Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 352: Tang Dynasty Imperial Master

“Oh…” Tang Xiaotang’s eyes lit up as they spun playfully.

Lei Jun turned to ask Shangguan Yunbo, “Since Her Majesty has issued a decree, we Daoists happen to be free at the moment, so of course we’ll head to the imperial capital. However, there’s a chance that Bomu Ge might return…”

Shangguan Yunbo replied, “I’ll stay stationed in the Guanzhong region. The court will also dispatch other masters to assist—Tianshi, rest assured.”

Lei Jun nodded, “In that case, thank you for your hard work, General.”

Once it was just the two of them—fellow disciples—someone who used to be a Tianshi cleared his throat and said, “The decree only summons the heads of the major Daoist Holy Lands to enter the capital and meet the Emperor. It doesn't necessarily mean the decision for the State Preceptor role has been finalized…”

Lei Jun said flatly, “It’s more or less the same.”

Tang Xiaotang circled around him a few times. “You look like you’re not interested.”

Lei Jun answered, “Yeah, I’m not really into it.”

Although he hadn’t officially taken part yet, with his sharp intuition and insight, he’d already deduced the general idea.

This Great Tang State Preceptor role wasn’t just about honor and authority—it clearly involved real, practical changes.

It wasn’t quite the same as Tianli's camp, where Neo-Confucianism suppressed all others. But it did tie into national fortune and the Earth’s veins. With such a division of power, the Empress had indeed gone all-in.

But Lei Jun didn’t care.

Taking on the title of Tianshi and overseeing the Tianshi Mansion was partly personal interest, but more importantly, it was because he had started his path here. Through all these years of storms and trials, it had always been on Mount Longhu. Now that the sect needed someone to shoulder responsibility, he didn’t object.

Besides, people like Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, Wang Guiyuan, Chu Kun, Zhuo Huajie, and Luo Haoran were all here.

He had the ability to lend a hand to the people—so he would. But Lei Jun knew in his heart he wasn’t particularly altruistic.

In a way, that’s why he got along with Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen.

If it were completely up to him, he’d spend all his time roaming mountains, watching rivers, and pursuing Daoist understanding.

When he stepped into the world and got caught up in mortal affairs, it was rarely because he wanted to. More often, it was because he just couldn’t stand certain people or things.

Moreover, to him, the Great Tang court and the common people had always been two separate matters.

The Empress may be a little fond of stirring things up, but so far, her moves hadn’t particularly bothered Lei Jun.

So as long as there were other players around, cooperation was fine.

But asking Daoist Lei to throw himself into battle for the court, for the Empress? That wasn’t likely.

Still, that was just how he saw it.

His Little Senior Sister Tang Xiaotang was clearly hyped, and Lei Jun wasn’t about to stop her.

He could tell—she wasn’t eyeing the position out of loyalty to the court or any profound devotion. She wasn’t even trying to harness the power of national fortune for cultivation.

She just liked that the role was glamorous and prestigious...

“Oh right, the decree didn’t mention Senior Sister?” Tang Xiaotang suddenly remembered.

Lei Jun replied calmly, “Even if Her Majesty did summon her, Senior Sister might not answer.”

Of course, even if Xu Yuanzhen didn’t care, folks like Yuan Mobai or Shangguan Ning from Mount Longhu would definitely help finesse the wording of any refusal. They wouldn’t bluntly reject the decree.

But clearly, the Tang imperial court knew her well too—this Guardian Real Person of Profound Mysteries and Wonders wasn’t someone easily swayed.

“I’m not giving up this State Preceptor spot!” Tang Xiaotang laughed.

Lei Jun replied, “I may not care much, but if you’re aiming for it, Little Senior Sister, you have my support.”

Tang Xiaotang suddenly blinked and looked sideways at Lei Jun. “What if I wasn’t aiming for the position?”

Lei Jun replied, “Then I’d have to reconsider, because honestly, I’d rather take the seat myself than see Jialuotu get it.”

At that, Tang Xiaotang’s eyebrows practically shot up. “Those bald thieves from the Western Region…”

Lei Jun remained unfazed. “As it stands, if it’s not us, it’ll be him.”

Although, judging by Her Majesty Zhang Wantong—the solar luminary in the Celestial Universe of the Heavenly Book—she had her own suspicions about the Western Region’s Buddhist sects.

That might be the very reason she pushed to appoint a new State Preceptor now—because the Tianshi Mansion could suppress the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru.

Had that not been the case, this position might never have materialized. And the Vajra Division may not have gotten their wish, either.

“Well then, I definitely won’t back down now,” Tang Xiaotang said, repeating herself with firmer conviction this time.

Lei Jun echoed, “If you want it, Little Senior Sister, you’ve got my backing.”

Of course, that meant she’d be working closely with Her Majesty on this whole grand performance… Lei Tianshi remained perfectly composed.

The war in the northwest had basically reached its end.

With Shangguan Yunbo guarding the Guanzhong region, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang could leave without worry and head for Luoyang, the imperial capital.

Joining them was Lü Jinduan, the Pure Yang Palace elder who had also received the imperial summons.

The decree had been addressed to the leaders of each Daoist Holy Land.

Originally, the representative from Pure Yang Palace should have been the new palace master, Jiang Yu.

However, during the recent campaign in the far north, Jiang Yu had been injured and was now in recovery.

So the Tang court made an exception, allowing Pure Yang Palace to send someone in her stead.

Thus, Lü Jinduan—the most senior elder currently active—was tasked with accompanying Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang to Luoyang.

“Tianshi Lei, Real Person Tang, please,” Lü Jinduan greeted them with a cheerful smile.

Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang returned the courtesy. “Elder Lü, after you.”

On the road, Tang Xiaotang dashed ahead again and again, all enthusiasm and energy, leaving Lü Jinduan half amused, half exasperated.

Within Pure Yang Palace, there were many guesses as to the reason behind this trip to Luoyang.

Lü Jinduan had his suspicions too. With all the major Daoist and Buddhist sect leaders summoned, the position of State Preceptor was likely at the heart of it.

Seeing the current demeanor of Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, Lü Jinduan had a realization.

Lei Tianshi… didn’t seem particularly interested?

Though Lei Jun was always calm—his face like still water—compared to Tang Xiaotang’s clearly visible excitement, it wasn’t hard to tell how he felt.

If he were gunning for it, Tang Xiaotang probably wouldn’t be in such a good mood.

Clearly, both Xu Yuanzhen and Lei Jun had no intention of competing with her. Unless Lei Jun was secretly scheming—but over the years, not just Lü Jinduan, but most observers could see that the three brightest stars of the younger generation at the Tianshi Mansion—Xu, Tang, and Lei—not only avoided rivalry, but were very close.

So the idea of Lei Jun lying in wait to sabotage Tang Xiaotang just didn’t hold water.

…Which was exactly why the three of them had become such a source of pressure for everyone else.

That said, this no longer applied to Pure Yang Palace.

Right now, Elder Lü Jinduan was very much at ease.

Had this been Pure Yang Palace at its peak forty or fifty years ago, they might have had thoughts of competing for the role.

But these days, the last generation or two had been focused inward, quietly rebuilding strength.

Externally, their role was to support the Tianshi Mansion.

After the disaster that was the Mortal Daoist Nation, the Daoist world had suffered greatly.

For Daoism to recover, the Tianshi Mansion leading the way would benefit Pure Yang Palace in return.

So when Lü Jinduan entered the palace to meet the Emperor, his intentions were clear:

Pure Yang Palace fully supports the Tianshi Mansion’s eminent Daoist becoming State Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty, managing Buddhist and Daoist sect affairs, and leading all others.

Once Lü Jinduan exited the palace, the next to enter was the current leader of the Shushan Sect—Zhang Taigang.

He’d spent the past few years in seclusion at Xiaoding, refining a treasure.

But once the decree arrived, Zhang Taigang put aside his work and made the trip to Luoyang.

After his audience, he visited Lü Jinduan at his residence.

“Master Zhang,” Lü Jinduan greeted him with courtesy.

Zhang Taigang bowed in return, sincerely thanking both Pure Yang Palace and the Tianshi Mansion for helping Shushan refine the Pure Yang Treasure previously.

Lü Jinduan quickly waved it off humbly and invited him to sit.

As they chatted about the imperial audience, both men were calm and composed.

Zhang Taigang stated frankly, “In my view, the current Tianshi is the most suitable candidate.”

Like Pure Yang Palace, Shushan had also accepted the Tianshi Mansion’s talismanic decree and now regarded Mount Longhu as the head of the Daoist world in Tang.

After enduring internal strife, Shushan too was focused on recovery.

Lü Jinduan said, “Tianshi Lei hasn’t been in charge of Mount Longhu for long. He’s steady and capable, and I suspect his energy is mostly invested in managing the Tianshi Mansion.

The State Preceptor of Tang spends a lot of time in the capital and also travels to oversee Buddhist and Daoist sects throughout the realm.

In terms of time commitment, Tianshi Lei may not be free enough—Real Person Tang might be more suitable.”

Zhang Taigang nodded slightly.

Seeing Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun both in Luoyang, they weren’t just sightseeing.

And having traveled together, Lü Jinduan had probably picked up on some clues.

“Real Person Tang’s strength speaks for itself,” Zhang Taigang said.

Lü Jinduan sighed slightly. “Fate really is unpredictable. In the blink of an eye, it’s been decades.”

Zhang Taigang knew he was referring to Tang Xiaotang—once a peerless genius with a Pure Yang Celestial Physique and tranquil mind, who had entered the Tianshi Mansion rather than Pure Yang Palace.

Even today, Lü Jinduan still found it a pity.

But remembering the troubles stirred up by Huang Xuanpu and Rong Guangchen, Lü felt a little dazed, a mix of emotions welling in his heart.

He glanced over at Zhang Taigang, who sat calmly nearby, and chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Forgive me for rambling, Master Zhang.”

Zhang Taigang shook his head. “Not at all, Elder Lü. You’re too polite.”

To some extent, he understood.

Losing someone like that… who wouldn’t feel regret?

With talents like Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun, or Tang Xiaotang, had any of them joined Pure Yang Palace or Shushan instead of Mount Longhu, they would’ve become stars regardless.

That could have brought resurgence to Pure Yang or Shushan.

Their sects might be in a completely different position today.

As sect master of Shushan, Zhang Taigang naturally considered this.

Of course, if Lei Jun or Tang Xiaotang had joined, he probably wouldn’t be Shushan’s leader now.

But that didn’t matter to him.

He cared more about what that would’ve meant for Shushan’s future.

As for the role of State Preceptor, that would simply come in its own time.

In fact, the court had already revealed their preference when they conferred the title of Real Person upon four individuals from Mount Longhu.

“Your sect’s Daoist Chen Donglou slew both Wang Dongchu and Fu Dongsen of the Mortal Daoist Nation and thwarted the first reverse invasion by the evil cultivators from the Yellow Springs within Shushan. With his accomplishments, he too might one day be granted the title of Real Person,” Lü Jinduan said thoughtfully.

Zhang Taigang nodded.

Alas, what’s lost is lost.

Both major Daoist sects had their own burdens.

In these times, the restoration of Daoism rests largely on the Tianshi Mansion.

Speaking of the Tianshi Mansion…

Lü Jinduan looked back in the direction of the palace. “Her Majesty didn’t summon Tianshi Lei and Real Person Tang first?”

Zhang Taigang nodded. “After I came out, it was Abbot Ningru of Xuanyan Temple’s turn.”

Lü Jinduan mused, “That would mean the Tianshi Mansion might be scheduled for last… What about the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru?”

---

Xuanyan Temple had always remained secluded and self-contained.

Abbot Ningru hadn’t left the mountain in years.

The last time he left the temple gate was over twenty years ago, during the internal strife caused by infiltration from the Ye Clan of Jinzhou.

This time, summoned by decree, he spent the shortest time of anyone at court.

His only comment was that all would be done in strict accordance with Her Majesty’s judgment.

After Abbot Ningru, the next to enter the palace was a representative of Bodhi Monastery.

The Southern Bodhi Lineage had been quietly recovering for years. Though it was still far from regaining its former glory, it had begun to slowly recover its strength.

Master Ruyuan, who had achieved the Upper Heaven Realm, had recently taken over as the new leader of Bodhi Monastery—a rising figure among the Buddhist Holy Lands.

He entered the imperial capital Luoyang very low-key, and like others, his stance had already been discussed beforehand with his monastery’s elders: they would fully defer to Her Majesty’s judgment.

From Ruyuan’s personal view, the State Preceptor of Great Tang should indeed fall to the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu, especially current Tianshi, Daoist Lei.

But as the head of a Buddhist Holy Land, Ruyuan’s heart was conflicted.

The relationship between Daoism and Buddhism had always been subtle.

Though the Daoist sects had suffered greatly from the catastrophe of the Mortal Daoist Nation, the Buddhist sects were likewise in a low state.

Among the great Buddhist Holy Lands, Tianlong Monastery was doing somewhat better than Bodhi Monastery or Xuanyan Temple, but not well enough to contend with the Tianshi Mansion.

If there were to be competition, it would likely require the unification of all Buddhist sects under the Mudra Tradition’s Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru.

But that, in itself… Master Ruyuan lightly shook his head and left the palace.

In the distance, Master Miaoxin of Tianlong Monastery was approaching.

Ruyuan offered a respectful monk’s salute.

Miaoxin returned it calmly.

Master Miaoxin’s stance was even clearer.

As the current leader of a Buddhist Holy Land, he supported a Daoist high master from the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu in assuming the role of State Preceptor of Great Tang.

---

Back at their residence—

A middle-aged monk draped in kasaya was waiting quietly.

Seeing Master Miaoxin return, the monk stood and pressed his palms together. “Sect Leader, Senior Brother.”

Miaoxin returned the gesture. “Junior Brother Miaohui.”

The monk, Dharma-named Miaohui, asked softly, “Senior Brother, your mind is made up?”

Miaoxin gently nodded. “Though the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru is also of our Buddhist tradition, in my view, if Great Tang truly must appoint a State Preceptor, the Daoist Tianshi Mansion is the more suitable choice.”

Elder Miaohui shook his head. “Buddhism and Daoism are ultimately different paths. Be it the Tianshi Mansion, Pure Yang Palace, or Shushan Sect, they’ll never truly walk with us.”

Miaoxin replied, “Sumeru is not simple.”

“The more complex, the better,” Elder Miaohui said calmly. “If they were anything like the so-called Mortal Daoist Nation, how could they stand against the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu?”

---

As for the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru—

This time, they had sent their heaviest hitter.

The Division Chief himself, Jialuotu, a high monk who had reached the Perfection Stage of the Ninth Heaven Realm, personally came to Luoyang to meet the Emperor after receiving the decree.

Such a move stirred the wind and clouds, giving the outside world a sense of impending storm.

This Vajra Division Chief seemed to regard the position of State Preceptor with extreme importance—his attitude showed unmistakable determination.

Yet in truth, when answering the Empress’ inquiries, Jialuotu was composed and humble.

He too respectfully deferred to Her Majesty’s judgment, showing no trace of arrogance or domination—only a serene acceptance.

After the audience, Master Suo Yang, who had accompanied him to Luoyang, followed quietly behind.

From the very start, the Western Region Buddhist sects had been at a disadvantage.

Had the Tianshi Mansion and other Daoist Holy Lands been entangled with the Mortal Daoist Nation, while the Vajra Division swiftly eradicated the heretical White Lotus Sect and Vast Void Temple, and then repelled the Nine Li of the Deep Sea and the Shushan heretics from the Yellow Springs—everything would be different.

By then, they would have the momentum, becoming the imperial court’s mainstay and potentially drawing Central Plains Buddhist sects like Xuanyan Temple, Bodhi Monastery, and Tianlong Monastery into their fold.

Just like how Pure Yang Palace and Shushan Sect now more or less acknowledged the Tianshi Mansion’s leadership in the Daoist world.

But alas—Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion had crushed the Mortal Daoist Nation too swiftly, flipping the whole situation.

During the wars in Bashu and Nanzhao, the invisible contest between the Vajra Division and the Tianshi Mansion had already tilted in the latter’s favor.

Even with the Division Chief stepping out personally, they couldn’t turn the tide.

And with every step lost, they fell further behind.

While the Division Chief was still recovering, Tang Xiaotang of the Tianshi Mansion helped the Tang Imperial Court seal off the gate between the Deep Sea and the mortal realm, and then hunted down the Northern Great Demon, Longtian Azure Wolf, forcing the northern monsters to quiet down.

Then came the second invasion by the Lone Eagle Khanate, and Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun together turned the tide and repelled them.

Meanwhile, the Vajra Division couldn’t afford to clash openly with the Lone Eagle Khanate.

But even without that invasion, the Tianshi Mansion had already gained unstoppable momentum.

Even the Vajra Division had to admit that.

So now, the question was—where should they go from here?

Jialuotu remained calm. “The current Tang imperial court is no longer something we can depend on. We must shift our direction quickly.”

Suo Yang felt a sudden unease. “Master…”

Jialuotu smiled, gentle and serene. “You were born in this mortal realm—I understand this is difficult for you. But some decisions, made sooner, are better for all involved.”

Suo Yang took a deep breath, steadying his thoughts. “I shall follow the Master’s teachings.”

---

Jialuotu, the Vajra Division Chief, was the second to last to have an audience.

The Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu was saved for last.

Unlike the other Holy Lands, only Mount Longhu received a special decree summoning both Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang at the same time.

The Tang imperial court didn’t keep them waiting.

A designated escort arrived first with another decree—this one praising their merits in suppressing the second invasion of the Lone Eagle Khanate.

The rewards were abundant, with a variety of spiritual items.

But this time, there were no real attention-grabbers like Nine Yang Divine Wood or Divine Firmament Flowing Gold.

Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks, quickly losing interest. “I thought there’d be some real treasures.”

Lei Jun, however, was thoughtful.

With the ever-shifting tides of fate, the Tang Dynasty had faced more unrest and border turmoil in recent decades than in centuries past.

As a result, with so many rewards, relief efforts, and the need for imperial cultivators to practice themselves, the court’s stockpile had taken a hit—financial troubles loomed…

Later that day, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang were summoned to the palace lake.

On the island at its center, Empress Zhang Wantong was fishing.

Watching her present the familiar pose—back to the world, alone with eternity—Lei Jun kept his eyes to himself, his expression unreadable.

The Empress, however, didn’t bring up anything about the new State Preceptor.

Instead, she gestured to Chu Yu, who stood nearby, to share the latest intelligence obtained from captured members of the Lone Eagle Khanate.

“In that Song Dynasty mortal realm, foreign tribes have developed far beyond expectations.”

In front of the Empress, Chu Yu did not joke around with Tang Xiaotang as usual. Her tone was serious:

“These tribes may not have just established one Lone Eagle Khanate. Some captives mentioned the term Four Great Khanates, with particular emphasis on something called the Golden Khanate.

In that world, the ones ravaging the Central Plains weren’t the Lone Eagle Khanate—they pushed west, raiding and conquering. The Golden Khanate is the one riding over the heartland. They’ve even been fighting the Song Dynasty—and winning repeatedly, shattering land and rivers in the process.”

“As for the current situation, it’s still unclear. The Lone Eagle and Golden Khanates seem to have little direct contact.”

Tang Xiaotang was surprised. “Four Great Khanates?”

Chu Yu replied, “Though these foreign tribes are still divided by clans, based on what captives said, the Khanate throne is still inherited through royal bloodlines.

We just can’t confirm yet whether national fortune or dragon veins are involved.”

Lei Jun remained composed.

By now, he was quite used to this strange yet eerily familiar alternate dynasty.

“The two invasions in the northwest—were both forces from the Lone Eagle Khanate? No others?” Lei Jun asked.

Chu Yu nodded. “That’s what we know so far. They were both detached forces. Rumor has it the main Lone Eagle force is still fighting in the far west of that mortal world. Once they return and the void gateway is reopened, it could be a major threat…”

She paused for a moment.

Because she noticed Tang Xiaotang had curiously scooted up beside the Empress, watching the bobber on the water with her.

A distant palace maid’s expression slightly changed.

But Chu Yu quickly recovered from her initial surprise and continued:

“Also, according to multiple prisoner statements—still pending verification—the Four Great Khanates often have internal conflict, even outright wars.”

The Empress seemed unbothered by Tang Xiaotang sharing her fishing moment. Without turning her head, she simply said:

“The Golden Khanate bears some resemblance to the Qian Dynasty mentioned in that Song Dynasty’s history books.”

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow thoughtfully.

Chu Yu then shifted topics. “One more thing—I just discussed this with Elder Lü from Pure Yang Palace. About the Daoist Alchemical Sect’s legacy—besides Sanchun Palace, the original Pure Yang Palace in that world still exists, but they’ve had limited contact with the Lone Eagle Khanate.”

Tang Xiaotang turned back. “How about the Talismanic Daoist Branch? Any signs of progress?”

Chu Yu replied, “So far, none.”

At that moment, Empress Zhang Wantong added, “Aside from the Talismanic Branch, the rest of the Daoist and Buddhist traditions—both of you should pay close attention to all of them.”

Tang Xiaotang blinked, then grinned. “Sure thing!”