Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 343: New Heavenly Master, New Outlook

The Sect Leader of the Shushan Sect, Zhang Taigang, swept his gaze over the crowd.

There were no cultivators from Pure Yang Palace present, but he did spot Sun Mingjing and his disciple Yu Cheng.

Considering the characteristics of both the Shushan Sect’s own Artifact Refining Branch and the Talismanic Branch of the Tianshi Mansion, Zhang Taigang roughly deduced that Lei Jun had invited them here to discuss a matter likely related to alchemy and medicine.

While the Talismanic Branch of Daoism primarily focused on talisman creation, it also dabbled in artifact refining and pill-making.

The Daoist Artifact Refining Branch, also known as the External Alchemy Sect, not only crafted magical artifacts and treasures but also placed great importance on pill refinement.

By contrast, the Daoist Alchemical Sect focused on using the body as a furnace to forge potent elixirs, and rarely concerned itself with making pills for external use.

Sun Mingjing, on the other hand, could be regarded as the top medical expert among the martial-medical practitioners of the Great Tang.

Aside from the still-recovering Zen Martial Lineage of the Buddhist sects, virtually all major representatives skilled in alchemy and medicine across the current era were gathered here today.

The presence of Xiao Chunhui and Zhang Mu from the imperial court indicated the far-reaching implications of this matter.

But it was the sight of Nie Fang from the Xuanji Temple that made Zhang Taigang pause in thought.

Xuanji Temple had been established for quite some time now.

Their background was no longer a secret.

Zhang Taigang had some understanding of this lineage, which came from the so-called “Daoist Puppeteer Arts” of the Ming Mortal Realm, and found it rather intriguing.

Still, the fact that Lei Jun brought them here for this occasion surely carried a specific purpose—this wasn’t just a show of presence.

“Senior Sister Tang of our sect returned earlier from Bashu and Nanzhao,” Lei Jun began unhurriedly from the head seat. “She mentioned that due to the rampage of Yellow Springs evil cultivators, the southwestern regions of the Great Tang have suffered greatly.”

“Although the common folk who had been captured by the enemy’s Bone Ark have since been rescued, many of them suffered serious damage to their health.”

Both Xiao Chunhui and Zhang Taigang nodded in acknowledgment.

The cultivators of Inner Shushan, steeped in Yellow Springs energy, practiced arts tied to extreme yin and deathly qi, both in their sect’s evolution and personal cultivation.

Those with weaker cultivation found this extremely dangerous—let alone ordinary civilians.

After a large-scale war, it was inevitable that the local environment would be severely contaminated.

Post-war, the imperial court and cultivators of the Great Tang’s Shushan Sect had organized numerous efforts to cleanse the yin and deathly qi lingering in Bashu and Nanzhao, and most of the lingering negative effects had been removed.

However, some of this qi had merged with the local earth veins, like an infection clinging to the bone—deep-rooted and hard to purge. Completely eliminating it would require a long-term, gradual effort.

During this period, local civilians would still be affected.

Earlier, many commoners had also been tricked or abducted by Inner Shushan cultivators and taken into the Whitebone Divine Ark.

The ark contained a Minor Grotto Heaven. In the beginning, Inner Shushan’s actions were covert.

But when Daoist Kang An was driven to desperation, he had planned to sacrifice all the civilians inside.

Thankfully, Tang Xiaotang stopped him in time using the Tianshi Seal.

However, the people within that grotto were mostly ordinary folk—even a trace of yin or deathly qi could harm them severely.

“Senior Sister Tang brought this up multiple times, unable to let it go. Upon hearing it myself, I felt the same worry,” said Lei Jun. “Thus, I’ve invited you all here today to discuss a plan that may benefit the common folk.”

The matter itself was relatively straightforward: combine the resources of various sects and lineages, gather spiritual herbs and plants, then refine new pills and medicines on a large scale to aid in disaster relief.

Sun Mingjing had no objections.

Before attending the ceremony at Mount Longhu, he had been traveling through the Bashu region, practicing medicine among the people.

He had long been a wandering healer. Given the turmoil inside and outside the Great Tang in recent years, the disaster zones were by no means limited to Bashu.

Years ago, he had already initiated dialogue with the Tianshi Mansion, Shushan Sect, and Bodhi Monastery on this topic.

Though there had been some progress, the effort lacked continuity.

Lei Jun’s current proposal clearly aimed to deepen cooperation.

The Shushan Sect had no objections either.

One major challenge in such efforts was maintaining long-term commitment.

Especially since Lei Jun’s proposal emphasized centralization while clarifying divisions of responsibility.

When specific tasks fell repeatedly on certain people or roles, the routine could grow tedious.

Ordinary civilians couldn’t physically or mentally sustain such effort.

For cultivators, this interfered with their usual training.

But...

Zhang Taigang looked at Nie Fang.

For disciples of the Xuanji Temple, refining and controlling puppet mechanisms was already part of their daily cultivation.

They didn’t need to engage in magical duels to hone their skills.

Naturally, in return, these disciples would receive more opportunities to practice and refine their craft, along with rare materials—and their numbers would surely increase as a result.

Though the temple currently lacked top-tier experts, this sudden surge in disciples would provide a solid foundation for future talents to emerge.

The Xuanji Temple and its Daoist Puppeteer legacy were poised for major growth.

Its leader, Nie Fang, would also benefit tremendously.

The Shushan Sect would benefit too.

Aside from Bashu being their home turf, even just the resource pooling and creative sparks from working together could produce unforeseen breakthroughs.

Moreover, by cooperating with the imperial court, the Tianshi Mansion, and the martial-medical lineage, the Shushan Sect could expand its influence across the Daoist landscape of the Great Tang.

This would no doubt help them emerge from their current downturn.

“Junior Brother Ji, contact Martial Uncle Ji and ask him to come to Mount Longhu to join this great undertaking,” Zhang Taigang instructed Ji Chuan.

“Yes, Sect Leader Senior Brother,” Ji Chuan replied.

His father, Elder Ji Dongquan, was Shushan’s top pill master.

Zhang Taigang’s request signaled full support for the initiative.

As for the Tianshi Mansion, Lei Jun had initiated the plan, but as the newly appointed Tianshi, he had countless duties and wouldn’t oversee the follow-up.

That responsibility would fall to his master, Yuan Mobai. However, since the grand ceremony had just concluded and guests had yet to depart, Yuan Mobai was still busy hosting.

As the top pill master of Mount Longhu, Yuan Mobai would of course not decline.

“This is a benevolent act for the greater good. We shall offer our full support,” Xiao Chunhui said with a smile. “I’ll submit a memorial to the Emperor at once.”

Prince Xunan, Zhang Mu, echoed the sentiment, though he seemed deep in thought.

Later that evening, upon hearing of the matter from Xiao Chunhui and Zhang Mu, Shangguan Sheng pondered and softly said:

“If this is just a temporary measure, that’s one thing. But if it’s sustained long-term... the influence on the general populace could be significant.”

Zhang Mu replied, “The new Tianshi isn’t the impulsive sort. The Daoist sects and Huichun Hall are only responsible for refining the pills and medicines. Distribution for disaster relief will remain under the court’s control.”

Shangguan Sheng nodded, “Hmm... that does reduce concerns over the Daoist sects growing too powerful.”

Zhang Mu said, “Mount Longhu, Shushan, and even Huichun Hall are all already sizable. This time, they’re offering effort, not seeking profit. If anyone stands to gain big from this, it’s the Xuanji Temple lineage.”

By “gain,” he didn’t mean personal profit—but rather a golden opportunity for meteoric growth.

“Xuanji Temple… really isn’t an issue, at least for now,” Shangguan Sheng smiled thoughtfully. “If they do become a major force, I bet their edge will first turn toward that sham Tianli regime.”

Nie Fang’s origins had more or less reached the upper echelons of the imperial court.

“Tianshi Lei may not have reached the Ninth Heaven Great Ascension realm yet, but he’s already showing signs of becoming a true leader of the Daoist world,” Zhang Mu said slowly.

Xiao Chunhui chuckled, “It’s fair to treat him as a Ninth Heaven Great Ascension cultivator already.”

Zhang Mu and Shangguan Sheng both nodded. “Agreed.”

Xiao Chunhui gazed out the window at the snow-covered spiritual trees on the mountain.

If today’s proposal succeeded, the imperial disaster relief network would expand—and not just in Bashu and Nanzhao.

It could affect regions across the realm.

And that, in turn, would shake the foundations of local noble families and aristocrats.

It was said that medicine and martial arts were inseparable.

Due to various factors in its development, the Confucian tradition also maintained close ties with the martial-medical lineage.

Many elite physicians had intricate ties with prominent Confucian clans.

While Sun Mingjing and his star disciple Yu Cheng both came from humble beginnings, some of their other disciples hailed from noble families.

These medical experts had become entangled with local power structures, becoming part of the aristocratic web that ruled as a state within a state.

And now, even that structure faced possible disruption.

…………………

Once Yuan Mobai was free, he convened with Xiao Chunhui, Zhang Mu, Sun Mingjing, Yu Cheng, Nie Fang, and the newly arrived Ji Dongquan to further discuss the details.

After outlining the concept and broader vision, Lei Jun no longer involved himself.

As the new head of Mount Longhu, many major affairs still required his personal attention.

Lei Jun wasn’t one to hoard power, but he also wasn’t like Tang Xiaotang—content to wash her hands of everything.

Especially now, just after the transition of leadership.

Later that evening, after settling official matters, Tianshi Lei quietly left the mansion.

He didn’t travel far—just to a secluded and hidden grotto among the surrounding peaks.

There, a few individuals awaited him.

Most of them wore traditional garb of the Southern Wasteland—they were all from the Witch Sect.

Among them:

Elder Yang Haolong of the Cursing Lineage from the Reincarnation Abyss.

Elder Wen Xi of the Divine Dance Lineage from Gepo Mountain.

Elder Tian Cheng of the Gu Master Lineage from Yin Mountain.

Joining these three Great Shamans of the Southern Wasteland was Chu Yu, the imperial court’s envoy to Mount Longhu.

“Honored friends, I regret the lack of proper hospitality,” Lei Jun greeted them upon entering the grotto.

The three elders all replied with humble bows, “Nine Heavens Respond to the Primordial, Nine Abyss Returns to the True, Doumu Merges with the Void, Profound Firmament Enlightens All—Three Caves and Three Heavens, Talismanic Master and Daoist of Mount Longhu.”

Hearing their grand invocation, Chu Yu maintained a calm expression and smiled faintly.

“We originally intended to visit the mountain to pay our respects, but feared disturbing this immortal land's tranquility. If we've been presumptuous in any way, we ask the Tianshi’s forgiveness. Please accept this small token as a gift in celebration of the grand ceremony—it’s not much, and may cause the Tianshi to laugh.”

Tian Cheng and the others presented their gifts, which were received by Zhuo Huajie, the direct disciple who had accompanied Lei Jun. After taking the offerings, he quietly withdrew from the grotto.

Once everyone was seated, Lei Jun asked, “How are Sect Master Feng and Sect Master Hu?”

Yang Haolong of the Reincarnation Abyss and Tian Cheng of Yin Mountain Cavern both replied, “The Holy Master is well. Before we left, she asked us to convey her greetings to the Tianshi.”

Ever since the devastating disaster brought by the Jiuli tribes, Gepo Mountain had been quietly working to restore its strength.

They had lost not only their Holy Master, Sang Lu, but also Li Tianqing, who had been groomed as her successor. With their ancestral grounds destroyed, the loss was more than severe—calling it a near-death blow wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

To this day, Gepo Mountain had yet to choose a new Holy Master.

Still, the chaos of the past had subsided.

Wen Xi, one of the new rising leaders of the younger generation, had gained increasing fame in the Southern Wasteland in recent years.

“This time,” Chu Yu said with a smile from the side, “under the pretext of offering congratulations to Tianshi Lei, we also invited you three here to discuss a serious matter. Your presence is truly welcome.”

However, her smile soon faded, replaced by a serious expression:

“The Jiuli calamity has had far-reaching consequences. If not eradicated, the Great Tang—north or south—will never know peace.”

“His Majesty has issued a decree to send a team south soon, with the goal of sealing off the Void Gateway between Dihai and the mortal realm.”

“We sincerely ask Tianshi Lei and the elders of the Southern Wasteland to lend their aid in restoring peace to the land.”

Because of the unique and mysterious nature of Dihai itself, the portal to it had never been fully sealed.

The Imperial Court and the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sect had each stationed powerful cultivators to guard and monitor the Void Gateway.

As research progressed, the Imperial Court had begun to find possible solutions.

But putting theory into action was another story.

The Southern Wasteland's Witch Sect had shown signs of resistance to the idea.

Even Gepo Mountain, which had suffered greatly at the hands of the Jiuli, remained cautious.

The reason was simple: after years of turmoil, the Witch Sect was now in a weakened state.

If the portal to Dihai was fully sealed and the Jiuli threat removed, the region's power dynamics would become uncertain.

The Great Tang had expanded its control across the Southern Wasteland under the guise of fighting the Jiuli tribes.

If this effort continued, would the empire eventually turn its attention elsewhere?

The major factions of the Witch Sect were wary.

“The Jiuli tribes are violent and ruthless. Dihai is fraught with danger, a threat to all common folk. Sealing the portal to Dihai is a necessary step in ending this menace,” Lei Jun said calmly. “After suffering countless attacks from the Jiuli, the already challenging terrain of the Southern Wasteland has made life even harder for the people. What’s needed now is rest and recovery, not more upheaval. This poor Daoist sincerely hopes that the Southern Wasteland can rise from the bloodshed and embrace the dawn of civilization. Only then will our efforts to seal the portal not be in vain.”

The three Southern Great Shamans exchanged glances.

Later, Elder Wen Xi of Gepo Mountain was the first to speak directly: “Tianshi’s compassion and virtue move us. Gepo Mountain has no objections.”

Elder Tian Cheng of Yin Mountain Cavern, once hailed alongside Blood River’s Xing Feng and Gepo Mountain’s Li Tianqing as one of the Southern Wasteland's three prodigies, had been severely wounded during the brutal war with Wei Anchang. Her cultivation had stalled for a time.

But after years of recovery and focused training, she had now reached the Eighth Heaven Realm.

After a moment of thought, she said, “Tianshi’s words are noble and heartfelt. I admire them greatly. I will relay them to our Holy Master and hope we can see this through.”

Elder Yang Haolong of Reincarnation Abyss echoed the sentiment.

“Tianshi’s compassion and virtue are admirable. I, Chu Yu, will report this to His Majesty at once,” she added, smiling again with a respectful nod.

The Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu, located in the Jiangnan region, had long stood in direct opposition to the Southern Wasteland’s Witch Sect, their history marked by cycles of cooperation and conflict.

Now that the Tianshi Mansion had returned to its peak, the Witch Sect felt the pressure immediately.

If Tianshi Lei publicly supported the Imperial Court’s plan to seal the portal to Dihai, cutting off the Jiuli’s path of invasion, then it was all but certain the plan would go forward.

If, however, he opposed it—and the powerful, territorial Witch Sect stood firm as well—then even the Great Tang would be forced to reconsider.

That Lei Jun didn’t oppose the plan, and even expressed a desire for peace in the Southern Wasteland, came as a relief to Chu Yu, Tian Cheng, Yang Haolong, and Wen Xi alike.

The Great Tang didn’t necessarily have to save the Southern Wasteland’s people.

But on the flip side, the Witch Sect had to shift away from its past practices.

The key was to end the bloodshed and chaos.

Sealing the portal to Dihai served the same goal.

Lei Jun’s stance was somewhat moderate, a balancing act that eased the tension between the empire and the Witch Sect.

Together, they could continue to fight the Jiuli threat.

Chu Yu looked at Lei Jun, then at the three great shamans from the Southern Wasteland, deep in thought.

Now, the Tianshi of the Tianshi Mansion held so much sway that even the Imperial Court had to weigh his words carefully.

Thankfully, Lei Jun was clearly more composed and respectful than Tang Xiaotang.

He was like a towering mountain—calm and still, never collapsing to crush others, but impossible to ignore for anything nearby.

Still, Chu Yu had a faint sense that beneath this tranquil mountain lay a surge of far greater power…

By comparison, there was another such mountain in the west.

Chu Yu recalled Lei Jun’s earlier meeting with Master Jiasheng.

...

In the Western Region, at the Vajra Monastery.

Master Jiasheng had returned and was preparing to meet with the Vajra Division Head, Jialuotu.

He too was thinking about his visit to Mount Longhu.

Compared to the former Tianshi, Tang Xiaotang, who had always been hostile to Western Region monks, this new Tianshi, Lei Jun, seemed much easier to approach.

However…

“Evil cultivators from Yellow Springs have harmed the people. My fellow brother, Master Ren Zhu, lost his life to them.”

At that time, atop Mount Longhu, Master Jiasheng had looked at Lei Jun and said, “Though these heretics have retreated for now, they won’t give up easily. Our sect hopes to join hands with yours and eradicate evil together.”

“You speak with reason, Master,” Lei Jun had replied.

Master Jiasheng continued, “The precise locations where Yellow Springs may erupt into the mortal world are hard to predict. But based on prior signs, I believe we should establish a network of temples and Daoist observatories across Bashu, Western Sichuan, and Nanzhao. With this spiritual web in place, we can respond to threats quickly and monitor the movements of evil cultivators.”

Chu Yu and Prince Xunan, Zhang Mu, had listened in silence, their expressions neutral.

The Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru had contributed greatly during recent battles, and the Imperial Court intended to reward them.

While the division didn’t operate within the Tang heartlands like Guanzhong or the Central Plains, it held sway in the frontier Western Regions.

The court wouldn’t stop them—but neither would it openly support them.

What they could accomplish depended on their own negotiations with local powers.

The first challenge the Vajra Division faced was the now-prominent Tianshi Mansion.

Though the Mansion didn’t operate in the far western border, the Shushan Sect did.

Currently, the Great Tang’s Shushan Sect was no match for the Vajra Division in strength or reach.

Choosing an ally seemed simple enough.

Though there had been some past friction, the Tianshi Mansion had clearly risen.

Regardless of past views, the Vajra Division wasn’t in a position to pick a fight with them.

Better to mend ties now and face future threats together.

After all, leadership at the Mansion was transitioning.

Though Lei Jun’s cultivation was still below Tang Xiaotang’s, he was now the face of Mount Longhu.

And unlike Tang Xiaotang, who bore an inexplicable hostility toward the Western Region, Lei Jun's rise was a chance to ease tensions.

Even under the Tang’s rule, the Vajra Division needed a worthy rival.

Only then would the Tang Emperor feel reassured.

“As for Yellow Springs,” Jiasheng said slowly, “our sect has gathered some fragments of knowledge over the years, though we’ve made little progress given that it lies within Daoist domains. But with help from your sect’s experts, we might uncover something truly valuable.”

It was a subtle hint: they might hold a significant Daoist treasure.

The Vajra Division, it seemed, was ready to invest heavily.

Yet—

Lei Jun remained calm and measured. “If it's in Bashu or Western Sichuan, then friends from the Shushan Sect should be invited to join the discussion.”

Master Jiasheng studied him.

Lei Jun's expression was serene, his eyes like deep pools—calm, yet unfathomable.

But beneath that depth, thunder rumbled.

Though they sought to expand their temples in Bashu, Sichuan, and Nanzhao, Lei Jun’s words made it clear: he stood with the Shushan Sect, and opposed the Vajra Division’s encroachment.

He had chosen the weaker, fellow Daoist sect.

Was he concerned that the Imperial Court might view a union of Daoism and Buddhism as too powerful? Jiasheng wondered.

At least for now, that union wouldn't happen.

The Tianshi Mansion and Vajra Division were both strong, but the Tang Empire could still tolerate them both.

And in comparison to the threats of Inner Shushan, the Jiuli of Dihai, and the false Tianli regime, they were the lesser concern.

“In the Western Region, your division head is still recovering from injury, and you yourself were abroad recently. You may have missed some nearby matters,” Lei Jun said evenly.

He continued, “Some of your disciples may have acted out of line. Master, you should look into this.”

Jiasheng was stunned.

Lei Jun’s tone remained composed. “Though the Western Region and Snow Plains are vast and sparsely populated, people still live and thrive there. However, there has been a resurgence of the practice of enslaving and mistreating serfs among the nobility.”

“Over the past millennium, the Vajra Monastery had shown signs of improvement, which was encouraging.”

“But lately… troubling trends are emerging again.”

He met Jiasheng’s gaze. “Master, this must not go unexamined.”

In that moment, Master Jiasheng—a Ninth Heaven Realm Buddhist master—felt as though he no longer faced a calm ocean.

He faced a towering mountain, rising straight into the clouds.