Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 336: Huang Tian Gui Zong

The Vajra Division Master had finally left the Buddhist realm of the Western Regions and revealed himself to the mortal world of Tang.

His first stop was not the Tang imperial capital of Luoyang.

Naturally, the reasoning was sound.

The Bashu region was currently plagued by the chaos of Yellow Springs demonic cultivators, threatening the Tang territory and endangering countless innocent lives.

With compassion at heart, the Vajra Master of Sumeru, upon first arriving in the mortal world, chose to head directly to the battlefield—to aid the people and resolve the crisis.

Traveling from the Western Regions, where Sumeru had opened a portal, to Bashu conveniently allowed him to pass through the snowy mountains of Western Sichuan.

That a great monk of the Sumeru Vajra Division would descend southward through this route and pass by the Yellow Heaven Dao’s secret altar was thus a natural course of action.

He wanted to meet the now-famous Lei Jun.

For now, he had no other intentions.

Though the latest reports suggested Lei Jun was injured from his battle with Huang Xuanpu, Tang Xiaotang had brought the Three Treasures of the Tianshi to Bashu, and Xu Yuanzhen's whereabouts were still unclear.

Of course, if fortune favored them with an unexpected opportunity, the Sumeru Vajra Division would welcome it.

Unfortunately, by the time the Vajra Division Master reached Western Sichuan, Lei Jun had already returned to the mountain.

The eminent monk took it in stride, showing no signs of disappointment.

Before Elder Miaokong of Tianlong Temple and Shangguan Ning, Chu Kun, and others from the Tianshi Mansion, he appeared dignified, serene, and courteous.

Though Miaokong, Chu Kun, and others held reservations about the Western Buddhist sects, they still received this enigmatic master with proper decorum.

He didn’t linger in the Western Sichuan snow range, soon continuing his journey south toward Bashu.

…

Xinzhou, at Mount Longhu, the ancestral seat of the Talisman Sect.

Within the Tianshi Mansion proper.

Lei Jun returned with several fellow disciples and a group of Yellow Heaven Dao followers.

Zhang Jingzhen came out to greet him: “Junior Brother Lei.”

She bowed first.

Lei Jun returned the gesture. “Senior Sister Zhang.”

He handed her the roster compiled by Chu Kun: “My soul was injured and I’m mentally drained. I’ll need to rest for a while, so this will be a burden on you.”

Zhang Jingzhen replied, “Don’t worry, Junior Brother. Uncle Yuan has already overseen preparations here. I’ll work with Uncle Shangguan, Junior Brother Fang, and Junior Brother Chu to handle the reintegration of the Yellow Heaven Dao members.”

Lei Jun nodded. “The founding of Yellow Heaven Dao had its specific causes. Some among them remain stubborn, but others have found their way back. Their return is ultimately a good thing for our sect and the greater Talisman Sect heritage. Still, there's no need to rush. Let’s focus on initial arrangements. Once Senior Sister Sect Leader and Senior Sister Tang return, we can all discuss a final plan together.”

Zhang Jingzhen acknowledged with understanding.

The existence of Yellow Heaven Dao remained a sensitive topic for the Tianshi Mansion—a black mark in their history.

Even if the sect had waned and posed little threat now, handling its members required tact.

Lei Jun’s stance was clearly not to wipe the slate clean in absolute terms.

Zhang Jingzhen recalled that he had never had much conflict with the Li clan and hadn’t participated in the Li Wai campaign back then.

Now, his attitude toward Yellow Heaven Dao remained comparatively mild.

This stood in stark contrast to how he treated Mortal Dao Kingdom or Heavenly Principle–Great Ming cultivators—where he showed no mercy.

This approach had its pros and cons. But to Zhang Jingzhen, as a fellow disciple and Talisman Sect cultivator, she preferred this to a ruthless cold-blooded leader.

He appeared calm on the surface and acted decisively when necessary, yet he was not heartless... so she felt.

Such a man, she believed, might be even more suited to lead the Tianshi Mansion than either of the current senior sisters.

In recent years, many of her former ambitions had faded.

She no longer felt that drive to compete, and instead found her cultivation becoming more clear and unburdened.

So Zhang Jingzhen simply focused on her duties as a senior elder—diligent and conscientious, without excess scheming.

After parting with Zhang Jingzhen, Lei Jun went to see his master, Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai wore his usual warm smile, as comforting as spring wind: “The Mortal Dao Kingdom matter is finally concluded, for now.”

He’d already heard about Shang Nan, Snow Star Child, and the so-called Western White Emperor.

The White Emperor’s retreat and the deaths of Shang Nan and Snow Star Child meant the Mortal Dao Kingdom had little momentum left for the time being.

“They likely came from the Great Ming Mortal World,” Lei Jun said. “I believe they entered Tang not directly across the void, but likely through the legendary Penglai. Though we still don’t have confirmation.”

The Great Ming and Great Tang mortal worlds were not directly connected.

Even Xu Yuanzhen had failed to enter the Great Ming realm completely.

Although the White Emperor’s flying sword was said to delve deeply into the mysteries of space, Lei Jun theorized she hadn’t crossed the void directly.

Rather, she likely used Penglai, part of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, as a transit hub.

That might also be where both Huang Xuanpu and the White Emperor encountered the Celestial Palace, giving rise to their respective Mortal Dao Kingdoms.

Moreover, given titles like “White Emperor,” it seemed likely they weren’t the only two of their kind.

Penglai might connect multiple mortal worlds.

But there was no stable portal. Much remained unknown.

Lei Jun planned to examine the remnants left by Huang Xuanpu, Shang Nan, and Snow Star Child in greater detail later.

“The White Emperor and the others may still be operating in secret within the Great Ming world,” Lei Jun added. “Perhaps their presence isn’t yet known to the Ming court, which would explain their caution.”

He continued, “According to Senior Sister Xu’s description, the flying sword was likely refined in secret, hidden from the Great Ming government.”

“The sword’s power seemed not only to involve space-time mysteries—but also to counter the Neo-Confucian ritual system of the Ming.”

Yuan Mobai nodded. “Though we’re fundamentally opposed, that’s still a clever and capable figure.”

Lei Jun sighed. “Pity we can’t yet reach the Great Ming mortal world, or send word there.”

“Otherwise, even if the White Emperor returns safely, she’ll have trouble on the other side.”

Yuan Mobai said, “Nephew Xu is still overseas. Let’s see what else she uncovers. For now, let’s focus on the Tang realm.”

His expression turned pensive. “So it was true—Zhao Zongjie was made into the new Yellow Heaven altar.”

Whether he offered himself willingly or was forced, they might never know.

But intent and coercion were two very different things, even if the result was the same.

Lei Jun confirmed, “Yes. While the Mortal Dao Kingdom’s secret methods were involved, the decisive factor was likely Zhao Zongjie’s unique soul.”

“And Han Wuyou was the same?”

“Yes. Hard to say whether Qi Shuo took him as a disciple with that in mind.”

Two suitable candidates appearing across just two generations in one era—Yellow Heaven Dao had been extraordinarily lucky.

Of course, that kind of luck was best never needed.

“What of Kang Ming and Chen Ziyang? Does Chongyun have eyes on them?” Yuan Mobai asked.

Lei Jun replied, “Yes. But instead of rebuilding the altar, they seem intent on leaving the Tang realm altogether.”

“Do as you see fit,” said Yuan Mobai. “If they can survive out there, it may help spread the Talisman Sect lineage beyond our borders.”

“And if fate allows them one day to return and even rise again at Mount Longhu, that too may be destiny.”

“As you’ve said—Kang Ming, at least, has decent temperament and resolve. I don’t think he’ll stray down a dark path like Shushan in Yellow Springs.”

“I’ll keep an eye out,” Lei Jun promised.

Yuan Mobai nodded gently.

Most wouldn’t know, but he understood his disciple well—and Lei Jun never hid much from him.

To be blunt, if Lei Jun had entered the sect two or three centuries earlier, he might’ve been among those who left to form Yellow Heaven Dao.

…Perhaps even Yuan Mobai himself would have joined them.

But given the involvement of his own teacher, Third Generation Tianshi Li, some things were best left unsaid.

“Kang Ming arranged for those returnees to come back and help, didn’t he?” Yuan Mobai asked.

“Yes,” Lei Jun replied. “We’ll still need to screen them carefully. For now, they’ll stay at the foot of the mountain. We’ll handle formal reintegration later.”

“Make it a proper affair?” asked Yuan Mobai.

“I lean that way,” Lei Jun said.

Yuan Mobai smiled, visibly more pleased.

Lei Jun added, “Oh, one more thing, Master—among those returnees, one young man stands out.”

He handed over a copy of Chu Kun’s list to Yuan Mobai. “Xin Beiyuan.”

With Lei Jun’s sharp cultivation and discernment, a quick glance was enough for him to sense something. After a closer inspection, he was certain.

Yuan Mobai took the list. “What about him?”

“Clarity-level insight, and a Sacred Physique.”

Yuan Mobai’s brows lifted. “A treasure indeed.”

Possessing both Clarity Insight and a Sacred Physique made one an unquestioned genius in Daoist cultivation—a top-tier seed to be nurtured by any sect.

Even among great sacred lands, such figures were rare.

While the Tianshi Mansion had recently produced three monstrous talents—Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and Lei Jun—such luck was impossible to replicate.

So even now, a genius like Xin Beiyuan warranted utmost attention.

But Yuan Mobai knew his disciple well—there was more to this.

Sure enough, Lei Jun continued, “Master, Xin Beiyuan has the Myriad Phenomena Sacred Physique.”

Yuan Mobai nodded slowly. “Ah…”

Among Daoist sacred roots, the Myriad Phenomena Sacred Physique was one of the best for Talisman Sect cultivation.

It enabled one to more easily sense and draw on all natural forces, reducing energy expenditure and increasing success in talisman crafting.

But that was just the beginning.

More importantly, the Myriad Phenomena Physique could evolve—into the Forest of All Things Celestial Physique.

There was precedent for this, right here in Mount Longhu. A past patriarch had undergone that transformation.

The process had been recorded in detail, providing a rare, clearly documented path to ascension.

It was extremely difficult, both in terms of required conditions and sheer fortune.

But the most important barrier was: there hadn’t been another Myriad Phenomena Physique in centuries.

Now they had one.

If Xin Beiyuan could ascend to the Forest of All Things Celestial Physique, he would gain unmatched affinity with the natural world.

Once he reached the Upper Three Heavens, he could cast talismans without expending energy—fully channeling Heaven and Earth.

Even divine abilities would require far less energy.

He would also have priority in commanding natural energy—say, if both sides used thunder arts, he could draw more lightning essence, possibly even disrupting his opponent’s spell.

Thus, the Forest Physique was considered one of the top celestial roots for the Talisman Sect.

Naturally, it was coveted by other traditions too—like Confucian Rhapsody and Shamanic Spirit Dance lineages.

“Kang Ming left him behind deliberately, then,” Yuan Mobai mused.

Lei Jun nodded. “He’s conflicted inside.”

Yuan Mobai tapped Xin Beiyuan’s name. “And the young man himself?”

“His master—Kang Ming’s junior—died during a tribulation. Kang Ming raised him since. Perhaps because of Kang Ming’s teachings, he doesn’t reject our sect.”

The young man was mature beyond his years, his mind steady and composed. He had accepted Kang Ming's arrangements before departure and taken on the responsibility of leading the remaining members of the Huangtian Sect back into the fold. So far, he showed no signs of wavering.

Of course, there was no doubt that he held great respect for Kang Ming. But he was a smart one—smart enough to know that Kang Ming wouldn't come looking for him without a very good reason.

Yuan Mobo gazed up at the ceiling, his tone filled with emotion and genuine sincerity. "I hope that, one day, this kid can become a true pillar of our sect. When that time comes, the regret of the Huangtian Sect's past division will finally be laid to rest."

Lei Jun: "That is my hope as well."

Yuan Mobo turned his eyes back: "You heading to Bashu next?"

Lei Jun: "Yes, that's my plan."

Compared to Lei Jun and the others’ victory overseas against the Mortal Daoist Nation, the battle in Bashu hadn’t gone nearly as smoothly.

Earlier reports had already indicated this was different from the last time when the Underground Spring of Shushan surged up and Zhou Zheng, an Eighth Heaven cultivator, led the charge with the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

This time, the attack from the Nether Shushan Sect came directly under the command of Ninth Heaven powerhouses.

And not just one.

Among them was a Daoist master from the Artifact Refining lineage, who had fully achieved Five Qi Toward Immortality and cultivated a Lesser Free Immortal Body—the current head of the Nether Shushan Sect: Ji Yao.

This time, Ji Yao came to the human world himself.

And he brought with him two extremely powerful artifacts: the Yellow Springs Sword and the White Bone Divine Ark, weapons on par with the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

The Nether Shushan had held back all this time, but now that they acted, they came down like thunder.

Accompanying Ji Yao was another Ninth Heaven Second Realm grandmaster of the Artifact Refining lineage: Daoist Kang An.

Also with them were many top-tier Seventh and Eighth Heaven cultivators, including An Zhiyu and Li Yuanyuan—fully displaying the overwhelming might of a faction entrenched in the Yellow Springs.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say—they came with the intent of wiping out the entire Shushan Sect of the Great Tang.

Thankfully, the imperial court had received prior intelligence, including information that the Shaman King's Lineage master Zong Han was colluding with the Yellow Springs. As a result, they had long been watching the southern wilderness, where a Yellow Springs portal might open at any time.

Because of this, the Tang dynasty was able to mobilize its forces in time, calling in elite cultivators from across the realm to converge on Bashu and intercept the Nether Shushan cultivators before they reached the interior.

Leading the charge were Ninth Heaven cultivators Fang Jingsheng, head of the Jingxiang Fang Clan, and Master Renzhu of the Western Buddhist Domain, along with Xiao Xueting, who came wielding the Mountains and Rivers Sword.

As for the Shushan Sect itself, everyone but Ye Dongming—who stayed behind to guard with the Southern Bright Flame Cauldron—was deployed, wielding the dual swords Ziqing.

And even then, things still went badly in the early stages.

Simply put, Ji Yao was too strong.

He held an overwhelming advantage in speed and maneuverability, and with a Lesser Free Immortal Body, only martial giants at the Ninth Heaven peak could possibly outpace him.

Thanks to this, Ji Yao dictated the rhythm of the battlefield.

And like the Western White Emperor, he had already refined divine aura into his being, which allowed him to interfere with and even disable the artifacts of others.

Only, his method was even subtler and trickier than the White Emperor’s.

Naturally, this made life hell for the Shushan cultivators.

Even Tang Xiaotang, with her Ninth Heaven cultivation and wielding the Three Treasures of the Celestial Master, had to guard against such interference—never mind Eighth Heaven cultivators like Zhang Tai’gang, Zhang Dongyuan, or Xu Duan.

What’s more, Nether Shushan cultivators trained within the Yellow Springs. Their spiritual power carried with it a corrosive deathly intent that quietly sapped vitality—making Ji Yao’s attacks all the more lethal.

In his hands, the White Bone Divine Ark and the Ten Thousand Souls Banner were several times more dangerous than when used by Zhou Zheng or An Zhiyu.

Daoist Kang An, with his own Ninth Heaven Second Realm cultivation, wielded the Yellow Springs Sword and his own formidable artifacts. He, too, was far beyond the reach of ordinary Eighth Heaven cultivators.

So even with Fang Jingsheng and Master Renzhu present, the Tang side was forced to retreat, eventually falling back into the Bashu Basin.

If not for that, Lin Yuwei—who was stationed on the outskirts—wouldn’t have noticed the disturbance in the mountains of western Sichuan.

“To be fair, Fang Jingsheng of Jingxiang and Master Renzhu of the Western Regions really did give it their all,” Yuan Mobo said.

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Everything they’d heard pointed to the same conclusion.

No one expected Fang or Renzhu to throw their lives away, but they had definitely fought hard. No one was slacking off.

Otherwise, with Ji Yao’s divine aura targeting their artifacts, the Ziqing Twin Swords of the Shushan Sect might have already been destroyed—or worse, stolen.

The tide only began to turn when Tang Xiaotang arrived.

To stabilize the battlefield, what they needed first and foremost was someone strong enough to directly counter Ji Yao’s Lesser Free Immortal Body.

With her immense talent, mastery of the Three Celestial Treasures, and blazing, upright spiritual power, Tang Xiaotang was the perfect match.

Her powers of pure yang and righteousness were particularly effective against the deathly aura of Nether Shushan.

The moment she stepped in, it was like a beam of sunlight cutting through storm clouds. The entire Tang side gained hope.

But once they realized Tang Xiaotang had arrived, the Nether Shushan changed tactics fast.

Ji Yao switched focus from the Ziqing Twin Swords and exchanged artifacts with Kang An.

He handed off the White Bone Divine Ark to Kang An and took up the Yellow Springs Sword himself.

A weapon born for slaughter and destruction in the underworld.

Paired with the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, Ji Yao went all out. With his speed advantage, he seized control of the battlefield once more.

His Five Qi Toward Immortality paired with the savage might of the Yellow Springs Sword threatened every Tang cultivator present.

Meanwhile, Kang An and the others abandoned their original plans and split up.

What followed was worse—they began abducting civilians and living beings in the surrounding areas.

“Originally, they focused on seizing top-level artifacts from the Shushan Sect—things like the Ziqing Swords, Northern Sea Spear, and Southern Bright Flame Cauldron,” Yuan Mobo said. “But after that... it all changed.”

Lei Jun nodded.

Even though the Nether Shushan had mobilized heavily this time, Ji Yao hadn’t lost his calm.

Thanks to their information network, including Zong Han and the Jincheng stronghold, they had a solid understanding of the Tang dynasty’s current situation.

So early on, they targeted only the Shushan Sect, keeping the conflict contained. It looked more like an internal sect feud.

Even with other Tang cultivators coming to help, they kept it from escalating—especially to avoid provoking the Empress herself.

But when Tang Xiaotang entered the scene, the situation changed. The Nether Shushan shifted strategies.

It no longer looked like a full-scale war.

More like... a smash-and-grab before the retreat.

The White Bone Divine Ark appeared to contain a small world inside—capable of holding vast numbers of civilians and living creatures.

The Nether Shushan cultivators clearly had experience in this. They put on airs like they were rescuing people from disaster, fooling whole towns and villages—then swept them away wholesale.

Judging by their refining techniques, Lei Jun had no illusions they were trying to “save” anyone.

The fact they didn’t massacre people on the spot made it worse.

It was like shearing sheep…

“I’ll return to Bashu and take another look,” Lei Jun said.

Just as he spoke, a message arrived.

Yuan Mobo received a similar one.

After taking in the update, master and disciple exchanged glances.

“The Lord of the Vajra Division?”

Garuda, Lord of the Vajra Division of Sumeru, had arrived in Bashu via western Sichuan, joining the battle against Nether Shushan.

Lei Jun didn’t look relieved.

He repeated, “I’ll go take a look.”

Yuan Mobo’s expression grew more serious. “Be careful.”

Lei Jun: “Understood, Master.”

Officially, Elder Lei was said to be in seclusion, recovering from his injuries in the battle with Huang Xuanpu.

Quietly, Lei Jun bid farewell to his master, cloaked himself in the Eight Scenes Cloak of the Supreme Purity, and left the mountain in silence.

On the way, updates kept coming.

The Nether Shushan cultivators, after seizing a number of civilians, had begun retreating south.

All signs pointed to them heading back toward the Yellow Springs portal in the southwest.

The Tang cultivators were already in pursuit.

So Lei Jun set his course southwest.

“The portal connecting the Yellow Springs and the human world in Nanzhao—is it located near Chicha Ridge?”

As he was finding his bearings, a glowing orb flickered in his mind, followed by writing:

“The reversal of yin and yang, fortunes in the underworld—when the Yellow Springs surge, life and death split two paths.”

Then came four divination lots:

[Upper-Middle Lot] Go to Nanzhao’s Duanjiang Valley—there’s a chance to gain a Fourth-Grade Opportunity. Some turbulence, but no real danger. Auspicious.

[Upper-Middle Lot] Go to Nanzhao’s Jinqiao Peak—there’s a chance to gain a Third-Grade Opportunity. Some risk—be cautious. Still auspicious.

[Middle Lot] Go somewhere other than Duanjiang Valley, Jinqiao Peak, or Chicha Ridge—no gain or loss. Neutral.

[Lower-Middle Lot] Go to Chicha Ridge—no gain, high risk. Avoid. Inauspicious.