Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 342: Significant Influence

Looking at the tall young Tianshi, as imposing as a mountain and as calm as the abyss, Fang Du, Elder of the Fang Family from Jingxiang, found himself momentarily speechless.

He quickly composed himself and lowered his voice. “It’s what everyone expected. But it's not just his own reputation—he also carries the prestige of Xu Yuanzhen and Yuan Mobai. Only then do we have the current momentum…”

Xu Yuanzhen—though not even present at the ceremony—was currently the highest-ranked cultivator in Tianshi Mansion, and in fact, the highest-ranked cultivator in the entire Talismanic Branch of the Daoist tradition across the Tang realm.

Among Xu, Tang, and Lei, she was the eldest and also the first to rise to fame.

Yet, due to various reasons, she had always narrowly missed the Tianshi position over the years.

Still, whether within the Tang Dynasty or Tianshi Mansion itself, her presence was so significant that no one dared to overlook it.

Xu Yuanzhen never had any direct disciples.

In fact, following the long-standing Daoist tradition of disciple initiation, both the previous Tianshi Tang Xiaotang and the newly appointed Lei Jun should technically have been her disciples.

But Xu Yuanzhen had passed by Tianshi Hall without ever entering.

Her influence and reputation had, to varying degrees, been carried forward by Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun.

As for Lei Jun’s official Initiation Master, Yuan Mobai—though rarely in the public eye—held an equally high reputation both inside and outside the Mansion.

Especially back during the Battle of Liwai, there was widespread agreement that Yuan Mobai was a universally acceptable candidate for Tianshi.

When the position had long remained unfilled, it was even Yuan Mobai who temporarily led the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar.

Due to his unique background, he too missed the chance to officially become Tianshi.

But because of how Tang Tianshi managed affairs during her tenure, most of the Mansion's daily operations still fell to Yuan Mobai.

Only in recent years had these responsibilities gradually shifted to Lei Jun.

As a result, Yuan Mobai’s longstanding prestige now also lent weight to Lei Jun.

So beyond his own reputation, Lei Jun had a number of additional auras surrounding him.

And because of certain aspects of the previous Tianshi’s leadership, the clearly more composed and capable Lei Tianshi inspired even more confidence from the people.

Although many decisions made during Tang Tianshi’s term were not solely hers, the fact that a more reliable leader had now officially taken over—while she stepped back into the role of Elder Master—still offered hope for better decision-making ahead.

After enduring many hardships, Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu was now clearly on the path to revival, and expectations were rising accordingly. Collectively, they had helped shape the most anticipated Tianshi in hundreds, even thousands of years.

Chu Peng, Elder of the Chu Family from Suzhou, agreed with Fang Du’s view but added:

“With expectations this high, I believe this Lei Tianshi can handle it.”

Fang Du fell silent, then gave a slight nod.

Chu Peng also chose not to elaborate further.

The two elders from renowned noble families stood quietly, looking at the grand spectacle before them.

“In the end, he’s still better than Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang. At least he won’t act recklessly,” Fang Du murmured. “Let’s hope… we’ll be given a little more time.”

With that, he raised his voice and spoke clearly: “Nine Heavens Profound Origin, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Embraces the Void, Mystic Firmament Brings Transformation, Tongtian Responds to the Source—Protector of the Dao.”

The disciples of the Fang Family of Jingxiang, standing nearby, immediately straightened up upon hearing this and bowed in unison with Fang Du.

Chu Peng followed: “Nine Heavens Profound Origin, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Embraces the Void, Mystic Firmament Brings Transformation, Tongtian Responds to the Source—Protector of the Dao.”

The Chu Family disciples followed suit.

From afar, Chu Yu’s expression remained calm and his gaze steady.

Among the purple-robed Elder Masters of Tianshi Mansion, Chu Kun glanced back before returning his gaze to the front.

Among the spectating guests, a man with a youthful appearance—looking even younger than Hui Tiantang’s host Yu Cheng beside him—watched the scene with a smile.

He too stood and declared in a loud voice: “Nine Heavens Profound Origin, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Embraces the Void, Mystic Firmament Brings Transformation, Tongtian Responds to the Source—Protector of the Dao.”

The sound of his voice drew the attention of those around him.

Sun Mingjing.

The most renowned healer and Medicine King in the current martial-healing lineage of the Tang world.

His actions and public stance stirred even more onlookers.

Sun Mingjing himself remained composed.

By his side, his disciple Yu Cheng also rose calmly and bowed along with his master.

Standing in front of Tianshi Hall, the newly appointed Tianshi, Lei Jun, returned their greetings with a solemn bow.

Compared to the former Tianshi Tang Xiaotang, who acted on impulse and never shied away from attention, the new Tianshi, Lei Jun, leaned more toward calm detachment.

Except for matters concerning Tianshi Mansion and the Daoist Nation in the mortal realm, Lei Jun had rarely involved himself in external affairs over the years. Most of the time, he remained on the mountain, either focused on cultivation or managing daily sect business.

Though he appeared aloof to the point of seeming cold, for the Prince of Zhao, this was far preferable to a Tianshi who was overly enthusiastic about court politics.

Lei Tianshi and Tianshi Mansion maintaining neutrality and staying out of imperial power struggles was the ideal scenario.

“Daoist Zhuo already carries the bearing of a future great master. As expected, a famous teacher produces outstanding disciples,” Jiang Yuan praised.

Lei Jun replied, “A master may lead the way, but cultivation depends on the individual. It's thanks to Huajie’s own diligence and dedication.”

Jiang Yuan smiled, “Tianshi, you're far too modest. Whether now or in the future, this will certainly be remembered as a fine story.

Speaking of which, though the northern region of Youzhou is harsh and cold, lately there have been some exceptionally promising young talents showing great potential for Daoist cultivation. Since Youzhou lacks established Daoist sects, there’s concern they may be overlooked. His Highness the Prince of Zhao has expressed interest in helping them travel south to Mount Longhu in search of the Dao.

Of course, this must first be approved by you, Tianshi.”

Lei Jun understood the subtext—Jiang Yuan wanted to know whether the newly appointed Tianshi had any intention of taking on new direct disciples.

Over the years, Prince Zhao wasn’t the only one concerned about this. Prince Xunan Zhang Mu, Shangguan Sheng of the Shangguan family, and others had also taken an interest.

Especially now that Lei Jun had officially inherited the main ancestral seat of Mount Longhu.

In the past, some people speculated about Lei Daozhang’s potential marriage prospects, but as Lei Jun grew older and his cultivation advanced, no one dared to pry into such matters anymore.

Now, their attention had turned to the possibility of becoming his direct disciple.

Being a personal disciple of the Tianshi now carried immense status and privileges.

Just like back in the day when former Tianshi Li Qingfeng accepted disciples, it always caught public attention—and some of his choices were quite thought-provoking.

Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang had never taken on disciples.

Lei Jun, at least, had Zhuo Baojie under his name.

Since that precedent had been set, everyone now had expectations.

“Our sect has always placed fate above all when guiding people toward the Dao,” Lei Jun said calmly to Jiang Yuan. “If talented individuals come to Mount Longhu of their own accord seeking the Dao, that too is a form of fate. I appreciate His Highness’s good intentions.”

Jiang Yuan quietly exhaled in relief.

This was not like in Li Qingfeng’s era.

Now, if one wished to become Lei Jun’s direct disciple, family background held little sway. What mattered was whether the person could catch Lei Tianshi’s eye.

Still, Lei Jun didn’t reject the idea of those from northern Youzhou coming to seek the Dao.

At the very least, he didn’t display any hostility toward the Prince of Zhao.

That alone was enough to put Jiang Yuan’s mind at ease.

After all, the Prince of Zhao had long-standing ties with the Lin Clan of Youzhou and the Ye Clan of Cangzhou—both of whom had clashed with Tianshi Mansion in the past.

Thankfully, Lei Tianshi was distant yet composed, not sharp and confrontational like Xu Yuanzhen or Tang Xiaotang...

After chatting a bit more with Lei Jun, Jiang Yuan didn’t linger and politely excused himself.

As he exited, he saw two scholars conversing in the distance.

One was Shangguan Zhengqing, who had left shortly before him.

The other was Meng Shaojie, another former companion of the Crown Prince.

But as far as Jiang Yuan knew, Meng Shaojie had left the Eastern Palace a long time ago.

“It’s said a gentleman should be viewed with fresh eyes after three days—Shaojie, your rise has been remarkable. Truly worth celebrating,” Shangguan Zhengqing said with sincere surprise.

To his astonishment, Meng Shaojie had reached the Sixth Heaven realm—just like him.

Back then, Meng Shaojie had been the weakest among the Crown Prince's study companions, slow to progress, constantly buried in study, and far behind even the shadows of people like Shangguan Zhengqing.

Yet now, he had soared and caught up.

“I owe much to the guidance of Elder Xiao and Chancellor Fang,” Meng Shaojie said calmly. “And I must also thank Lei Tianshi for his insights.”

He smiled faintly. “I came to pay my respects and congratulate Lei Tianshi, but also—I had some questions I hoped to consult him about.”

Shangguan Zhengqing, of course, knew about how Meng Shaojie had once lost consciousness on Mount Longhu and was rescued by Lei Jun—he had been present himself.

He had also heard that Meng Shaojie visited Lei Jun during the latter’s journey to Luoyang.

Still, their apparent closeness was beyond what Shangguan had expected.

As he made idle conversation with Meng Shaojie, his mind raced with thoughts.

They say when one ascends, even the dogs and chickens rise with them. Until now, he’d focused solely on people within Tianshi Mansion and Lei Jun’s immediate circle—neglecting potential key allies outside the sect.

Fortunately, Meng Shaojie, though close to Xiao Chunhui, was also on good terms with Crown Prince Zhang Hui. That at least meant the other side wouldn’t gain an additional channel to sway Lei Tianshi.

After a while, Meng Shaojie took his leave. Shangguan Zhengqing watched him go, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

The situation shifts constantly. In this current climate, the new Tianshi Lei Zhenren and Tianshi Mansion are becoming more pivotal than ever. Everything connected to them—no matter how small—must not be overlooked… he thought.

Upon returning to his residence, he found his clan uncle Shangguan Sheng already waiting.

“Uncle,” Shangguan Zhengqing greeted respectfully.

Shangguan Sheng looked at his nephew calmly. “So you’ve made your choice. You’re putting your hopes on the Crown Prince?”

Shangguan Zhengqing sighed. “Uncle, we really don’t have many options.”

“Her Majesty…” he frowned. “She acts even more erratically than former Tianshi Tang Zhenren. She cares far too much about the common rabble. It’s one thing that Tianshi Mansion is a Daoist Holy Land, but the Divine Strategy Army is becoming more and more of a mess.”

His brows furrowed tightly. “Shen Qubing has reached the Eighth Heaven. And another martial cultivator, Jin Dao Wu, recently received a rapid promotion by imperial decree and is already at the Seventh Heaven.

Meanwhile, old noble families like ours and the Lu family suffered heavily in past wars. If this continues, the consequences will be dire.

If Her Majesty regains clarity, none of this will be an issue—but as things stand, we must prepare for another path.”

Shangguan Sheng said, “The Grand Marshal won’t be happy to hear of your plan.”

Shangguan Zhengqing replied, “Her Majesty and the Crown Prince are both Zhangs.”

Shangguan Sheng walked away. “Do as you will—but remember this: some thoughts may be permissible in private, but never voice them aloud. And do not act on them. If you do, we’ll have no choice but to denounce you as traitors.”

Shangguan Zhengqing nodded. “Prepare for separation. Better to be ready than caught off guard.”

While the Shangguan uncle and nephew faced off, Lei Jun briefly met with Meng Shaojie and offered him some guidance.

Later, Meng Shaojie had another sparring session with Lei Jun’s disciple, Zhuo Baojie.

Lei Jun himself headed to the Grand Alchemy Hall within the Mansion.

There, he had invited four groups of guests.

First, the Medicine King Sun Mingjing and his disciple, the Hui Tiantang host, Yu Cheng.

Second, Xiao Chunhui and Prince Xunan Zhang Mu of the Tang Imperial Family.

Third, Zhang Taigang and Ji Chuan from the Shushan Sect.

And finally, from Tianshi Mansion’s own sect branch, Xuanji Temple’s Head Priest, Nie Fang.