Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 340: Xuan Xiaozi, the Popular One

In the restricted area of the Ancestral Tomb behind the Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu.

Two purple-robed Daoists sat facing each other.

One looked like a young man, always wearing a warm smile that made people feel like a spring breeze.

The other looked middle-aged, his demeanor calm and composed.

"The Sect Leader is really stepping down of her own accord?" the middle-aged Daoist asked softly.

The young purple-robed Daoist across from him nodded. "The Sect Leader’s mind is made up."

"The position will go to Junior Nephew Chongyun?"

The young Daoist was none other than Yuan Mobai.

His smile faded slightly, replaced by a more solemn expression. "Chongyun is worthy of the responsibility."

The middle-aged Daoist smiled in response. "I feel the same."

He seemed a bit lost in thought. "It was Junior Nephew Chongyun who finished off Huang Xuanpu?"

Yuan Mobai replied, "Junior Nephew Yuanzhen gravely wounded him first. Huang Xuanpu's Nascent Soul tried to escape, but Chongyun was the one who killed it."

The middle-aged Daoist let out a long breath. "Then this matter is finally laid to rest."

Yuan Mobai asked, "Senior Brother Yao, do you have any thoughts of coming out of seclusion?"

Yao Yuan, a fellow High Priest Elder of the Tianshi Mansion, shook his head lightly. "No need. This is now a world for the young. If the sect gives me a task, I’ll accept it. But under normal circumstances, there’s no need. I’ve spent these years in the rear mountain reflecting on the past. This suits me just fine."

He smiled. "I have to thank Junior Nephew Yuanzhen, Junior Nephew Chongyun, and you, Junior Brother Yuan. Now that Huang Xuanpu has been executed and the sect is flourishing again, I can finally let go of the burden in my heart and focus on other things."

Yuan Mobai congratulated him. "Are you planning to challenge the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Seventh and Eighth Heaven to build your Divine Court?"

Yao Yuan replied, "As cultivators, we always want to go a step further if possible. Even though I can already see the end of my path in this life… If I fail, so be it. But if I succeed, I’ll remain in the rear mountain, adding a bit more depth to the foundation of our sect."

He had already passed the age of two hundred, the prime growth period for Upper Heaven cultivators, and had entered a plateau phase. He was not yet four hundred, so there was still a chance to break through—but not a great one. His remaining potential was already mostly visible.

Now that he had overcome his internal barrier, he had a real shot at breaking into the Eighth Heaven, especially with the current surge in spiritual energy across the land, a climate that supported cultivation.

Unless something huge disrupted it, this would be his final breakthrough attempt in terms of major realm advancements. Even if he made some progress afterward, reaching the Ninth Heaven would likely be out of reach.

Still, compared to the many cultivators stuck at the Seventh Heaven, and his earlier state of inner stagnation, Yao Yuan didn’t ask for more.

Previously, as long as Huang Xuanpu remained alive, trying to break through the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation would have meant certain death for Yao Yuan.

If Huang Xuanpu had survived past Yao Yuan’s four hundredth year, the latter’s chances at the Eighth Heaven would’ve been slim to none.

"I wish you every success, Senior Brother," Yuan Mobai said sincerely.

"I’ll take your good wishes." Yao Yuan smiled. "There's no rush. After the New Year Grand Ceremony and the official handover of the Sect Leader’s position, I’ll go into seclusion. That’s a major event for our sect—I’m a disciple of Mount Longhu and wouldn’t want to miss it."

Yuan Mobai said, "Then I ask Senior Brother to be present on the front mountain when the time comes."

Yao Yuan didn’t bother to decline politely. "You’re thoughtful."

---

After the consolidation and purge of Huangtian Sect disciples and wrapping up their final surrender, the Tianshi Mansion elders like Shangguan Ning, Chu Kun, Fang Jian, and Ke Sicheng began returning to the mountain.

When Shangguan Ning returned to the Mansion, a piece of good news awaited her.

"Welcome back, Master!"

Several of Shangguan Ning’s disciples came to greet her together.

Leading them was a Daoist dressed in a deep red robe, appearing to be in his thirties or forties.

Though still in a red robe, the moment Shangguan Ning saw him, she smiled brightly. "Chongshan, you’re out of seclusion? Excellent! Our sect has gained another High Priest Elder in the Upper Three Heavens!"

That red-robed Daoist was none other than Lin Shan, Shangguan Ning’s personal disciple.

He had been in seclusion until recently, and had successfully broken through the barrier between the Sixth and Seventh Heaven, reaching the Seventh Heaven Realm of the Talismanic Branch, officially becoming a new Upper Three Heavens cultivator of the Tianshi Mansion.

Since he had just exited seclusion, he hadn’t gone for the rank conferral ceremony or changed into the purple robe yet. Upon hearing his master had returned, Lin Shan came to greet her.

"All thanks to the sect’s nurturing and your guidance, Master," he said respectfully with a bow.

Shangguan Ning smiled and took her seat, looking at her disciples—Lin Shan, Shangguan Hong, and others. "Junior Brother Yuan always says, ‘A master leads the way, but cultivation depends on the individual.’ Chongshan, your achievement is mostly thanks to your own hard work. I hope you’ll continue to cultivate diligently and set an example for your peers."

Then she chuckled, "I wonder who will be the next to follow in your footsteps and become our sect’s tenth active High Priest Elder in the Upper Three Heavens?"

She recalled the time just after the Battle of Liwai and couldn’t help but feel emotional.

Back then, the Tianshi Mansion had reached a historic low. Only five Upper Three Heavens cultivators remained: Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, Yao Yuan, herself, and the missing Xu Yuanzhen who had vanished after the Battle of Poyang Marsh.

Over the years, Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, Chu Kun, and now Lin Shan had each broken through to the Upper Three Heavens.

Though the total was still under ten, the sect had emerged from its nadir and regained the aura of a top-tier Daoist Holy Land.

Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang had even ascended to the Ninth Heaven Great Ascension Realm.

Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun had also reached the Eighth Heaven.

Listening to her, Lin Shan smiled. "I believe that under the current Sect Leader and the soon-to-be successor, Senior Brother Lei, our sect will only flourish. More and more of our peers will continue to rise."

Shangguan Ning nodded gently. "Indeed."

Although Tang Xiaotang’s tenure as Sect Leader often left people uneasy...

To be continued in the next message due to length—continuing from Shangguan Ning’s reflection on Tang Xiaotang's leadership.

Elder Liu Xiao, though not from the same lineage as Yuan Mobai, had always been close to him. Watching Lei Jun and Chu Kun rise to prominence, he was sincerely happy for Yuan Mobai—but also deeply moved.

Looking at his fellow elders, Zuo Li and Du Yu, Liu Xiao said earnestly, "I’m planning to enter seclusion for some years."

Elder Zuo Li immediately picked up on the implication. "You’re going to attempt the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Sixth and Seventh Heaven?"

Liu Xiao nodded. "This isn’t some impulsive decision. Although the current surge of spiritual energy favors the younger generation, it’s still an opportunity for us as well.

"In recent years, I’ve started to feel more confident. I can’t guarantee success, but if I lack the drive and ambition to try, then I’m definitely not going to succeed."

Compared to the 400-year lifespan of a Middle Heaven cultivator, Liu Xiao had already passed a hundred but was still under two hundred years old. He hoped to make his move before entering the decline phase of aging.

Zuo Li, the eldest among the three, was already over two hundred. But now, looking at Liu Xiao, he sincerely said, "I wish you success, Junior Brother."

Liu Xiao smiled, "I’ll take your blessing."

Du Yu added with a wry smile, "I still have a bit of time, but my edge has dulled. I doubt I’ll make it through the barrier myself."

He chuckled. "But with the time we do have left, we’ll be able to witness the sect’s further rise. With Tang and Lei as successive Sect Leaders, our sect’s future will surely go far beyond where it stands today."

Zuo Li and Liu Xiao both agreed, "Well said!"

---

At Elder Fang Jian’s residence within the Tianshi Mansion.

Fang Jian, who maintained a youthful appearance through cultivation, stood facing a young Daoist in deep red robes.

He smiled and said, "Good. Your cultivation has improved again."

The young Daoist’s name was Xu Rui.

His Initiation Master had been the late Elder Li Zhengxuan. Since Li Zhengxuan’s passing, other elders had taken over the duty of teaching him. Over the years, Xu Rui had spent most of his time studying under Martial Uncle Fang Jian.

"All thanks to your guidance, Martial Uncle, and the care of our elders." Though they called each other Martial Uncle and Nephew, to Xu Rui, Fang Jian was as much a mentor as his late master.

Fang Jian shook his head with a warm smile. "Nephew Huari, your talent has always been greater than mine. Now your cultivation is nearly on par with mine. If you run into bottlenecks, you should consult other experts in the sect more often."

Xu Rui replied, "There’s still much I wish to learn from you, Uncle."

Fang Jian looked at him with a knowing expression. "Something on your mind?"

Xu Rui hesitated. "Not quite... but my mood has been a bit unsettled lately. I feel I’ve let you down."

"You’ve always been mature beyond your years. Some emotional turbulence now and then is nothing to worry about," Fang Jian said. "Is it because of the recent Huangtian Sect integration?"

Xu Rui admitted, "Yes."

The Huangtian Sect’s integration into the Mansion brought back old memories of the Battle of Liwai.

As the inheritor of Li Zhengxuan’s legacy, Xu Rui was naturally mentioned again in and out of the sect. Though he’d long since made peace with it, the events still stirred emotions within him.

Fang Jian smiled. "The Sect Leader is firm and outspoken. Elder Lei is deep as the ocean and far above worldly concerns—but both have always looked out for fellow disciples."

Xu Rui nodded firmly. "That’s true."

He hadn’t interacted much with Tang Xiaotang. But it was Tang herself who insisted he be allowed to attend her first Initiation Ceremony as Sect Leader—he might’ve been delayed a whole generation otherwise.

Later, whenever Xu Rui encountered difficulty in his cultivation, Yuan Mobai, Lei Jun, Shangguan Ning, and Zhang Jingzhen all offered guidance generously.

He always carried this kindness in his heart.

"Huangtian Sect’s surrender has brought in a number of new disciples," Fang Jian said. "There’s no need to rush. With two generations of Sect Leaders overseeing things, we’re all disciples of the same sect—there’s no difference. I believe that day will come soon."

Xu Rui said sincerely, "That’s what I hope for as well."

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of this matter, emotions were just as complicated.

After a round of screening and selection, former Huangtian disciples were gradually brought to Mount Longhu. They were temporarily settled at the foot of the mountain.

Being brought here was itself a kind of endorsement. The sect’s personnel treated them with a calm and welcoming attitude.

Even so, the former Huangtian disciples remained uneasy.

Lei Jun had personally taken part in both overseas and Sichuan operations that broke the Huangtian strongholds.

Knowing he was about to become the new Tianshi left the former disciples deeply conflicted.

They couldn’t shake the feeling of being captives offered in triumph, mere tokens in someone else’s celebration.

"That’s the Daoist Children's Academy," said a young Daoist in a yellow Daoist robe, pointing toward the distant buildings.

Everyone turned to look.

"Senior Brother Xin, we know. Some of our own have already gone there," one of them said.

The young Daoist in the lead was named Xin Beiyuan.

He said calmly, "The Children’s Academy has eight divisions. In the past, the First Academy was different from the others."

Someone nodded. "I heard it used to be exclusively for disciples of the Li Family."

"That’s all gone now," Xin Beiyuan said. "The First Academy is no longer special. The children from the Huangtian Sect are being spread out across all the divisions—no special treatment, no exclusion either."

The former disciples fell silent, each reflecting.

"Time changes many things," Xin said. "Since we’re already here, there’s no need to overthink it."

He looked toward the Mansion halfway up the mountain. "Elder Lei lives up to his responsibilities. Though he destroyed the Huangtian strongholds, he’s not a ruthless or vengeful man. Let’s follow the arrangements and focus on cultivating for now."

Everyone responded, "Yes, Senior Brother Xin."

---

For those connected to the past conflict of the Battle of Liwai, whether directly or indirectly, the transition between Sect Leaders stirred up more feelings than usual.

Fortunately, Elder Lei, soon to be the new Tianshi, was known for being calm, fair, and impartial. His attitude reassured everyone.

At that moment, the man they were all thinking about—Lei Jun—was just pulling his consciousness back from the dark side of the Heavenly Book universe, returning to the real world.

Yuan Mobai asked, "Kang Ming?"

Lei Jun nodded. "Yes, he’s currently in the Northern Frontier."

As the master of the Heavenly Book’s dark side, Lei couldn’t pinpoint the exact whereabouts of Luo Hou, the Dark Star.

However, as the designated next Tianshi, he could track Elder Kang Ming using the Heavenly Sight and Hearing Talisman and the Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman.

"Because of the earlier stir in Inner Shushan, and the involvement of the Witch Sect’s 'Ghost King' Zong Han, the Southern Wasteland and Bashu regions are now under heavy scrutiny by both the Tang court and the Witch Sect. The sect has already scoured the Sichuan Snow Mountains, and the Western Regions are under the watch of the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru."

Lei Jun continued, "Kang Ming and Chen Ziyang took Han Wuyou and fled to the Northern Frontier. They’re hiding out there—no new stronghold has been established."

Kang Ming had intended to escape the Tang realm entirely with Han Wuyou, but turning that vision into reality proved far more difficult than expected.

"They’ve chosen their path. Whether they succeed or fail depends on them now."

Lei Jun added, "On my end, I’ll offer Kang Ming some help via the Heavenly Book’s dark side—if he’s willing to trade useful information for it."

Yuan Mobai replied, "Handle it as you see fit."

Lei Jun asked, "Did someone from the Imperial Court visit the Mansion?"

Yuan Mobai nodded. "Yes. Nephew Zhang is receiving them now. I was just about to head over—you should come with me."

Lei Jun agreed, and followed Yuan Mobai out.

The visitors were familiar faces: a noblewoman in ornate court attire and a middle-aged man in brocade robes—Chu Yu and Prince Zhang Mu of Xunan.

Currently, Elder Zhang Jingzhen was in charge of receiving them.

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai arrived, and the group exchanged formal greetings.

Afterward, Zhang Jingzhen quietly took her leave.

In recent years, she had become more reserved, focused on her cultivation and withdrawn from external matters—but not tense like she used to be.

Lei Jun knew she had firmly declined to keep her half of the Heavenly Palace Tablet. Though the sect offered other compensations, she turned them down—until finally, to encourage younger disciples, she accepted one reward.

But she didn’t choose something that would boost her own cultivation—instead, she picked a piece of Cloudbound Jadeite.

It had been taken from the fallen Snow Xingzi of the Ming Realm’s Daoist Alchemical Sect—a rare artifact used in refining magical tools.

Zhang Jingzhen intended to use it to forge a new treasure—not for herself, but as a contribution to the sect.

Her more balanced and relaxed presence made her progress in cultivation even steadier.

---

"The clean-up of Dao Kingdom remnants in the seas and Sichuan, and the suppression of Inner Shushan rebels in Bashu and Nanzhao—Mount Longhu’s contributions are immense."

Prince Zhang Mu of Xunan spoke slowly and respectfully. "By His Majesty’s decree, the Tianshi Mansion has served the realm well and shall be rewarded accordingly."

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai both responded humbly, "We dare not accept such praise."

Chu Yu and Zhang Mu then offered formal congratulations to Lei Jun, soon to be named the new Tianshi.

Other regions, especially under the oversight of the Vajra Division, had already received honors and recognition from the court.

Mount Longhu’s contribution was the greatest, and its rewards were to be the most significant.

With the New Year and the Sect Leader handover ceremony approaching, the Tang Imperial Family planned to combine the bestowal of titles and honors with the celebration.

Chu Yu and Zhang Mu’s visit served two purposes: to offer early congratulations, and to give advance notice of a special honor.

Due to Huang Xuanpu’s betrayal, the previously planned "Protector of the Dao" titles from the Emperor had become a source of mockery.

Back during the Mount Longhu War, many elders had earned those titles—but the matter was shelved due to the scandal.

Now that Huang Xuanpu was dead, the titles were no longer tainted.

And since it was Lei Jun and his group who had eliminated this disgrace to both the Dao and the court, the Imperial Court had decided: they would now officially bestow upon Lei Jun and others the long-overdue title of "Daoist True Person."