Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 284: Tao Body, the Five Innate Elements

"Zhuo Qingshan, huh? What's so special about that place? Do we know why the Nine Li people appeared there?"

Lei Jun's reaction to Ye Liang's fate was somewhat indifferent. While Tianshi Mansion and the Ye Clan of Cangzhou had no ongoing conflicts, their relationship could hardly be called friendly.

Lu Fang, however, was unsurprised by Lei Jun's attitude. "The reason is still unclear. According to Daoist Ye from the Shushan Sect, he arrived one step too late. Though he was lucky to avoid disaster, he couldn't save Ye Wendong in time."

Lei Jun asked, "Have my master, His Highness Prince Xiang, and General Shangguan received the news?"

Lu Fang replied, "His Highness Prince Xiang has already headed toward the vicinity of Zhuo Qingshan. The General and your sect’s Elder Yuan are also aware and are on their way."

Lei Jun nodded. "In that case, I will go as well and meet up with His Highness and you, General Lu."

The black mist in the northern foothills of Zhuo Qingshan had spread over the surrounding mountain ridges but had not expanded further outward.

However, the mist churned violently, exuding a menacing and ominous aura, as if it were a bottomless abyss.

As Ye Dongming had said, he arrived too late—only to see Ye Liang fleeing for his life.

The Nine Li experts within the black mist were incredibly powerful, and Ye Dongming had no time to save Ye Liang.

Although their paths were different and they did not see eye to eye, when facing the Nine Li people, Ye Dongming still shared a sense of common enmity.

Fortunately, even though it was nighttime, the Nine Li expert did not pursue far beyond the black mist. Despite sustaining injuries, Ye Dongming managed to retrieve Ye Liang’s remains and escape.

Upon receiving the news, Prince Xiang, Zhang Luo, rushed to the vicinity of Zhuo Qingshan to meet Ye Dongming.

Lu Fang and others soon arrived, and even representatives from the Western Region's Buddhist sects came.

When Lei Jun finally arrived, he once again saw the elder of the Ye Clan of Cangzhou—Ye Liang.

Or rather, only half of him.

This esteemed grand scholar of the Confucian Divine Archery lineage, a cultivator of the Upper Three Heavens, now had only half a body left.

Everything below his waist had completely vanished.

All traces of life had departed from Ye Liang.

Yet, the wound at his waist wriggled with strange movements, as though it had a life of its own.

Even in death, the flesh at the severed waist attempted to crawl upward, seeking to consume the remaining half of his body.

It was only because Prince Xiang, Zhang Luo, was suppressing it with his own Righteous Qi that it was unable to spread further.

This resembles the techniques of the Blood River lineage of the Witch Sect... Lei Jun thought, understanding the situation at a glance.

He looked at Zhang Luo, who nodded slightly. "It should be the same person who acted at You Ning Lake."

Previously, when black mist erupted at You Ning Lake, the first ones to encounter the Nine Li were not the cultivators of the Tang Dynasty, but Fu Dongsen from the Mortal Dao Nation.

After a brief clash, Fu Dongsen quickly retreated without lingering.

Later, when Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Luo examined the scene, they concluded that the Nine Li Grand Shaman involved was exceptionally strong, comparable to a Ninth Heaven human cultivator. His techniques followed the Blood River lineage, and his physical body was extraordinarily resilient.

Judging by cultivation level and methods, the one appearing tonight at Zhuo Qingshan was likely the same individual.

Lei Jun furrowed his brows as though hearing about it for the first time. "But why would there be another upheaval at Zhuo Qingshan?"

He lifted his gaze toward the distance. "Is there some hidden connection between the so-called Nine Li Secret Realm, You Ning Lake, and Zhuo Qingshan?"

Zhang Luo shook his head. "I cannot fathom it either."

Lei Jun remained silent, observing the unfolding situation.

During this time, news came from Yuan Mobai, who had gone to Zicha Ridge.

Despite some twists and turns, he found something mysterious there.

Lei Jun speculated that it was likely related to the Third-Grade Opportunity mentioned in the first Upper-Moderate Omen.

The omen only suggested a chance to obtain such an opportunity, not a certainty.

Moreover, different individuals might encounter varying fates.

The same opportunity, when obtained by different people, could yield entirely different results.

Fortunately, Yuan Mobai did not return empty-handed, nor did he encounter major danger.

The Mortal Dao Nation was also searching for the same object. Yuan Mobai remarked that there was some hidden mystery within it, and Lei Jun suspected it was related to the legendary Celestial Bureaucracy and the ancient Talismanic Sect.

Thus, Yuan Mobai, as a high-ranking talismanic Daoist, was not entirely making a wasted trip.

In the end, he successfully secured the opportunity.

Of course, the process was not without turbulence.

According to Yuan Mobai, Mortal Dao Nation operatives were indeed active in the area, and even Fu Dongsen had appeared near Zicha Ridge.

However, the Western Region's Buddhist sects were keeping a close watch on them.

Master Jiasheng had been relentlessly tracking every clue tied to the Mortal Dao Nation.

This Ninth-Heaven Master of the Buddhist Mudra Lineage possessed immense strength in both body and mind, with extraordinary sensory abilities.

Following the clues, he traced Fu Dongsen’s whereabouts near Zicha Ridge.

Thus, a grand battle erupted between these two formidable figures near the ridge.

In terms of cultivation level, Master Jiasheng had the upper hand.

However, Fu Dongsen was already at the peak of the Eighth Heaven in the Daoist Artifact Refining Sect, a master of wandering combat.

Not only did he carry his life-bound artifact, but he also wielded the Northern Abyss Divine Spear, one of the six greatest treasures of the Shushan Sect.

As a weapon-type magical treasure, the Northern Abyss Divine Spear’s lethality was on par with the Twin Swords of Purple and Green Abyss. It was one of Shushan’s ultimate tools for battle.

With spear in hand, even Master Jiasheng had to be cautious.

But surrounded by enemies, Fu Dongsen did not linger, feinting a strike before swiftly retreating.

Thus, he was forced to abandon Zicha Ridge.

Yuan Mobai, seizing the opportunity, obtained the treasure with minimal danger.

While the Western Region Buddhists and Mortal Dao Nation clashed, the Tang Imperial Court remained primarily focused on the Nine Li threat.

Before long, Shangguan Yunbo also arrived at Zhuo Qingshan.

He gazed at the black mist covering the mountain range, lost in thought.

Prince Xiang, Zhang Luo, seemed to discern his intentions. "Shangguan, are you planning to go in and investigate?"

The black mist not only obscured vision but also interfered with cultivators' senses.

Standing outside, no one could ascertain what lay within, which was why neither the Tang Imperial Court nor the Southern Wasteland Witch Sect had dared to venture inside.

Previously, the black mist had only expanded in limited areas, so everyone chose to monitor from the outside.

But with incidents erupting at both You Ning Lake and Zhuo Qingshan, and the mist increasingly rampaging through the mortal world, Shangguan Yunbo and his allies could no longer sit idly by.

Shangguan Yunbo nodded. "Indeed, that is my intention."

Zhang Luo countered with a question instead of an answer. "What about Gepo Mountain and the other Witch Sect holy lands?"

Shangguan Yunbo replied, "Gepo Mountain has mostly agreed, but Reincarnation Abyss and Yin Mountain Grotto are still hesitant."

Zhang Luo looked toward Zhuo Qingshan. "Let’s not be hasty. We can wait a few more days until General Ye arrives and ask for his opinion."

Shangguan Yunbo nodded. "You are right. Since Ye Wendong was killed, we should consider the sentiments of the Cangzhou Ye Clan."

Lei Jun listened quietly, his expression calm as still water.

Though Zhang Luo and Shangguan Yunbo spoke with courtesy, their actions were anything but.

Their so-called 'consideration' for the Ye Clan’s feelings? The Ye Clan certainly felt no gratitude—many were inwardly cursing them.

But despite their resentment, a large number of Ye Clan cultivators had already begun heading south toward the Southern Wasteland.

At this moment, his face remained expressionless, but inwardly, he sighed.

The Daoist inheritance in this mortal world had its issues, yet the Tianshi Mansion lineage of Mount Longhu had produced an exceptionally outstanding generation.

If he could successfully convert and guide Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and Lei Jun toward Western enlightenment and bring them to the embrace of Buddhism, then this journey—this return of Xumi to the mortal world of the Tang Dynasty—would already be considered a fruitful endeavor.

With the restriction of "One Path, No Second", even though Xumi had some special methods, the number of available spots was extremely limited.

Good steel must be used where it matters most.

Unfortunately, the Western Region’s Buddhist sects had suffered an abrupt and severe downturn in the Tang Dynasty, suddenly facing more adversaries than before.

Under such circumstances, they could not afford to create additional complications.

Strength—they had.

But exposing themselves too early would only make them a target of all sides, particularly by arousing suspicion from the Tang Imperial Court. Alas, alas… Master Zongcuo sighed inwardly.

Sangjie and Longjia… How did they end up sowing such bitter consequences?

Master Zongcuo gazed at Lei Jun for a long moment before finally withdrawing his attention.

Whatever thoughts he had, he had to set them aside for now.

Lei Jun took the talisman from Yuan Mobai, bid farewell to him, Prince Xiang Zhang Luo, and the others, then departed.

Just before leaving, Yuan Mobai privately instructed him, “Chongyun, the prayer beads you recently obtained from Avīci’s hidden trove—summarize the Dao contained within and leave a copy for me.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Rest assured, Master. I’ve already prepared it.”

He then handed a talisman to Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai gave a slight nod. “Be careful on your way.”

Rather than returning to Mount Longhu's ancestral Wanfa Sect Altar, Lei Jun used the True-One Altar derived from the Tianshi Seal to refine the talisman from Yuan Mobai, achieving a similar effect.

This arrangement allowed Lei Jun to once again disappear into the shadows.

He did not immediately leave the Southern Wasteland but instead concealed himself, observing events unfold in secret.

At the sect’s mountain gate, his fellow disciples orchestrated a maneuver to make it appear as if Daoist Lei had already returned to the mountain.

But in truth, Lei Jun remained in the Southern Wasteland, busying himself.

After finding a secure, hidden location, he began refining the talisman Yuan Mobai had given him using the True-One Altar.

A faint glow flickered on the talisman, resembling the first light of dawn, yet carrying an aura even more lofty and transcendent, as if existing beyond the mortal realm.

As the light gathered, the talisman vanished—replaced by an ancient jade seal.

Soft golden radiance shimmered across its surface, and Daoist talismanic engravings flowed naturally upon it.

[First Dawn Jade Seal]

The name surfaced in Lei Jun’s mind as if whispered by fate.

Yuan Mobai had spoken casually before, but this treasure from Zicha Ridge was undoubtedly extraordinary.

Not only was it a remarkable spiritual artifact on its own, but after Lei Jun refined it through the True-One Altar, he was able to glimpse deeper mysteries within.

In his consciousness, a vision unfolded—a grand and majestic palace standing high above the clouds.

From it, a staircase extended downward, forming a visible path to the heavens.

Silhouetted figures stood upon the steps—not ascending, but kneeling in reverence, bowing toward the heavenly palace above.

Even within the palace, distant figures could be faintly discerned.

The entire scene was orderly and solemn.

Lei Jun frowned.

A relic from the lost Heavenly Court?

But the vision was fleeting—illusory.

In truth, it held even less value than the shattered Heavenly Palace Tablet.

For the Mortal Dao Nation, however, it might be highly significant.

Its principles and insights were tied to the structure of the Heavenly Court’s authority, involving the conferral of Daoist ranks and official titles.

For Lei Jun, however, its main value lay in the First Dawn Jade Seal itself.

It wouldn’t serve as a direct lead to tracking down Mortal Dao Nation members.

At most, it could be used as bait to lure them out.

But Fu Dongsen and his allies had been exceptionally cautious, staying hidden.

Perhaps later, when the timing was right, this spiritual artifact might hold greater significance for someone else… Lei Jun mused.

For now, he remained in hiding, monitoring the situation in the Southern Wasteland.

The overall situation had somewhat stabilized compared to before.

Shangguan Yunbo and Ye Morong, in their joint investigation of the Nine Li’s black mist beneath Zhuo Qingshan, finally clashed head-on with a Nine Li expert.

With Dangkou Golden Halberd in hand, the two worked in tandem to cover each other, ultimately retreating unscathed.

Though they failed to injure the Nine Li expert, they gathered crucial intelligence on the Nine Li’s black mist and the Earth-Sea Rift.

Meanwhile, the Nine Li forces had not made further expansions.

For the moment, both sides remained in a tense standoff, cautiously probing one another.

As for Fu Dongsen, after his brief appearance at Zicha Ridge, he vanished again.

The Mortal Dao Nation members dared not expose themselves lightly.

They were being closely monitored by Master Jiasheng, Master Zongcuo, and other Buddhist experts from the Western Regions.

Even the White Lotus Sect and Blood River Sect had retreated into hiding.

“Chongyun, do not worry,” Yuan Mobai reassured Lei Jun privately. “My presence in the Southern Wasteland will only be beneficial.”

“In these past days of clashing with the Nine Li, I have gained some additional insights, which I am gradually refining.”

Lei Jun suggested, “Since I have already decided to return to the mountain, why not leave the Tianshi Seal with you? If an emergency arises, even the Tianshi Sword can be sent to you immediately.”

Yuan Mobai shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. Our sect’s foundation must take precedence. If possible, all three of the Tianshi’s Treasures should remain in the mountain.”

After a slight pause, his expression darkened. “The Mortal Dao Nation cannot achieve its ambitions with just the Huangtian Ancestral Altar alone.”

Lei Jun nodded in agreement.

Earlier, their information was limited.

But after interacting more with the Mortal Dao Nation, both Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun had gained deeper insights into their goals.

Neither the destroyed Eastern Sea altar nor the newly established Huangtian Ancestral Altar in Sichuan was enough to support their grand vision.

Especially now, with Huangtian Dao weakened and its followers few, its foundation was too fragile.

At its core, Fu Dongsen, Rong Guangchen, and the others all relied on the ancient Talismanic Sect’s inheritance.

Thus, they could never fully sever ties with the modern Daoist Talismanic Sect.

If Huangtian Ancestral Altar was unreliable, then what was reliable?

Without question—Mount Longhu's ancestral Wanfa Sect Altar!

And if not that, then the True-One Altar.

In other words—the Tianshi Seal.

Unfortunately, no matter how much speculation existed, the only certainty was that the Tianshi Seal remained lost, having vanished for many years.

It had briefly flashed into existence near Mount Longhu, which was likely the Mortal Dao Nation’s best chance to obtain it.

Yet, it had disappeared just as swiftly, leaving them unprepared.

The assassin who attacked Li Qingfeng had been relentlessly pursued by Xu Yuanzhen, leading them away from Mount Longhu.

Since then, there had been no trace of the Tianshi Seal, leaving Fu Dongsen and his allies bitterly frustrated.

During the Battle of Liwai, their attempt to claim the Tianshi Robe had been a second-rate alternative.

“Master is absolutely right. I will remain vigilant.”

With that, Lei Jun bid farewell to Yuan Mobai and secretly returned to Mount Longhu’s ancestral sect.

Upon hearing Lei Jun’s account of his journey, Tang Xiaotang burst into laughter.

“Those Western monks got exactly what they deserved!”

Lei Jun replied calmly, “The great monks were just a bit unlucky.”

Tang Xiaotang shot him a sidelong glance. “Unlucky? More like you sucked all their luck away.”

Lei Jun quickly shook his head. “According to Buddhist teachings, it’s all karma.”

Tang Xiaotang scoffed. “I don’t know exactly what kind of schemes they were plotting, but I can tell you this—they’re definitely up to no good!”

She had a habit of jumping from one thought to another. All of a sudden, she stood up and started circling around Lei Jun, scrutinizing him carefully.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. “Little Senior Sister?”

Tang Xiaotang murmured, “Something… feels off…”

Lei Jun smiled. “Your intuition is sharp, Senior Sister. I’m impressed.” Then he casually changed the topic. “Senior Sister, what’s your take on our Senior Sister’s natural enlightenment?”

Tang Xiaotang pondered for a moment before replying, “Like I’ve said before—it’s obviously a great thing, but it’s not unique.”

Lei Jun nodded in agreement. “Just as there is ‘natural enlightenment’ above ‘clear tranquility’ in comprehension, there is also the ‘Dao Embryo’ above the Celestial Physique in bone structure. However, this only appears in ancient texts—practically a legend. That’s why few discuss it or even know about it.”

Tang Xiaotang studied him for a moment, then suddenly grinned. “You’ve been cultivating your way up step by step, so you should know better than anyone—some things may be rare, but they’re not impossible. If your own bone structure were to advance another step and reach the level of the Dao Embryo, what do you think it would be like?”

“Tai Chi.” Lei Jun answered calmly.

He had already researched the topic thoroughly in the past.