Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 355: Be Prepared for Any Events

The Vajra Division Commander, Jialuotu, returned to Sumeru.

Everyone from the Vajra Division currently in the Tang Realm was instructed to brace themselves, to endure in silence and bear the weight, in case the Tang National Preceptor turned her gaze toward them once again.

Even the majority of their temples and monasteries in the Western Regions had toned things down, lest Tang Xiaotang come knocking again.

However, Tang Xiaotang didn’t immediately rush back to the Western Regions.

Naturally, she wasn’t going to just let things go.

While she was easily distracted when it came to many matters, when it came to the Vajra Division of Sumeru, the National Preceptor could stay focused from morning till night.

At the very least, she definitely wasn’t going to ease up in just a year or two.

The reason she hadn’t returned to the Western Regions was because—still related to the Vajra Division—Tang Xiaotang now had another matter occupying her thoughts.

“Is the artifact Senior Sister left behind fully nurtured?” Tang Xiaotang asked curiously, eyeing a long, narrow shadow within the emerald Nine Abyss True Flame.

While manipulating the flame to refine and nurture the artifact, Lei Jun responded, “We’ve seen some initial results, but it still needs further refinement and nurturing. The deeper the accumulation, the greater the power.”

Suspended horizontally in the green flames was a silver spike roughly three feet long.

It looked plain and unremarkable, and its spiritual essence was concealed, making it difficult to discern its true nature.

However, with Tang Xiaotang’s cultivation and perception, she could faintly sense an aura of utter annihilation and finality radiating from the spike—yet it also held profound mystery.

This silver spike had been left behind by their Senior Sister, Xu Yuanzhen.

Before heading out in search of Penglai, she had entrusted the silver spike to Lei Jun—just like she’d done previously with the Daoist Mirror and Dusting Whisk—so he could continuously nurture and refine it, allowing its spiritual power to build up over time.

“Hm... I still prefer enhancing my own cultivation.” Tang Xiaotang circled around the silver spike nestled within the Nine Abyss True Flame.

Lei Jun replied, “Two-pronged approach.”

On one hand, the spike's spiritual power was accumulating.

On the other, Lei Jun was making subtle adjustments to the artifact.

Xu Yuanzhen had interacted only minimally with the monks of the Vajra Division.

Lei Jun, however, had fought them directly—and had taken down experts like Master Yushan and Master Zongcuo from the Vajra Division.

Although his comprehension at the Clear-Tranquility Level didn’t match Xu Yuanzhen’s Natural Insight Level, it was still outstanding.

Combining his firsthand battle experience with the monks of the Vajra Division, Lei Jun continually fine-tuned the artifact.

“There will be a final battle, no doubt,” Wang Guiyuan said from the side, sighing.

Still, he didn’t try to dissuade Lei Jun or Tang Xiaotang.

With the National Preceptor siding with the Tianshi Mansion, and the Tang Emperor favoring Daoism over Buddhism, the conflict between the two sides was likely to intensify.

Ultimately, though, it all came down to the Tianshi Mansion itself.

After the battles in Bashu and Nanzhao, the Tianshi Mansion’s reputation completely eclipsed that of the Vajra Division.

Although the Vajra Division had felt disheartened, they had also considered stepping back temporarily, seeking a compromise with the Tianshi Mansion—hoping to become one of the two balancing pillars of the Tang Court, working together to suppress other sects and noble families.

Not fighting over temporary victory, but observing how the future would unfold.

When Senior Monk Jiasheng came to congratulate them during the Tianshi Succession Ceremony, that was the intention—trying to establish a tacit understanding with the Tianshi Mansion.

But Lei Jun had rejected it.

Partly due to wariness of the Vajra Division’s intentions to convert others.

And partly due to their tacit approval of oppressive landlords over serfs in the Western Regions and snowy plains, as well as some seemingly upright but subtly eerie practices of the Buddhist sects themselves.

So, unsurprisingly, the negotiations had collapsed.

Wang Guiyuan’s view on the matter—

It was best to stay clear of karmic entanglements, but if the talks really fell through... then so be it.

“If there’s going to be a final battle, it’s best to prepare in advance like Senior Sister did.” Wang Guiyuan gazed at the silver spike within the emerald flame.

Hearing that, Lei Jun immediately realized his senior brother had something in mind. “Senior Brother, when it comes to the Buddhist sect, you’re the one who knows them best. Got any tips on how to deal with their Hand Seal lineage?”

Tang Xiaotang turned as well, curious.

“There’s a treasure called the Sun-Eroding Lotus Throne,” Wang Guiyuan said. “It still needs a bit more time to mature. I’ll send it to you later.”

Lei Jun replied, “Great, bring as much as you can.”

“You’re really something,” Wang Guiyuan scoffed. “What do you think this is, cabbage growing in the fields? Each one is unique. They can’t be cultivated, and they need to be refined with other rare spiritual items—more than half of which are already extinct...”

Lei Jun remained impassive, completely unfazed. “So, how many do you have?”

“Eighteen.”

“One and a half dozen. Excellent. As expected of you.”

Wang Guiyuan shook his head helplessly. “Depends what you’re using them for. If it’s something major, this might only be good for two or three rounds.”

After a moment of silence, Lei Jun suddenly asked, “Senior Brother, do you think it’s possible to further refine and combine these Sun-Eroding Lotus Thrones?”

“That depends on what you’re trying to do with them.”

“I have a rough idea,” Lei Jun said. “Let’s discuss it later.”

He looked back at Wang Guiyuan. “Anything else?”

Wang Guiyuan nodded. “Yeah.”

He pulled out a miniature storage pouch and handed it to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun opened it and peeked inside.

All he saw was a mass of darkness.

“Black Bodhi Seeds—not as effective as the Sun-Eroding Lotus Thrones,” Wang Guiyuan explained. “But at least there are more of them. Gives you some peace of mind.”

Lei Jun nodded.

Indeed, there were a bit more.

One hundred and eight seeds.

He put the pouch away and looked back at Wang Guiyuan.

Knowing what Lei Jun was about to ask, Wang Guiyuan shook his head. “That’s really it. The rest isn’t useful. These are all I managed to put together, based on older materials. Most of the ingredients are practically impossible to find anymore in the Tang Realm.”

He sighed. “They’re just little tricks to catch people off guard. Once the Vajra Division’s experts have tasted defeat once, these things probably won’t work again.”

“One opportunity is already more than enough,” Lei Jun said.

Wang Guiyuan nodded.

He trusted Lei Jun.

The man wouldn’t take risks lightly. If an opportunity arose, he’d make the most of it.

“If you’re free, Little Senior Sister, don’t rush off. Give me a hand,” Lei Jun said to Tang Xiaotang.

All three of them had extraordinary comprehension.

Once Wang Guiyuan’s eighteen lotus thrones began to mature, Lei Jun studied the real items and confirmed his thoughts. He discussed them with Tang Xiaotang and Wang Guiyuan.

They all agreed the idea was sound, so they pooled their insights, refined the plan, and began the second phase of refining.

Lei Jun continued nurturing the silver spike left by Xu Yuanzhen with the Nine Abyss True Flame.

Meanwhile, the Sun-Eroding Lotus Thrones were primarily refined by Tang Xiaotang using the same fire.

She wasn’t great at crafting artifacts, but her mastery over fire-based talismans and the Nine Abyss True Flame was impeccable. With Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan supporting her, the emerald flame danced as the black lotuses rose and fell.

Dark lotus petals unfurled, releasing faint wisps of black mist.

Where the mist spread, it blocked all light and heat.

Even the Nine Abyss True Flame struggled to refine it.

But although Tang Xiaotang was short-tempered, she was exceptionally patient and meticulous when it came to cultivation.

With the two men helping her, she slowly merged nine lotus thrones into one.

Within the green flames, an illusory nine-grade black lotus took shape. It gave off no spiritual aura or presence, instead resembling a miniature black hole, drawing in and devouring everything nearby.

Even with her cultivation level, Tang Xiaotang struggled to suppress it using just the Nine Abyss True Flame.

The flames were sucked into the lotus, vanishing without a trace.

Seeing this, Tang Xiaotang’s brow arched sharply, golden light flickering in her eyes.

Wang Guiyuan chuckled bitterly. “Calm down, Tang-shimei, calm down. That’s just how it works.”

Tang Xiaotang puffed her cheeks and snorted. “Still pisses me off to look at.”

“The effect is solid—should meet expectations,” Lei Jun said, tapping the black lotus gently with his Upper Qing Jade Celestial Bamboo.

His yin-yang-infused mana wrapped around the lotus, steady and precise, allowing him to temporarily store it away.

Then, they continued refining another nine lotus thrones, merging them into a second.

Once the second nine-grade black lotus was formed, it was easier to handle.

With Lei Jun’s intentional guidance, the two black lotuses began to attract and counterbalance each other, no longer pulling in everything around them.

Lei Jun then retrieved the Celestial Bamboo and stowed the Yin-Yang Taiji Diagram that contained the two lotuses.

“Shame they can only be used once right now, and for a limited time,” he said. “But now that we’ve got the foundation, we can plan for more in the future.”

Tang Xiaotang dispersed the flame. “We’ve got the framework. Now it’s time to fill in the details.”

Continued in next message...

(continued)

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In early summer of the Tang Dynasty, Vajra Division Commander Jialuotu returned from Sumeru.

“Master,” Senior Monk Jiasheng led the monks of the Vajra Division to pay their respects.

After sitting down, the Division Commander said, “I’ve met with the Lone Eagle Khan of the Lone Eagle Khanate.”

Everyone’s expression shifted slightly at those words.

“The Lone Eagle Khanate’s expedition to the extreme western lands of the human realm has concluded,” said the Commander. “The Lone Eagle Khan is considering leading his forces into the Tang realm.”

Jiasheng took a deep breath. “On this side of the Tang Realm, we’ve also begun initial preparations.”

“Don’t be hasty,” the Commander replied. “First, confirm the whereabouts of several key figures in the Tang Realm.”

It wasn’t just about internal preparations—they needed to consider the external situation too.

Waiting might worsen the conditions, but it could also reveal the perfect opportunity.

All the monks responded in unison: “Yes, Master.”

The Commander then turned to Jiasheng: “Jiasheng, since that’s the case, I’m sending you to the far end of the human realm to cooperate with the Lone Eagle Khan. Yangjin of the Lotus Division will accompany you.”

“Yes, Master.” Jiasheng knew that any dealings over there would inevitably involve the Lotus Division.

Their prior efforts had mostly focused on the other Khanates, but this time, they could align with the Lone Eagle Khanate as well.

It was far more convenient for the Lotus Division to operate in that region.

As for the Vajra Division, its foundation remained here in the Tang Realm.

The key lay in how much of the Tang territory the Lone Eagle’s wings could cover.

The more, the better.

Ideally—all of it.

Jiasheng gave a bow to the Commander, then departed the Vajra Temple in the Tang Realm, heading back to Sumeru.

More accurately, he would pass through Sumeru on his way to the other human realm.

The Commander said no more, simply waiting patiently.

While waiting, he buried nine Vajra Scepters into the soil around the Vajra Temple.

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At the same time, on Mount Longhu, Lei Jun continued his steady cultivation and nurturing of spiritual items, following his own rhythm.

Time passed swiftly without notice in the flow of cultivation.

Lei Jun soon celebrated his sixty-seventh birthday.

Around the same time, news arrived from the outside world:

Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen had successfully discovered the legendary Penglai—one of the Nine Heavens—in the seas beyond the Eastern Sea.

The gateway to Penglai had officially opened at the bottom of the ocean, now linked to the human realm.

“I’m going to check on Senior Sister,” Tang Xiaotang couldn’t sit still.

The monks of the Western Region’s Buddhist sect were seriously annoying.

But Penglai had stirred her interest for a different reason.

It wasn’t Penglai itself.

It was the Western White Emperor—the one who had escaped from her last time.

She might be able to find him there. The thought lit up her eyes.

She looked at Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan.

Wang Guiyuan immediately shook his head. “Be careful, Tang-shimei. You and Senior Sister both.”

Lei Jun exchanged glances with him, and both saw the same thought in each other’s eyes: “Things are unclear in the west, and now changes are happening in the east. The west might shift too, triggered by the east.”

They were all well aware of Xu Yuanzhen’s tendencies.

While they welcomed the benefits of her powerful presence, they were also used to her unpredictable actions that might expose openings to their enemies.

Lei Jun and the others had already adapted to that.

Of course, if someone mistook the Daoists’ vigilance as petty suspicion toward the high monks, that would be another matter entirely.

Tang Xiaotang glanced westward and sneered, “Penglai is intriguing, sure. But we still don’t know what’s going on inside or whether I’ll find that guy. If something stirs in the west though—well, that’s definite. If those bald thieves come knocking, I’ll head back and deal with them first. I’m sure Senior Sister won’t mind.”

Lei Jun nodded. “I’m interested in Penglai too. But first, I need to finish what’s in front of me.”

He was currently at a critical stage of the second-phase nurturing of the silver spike left by Xu Yuanzhen.

And the plans centered on the two Nine-Grade Sun-Eroding Lotus Thrones still needed refinement to achieve the intended effects.

“Alright then, I’m off.” Tang Xiaotang set off with great enthusiasm.

New disturbances arose over the Eastern Sea. Though the gateway to Penglai was deep beneath the ocean, it had caused massive upheaval—frequent tsunamis and hurricanes sweeping the region.

Mount Longhu had first-hand updates from Xu Yuanzhen.

Soon after, other factions arrived to investigate and quickly pieced together a general picture.

News spread inland, drawing attention from all directions.

The Ye Clan of Qingzhou and the Chu Clan of Suzhou both dispatched top-tier leadership to investigate.

More detailed information continued to trickle back.

All signs pointed to a fierce battle underway at the underwater gateway to Penglai in the Eastern Sea.

One party was without doubt Xu Yuanzhen, Guardian Daoist of the Tianshi Mansion.

As for the other side, their identity and numbers remained unclear—but from a distance, it also looked like Daoist techniques were in play.

After several exchanges, Ye Yan—the Ye Clan Patriarch—and Chu Xiuyuan—the former Clan Leader of the Chu Clan—decided to personally travel overseas.

Officially, it was to assist and coordinate with Xu Yuanzhen of the Tianshi Mansion in confronting the sudden opening of the Penglai gateway.

The Tang Imperial Court was also paying close attention.

But since National Preceptor Tang Xiaotang had already departed for the Eastern Sea, the central court chose not to dispatch high-ranking officials. Instead, they sent elite personnel to follow and support the Preceptor’s lead, as well as to help quell tsunami disasters and protect coastal areas.

For a time, all of Tang—both within and without—had their eyes fixed on the Eastern Sea.

And within the Vajra Temple in the Western Regions, Commander Jialuotu was no exception.

But his concern wasn’t with the matter itself.

He was watching how this would affect other areas.

“The timing couldn’t be better. We shouldn’t aim for perfection.”

Gazing at the beads gliding through his fingers like flowing water, the Commander spoke softly: “Let’s begin.”

With a flick of his hand, the beads shifted from emerald to colorless, then back to emerald again—transforming into a stream of radiant light.

From within the light came a unique spiritual essence—one distinctly different from the power of Buddhism.