Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 292: Lei Jun with a sword in hand, the cardinal Shenxiao Yin and Yang

Regarding the upheaval in the Eastern Sea, most within the Mortal Dao Nation had already anticipated it.

Even if they didn’t know the exact details, they knew that chaos was inevitable there.

As early as some time ago, the great Eastern Sea demon, the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, had already sensed something amiss.

Fu Dongsen and others had quietly approached to investigate, and their judgment was unanimous.

Thus, when discussing the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu earlier, they had spoken of waiting for the right moment.

However, no one had expected the sudden emergence of the so-called Lone Eagle Khanate on the northwestern frontier, trampling across the land.

Everyone knew that the Tang Dynasty had been experiencing relentless turbulence, with drastic changes occurring one after another in recent years.

But in such shifting circumstances, allies and enemies were difficult to distinguish.

The Mortal Dao Nation already had many foes and was always cautious, unwilling to act recklessly before the situation became clear.

Yet now that the opportunity had arrived, they too needed to make a decisive move before the fleeting moment slipped away.

Xu Yuanzhen had gone to the Eastern Sea.

Tang Xiaotang was away from the mountain.

Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion was relatively empty.

However, even without considering other factions like the Buddhist sects of the Western Region, the mere existence of the Tang Emperor, Zhang Wantong, forced the Mortal Dao Nation to think carefully before acting.

Now, with the Lone Eagle Khanate advancing aggressively, pressuring the northwest frontier, the Tang Emperor was compelled to focus on defending the border rather than the inland south, where Mount Longhu lay.

Meanwhile, the Western Region's Buddhist sects were also embroiled in war against the Four-Eyed Python Emperor and other great demons of the Southern Wasteland.

Although the overall situation remained unstable, for the Mortal Dao Nation, this was the best opportunity they had seen in years.

Since that was the case, they would seize it without hesitation.

"We respectfully follow the Emperor’s decree." Fu Dongsen and the others saluted toward the void.

Former Elder of the Pure Yang Palace, Gu Han, turned to look at Hong Jie and Wei Qiyue, both from Shushan.

"How are the two of you faring now?"

Wei Qiyue replied, "Thanks to the Emperor’s grace and the bestowed elixir, this humble Daoist is no longer in serious danger."

During the civil war that split the Shushan Sect, both Wei Qiyue and Hong Jie had suffered severe injuries.

Wei Qiyue, in particular, had sustained injuries to her celestial soul, nearly beyond recovery.

She was younger than Hong Jie, but such grievous wounds would normally take years to heal, possibly even shortening her lifespan.

Thus, she had spent the past few years in quiet recuperation.

Even during the turmoil in the Southern Wasteland, she had remained absent.

Yet now, with external assistance, she had fully recovered—aside from some lingering depletion of her vital energy.

This alone came as a shock to many.

Beside her, Hong Jie appeared calm, though an air of age and weariness still clung to her. Nonetheless, her old wounds had completely healed.

In some ways, her recovery was even more astonishing than Wei Qiyue’s.

While Hong Jie’s injuries had been slightly less severe, she was far older, and her body had already been in an irreversible state of decline.

Suffering such heavy injuries at that stage should have made recovery nearly impossible, accelerating her deterioration instead.

Whenever Hong Jie thought back on it, comparing her past condition to her present recovery, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotions.

"Since Daoist Hong has regained her strength, then today, you shall receive the Emperor’s Talismanic Decree," said Rong Guangchen.

Hong Jie slowly nodded. "To receive the Emperor’s decree is an honor beyond measure. This humble Daoist accepts with deep gratitude and trepidation."

Fu Dongsen, Rong Guangchen, Wei Qiyue, and Gu Han all congratulated her.

Upon receiving the decree, Hong Jie would undergo a transformation similar to Rong Guangchen’s—her soul, body, and cultivation would be restored to their peak.

Her lifespan would not increase, but everything else would return to its prime.

After returning the salutes one by one, Hong Jie left Qingxiao Hall and entered the Taiyi Innate Tower, which now seemed fused with the heavens above her.

Inside the tower, a three-tiered altar had already been constructed.

She bathed, changed into ceremonial robes, lit incense, and ascended to the highest tier of the altar.

Above the altar, light gradually flickered in the void, and a mysterious talismanic decree began to manifest.

Inside Qingxiao Hall, Fu Dongsen turned to Rong Guangchen, Wei Qiyue, and Gu Han.

"With this settled, we proceed according to plan. We will depart first. Once Senior Uncle Hong receives the decree and evacuates the younger disciples from the hall, she will bring the Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall to rendezvous with the Butterfly King."

Their objective had long been clear.

Various contingency plans had been prepared, but they had been waiting for the right moment.

Now that the opportunity had finally arrived, their initial excitement had calmed. With confidence in their strategy, all they had to do was follow the plan.

"The Emperor has decreed that he will personally visit Mount Longhu today," Rong Guangchen added.

Fu Dongsen, Wei Qiyue, and Gu Han all nodded in understanding.

Fu Dongsen formed a series of hand seals in front of his chest, his fingers shifting rapidly.

Above his head, a ghostly blue light flickered, gradually forming an image of a frozen sea.

From within the ice, a spear emitting a frigid blue glow slowly emerged—

The Northern Abyss Divine Spear, one of Shushan’s six greatest treasures.

As a weapon-class magical treasure, its lethality rivaled that of the Tianshi Sword, Purple Star Sword, Azure Abyss Sword, Dangkou Golden Halberd, and Mountain and River Sword—all renowned divine weapons.

Fu Dongsen and Wei Qiyue both saluted toward the Northern Abyss Divine Spear.

The next moment, the spear transformed into a streak of icy blue light and merged into Fu Dongsen’s body.

Then, the four Mortal Dao Nation masters, all at the Eighth Heaven Realm, departed from Qingxiao Hall together.

Meanwhile, the other Mortal Dao Nation cultivators inside the hall moved swiftly according to their orders, preparing under the coordination of the remaining elders.

The Southern Wasteland

The Nine Li Tribes had made no major moves in recent years.

However, they maintained control over several regions covered by the spreading Nine Li Black Mist, making it impossible for human cultivators to cleanse those areas in the short term.

Frequent skirmishes and clashes occurred between both sides, resulting in casualties, but neither had gained a decisive advantage.

Shangguan Yunbo, Ye Morong, Zhang Luo, and other top experts of the Tang Dynasty remained stationed in the Southern Wasteland, along with cultivators of the Witch Sect.

Shangguan Yunbo had received urgent reports from the Eastern Sea and the northwest, but there was no imperial order for him to return.

"What’s the situation with the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru?" Shangguan Yunbo asked a nearby adjutant.

The adjutant replied, "Just two days ago, Master Jiasheng fought the Four-Eyed Python Emperor. The other masters of the Vajra Division assisted, forcing the Python Emperor to retreat. However, several other demons of the Southern Wasteland have joined him, intending to fight again."

The Southern Wasteland’s two most powerful demons, equivalent to Ninth Heaven human experts, were one tree and one serpent.

The former preferred solitude and rarely engaged with the outside world.

The latter, however, was not only formidable but had gradually gathered many other demons under its banner, forming a vast force.

Years ago, after the great battle between the Snow Plains Demon Beasts and the Snow Domain Divine Eagle, the Southern Wasteland’s demons had mostly been recuperating.

But now, under the leadership of the Four-Eyed Python Emperor, they were beginning to mobilize again.

For demons, high-level human cultivators were not only supreme delicacies but also powerful nourishment—making them even more vicious than the Blood River Sect’s Gu Masters.

Master Jiasheng’s understanding of the Southern Wasteland came mainly from the monks of the Vajra Monastery, but he was deeply knowledgeable about demons.

Now that the region’s demon forces were gathering, he remained as composed as ever.

Compared to this, he was more concerned about the upheavals in Mingzhou to the east and Yuanzhou to the north.

"Tianli?" Jiasheng asked.

Beside him, another Eighth Heaven Vajra Division monk, Master Zongcuo, replied, "Confirmed. It’s Tianli."

Jiasheng nodded. "And Yuanzhou—Lone Eagle Khanate?"

Zongcuo answered, "Yes."

Jiasheng said, "Send word back to Mount Sumeru. Let them decide. For now, we should avoid direct involvement."

Zongcuo hesitated. "The Lone Eagle Khanate and Tianli may still receive intelligence about us."

Jiasheng replied calmly, "It won’t matter in the short term. It won’t affect Sumeru’s broader strategy."

Zongcuo pressed his palms together. "Understood, senior brother."

After a moment of contemplation, he added, "The Tang Dynasty has issued an imperial decree."

Jiasheng said, "Let Suo Yang handle it."

Although Suo Yang was young, he was the former Abbot of Vajra Monastery.

Even now, with the Vajra Division having descended upon the world, he remained one of their key figures and held enough status to act as their representative when dealing with the Tang Imperial Court.

As for Jiasheng himself, even if he could afford to leave, doing so would make it impossible for him to return.

If their opponents were someone else—even the Nine Li tribes—Jiasheng and the other Western Buddhist masters might have aided the Tang Dynasty in exchange for greater support, just as he had done before when he assisted in suppressing the Guanzhong Demon Uprising, and later when he fought Wei Anchang of the Blood River Sect and the Four-Eyed Python Emperor in the Southern Wasteland.

But Tianli and the Lone Eagle Khanate were different.

These matters involved Mount Sumeru’s deeper strategies, and at this stage, it was best to avoid direct confrontation.

"With turmoil spreading across the overseas regions of Mingzhou and the mountainous lands of Yuanzhou, the impact will be immense. Many situations could shift because of this," Zongcuo murmured.

Jiasheng nodded. "The major aristocratic clans in Qingzhou, Suzhou, Cangzhou, Youzhou, and Jingxiang probably won’t act too aggressively. If changes occur, they’ll come from the Nine Li tribes, the Mortal Dao Nation, or the White Lotus Sect."

After a brief moment of thought, he continued, "Send Master Renzhu out of the Western Region to operate in the shadows and prepare to provide support if needed."

"Understood," Zongcuo replied, then hesitated before asking in a low voice, "Regarding the Mortal Dao Nation—if they act, will their target be the Tang Dynasty or the Three Orthodox Daoist Sects?"

Jiasheng responded, "If they create chaos within the Tang Dynasty, we can take the opportunity to assist the imperial court and win greater favor. If their target is the Three Great Daoist Holy Lands, there’s no need for us to rush. Let Master Renzhu decide based on the circumstances."

Zongcuo gave a slight nod, understanding the implications.

Mount Longhu – Tianshi Mansion

Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun sat facing each other, reviewing intelligence reports.

At the same time that Shangguan Ning departed for Yuhang, Zhang Jingzhen had already set out for Guanzhong to meet the emperor. On one hand, she was representing Tianshi Mansion to express support for the Tang Court and to coordinate communications. On the other hand, with the sudden upheaval in the northwest shaking the empire’s borders, Chunyang Palace, located in Zhongnan Mountain within Guanzhong, was also within the affected region.

Previously, the three great Daoist holy lands had established an agreement to support and exchange resources, stationing representatives at each other's sects. While Chunyang Palace was not directly threatened by the Mortal Dao Kingdom, Tianshi Mansion still needed to make its stance clear.

Of course, since no one from the Mortal Dao Kingdom had yet appeared, Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and others remained inactive for the time being, leaving Zhang Jingzhen, a Seventh Heaven High Priest Elder, to serve as the representative.

“Grandmaster Huang of Chunyang Palace is staying behind in Zhongnan Mountain.”

Yuan Mobai read the report and said, “Elders Guan and Lü have both gone to the Yuanzhou region.”

Lei Jun listened and pondered for a moment. Then, he looked up and asked, “Master, I heard His Majesty is considering going north personally?”

“There are rumors of it,” Yuan Mobai replied calmly.

Lei Jun picked up another report, scanning it as he softly asked, “Master, how much sincerity do you think Jingxiang and Cangzhou have?”

According to the latest intelligence, the entire Tang Empire was mobilizing. The southern wastelands, the Eastern Sea, and the northwest borders were all facing turmoil at the same time, testing the Tang Dynasty’s strength.

In addition to the Tang Imperial Family's experts, several prestigious noble families had also made moves, seeking to mend ties with the imperial court.

Fang Jingsheng, the head of the Fang Clan from Jingxiang, had previously been sent by imperial decree to reinforce Bashu. Now, he personally traveled north to Chang’an to meet the emperor.

In Cangzhou, the patriarch of the Ye Clan, Ye Moquan, citing old age and lingering injuries from the Battle of Jinzhou, did not personally travel west. However, the current clan head, Ye Wei, along with several elder members, made the journey to Chang’an to show their allegiance.

Meanwhile, in the military, Ye Jiong, a Peak Eighth Heaven Divine Archer and a direct descendant of the Qingzhou Ye Clan, led an elite force to the northwest. At the same time, Ye Yan, the head of the Qingzhou Ye Clan, left Qingzhou and headed south to Suzhou and Hangzhou. There, he would meet with Chu Xiuyuan, the elder patriarch of the Suzhou Chu Clan, and join forces with an imperial envoy to handle the upheaval caused by the Heavenly Mandate descending upon the Eastern Sea.

Only the Youzhou Lin Clan had made minimal movements. However, they had pledged to follow Prince Zhao’s orders, defending the northern frontier against any unforeseen threats from the north or east.

“They do show some sincerity, but expecting them to risk their lives would be too much,” Yuan Mobai remarked. “The north… The Lone Eagle Khanate is rumored to be ruthless, like fire and wind—clearly hostile.”

Yuanzhou had already fallen under their control. These foreign invaders operated with brutal efficiency, sending out scouting cavalry in all directions. They were not only fierce but also highly flexible in their tactics. After conquering Yuanzhou, instead of recklessly pushing south through Xiaoguan Mountain, they instead turned northward, heading for Lingzhou.

Even without considering their advantage over Confucian cultivators, the warriors of the Lone Eagle Khanate displayed overwhelming strength when facing cultivators from other traditions.

The prestigious Confucian schools of the Tang Dynasty had undergone a decade of refinement and adaptation. Though they were no longer as easily countered by the Khanate’s martial arts, engaging in a life-or-death battle would still result in heavy casualties.

That said, as Yuan Mobai pointed out, given the current situation, these noble families had at least demonstrated some degree of loyalty. At the very least, they weren’t dragging the imperial family down.

“The situation with Senior Sister over in the east, though… that’s a bit harder to say.” Lei Jun furrowed his brows slightly.

Yuan Mobai responded, “The main issue is that we have limited knowledge of what’s happening beyond the Void Gateway.”

The invasion of the Lone Eagle Khanate had devastated the northwest, but since it was still within Tang territory, the imperial court had access to intelligence.

However, in the Eastern Sea, the struggle revolved around the Void Gateway, the passage through which the Heavenly Mandate descended into the mortal world. Due to Xu Yuanzhen’s involvement, the conflict had even escalated into a counterattack against the Heavenly Mandate itself.

But since this was technically enemy territory, intelligence was scarce, making the situation even more unpredictable.

“Have the orders been passed down for disciples to avoid leaving the mountain for now?” Yuan Mobai asked.

Lei Jun nodded. “Master, rest assured, the directive has been issued. Disciples on the mountain are restricting their outings, and those currently traveling have been told not to rush back. Instead, they should seek temporary refuge in our various branch sects and affiliated schools for now.”

Yuan Mobai nodded slightly. “Let’s hope we’re just overthinking things.”

Just then, Lei Jun abruptly fell silent.

Deep in his pupils, the Celestial Ground-Through Talisman flickered, radiating a golden glow.

Yuan Mobai, seeing this, also remained quiet. His expression turned slightly more solemn.

The glow in Lei Jun’s eyes grew brighter.

He was sensing something through the Celestial Eyes and Ears Talismans he had placed in the areas surrounding Mount Longhu. These talismans remained hidden in the mountains and forests, almost undetectable, serving as a form of early warning in critical moments.

At this moment, Lei Jun noticed faint, shadowy figures stealthily approaching Tianshi Mansion.

The disturbance was incredibly subtle—even with the mystical power of the Celestial Ground-Through Talisman, he could only detect the faintest traces. The signs were so fleeting and illusory that they could almost be dismissed as an illusion.

But precisely because of this, it was all the more dangerous.

These elusive figures bore the distinct signature of Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, one of Lei Jun’s most-watched threats.

Previously, he had acquired a fallen leaf left behind by the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King from Xu Yuanzhen. After extensive study and research, he had developed a heightened sensitivity to its presence. If not for that, he too might have been deceived, or at the very least, he wouldn’t have detected the approach from such a great distance.

The individuals drawing near were exceptionally powerful. With the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King’s mystical concealment abilities aiding their stealth, very few would be able to detect them.

But just as Lei Jun was processing this, a light sphere flickered in his mind, forming glowing script:

【Ancient and modern talismans converge upon Longhu; three schools unite, stirring the winds and clouds.】

Then, four fortune readings emerged before him:

• Moderate-Moderate Omen – Leaving the mountain immediately (except toward the northwest or southeast) would allow one to avoid the coming storm. No gains, but no losses. Neutral.

• Moderate-Moderate Omen – Remaining in the mountain during turbulent times presents certain risks, but there is a chance to obtain two Third-Grade Opportunities. However, future karmic entanglements could arise. Neutral.

• Lower-Moderate Omen – Leaving the mountain toward the northwest would result in severe difficulties, though one could obtain a Fourth-Grade Opportunity. However, the danger is extreme. Ominous.

• Lower-Moderate Omen – Leaving toward the southeast could lead to a major crisis, with hidden perils. Ominous.

Judging by these fortunes, the Mortal Dao Kingdom was making a major move.

If they were to attack, they would strike like thunder, aiming for a decisive blow.

And with individuals such as Fu Dongseng, Rong Guangchen, Hong Jie, Wei Qiyue, and Gu Han—all Eighth Heaven Daoist masters—along with the Taiyi Innate Tower, Qingxiao Hall, and the Northern Abyss Divine Spear, this was no small force.

They weren’t just here to attack Tianshi Mansion—they clearly had another objective in mind…

If the forces in the East could still endure when Heaven’s Mandate descended, then with the emergence of the Northwestern Lone Eagle Khanate, further diverting and straining the power of the Tang Daoist world, the Mortal Dao Nation would inevitably take advantage of the chaos to stir up trouble.

To some extent, Lei Jun and the others had already anticipated this.

"Mortal Dao Nation," he said to his master, Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai remained calm in the face of the situation, his actions swift and decisive. He nodded slightly, and in the next moment, his figure vanished from sight.

Lei Jun then sent messages to Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Shangguan Ning, and Zhang Jingzhen outside the mountain.

On Mount Longhu, a brilliant radiance quickly gathered, forming a massive pillar of light that shot straight into the sky. Within the pillar, countless talismans spun and danced, flowing like a starry river across the cosmos.

Yuan Mobai sat at the center of the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, forming hand seals before his chest, his expression as composed as ever.

As the altar activated and beams of dazzling light shot into the heavens, the protective formation of Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu also began to operate.

The formation expanded, weaving together infinite radiant patterns, layer upon layer, interlocking and integrating into an enormous, towering triple-layered altar that covered the entire mountain, isolating it from the outside world.

Within the Upper Qing Thunder Grotto-Heaven, streaks of violet Nine Heavens Divine Thunder descended, merging with the colossal altar. The surface of the altar shimmered with flashing lightning, a seamless blend of offense and defense.

With the activation of the Mount Longhu grand formation, its radiance illuminated the skies in all directions.

In the distance, several dark silhouettes emerged under the light’s brilliance.

Seeing this, the approaching figures no longer concealed themselves and instead revealed their forms.

Three men and one woman.

Two of them wore traditional Daoist robes, black on the outside and white within, while the other two were dressed in coarse hemp garments.

Their attire signified their affiliations—two from the Pure Yang Palace and two from the Shushan Sect.

One of the Pure Yang Palace cultivators, an elder with crane-white hair but youthful features, was none other than Rong Guangchen, the highest-ranking Supreme Elder of the Pure Yang Palace.

He had reached the pinnacle of the Fourth Stage of the Infant Transformation Realm, at the Eighth Heaven of the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

Another Pure Yang Palace cultivator, a middle-aged Daoist, was Gu Han, a former Elder of the Black Tortoise Hall.

His cultivation was at the First Stage of the Infant Transformation Realm, also at the Eighth Heaven of the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

Among the Shushan Sect cultivators, the man in coarse garments with a calm and noble demeanor was Fu Dongsen, the former Sect Leader of Shushan.

His cultivation was at the pinnacle of the Wandering Immortal Realm, also at the Eighth Heaven, but of the Daoist Artifact Refining Sect.

The female Daoist of the Shushan Sect, though exuding a composed yet sharp aura, was the former Supreme Elder of Shushan, Wei Qiyue.

She had reached the Second Stage of the Wandering Immortal Realm, also of the Daoist Artifact Refining Sect at the Eighth Heaven.

Seeing the towering three-layered altar shimmering with Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, enclosing Mount Longhu entirely, Fu Dongsen and the others knew that their presence had been exposed.

Despite losing the element of surprise, the four top experts of the Mortal Dao Nation had no intention of retreating.

Since the ambush had failed, they would resort to a direct assault.

Without a word, Fu Dongsen formed a hand seal before his chest.

A frigid blue radiance appeared above his head—the Northern Abyss Divine Spear had emerged.

It carried both an icy chill and a razor-sharp edge.

A wave of freezing energy rippled outward.

Immediately, all surrounding mountains, rivers, grasses, and trees were frozen solid. In Jiangnan, where springtime was in full bloom with birdsong and fragrant flowers, an endless frozen tundra abruptly took shape.

The moment the Northern Abyss Divine Spear appeared over Fu Dongsen's head, it signaled the start of their attack.

The first to strike, however, was the eldest among them—Rong Guangchen.

A vast expanse of platinum flames rose around him.

The flames spread open like the wings of a divine bird.

Rong Guangchen stepped forward.

The signature ability of the Pure Yang Palace—the platinum-colored Pure Yang True Fire—gradually took the form of a Vermilion Bird.

Then, the flames compressed and condensed.

As Rong Guangchen advanced, the platinum Vermilion Bird seemed to completely merge into his body.

His steps grew lighter, yet his presence became ever more formidable.

At this moment, there was not the slightest trace of age or frailty in him.

He seemed as if he had returned to his prime, revealing the overwhelming power of an Eighth Heaven Daoist Alchemical Sect cultivator at the peak of the Infant Transformation Realm.

Approaching the immense triple-layered altar that enshrouded the entirety of Mount Longhu’s main peak, Rong Guangchen raised a hand.

His fingers formed the shape of a bird’s beak, striking down with the force of a chisel.

The violet Nine Heavens Divine Thunder clashed violently with the platinum Pure Yang True Fire.

In the next instant, a chilling blue light condensed into a terrifying beam and shot toward Mount Longhu.

Rong Guangchen had attacked first to probe the defenses of Mount Longhu’s protective formation.

Fu Dongsen, however, had been gathering power, waiting for the critical moment to launch his strongest attack.

As the Northern Abyss Divine Spear shot forth, it carried far greater force than Rong Guangchen’s initial strike.

Thunder roared over the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar.

Fu Dongsen did not relent—the Northern Abyss Divine Spear struck continuously, concentrating all attacks on a single point.

Inside the altar, Yuan Mobai, commanding Mount Longhu’s protective formation, immediately sensed the spear’s razor-sharp presence.

But more importantly, he detected an extreme chill emanating from the spear.

The accumulating frost seemed capable of freezing even blazing fire and divine lightning.

The Yang-filled divine thunder retaliated, shattering layers of frost.

At the same time, Rong Guangchen pressed both palms against the altar, his entire presence shifting in an instant.

The platinum flames vanished.

The soaring Vermilion Bird disappeared.

In its place, a Black Tortoise emerged.

The extreme Yang of Pure Yang transformed into Yin—the peak of Yang giving birth to Yin.

This power seamlessly combined with Fu Dongsen’s Northern Abyss Divine Spear.

Their combined assault began to freeze over the outer layer of the immense three-tiered altar.

Just then, the concentrated violet lightning on the surface of the Mount Longhu formation abruptly focused and condensed.

A moment later, it transformed into an unparalleled sword of purple lightning, launching a counterattack.

The sword light first slashed at Rong Guangchen, forcing him to release his Golden Core to defend himself.

Then, the sword light shifted, ignoring the Northern Abyss Divine Spear’s assault entirely, cleaving through space to strike directly at Fu Dongsen.

Fu Dongsen recalled the Northern Abyss Divine Spear to block the attack.

But as the sword descended, streaks of black lightning emerged within the purple lightning, intertwining in a complex pattern.

The combined forces of purple and black lightning carried a profound interplay of Yin and Yang, surpassing the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder’s original power.

Divine Firmament Thunder—Yin-Yang Nexus!

One strike split the Northern Abyss Divine Spear apart, continuing toward Fu Dongsen.

He hastily activated another artifact for protection.

The sword light cut the artifact in two.

Then, the broken artifact exploded violently.

Fu Dongsen looked up, only to see atop the colossal altar a tall Daoist clad in a purple robe—Lei Jun.

A massive Mysterious Firmament Five Thunder Talisman hovered above his head.

From the talisman, a black thunder dragon emerged, silently roaring.

Bolts of profound lightning wrapped around Lei Jun, converging upon his right hand.

In that hand, he gripped a Tianshi Sword, its blade inscribed with talismanic symbols, coursing with interwoven purple and black lightning.

At this moment, Lei Jun, wielding the sword of Tianshi Mansion, pointed its blade toward the enemies outside Mount Longhu.