Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 405: Lei Jun also has new happiness

"Where are we? Should be somewhere near Suizhou. Not sure what the locals in this world call it," Tang Xiaotang replied casually.

Though the mountains and rivers were broken, the general terrain of this Human Realm under the Barbarian Khanate wasn’t all that different from the Great Tang’s.

So Tang Xiaotang had no trouble identifying the general region.

Near Suizhou—meaning relatively close to the mouth of the Nine Provinces River... Lei Jun gave a small nod.

Over here in the Human Realm of the Barbarian Khanate, the sudden manifestation of the Guixu was rather unusual.

To Lei Jun’s knowledge, when the Guixu emerged in the Great Ming’s Human Realm, its gateway appeared in the deep sea far off the eastern coast, like a bottomless abyss.

Still, it was a clear portal—one entry point.

But this time, in the Barbarian Khanate's Human Realm, there was no clear portal. Instead, parts of the major river systems here had been infiltrated by the cold, eerie water veins of the Guixu.

As a result, all kinds of Guixu monsters had spread across the Human Realm.

With things like this, it wasn’t just the Golden Khanate or the Vajra Division and Lotus Division of Sumeru that had a headache. Even Zhu Junjie, Li Hang, and Ji Yao who had come from the Yellow Springs were all frowning in secret.

Even without a portal, the fusion of Guixu water with human world waters had created spatially distorted abysses.

These abyssal zones had formed in the Nine Provinces River mouth, Huangye Lake, and the southern valley of Mount Changfeng. They had become breeding grounds and bases for Guixu creatures, with many monsters nesting in these waters.

"I took a look around the old ancestral lands of the Tanli Tribe and Li Yuanheng in the Undersea World. Found a few clues. Not sure I’ll find Li Yuanheng, but it’s worth a try," said Lei Jun. "Little Senior Sister, are you closer to the river mouth? Maybe try your luck there."

Tang Xiaotang said, "Oh? Sure, worth a shot."

Lei Jun: "Any news from the Western Region’s Buddhists, the Shushan Sect of the Yellow Springs, or Li Hang, the Pure Yang Palace head here?"

Tang Xiaotang: "Had a few rounds with a bald thief from Sumeru earlier, but when the Guixu descended, and some Shushan freaks from Yellow Springs showed up, the whole scene turned into chaos and we all got separated."

As she spoke, faint phantom eyes appeared above her, gazing into the distance as if seeing through the world’s veils:

"I get a vague sense that someone’s out there in the southeast. Far away, though."

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Huangye Lake was located in the Xiaoxiang region, essentially part of the Dongting Marshlands.

From Tang Xiaotang’s current position in Suizhou, Huangye Lake was indeed to the southeast.

She hadn’t been there, so whoever or whatever she was sensing through her Heavenly Heart Insight Talisman probably wasn’t actually in Huangye Lake—but someone she’d crossed paths with before.

A certain... troublemaker.

"One step at a time. Let’s calm down and look for Li Yuanheng first," Lei Jun said.

Tang Xiaotang: "Sounds good. I’ll check out the river mouth first."

She was still enjoying herself, currently disguised as the Pure Yang Palace elder, Zheng Chen of the Song Dynasty.

Following Lei Jun’s suggestion, Tang Xiaotang headed for the river mouth.

The closer she got, the more Guixu monsters appeared.

Tang Xiaotang was unfazed.

It was the perfect opportunity to test and refine her imitation of Pure Yang Palace’s mystical arts.

Meanwhile, Lei Jun traveled while maintaining communication through the Heavenly Sight and Earthly Hearing Talisman.

Given Tang Xiaotang’s unique talents and her combat style, imitating a Pure Yang Palace cultivator gave her a natural edge.

But Daoist Talismanic cultivation and Alchemical cultivation differed significantly.

A real top-tier expert could easily detect the mismatch in a proper fight.

"You had it easier than me," Tang Xiaotang remarked.

As Lei Jun casually dispatched a black-armored Profound Jiao from the Guixu, he responded:

"My situation’s different. I developed my Magnetic Flying Sword first, spent years refining it before I stumbled upon Elder Chen’s remains from Shushan.

You, on the other hand, got Zheng Chen’s remains first and only then decided to impersonate him. Honestly, your performance so far has been damn impressive."

Tang Xiaotang’s impersonation of Zheng Chen still needed refinement.

Plus, some of her own spells—especially the signature ones—weren’t safe to use in front of witnesses.

Unless... there were no witnesses at all.

So she had to hold back, limiting her combat effectiveness.

In some ways, her current predicament resembled Huang Xuanpu’s when he had to hide his identity as the Northern Black Emperor in the Great Tang’s Human Realm.

Usually, being so restricted would’ve annoyed Tang Xiaotang.

But now, she saw it as a fun little challenge—like building a Daoist altar in a snail shell.

Though she could be carefree and blunt, Tang Xiaotang was more than capable of delicate work when it came to cultivating mystical arts.

As for whether her portrayal of "Zheng Chen" was convincing... that hadn’t really been tested yet.

So far, every encounter had been with enemies—just throw down a Pure Yang True Flame and be done with it.

Still, exceptions existed.

On the road, Tang Xiaotang, still disguised as "Zheng Chen", suddenly narrowed her eyes and looked into the distance.

There, a Confucian scholar happened to be crossing the river.

It was none other than Zhu Junjie, whom she’d met briefly before.

Upon seeing "Zheng Chen", Zhu Junjie quickly approached: "Are you Elder Zheng of the Pure Yang Palace?"

"Zheng Chen" coughed lightly and put on a front: "Indeed. And you are?"

Zhu Junjie bowed: "This junior is Zhu Junjie of Yongjia. My teacher was Master Danxia. He once met Elder Zheng many years ago."

"Zheng Chen": "Oh... how is your teacher, Master Danxia?"

Zhu Junjie said softly, "He gave his life resisting the barbarian invasion six years ago."

"Zheng Chen" paused, then said, "I see... I’ve been in seclusion for years and only recently came out. Haven’t caught up on everyone’s situation."

Zhu Junjie: "I’d heard you left the Pure Yang Palace to travel, Elder. Never thought I’d meet you today. It’s a great honor."

"Zheng Chen" had already prepared for this: "I came out of seclusion and heard our sect produced a disgraceful disciple. So I’m out to investigate."

Zhu Junjie’s face turned solemn: "Li... Hang’s actions are indeed far removed from the path upheld by Pure Yang Palace’s forebears.

I saw him not long ago, but I’m not sure where he is now. If I hear anything, I’ll notify you at once."

"Zheng Chen": "Many thanks, Cultivator Zhu. I notice you’re injured. You should rest and avoid exertion."

Zhu Junjie: "Thank you for your concern, Elder, but I have urgent business to attend to in the north."

"Zheng Chen" waved a hand: "Very well. Farewell then, until we meet again."

Watching him leave, "Zheng Chen" muttered, "Why do I feel like he had something to say but held back?"

"Probably not because he saw through your disguise," Lei Jun’s voice came through. "Unlike his teacher, he’s likely never met the real Zheng Chen, only seen portraits and heard stories.

With the Golden Khanate losing many top experts, the Song remnant forces in the Song territories are stretched thin. Some of them are likely thinking of rising up again.

But this place is currently overrun with demons and the Golden Khanate’s situation is unstable. It’s not the right time.

Still, Cultivator Zhu seems calm and capable. Even if he doesn’t lead a rebellion, he can at least help preserve the strength of the Song remnants.

To oppose the Golden Khanate, someone like Elder Zheng—a Ninth-Heaven Daoist Sage—would be a huge help.

But since this was your first meeting, he probably didn’t want to be too forward."

“Zheng Chen” chuckled: "I’m curious to see what kind of storm they stir up. But you’re right—I’ll focus on finding Li Yuanheng first."

Tang Xiaotang, still full of energy, kept moving toward the Nine Provinces River mouth as "Zheng Chen".

Lei Jun, meanwhile, cloaked in his Heavenly Travel Talisman’s Hidden Path Technique, donned the Eight Sceneries Treasure Mantle and moved quietly.

He picked a careful route between Mount Changfeng and Huangye Lake.

His eyes flickered with the light of the Celestial Ground-Through Talisman.

High above, nearly invisible in the heavens, the Jade Purity Celestial Mirror shimmered softly.

With the Ming Dynasty retreating, Lei Jun had retrieved the mirror from the Great Tang’s sky and brought it to the Barbarian Khanate’s Human Realm, refining it anew and syncing it with the local spiritual veins.

He’d left the Starry River Heavenly Net behind.

The Jade Purity Celestial Mirror, however, now operated at full strength high above.

Combined with Lei Jun’s Celestial Ground-Through Talisman, his already formidable perception expanded far beyond what most Ninth-Heaven cultivators could reach.

And then—he spotted his target.

A vast red glow blanketed the wilderness, like a giant red lotus blooming, or a peacock unfurling its tail.

Though this was his first time seeing it, Lei Jun immediately recognized it as the legendary Amitabha Peacock Throne, the sacred treasure of the Sumeru Lotus Division.

Atop the lotus sat a monk, youthful in appearance, breathtakingly handsome, solemn and compassionate.

It was none other than Zongjia, the Lotus Division Master of Sumeru.

That must be the person Little Senior Sister sensed in the southeast… Lei Jun nodded faintly.

Then, he adjusted the mirror’s gaze to avoid direct eye contact.

Among the five Vajra Divisions of Sumeru, the Lotus Division excelled in spiritual power and soul refinement.

Which meant their perception was terrifyingly sharp.

Zongjia was a Ninth-Heaven Peak Master with the Vajra Staff and Amitabha Peacock Throne.

Tang Xiaotang had fought him and warned Lei Jun of his extreme sensitivity.

If he was locked in battle, Lei Jun could observe him undetected.

But right now, Zongjia wasn’t distracted.

So Lei Jun only glanced briefly and moved on.

But that was enough.

Standing above Dongting Marshlands, Lei Jun’s body began to spark with lightning.

Golden lightning.

Pure Yang Celestial Thunder.

The thunder gathered mid-air into a massive, intricate talisman.

As the Divine Firmament Pure Yang Talisman lit up, a colossal golden thunder dragon emerged with a fierce, yang-infused roar.

Known widely, this thunder art was created by none other than Tang Xiaotang, former head of Mount Longhu and possessor of the Pure Yang Celestial Physique.

It was the Pure Yang Thunder Ancestor Apparition, also known as the Pure Yang Thunder Dragon.

Vast and majestic, with a blazing masculine aura.

"Thanks to Little Senior Sister, I’ve got a new toy to play with too," Lei Jun murmured.

The Pure Yang Thunder Dragon roared and instantly evaporated part of the Dongting Marshlands.

Where the lake mingled with Guixu waters, countless monsters emerged.

But the Thunder Dragon dove down and slaughtered them all in one fell swoop.

From the murky depths, a massive black shadow rose.

A giant kun, as big as a small island.

Lei Jun recalled texts from the Tianshi Mansion—it was likely an Abyssal Overturning Kun, said to carry the ancient bloodline of the Kunpeng, a primordial monster lord.

The giant fish thrashed, stirring the entire marsh into a tempestuous sea.

All nearby Guixu waters surged, drawing in surrounding lake waters to create a tidal wave to stop the descending thunder dragon.

But the dragon tore through everything—waves, floods, monsters.

The golden lightning shattered the tides, boiling the lake into thick mist.

Still the dragon pressed downward.

Though slowed slightly by the surging tides, its descent was relentless.

The kun tried to flee deeper into the lake.

But just then, a low tiger’s roar echoed.

A jade-green Infernal Tiger rose above the water’s surface.

The golden Pure Yang Thunder Dragon twisted mid-air and met the tiger.

Together, they formed a gold-green Taiji Diagram.

The spinning Taiji Diagram shot a beam of light straight into the kun’s back, burning and piercing it instantly.

As the dragon appeared and shook the world, Zongjia sensed it from afar.

He withdrew the Peacock Throne’s aura, the red lotus curling into a bud, and began to approach silently.

By the time he arrived, the Taiji Diagram had already vanished and the thunder dragon streaked across the lake, flying into the distance.

A short while later, the receded red lotus returned to its original spot. It bloomed once more—like a lotus opening or a peacock spreading its tail—unfurling in a vivid crimson glow.

Atop it stood Zongjia, the Lotus Division Master of Sumeru, along with several women in monastic robes.

They were veiled in gauzy silk, with stunning features, each one belonging to the Eight Eminent Consorts of the Sumeru Lotus Division.

Among them had once been Yangjin and Chu Duo.

“Master, that Pure Yang Thunder—was it the former Tianshi of Mount Longhu from the Great Tang’s Human Realm?” one of the women asked.

Compared to the Golden Khanate, Sumeru was much more familiar with the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu.

Not just because of the Vajra Division.

Sumeru itself had once suffered at the hands of Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

Though they hadn't retaliated immediately, all of Sumeru was now paying close attention to the Tianshi Mansion.

Tang Xiaotang, in particular, was their focus.

To those who knew the details, the gold-and-green Taiji Diagram was practically Tang Xiaotang’s personal signature.

“She hasn’t been seen in some time. Is she in this area?” the Lotus Division Master gazed toward where the golden light of the Pure Yang Thunder Dragon had disappeared.

A nearby woman in robes asked softly, “Master, shall we continue pursuing her?”

The Lotus Division Master said, “The Jiuli native, Li Yuanheng, faked his death and resurrected Su Yu—that situation can be set aside for now.

Ji Yao of the Shushan Sect from the Yellow Springs may be the strongest, but he won’t remain in this Human Realm for long.

Zheng Chen, Li Hang, and Zhu Junjie all know the local terrain, but they’re at odds with each other.

The most troublesome issue remains the Tianshi Mansion and the Guixu monsters.

If those two sides clash, it would be ideal—but the current situation is unclear, which is what concerns me.”

“The two generations of Tianshis from Mount Longhu are both immensely powerful. If you could convert them, Master, you’d surely surpass even Master Baima,” one of the Eminent Consorts said softly.

As for converting Tang Xiaotang to become one of them—it wasn’t even up for discussion. She was already in the Ninth Heaven; there was no window left to maneuver.

“Converting them would be best, yes. But the chances are slim, and failure is not an option,” Zongjia shook his head lightly.

The red lotus folded in once more into a crimson speck, floating toward the direction the Pure Yang Thunder Dragon had vanished.

Tang Xiaotang’s senses were especially sharp, and Zongjia, who had fought her before, remained cautious.

Unfortunately for him, the danger didn’t lie ahead—but above.

High in the sky, a divine mirror hung suspended.

Lei Jun didn’t make any sudden moves. He simply watched as the red lotus vanished in the direction of Huangye Lake, then withdrew his gaze.

The light of the Jade Purity Celestial Mirror shifted to another location.

As for the Lotus Division Master’s ultimate fate, Lei Jun wasn’t too concerned.

That monk had too many consorts—he probably needed a Fourth-Grade Opportunity to recuperate.

If he couldn’t get one, so be it.

Let fate take its course.

Lei Jun turned and headed toward the destination mentioned in the Upper-Moderate Omen: the southern slopes of Mount Changfeng.

He would now operate in secret. If he had to act against monsters again, he would do so discreetly, avoiding the use of the Pure Yang Thunder Dragon or the Infernal Tiger.

The southern slopes of Mount Changfeng had also been eroded by Guixu waters.

Originally, the area was crisscrossed by rivers and streams.

But now, it had become a strange abyss due to the Guixu’s influence.

Yet in extremity, yang is born from yin.

The spiritual energy here now cycled in unique ways. From this frigid abyss, a wealth of qi and spiritual treasures had begun to take form again.

At last, a white lotus glowing faintly with golden radiance floated up from the cold water veins, radiating intense heat.

The lotus surfaced silently, blooming open.

Its center was filled with golden light, shining as brightly as sunlight.

Lei Jun noticed that multiple lotus seeds were nestled within the bloom. They glowed like tiny suns rising one after another.

But the Guixu monsters in the area were strongly repelled by the treasure.

The weaker ones fled in fear.

The stronger ones tried to destroy the golden white lotus.

But Lei Jun cleared them all out.

As he came into contact with the luminous lotus, a name surfaced in his mind:

Six-Yang White Lotus.

With his current cultivation and comprehension, one glance was enough for Lei Jun to realize this treasure was on par with the Blazing Sun Gold Crystal.

For cultivators focused on yang energy, it was a supreme treasure.

There were multiple seeds. Likely, each person could only use it once—but it could benefit several people.

“Hm. I wonder what sort of Third-Grade Opportunity Little Senior Sister got on her end?”

Lei Jun examined the southern slopes of Mount Changfeng more closely.

The emergence of the Six-Yang White Lotus had drained the area’s spiritual reserves. Even if the Guixu descended again soon, it was unlikely another lotus would bloom here in the near term.

He had taken a detour via Huangye Lake, which had cost him some time.

Any later, and this lotus might’ve been destroyed by the Guixu monsters.

Good thing he made it in time…

Just as he thought that, changes stirred in the water network at the base of Mount Changfeng.

Streams and rivers alike began to churn violently.

The frigid Guixu water veins were actively separating from the Human Realm’s waterways.

As if being drawn together, converging on some distant place.

Lei Jun’s heart stirred slightly.

The Jade Purity Celestial Mirror swept across the land, its light beaming toward Huangye Lake.

Along the way, all the rivers and streams previously tainted by Guixu water were now slowly recovering.

And sure enough—chaos had erupted at Huangye Lake.

The lake surface had collapsed entirely, as if a bottomless abyss had drained it dry.

Icy waters separated from human rivers were all converging toward the lakebed, feeding into the vortex without end.

The mirror light zeroed in on the bottom of the vortex.

There, a crimson glow appeared. A peacock tried to flap its wings—but couldn’t escape.

Now, Lei Jun could stare without restraint at that red hue.

Unlike the cyan Vajra Body of Vajra Division Master Jialuotuo, the Lotus Division Master Zongjia had taken on the wrathful form of a complete Ninth-Heaven Vajra Body—crimson red.

Now, the red peacock beat its wings in vain. The crimson monk wielded a Vajra Staff, but remained trapped at the bottom of the whirlpool.

Though Zongjia kept trying to break through the layers of icy water, he couldn’t get out.

When all the surrounding water veins had fully merged into the vortex, Huangye Lake changed again.

Flickering energy currents intertwined, forming serpentlike shadowy jiaos that surged forth and surrounded the Lotus Division Master.

These yin jiaos seemed to lack intelligence—merely following commands—but they were terrifyingly powerful.

Even someone like Zongjia, surrounded and overwhelmed, could only watch helplessly as he was dragged down into the depths of the Guixu.

This didn’t seem like a natural disaster alone. There had to be... a mastermind—or perhaps some ancient demon?

Either way, the monk had truly sacrificed for the people of this Human Realm.

Watching Zongjia fall into the trap through the Jade Purity Celestial Mirror, and observing the Guixu slowly sealing shut, Lei Jun fell into thought.

He now paid less attention to Zongjia and more to what exactly lay inside the Guixu.

This descent of the Guixu into the Barbarian Khanate’s Human Realm was highly unusual.

Apparently, it wasn’t Guixu monsters opening portals—but something inside the Guixu drawing spiritual energy from the Human Realm.

Whatever could trouble the Lotus Division Master Zongjia like this... its cultivation must be unimaginable.

There had been no "Lower-Bad Omen" drawn. That seemed to indicate that although the being inside the Guixu orchestrated all this, it was still in a compromised state.

Yet Zongjia was already a top Ninth-Heaven monk. Normally, even trapped inside the Guixu, he shouldn’t be in mortal danger.

Especially not with both the Amitabha Peacock Throne and Vajra Staff in hand.

So he might not be doomed—just matching the Lower-Moderate Omen.

Extremely dangerous. Hard to escape.

There was still a real chance he’d die down there.

Only question was—how would Sumeru respond?

And... could there be someone above the Ninth Heaven inside the Guixu?

That realm belonged to ancient demon overlords.

As Lei Jun pondered, he received a transmission from Tang Xiaotang:

"Didn’t find Li Yuanheng, but something happened with the Guixu."

“I saw it too,” Lei Jun replied and quickly recounted what he’d witnessed.

Tang Xiaotang burst into laughter: “Serves that bald thief right!”

Lei Jun: "We’ll wait and see if Sumeru makes a move."

And the Golden Khanate too.

Although the Guixu threat had withdrawn, they had now lost another top expert.

"Not bad, not bad..." Tang Xiaotang suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, I found something near the river mouth. Not really my thing—some kind of icy water marrow. You interested?"

Lei Jun: "We’ll talk when we meet up."

When they did, Tang Xiaotang examined the Six-Yang White Lotus, clicking her tongue in admiration: “Heh, looks like we swapped roles.”

Lei Jun: "Not really. This lotus works for both of us. So does that water marrow."

After forming the Primordial Dao Body, Tang Xiaotang was no longer limited to pure yang energy—but she still disliked cold environments and treasures.

“Well, if you’re really not into the water marrow, I’ll take it all.”

Lei Jun added, “If I reach the Third Layer of the Ninth Heaven, this thing could come in handy.”

“Oh?” Tang Xiaotang glanced back.

With her cultivation, insight, and comprehension, she quickly caught on: “You’re planning to go up against the Five-Colored Clouds?”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

A jet-black, ice-cold water marrow floated before him, nurtured by his mana.

Its name: Xuanming Water Marrow.