Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 389: The Heavenly Master Enters Datong

"That is indeed somewhat concerning," Lei Jun agreed with Xu Yuanzhen's assessment.

Xu Yuanzhen asked, "Earlier it was inconvenient to talk, and you only gave a brief overview. What’s the full situation?"

Lei Jun replied, "Based on the correspondence from the Confucian aristocrats in Datong and the intel Huang Tiandao gathered there, we can now basically confirm that the Tianshi Mansion in Han Dynasty's Mortal Realm is following the path of the ancient Talismanic Branch. But it’s still unclear whether they’re connected to the early Heavenly Palace."

Xu Yuanzhen asked, "Has there been any precedent of Talismanic Branch disciples being stripped of their Daoist rank over there?"

Lei Jun answered slowly, "There are historical records of such cases, but they're too ancient to determine their authenticity."

In the early days of the Talismanic Branch in the Daoist tradition, disciples sought divine sanction and received talismans from ancestral masters in the Heavenly Palace.

The advantages were clear—primarily, the branch had relatively lenient standards regarding a practitioner's aptitude. Even older individuals still had the potential to keep advancing. Naturally, those with higher aptitude would progress faster than average.

Moreover, in actual combat, Talismanic Branch disciples with better aptitude could communicate more effectively with spirits and deities through talismans, allowing them to summon stronger entities and gain access to greater mystical powers.

But of course, there were significant downsides as well. Two major issues stood out. First, before they could communicate with celestial beings, Talismanic Daoists were relatively weak and vulnerable to enemy attacks. Second, since their cultivation foundation came directly from divine ancestral masters, being stripped of their talismanic rank could lead to a rapid fall from power.

Nowadays, the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu in the Great Tang Dynasty can remotely suppress some disciples’ talismanic scriptures through the Ten Thousand Methods Sect Altar. However, it has no means to suppress spells of those in the Upper Three Heavens.

Back in ancient times, if an ascended ancestral master from the Heavenly Palace revoked someone’s talisman, it could drag even high-level Talismanic Daoists down from the heavens.

Despite not having the Three Treasures and an altar, the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu in the Han Dynasty has produced numerous elite cultivators over time. People widely speculate that they still have an ascended ancestral master alive.

On the flip side, if a disgraceful disciple were to be stripped of their talismanic rank by such a master and fall instantly, that too would prove the ancestral master’s continued existence.

"Even though ancient rumors are hard to verify, and their ancestral master hasn’t shown any divine signs for years, I personally believe the stories are probably true," Lei Jun concluded.

Xu Yuanzhen smiled with interest. "Even ascended cultivators in the Profound Realms differ—most of them still have a limit to their lifespan."

Lei Jun said, "It’s hard to say for sure. Maybe they’ve just gone silent, maybe they’re in seclusion, busy with other matters, unwell… or maybe, as you guessed, they’re already gone."

The Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu in the Han Dynasty had always enjoyed immense prestige and reverence. Even through multiple dynastic upheavals, they remained a pillar of strength.

That was until recently, when the Vast Void Temple in the Han Dynasty began rising in power—and even began challenging the Tianshi Mansion directly.

It wouldn’t be a big deal if it was only temporary.

But as time passed, it gradually started shaking the Tianshi Mansion’s authority, raising doubts: was the ancestral immortal they worshipped still alive?

Such a risky move isn’t something even Han Dynasty’s aristocratic clans or imperial court would take lightly—nor would the Vajra Division of Mount Sumeru.

And yet, it was precisely the Vast Void Temple.

And not just any group, but a full-fledged, highly capable, powerhouse lineage.

Lei Jun strongly suspected that someone was backing them heavily—perhaps more than one party.

"The current head of the Tianshi Mansion in the Han Dynasty is Ji Daocheng," Lei Jun mentioned this fellow Tianshi, a high-level Great Ascension Daoist.

"Rumor has it he’s reached the fourth level of the Ninth Heaven Realm and cultivated the Seven Qi of Haoling. He’s in his prime and quite formidable."

Unfortunately, his tenure coincided with the Tianshi Mansion facing this powerful external threat.

"Under him are high-ranking elders like Ma Zongxiang, Xu Pu, and Huang Jin, all at the Eighth Heaven Realm," Lei Jun continued. "Among them, one named Pan Hailin is praised as the number-one rising star of the Han Daoist community. He’s still young, yet already at the peak of the Eighth Heaven Realm, and has reached the Divine Court Inner Cosmos. He’s not Ji Daocheng’s direct disciple, but it’s widely accepted within and outside the Tianshi Mansion that he’s the likely next Tianshi."

After a brief pause, Lei Jun added, "Comprehension is hard to evaluate externally, so we don’t know much there. But in terms of bone structure, we’re sure Pan Hailin has a Celestial Physique."

Xu Yuanzhen asked casually, "Oh? Which one?"

Lei Jun answered, "The Mixed Primordial Physique."

Xu Yuanzhen mused, "That’s rare. Historical records only mention one such case before."

Lei Jun nodded. "The Taiyi lineage is quite rare in general."

Though there are no recorded cases of someone with the Mixed Primordial Physique advancing further, based on Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen’s current cultivation and insight, it’s possible to deduce that if such a physique were to evolve into a Dao Physique, it would likely become the Taiyi Dao Physique.

One remarkable trait of the Mixed Primordial Physique is its ability to break the conventional limitation of “One Path, No Second.”

A cultivator with this physique can simultaneously practice multiple Daoist lineages—and achieve success in all of them.

Historically, very few have been able to break that rule, and nearly every one of them left a lasting mark in history for that reason alone.

The Mixed Primordial Physique is the most renowned example.

However, this only speaks to its upper potential. Reaching that potential still depends entirely on the individual.

Practicing multiple lineages requires significantly more time and effort than most can imagine, and it tests both comprehension and talent. Otherwise, trying to walk multiple paths could result in mastering none.

A positive example would be the Future Maitreya of the Buddhist tradition.

A negative one… well, that’s another story.

As for Pan Hailin, so far he has focused solely on the Talismanic Branch of Daoism.

"That young man from Huang Tiandao—is he a Dual Aspect Sacred Physique? A Soul of Two Aspects?" Xu Yuanzhen asked.

Lei Jun replied, "Yes. If Kang Ming’s Dual Aspect Sacred Physique ever evolves, it should become the Mixed Primordial Physique. But as of now, there’s no sign of him having that kind of fortune."

Xu Yuanzhen said, "The Ming Dynasty’s Mortal Realm has someone with a Creation Celestial Physique."

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Xu Yuanzhen nodded. "Mu Chunyang from Zhenwu Monastery."

Lei Jun nodded in recognition. "The current head of Zhenwu Monastery—you’ve mentioned him before."

The Creation Celestial Physique, like the Two-Element Celestial Physique, would evolve into the Tai Chi Dao Physique if it ever ascended further.

Lei Jun remained calm. Everyone had their own fate. Who advanced faster or slower—it was all up to effort.

"Earlier you mentioned the Ming Dynasty still has a strong Neo-Confucian presence in court despite external threats?" Lei Jun asked.

Xu Yuanzhen replied, "The current emperor is useless. He has no natural aptitude for cultivation—everything’s been propped up by imperial arts and precious resources."

Lei Jun nodded slightly. He had heard Xu Yuanzhen mention this before.

In the Ming Dynasty’s royal line, each generation seemed to be weaker in Daoist aptitude than the last.

Instead, the court was filled with renowned ministers, and Confucian scholars in the Ninth Heaven Realm were plentiful. Loyal and devoted, they supported the empire with strength and righteousness.

The only issue? Internal factions.

Currently, the three main factions in the Ming court were the Wu Party, Chu Party, and Qin Party.

"That reminds me—back when the Lesser Ming Court of Guizang was around, it was also a three-way power struggle. Wu, Chu, and Gan factions, right?" Lei Jun recalled.

The overlap was striking—almost eerily so.

"The Talismanic Branch of Daoism has fallen. The Pure Yang Palace of the Alchemical Sect has also declined. Only Zhenwu Monastery remains," Xu Yuanzhen observed.

She added, "The Artifact Refining Sect’s Shushan Sect is also finished."

Well, that was because you, dear senior sister, exposed their Sect Leader Han Qingtao’s plot to establish a mortal Daoist state and self-title as the Western White Emperor... Lei Jun stayed composed.

"On the Buddhist side, Tianlong Monastery and Xuanyan Temple are both gone now," Xu Yuanzhen continued. "Only the Bodhi Monastery from the Zen Martial Line remains strong. It’s now the foremost Buddhist Holy Land in the Ming Dynasty, standing opposite Zhenwu Monastery—one Dao, one Buddha."

As for the Hand Seal Line’s Vajra Monastery in the Western Regions, they had long since merged with the Vajra Division from Mount Sumeru.

But due to environmental reasons in the Central Plains, the Vajra Division and the Ming Dynasty’s Vajra Monastery were currently aligned with the northern tribes of the Ming Mortal Realm.

Suddenly, Xu Yuanzhen chuckled. "They’ve got the White Lotus Sect over there too—and it’s doing quite well."

Lei Jun asked, "What about the monsters in Guixu?"

Xu Yuanzhen replied, "They’re gaining traction. Some of the Great Demons are quite powerful—but none of them have really caught my attention."

She was more intrigued by the so-called extinct species mentioned in rumors.

"When the southern void portal opened, I went into that Mortal Realm for a look around," she said quickly, as usual. "It’s a lot like the Southern Wasteland of old—chaotic and full of bloodshed. There are a few promising young talents, but it’s hard to say whether they’ll amount to anything. The interesting part is how some of the Witch Sect’s sorcery and curses are fusing with martial body refinement and combat arts. They’re creating something entirely new—pretty fascinating to watch."

That piqued Lei Jun’s interest. "Oh? Tell me more."

Xu Yuanzhen explained, "They use the Blood River as a core, blend in other Witch Sect spells, and merge them with martial cultivation and weapon techniques. They've dialed down the usual explosive force, and instead focus on sustained combat and flesh regeneration."

Lei Jun nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like a product of the times—and the environment."

Just as he was chatting with Xu Yuanzhen, his expression suddenly shifted slightly. "Hmm… that Purple Star of Qi has found an owner—in the Mortal Realm during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era."

Beneath the concealment of Daoist arts, the altar shimmered quietly with light, tranquil and stable.

At the summit of the three-tiered altar, Kang Ming sat cross-legged, silently breathing and concentrating his spirit.

He didn’t stop until someone else approached the altar. Opening his eyes, he asked, “You're back?”

The newcomer was none other than Chen Ziyang, high-ranking elder of Huang Tiandao.

He and the other Huang Tiandao cultivators had arrived in the Han Dynasty’s Mortal Realm alongside Kang Ming and had since re-established themselves here.

Han Wuyou had now become the new Huangtian Ancestral Altar.

“What’s the word?” Kang Ming gestured for Chen Ziyang to take a seat.

Chen Ziyang slowly replied, “It should be someone from the Ye Clan of Qingzhou in this realm.”

Kang Ming gave a slight nod. “The Ye Clan of Qingzhou, huh?”

From what they currently knew, in the Han Dynasty’s Mortal Realm, two widely acknowledged Confucian scholars at the Ninth Heaven Realm were holding things steady.

One of them was indeed the head of the Ye Clan of Qingzhou.

Moreover, the surge of spiritual energy in the Han Mortal Realm was just as intense, deeply impacting all cultivators here.

Much like in the Tang Mortal Realm, some experts already at the peak of the Eighth Heaven—especially those still young—might ascend at any time.

However, internal strife in the Han Mortal Realm was also fierce, adding unpredictability to the future.

“Just like back when we were in the Tang Mortal Realm,” Chen Ziyang said calmly. “The Ye Clan of Qingzhou is interested in supporting us.”

Because of the existence of the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu in the Han Realm, Kang Ming and Chen Ziyang had kept a low profile. But for an outsider group like Huang Tiandao to establish a foothold here without leaving any traces was no easy feat.

Especially given that the Ye Clan of Qingzhou was a well-rooted aristocratic family near the coast.

“They’re just covering all their bases,” Kang Ming noted.

After realizing that Huang Tiandao’s legacy differed significantly from the Tianshi Mansion's Talismanic Branch, and receiving word from Datong about the existence of the Tang Tianshi Mansion, the Ye Clan began to strategize.

By secretly supporting Huang Tiandao, they were essentially planting traps under both Tianshi Mansions of Han and Tang.

Kang Ming and Chen Ziyang saw this clearly.

For Huang Tiandao—new to the Han Mortal Realm and urgently needing to gain footing and recruit disciples—this kind of support was invaluable.

They had encountered similar dealings during their time in the Tang Mortal Realm.

Neither Kang Ming nor Chen Ziyang rejected such offers.

But that didn’t mean they would hand over everything.

As for the future—still too early to say.

“For now, our priority is quiet cultivation and steady accumulation,” Kang Ming said.

Chen Ziyang bowed respectfully. “Yes, Sect Master.”

Kang Ming resumed his seated meditation.

He had reached the Seventh Heaven Tongtian Realm in the Daoist Talismanic Branch only ten years ago.

He had actually attained the Nascent Soul Stage of the Daoist Alchemical Sect earlier.

He had acquired some Pure Yang Palace texts from Wenzhao Qian.

And from the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book’s universe, he had gained even more that fueled his own cultivation.

Given the current state of Huang Tiandao and himself, Kang Ming now aimed for the Infant Transformation Stage of the Alchemical Path.

He could sense that, much like in the Tang Mortal Realm, the Han Realm was reaching a pivotal turning point.

To establish a place here would take more than luck—it required true cultivation.

As they say, man proposes, heaven disposes.

Han Dynasty Mortal Realm, Qingzhou Territory.

A caravan was quietly heading north, making its return journey.

Earlier, the group had visited the ancestral lands of the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou, and they were now on their way back after seeing their relatives.

That didn’t stop them from handling a little “side task” on the return leg—such as secretly meeting with a practitioner of the Daoist Talismanic Branch, one not aligned with the Tianshi Mansion of the Han Realm.

Mm, according to the latest intel from Datong, there was a Mortal Realm that currently upheld the orthodox title of "Great Tang"—and the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu there had already become a formidable force.

As for this so-called Huang Tiandao, it had reportedly split from them and, somehow, ended up here in the Han Realm.

“Uncle, they still seem very wary of Qingzhou,” said Ye Jingya of the Ye Clan, standing beside her clan uncle Ye Yong during a break at a roadside pavilion.

Ye Yong's expression was calm. “That’s not surprising.”

Ye Jingya asked, “From the look of it, they’re quite down and out. Can they really accomplish anything?”

Ye Yong replied, “It never hurts to be prepared early or over-prepared. Sometimes a lucky accident can lead to unexpected gains.”

“Yes, I understand, Uncle,” she replied.

Just then, Ye Yong turned his head slightly toward another direction. “So Longxi and Langya are both hunting for the tomb of the Eastern Yang Hermit?”

Ye Jingya nodded. “Exactly.”

She seemed a bit puzzled. “Doesn’t the Wang Clan of Langya realize that the Xiao Clan of Longxi is being pushed by the Xiao Clan of Datong?”

Though Datong was trying to keep a tight lid on the matter, there was no such thing as a wall that lets in no wind.

The Ye Clan of Qingzhou had already heard whispers that there may be friction between the Tang Mortal Realm and Datong.

And if the Han Mortal Realm directly linked to the Tang Mortal Realm, that would certainly increase the pressure on Datong.

The Xiao Clan of Longxi in the Han Realm seemed more relaxed—because the connection between Wang Xu of the Wang Clan and the Eastern Yang Hermit could possibly open a Void Gateway between the Han and Tang Realms, located on the Han side's eastern seaboard, far from Longxi.

Of course, the Xiao Clan of Datong must have offered the Longxi Xiao Clan something substantial to persuade them.

Then what about the Wang Clan of Langya?

“They're not necessarily unaware of the risks,” Ye Yong said. “It’s just that, for them, they may value something else more. Comparing the two, they made their choice.”

Ye Jingya gave a slight nod.

A moment later, she asked softly, “Uncle, and regarding Datong... our Qingzhou side?”

Ye Yong replied, “It could be an opportunity. The clan head has already assigned someone to monitor it.”

---

Tang Dynasty Mortal Realm.

Inside the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu.

Tang Xiaotang emerged from the Grotto-Heaven of the Upper Qing Thunder Altar. “Senior Sister is back?”

She looked slightly dissatisfied with her current comprehension of the Daoist arts she had been pondering.

But as soon as Xu Yuanzhen returned and Lei Jun invited them to head to Datong, the Tang State Preceptor immediately perked up.

“All set?” Her bright eyes sparkled, looking ready for action.

Lei Jun replied, “Just about. Let’s give it a try.”

The latest news was that Sun Li hadn’t returned to the Reincarnation Abyss, the Holy Land of his own sect, but was instead secluded in a mysterious retreat he’d prepared overseas.

As Lei Jun had predicted, during his time in the Land of the Deep Sea, he had grasped the final key he needed.

With everything in place, he had recently emerged from seclusion and successfully become the third Eighth-Heaven Great Shaman of the Southern Wasteland—following Li Tianqing and Xing Feng.

However, the development that the Reincarnation Abyss Holy Master, Feng Gui, had feared didn’t happen.

Sun Li didn’t try to seize control of the sect.

In fact, he didn’t return at all.

This came as a relief to many within the Reincarnation Abyss, though they couldn’t help feeling conflicted.

For now, both Li Tianqing and Xing Feng were affiliated with the Blood River Sect.

Which left the Witch Sect of the Southern Wasteland in a rather awkward position.

Fortunately, both men had remained low-profile, rarely showing themselves.

From Lei Jun’s perspective, the Tang Mortal Realm was now home to multiple Ninth-Heaven cultivators. With Empress Zhang Wantong personally holding the reins of power again, there was little risk from internal threats or foreign invaders—at least for the time being.

The ancestral sect at Mount Longhu was also solid. Yuan Mobai, Wang Guiyuan, and Chu Kun were all present. The mountain gate was secure.

That meant it was a good time for him, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang to go pay Datong a visit…

After saying farewell to Yuan Mobai and the others, the trio headed toward Zhijin Ridge in Lucheng, Shangzhou—the site where the Fang Clan of Jingxiang had once tried to open a Void Gateway to bring the Datong Fang Clan into this world.

When they arrived, someone was already waiting.

Dressed in Confucian robes, the man appeared relaxed but carried an unshakable poise.

It was Zhang Hui.

The moment Tang Xiaotang saw him, her eyebrows shot up.

Zhang Hui smiled and bowed politely to the three. “Humble student Zhang Hui greets Master Xu, State Preceptor Tang, and Tianshi Lei.”

His manner was impeccably respectful.

Tang Xiaotang circled around him several times before finally pulling back her gaze.

Xu Yuanzhen, on the other hand, observed him with interest. “If you were to take the Dragon Throne, you might be more fitting than Zhang Wantong.”

Zhang Hui replied, “Master Xu flatters me. I wouldn’t dare.”

He clearly didn’t yet understand her well.

The comment from that Guardian of Xuanyuan Heavenly Virtue was not a compliment.

But Xu Yuanzhen’s lips curled upward. “Still, this is quite interesting—between you and Zhang Wantong, one surprise after another.”

Zhang Hui responded, “It’s having three Great Ascension cultivators at Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion that’s the real surprise for the mortal world.”

Xu Yuanzhen nodded, then silently looked toward Lei Jun.

Lei Jun remained composed. “The three of us will go in. Zhang Gongzi, stay here to guard the entrance, in case any of Datong’s people try to slip into the Tang Mortal Realm.”

Only then did Xu Yuanzhen look away. “That’s fine.”

Zhang Hui was a bit puzzled.

As far as he knew, Master Xu didn’t usually concern herself with the affairs of the Tang Dynasty.

He could only assume she wanted to completely seal off Datong and capture everything in one sweep.

From that perspective, it seemed the three of them weren’t just going to visit Datong…

“Let’s begin!” Tang Xiaotang laughed.

Lei Jun smiled faintly. With a sweep of his sleeve, points of starlight floated out and scattered.

As the lights fell across the mountains of Zhijin Ridge, they formed a massive ritual array.

Seeing the many ceremonial and ritual implements involved, even Confucian scholar Zhang Hui couldn’t help but nod silently.

Lei Jun of Mount Longhu was indeed extraordinary.

The level of these instruments was on par with what even Ninth-Heaven Confucian scholars could muster.

Under Lei Jun’s arrangement, the components of the ritual and its symbols wove together, rising toward the heavens.

Daoist talismans and Confucian script streamed upward like a flowing river, transforming into radiant light above Zhijin Ridge.

From afar, it looked like a dazzling manuscript—half sacred scripture, half celestial brilliance.

The light poured downward, enveloping the entire ridge, and continued to expand.

Then, from within the central light pillar, space itself began to ripple like flowing water.

Lei Jun waved again.

A tiny black dot shot out, grew with the wind, and became a flat wooden boat.

Tang Xiaotang was the first to step aboard.

Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen followed, shoulder to shoulder.

Zhang Hui watched as the boat disappeared into the glowing currents of illusion and starlight.

Datong.

The moment the boat pierced through the glowing boundary and entered Datong, before they could even take in the new surroundings, Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang all frowned at once.

The suffocating smoke and oppressive energy before them were clearly not of Confucian origin. Fierce and ominous, it had turned into a full-scale ambush, completely sealing off the Void Gateway—and was even starting to pour back into the Tang Mortal Realm.

Lei Jun's first thought was:

With this kind of ambush, how come that Light Sphere of mine didn’t issue an omen?

…Right, with the three of them moving together, they probably didn’t need one.

He glanced at Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang and gestured politely with one hand.

With their cultivation and comprehension levels, the three didn’t need to exchange words. Just one look at this Iron-Blooded Soulfire Ritual told them nearly everything they needed to know.

Tang Xiaotang struck first.

There was no change to her hair, eyes, or brows as there sometimes was—she looked perfectly normal.

But the moment she raised her hand, an invisible and graceful force unfurled.

A “door” silently opened.

With it, the raging smoke and flame parted with a thunderous blast—like a solid mountain being smashed open.

Then Xu Yuanzhen followed up with a simple wave.

A purple Yang Thunder Dragon entwined with a green Yin Fire Tiger emerged, combining into a purple-green Tai Chi Diagram, which radiated intense light.

This was the most orthodox form of the Tianshi Mansion’s mystical ability—Dragon-Tiger Combined Strike.

But in Xu Yuanzhen’s hands, it carried a deeper and more refined power.

The radiant Tai Chi Diagram shot through the gap Tang Xiaotang had opened, blasting away more of the dense smoke and fire. Wherever it passed, an invisible space barrier seemed to congeal into a pathway.

At last, Lei Jun raised his hand.

A matching purple Yang Thunder Dragon and green Yin Fire Tiger surged forth.

They shot to the end of the newly formed path and merged into another Tai Chi Diagram.

As the diagram began to spin, everything started to reverse.

Light erupted.

The soulfire and smoke, which had begun to pour into the Tang Realm, now reversed direction, rushing back into Datong with clear intent.

Each stream of smoke flowed back to the ancestral lands of the Five Prominent Clans.

Of them, the Fang Clan’s ancestral estate, known for its unique access to all regions of the Nine Provinces, suffered the heaviest blow. The thick smoke completely blocked off their ability to open or shift any Void Gateways.

Fang Xi and other top experts of the Fang Clan were all caught up in the surge. The overwhelming smoke and fire trapped them within their own estate, sealing off all escape—both into the sky and down into the earth.

Meanwhile, the Void Gateway between the Tang and Datong Mortal Realms was now completely clear.

The trio stood at the bow of the boat, and entered Datong.