physical form—only a damaged Golden Dan.

Even though his Nascent Soul could persist, remaining in this state for too long would undoubtedly shorten his lifespan and weaken him.

At this moment, Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul transformed into a streak of light and shot toward Kang Ming’s forehead.

A long sigh echoed through the air:

“…A shame. There’s no better choice for now, so it must be you. Fortunately, I have Supreme Spiritual Essence to stabilize the process. Your bone structure and soul are unique—perhaps they will grant me a sliver of hope for the future.”

Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul burrowed into Kang Ming’s spirit, seeking to replace him entirely.

A Nascent Soul cultivator’s Yang Spirit was far more resilient than that of a Talismanic Branch cultivator.

The difference in power between them was too vast—Kang Ming stood no chance.

…Under normal circumstances.

But suddenly, Kang Ming’s eyes flickered.

Deep within his soul, a dark star emerged.

The moment Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul made contact, his mind wavered. His spiritual consciousness was thrown into turmoil.

Without warning, he had crashed into the Dark Aspect of the Heavenly Book.

Lei Jun opted for a direct and forceful approach—his soul left his body as well, plunging headfirst into the spiritual battle for the ownership of Kang Ming’s body, mind, and soul.

Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul attempted to retreat, seeking an escape route, but Lei Jun immediately blocked it inside Kang Ming’s body.

His Two Elements Celestial Talisman created a magnetic field, isolating the cave from the outside world, while the Five Thunder Talisman of the Mysterious Firmament conjured even more black Yin Lightning, forming dense thunderclouds that surrounded Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul, launching relentless waves of attacks.

At this moment, Wen Zhaoqian deeply regretted not having any guardians to protect him. He was puzzled as to how Lei Jun had managed to infiltrate this secret cave, but there was no time for regret. His only option now was to fight with everything he had.

What worried him even more was the possibility of Lei Jun destroying his remaining Golden Core.

"If I die today, I’ll make sure you go down with me!" Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul trembled violently, triggering another transformation.

The black ice sea he had conjured vanished in an instant, replaced by a swirling pale golden gale.

The wind howled with a murderous force, carrying a terrifyingly sharp energy capable of slicing through both heaven and earth.

A tiger’s roar erupted from the golden storm.

Within the fierce winds, the form of a pure white tiger coalesced.

This was the True Transmission of Pure Yang Palace—Monitor of War’s Punishment and Annihilation, the White Tiger Manifestation!

Among the various secret techniques of Pure Yang Palace, the Monitor of War God—White Tiger Lineage had always been the most ferocious in attack. Whether in Daoist martial arts or soul-based techniques, this lineage specialized in sheer offensive power.

Wen Zhaoqian had unleashed this art to settle things once and for all with Lei Jun.

Battles of spiritual techniques left no visible signs on the physical plane.

In reality, everything remained eerily still—Lei Jun and Kang Ming’s bodies stood in quiet confrontation, as did Wen Zhaoqian’s Golden Core on the altar.

Yet, within their souls, the battle was far deadlier than any physical clash—one wrong move could mean total annihilation.

Wen Zhaoqian’s desperate attack bore down on Lei Jun.

This was where the Daoist Alchemical Sect cultivators excelled—spiritual combat. Even though Lei Jun’s own soul was extraordinarily resilient, he had no absolute certainty of victory in a direct confrontation.

Yet, he remained completely calm.

Because…

Purple, gold, and green light intertwined in a dazzling flash.

A massive Daoist Seal rose from the depths of Lei Jun’s soul.

The three-colored glow condensed midair, manifesting into a three-tiered altar, instantly suppressing the ferocious White Tiger Gale.

And then—a massive White Jade Seal slammed directly onto Wen Zhaoqian’s soul!

The once-dignified Elder Wen of Pure Yang Palace, who had always maintained a composed facade, found himself on the verge of cursing—only to be forcefully silenced as the Tianshi Seal crushed his unspoken words right back down his throat.

His Nascent Soul, which had been soaring upward in an attempt to break free from Kang Ming’s body, suddenly cracked like fragile porcelain. Countless fissures spread across its surface, barely holding it together.

"The fish may die, but the net will remain intact."

Lei Jun withdrew the Tianshi Seal and casually waved his hand.

"Just like how you will die, and we will remain unharmed."

The black lightning surged forth again, drowning the severely wounded Nascent Soul of Wen Zhaoqian.

Daoist Nascent Souls often appeared small and fragile, but they had already reached an advanced stage of existence—renowned for their spiritual resilience.

However, Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul had already been damaged and incomplete, drastically weakening its original strength.

Now, under the continuous assault of Yin Lightning, which specifically targeted Yang Spirits, the once-youthful Nascent Soul rapidly withered and aged, transforming into a decrepit, frail form.

Lei Jun considered capturing Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul alive, much like he had done with Wang Jingfang, to interrogate him later.

But Wen Zhaoqian refused to give him the chance.

In a final act of resistance, he struggled desperately—before ultimately fading into nothingness, his Nascent Soul completely disintegrating within the very soul of Kang Ming, the body he had tried to claim.

As his Nascent Soul shattered, teetering on the brink of annihilation, Lei Jun, uncharacteristically, did not rush to finish him off completely.

Instead, he turned his attention to Kang Ming.

Due to the intense spiritual battle, Kang Ming’s soul had suffered heavy damage, leaving him in a deep coma.

Lei Jun withdrew his own soul and returned to his physical body.

"A Dual Aspect Sacred Physique, coupled with exceptional comprehension, giving rise to a Dual Aspect Soul… It truly is an extremely rare phenomenon." He nodded slightly.

This incident had confirmed that Kang Ming’s talent was indeed extraordinary.

If it had been any other Middle Three Heavens cultivator caught in the clash between Wen Zhaoqian’s White Tiger Punishment and the Tianshi Seal, their soul would have been obliterated on the spot.

Even so, Kang Ming was still unconscious—his soul shattered and fragmented, with pieces of Wen Zhaoqian’s Nascent Soul still lingering within. It required urgent treatment.

Lei Jun hadn't anticipated many of the events that had unfolded at the Huangtian Sect’s Ancestral Altar.

Zhou Peng, Wen Zhaoqian, and others had infiltrated Huangtian Sect, seizing control and possessing its members.

There were clearly deeper secrets hidden here.

Could there be someone even higher up pulling the strings?

Perhaps the same mysterious figure who had ambushed Li Qingfeng and Li Hongyu, trying to steal the Tianshi Robe?

Even if they had wiped out everyone here, they still might not have all the answers.

It was best to investigate from multiple angles.

Since fate has brought us together, I’ll grant you this chance… but remember, all debts must be repaid.

Lei Jun channeled Spring Thunder to nourish Kang Ming’s vitality, stabilizing his life force.

Then, he turned back toward the altar.

With Wen Zhaoqian dead, the glow of the altar was fading.

Atop the altar, the Golden Core that had once housed Wen Zhaoqian was now riddled with cracks, just like his Nascent Soul had been before it shattered.

However, because Lei Jun had held back, the Golden Core hadn’t completely crumbled.

Without saying a word, he collected the unconscious Kang Ming and the damaged Golden Core.

Then, he erased the three-tiered altar from existence.

Beneath the altar lay a large cauldron.

Daoist Alchemical Sect cultivators typically refined themselves rather than relying on external artifacts, so most of their ritual tools served ceremonial purposes.

At first glance, this cauldron seemed unremarkable.

But inside, something stirred.

A swirling energy, a mix of blue-black and earthy yellow hues, shifted and churned within.

It was this energy that had drawn the attention of Lei Jun’s Yin-Yang Sacred Physique, his Heavenly Book, and his Balance of Motion and Stillness.

[Ever-Shifting Heaven and Earth Qi]

Upon touching the cauldron’s mystical flow, enlightenment struck Lei Jun’s mind, and this name surfaced in his thoughts.

Could this be the Second-Grade Opportunity mentioned in my Supreme Good Omen?

Could this energy be related to forming the legendary Two Elements Celestial Physique?

A surge of excitement rushed through Lei Jun’s heart.

Yet, he quickly steadied himself.

He stowed the cauldron away, swiftly cleaned up the scene, and departed from Zhubo Cave. He would analyze it all later.

Once he had traveled a safe distance, Lei Jun set up a Breath-Taking Flag in the deep sea, isolating himself from external disturbances.

Then, he took out the cracked Golden Core.

This object held little use for Lei Jun—at most, he could study it to better understand the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

But for Kang Ming, it was an entirely different story.

With a tap of his finger, Lei Jun shattered the Golden Core, converting it into two streams of light—one Yin, one Yang—and guided them into Kang Ming’s body.

At the same time, Kang Ming’s Dual Aspect Soul began to circulate, restoring itself with the help of the energy.

Just like those novels I used to read on Blue Star—where a failed possession results in the protagonist absorbing the invader’s soul fragments and memories while remaining unchanged in will and identity…

Lei Jun smirked.

Except this time, it had all been orchestrated by him.

With the loss of Huangtian Sect’s Ancestral Altar, the only combat-effective forces Huangtian Sect had left were its remaining Upper Three Heavens cultivators.

Everyone else would be suppressed remotely by the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar of Mount Longhu’s Ancestral Grounds.

At this moment, Qi Shuo rode atop his Yin Fire Tiger, shaking the sea with towering waves, shielding the two surviving Huangtian Sect elders as they retreated.

The surrounding Tang Dynasty Divine Strategy Army troops only possessed Middle Three Heavens cultivation levels. Against Qi Shuo’s Upper Three Heavens-level assault, they could only stall for time.

Qi Shuo had no intention of lingering—his sole focus was on breaking through quickly before stronger reinforcements arrived.

Unfortunately, the very thing he feared came to pass.

Opposite the Yin Fire Tiger, a towering Destined Star Avatar, like a divine entity descending from the heavens, strode across the waves.

Lei Jun had arrived!

With each step he took, the sea itself parted before his overwhelming aura and power.

His momentum surged, growing ever stronger with each stride.

The Celestial Star-Arrayed Steps, an advanced form of Stepping the Big Dipper, continuously amplified his speed and power.

Before him, vast emerald flames burned around the Yin Fire Tiger, but Lei Jun charged straight through them without hesitation.

Any green fire that attempted to engulf him was intercepted by the countless talismans swirling around his Destined Star Avatar like orbiting stars.

Some talismans were incinerated in the process, but for every one that burned away, even more materialized, forming an increasingly dense talismanic barrier.

Lei Jun wasted no words.

He led with a punch—aimed straight at the colossal green Yin Fire Tiger!

But at that exact moment, starry light flickered around the Yin Fire Tiger.

Qi Shuo’s Celestial Star-Arrayed Steps—one of his three life-bound arts from his Middle Three Heavens cultivation—had now evolved in his Upper Three Heavens stage as well.

Under this technique’s enhancement, the massive green fire tiger’s speed and strength surged dramatically.

And that wasn’t all.

Beneath the giant fire tiger’s four paws, golden-red hurricanes erupted—fire and wind fused into one.

Now as fast as it was massive, the Yin Fire Tigernarrowly dodged Lei Jun’s attack!

It swiftly circled behind the Destined Star Avatar and let out a thunderous roar.

Lei Jun, his avatar wrapped in a spiraling galaxy of star-like light, moved just as swiftly, dodging the attack.

But as he flashed sideways, he suddenly sensed something off.

Dragons and tigers—formed entirely of crimson flames—had been lurking nearby, waiting to ambush him!

These fiery beasts were being personally controlled by Qi Shuo!

The Twin Dragon-Tiger Spirits were core inheritance arts of Mount Longhu, widely favored by Talismanic Branch cultivators.

Qi Shuo had refined them as his life-bound spells.

Now, in his Upper Three Heavens stage, he had further evolved them into the Twin Blazing Dragon-Tiger Talisman!

Lei Jun’s Destined Star Avatar swept his arm, shattering the incoming fire dragon and tiger.

But in that brief moment of delay, the Yin Fire Tiger lunged at him once more.

Lei Jun showed no fear—he met the attack head-on.

Fist against claw. Power against power.

The Destined Star Avatar excelled in close combat, yet Qi Shuo’s Yin Fire Tiger barely suffered any damage.

Surrounding its colossal frame were not only orbiting stars and golden-red hurricanes but also a towering golden fortress, shielding it from harm.

Within just a few exchanges, Lei Jun had already analyzed Qi Shuo’s entire battle strategy.

Qi Shuo’s life-bound spells consisted of the following:

• Golden Barrier Talisman → Upgraded into the Golden Fortress Talisman (Defense)
• Wind Talisman → Upgraded into the Blazing Wheel Talisman (Mobility & Attack)
• Celestial Star-Arrayed Steps (General Enhancement)
• Twin Dragon-Tiger Spirits → Upgraded into Twin Blazing Dragon-Tiger Talisman (Additional Assault)

His combat style revolved around the Yin Fire Tiger, with the fire dragon and fire tiger flanking for support.

The Golden Fortress Talisman provided absolute defense, The Blazing Wheel Talisman ensured high-speed movement, and Celestial Star-Arrayed Steps enhanced everything at once.

Qi Shuo was a veteran warrior—his combat experience was vast.

In the past, he had fought against Li Ziyang’s Yang Thunder Dragon using his Yin Fire Tiger.

Yet today, facing someone half his age, Qi Shuo felt even greater pressure.

Meanwhile, the two Huangtian Sect elders—no longer under Qi Shuo’s protection—were quickly overwhelmed by the Divine Strategy Army troops.

Qi Shuo’s Yin Fire Tiger let out a low growl before suddenly opening its mouth.

Inside was a giant fan—burning with green flames!

It was none other than Qi Shuo’s personal artifact—Nine Abyss Pill Fire Fan!

As the Nine Abyss Pill Fire Fan and Yin Fire Tiger activated together, a monstrous wave of emerald fire erupted forth!

From a distance, a rapidly approaching figure was seen—none other than Divine Strategy Army’s General, Shangguan Sheng.

Seeing that Lei Jun had stalled Qi Shuo, Shangguan Sheng immediately rushed forward to assist.

Upon spotting Qi Shuo’s Nine Abyss Pill Fire Fan, his expression turned grim.

Lei Jun, however, simply glanced at the artifact and, with his Destined Star Avatar, spoke aloud:

"You haven’t been possessed?"

Qi Shuo ignored him.

Instead, he expanded the sea of emerald flames, forming a massive barrier between himself and Lei Jun.

Lei Jun clenched his fist.

"Back then, you refused to let Cao Chu of Golden Castle take Li Ziyang’s corpse."

"And now, you haven’t been possessed—yet you aid Zhou Peng in possessing other Huangtian Sect members?"

Qi Shuo finally responded, his voice cold.

"Zhou Peng and the others shouldn’t celebrate too soon. Sometimes, things must first be broken before they can be rebuilt. In the end, we are all just corpses along the path."

Lei Jun nodded.

"Yes—garbage."

Suddenly, a storm of black lightning surged around him.

Above his head, the Five Thunder Talisman of the Mysterious Firmament hovered silently.

No dazzling radiance. No thunderous noise.

Yet, when the black lightning touched the Nine Abyss Pill Fire Fan, it immediately darkened the fan’s radiance.

"…Mysterious Thunder?!" Qi Shuo’s eyes widened.

Even Shangguan Sheng, mid-charge, instinctively slowed his pace.

Lei Jun, however, moved faster than ever!

Not only did his Destined Star Avatar activate at full power, but now he unleashed his Celestial March Talisman’s Yang Movement Art!

No longer concerned with stealth—he pushed his speed to the absolute limit!

Even though Qi Shuo possessed the Blazing Wheel Talisman, he could no longer keep up.

Shangguan Sheng was shocked.

Lei Jun’s current speed was beyond even what a martial arts cultivator like himself could achieve without burning through his ultimate techniques.

With unstoppable force, Lei Jun’s gigantic fist struck the Yin Fire Tiger head-on, slamming it downward!

The colossal green tiger almost collapsed into the sea under the impact.

Qi Shuo’s fire dragon and fire tiger lunged at Lei Jun’s sides—only to be instantly torn apart by a pair of devastating punches!

Qi Shuo tried to counterattack, but suddenly—

A massive five-element talisman array activated above and below him, trapping him in place.

A cage. A beast arena.

"I don’t need my Tianshi Seal today."

"I’ll break you apart with my bare hands!"

With a meteor storm of fists, Lei Jun shattered Qi Shuo’s so-called ‘impregnable’ Golden Fortress Talisman—

And pummeled him straight into the ocean!