Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 353: The National Master's Genius, the Heavenly Master's Enlightenment

Tang Xiaotang felt quite pleased after hearing the Empress’s words—there was clearly no intent to defend or compensate the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru for the sake of balance.

As for Lei Jun, his thoughts echoed what he’d expected.

The question now was how the Vajra Division would respond next—it sparked all sorts of speculation.

Although Division Head Jialuotu appeared calm, and the Vajra Division had shown the Great Tang Court great respect over the years, Lei Jun didn’t believe they would just sit back and take it quietly—especially considering their proactive style when it came to spreading their doctrines.

Which, really, made sense. No wonder Tang Xiaotang and the Empress had decided to team up for this big move.

After Tang Xiaotang was the first to voice her agreement, the Empress finally set down her fishing rod and rose to her feet.

This woman who embodied the grace and strength of the entire Zhongjiang Mountains shifted her gaze between Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, and finally landed on Tang. With a slight nod, she said, “You’ve both worked hard.”

Once Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang took their leave, Empress Zhang Wantong also departed from the lakeside pavilion, with Chu Yu at her side and the rest of the entourage following behind.

“Your Majesty, just now… it felt like…” Chu Yu hesitated as she spoke.

The Empress understood what she was trying to say: “You’re not wrong, Shuyin. Tang Xiaotang was itching for a sparring match—to test my strength.”

Chu Yu had suspected it earlier, and now that it was confirmed, she couldn’t help but laugh after a pause. “That girl…”

The Empress strolled along slowly. “Not surprising.”

Chu Yu smiled. “I heard she’s always wanted a bout with Xu Yuanzhen. I wonder if she ever got her wish? Now that both of them have reached the Ninth Heaven, maybe they’ve already had a real match.”

With Tang Xiaotang, when she said “sparring” or “testing strength,” she really meant it literally—no hidden meanings.

She was competitive and had sky-high standards. Not just anyone could pique her interest; only a rare few would make her feel like fighting. And even then, there usually wasn’t any real hostility involved.

“At least for now, Tang doesn’t measure up to Xu,” the Empress said coolly.

Chu Yu chuckled. “Xu Yuanzhen’s great at fighting people she knows. You might beat her the first time, but after that? It just gets harder and harder.”

She glanced at the Empress. “That’s one way she’s similar to you, Your Majesty.”

The Empress replied, “Similar results, but for different reasons.”

Chu Yu nodded with a knowing smile.

Then something came to mind. She asked softly, “Your Majesty, what about Lei Tianshi?”

The Empress said, “He’s like a calm lake, but thunder rumbles beneath… What’s under the surface isn’t easy to see, but what’s above isn’t all a front either. You can catch glimpses of his true nature.”

Chu Yu seemed thoughtful. “So he’s not pushing Tang Zhenren to the front as a puppet, nor is he stepping back out of consideration for their relationship. It’s simply that he has no interest in being the National Preceptor himself.”

The Empress nodded. “He’s different from Xu Yuanzhen in many ways, but there are a few similarities.”

Chu Yu gave a gentle nod.

The arrival of the sect leaders from the various Daoist Holy Lands in Imperial Capital Luoyang to meet the Empress caused quite a stir.

It wasn’t just people from the Buddhist and Daoist sects paying attention—officials from the court, both civil and military, as well as regional authorities, were watching closely.

Right Chancellor of the Ministry of State Affairs, Guo Yuan, paid a visit to Fang Hezhou’s residence.

Meanwhile, over at the estate of Shangguan Qing, the current Chancellor of the Chancellery, another guest arrived—Lu Zhen, a high-ranking general of the Divine Strategy Army.

“So, it’s Tang Zhenren, not Lei Tianshi, huh…” Lu Zhen remarked with some emotion.

Shangguan Qing replied, “Actually, it’s not all that surprising.”

The succession of the Tianshi title hadn’t been long ago. Lei Jun had only recently become the new Tianshi, now overseeing Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion and the broader Talismanic Daoist Branch.

But being named National Preceptor meant devoting most of one’s energy to state affairs—staying in Luoyang for large portions of the year to accompany the Emperor, and traveling across the empire regularly on official duties.

By contrast, Tang Xiaotang, who had stepped down from the Tianshi position, didn’t have those constraints.

Granted, given her personality, it was hard to say whether she could sit still in Luoyang for long.

“At the moment, Lei Tianshi is still only at the Eighth Heaven, while Tang Zhenren has already reached the Ninth Heaven Great Ascension Realm,” Shangguan Qing noted. “If we’re judging by individual merit, she absolutely deserves the title.”

Lu Zhen slowly added, “Yeah… the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, Wei Anchang, Daoist Kang An, Longtian Azure Wolf—just these four alone, and that’s not even counting the ones below the Ninth Heaven.”

If not for missing the most prestigious one—Huang Xuanpu—Tang Xiaotang would have had the undisputed top credit.

Outside the founding era of the Tang Empire, there hadn’t been a more impressive achievement during the ensuing years of peace.

She truly lived up to her title as the Guardian Daoist of the Divine Firmament Demon-Suppressing Order.

A Daoist of such high attainment being appointed National Preceptor to oversee all Buddhist and Daoist sects across the empire—no one could dispute her qualifications.

Any lingering doubts had more to do with how this former Tianshi handled things… well, let’s say she had her own way.

Case in point—right after the Guanzhong Demon Uprising, when she had just finished fighting side by side with Venerable Sangsong to repel the monsters, she promptly turned around and beat him up.

Putting someone like that at the head of all the religious sects under the Tang Empire? Just hearing about it made people sweat a little.

“Let’s hope Lei Tianshi and Xu Zhenren can help advise and rein in Tang Zhenren from time to time,” Shangguan Qing said tactfully.

Lu Zhen sighed. “If Lei Tianshi were always around to assist, we wouldn’t need a separate National Preceptor…”

He paused briefly, then added, “But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.”

Shangguan Qing nodded. “Mm. With the National Preceptor based out of the Tianshi Mansion, the Talismanic Daoist Branch is bound to flourish. Still, how things play out depends on what comes next.”

Whether it was Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun, or Xu Yuanzhen taking the role, one thing was certain—it meant even greater recognition and support from the imperial family for Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion.

Given the circumstances, the Talismanic Daoist Branch could very well become the state religion.

Even if it didn’t go that far, it was a sure thing that Mount Longhu’s influence would grow stronger than ever.

From this angle, court officials were understandably divided when discussing the matter.

There was no denying that Mount Longhu had done great service for the empire. But they were already growing so rapidly… and now the court was pushing them further?

“From here on, we need to keep a close eye on the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru,” Shangguan Qing said.

Lu Zhen replied, “Don’t worry. The Grand Marshal is already stationed in Guanzhong, and I’ve sent others to the northwest as well.”

Shangguan Qing gave a light nod.

After a short pause, Lu Zhen asked, “The signs of strong branches and a weak trunk… what can we do about that?”

Shangguan Qing said nothing.

The Zhang Imperial Clan, together with noble military families like the Shangguan and Lu clans who surrounded the imperial family, formed the core of the Tang court’s power base.

People often spoke of the Five Great Surnames and Seven Prominent Clans, but if we’re talking about sheer strength from a single family name, the Zhang Clan stood at the top of the Tang Empire.

Even in these troubled times, the imperial family still boasted the most Upper Three Heavens Realm experts.

And that didn’t even count people like Zhang Dongyuan or Zhang Jingzhen, who had inherited legacies from sacred lands. If you only looked at civil and military personnel, the Zhangs still had the most Eighth Heaven experts.

The issue was at the Ninth Heaven level.

With Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy surging, and the return of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths to the mortal realm—along with the discovery of other mortal realms beyond Tang—there were more Ninth Heaven cultivators than ever.

And yet, in the very heart of the Tang imperial court, apart from the Empress herself, there was a glaring shortage of Ninth Heaven heavyweights.

Zhao Prince Zhang Teng had finally broken through to Martial Saint, but he had his own ambitions and was hard to trust.

Maybe it was just the nature of being born into royalty.

Whatever the reason, the result was clear: the Tang court lacked reliable Ninth Heaven experts who could take charge without becoming a threat.

And the Empress, due to her special status, wasn’t someone who could be sent out lightly.

Lu Zhen sighed, “We lack the strength to ease the burdens of the court. Honestly, the rise of Mount Longhu and the Vajra Division’s earlier push for status… the root of it all lies here.”

He looked at Shangguan Qing. “Has the Grand Marshal shown any intention of going into seclusion to cultivate?”

Shangguan Qing shook his head. “Not likely, not in the next few years.”

Lu Zhen sighed again.

He was in the same boat as Shangguan Yunbo, and even Shangguan Qing himself.

They had all missed their prime—the critical window before turning two hundred years old. Now they’d plateaued.

Breaking through to a higher realm wasn’t impossible, but it wouldn’t be easy—not like it was for the younger generation.

Especially when it came to the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between major realms—one misstep, and it could mean instant death.

What left Shangguan Qing and Lu Zhen speechless was the fact that decades ago, the person in the Shangguan Clan with the best chance to seize this surge in spiritual energy had died prematurely during the Western Region Demon War.

That battle had been the bloodiest loss to the imperial court in the past few centuries.

Besides the former emperor Zhang Qilong being severely injured, the Shangguan Clan’s old patriarch had also perished.

Many other elite figures in the imperial court had died as well.

One among them had been an even greater talent than Shangguan Yunbo—the leading figure of the Shangguan’s middle generation. He too had fallen in the Western War.

If he had survived, three or four decades later, he might’ve already reached the Martial Ninth Heaven realm.

As for Empress Zhang Wantong, her brilliance was already evident back then. Even without her imperial status, she would’ve reached the Confucian Ninth Heaven eventually—maybe just a little later.

If all that had gone differently, the imperial clan would’ve had quite the powerhouse lineup.

Zhao Prince Zhang Teng might still have been the loyal old prince guarding the northern frontier.

Shangguan Yunbo wouldn’t be running around constantly getting injured—he could’ve focused on recovery and cultivation, and probably would be in far better shape today.

But fate had other plans.

Just one step off course, and decades later, everything was completely different.

If you looked at the current rising stars among Eighth Heaven cultivators in the imperial court, the list might include names like Xiao Xueting, Chu Yu, and Shen Qubing.

None of them were from the royal family. None of them came from founding meritocratic families.

Sure, Xiao and Chu had impressive backgrounds, but from every angle, they weren’t quite "that" kind of insider.

“…The former emperor, back then…” Lu Zhen murmured with a shake of the head.

Looking back, Zhang Qilong’s actions had been too rash—impatient and reckless.

“If he hadn’t personally gone to the northwest, the outcome of the Western War might’ve been very different.”

Shangguan Qing remained calm. “But then, everything that’s happened over the past few decades would likely have changed too. What kind of world we’d have now—better or worse—no one can say for sure.”

He let out a heavy sigh. “Those other Tang realms—like Pseudo-Song and Pseudo-Ming—they might’ve been born out of timeline anomalies during the end of the Han Dynasty, different people making different choices.”

Lu Zhen took a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m dwelling too much on the past.”

He looked at Shangguan Qing. “We should be facing what’s right in front of us. The branches have grown stronger than the trunk. And though Her Majesty is still in her prime, and can hold the realm for many years… the foundation of Great Tang…”

Shangguan Qing didn’t reply, but even though they were indoors, his gaze drifted eastward—toward the Eastern Palace.

Lei Jun generally received guests as usual.

When he ran into familiar faces like Meng Shaojie, he’d chat a bit more.

But such acquaintances were few and far between.

Shen Qubing had just missed him—he was currently heading to the northwest region of Guanlong, acting under Grand Marshal Shangguan Yunbo’s command to sweep out the remnants of the Lone Eagle Khanate’s recent incursion.

Xiao Xueting, on the other hand, was currently in seclusion for cultivation.

Chu Yu had once paid a visit.

As a favored figure at court, her every move drew attention.

But for the time being, things had settled down.

The court had finally announced that the former Tianshi, Daoist Tang, would be officially conferred the title of National Protector of Great Tang.

It was no small matter—the various ceremonial procedures and rites needed time to prepare. Thus, the conferment ceremony was scheduled for the first day of the New Year, to be celebrated alongside the nation.

Chu Yu came to discuss the details and arrangements with Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

After settling on the general plan, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang returned together to the ancestral grounds of Mount Longhu.

Tang Xiaotang didn’t have much personal luggage to collect.

But according to ritual protocol, before the New Year she would first pay homage to Heaven, Earth, and the Daoist Ancestors at the Tianshi Mansion's ancestral shrine on Mount Longhu. Only then would she officially head to Luoyang to attend the conferment ceremony.

As Tianshi, Lei Jun would preside over the ritual.

When the news reached the Tianshi Mansion, the entire sect rejoiced.

The appointment of the National Protector from the Mansion signified that the Daoist Talismanic Branch was about to prosper even further.

At the very least, the imperial court’s stance toward the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu had become notably warmer and closer.

“Senior Brother, something on your mind?”

Back on the mountain, Lei Jun asked as he spotted Wang Guiyuan welcoming them.

Wang Guiyuan glanced at Tang Xiaotang, who was beaming with joy, and shook his head.

“Nothing at all.”

Tang Xiaotang grinned. “Exactly. Don’t kill the vibe.”

Yuan Mobai smiled gently. “Everyone has their own fated path. Take Xiaotang for example—bold and unrelenting. It's not something easily replicated.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Tang Xiaotang truly had made fearless strides forward.

Despite years of campaigning across the land, she had never let her own cultivation lag behind.

Previously, while tracking the Longtian Azure Wolf in the northern frontier—though she had yet to corner the beast—she took time for introspection and entered secluded cultivation. As a result, her cultivation took another leap forward.

She reached the Second Layer of the Ninth Heaven Realm of the Daoist Talismanic Branch and successfully refined the Three Elixir Energies, manifesting the Three Radiant Clouds.

“But the biggest gain,” Tang Xiaotang said excitedly, “is this.”

She raised her hand, revealing a golden radiance.

Within that blazing light—a bright, pure Yang aura—floated a dim, pale energy cluster.

Though it looked faint, the cluster held immense spiritual essence, fully restrained and concealed except for a single wisp of pure Innate Yin Qi circulating within.

Instead of suppressing it, Tang Xiaotang’s Pure Yang mana intertwined with the Yin energy harmoniously.

This was the Primal Yin Soul Essence that the Longtian Azure Wolf had discovered and hidden in a secret nest.

After Tang Xiaotang destroyed the nest, she found the spirit item inside but left its refinement to Lei Jun, who later nurtured it and returned it to her.

“How far off are you from completing your Primordial Dao Body?” Yuan Mobai asked.

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand, and four golden light spheres hovered in midair.

Beside the Primal Yin Soul Essence was the First Dawn Jade Seal that Lei Jun had once brought back.

The remaining two spheres each held something distinct—

One seemed to contain a nearly invisible, transparent soul fragment;

The other held a swirling, formless energy cluster.

“This is the Innate Grand Void Soul Fragment, and that’s the Wandering Elemental Qi,” she said.

“Both were spirit items I found earlier, and they laid the foundation for my transition from Celestial Physique to Dao Body.”

She gave Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen a playful look.

“So see? My luck isn’t all that bad, right?”

Then she pointed to the First Dawn Jade Seal and the Primal Yin Soul Essence.

“With these two added in, I’m almost there. Just missing one final piece—I already know what it is.”

A spark of golden lightning flickered in her eyes.

“I still need one more spirit item: the Void-Reverting Primordial Stone.”

Everyone nodded slightly.

“Alright. We’ll all keep an eye out.”

Tang Xiaotang asked with interest,

“What about you, Lei Jun?”

With a wave of her hand, the four golden spheres vanished into thin air.

Lei Jun replied,

“Once the Heavenly Palace Tablet was fully united, I used it to open the Wondrous Realm.

With that as a foundation, I’m attempting to connect with the cycles of Heaven and Earth, hoping to elevate my Clear Tranquility Comprehension to Natural Comprehension.

**Previously, I acquired the ‘Nine Springs Ascension Jewel,’ a spirit item that rises from the Yellow Springs to the Nine Heavens.

What I now lack is the reverse—a spirit item that descends from the Nine Heavens to the Yellow Springs.

Such paired treasures are extremely rare, and it’s not enough just to find one—it must be a perfect match to form a mirrored pathway, allowing one to traverse the cosmos and link with nature itself.”**

Tang Xiaotang’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“So it might appear either in the Yellow Springs of the Ten Earths, or the Nine Heavens?”

Lei Jun replied calmly,

“Can’t say for sure right now. It’s a matter of fate.”

Fate varied from person to person.

Even though Xu Yuanzhen had also elevated her comprehension from acquired to natural level, her path and opportunities had been completely different.

Her many fated encounters from years past had not repeated.

Likewise, Lei Jun’s current path was unique to him.

The Wondrous Realm formed from the union of the Heavenly Palace Tablet’s two parts could only be used once for comprehension elevation.

Since Lei Jun already had the Nine Springs Ascension Jewel, Tang Xiaotang didn’t bother coveting it.

She turned and asked curiously,

“Oh right, Lei Jun—any progress on your Taiji Dao Body?”

“Nothing yet,” Lei Jun said. “Still waiting on the right moment.”

She then turned to Xu Yuanzhen.

“Senior Sister…”

Xu Yuanzhen knew what she wanted to ask—whether she herself had a chance at developing a Celestial Physique.

“Maybe tomorrow, maybe years later. Who knows?”

Lei Jun fell into thoughtful silence.

“I’m heading back to the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar,” Xu Yuanzhen said casually, waving her hand as she turned to leave.

Tang Xiaotang’s northern expedition had yielded many gains, but Xu Yuanzhen was more interested in the remnants of Huang Xuanpu’s former residence.

She brought back some items from there and was uncovering new insights through study.

Lei Jun turned to Tang Xiaotang,

“Little Senior Sister, now that you’ve been appointed National Protector, you’ll be stationed long-term in Luoyang…”

Before he could finish, he noticed her gaze drifting off.

Lei Jun pretended not to notice and continued,

“Our sect has no intention of expanding aggressively, but assisting you in overseeing the sects across the empire will require appropriate support.

I’m thinking we establish a branch of the Tianshi Mansion in Luoyang, assigning a High Priest Elder to lead a team.

Have anyone in mind?”

“Great idea!” Tang Xiaotang’s eyes lit up.

“As for the team, I’m not picky—just so long as they can keep the court in check when I’m not around.”

Lei Jun said,

“In that case, let’s ask Senior Brother Lin and Senior Sister Zhang—they’re more familiar with Luoyang.”

Between the two, Lin Shan had shown more enthusiasm.

He had previously taught at the Imperial Academy and had lived in Luoyang for years, only returning to the mountain to enter closed cultivation in pursuit of the Upper Three Heavens Realm.

Now that he had become a Daoist High Priest, he had a renewed presence.

In the end, it was decided that Lin Shan would accompany Tang Xiaotang to the capital, assisting her with matters in her new role.

He wouldn’t be alone—other Talismanic Elders and Initiate Disciples from Mount Longhu would go with them to support Tang Xiaotang and help build her new command structure.

“Being appointed National Protector and overseeing the world’s sects,” Lei Jun told Lin Shan,

**“isn’t a task for one sect or one family.

In addition to disciples from our Tianshi Mansion, all the great Daoist and Buddhist holy lands will also be sending people. Together, we’ll build a foundation of peace and stability for the empire.”**

During his previous time in Luoyang, Lei Jun had already spoken with many of the sect leaders and representatives. Most had agreed in principle.

This included Pure Yang Palace, Shushan Sect, and even several major Buddhist holy lands.

Lin Shan nodded.

“Your foresight is admirable, Sect Master.”

After Lin Shan left, Wang Guiyuan sat beside Lei Jun and asked thoughtfully,

“Have you spoken with the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru?”

Lei Jun replied,

“Yes, I met directly with Garuda, the Vajra Division Commander.”

That figure had an aura of sacred majesty, spoke with warmth, and gave the impression that he and Lei Jun were long-lost friends.

He expressed his blessings regarding the Tianshi Mansion receiving the National Protector title, and hoped for more exchanges between their sects.

But Lei Jun could tell—it was all superficial.

Garuda’s visit seemed more like a symbolic gesture, a sign of the Vajra Division bowing its head to Mount Longhu.

Wang Guiyuan mused,

“When he passed through the snowy mountains of Western Sichuan on his way from the Western Region to Bashu, it seemed coincidental—but I think he was coming specifically to check you out.”

Lei Jun said calmly,

“He probably wasn’t looking to convert me on the spot.

With the Shushan Inner Conflict still unresolved, I suspect he came to assess me first, to determine his next move.”

But the Bashu–Nanzhao War hadn’t played out in the Vajra Division’s favor, so their plans were shelved.

Now, with the Tang Dynasty officially appointing a National Protector, the Vajra Division was keeping a low profile.

Still, Lei Jun didn’t believe their apparent calm was genuine.

They might just be biding their time, waiting for a better opportunity.

So he remained vigilant toward the movements of the Western Buddhist Sects, while also focusing on strengthening himself and the Tianshi Mansion—and preparing for the upcoming New Year’s Ceremony.

Time passed, and Lei Jun celebrated his 65th birthday.

Summer turned to autumn, and soon after, winter arrived.

Mount Longhu was now fully prepared for the grand event.

“No new movements from the Western Region for now,” Yuan Mobai reported.

“But there’s good news from Luoyang.”

The Crown Prince of Great Tang, Zhang Hui, had recently advanced to the Eighth Heaven Realm this winter.

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai weren’t surprised.

During his second inspection tour, Zhang Hui had gotten caught up in internal strife within the White Lotus Sect near Heaven Drum Ridge.

Although he hadn’t been the primary target, the incident had revealed some of his secrets.

He possessed one of the rarest and most extraordinary talents suited for Confucian cultivation—akin to the Celestial Physique for Daoists.

Once this became known, any further delay in his advancement would have seemed unjustifiable.

After reaching adulthood, the Crown Prince had taken court affairs seriously and immersed himself in study.

Now, at forty-seven, his entry into the Eighth Heaven Realm placed him among the elite of the era.

Though not as dazzling as his aunt, Empress Zhang Wantong, due to the burden of imperial qi, Zhang Hui was still an exceptional figure.

In recent years, his virtuous reputation had steadily grown throughout the empire, especially in places like Qingzhou, Suzhou, and Jingxiang.

“A turbulent time,” Yuan Mobai said with his usual smile.

Lei Jun echoed him,

“All we can do is act in harmony with Heaven and the people.”

In December, representatives of the imperial court arrived at Mount Longhu.

Tianshi Lei Jun personally performed a grand ritual at the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar, marking the formal beginning of Tang Xiaotang’s conferment.

She also visited the Ancestral Tombs in the rear mountains, paying respects to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestors.

After completing the rites, she departed for Luoyang with the court’s delegation.

Lei Jun left the New Year Ceremony at Mount Longhu in the hands of Yuan Mobai, made all the arrangements, and departed with Lin Shan and others to accompany Tang Xiaotang to the capital.

The journey was taken at a measured pace, honoring sacred mountains and rivers along the way.

The conferment had been officially announced, and Luoyang was livelier than ever for this New Year.

Empress Zhang Wantong would personally preside over the ceremony, celebrating with the people.

On New Year’s Day, the latter half of the ceremony began as Tang Xiaotang arrived in Luoyang to receive her official title.

Once the final rites were completed, she would follow her schedule to tour the sacred sites of the empire and only then return to Luoyang for her permanent post.

For this latter part of the journey, Lei Jun wouldn’t accompany her. After the New Year’s celebrations in Luoyang, he would return to Mount Longhu’s ancestral grounds.

The grand ceremony in Luoyang was attended not only by Lei Jun, Lin Shan, and fellow disciples from the Tianshi Mansion but also by representatives from other major sects:

• From the Shushan Sect came Elder Xie Yiying, a newly appointed High Priest who had previously sought guidance in the Pure Yang Arts from Tang Xiaotang.
• The Pure Yang Palace sent a wise and seasoned Seventh Heaven Elder.
• The Tianlong Monastery was represented by Monk Faming, an acquaintance of Lei Jun.
• Xuanyan Temple sent Master Kongjing, an elder figure from that Buddhist holy land, which was still recovering from recent internal strife.
• The Vajra Monastery sent a Seventh Heaven monk, a new face.
• The Bodhi Monastery’s representative, however, was only a Middle Three Heavens cultivator—their sect lacked any current Upper Three Heavens masters besides their new abbot, Ru Yuan. But rumors suggested new talents were emerging in their ranks.

The sect representatives gathered outside Luoyang and entered the city together with Tang Xiaotang.

Later, many of them would remain stationed in Luoyang to work with the imperial court and the newly appointed National Protector.

On the day of the ceremony, Luoyang was a scene of magnificent splendor.

Brilliant auras soared into the sky, and it felt as though Heaven and Earth joined in celebration—yet there was no fear among the people.

Instead, the festive atmosphere matched the celestial display, as if the empire itself were rejoicing.

Lei Jun understood well—these were omens stirred by the movement of the Empire’s Qi and Fate.

From afar, one could see that beyond Empress Zhang Wantong’s dazzling brilliance, Tang Xiaotang also radiated an enhanced aura.

Though she still wore the signature purple Daoist robe, it had been specially tailored—adorned with golden patterns, with pine and crane motifs on both sleeves and hems.

On the back was a design of dragon and phoenix encircling the Taiji symbol, making it appear as if she wore a robe of purple-gold majesty.

Bathed in the aura of the land and dressed in ceremonial robes, her tall, graceful figure looked like she had stepped out of a celestial realm.

For a brief moment—here in Luoyang, the heart of the Tang Dynasty—the empire stood still in a brilliant moment of unity and prosperity.

But in the skies far outside Luoyang, a black thundercloud loomed like a frozen glacier suspended in the air.

Xu Yuanzhen, draped in a purple Daoist robe and a black cloak, gazed at Luoyang with an indifferent expression.

“Vanity,” she muttered.

Though Lei Jun wasn’t present, his voice carried through the air:

“Senior Sister, are you about to depart?”

“The ceremony’s over. Xiaotang’s taken her place. No need to stick around for the aftermath,” Xu Yuanzhen replied.

“Then I wish you success in finding Penglai,” Lei Jun said.

Xu Yuanzhen responded with a quiet,

“Mm.”

Then the thundercloud above began to move.

Carrying her eastward, it drifted away—heading out toward the seas beyond the realm.