Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 331: The Battle of the Destruction of the Tang Dynasty

“This time, we definitely can’t let Huang Xuanpu get away again!”

Golden thunderfire flickered in Tang Xiaotang’s eyes. “I’m heading out with all three of the Tianshi Three Treasures!”

When Yuan Mobai and Wang Guiyuan—who had returned to the mountain not long ago after a previous outing—heard Lei Jun and the others’ plan, neither objected.

Wang Guiyuan simply said, “Acting in concert with the imperial court is the right move. Aside from Huang Xuanpu, there may be unknown enemies from the Ming Realm’s Mortal Dao Nation. Best to tread carefully, tread carefully. Stay alert.”

With Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and Lei Jun, plus the Tianshi Three Treasures all leaving the mountain, on the surface it would appear that only Yuan Mobai remained to watch over the ancestral grounds of Mount Longhu.

It looked quite empty on the face of it.

As before, under such circumstances, the Tang Imperial Family would provide some oversight in return.

The Mortal Dao Nation was likewise an officially recognized rebel force by the Great Tang Dynasty.

With the Tianshi Mansion going all-out to assist in suppressing the rebellion, the Tang Imperial Court naturally would ensure full coordination to relieve the Mansion of any worries at home.

“Besides those from the Great Tang and Great Ming’s Mortal Dao Nations, we must also consider others,” Yuan Mobai added briefly, knowing Lei Jun’s personality well enough to keep it short.

Lei Jun replied, “Master, Senior Brother—don’t worry. We know the stakes.”

Xu Yuanzhen said simply, “Let’s move.”

…………………

South of Bashu, at the southwestern frontier of the Great Tang, in the land of Nanzhao.

Amid desolate mountain ranges, human presence was nearly nonexistent.

Under the blazing sun, within the dense jungle, Yin Qi suddenly surged.

Two middle-aged men of different heights appeared in the forest.

Their skin was dark, their expressions blank, their eyes lifeless.

After scanning their surroundings for a while, both retracted their empty gazes.

One of them pulled out a bone flute and began to blow it gently.

The bone flute made no sound.

But the Yin Qi in the surrounding mountains thickened instantly—first spreading like dark clouds, then condensing like a lake.

After a long accumulation, the lake of Yin Qi took form.

The taller man, still expressionless, suddenly reached out his hand like a blade and drove it straight into the chest of the man blowing the flute.

The flutist continued playing his silent tune, showing no signs of bleeding.

The tall man withdrew his arm.

The flute player collapsed and sank into the lake of Yin Qi.

The lake instantly darkened, as though a drop of thick ink had fallen in, staining the entire Yin lake pitch black.

The tall man then raised his hand and wrote in the air.

Talismanic symbols like those of Daoist arts appeared midair—mysterious and ancient, yet radiating a chilling sense of death.

The symbol merged with the dark Yin lake below.

The black waters roiled violently.

A massive vortex formed at the lake’s center, spiraling downward like a bottomless pit.

The boundary between the Mortal Realm and the Nether seemed to twist; the void rippled.

Beneath the lake, an abyssal hole formed, quickly draining all the water.

When the lake was completely dry, a real rift appeared in the void.

From within poured a stream of colorless yet icy, deathly cold water—flowing in reverse into the human world.

The Water of the Yellow Springs.

The tall man stood in the distance, silently watching.

Watching the rift between the Yellow Springs and the Mortal Realm open wide.

Soon, wisps of cloud and mist emerged from the rift.

The transparent mist gathered into the form of a woman dressed in plain robes and straw sandals, her appearance that of a Daoist priestess.

She was none other than An Zhiyu, Elder of the Inner Shushan branch within the Yellow Springs.

Her gaze swept the area and landed on the tall man.

“A corpse puppet?”

The tall man’s face remained blank, his gaze empty, but he replied, “Zong Han of the Jinchengzhai branch of the Witch Sect.”

An Zhiyu nodded. “I am An Zhiyu of Inner Shushan. Many thanks for your efforts, Daoist Zong.”

Speaking through the corpse puppet, Zong Han replied, “It’s nothing. You're too polite, Daoist.”

After a pause, he added honestly, “Word’s leaked a little. The Tang people have been after me lately. Some may already be closing in on Nanzhao. This place could be exposed any moment.”

An Zhiyu said calmly, “It’s not a problem.”

Zong Han felt a stir within.

Through the corpse puppet, he saw the spring of the Yellow Springs beside An Zhiyu expanding and growing unstable.

With more of the Waters of the Yellow Springs gushing forth, more people emerged from the rift.

Zong Han’s corpse puppet trembled violently, nearly collapsing on the spot.

It wasn’t intentional hostility—rather, the first figure to emerge from the Yellow Springs radiated an aura so profound and deathly that it stunned all around him.

He wore the same simple garments as An Zhiyu, had white hair with youthful features, and exuded an immortal aura.

Yet when one gazed at him, it caused a deep tremor in the soul.

It was as though the essence of life and death resided in him, pulling one's very spirit toward him.

Though he displayed no aggression, Zong Han’s corpse puppet stood paralyzed, unable to move.

He saw An Zhiyu bow to the white-haired young man. “Disciple greets Martial Uncle Sect Master.”

The man nodded slightly, then looked toward Zong Han’s real location. “Thank you.”

He wasn’t addressing the puppet.

He was acknowledging Zong Han’s actual self far away.

Zong Han took a deep breath. “Daoist, you flatter me.”

Even most cultivators at the Ninth Heaven Realm in the Daoist Alchemy Sect wouldn’t radiate such pressure or possess such acute spiritual perception.

This Inner Shushan Sect Master—if not already at the peak of the Ninth Heaven's Five Energies Converging to the Origin stage—was at least at the fourth layer of the Ninth Heaven, in his prime and equipped with powerful magical tools… Zong Han shuddered inwardly.

Yet this Daoist of Great Ascension strength emitted an aura of pure death and cold, as if he were the embodiment of the Yellow Springs.

It had been some time since the Yellow Springs surged in rebellion and Inner Shushan first clashed with the Tang’s Shushan Sect.

Rumors had since spread in the Tang Realm.

Zong Han wondered whether the sect’s foundational treasure, the Five Decays Dao Bell, had returned to the human world with this man.

Sect Master Ji Yao of Inner Shushan stood with his hands behind his back, eyes scanning the world—his first direct observation of the Mortal Realm of Great Tang.

Behind him, more emerged from the Yellow Springs portal.

The one immediately following exuded a presence second only to Ji Yao.

He appeared to be in his thirties or forties, but his gaze was ancient and chilling to behold.

Another Ninth Heaven cultivator of the Daoist Alchemy Sect—while not on par with Ji Yao, he was no ordinary figure… Zong Han noted silently.

The Yellow Springs were a realm of desolation and death, filled with catastrophe.

Yet for cultivators, they held both grave danger and hidden Opportunities.

Given its peril, few would survive there.

That Inner Shushan could foster so many elite cultivators in such a place was not only due to adapting their Daoist arts—but likely also related to the rumored mass relocation of war refugees from other realms… Zong Han mused.

Those Daoists had struck it rich!

Watching Li Yuanyuan and other Inner Shushan experts emerge, Zong Han’s thoughts grew complicated.

If given the choice, he would have preferred to gain the fabled Luo Abyss, said to be tied to the Witch Sect.

But that fortune wasn’t his.

Settling for second best, he could only hope the Yellow Springs offered more opportunity than peril.

An Zhiyu bowed to the aged middle-aged man behind Ji Yao. “Martial Uncle Kang An.”

Elder Kang An of Inner Shushan nodded, then glanced at the surrounding mountains. “Such a remote place—hardly a soul in sight.”

An Zhiyu replied, “To safely open the Yellow Springs’ wellspring, we had to be cautious.”

Kang An nodded slightly, then looked to Sect Master Ji Yao.

Ji Yao turned his gaze north. “No matter. Let’s go retrieve the Twin Swords of Purple and Green from the Shushan of this realm. I hear that although Sichuan suffers frequent earthquakes, the Sichuan Plain still has a decent population?”

Zong Han’s corpse puppet replied, “That is correct.”

Ji Yao nodded. “Then let’s depart. Junior Nephew An, accompany Daoist Zong into the Yellow Springs.”

An Zhiyu: “Yes, Martial Uncle Sect Master.”

Zong Han: “Much appreciated, Daoist.”

…………………

Imperial Capital of the Great Tang Dynasty, Luoyang.

Inside the royal palace, the Empress sat high upon the throne.

Before her, two individuals were granted seats.

One was a robust man in court attire—not wearing armor, but radiating a commanding and sharp presence.

The other was a regal woman in ornate palace dress.

The man was Shangguan Yunbo, patriarch of the Shangguan family and Grand Marshal of the Divine Strategy Army.

The woman was Princess Dowager of Shanyang, Zhang Ying—a member of the imperial clan, and aunt to both Empress Zhang Wantong and the late Emperor Zhang Qilong.

As they conversed, an urgent report arrived.

The Empress read it without changing expression and passed it to Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Ying.

Their eyes narrowed sharply after reading: “Turmoil in the southwest. The Yellow Springs have resurfaced?”

Shangguan Yunbo looked up. “Your Majesty, the report is still unclear, but Inner Shushan must be confident if they’re making a comeback now. Likely a Ninth Heaven expert from the Alchemy Sect has returned to the mortal world.”

Zhang Ying said, “Good thing we made preparations in advance. But the timing… everything’s happening at once.”

The Empress said, “As for Shushan, send Elder Fang of Jingxiang and Abbot Ren Zhu of the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru for support. Let Xueting coordinate in the middle.

Also dispatch Elder Yue from Pure Yang Palace and Elder Lin from the Southern Lin Clan. Guard against Inner Shushan spreading chaos elsewhere.”

Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Ying both bowed. “We obey, Your Majesty.”

As for the Vajra Division—they would have to show sincerity if they wanted something.

“The Tianshi Mansion’s current location is unclear, only that they’re at sea. But eliminating these Mortal Dao Nation cultists must proceed without delay. Especially since other Mortal Realms’ evil Daoists may also be involved.”

The Empress turned to Shangguan Yunbo. “You go and coordinate with the Tianshi Mansion. Don’t let those cultists escape.”

Shangguan Yunbo accepted. “As you command.”

Then he asked quietly, “Your Majesty, what of the Luo Abyss portal?”

Originally, Shangguan Yunbo was to travel north to seal the portal over the sea near the Luo Abyss.

Abbot Jiasheng of the Vajra Division was to assist.

But now, new signs indicated disturbances within the portal.

Manpower was being pulled from it—only Jiasheng remained, insufficient to hold the rift alone.

“Send an edict to Qingzhou. Ask the State Uncle to go.”

The Empress said calmly, “Prince Zhao has made great progress in cultivation. Let him share the burden. Elder Ye of Cangzhou is still up north. The north is secure.”

Shangguan Yunbo nodded gently.

Prince Zhao, Zhang Teng—had been quiet for too long.

It was time he moved.

The Ye Clan of Qingzhou supported Crown Prince Zhang Hui and stood opposed to Zhang Teng.

Having Ye Yan go with Zhang Teng, instead of Ye Moquan from Cangzhou, was clearly the better choice.

The only uncertainty was—would Zhang Teng be willing to follow orders and set out to sea?

He would… Shangguan Yunbo thought silently.

If he truly harbored ambitions, preserving and building power was only part of it.

He would need prestige and public support too.

For others, that might be empty posturing.

But for one who seeks to carry the fortune of the nation—it was solid foundation and fuel.

From the court’s perspective, if they wanted the horse to run, they’d better feed it well.

So long as the imperial family held the core steady.

With chaos erupting across the realm, the Empress could anchor the center without running around herself—then peace could be maintained, and the heartland would not fall into turmoil.

Tianshi Mansion, Shushan Sect, Pure Yang Palace, Tianlong Monastery—these could then act freely.

“Patriarch Ye, Prince Zhao, and Abbot Jiasheng—together they’re weighty enough. But just in case, a trustworthy person should accompany them, even if only to keep an eye on things.”

The Princess Dowager said, “I request to travel north across the seas, to ensure everything goes well.”

The Empress replied, “Aunt, your wisdom serves the nation. I thank you for your efforts.”

She looked to Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Ying. “Signs of great demons rising again—especially overseas. Be on your guard.”

The two straightened solemnly. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reminder. We will not forget it for a moment.”

As core members of the imperial inner circle, they also read all incoming reports.

In recent years, despite the disappearance of major demons like the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King and the Four-Eyed Python Emperor, monsters still ran rampant in and out of Tang territory.

With spiritual energy surging and all things reviving, cultivation grew easier—but so did the rise of demonic auras and vile currents. Great demons kept emerging.

To a certain extent, one could even say that it was precisely the presence of some high-realm great demons that suppressed the rise of newer contenders.

But when those long-standing demon kings withdraw from the stage, it doesn’t necessarily mean peace follows.

Quite the opposite—it may be the perfect chance for new demon kings to rise up.

Only under circumstances like the West Region demon crisis in the past—where a single battle wiped out nearly all the top-tier demon forces in the west—could there be a few years of calm.

The next generation would then need considerable time to grow strong enough to fill that void.

Elsewhere, the fall or retreat of a Ninth Heaven great demon often meant that an Eighth Heaven one would soon break through to fill the gap left behind.

Right now, the Tang Imperial Court held such a list in their hands.

In the Southern Wastes, of the two major demon kings, Dragonhead Evil Banyan was rooted in a fixed region, while the Four-Eyed Python King was more mobile.

After the Python King disappeared due to involvement with the Western Region’s Buddhist sects, the Southern Wastes soon saw the rise of two more: the Cliff-Breaking Scorpion and the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede.

According to current intel, both were still at the equivalent of the human Eighth Heaven level—but they could break through at any time, depending on who pulled ahead first.

Or perhaps… both might succeed.

Beyond them, the Snowy Plateau was seeing the Avalanche Armored Ape rise from among the Eighth Heaven demons.

In the Northern Snowfields, there was the Black Mountain Lord.

In the Arctic Ocean, the Northern Sea Whale King.

In the eastern seas, the Six-Horned Golden Shark and the Moonlight Alga were both making waves.

“Based on what we’ve gathered so far, the most likely to make the leap are the Northern Sea Whale King and the Six-Horned Golden Shark,” said the Empress.

“In the past, Huang Xuanpu had ties to the Thousand-Leaf Demon Butterfly. No one truly knows the secrets behind it all before his identity was revealed.”

Shangguan Yunbo understood her implication at once. “I’ll make sure to warn the Tianshi Mansion.”

He bowed and took his leave from the palace.

Naturally, Grand Marshal Shangguan wouldn’t head to sea alone.

But for the sake of secrecy, he couldn’t bring too many people either.

The northern region had to remain focused on guarding the Luo Abyss portal—it wasn’t easy to pull people from there.

So Shangguan Yunbo pulled manpower from the south to rendezvous with Lei Jun and the others.

From the Suzhou Chu Clan, the old clan leader Chu Xiuyuan remained in Jiangnan, holding down the fort.

But the Eighth Heaven expert Chu Peng followed imperial orders and set out to sea with Shangguan Yunbo.

From Tianlong Monastery came Elder Miaokong, an Eighth Heaven Buddhist master.

And unexpectedly, joining them was Venerable Zongcuo from the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru.

He was originally stationed with Venerable Jiasheng at the Luo Abyss portal.

But when he heard that the Tang Imperial Court and Tianshi Mansion were jointly moving against the Mortal Dao Nation, he volunteered to head south.

Given the previous Buddhist entanglements over the Tianshi Robe between the Western Region and the Mortal Dao Nation, Shangguan Yunbo didn’t object to Venerable Zongcuo’s enthusiasm this time.

Once they reached the open sea, they connected with the Tianshi Mansion.

“Quite the turnout,” Lei Jun remarked, hands behind his back, standing over the endless ocean.

In his pupils, the Tianshi’s Heaven-Penetrating Earth-Connecting Talisman silently activated.

Far above, the Grand Celestial Mirror cast its light in all directions.

Part of it sought Huang Xuanpu’s whereabouts.

The rest scanned the surroundings.

First to enter his view were Shangguan Yunbo and the others.

Xu Yuanzhen didn’t wait to hear who had arrived. “You handle the guests. I’m going ahead.”

Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang weren’t surprised.

Traveling with the two of them was already her limit.

Tang Xiaotang originally stayed cheerfully beside Lei Jun.

But as more arrivals entered her spiritual awareness, her face suddenly changed, eyebrows arching sharply. “Huh?”

Lei Jun turned toward her.

She said coldly, “Feels like someone’s got bad intentions.”

Lei Jun listed names: “Shangguan Yunbo, Elder Miaokong from Tianlong Monastery, Chu Peng from Suzhou... all old acquaintances. There’s also Prince Zhang Rui of Huayang, who once tangled with Senior Sister. Looks like Her Majesty didn’t fully rein him in. Oh, and a monk from the Vajra Division—Zongcuo.”

Tang Xiaotang snapped, “It’s that bald b*****d from Sumeru!”

Golden thunderfire lit her eyes as she glared into the distant sky. “Same damn vibe as that Sangsong jerk from before. No wonder he felt so familiar!”

Lei Jun remained calm. “No need to get worked up, Little Martial Sister. Let’s handle Huang Xuanpu first. Or rather—whichever chance comes first. We’re not in a rush.”

He trusted Tang Xiaotang’s instincts.

And recalling the rumors about the Four-Eyed Python King and Sangsong, now Venerable Zongcuo’s motives were starting to become clearer.

Which made the situation… simple.

“No need to waste expressions on them. Why not go on ahead like Senior Sister? I’ll handle the meet and greet,” Lei Jun said.

Tang Xiaotang never minded being in the spotlight, but now that her mood was soured, she had no interest in pleasantries.

“Let’s finish off Huang Xuanpu first—then I’ll deal with that bald freak!”

She snorted, said her goodbyes to Lei Jun, and left.

Lei Jun remained unfazed, calmly watching several figures appear over the sea’s horizon.

“Elder Lei.”

“Daoist Lei.”

“Daoist Xuanxiao.”

Shangguan Yunbo, Zhang Rui, Elder Miaokong, Venerable Zongcuo, and Chu Peng all arrived in turn.

Lei Jun returned the greetings one by one. “To root out the remnants of the Mortal Dao Nation as soon as possible, my Senior Sisters and I have split up. I’ve been waiting here to receive you all. This way, please.”

Though Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang were absent, no one asked much—everyone’s focus was on the Mortal Dao Nation.

“The upheaval in the southwest has stretched us thin. Thank goodness your sect was willing to step up—otherwise, the court would be overwhelmed,” said Shangguan Yunbo.

Lei Jun replied, “Our sect and Shushan are both part of the Daoist tradition. Now that Shushan may be in peril, it’s a regret we cannot assist. But with clues on Huang Xuanpu and the Taiyi Primal Tower, we can’t afford to miss this chance—it may never come again.”

“Indeed,” Shangguan Yunbo said. “Her Majesty specifically issued an edict to have myself and fellow Daoists join the effort.

And she asks that you, Daoist Tang, and Daoist Xu be at ease—Mount Longhu will be safeguarded. No villains will take advantage of the situation.

In turbulent times, we must weather the storm together.”

“Well said, General.”

As they spoke, the group soared over the deep sea.

Venerable Zongcuo remained calm outwardly, but harbored some regret inside.

He had no ulterior motives.

Venerable Jiasheng was still stationed up north, helping seal the Luo Abyss portal. Venerable Renzhu was in the southwest, assisting with the Yellow Springs upheaval.

The Vajra Division had no plans for major action against the Mortal Dao Nation.

Zongcuo had mostly come to show goodwill.

And to get a closer look at the Tianshi Mansion’s trio: Xu, Tang, and Lei.

They were prime candidates for conversion.

But that also meant they were extremely difficult.

Which made understanding them even more important.

If conversion failed, they’d become key adversaries in future clashes between Dao and Dharma.

So understanding them inside and out was essential.

“I hope we can recover the sect’s treasure—the Tianshi Robe,” Lei Jun said calmly, walking side by side with Zongcuo.

From his tone, Zongcuo could feel the thick distrust.

“Elder Lei, please rest assured,” the monk said. “A treasure should return to its rightful owner. I too hope it can return to Mount Longhu soon.”

“Appreciate the good wishes.”

Elsewhere, Elder Miaokong from Tianlong Monastery asked softly, “Elder Lei, did your Master, Elder Yuan, mention if our Disciple Fa Qing might be joining us today?”

Just as Zongcuo had been put in an awkward spot, now it was Lei Jun’s turn.

But his expression remained composed.

“Fa Qing Master’s past assistance is still fondly remembered by all of us. But since his departure, even my Master has lost contact with him. We often think of him, and it saddens us greatly.”

Elder Miaokong sighed quietly.

Zongcuo, too, paid special attention to the monk Fa Qing, who once flashed like lightning across Mount Longhu. Hearing his name now, he also felt a tinge of loss.

As Lei Jun chatted with Shangguan Yunbo and the others, he secretly watched all changes around him.

He already had a rough idea where the Taiyi Primal Tower was.

All that remained was to find Huang Xuanpu.

Or rather—wait for another group to locate the tower.

And they didn’t disappoint.

In the deep ocean, a sudden sword light pierced the waves and dove straight into the sea.

Moments later, the tides surged wildly.

It wasn’t just a simple parting of water.

It was like the entire world was sliced neatly from the outside, like paper.

Light streamed out.

In the swirling mists, a six-tiered tower rose from the ocean floor.

The Taiyi Primal Tower.

Opposing it was a massive seven-foot ancient sword.

Though dwarfed by the tower in size, its spreading sword light shook the void, pinning the tower in place, preventing its escape.

Within the sword light, a figure in hemp robes—a female Daoist priestess—pressed a hand to the tower.

The sword and tower shared similar Daoist auras, yet repelled each other fiercely.

Thus, it was extremely difficult for her to claim the tower.

But her cultivation was incredible. She gradually began breaking through its seals, trying to refine it.

Until—

From within the tower, a voice rang out: “Striking while I’m down? That’s cold, fellow Daoist.”

A powerful force suddenly shook her hand away.

Though not of the Daoist Alchemy lineage, the person inside was immensely strong.

The hemp-robed woman said, “Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on reaching full mastery of the Five Energies Converging to the Origin. But the one you chose—Fellow Daoist Fu—is gone. Is there anyone else you think could wield this treasure?

To me, this tower is extremely important. I ask for your understanding, and I will repay you in full.”

Inside the Taiyi Primal Tower, Huang Xuanpu was about to reply when his expression suddenly shifted.

The woman, once called the Western White Emperor by Fu Dongsen, also flickered her gaze.

In the far sky, golden light flared—followed by thunderclouds.

“Huang, you old b*****d! Let’s see you run this time!” Tang Xiaotang’s voice echoed as she dove from the sky, purple and golden lightning streaking beside her.

The hemp-robed woman frowned but then relaxed, withdrawing her Taiyi Severing Sword and preparing to retreat.

But the Taiyi Primal Tower suddenly shook violently.

Two Void Treasures clashed.

The distorted space folded and crumpled like physical layers, engulfing the entire area.

Unafraid, Tang Xiaotang charged in, the Tianshi Sword in hand, purple lightning like a blade crashing down.

The hemp-robed woman had no choice but to activate her Heaven-Sealing Robe for defense.

Xu Yuanzhen arrived and halted abruptly—Huang Xuanpu’s aura had vanished inside the tower.

“Cunning old fox.”

Seeing Tang Xiaotang unharmed for now, Xu Yuanzhen contacted Lei Jun: “Can we still track him?”

Lei Jun replied calmly, “We’ll need time to set up a new ritual formation at a leyline convergence point. He left traces—he’s close. He can’t get away.”

In front of Shangguan Yunbo and the others, Lei Jun naturally credited Xu Yuanzhen with the tracking.

Sensing the distant battle, Shangguan Yunbo said, “Prince Huayang and Chu Peng will assist Master Tang. Venerables Zongcuo and Miaokong will protect you. I’ll go with Master Xu to pursue Huang Xuanpu.”

Lei Jun replied, “Thanks for your help, General. And to all of you.”