Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 347: The Fourth Floor of the Eighth Heaven, the Scenery of the Divine Court

For cultivators of the Talismanic Branch of Daoism, in the Eighth Heaven Divine Court Realm, the biggest turning point in terms of real power during combat lies between Inner Divine Court and Outer Divine Court.

Once a cultivator reaches the Third Layer of Outer Divine Court, and then progresses to the Fourth Layer, Supreme Divine Court, the Outer Divine Court Universe is already capable of external projection, able to influence reality itself. Advancing from there is a matter of further consolidation and refinement.

Achieving the Supreme Divine Court Realm means the universe one projects outside the body becomes even more stable and solid.

Enemies drawn into this Supreme Divine Court Universe find it much harder to escape. And for those trying to force their way in from the outside world to break through a Talismanic cultivator's Supreme Divine Court Universe, the difficulty increases significantly.

A cultivator can even proactively attempt to capture nearby enemies and draw them into their Supreme Divine Court with a mere thought.

After Lei Jun assumed the post of Tianshi, his residence shifted automatically to the Private Quarters of the Tianshi Hall within the mansion. During his secluded cultivation, the spiritual energy meridians across Mount Longhu converged upon him.

The surrounding Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Essence of heaven and earth seemed to gravitate toward Lei Jun, as though he alone stood out in the universe, drawing everything toward himself.

Now, he no longer needed to personally enter the earth veins beneath Mount Longhu.

A vast amount of Magnetic Force from the earth veins gathered automatically atop the mountain, drawn by the influence of the Tianshi Mansion.

Affected by Lei Jun's profound mana, these magnetic forces didn’t spread outward but instead concentrated into a single stream, continuously rising upward.

Above Mount Longhu’s main peak, purple lightning churned constantly, and illusory lights wove together. The Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven of the Upper Purity Sect hovered like a celestial palace amid the clouds, lofty and vast.

In this moment, the thunder-fire starlight high above the sky also condensed into a single beam, descending to bless Lei Jun’s body.

At this time, Lei Jun's Divine Court Universe was not released outward, but entirely retracted into his body.

His pupils now reflected an unfathomable and constantly shifting scene.

It was as if two identical universes resided within his eyes.

The Golden Magnetic Sea of the Origin Pole grew ever more expansive.

In the dark void of space, starlight scattered and drifted away.

The whole cosmos seemed to expand infinitely, without end.

Suddenly, all Spiritual Power from above the heavens and beneath the earth halted simultaneously—nothing continued to bless Lei Jun.

Centered on him, a black, opaque sphere appeared. Its surface sparkled with starlight and celestial bodies, intersected by countless talismanic runes that formed orbit-like trajectories circling the sphere, spinning and shifting.

The opaque black sphere remained about three zhang in diameter and did not expand further. Though its aura was mysterious and deep, it was tranquil.

At a glance, it appeared seamless and whole.

But a careful observer might notice a strange sense of dissonance—as if it were composed of two perfectly identical black hemispheres forcibly joined together, not entirely harmonious.

As time passed, more talismanic light and Daoist runes accumulated across the sphere's surface, gradually forming a radiant glow.

At one moment, all that brilliance was drawn into the black sphere.

It was then that the once-disjointed black sphere, seemingly made of two halves, finally merged into one—flawless and seamless, no longer jarring to the eye.

The sphere contracted, like an entire new universe being drawn back into Lei Jun’s body.

His eyes, which had been wide open, slowly shut.

The twin universes that once existed in his pupils disappeared.

A short while later, Lei Jun opened his eyes again. They looked completely normal—no trace of the earlier cosmic visions remained.

Outwardly, he appeared no different from before.

But inside, everything had changed.

The Fourth Layer of the Eighth Heaven, Supreme Divine Court Realm, had been achieved today.

Lei Jun let out a long breath, a smile tugging at his lips.

From the time he first achieved the Inner Divine Court, it had taken him roughly twelve years to reach the current Fourth Layer.

This speed surpassed even that of his Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen and Junior Sister Tang Xiaotang.

Normally, such progress wouldn’t be possible.

Especially since Tang Xiaotang’s Celestial Physique offered more aggressive advantages in cultivation compared to Lei Jun’s Yin-Yang Celestial Physique.

However, over the years, Lei Jun had successively refined several treasures—Vanqi Immortal Gourd, Violet Manor Flowing Mists, and Stone of the Supreme Cosmos—all rare treasures that greatly accelerated progress within the Upper Three Heavens Realm for Talismanic cultivators.

With these boosts, Lei Jun managed to reach his current state in just twelve years.

Moreover, he also had in his possession the Five Qi Three Caves Primordial Crystal, a powerful artifact obtained after slaying Huang Xuanpu. It would be immensely helpful when attempting the breakthrough from Eighth Heaven to Ninth Heaven and facing the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation.

But that time had not yet come.

Even with such a treasure, the breakthrough to the Great Ascension Realm of the Ninth Heaven was far from easy.

One had to first solidify their Supreme Divine Court, laying a strong foundation for that critical leap from Supreme Divine Court to Great Ascension Dao Domain.

Only then could the Five Qi Three Caves Primordial Crystal truly increase the odds of surviving the tribulation.

Otherwise, without roots, there could be no growth. One couldn’t even talk about tribulation, let alone transcend it.

Now was the time for Lei Jun to reflect on his cultivation, organize his insights, and further refine his knowledge.

Fortunately, having saved much time between the First and Fourth Layers of the Eighth Heaven, Lei Jun estimated that with the support of the Primordial Crystal, he could aim for the Ninth Heaven before turning seventy.

After years of effort, this accomplishment brought genuine joy.

Still, that joy quickly faded as Lei Jun’s mind returned to calm.

The road of cultivation is endless. There’s always more to learn, always a further horizon.

That is precisely what makes it so compelling.

With quiet focus, Lei Jun continued nurturing his mana.

His daily rhythm remained the same—cultivating, managing affairs at the mansion, and instructing younger disciples like his Direct Disciple Zhuo Huajie.

Time passed slowly.

Lei Jun welcomed his sixty-third birthday.

As winter came and the year-end approached, the Tianshi Mansion prepared for the next Initiation Ceremony, held once every three years.

This would be Lei Jun’s second time presiding as Tianshi.

Within the mansion, everything ran smoothly and efficiently.

Lei Jun remained calm and composed.

Everyone who saw him—inside or outside the mansion—was deeply impressed.

The elder Daoists of the Tianshi Mansion felt particularly moved.

When the previous Tianshi, Tang Zhenren, first assumed the role, she had been diligent and enthusiastic, particularly keen on ceremonies.

But over time, the novelty wore off. Eventually, she began delegating the rituals to senior masters.

Lei Jun, by contrast, remained even-tempered throughout.

Not as eager as Tang Zhenren was in the beginning, nor as indifferent as she later became.

That steadiness reassured everyone.

No one knew how long Lei Jun would serve as Tianshi, but it was already clear—his stability would likely surpass that of his predecessor.

(…Translation continues in next message…)

(Continuation of the translation)

"Senior Brother Sect Master, this is the initiation list submitted jointly by the Daoist Children's Academy and fellow sect members in the mansion who are interested in taking in disciples,” Chu Kun reported to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun reviewed it and gave a slight nod. “Not bad.”

Chu Kun added, “In recent years, with our sect’s reputation rising, more young cultivators are eager to join. Their overall talents are indeed impressive.

This year, among those who meet the initiation criteria, we have: one with both a Spirit Physique and Exceptional Comprehension; four with only the Spirit Physique; and three with only Exceptional Comprehension.”

As one of the Three Great Daoist Holy Lands, Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion has always had high standards for accepting disciples.

Though there are many Dao-seekers across the land, only the cream of the crop can pass the first test and enter the Daoist Children’s Academy at the mountain’s foot.

Most of the outstanding young Daoist apprentices are discovered by the mansion's Daoists during their travels and then brought back to the mountain, building the current foundation.

Those who qualify for Initiation, however, are even more exceptional in every way.

Any one of them, if placed in outer sects like the Cloud Summit Mountain Range or Tianxu Mountain, would be hotly contested by the likes of the Zixiao Sect or Tianxu Sect.

Lei Jun couldn’t help but recall the Initiation Ceremony he had attended more than forty years ago. Compared to this year’s batch, the average aptitude back then was slightly inferior.

Part of the reason was the recent revival of spiritual energy in the world. Another factor was the ever-growing prestige of the Tianshi Mansion, drawing in more talented individuals.

Even though no one this year had the Sacred Physique or Illuminated Comprehension, the overall quality was still very satisfying.

The Initiation Ceremony was held every three years. As long as this momentum continued, with a large enough pool of talent, the foundation of the Tianshi Mansion would only grow stronger.

And of course, there were still standout talents to look forward to.

“The candidates for next year’s Talismanic Conferral Ceremony are also mostly set,” Lei Jun said to Chu Kun.

Chu Kun replied, “Xin Beiyuan, Zhang Xiongju.”

The Yellow Heaven Sect had recently been integrated back into orthodoxy. Some of its members had already undergone Initiation, and participating again now was more a matter of formality, recognizing their official status.

Among them were those who had already reached Foundation Establishment or even the Third Realm Altar Stage.

Xin Beiyuan was one of them.

As for identity, it was no longer an issue.

Just as Tang Xiaotang didn’t block Xu Rui, the disciple of Li Zhengxuan, from receiving the Talismanic Conferral back then, Lei Jun wouldn’t obstruct Xin Beiyuan or any other former Yellow Heaven disciples now.

Since returning to the Tianshi Mansion, Xin Beiyuan had kept to himself, rarely leaving the mountain, devoting himself entirely to cultivation.

He had once had a master, now deceased. Upon returning to Mount Longhu, he did not formally acknowledge another teacher. Fortunately, there were other senior mentors in the mansion to guide him.

Just like how Kang Ming once taught the Yellow Heaven disciples, now the Tianshi Mansion ensured continued mentorship for disciples whose original masters had passed.

Even Lei Jun himself occasionally checked on the progress of such juniors.

Chu Kun remarked, “The Yellow Heaven Sect’s techniques have indeed undergone many changes over the years. That includes habits developed by Xin Beiyuan and the others, which naturally stem from their past lifestyle.”

Lei Jun said calmly, “There’s no need to force them to change. As long as they’re willing, it’s fine to be inclusive—adaptation that aligns with their nature is best.”

Chu Kun bowed slightly. “Yes, Senior Brother Sect Master.”

Then he remembered something. “Right—Senior Brother, I heard the Void Portal in the Southern Wasteland’s Earth Sea is nearly sealed?”

Lei Jun nodded. “Because of the Earth Sea’s turbulence, it’s been extremely difficult to seal, which is why it’s taken this long. But after extended efforts, there’s finally been progress.”

Chu Kun asked, “How’s Senior Sister Tang?”

Lei Jun shook his head lightly. “Junior Sister severely wounded Li Yan, but with help from the Bi Li Clan Leader, Li De, they used the Earth Sea’s treacherous terrain to escape.

Although she’s still a bit unsatisfied, at least she got to vent the grudge she’s carried all these years.”

Chu Kun: “Will she return to the mountain once the Earth Sea portal is sealed?”

Lei Jun: “I just spoke with her recently. She’s not planning to return right away. She’s thinking about heading north.”

Chu Kun was momentarily confused—why would Tang Xiaotang go from the Southern Wasteland all the way to the northern frontier?

Lei Jun simply said: “Longtian Azure Wolf.”

Chu Kun blinked, then recalled some old events.

Back during the Battle of Jinzhou, which coincided with the fall of the Ye Clan’s ancestral lands, there was also the Guanzhong Demon Uprising. Tang Xiaotang had arrived with the Tianshi Sword, fighting not only Eighth Heaven demons but also Longtian Azure Wolf, a beast on par with Ninth Heaven human cultivators.

Now that Tang Zhenren had herself reached the Ninth Heaven, it was only natural she’d start hunting down old enemies.

If not for the Vajra Division suffering heavy losses in the Southern Wasteland from the Great Nether Reversal Nine-Palace Formation, causing Commander Jialuotu to step in and act as her temporary “stepping stone,” she might have already turned her attention westward.

As for the Ye Clan of Cangzhou, Tang Xiaotang wasn’t in a rush anymore.

If anything, she seemed eager to see if more drama like Ye Feishan’s death would unfold.

Having yet to fully explore the lands beyond Inner Shushan, Tang Zhenren decided to go north and hunt down Longtian Azure Wolf.

Soon enough, news came back from the northern frontier.

Most northern demon tribes allied with Longtian Azure Wolf had suffered misfortune—Tang Xiaotang had tracked them down one by one.

The demons scattered in fear.

As for whether Longtian Azure Wolf was hiding or simply unaware, he still hadn’t responded, despite Tang Xiaotang actively looking.

Back at Mount Longhu, Lei Jun maintained communication with her but didn’t interfere.

Time slipped by.

He entered his fourth year as Tianshi.

After the New Year, on the fifteenth of the first month, Lei Jun hosted his first Talismanic Conferral Ceremony as Tianshi.

Though not as grand as the ceremony where the Tianshi title was passed to him, the event still drew countless guests.

Eligible Initiated Disciples from affiliated sects and branches arrived early to attend.

The top candidates were already well known among the visitors.

Besides a few former Yellow Heaven disciples like Xin Beiyuan, the most attention was drawn to Zhang Xiongju, the direct disciple of High Elder Zhang Jingzhen.

He, like his master, came from the Imperial Zhang Clan, making him a standout already.

Rumors had long swirled that he didn’t get along with the Prince of Weiyang, his branch of the royal family.

During the ceremony, however, representatives from the Weiyang Prince’s Estate appeared cordial, exchanging pleasantries like everything was normal.

Zhang Xiongju, on the other hand, remained indifferent.

He had kept a low profile ever since joining Mount Longhu, focusing solely on cultivation.

The warm-cold contrast only deepened the public's speculation about their relationship.

Zhang Xiongju seemed entirely unaware.

His master Zhang Jingzhen showed no intention of interfering, leaving the Weiyang representatives both helpless and frustrated.

As Tianshi, Lei Jun did not interfere either.

Under his direction, the Talismanic Conferral Ceremony proceeded smoothly.

It was a quiet success.

Everything unfolded naturally, in calm and order.

The guest cultivators took note, quietly nodding to themselves.

Since Lei Jun became Tianshi, the Tianshi Mansion had remained stable and uneventful.

Whether that was good or bad for the internal sect was debatable, but for outsiders, it was certainly welcome.

…Well, not entirely.

While Lei Jun and Mount Longhu enjoyed a peaceful period, Tang Zhenren, the former Tianshi, had quite literally taken to waging war across the land.

After a prolonged pursuit, she finally found the Longtian Azure Wolf deep in the northern icefields.

With no one else around, she fought freely and without restraint—the battle was said to shake heaven and earth.

She thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Longtian Azure Wolf? Not so much. He was left fuming.

Some rumors claimed that not only was Longtian Azure Wolf involved, but even the Northern Sea Whale King, another top-tier demon, got caught in the fray.

As reports trickled back to the Tang territory, many couldn’t help but sweat nervously.

Apparently, holding the Tianshi position really had been restraining Tang Zhenren’s true nature…

Now that she was free of that burden, she rampaged from the Earth Sea in the Southern Wasteland all the way to the icy northern frontier, fighting like there was no tomorrow.

Some people had to think hard just to recall when she and Longtian Azure Wolf had ever even crossed paths.

Others, though, were more concerned about the Northern Sea Whale King, a demon who had once run with Huang Xuanpu…

Reflecting on the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, another Ninth Heaven demon who had long assisted Huang Xuanpu and the Mortal Daoist Nation, many couldn’t help but wonder—was the early rise in power of both the Butterfly King and the Northern Sea Whale King somehow linked to Huang Xuanpu?

Though Huang Xuanpu had already been slain and the Mortal Daoist Nation of Tang was no more, not all of the threads he left behind had been tied off.

“Those two demons really are something else,” Tang Xiaotang marveled as she sent a post-battle transmission to Lei Jun.

“Turns out the whale got hold of some of Huang Xuanpu’s stuff. They discovered one of his hidden grottoes. I checked it out—it looks like the place where he secluded himself to achieve the Peak of Ninth Heaven in the Daoist Alchemical Sect, reaching the Five Energies Converging to the Origin.”

Lei Jun responded, “Oh? That’s a site worth digging through carefully.”

After all, once Huang Xuanpu achieved perfection in his cultivation, he wouldn’t have emerged without first cleaning up his traces—whether items or lingering mana.

Even so, if such remnants fell into capable hands, they might still hold valuable clues.

Though Huang Xuanpu was dead, his many connections—especially with Penglai, and any possible remaining Mortal Daoist Nations—continued to intrigue Lei Jun and others.

“You and Senior Sister can come handle this. I’m off to hunt down that mutt,” Tang Xiaotang said.

Upon hearing the news, Xu Yuanzhen, who had previously uncovered some clues about Penglai and the Great Ming Mortal Realm, made her way to the northern frontier.

“Not bad. Xiaotang found herself a good spot this time,” Xu Yuanzhen praised.

Lei Jun smiled. “Junior Sister didn’t just get lucky—she’s been honing her new divine ability. Looks like she’s getting the hang of it.”

Though Li Yan had escaped in the Earth Sea, Tang Zhenren’s skills in detection and pursuit had clearly improved significantly.

Her success in tracking down Longtian Azure Wolf in the northern frontier stemmed from following faint residual traces.

That demon, after all, wasn’t just fierce—he was also a master at sensing danger and hiding.

While his and the Whale King’s preoccupation with Huang Xuanpu’s hidden grotto had left them exposed, Tang Xiaotang’s ability to find them wasn’t just a stroke of luck.

This time, she had uncovered another of Longtian Azure Wolf’s secret lairs.

Without the Whale King to back him up, the mighty northern demon lord ended up getting thrashed by her.

He only managed to survive thanks to his cunning—faking his death and reviving himself in a last-ditch escape.

But Tang Xiaotang wasn’t about to let him go that easily—she gave chase relentlessly.

Still, Lei Jun had underestimated her.

Not only had her tracking skills improved dramatically—her luck had also taken a turn for the better.

Inside Longtian Azure Wolf’s lair, she discovered a rare and ancient spiritual item, the Primal Yin Soul Essence, slowly taking shape.

It appeared that Longtian Azure Wolf had chosen that site specifically for its unique conditions, using it as a nest and carefully nurturing the essence to maturity.

But now, Tang Zhenren had snatched the opportunity.

Just like the First Dawn Jade Seal from years ago, this Primal Yin Soul Essence was one of the key rare treasures that could help her achieve the Primordial Dao Body.

“Congratulations, Junior Sister,” Lei Jun offered his praise.

Based on his understanding of her, she was probably wrestling with a “happy dilemma.”

She had finally found the long-sought Primal Yin Soul Essence, but claiming it meant letting Longtian Azure Wolf go.

“Go chase your demon wolf—I’ll collect the essence for you,” Lei Jun said.

“The Palace of Pure Yang is hosting a Sect Master Succession Ceremony this summer solstice. They’ve invited us to attend. I’ll be heading your way first, and then swing by the ceremony.”

After taking a brief detour to Huang Xuanpu’s grotto, Xu Yuanzhen entered seclusion at the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar to refine a Talisman Decree she had obtained.

Meanwhile, Yuan Mobai was nurturing the Crimson Spirit Wild Bone.

With his schedule clear, Lei Jun decided to take a little trip.

Exploring the various Daoist methods and landscapes across the realm had always been his personal joy. Now that his cultivation had reached new heights, he had no reason to hold back, nor would the responsibilities of being Tianshi get in the way.

He could leave with ease.

Zhang Jingzhen, Chu Kun, and Lin Shan had all stepped up as Elder Masters, managing the mansion’s daily affairs with no major issues.

With Xu Yuanzhen, Yuan Mobai, and Wang Guiyuan all still on Mount Longhu, there was no fear of the ancestral grounds being left unattended.

“I appreciate the help,” Tang Xiaotang said, “but seeing you so carefree reminds me of when I first became Tianshi—I couldn’t leave the mountain at all. It still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.”

Lei Jun replied calmly, “It just proves you were more essential to the sect than I am.”

With a few jokes exchanged, he informed the other elder masters of his plan to personally travel north to attend the ceremony at the Palace of Pure Yang, and formally notified the hosts.

A Tianshi from Mount Longhu traveling north to the Zhongnan Mountains was always a major event, drawing widespread attention.

Hearing that Lei Tianshi himself was coming, the Palace of Pure Yang warmly welcomed the news and began preparations at once.

Lei Jun traveled light, bringing only the Tianshi Seal, while leaving the Tianshi Sword and Tianshi Robe behind at the mountain.

That gave the mountain greater security—if necessary, Yuan Mobai and others could transmit the missing artifacts via the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar to Lei Jun outside the mountain.

He temporarily handed over altar authority to his master, Yuan Mobai.

He first traveled north to find the lair Tang Xiaotang had mentioned.

Sure enough, the Primal Yin Soul Essence there had nearly matured.

Lei Jun waited, using his mana to nurture it, while also purifying it of the demonic aura left by Longtian Azure Wolf.

By adjusting his mana from a balanced Yin-Yang Harmony to a more Yin-aligned flow, Lei Jun was even more effective at nurturing the Primal Yin Soul Essence than the wolf himself.

Once it fully matured, he collected it on behalf of Tang Xiaotang.

“If Junior Sister truly wishes to perfect her Dao Body Root, she’s not far from success now. The only question is—where will she finally attain it?” he mused.

From there, Lei Jun turned southwest, traveling through the frontier regions toward the Zhongnan Mountains, where the Palace of Pure Yang awaited.

The summer solstice drew near.

After fourteen years without a leader, the sect would finally welcome its new Sect Master.

The candidate surprised no one—Jiang Yu, one of the palace’s top new-generation cultivators.

Last year, she had reached the Infant Transformation Realm of the Eighth Heaven in the Daoist Alchemical Sect.

With her Pure Yin Celestial Physique, she was poised to take over the palace. Though the contrast with the sect’s name carried a hint of irony, it was nonetheless the best choice for a lineage that had suffered repeated calamities and was now lacking in manpower.

Jiang Yu, like Tang Xiaotang with her Pure Yang Celestial Physique, was advancing with great momentum.

While her talent and insight weren’t quite as sharp as Tang Xiaotang’s, her cultivation progress was still astonishing—far surpassing her peers, rare across the world—and she brought stability and hope to the Palace of Pure Yang.

Though in decline, the palace remained one of the Three Great Daoist Holy Lands.

This passing of the mantle drew high-profile guests from all sides.

It wasn’t as grand as the Tianshi succession four years ago, but still counted as one of the era’s great events.

Especially since the new Tianshi of Mount Longhu, Lei Jun himself, had come to offer congratulations. That fact alone dramatically raised the ceremony’s profile.

Near the Zhongnan Mountains, Lei Jun reunited with several Tianshi Mansion elders and disciples, including Fang Jian and Ke Sicheng, and together they headed toward the gates of the Palace of Pure Yang.

Though still far from the mountain gate, a welcoming party had already arrived.

“Yue Xiling of the Palace of Pure Yang greets the Tianshi. Your presence graces Zhongnan and fills our halls with brilliance,” he declared, bowing respectfully. He was accompanied by Long Tao and other senior elders.

Lei Jun offered a distant salute. “You're too kind, Daoist Brother.”

Yue Xiling and his party formally greeted Lei Jun and his entourage.

Among them were notable figures such as Xiao Chunhui, representing the Imperial Tang Court, and Ye Dongming, representing the Shushan Sect.

Upon hearing Lei Tianshi would be attending in person, many had come to join the welcoming party alongside the Pure Yang elders.

Xiao Chunhui smiled. “It’s an honor to meet again, Tianshi Lei. Your presence is more impressive than ever.”

Ye Dongming added, “In the presence of the Tianshi, I, Ye Dongming, offer my humble greetings.”

The Shushan Sect Leader, Zhang Taigang, who had once personally visited Mount Longhu to witness Lei Jun’s succession, didn’t attend this time.

It wasn’t a matter of disrespect—he was currently in deep seclusion, refining a Pure Yang Magical Treasure, a process catalyzed by insights gained from Tang Xiaotang.

The Palace of Pure Yang fully understood.

Lei Jun returned their greetings graciously. “Thank you all for coming so far. I am deeply humbled.”

The reception was exceedingly grand. Countless Dao Lamps were lit, stretching into the distance and forming a radiant path of light, leading straight to the gates of the Palace of Pure Yang.

Countless disciples stood lined up with Daoist Flags and Command Banners, offering a formal salute.

With black robes and white flags forming a massive Taiji Diagram, the procession rotated slowly—quietly welcoming the Tianshi from Mount Longhu.

The palace seemed entirely unconcerned about whether such ceremonial grandeur might overshadow their own event. They chose instead to show the utmost hospitality and reverence.

Short of the Tang Emperor himself, no one else had ever received such treatment.

Though the Tianshi Mansion, Shushan Sect, and Palace of Pure Yang had all received one another’s Talismanic Decrees, they hadn’t made a big show of it.

But now that Lei Tianshi had arrived personally, the Palace of Pure Yang cranked the ceremonial fanfare up to the maximum.

Not only did Yue Xiling come out to greet him—

Once they entered the mountain, even Lu Jinduan, still overseeing palace affairs, along with the soon-to-be-appointed sect leader Jiang Yu, and Elder Wang Xuan, were all waiting to receive them at the gates.

Lei Jun scanned the area and noted several other guests had also come to pay their respects.

Besides Xiao Chunhui and Ye Dongming, there was Elder Miaoyi of the Tianlong Monastery, and Prince Zhang Zhen of Weiyang, currently stationed near Guanzhong.

“In the presence of the Tianshi, this humble monk Miaoyi offers his greetings.” The old monk pressed his palms together.

Representatives from the Fang Clan of Jingxiang and the Ye Clan of Qingzhou were also present—Fang Zhu and Ye Cheng, two of the most outstanding young scholars of their generation.

During the Guanzhong Demon Uprising and the Lone Eagle Khanate’s incursion, both clans had rendered great assistance.

Though Confucian lineages had generally been keeping a low profile in recent years, they made an exception for this major event, sending top-tier delegates.

Both were actually older than Lei Jun.

Ye Cheng had previously interacted with Lei Jun. But now, both of them—Confucian scholars of high pedigree—stepped forward and paid their respects as juniors:

“We greet Tianshi Lei on behalf of our fathers and clans. They send their regards.”

Later, more high-profile guests arrived—Master Ruyuan, the new Abbot of the Bodhi Monastery, Xiao Hang, now the patriarch of the Xiao Clan of Longxi, and Suo Yang, former abbot of Vajra Monastery, who had lost his standing after the Vajra Division’s defeat in the Southern Wasteland.

They were all heads of their respective powers.

Yet compared to Mount Longhu and the current stature of Lei Jun, there was still a noticeable difference—even among equals.

While the Palace of Pure Yang welcomed with great pomp, Lei Jun wasn’t stingy with his congratulatory gift.

He and the Tianshi Mansion had prepared a Shadow Moon Soul Stone.

Extremely rare in the mortal realm of Tang, the Shadow Moon Soul Stone had become a sought-after item—and Lei Jun had acquired a decent stockpile after slaying Huang Xuanpu and sweeping up his remnants.

While harmful to most cultivators of Pure Yang, it was a perfect treasure for one with a Pure Yin Celestial Physique, such as Jiang Yu.

This ensured Jiang Yu could cultivate without interference, and that others wouldn't weaponize the Shadow Moon Soul Stone to harm Pure Yang disciples.

Following the greetings, Wang Xuan, Jiang Yu, and Yue Xiling personally arranged accommodations for Lei Jun and his entourage.

“Daoist Brother Wang, have you made any decisions about your physical form?” Lei Jun asked once the others had left.

Though he looked no different from any other elder, Wang Xuan’s current form was in fact a Yang Spirit projected from his Nascent Soul—he had yet to find a new physical vessel.

Without one, he would never again advance in cultivation.

Finding a new body came with its own risks and complications, but at least there was hope.

In his current state, Wang Xuan’s future was sealed—unless an alternative method could be found.

“Your devotion and integrity are truly admirable,” Lei Jun said, producing a Blood Marrow Jade Body.
“This came from my Junior Sister Tang’s battle with Wei Anchang of the Blood River Sect. It was once saturated in violent demonic aura, but after years of purification, it is now usable by our Daoist sect.
Both she and I wished to offer it to you as a personal gesture.”

Wang Xuan was stunned—then overjoyed.

“Many thanks to Tianshi and Tang Zhenren,” he said gratefully, accepting without pretense.

While Lei Jun’s arrival alone would have sufficed, this precious gift from the Tianshi Mansion now made the Palace of Pure Yang wonder if their return gift was enough.

They had prepared many rare treasures.

Among the rarest: Celestial River Starlight Sand, and Essence of Myriad Manifestations.

The former, radiant like stars, was full of mysterious properties—especially useful for cultivators of Life Canon and Doumu Star God Apparitions in the Tianshi Mansion.

The latter contained the secrets of creation and transformation, much like the Great Five-Element Creation Qi Lei Jun once obtained.

Notably, this Essence of Myriad Manifestations had once been a key factor in a former Tianshi’s breakthrough from Sacred Physique to Celestial Physique.

As for the Starlight Sand, Lei Jun had other ideas about its use, though he kept those thoughts to himself for now.

After politely thanking them, he safely stored the treasures away for future study.

Later that day, the summer solstice arrived.

The Sect Master Succession Ceremony of the Palace of Pure Yang officially began.

Jiang Yu became the new sect master.

Thus, all three of the Three Great Daoist Holy Lands now had young new leaders—leaving many of the observing guests in awe of how times had changed.

Just as everyone was absorbed in the grandeur of the ceremony, an unexpected message arrived.

“Uncle-Master Lü…”

Senior Elder Yu Yichen quietly approached Lü Jinduan to report something.

Lü Jinduan’s expression remained calm, but his eyes sharpened.

After exchanging quick words with Wang Xuan and Yue Xiling, asking them to assist Jiang Yu with the rest of the ceremony, Lü Jinduan himself quietly sought out Lei Jun, Xiao Chunhui, and other major guests.

“Everyone, a message just came in. It still needs confirmation, but…”

His voice turned serious. “In the Northern Desert, a Void Portal may have appeared. The attire and features of those emerging closely resemble the old foreigners from the Lone Eagle Khanate.”

Lei Jun’s expression remained composed.

Had the Lone Eagle Khanate returned?

“It seems your intel is accurate,” Xiao Chunhui said gravely.
“I’ve just received similar reports on my end. Comparing the two... it’s likely true.”