Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 402: The Old Ones of the Heavenly Palace

Compared to the Classics School and Divine Archery Lineage, the Confucian Chanting Branch placed greater emphasis on spiritual cultivation and Heaven-Human Resonance.

Although not like the Daoist Refining Sect, which ultimately discarded the physical body, to cultivators of the Confucian Chanting Lineage, the body was likewise no more than a vessel for the spirit.

Thus, it was common for Grand Scholars of the Chanting Lineage to let their souls roam the outer realms.

Even if their physical body was lost, their souls could still find ways to persist within the world.

At this moment, Liang Zhuo, having been suddenly bisected by the Vast Void Sword, was stunned and in shock. He immediately escaped his broken body as a spirit.

But as the sword struck, it erupted in violent thunderfire, consuming not only his body but also engulfing his spirit in a sea of flames.

Liang Zhuo tried to resist and break free, but in the blink of an eye, more sword-lights flashed across the dark cosmic void.

This Grand Scholar of the Chanting Lineage perished on the spot.

Though he had recovered from his initial shock, what followed was a flood of unanswered questions.

He wondered where the Talismanic Sect Daoist—the one controlling the sword and talismanic image—was hiding in this vast universe?

And where were Master Baima and the other monks from the Sumeru Lotus Division?

Outside this Daoist Great Ascension Realm, what had become of Saleheng and the others?

Liang Zhuo had many questions.

But he no longer had the chance to ponder them.

His fragmented spirit was entirely engulfed by the ensuing thunderfire.

As for the one he kept thinking about—Lei Jun—he wasn’t even within this Great Ascension Realm.

As for Consort Chu Duoming and others of the Lotus Division, Lei Jun naturally gave priority to Master Baima, whose cultivation far surpassed Liang Zhuo’s.

Compared to Liang Zhuo, Master Baima was even more helpless.

Because she had her Bright Moon Dharmachakra and her Buddhist Dharma Body shattered by Lei Jun, and was beaten to death.

After eliminating Liang Zhuo and the others of the Sumeru Lotus Division, Lei Jun dispersed his Daoist Great Ascension Realm, allowing light to return and reality to reappear.

The battle outside had also come to an end.

Saleheng, the chieftain of the Gale Tribe of the Golden Khanate, had died on the spot.

He followed the Nomadic Rider martial path, with incredible speed and agility.

But he was valorous and combative by nature, and didn’t choose to retreat at the first opportunity.

Thus, once caught in Tang Xiaotang’s Great Ascension Realm, it was already too late to escape.

On the other hand, Li Yuanheng, chieftain of the Tanli Tribe of the Outer Sea, though gravely wounded and “killed” by Tang Xiaotang on the spot...

“That b*stard used Gu magic to cheat death and be reborn!” Tang Xiaotang wore a displeased look, though her eyes remained crystal clear.

Above her head floated the Celestial Observation Dharmic Image, like a pair of enormous eyes—calm and unblinking, yet piercingly sharp.

“A Gu Master of the Ninth Heaven, even wounded, can pull off tricks like that. It’s not surprising,” said Lei Jun.

Tang Xiaotang gave a cold snort: > “No way—I’m going after him again!”

Just as she turned to leave, she suddenly remembered something and unfastened the Heavenly Master’s Seal from her waist, handing it to Lei Jun.

“You hang onto this first. We’ll deal with them one by one. Once I finish off that Nine Li tribesman, I’ll come back for that piece of sh*t who tried to seize the Heavenly Master’s Seal.”

Lei Jun took the Heavenly Master’s Seal with one hand, and in the other opened his palm to reveal several ancient-style talismanic decrees—left behind after he had just repelled an enemy Nascent Soul Yang Spirit with an attack.

That Daoist master of the Daoist Alchemical Sect had used both his soul magic and these talismans to try and claim the seal.

“So that’s the... Southern Red Emperor?” Lei Jun mused. “Senior Sister mentioned him before.”

Tang Xiaotang said coldly, > “No doubt about it—it’s him!”

When Xu Yuanzhen entered Penglai, she had crossed paths with many Daoist masters, and later discussed them with Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, and the others.

That’s how Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang came to know that besides the Northern Black Emperor Huang Xuanpu and Western White Emperor Han Qingtao, there was also a Southern Red Emperor.

Han Qingtao had once been the Sect Leader of the Ming Dynasty’s Shushan Sect, a Ninth Heaven Great Ascension Alchemical Daoist.

As for the Southern Red Emperor, like Huang Xuanpu, he was a Great Ascension Alchemist and a direct disciple of the Pure Yang Palace.

However, due to the fragmented state of the world, his exact identity remained uncertain.

But his techniques and magical style were already quite well understood.

“That spirit magic he used to ambush Junior Sister—that should be the Yin Spirit Fang, born of Pure Yang Origin Qi,” Lei Jun said.

It was a secret soul art currently lost to the Pure Yang Palace in Tang.

But its lineage was traceable.

The Pure Yang Fist, a supreme foundational art of the Pure Yang Palace, was simple, refined, and infinitely profound.

From it were derived two signature arts: Extreme Yang Vital Qi and Yin Ultimate Cauldron.

The Southern Red Emperor not only mastered those, but also a new soul art believed to originate from Pure Yang Fist.

Its name was: Pure Yang Origin Qi: Yin Spirit Fang.

Whereas the Yin Ultimate Cauldron was an all-around art favoring defense, Yin Spirit Fang was a pure offensive soul technique—deadly, silent, and capable of bypassing all defenses to pierce and destroy the target’s soul in one strike.

Unfortunately for him, Tang Xiaotang had detected the threat early.

With her Pure Yang Immortal Physique and later the Primordial Dao Body, along with extensive internal cultivation and refinement, her soul was exceptionally resilient. Coupled with the Heavenly Master’s Seal, the attacker’s Yin Spirit Fang had failed completely.

“He didn’t follow us here from the Outer Sea. If he appeared now, he must’ve already been in this mortal realm,” Lei Jun speculated. “Can’t say for sure he’s based here—but the odds are high.”

He then turned to Zhu Junjie nearby.

Zhu Junjie spoke calmly: > “Are the two Daoists speaking of the Mortal Dao Nations?”

Lei Jun replied, > “Seems you’re familiar with them.”

“Not extensively,” Zhu Junjie admitted, “but hearing the two of you talk has helped me connect a few dots...”

Tang Xiaotang cut him off: > “That Ninth Heaven alchemist who ambushed me—who is he?”

“To my knowledge,” said Zhu Junjie, “only one person from the Alchemical Sect fits that profile—the Pure Yang Palace Master, Realman Li Hang.”

The Pure Yang Palace of the Song Dynasty.

“Li Hang, huh? Got it,” Tang Xiaotang said, waving to Lei Jun and Zhu Junjie before transforming into golden light and dashing off in pursuit of Li Yuanheng.

“Our Senior Sister Tang has a strong sense of justice and little tolerance for evil. If she was rude just now, I hope you won’t mind,” said Lei Jun.

Zhu Junjie shook his head: > “Not at all. I should be the one thanking the two of you for your help.”

He bowed to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun returned the bow in Daoist etiquette: > “You give us too much credit—we just happened to be passing through.”

After the formalities, Zhu Junjie glanced at Lei Jun’s Nine-Colored Sash and hesitated slightly:

“May I ask... is your surname Lei?”

“I am Lei Jun of Mount Longhu, from the Tang Dynasty,” Lei Jun replied.

Zhu Junjie’s eyes lit up: > “So it really is the Heavenly Master Lei of Tang—what an honor.”

“You heard of me from the northwest of this realm?”

“Exactly,” Zhu Junjie replied. “That lady just now must be Realwoman Tang of your sect. Both your names are famous even here in Song.”

This northwestern region was home to the Blue Wolf Khanate and White Deer Khanate.

Though the remnants of the Song Dynasty were in a dire situation, they weren’t completely cut off from the outside world.

From the northern regions, scattered news had reached them—tales of the Lone Eagle Khanate and fragments of events from the Tang Mortal Realm.

Most news related to Tang involved a few well-known names—chief among them: Empress Zhang Wantong, and the Heavenly Masters Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

Zhu Junjie had begun to suspect their identities as soon as he saw them.

A female Daoist surnamed Tang and a man clad in the Nine-Colored Sash of Mount Longhu—just like the ancient texts described.

Now that Lei Jun had introduced himself, Zhu Junjie was convinced.

Though, some details had surprised him.

The Tang-related news they received was often outdated or inaccurate.

He’d heard of Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang before, but witnessing their strength firsthand—even without being their enemy—was awe-inspiring.

The rumors hadn’t exaggerated their power; they’d understated it.

Still, Zhu Junjie quickly regained his composure.

After all, intelligence from Tang was delayed and rarely firsthand.

A few months could mean immense growth for people like Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang—young, brilliant, and ever-rising.

Zhu Junjie himself had experienced that.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived the Golden Khanate’s hunting squads for so long.

“About this Li Hang you mentioned earlier…” Lei Jun returned to the previous topic.

Zhu Junjie replied: > “I’ve heard of the Mortal Dao Nations, though they kept hidden until a few years ago. Their leader, the Southern Red Emperor, has always been shrouded in mystery. If you’re sure the attacker was him, then I believe—he is Li Hang.”

“The soul technique Yin Spirit Fang is exclusive to Pure Yang Palace, and no one else has that level of power—except Li Hang.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

The Ming Mortal Realm had a two-thousand-four-hundred-year head start on the Tang Mortal Realm.

Though this current realm wasn't quite as old, it still surpassed the Tang by over a thousand years.

Given that, it was entirely plausible for the Song Dynasty’s Pure Yang Palace to innovate upon its Daoist foundations and create new soul techniques.

Thus, from the Pure Yang Fist came the Pure Yang Origin Qi and ultimately the Yin Spirit Fang.

As Zhu Junjie continued to explain, Lei Jun gained deeper insight into this realm.

The Pure Yang Palace, once the foremost Daoist holy ground in the Song, had undergone a major split.

A large faction broke off to form a new Daoist Alchemical sect—the Three Spring Palace.

The Pure Yang Palace remained within the Song Dynasty’s territory.

The Three Spring Palace, however, had journeyed westward.

Eventually, the Palace of Three Springs joined the western campaign alongside the Solitary Eagle Khanate, one of the four great khanates of the foreign tribes.

And ultimately, it too shared the Solitary Eagle Khanate’s catastrophic downfall.

Although remnants of the sect still existed in this far western corner of the human realm, it was no longer a significant force.

Over in the Great Song’s Pure Yang Palace, things hadn’t gone much better—they had declined nearly in lockstep with the fall of the Song imperial court.

In recent years, the Golden Khanate had finally conquered the Song. Although the Pure Yang Palace didn’t perish alongside it, under the leadership of its current sect master, Li Hang, some disciples were said to have sailed overseas and gone into hiding.

Others, like Liang Zhuo, defected to the Golden Khanate.

However, because of the presence of the Sumeru Lotus Division, these Daoist disciples from the Pure Yang Palace were in a difficult position. Instead, they had grown closer to Liang Zhuo and the Neo-Confucian scholars, huddling together for support.

As for Li Hang himself—though he had gone into seclusion overseas, he had never surrendered to the foreign tribes. To the remaining loyalists of the Song, he was still a true Daoist of high virtue.

“So, he had other intentions after all,” Zhu Junjie shook his head. “No, to be accurate, he had such intentions all along.”

Li Hang, or rather, the Daoist Emperor of the Song's human realm Dao Nation, may have originally hoped to fish in troubled waters and profit from the struggle between competing powers.

But the Golden Khanate’s overwhelming strength had exceeded his expectations—indeed, the expectations of many from the Song dynasty.

Still, Li Hang hadn’t entirely given up hope.

“The Golden Khanate and the White Deer and Blue Wolf Khanates—have they truly come to the brink of war?” Lei Jun asked.

Though he hadn’t interrogated Master Baima, Liang Zhuo, or the others after defeating them, he had obtained some letters, among which certain details caught his attention.

Zhu Junjie nodded. “Yes. The latest word from the north confirms it. Many top experts of the Golden Khanate have already moved north, including the head of the Sumeru Lotus Division, Master Zongjia.”

Dealing with the remnants of the Song had previously been the job of Liang Zhuo and his ilk.

If not for the need to capture someone like Zhu Junjie, a Grand Scholar of the Ninth Heaven Peace Under Heaven realm, the Golden Khanate wouldn’t have sent Saleheng, Master Baima, and Liang Zhuo all together.

Yet things went awry in the Lightless Lands when Li Yuanheng opened a passage between the Sea of Earth and this human realm, drawing both Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun in pursuit.

Li Yuanheng might still have a chance to fake his death and slip away.

But Baima and Saleheng? They had hit a wall.

As for the Southern Red Emperor Li Hang, war among the three great khanates was undoubtedly great news for both him and the Dao Nation of the Song.

However, having his whereabouts exposed to Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang was an entirely different matter.

The war also presented an opportunity to Zhu Junjie and other Song loyalists.

But he wasn’t blindly optimistic.

“Although Master Zongjia and other top experts are heading north and west, with the Blue Wolf and White Deer Khans even coming east themselves…”

Zhu Junjie’s expression turned grave. “The Golden Khan has made no move.”

At the mention of this top expert among foreign warriors, Zhu Junjie’s expression grew somewhat complex. “In the last great war, we failed to injure him seriously. Instead, he trampled our lands. He may have gained tremendously from it.”

The Golden Khan—a warrior greater even than the Solitary Eagle Khan Hariger—was indisputably the strongest expert in this human realm.

He didn’t just shatter the Song Dynasty—he broke the very land itself, leaving the realm cracked and trembling…

Lei Jun was thoughtful.

He asked, “So, this foreign Martial Dao Immortal—does his current silence mean he’s in seclusion, seeking to break through to an even higher realm?”

A realm beyond the Ninth Heaven of Martial Dao.

Zhu Junjie’s tone was solemn. “I dare not say for certain, but…”

With the Blue Wolf and White Deer Khans mobilizing in full force and joining hands to oppose the Golden Khanate, might they too have sensed something?

Though all three khanates originated from the same source, they were now completely separate powers.

The Golden Khan advancing further would not be a source of pride to them—it would be seen as an unprecedented threat.

If the Solitary Eagle Khan Hariger were still alive, he’d likely respond in the same way.

In most cases, learning that the Golden Khan might ascend even higher wouldn’t lead someone like Hariger to submission.

Rather, they’d do everything possible to smother that potential in its cradle.

Even if they came to regret it later, it would only be for not acting sooner—regretting that they had allowed the Golden Khan to conquer again and again, gaining momentum until he became what he is now.

By taking the lands of the Song, the Golden Khan had gained more than any of the others expected.

In some ways, the Blue Wolf and White Deer were now simply patching the barn after the sheep were lost.

Whether they were too late remained to be seen.

“Forgive my boldness…” Lei Jun asked Zhu Junjie, “Are there many people like Liang Zhuo?”

Zhu Junjie’s face darkened, and after a moment of silence, he replied:

“Quite a few. The Golden Khan may be ruthless and oppressive, but he abolished the old tribal practice of classifying and ranking conquered populations based on headcount and social status.”

Lei Jun’s tone was calm, his expression unreadable. “Equal-opportunity brutality.”

Zhu Junjie nodded. “Though they are powerful invaders, I—unworthy as I am—will still do my part for the people and the land.”

Lei Jun asked, “From what I see of your cultivation, it doesn’t follow Confucian Canon studies—or the archery or recitation branches?”

Zhu Junjie smiled. “I do follow the Canons. But unlike those who fixate on classical texts, my mentors and I focus more on methods for governing the world.”

Lei Jun: “Oh?”

Zhu Junjie: “There are too many who indulge in empty talk. It might refine their character, but it can’t govern a nation—at best, they govern their personal affairs. Fortunately, the sages once said, ‘When merit is achieved, it is virtue; when a task is accomplished, it is principle.’

We scholars should prioritize tangible deeds over empty theories—that’s what truly benefits the state.”

Lei Jun didn’t comment. He asked curiously, “Then how do you cultivate, day to day?”

Zhu Junjie: “If something cannot be proven in action, it’s baseless. If a method doesn’t yield results, it’s ineffective. We practice governance and practicality, and don’t shy away from discussing profit if it serves the greater good.”

Lei Jun: “In the current state of this realm, I imagine cultivation must be especially difficult for your kind.”

Zhu Junjie sighed. “If our actions violate righteousness, then even high cultivation is meaningless. If our goals don’t consider the world’s suffering, then even virtue is hollow. I often ask myself these things. I wouldn’t dare claim I can reverse fate—I just try to stay true to my path and keep a clear conscience.”

That was his stance.

Others may not share it.

Lei Jun didn’t comment further.

Zhu Junjie bowed. “Today, so many top experts of the Golden Khanate fell to you and Tang Zhenren. It’s a great and unexpected blessing to us. Our situation has changed drastically. I am deeply grateful.”

With many Golden Khanate and Sumeru Lotus experts sent northwest to face the Blue Wolf and White Deer, the central plains were left relatively unguarded.

Had they succeeded in eliminating Zhu Junjie, they would’ve secured the Song region for the foreseeable future.

But with Saleheng, Liang Zhuo, and others now dead, the situation had turned.

Now the Golden Khanate’s grip on the former Song lands was notably weakened.

Of course, as long as the Golden Khan—the strongest cultivator in this realm—was alive, no one could lightly shift the tide.

Zhu Junjie didn’t dream of defeating him.

But if they could at least delay his rise, that was already a form of success.

Moreover, as a Peace Under Heaven Grand Scholar of the Ninth Heaven, Zhu Junjie could wreak unimaginable havoc through regional raids if left without sufficient opposition…

“Stay safe, Lay Scholar.” Lei Jun bowed back.

Zhu Junjie handed him an empty envelope with both hands. “If you need assistance here, please write to me.”

“I hope that someday, when peace returns, I may visit another realm and pay my respects to you on Mount Longhu.”

“You’re too kind.” Lei Jun accepted the empty envelope imbued with the spirit of “words as presence” and bid Zhu Junjie farewell, watching him depart.

The young Grand Scholar was still injured, but the coming respite was rare. What he did with it would be up to him.

Lei Jun returned to the Sea of Earth with the Talisman of the Celestial Master.

Although Tang Xiaotang was unfamiliar with the khanate territories, now that the three khanates were at war, she should face little trouble.

Lei Jun would leave the void portal between the Sea of Earth and this realm temporarily unsealed.

But as for Li Yuanheng himself—though gravely wounded—Lei Jun had lingering doubts regarding the Nine Li of the Sea of Earth. So he returned to investigate.

One of the Nine Heavens—Penglai.

Although it had been in chaos before, after several years of rest and recovery, this place once again shone with the splendor of an immortal paradise.

By a celestial pool, a middle-aged Daoist clad in traditional Pure Yang Palace robes sat silently in meditation, refining his breath and nurturing his Nascent Soul Yang Spirit with his physical body.

As a Great Daoist of the Grand Completion Realm, fourth level of the Ninth Heaven with Four Qi Returning to the Origin, Li Hang’s Nascent Soul Yang Spirit was exceptionally solid.

With his cultivation of Pure Soul Qi and attainment of a Silent Natured Soul, he was immune to many spiritual attacks and mental intrusions.

His already resilient physique and spirit had become even more resistant to divine soul assaults.

Even so, that strange nine-jointed green bamboo staff, glowing with alternating purple and golden light, had left him dazed.

Despite all his cultivation, he had been thoroughly rattled by a single strike.

He had no doubt—if not for his Silent Soul and Pure Soul Qi, that one hit might have severely injured his Nascent Soul Yang Spirit.

And the Celestial Master’s Mansion on Mount Longhu in Great Tang wasn’t lacking in experts—no wonder Huang Xuanpu had fallen there.

It was a shame. He had hoped to seize the Celestial Master’s Seal, but ultimately missed the chance. It would likely be even harder in the future.

As for the Ten Thousand Dharmas Altar of the Tang realm… that wasn’t even worth mentioning.

Time was pressing.

Li Hang finished his meditation and opened his eyes, gazing into the distance.

After a moment, a gentle light appeared before him, automatically forming a talisman edict.

He read the contents with a frown, but his expression soon relaxed. He stored the edict away and rose to his feet.

He climbed a celestial mountain.

At its summit, someone was already waiting—a woman in coarse clothes and straw shoes.

She was none other than the former head of the Shu Mountain Sect of Great Ming, now the Western White Emperor of the Human Realm Dao Nation—Han Qingtao.

Without Mu Chunyang, she had finally shaken off her pursuers and retreated to Penglai.

But the foundation she had laid in the Ming Realm had already crumbled.

Li Hang didn’t come to gloat.

He’d taken a risk acting in the Song Realm earlier. Though he’d escaped safely, if Lei Jun or Tang Xiaotang spoke with Zhu Junjie, they might soon match his identity to that of the Southern Red Emperor of the Dao Nation.

His own position in the Song Realm could also be compromised.

But he had already prepared himself for such consequences—so his mindset remained calm.

“Daoist Li.” Han Qingtao gave a slight nod.

Li Hang returned the gesture. “Does Daoist Han require assistance?”

“Rare to see Daoist Han initiate the idea of a Five-Faction Alliance.”

Han Qingtao replied, “Apologies for the sudden visit. But the matter is of great importance.”

Li Hang’s gaze settled on her face.

Han Qingtao said solemnly, “Biluo may be showing signs of movement.”

Li Hang asked slowly, “The old Heavenly Court faction?”