Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 282: Master Lei’s “White Moonlight”

Regardless of Jia Sheng Shangren’s original plans, both he and the Western Buddhist Sects now needed to make a statement.

Thus, the Buddhist disciples who had arrived in the Southern Wasteland were not only searching for the Blood River Sect’s remnants but also tracking members of the Mortal Dao Nation.

As for the Mortal Dao Nation, Fu Dongsen had vanished once more after making a brief, startling appearance.

With so many influential figures now gathered—like a grand meeting of rebels—Shangguan Yunbo and Prince Xiang, Zhang Luo, took two simultaneous actions:

• They attempted to establish contact with the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sect.

• They provided the Tang Court with a detailed report.

In the past, due to various reasons, communications between the Tang Dynasty and the Southern Wasteland had been limited.

At times, the people of the Southern Wasteland had even posed a threat to Tang’s southern borders.

However, recent years had seen fewer conflicts. In fact, due to the battle against Wei Anchang and the Blood River Sect, there had been instances where the two sides fought alongside each other, forming a tenuous alliance.

Now, with the Nine Li Tribe’s return, the Tang Imperial Court had begun a strategic effort to both ally with and divide the major holy lands of the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sect.

At its core, the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sect and the Nine Li Tribe shared certain ancestral connections.

However, the newly-returned members of the Nine Li Tribe were outright hostile toward the people of the Southern Wasteland.

These Nine Li warriors, recently restored to the mortal world, were filled with murderous intent.

If Wei Anchang and the Blood River Sect treated all lives as equal sacrifices, even putting personal grievances aside for the sake of slaughter,

then these Nine Li warriors were equal-opportunity haters—viewing every descendant of the Xuanyuan lineage under the sun as an enemy.

This situation might change in the future, but for now, it provided an opening for the Tang Imperial Court to maneuver.

By capitalizing on the Nine Li Tribe’s threat to the Southern Wasteland, the Tang Court could tip the balance in its favor.

The Tianshi Mansion’s Involvement

Meanwhile, Yuan Mobai remained focused on investigating the Mortal Dao Nation.

Now that the legendary Tianshi Robe had supposedly "resurfaced," Elder Yuan had to show that he took this matter seriously.

He immediately informed the Tang Imperial Court and the Western Buddhist Sects that the Tianshi Mansion would also dispatch people to aid in the hunt for the Mortal Dao Nation’s rebels.

Since they were already moving against these rebels, it made sense to let others do some of the work.

Naturally, the representative chosen for this task was another High Priest Elder—Lei Jun, or rather, Lei Chongyun.

Both Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai knew the truth behind the "Tianshi Robe’s reappearance".

But with so many forces now involved in the search for the Mortal Dao Nation, it was a valuable opportunity.

Thus, Lei Jun readily agreed to take part.

To the Tianshi Mansion, the Mortal Dao Nation had always been a potential threat.

Even if they couldn’t be eradicated immediately, Lei Jun was determined to gather as much intelligence as possible for the future.

At the sect’s ancestral mountain, Wang Guiyuan and Chu Kun worked together to maintain the illusion that Lei Jun had only just "left seclusion."

With Lei Jun’s previous arrangements, this kind of deception wasn’t difficult.

Ironically, the real challenge for Wang Guiyuan and Chu Kun wasn’t maintaining Lei Jun’s cover—it was trying to dissuade a certain Tianshi from making trouble again.

A Gathering in the Southern Wasteland

Later, Lei Jun publicly revealed himself in the Southern Wasteland.

Across the Tang Dynasty, more and more elite warriors were heading south.

Beyond the Imperial Divine Strategy Army, even the Shushan Sect, having learned of Fu Dongsen and the Mortal Dao Nation, had sent their own experts.

However, the leaders of the Shushan delegation carried an unusual significance:

• Zhang Dongyuan, a Tang Imperial clansman, needed no further explanation.

• The other, Elder Ye Dongming, was someone Lei Jun had personally encountered before.

Ye Dongming hailed from the Ye Clan of Jinzhou, a prestigious Shushan sect lineage.

Notably, Zhang Dongyuan had not brought the Azure Abyss Sword with him.

Since the devastating battle at Shushan, the sect had suffered massive losses and was currently severely weakened.

Thus, both the Azure Abyss Sword and the Southern Bright Departing Fire Cauldron remained at Xiaoding Mountain, guarded by Xu Duan and Zhang Taigang, two Artifact Refining Sect elders at the Eighth Heaven Realm.

Following the great war, Shushan had yet to appoint a new sect leader.

However, all signs suggested that Zhang Taigang would take on the role.

Yet, having focused primarily on cultivation until now, Zhang Taigang still needed time to learn leadership and management.

In addition to Shushan, Pure Yang Palace had also dispatched an Eighth Heaven Realm elder—Elder Lü Jinduan of the Vermilion Bird Hall, along with a group of disciples.

After Rong Guangchen’s defection, Pure Yang Palace was still in turmoil.

Rumors suggested that the reclusive Elder Huang Xuanpu had been forced to step in to manage affairs.

Nonetheless, with news of the Mortal Dao Nation, Pure Yang Palace had forged ahead and sent reinforcements.

Unexpected Arrivals

Alongside Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Luo, some unexpected figures also arrived—

Though surprising, their presence was logical.

They were members of noble families.

In particular, the Fang Clan of Jingxiang and the Chu Clan of Suzhou stood out.

From Jingxiang, the Eighth Heaven Realm Confucian scholar, Fang Du, personally led his delegation.

From Suzhou, the Eighth Heaven Realm scholar, Chu Peng, took charge.

Other powerful lineages—**the Ye Clan of Qingzhou, the Ye Clan of Cangzhou, and the Lin Clan of Youzhou—**also sent representatives.

For various reasons, these noble clans had kept a low profile in recent years, focusing on mending their ties with the Tang Imperial Court.

Now, they had chosen to participate in the Southern Wasteland expedition.

Whether they would fight to the death was another matter, but at the very least, they were making their presence known.

On the surface, everyone was now united under the Tang Dynasty’s banner, presenting an image of solidarity in this time of crisis.

Lei Jun’s Regrets

Although Elder Lei of the Tianshi Mansion lacked his master Yuan Mobai’s gentle demeanor and seemed a bit cold, he remained polite and composed when interacting with the others.

But if one were to ask about Lei Jun’s true thoughts, the answer would be…

A slight feeling of regret.

Lei Jun rarely felt such emotions.

But now, facing his own inner truth, he had to admit—

If he had waited a little longer and observed more, the outcome might have been better.

For example, the Western Buddhist Sects were already preoccupied with the Blood River Sect and the great demons of the Southern Wasteland.

Perhaps, it would have been wiser to leave the Mortal Dao Nation to someone else.

Lei Jun’s gaze landed on a middle-aged scholar, currently greeting General Shangguan Yunbo.

The man’s name was Ye Liang—formerly a Jinzhou Ye Clan elder, now representing the Cangzhou Ye Clan.

Although the Cangzhou Ye Clan hadn’t sent an Eighth Heaven scholar, Ye Liang, a Seventh Heaven scholar, was still one of their core members.

Lei Jun sighed inwardly.

When did I start getting so easily distracted?

Wasn’t the Cangzhou Ye Clan my main focus before?

Even now, they were still his "white moonlight."

He had neglected their feelings…

He owed them.

But no matter.

There was always time to make it up to them.

Even the Blood River Sect cultivators, who practiced the Blood Battle Techniques, wouldn't dare claim superiority in offensive prowess over Martial Dao combatants.

After all, martial cultivators had an overwhelming advantage in this area.

In terms of single-point attacks, they were practically the strongest in the world.

Especially combat-oriented martial artists (Bingji Martialists)—their lethality surpassed even Body Refining Martialists.

Generally speaking, aside from long-charged Daoist flying swords and Confucian divine archery, no one could surpass a combat martialist in focused offense.

As for speed, martial artists reigned supreme.

At Lu Fang’s level, as an Upper Three Heavens cultivator, his movement within visible range was so fast it was almost like teleportation, making it nearly impossible to track him with the naked eye.

This even meant that, despite their shorter attack range, they didn’t necessarily suffer a disadvantage in reach.

In terms of defense, as long as their Qi and blood remained full and uninjured, they were comparable to Daoist Alchemists and Buddhist Zen Warriors, second only to Buddhist Precepts practitioners.

This was where Body Refining Martialists had a slight edge over Combat Martialists.

Their ability to detect external threats was not particularly strong, but their self-awareness and alertness were incredibly high.

It was extremely difficult for an enemy of similar cultivation to launch a successful ambush.

Though their mental attacks were weak, their mental resilience was unparalleled.

To put it in Lei Jun’s past-life gaming terms, their resistance to illusions and negative effects was nearly maxed out.

Rather than calling them warriors, they were more like assassins with incredible offense and defense.

They had explosive power, but limited stamina.

At Lu Fang’s level, if he had a weakness, it was attack range rather than attack distance.

That’s why, when fighting Tao Zhun, who could manifest a vast sea of blood, it was similar to Shangguan Peng fighting Tu Dong before.

Strictly speaking, Lu Fang was slightly weaker than Shangguan Peng, but Tao Zhun was much weaker than Tu Dong.

Back then, Shangguan Peng struggled against Tu Dong, but now, Lu Fang had the upper hand against Tao Zhun.

However, while Lu Fang could tear through Tao Zhun’s blood sea, he could not completely eradicate him in a short time.

If Tao Zhun were determined to fight to the death, he could rely on his regeneration and the Blood River’s corrosive power to gradually wear Lu Fang down and see who could last longer.

But Tao Zhun wasn’t facing just one opponent.

Naturally, he chose to retreat.

As soon as Lu Fang shredded his blood sea, Tao Zhun actively dispersed it, instantly transforming into hundreds of blood shadows that scattered in all directions.

Some flew into the distance, others burrowed underground, each seeking an escape route.

Tao Zhun had heard of Lei Jun’s growing reputation, knowing his strength was formidable.

But since Lei Jun cultivated the Star Avatar Divine Path, his approach was focused on physical mastery.

In many ways, he could also be considered a martial expert.

If Tao Zhun had to fight him head-on, he stood no chance.

If he had to outrun both Lei Jun and Lu Fang, there was a real chance they might not be able to stop him…

“Hm?”

Just as Elder Tao had this thought, his vision suddenly darkened.

Without a sound, massive amounts of black Profound Thunder materialized, forming a black thunder sea that surrounded the entire valley.

The Profound Thunder was silent and deep, but when it exploded, its force was no weaker than blinding Yang Thunder.

Blood Shadows had powerful corrosive properties, capable of polluting enemy mana.

But against this Profound Thunder, they were shattered instead of eroded.

At the same time, the Profound Thunder clung to the blood fragments, refusing to let them disperse, continuing to bind and consume them.

Tao Zhun was horrified.

Left with no choice, he reformed his body into a blood sea once more, barely resisting the black thunder sea.

Yet at that moment, the black thunder sea transformed again.

Within the sea, five massive talismanic symbols formed into a black thunder array, silently operating.

Then, from the depths of the sea, a black dragon rose, letting out a silent but resounding roar.

The sight of the black dragon didn’t just shock Tao Zhun—even Lu Fang, who was about to strike again, instinctively paused.

But Lei Jun did not hesitate.

The Profound Thunder Dragon charged into the blood sea, sending ripples through it as the dragon’s form twisted and surged.

The corrosive power of the Blood River was undeniably strong, constantly stripping away the black “scales” on the dragon’s body.

But as the Profound Thunder exploded, the dragon kept regenerating, making up for any lost parts.

The black scales that had been dissolved into the blood sea refused to fade away.

Instead, they turned into countless black threads, expanding and slowly binding the blood sea under the dragon’s control.

The more the battle raged on, the more restricted the blood sea became.

Tao Zhun was shocked to realize that even splitting into Blood Shadows had become difficult.

If he did, each Blood Shadow would be entangled in black lightning threads.

Is this… the Yin Thunder Dragon?!

Lu Fang watched the scene unfold, shocked yet enlightened.

He had heard Shangguan Sheng describe how Lei Jun had manifested black thunder techniques in the battle near Qingshi Island, where he killed Qi Shuo, a High Elder of the Yellow Heaven Sect.

Now, Lei Jun’s Profound Thunder was even more refined and complete.

This was no longer just a technique—Lei Jun had condensed his original thunder law into a brand-new Daoist Divine Manifestation!

Another prodigy from Tianshi Mansion!

At the Seventh Heaven Realm, he already wielded two Divine Manifestations!

It must be due to his unique physique… Lu Fang thought.

This battle had turned out to be quite fortuitous.

If not for Tao Zhun, they wouldn’t have forced out Lei Jun’s second Divine Manifestation.

Lu Fang even eagerly contacted Shangguan Sheng to report this astonishing discovery.

However, as a seasoned general, Lu Fang quickly recovered from his surprise.

Seeing how Lei Jun’s Yin Thunder Dragon completely restrained Tao Zhun, Lu Fang changed tactics.

Instead of aiming to kill, he moved to capture Tao Zhun alive.

Tao Zhun was utterly desperate.

In this situation, he couldn’t even activate his Blood Sea Nirvana technique.

In the end, Tao Zhun was captured alive by Lei Jun and Lu Fang!

“Daoist Lei, you’ve been hiding your true abilities! Truly impressive cultivation,” Lu Fang marveled.

Lei Jun replied humbly, “It’s nothing exceptional, I still have much to improve. You flatter me, General Lu.”

“Not at all, not at all,” Lu Fang chuckled.

After a brief hesitation, he asked, “Daoist Lei, that technique just now…?”

Lei Jun explained:

“The ‘Thunder Law Talismanic Canon’ has been lost for years, a great regret for our sect. Fortunately, our Sect Leader Senior Sister created the ‘Pure Yang Celestial Thunder.’

I am far inferior to her, but I was inspired by her efforts and hoped to contribute to our sect’s mystical arts as well.

After some minor progress, I shamelessly named this ‘Profound Firmament Celestial Thunder,’ and its manifestation—the ‘Yin Thunder Dragon.’

I only hope this serves as a stepping stone, guiding us toward restoring the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder’s Yang Thunder Dragon to Tianshi Mansion once more.”

“Daoist Lei, your talent and integrity are truly admirable.”

Lu Fang looked at Lei Jun—the towering Daoist, calm and composed—and thought to himself:

Perhaps, compared to the lively and mischievous Xu Yuanzhen or Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun might be the most fitting future Tianshi…

Lu Fang thought to himself:

If Lei Jun’s cultivation advanced another level…

He pressed those thoughts down for now, returning to the present situation. "These Mortal Dao Nation rebels, conspiring with the Blood River Sect, must have some hidden agenda. We need to interrogate them carefully."

Lei Jun nodded. "Naturally."

Lu Fang continued, "I intend to escort them back to Prince Xiang for questioning. What do you think, Daoist Lei?"

At the same time, he made up his mind—Lei Jun’s new Divine Manifestation had to be reported to Prince Xiang, Zhang Luo, and relayed back to the Tang Imperial Court.

Lei Jun replied, "General Lu, I’ll leave the prisoners in your care. I’ll continue investigating the surrounding area—perhaps I’ll uncover more of their hideouts."

Lu Fang clasped his fists. "That would be excellent. I appreciate your efforts, Daoist Lei."

Lei Jun returned the courtesy. "You’re too kind, General Lu."

After seeing Lu Fang off, Lei Jun did not leave the valley.

Despite the fierce battle that had taken place, he sensed that the flow of spiritual energy in this area suggested that the site had served a purpose beyond being a temporary refuge for the Mortal Dao Nation.

It seemed to play a more significant role.

After pondering for a moment, Lei Jun raised his hand.

His mana flowed outward, drawing radiant trails in the air, forming a lifelike Daoist altar in the valley.

At first, nothing happened.

But after a short while, tiny specks of light began to coalesce above the altar, eventually taking the shape of a partially damaged talisman.

"They performed a ritual here…" Lei Jun realized. "Judging by its form, it was a divination ritual—likely searching for something."

The Tianshi Robe had merely been a false trail planted by Lei Jun to mislead them.

The Mortal Dao Nation’s true objective was not the Tianshi Robe, at least not in this instance.

Despite knowing about the Jiuli's return, they had still chosen to stir the waters, meaning they had another target in mind.

Lei Jun continued refining the incomplete talisman using the altar, allowing its Daoist resonance to manifest its meaning.

As he compared the altar’s energies with the local spiritual ley lines, he began to piece things together.

"Purple Tea Ridge…"

It seemed he was one step behind the Mortal Dao Nation—but was it too late?

Just as he had this thought, the light sphere in his mind flickered, revealing a message:

"Sword sings beneath the moon, jade reflects the morning sun, a great calamity returns—proceed with caution."

Immediately after, three omen slips emerged from the sphere:

1. Upper-Moderate Omen: Before midnight, head to Purple Tea Ridge. A Third-Grade Opportunity awaits—some turbulence, but no great danger. However, potential karmic entanglements may follow. Proceed with caution. Auspicious.
2. Upper-Moderate Omen: Before midnight, head to the northern slopes of Zhuoqing Mountain. A Fourth-Grade Opportunity awaits—some turbulence, but no great danger. However, potential karmic entanglements may follow. Proceed with caution. Auspicious.
3. Lower-Moderate Omen: After midnight, head to the northern slopes of Zhuoqing Mountain. A Sixth-Grade Opportunity awaits—grave danger lies ahead. Exercise extreme caution. Ominous.

Lei Jun carefully examined the message and the details of the three omens.

Two Upper-Moderate Omens—definitely favorable.

Though both indicated turbulence, they also warned of karmic entanglements.

Still, one was a Third-Grade Opportunity, and the other a Fourth-Grade Opportunity—both quite valuable.

The first omen suggested that Purple Tea Ridge still held a Third-Grade Opportunity, meaning that he wasn't too late.

The Mortal Dao Nation hadn’t succeeded yet.

It was likely due to the combined efforts of the Western Region Buddhists, Daoist Holy Lands, and the Tang Imperial Court, which had created enough pressure to force them into a slower, more cautious approach—delaying their progress.

The second Upper-Moderate Omen mentioned Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes—which seemed to be an unexpected opportunity.

But time was crucial—before or after midnight.

The same location—Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes—was linked to two entirely different omens.

If he arrived before midnight, he would face lower difficulty and greater rewards.

If he was late, the omen reversed entirely—turning ominous.

Clearly, something major would happen at Zhuoqing Mountain at midnight.

Lei Jun frowned slightly.

Looking at the words "a great calamity returns", he hesitated.

Thinking carefully, this Lower-Moderate Omen’s wording was almost identical to the previous ominous omen regarding Youning Lake.

Could it be that at midnight, a Jiuli expert was going to make an appearance at Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes?

Lei Jun’s thoughts raced.

He quickly contacted his master, Yuan Mobai, and explained how he and Lu Fang had captured Mortal Dao Nation cultivators and Elder Tao Zhun of the Blood River Sect, then discovered clues indicating the Mortal Dao Nation’s activities.

"Master, there are two locations we should check out."

After listening, Yuan Mobai replied, "I'm closer to Purple Tea Ridge, while you're nearer to Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes. Let’s split up and investigate."

"Yes, Master."

Later, however, Yuan Mobai sent Lei Jun another message:

"Chongyun, be extra careful at Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes. Do not approach rashly in the short term."

"Oh?" Lei Jun asked.

"There may be a Jiuli expert there. The specifics are unclear, but stay vigilant." Yuan Mobai warned.

This information had come from Elder Sun Li of the Reincarnation Abyss, who had received intelligence and immediately alerted Yuan Mobai, who in turn warned Lei Jun.

Lei Jun had already been wary of the midnight omen at Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes.

Now that Yuan Mobai had confirmed the potential threat, it validated his suspicions.

A Jiuli powerhouse was indeed planning something at midnight.

"Master, rest assured, I will be cautious."

Despite his words, Lei Jun wasn’t about to sit still.

He glanced at the night sky—then increased his speed, heading toward Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes.

As always, Lei Jun remained hidden as he moved, carefully scanning his surroundings.

Before he even reached Zhuoqing Mountain, however, he discovered someone else first.

A middle-aged scholar was also traveling in a hurry, passing through the area.

It was none other than Ye Liang, an elder of the Ye Clan of Cangzhou.

Well now… am I lucky, or is he? Lei Jun mused.

He deliberately lifted most of his concealment, though he did not stop moving and continued toward Zhuoqing Mountain’s northern slopes.

Ye Liang, a Confucian Divine Archer, possessed exceptional perception within his cultivation level.

Sensing something, he suddenly realized that Lei Jun—Tianshi Mansion’s rising star—was traveling alone at great speed.

Ye Liang hesitated for a brief moment.

But Lei Jun was already far ahead in the blink of an eye.

Ye Liang took a deep breath.

Then, quietly changed direction and began following him.