Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 295: Elder Lei's words are powerful

The Three Treasures of the Tianshi had finally all returned to Mount Longhu. At this moment, Lei Jun felt a deep sense of joy.

Stop, hold it—this wasn't the right time for a premature celebration… Lei Jun steadied his emotions.

Currently, the situation within the Earth Veins was too complex to linger.

Everything would be settled once he returned to Mount Longhu.

Lei Jun activated his thoughts. The Nine-Colored Radiant Robe draped over him transformed into a stream of flowing light, which he then collected.

During this process, Lei Jun noticed that the Tianshi Robe still had streaks of Golden Radiance coiling around it, appearing ethereal like mist and light intertwined.

Though curious, he restrained himself from investigating for the moment.

Activating his Two-Element Celestial Physique, mana surged through his body, forming a faintly shimmering, almost transparent Two-Element Tai Chi diagram.

With a gentle rotation, the diagram absorbed both the Tianshi Robe and the lingering golden radiance enveloping it.

Lei Jun himself disappeared without a trace.

In the dark underground, only the roaring torrent of spiritual energy continued surging like a great river, until another person eventually arrived.

Appearing with solemn dignity, a middle-aged monk—Master Renzhu—manifested.

Scanning carefully left and right, he maintained cautious vigilance.

This was roughly the area Master Yushu had previously informed him about.

However, after searching, Renzhu could neither find Master Yushu, nor Hong Jie, nor the Tianshi Robe.

Attempts to contact Yushu resulted in silence.

Although communication was often disrupted in the complex Earth Veins, this silence gave Renzhu an ominous feeling.

Master Yushu might have met with misfortune.

Master Renzhu expanded his search, soon finding traces of Daoist treasures used in battle.

He recognized the signature of Hong Jie's life-bound artifact, the Yanjing Lantern, whose Nanming Li-Fire was familiar from their recent clash.

Yet, Master Yushu remained missing.

Renzhu stared at the roaring spiritual energy currents.

In terms of cultivation, Hong Jie surpassed Yushu, but she had previously been injured. Even with the Tianshi Robe, she'd have focused primarily on self-defense.

If Master Yushu had stayed cautious, escape was possible—Hong Jie would have found it difficult to kill him directly.

But if, as Master Yushu had suggested, Hong Jie had reinforcements from the Mortal Daoist Nation, the outcome became uncertain.

Fu Dongsen? Gu Han? Or someone else?

Master Renzhu shook his head slightly and continued searching.

Yet, after extended searching with no result, his foreboding intensified.

Master Yushu was probably already dead…

Renzhu softly chanted a Buddhist mantra under his breath.

…

Lei Jun, meanwhile, quietly traveled north, safely returning to Mount Longhu.

Regarding the complicated situation in the northern Earth Vein beneath Mount Longhu, he had no further desire to interfere.

After secretly returning to the Tianshi Mansion, both Yuan Mobai and Master Faqing sighed in relief.

“With Daoist Lei returned, I shall now take my leave,” Master Faqing clasped his palms together respectfully.

Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun thanked him sincerely.

As Master Faqing departed, Lei Jun performed a respectful Daoist bow: “Farewell, Master. May we meet again.”

Faqing smiled, nodded, and left the mountain gracefully amidst chants of Buddhist scripture and golden Buddhist light.

After seeing off the golden radiance, Lei Jun turned to his master.

Yuan Mobai, looking composed as usual, smiled gently. "As you said, Chongyun, fate will allow us to meet again."

Lei Jun replied, “Indeed, it couldn’t be better.”

Then, the Two-Element Tai Chi diagram silently emerged above Lei Jun’s head.

The profound energy radiating from it caused slight reactions within the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, but Yuan Mobai stabilized it immediately.

From within the Tai Chi diagram emerged a nine-colored radiance.

“Chongyun?” Yuan Mobai glanced toward Lei Jun.

Lei Jun said, “The Three Treasures of the Tianshi have all returned to the mountain today. Our ancestors may rest assured that our generation has fulfilled our responsibilities.”

Yuan Mobai said nothing at first, his usual gentle smile fading slightly, replaced by rare introspection as he gazed at the nine-colored radiance.

After a long pause, Yuan Mobai finally recovered and turned back to Lei Jun, speaking slowly, “Chongyun, you've done very well.”

Lei Jun shook his head modestly, "These supreme treasures have spirits connected to Mount Longhu itself. Their return is due to turmoil at our ancestral grounds, safeguarding the sect. My role was merely coincidental—I'm undeserving of such praise."

He took out the Tianshi Robe, temporarily suppressing its spiritual power. Only the two of them could currently see it.

Lei Jun chose to keep its return a secret for now, known only to a select few.

Firstly, it would serve as a hidden trump card for Tianshi Mansion.

Secondly, with the Mortal Daoist Nation and Hong Jie already bearing blame, it was beneficial to let them shoulder it a bit longer.

"There's another matter, Master, I'd like your opinion on," Lei Jun said.

Yuan Mobai's attention fell on the faint golden radiance still entwined around the Tianshi Robe.

Frowning slightly, he examined it carefully before gently waving his hand.

As his mana moved to peel away that golden glow, it suddenly turned black, releasing an ominous, deathly aura.

This was its true form.

Previously, the robe had suppressed its true nature, temporarily presenting it as golden.

Lei Jun stared intently, sensing its profound meaning.

Master and disciple simultaneously met each other’s gaze, speaking together:

“…Huangquan?”

Neither had personally encountered Huangquan, but as senior Daoist masters from a Holy Land, both immediately recalled texts mentioning Huangquan—one of the legendary Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Most of the "Ten Earths" were dangerous places linked to mysteries of life, death, and the underworld.

Huangquan was particularly perilous, comparable to Buddhism’s Avīci (Wujian).

Yet Huangquan had vanished long ago without a trace.

Unexpectedly, the Tianshi Robe’s prior disappearance was somehow related.

Compared to Kunlun and Penglai of the Nine Heavens, Huangquan bore far greater risk and ominous implications.

Yuan Mobai pondered briefly, then said, "For now, just strip away and seal it. We'll slowly investigate later. Avoid careless actions."

With major upheavals occurring and the return of these mysterious realms, dangers and opportunities were intertwined.

Yuan Mobai didn't expect Huangquan to benefit Mount Longhu—rather, he retained its essence to better guard against potential threats.

Lei Jun shared his master's caution, so he refrained from directly erasing the strange dark aura using the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book. Instead, together with Yuan Mobai, he carefully stripped it away.

Next, the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder and the Nine Abyss True Flame appeared beside him, forming the shapes of a dragon and tiger.

Not attacking, but merging into a Purple-Green Dragon-Tiger Talisman, they sealed the dark aura within it.

With this done, Lei Jun produced the strange Talisman Decree obtained after killing Hong Jie and described his encounters with Gu Han, Hong Jie, and Master Yushu.

"This decree resembles the one Rong Guangchen had."

Yuan Mobai nodded slightly. "It seems both received these decrees from Huang Xuanpu, granting them their former peak strength temporarily—but ultimately, it wasn't truly their own."

Lei Jun sighed. "Indeed."

Rong and Hong knew the price yet chose that path anyway.

Now, both were gone, and their decrees lay in Lei Jun’s possession.

Lei Jun intended to deeply study these items, hoping to uncover clues about Huang Xuanpu’s whereabouts.

"This Jade Tablet originated from the Taiyi Innate Tower. It must have been prepared by Huang Xuanpu and Fu Dongsen to move the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar. It certainly belongs to the ancient Talismanic Daoist Branch."

Yuan Mobai handed both the jade tablet and the remnants of the decree from Rong Guangchen to Lei Jun.

"For some time, I'll oversee the altar and stabilize the Earth Veins. These items are for your study."

Lei Jun respectfully accepted, inspiration flashing in his mind as a name surfaced clearly:

[High Heaven Jade Tablet]

Contemplating its profound vastness, Lei Jun felt deep insight.

Its mysteries were immense, like the lofty, boundless heavens sheltering the world.

No wonder it had harmonized the Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall, temporarily calming the altar, attempting to take away the ancient foundation of Tianshi Mansion.

However, its connection to the so-called Heavenly Palace was relatively weaker.

As for its other functions… just a moment.

Lei Jun's thoughts shifted, recalling the Great Celestial Jade he had refined.

Currently, the Great Celestial Jade was primarily used to control numerous Heavenly Vision and Thousand-Mile Transmission Talismans scattered around the perimeter.

Yet, it still seemed somewhat crude. Its elevation when activated wasn't quite sufficient, making it vulnerable to detection by higher-level cultivators—especially those skilled in perception and insight.

But if it were combined and refined further with this High Heaven Jade Tablet, perhaps there could be an opportunity to elevate it to a higher level and unleash even greater utility… Lei Jun pondered this, nodding gently as he thought.

Strictly speaking, the Tianshi Mansion had indeed suffered considerable losses on this trip.

To maximize damage to their opponents and prevent their escape, Lei Jun and his allies essentially allowed their foes deep into their territory, turning it into an internal battlefield.

Setting aside the outer mountain regions for now, even Mount Longhu's main peak had suffered heavily due to breaches in the Mountain Guarding Formation, particularly after the commotion stirred by the Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall.

Fortunately, because their preparations consistently stayed a step ahead, casualties remained minimal.

However, significant reconstruction of the sect's gates was unavoidable.

Still, the gains from this battle were substantial.

While items carried by individuals like the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King and Rong Guangchen were one matter, a large number of treasures scattered when Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall broke free were accumulated over many years by Rong Guangchen, Hong Jie, Fu Dongsen, and others, representing considerable assets of the Mortal Daoist Nation.

These precious treasures naturally remained with Tianshi Mansion to support the subsequent reconstruction.

Neither the Shushan Sect nor Pure Yang Palace would object.

While this battle didn't completely eliminate the threat posed by the Mortal Daoist Nation, it dealt them a severe blow.

Tianshi Mansion, having faced the greatest pressure, would naturally receive appropriate compensation. Moreover, retrieving the Northern Abyss Divine Spear alone was the biggest gain for the Shushan Sect, akin to Tianshi Mansion recovering the Tianshi Robe.

Although the Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall weren't reclaimed, hope remained for the Shushan Sect.

Pure Yang Palace, on the other hand, was now more concerned and troubled by internal affairs.

For Lei Jun personally, aside from the High Heaven Jade Tablet, another significant gain was the Solitary Wood Heart Essence acquired after defeating the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King.

With the Dragon-Form Raincloak, Eight Sceneries Wind, and now the Solitary Wood Heart Essence, certain plans Lei Jun had long envisioned could finally begin to be put into action.

However, there was no immediate rush.

The urgent matter at hand was the reconstruction of the mountain and mansion.

After Yuan Mobai used the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar to stabilize the earth veins below, he finally had time to join Lei Jun in visiting the ancestral tomb in the rear mountain’s forbidden area.

There, they met Yao Yuan.

“Huang Xuanpu?” Yao Yuan asked with a sigh.

Yuan Mobai nodded gently. “Indeed.”

He added, “The one who interacted with you earlier was undoubtedly Huang Xuanpu himself. However, the one who secretly infiltrated our sect during the Battle of Jiangzhou might have been the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King sent by Huang Xuanpu, or Feng Yi masquerading as Taoist Master Taiping.”

Although Huang Xuanpu had feigned injury, he was indeed present in the north at the time. After Xu Yuanzhen breached the Lin Clan’s ancestral land in Youzhou, Huang Xuanpu had also confronted Ye Moquan nearby.

Yuan Mobai later reflected that the mysterious figure who returned to Mount Longhu during the Jiangzhou incident seemed different from the one who had attacked Li Qingfeng and Li Hongyu earlier, presumably due to Huang Xuanpu using a substitute.

“That seems likely,” Yao Yuan acknowledged.

He sighed emotionally, “Although Huang Xuanpu escaped, at least one burden in my heart has eased.”

Yuan Mobai suggested, “Since your burden is relieved, Senior Brother, perhaps you should consider emerging from seclusion.”

Yao Yuan shook his head. “Even if my heart is clear, the sect rules must be observed.”

Yuan Mobai pressed, “Fifth Senior Sister, Yuanzhen, and Jingzhen won’t be returning soon. I must stabilize the earth veins with the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, and the Sect Leader needs to guard against Huang Xuanpu’s return. Currently, the mansion lacks sufficient personnel—it's unfair to place all burdens solely on Chongyun. Senior Brother, in extraordinary times, the reconstruction of the sect takes precedence.”

Yao Yuan pondered before replying, “I will set aside my shame temporarily and emerge to help. Once things stabilize, I’ll return here.”

Hearing Yao Yuan’s sincerity, Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai didn't insist further.

Yao Yuan immediately assumed responsibility, arranging for elders and disciples who had retreated to the rear mountain to return gradually to the main peak.

Although Yao Yuan had entered the rear mountain to reflect on his mistakes, the exact reason remained undisclosed, nor had his responsibilities been revoked. Most in the mansion didn't know the details, but given the current special circumstances, everyone listened to Elder Yao Yuan’s arrangements.

After Yao Yuan departed, Lei Jun turned to Yuan Mobai: “Master, now that Fourth Martial Uncle has overcome this heart barrier, do you think he’ll attempt to break into the Eighth Heaven Realm?”

Yuan Mobai replied, “That depends on him, but I sincerely hope he succeeds.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

The master and disciple duo entered the forbidden ancestral tomb area, quietly burning incense and respectfully informing their ancestors of the return of the Tianshi Robe.

After leaving the ancestral tomb, Yuan Mobai headed towards the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, while Lei Jun joined Yao Yuan.

Yao Yuan knew that both Yuan Mobai and Shangguan Ning intended to groom Lei Jun. In his heart, he also believed Lei Jun could become a mainstay for the mansion, at least one of its primary pillars.

Together, they coordinated the reconstruction efforts, assisted by elders such as Zuo Li and Du Yu, and younger elders like Ke Sicheng and Chu Kun. All the talismanic and initiate disciples joined actively.

“The medicinal garden was also damaged. With so many tasks and few hands, you’ll manage this large area,” Luo Haoran instructed his disciple Qin Caiwei.

“Rest assured, Master!” Qin Caiwei responded earnestly.

Luo Haoran warmly added, “If you need anything, just ask me or the others. Don’t strain yourself.”

After Luo Haoran left, Qin Caiwei began organizing the medicinal garden, smiling with satisfaction after successfully rescuing a nearly wilted spirit flower.

She gazed around at the mountains. “That battle was truly something… Thankfully, our sect won.”

Elsewhere, Elder Chu Kun reported to Lei Jun. Given the overwhelming workload, Lei Jun quickly assigned him another task: “Junior Brother, the stone platform for the Cloud Carriage was destroyed. Please oversee its reconstruction, beginning with a preliminary count.”

Chu Kun solemnly accepted, expressing his eagerness to have been involved in frontline battles had his cultivation allowed.

Lei Jun calmly reassured him, “Your chance will come.”

At this moment, Wang Guiyuan, dressed in a deep crimson Talismanic Daoist robe, approached calmly.

After greetings, Lei Jun blatantly stared at Wang Guiyuan’s head, causing Chu Kun to teasingly remark, “Senior Brother, now I finally understand why you no longer desire treasures like the Immortal Spirit Seed or Celestial Embryo Star Dust.”

Lei Jun silently mimicked a smooth, bald head, making Wang Guiyuan laugh helplessly.

As their playful exchange ended, Wang Guiyuan grew serious, cautioning Lei Jun about the hidden perils behind seemingly fortunate encounters, particularly the danger from Avīci.

Lei Jun softly asked, recalling the Secret Bead from the Southern Wasteland, “The Avīci?”

“Yes, Avīci,” Wang Guiyuan replied openly. “What seemed like an opportunity then turned into torment. Bearing Avīci is constant torment.”

Thus, their conversation shifted toward deeper cultivation insights, shaped by personal trials and mutual understanding.

Wang Guiyuan nodded. “Thanks to the nurturing over the years, I've gradually been able to use techniques of the Eighth Heaven. Yet, it's truly due to the mysterious prayer beads that I've recently been able to fully manifest the Perfection of the Fourth Layer of the Eighth Heaven.

But still, it's better if I don't fight unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, there's always some risk involved.”

Lei Jun gave a slight nod.

Back during the Battle of Jiangzhou,

Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, and both the Tianshi Seal and Tianshi Sword were absent.

Yet Yuan Mobai still dared to probe that mysterious person's identity. Other than hosting the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, his other reliance was Wang Guiyuan, whose physical condition had significantly improved at the time.

The mysterious person hadn't realized Wang Guiyuan’s true situation, but nonetheless sensed Yuan Mobai's probing and thus retreated.

Of course, thinking back now, that wasn't actually Huang Xuanpu himself, but rather someone else sent in his stead to meet Yao Yuan.

Lei Jun asked curiously, “Senior Brother, did you emulate the Daoist talismanic arts of our sect by using the Buddhist vow-making tradition's divine abilities, or was it something else?”

Wang Guiyuan replied, “You already guessed it? Indeed, influenced by Avīci, my body and soul are half in reincarnation. This has its pros and cons; multiple lifetimes coexisting allows me to cultivate multiple traditions simultaneously.”

He smiled faintly. “As you've seen, my talent in Daoist talismanic arts is truly limited. Therefore, the generous gestures you and Third Junior Brother have extended weren't rejected out of politeness; rather, I truly don't have the fortune to enjoy them.”

Lei Jun circled around him once. “The talismans on your body, used to conceal your identity, are exquisitely made.”

Truthfully speaking, if not for certain clues and suspicions, with Lei Jun's current cultivation, perception, and eyesight, he would still find it difficult to see through them.

Wang Guiyuan raised three fingers. “Master, Senior Sister, and Senior Martial Uncle, the previous Qingfeng Tianshi—only with triple-layered talismanic sealing from these three individuals could such remarkable concealment be achieved.”

Lei Jun nodded in understanding. “No wonder.”

“Meeting Master was a fortunate coincidence; luckily, Master chose to shoulder everything for me.” Wang Guiyuan sighed emotionally. “Though Avīci represents negative karma, it allowed me to form a positive bond with all of you. Destiny works in mysterious ways; precisely because of this, I dare not be careless in the slightest.”

Lei Jun first nodded, then suddenly remarked, “Counting carefully, your actual age, Senior Brother, should be older than Master's, right?”

Wang Guiyuan’s sentimental mood was abruptly cut short, leaving him speechless and half-frustrated.

He forced a bitter laugh, “You could say that; I was already proficient before formally joining the sect—nothing unusual.”

The two fellow disciples conversed for a while longer, agreeing on how best to continue disguising Wang Guiyuan’s true identity.

Lei Jun then watched his Senior Brother depart.

He genuinely had no intention of relentlessly digging into his friend’s past.

In order to cooperate with the plan of targeting masters from the Mortal Daoist Nation, Wang Guiyuan had decisively participated.

Although, this eldest Senior Brother was indeed akin to an onion with endless layers to unravel.

The simplest question of all:

Even though Monk Faqing was troubled by Avīci, he remained exceptionally disciplined and restrained, never allowing Avīci to harm the world.

Then why did he feign death and leave Tianlong Monastery, only to be reborn as today's Wang Guiyuan?

Lei Jun was curious, yet refrained from further inquiry.

The Tianshi Mansion was undergoing reconstruction, filled with numerous affairs. Lei Jun, as a high-ranking Elder Master, had to assist Yao Yuan and Yuan Mobai in hosting these matters.

As time passed, Tang Xiaotang, Xiao Xueting, Zhang Dongyuan, and Zhang Junhai finally returned one after another.

Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and the others were finally able to relax completely.

In the end, Zhang Dongyuan couldn't recover Qingxiao Hall.

This precious artifact of the Shushan Sect had disappeared with the earth vein without a trace.

Who knew how much time and effort would be required to retrieve it?

Thankfully, the Northern Abyss Divine Spear was successfully recovered by Zhang Dongyuan. For everyone in the Shushan Sect, this was already cause for great celebration.

Tang Xiaotang, Xiao Xueting, and Zhang Junhai similarly failed to retrieve the Taiyi Innate Tower.

Obstructed by Huang Xuanpu, they also lost track of Fu Dongsen.

Whether Fu Dongsen could find the Taiyi Innate Tower was uncertain, but everyone remained vigilant.

“Hong Jie and Gu Han’s situation remains unknown,” Zhang Dongyuan frowned deeply. “Unexpectedly, besides Master Jiasheng, Sumeru's Vajra Division possesses another master at the Ninth Heaven Realm!”

Xiao Xueting replied, “We've already reported these developments to His Majesty.”

Lei Jun said, “One thing—this battle involved the Mortal Daoist Nation’s absolute elites. They threw everything they had into it, yet until the very end, our sect's Tianshi Robe never appeared…”

Xiao Xueting, Zhang Dongyuan, and Zhang Junhai exchanged glances at these words.

Previously, the Mortal Daoist Nation and Western Region Buddhism had accused each other vehemently, each claiming the other side had taken the Tianshi Mansion’s Tianshi Robe and injured their people.

Due to their louder public platform, Western Region Buddhism’s voice had been predominant.

Most believed the Tianshi Robe was in the Mortal Daoist Nation’s possession.

But as Lei Jun had pointed out, during this massive confrontation at Mount Longhu, even Huang Xuanpu himself had personally fought. The Mortal Daoist Nation lost the Taiyi Innate Tower, Qingxiao Hall, and even the Northern Abyss Divine Spear—yet the Tianshi Robe never surfaced.

This naturally compelled reconsideration of who was actually being scapegoated during those earlier accusations.

“Given the current situation, we request Daoist Lei’s patience,” Prince Changshan Zhang Junhai said, “we shall report this matter to His Majesty as well.”

Unlike Yuan Mobai’s mild manner or Tang Xiaotang’s carefree style, Lei Jun spoke calmly, with deliberate and forceful clarity.

As his reputation grew and cultivation deepened, even Zhang Junhai felt slight pressure.

Now, with internal strife and external threats combining within Great Tang, despite crushing the Mortal Daoist Nation in this round, vigilance remained crucial.

Especially with unrest stirring in the northwest, triggered by the so-called Lone Eagle Khanate.

Even Pure Yang Palace’s dealings now required cautious handling.

Zhang Junhai silently sighed, thinking of Pure Yang Palace and Huang Xuanpu. Had this old Daoist played any role in the late Emperor Zhang Qilong’s severe injury? No wonder Her Majesty remained ambivalent toward him and Pure Yang Palace. At one time, some privately criticized the Empress for neglecting virtuous talents and favoring lesser people—a shortsighted ruler.

Perhaps even back then, Her Majesty harbored suspicions…

“In troubled times, we must unite to uphold our nation,” Lei Jun said solemnly. “I merely wish this matter clarified soon; after all, the Tianshi Robe is our sect's supreme treasure. Everyone within our mansion earnestly hopes it can return quickly.”

Zhang Junhai nodded. “Of course.”

After further deliberation, Xiao Xueting, Zhang Dongyuan, and Zhang Junhai bid farewell.

Meanwhile, inside the Tianshi Mansion, Lei Jun kept close contact with Shangguan Ning, Zhang Jingzhen, and others outside.

As time passed, news of the conflict between Mount Longhu and the Mortal Daoist Nation gradually spread, once again causing upheaval throughout the world.

It had also exposed the Ninth Heaven cultivation level of Master Renzhu.

Now they even had to bear responsibility for the Mortal Daoist Nation.

Suo Yang felt suffocated, and the mood of the two figures approaching from afar wasn't any better.

Seeing them, Fang Zhu excused himself to Zhang Jingzhen and Suo Yang, then walked forward to meet the newcomers.

One of them was Fang Jingsheng, the current patriarch of the Fang Family of Jingxiang.

The other was Ye Jiong, an eminent figure from the Ye Clan of Qingzhou and a general of the Divine Strategy Army of the Great Tang.

They had just returned temporarily from the northern front to Chang’an to report to the emperor.

The frontline of the Lone Eagle Khanate had suffered setbacks and no longer dared to act as arrogantly as before, yet there were signs they intended to reinforce their positions.

On the Tang side, due to the sudden upheaval at the Pure Yang Palace caused by the Mortal Daoist Nation, operations had to slow down to avoid internal chaos.

After reporting to the emperor, Fang Jingsheng and Ye Jiong walked side by side.

By cross-referencing information from various sources, they gradually pieced together the general outline of the great battle at Mount Longhu.

Many things had exceeded their expectations.

The Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King was dead.

Rong Guangchen was dead.

Wei Qiyue was dead.

The Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall were lost.

Hong Jie had been injured, and the Northern Abyss Divine Spear was reclaimed by the Shushan Sect.

Fu Dongsen was wounded.

Gu Han was wounded.

After this massive battle, Huang Xuanpu was left almost entirely isolated.

Such an outcome was even more shocking than discovering Huang Xuanpu as the leader of the Mortal Daoist Nation.

And the origin of this surprise lay with…

“Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, Lei Jun,” Ye Jiong softly murmured. “Although we don't know exactly what happened within Tang Xiaotang's Divine Court apparition, even just from what we know, Tang Xiaotang and Yuan Mobai’s strengths are firmly above Rong Guangchen and Hong Jie, and Lei Jun surpassed Wei Qiyue and Gu Han.”

Fang Jingsheng said, “Tang Xiaotang against the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, Yuan Mobai against Rong Guangchen, Lei Jun against Wei Qiyue—they were able to quickly break the stalemate. The key probably lay unexpectedly in Lei Jun, who had the lowest cultivation realm among them.”

Having an advantage and winning was entirely different from rapidly winning and thoroughly exterminating opponents.

“More likely, it was the Tianshi Seal,” Fang Jingsheng continued, walking with hands behind his back. “The Tianshi Seal has already returned to Mount Longhu. If not, Huang Xuanpu and Fu Dongsen wouldn’t have lost the Taiyi Innate Tower and Qingxiao Hall.”

“Tianshi Seal…”

Ye Jiong gazed into the distance, “When did it return to Mount Longhu? Who found it, and how?”

…

Meanwhile, Shangguan Ning, as the representative of Tianshi Mansion in Yuhang and the Eastern Sea, also received news from various sources transmitted from the sect’s mountain gate.

The old patriarch of the Chu Clan of Suzhou, Chu Xiuyuan, and Abbot Miaoxin of Tianlong Monastery, who were with her, both offered their congratulations.

“Congratulations on your sect's recovery of the Tianshi Seal,” the elderly Chu patriarch smiled.

The Tianshi Seal was immensely significant.

It wasn't just a precious artifact for protecting the sect; it also contained the complete scriptures of the Three Realms True Canon.

With the Tianshi Seal’s return, it meant that the long-lost Thunder Law Talismanic Canon was once again under Tianshi Mansion’s control.

Moreover, with both the Tianshi Seal and the True-One Altar, even if Mount Longhu’s Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar had truly been destroyed, their foundation would remain intact.

Chu Xiuyuan continued, “Also, congratulations to your sect for producing another peerless talent in the current generation after Daoist Xu and Tianshi Tang—Daoist Lei. Hong Jie and Fu Dongsen are both cultivators at the Perfection Stage of the Eighth Heaven Realm, and even wielded the Northern Abyss Divine Spear, yet Daoist Lei fought against them with his sword techniques without falling behind. Moreover, he even killed Wei Qiyue, a cultivator at the second layer of the Eighth Heaven Realm. This single battle has shaken the world.”

Shangguan Ning responded, “The threat of the Mortal Daoist Nation is immense, endangering all sides. I must ask both your Chu Clan and the eminent monks of Tianlong Monastery to assist us in eliminating it.”

“That goes without saying,” Chu Xiuyuan smiled.

Abbot Miaoxin of Tianlong Monastery agreed as well, but inwardly, he was thinking about Faqing.

Previously, Elder Miaoyi had rushed to Mount Longhu in Xinzhou, hoping to uncover what exactly had happened to Faqing.

Meanwhile, the struggle over the Heavenly Principle’s Void Gateway entrance above the Eastern Sea was intensifying.

After a brief rest, Chu Xiuyuan and Abbot Miaoxin departed Yuhang to return to the seas outside Mingzhou.

Chu Yu was also present there.

However, Chu Xiuyuan didn't immediately visit his daughter; instead, he first met with Ye Yan, the patriarch of the Ye Clan of Qingzhou, who had withdrawn from the Heavenly Principle’s Void Gateway.

Both Chu Xiuyuan and Ye Yan had personally interacted with the people and lands beyond the Heavenly Principle’s Gateway.

Their purpose was twofold: firstly, to demonstrate loyalty to the Tang Imperial Family, and secondly, to grasp the specifics of the Heavenly Principle.

“Chiyuan has returned,” Chu Xiuyuan spoke frankly without small talk. “What was your impression?”

Ye Yan replied, “Establishing an imperial dynasty beyond the mortal world and truly condensing a part of the fortunes of mountains and rivers is indeed rarely seen.”

The more the Tang side interacted with the Heavenly Principle, the more they learned surprising information.

For instance, within the Heavenly Principle, there also existed an imperial dynasty.

Yet this was actually quite strange.

To condense national fortunes and be called an imperial dynasty instead of a kingdom required vast lands and numerous citizens.

Though Heavenly Principle—once known as Guizang, one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths—might harbor countless treasures and rich spiritual energy, its size and population could never match a true mortal realm nation.

Thus, it lacked the foundation necessary for forming a large imperial dragon vein fortune.

Yet the people within the Heavenly Principle identified themselves as citizens of an imperial dynasty.

Their dynasty was named—the Great Ming.

Neither Chu Yu nor Shangguan Ning, nor Ye Yan nor Chu Xiuyuan, had ever heard of such a dynasty.

Yet this dynasty had genuinely condensed a portion of mountain and river fortune, although incomplete.

Usually, this indicated an imperfect land, but not necessarily a lack of imperial legitimacy.

The original foundation remained, though it was incomplete.

“I didn’t encounter the so-called Ming Emperor,” Ye Yan continued, “but I found another peculiar detail.”

He looked directly at Chu Xiuyuan. “The national fortunes of this so-called Great Ming Dynasty were closely bound to scholars and Confucian intellectuals.”

Not one or two literati, nor even royal descendants practicing Confucian traditions.

Instead, it was all scholars as a whole unexpectedly bearing the weight of national fortunes in the Heavenly Principle.

Such a phenomenon was vastly different from that in the Great Tang.

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiuyuan raised his snow-white eyebrows slightly and said:

“The Sage Emperor ruling by non-interference?”