Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 424: Tiansheng Daozi

Ke Sicheng chose the Fire Law Talismanic Canon as his first life-bound spell, thereby manifesting the Nine Abyss Flame Ancestor Apparition, also known as the Yin Fire Tiger.

Perhaps it was due to the many hardships he had faced along his journey that led him to seek stability in all aspects—just like how he lingered in the Sixth Heaven Realm for many years before finally attempting the breakthrough through the chasm between the Sixth and Seventh Heavens.

He did not choose the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon that his master Yao Yuan and other elders from different surnames had long hoped for. Instead, he chose the Fire Law Canon because ever since Ke Sicheng entered the Tianshi Mansion as an Initiate Disciple, he had been cultivating under Yao Yuan’s guidance, and his foundation was already very solid.

Yao Yuan had also chosen the Yin Fire Tiger as his first life-bound spell back when he was at the Seventh Heaven Realm.

Influenced by him, Ke Sicheng had already leaned toward the fire path in both the Lower Three Heavens and Middle Three Heavens, picking life-bound talismans and spells like the Flame Talisman and the Boundless Sea of Fire Talisman.

He had received meticulous instruction from Yao Yuan and put in great effort himself.

Therefore, when it came time to select his Seventh Heaven life-bound spell, he continued along the same lineage and chose the Fire Law Talismanic Canon.

Yao Yuan had since attained a peaceful state of mind and successfully reached the Eighth Heaven Realm.

Ke Sicheng, influenced by him and also due to his own temperament, had similarly cultivated a steady mindset.

For the current generation of successors in the Tianshi Mansion, the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon, aside from its intrinsic value, no longer held any symbolic meaning or obsession.

Most disciples could now choose the spell or Talismanic Canon most suited to themselves with a calm mind.

Those who favored thunder arts no longer had to deliberately avoid the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon.

This shift was something that people like Lei Jun were happy to see.

For instance, Qin Caiwei, the second third-generation disciple to reach the Upper Three Heavens after Zhuo Huajie, had chosen the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon as her first life-bound spell.

She broke through the chasm between the Sixth and Seventh Heavens shortly after Ke Sicheng, entering the Tongtian Realm of the Talismanic Branch of Daoism.

“Little Huawei has surpassed her master,” Lei Jun said with a smile, looking at Luo Haoran and his disciple Qin Caiwei.

Luo Haoran wasn’t upset that his disciple had reached the Upper Three Heavens before him. On the contrary, he was quite pleased: “A student surpassing the master is a good thing.”

Qin Caiwei bowed to both Lei Jun and Luo Haoran. “All thanks to Master and Uncle Master for your daily guidance.”

Lei Jun smiled. “You’ve already laid a solid foundation with the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon. Later, once you add another canon, I’ll formally pass down a mystical Daoist ability to you.”

He looked at her with interest. “Little Huawei, you previously studied thunder arts and even created the Spring Thunder Awakening Talisman. Now that you’ve reached the Upper Three Heavens, your former life-bound talismans can be further refined. Any new insights?”

Qin Caiwei looked a little shy. “I’m afraid it’s still rough, might make Uncle Master laugh.”

It was widely known that her Uncle Master had created both the Mysterious Firmament Five Thunder Talisman and the Heavenly Sun Ascendant Talisman, each a legendary life-bound spell in its own right.

She glanced at Luo Haoran, who nodded at her with encouragement.

“Please critique it, Uncle Master.” Qin Caiwei began channeling her inner arts.

As her mana flowed, streaks of thunderlight emerged, tinged slightly with green.

Thunder roared, carrying a budding rhythm of spring thunder awakening life.

Moments later, the thunder became more intense, carrying a more profound beat and resonance.

It almost sounded like a drumbeat.

“This is still a rough draft,” Qin Caiwei said. “There are many parts I need to refine. I was thinking of calling it the Heavenly Drum Talisman.”

Lei Jun nodded. “There’s more vitality in the spring thunder now. And you’re beginning to explore the seasonal transitions. Very good.”

Her cultivation path was already set. Lei Jun merely offered a few brief pointers, saving her time; the rest was for Qin Caiwei to slowly polish on her own.

For a genius like her, the process of creating and refining mystical Daoist abilities was a path of growth in itself.

What suits oneself is often the best.

It was the same for him, Tang Xiaotang, and Chu Kun.

In general, cultivators who reached high realms all had their own extraordinary strengths—they were all geniuses, and distinctions seemed minimal.

But there are always exceptions. Even among geniuses, some stood above the rest.

People like Tang Xiaotang only grew more formidable as their cultivation deepened. The mystical abilities they crafted became more powerful, widening the gap in real combat even among peers of the same realm.

Qin Caiwei wasn’t one for combat, and her own creations leaned more toward life-giving and nurturing qualities.

Yet signs of true brilliance were already beginning to show.

“Little Huawei, continue focusing on the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon and your other life-bound spells,” said Lei Jun. “Soon, the Mansion will assign you a new task.”

“Yes, Uncle Master,” Qin Caiwei replied, eyes lighting up with curiosity.

Lei Jun smiled. “Our sect collaborates frequently with Hui Tiantang, the Shushan Sect, and Xuanji Monastery. Previously, my master handled these matters. Now that you’ve attained the Upper Three Heavens, it’s time for you to gain experience.”

Not only was she skilled in cultivating spiritual herbs, but from the perspective of pill refinement, Qin Caiwei had also become one of the best in the Mansion.

She was overjoyed to hear this. “Thank you, Uncle Master!”

Elated, she returned to her Private Residence. But then the newly minted High Priest of the Tianshi Mansion, Elder Qin, suddenly felt a bit uneasy.

“It’s certainly good to have a chance to consult with Senior Herb King Sun, but about the Shushan Sect…” Qin Caiwei murmured.

A woman’s voice rang in her ear: “What about it?”

Qin Caiwei asked, “Do you think Uncle Master Lei and the others… have already discovered your presence?”

The other replied casually, “Let them. Doesn’t matter.”

Qin Caiwei let out a breath of relief.

The woman then asked, “And you? You were planning to refine an artifact after reaching the Upper Three Heavens, have you finalized your approach?”

“Mm, I have,” Qin Caiwei replied enthusiastically.

She took out a piece of tree branch. “I plan to use this to refine a sword artifact.”

The woman seemed to chuckle. “A wooden sword? Not bad. That’s certainly unique.”

After Qin Caiwei, another person in the Tianshi Mansion was preparing to formally begin studying the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon.

It was Zhang Jingzhen, who had just emerged from seclusion.

After her period of closed-door cultivation, she successfully crossed the gap between the Seventh and Eighth Heavens, attaining the Divine Court Realm of the Daoist Talismanic Branch, and giving birth to her own Inner Cosmos of the Divine Court.

“Congratulations, Senior Sister Zhang,” Lei Jun said with a smile.

Zhang Jingzhen bowed to him. “It is thanks to the support of you, Master, Junior Uncle, and Junior Sister Tang that I have reached this point.”

Lei Jun replied, “Not at all, Senior Sister Zhang. You flatter me.”

He remained composed, while Zhang Jingzhen looked back on the past with a sense of reflection.

But as her age and cultivation both deepened, her state of mind had grown ever steadier.

Back in the Middle Three Heavens, she had also longed for the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon.

At the Seventh Heaven Realm, she chose the Fire Law Talismanic Canon instead, and missed out on the Yang Lightning Dragon. But her heart had already settled, and she felt little regret.

Now, having reached the Eighth Heaven Realm, she chose the Yang Lightning Dragon as her second life-bound spell. Even the legendary Dragon-Tiger Combined Strike no longer felt out of reach. Everything had happened so naturally that she felt no sense of finally fulfilling a wish—just calm acceptance.

If anything gave her pause, it was just as she had told Lei Jun earlier: for the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu to have the environment it enjoys today—it had not come easily.

After receiving Lei Jun’s transmission of the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon, Zhang Jingzhen returned to her own mansion to enter seclusion once more.

Lei Jun, meanwhile, greeted his master Yuan Mobai, then descended the mountain.

A message had arrived from the Imperial Capital Luoyang: Empress Zhang Wantong had returned to the Tang Mortal Realm, back to the Palace of Luoyang.

Lei Jun had some matters to inquire about and thus requested an audience.

His visit was open and aboveboard.

With his current cultivation level and status, a Tianshi entering the capital naturally drew significant attention.

Countless people were eager to meet him.

But Lei Jun brought Zhuo Huajie along and handed all social calls and invitations over to his first disciple to handle.

The Tianshi himself headed straight to the palace.

A tall woman in luxurious court attire greeted him with a smile and guided him toward the imperial gardens.

“Thank you, Master Chu,” Lei Jun greeted her. “Congratulations on attaining the Pacify All Under Heaven Realm. My visit was rushed, and I didn’t bring a proper gift. I’ll have my disciples deliver one later.”

His greeter was none other than Chu Yu, who had recently been in seclusion, nurturing her spiritual energy.

As Lei Jun had predicted, she had indeed succeeded in reaching the Ninth Heaven Realm, right behind Yuan Mobai.

“Master Lei is too kind,” Chu Yu replied. “I’ve only made some small progress recently and haven’t had a chance to inform our friends.”

She led Lei Jun into the inner gardens of the palace.

In the lakeside pavilion, two people awaited—one standing, one seated.

The young scholar standing there was Zhang Hui, who smiled and bowed to Lei Jun. “It’s been a while, Tianshi.”

“Mister Zhang,” Lei Jun returned the greeting.

The woman seated inside the pavilion, none other than Empress Zhang Wantong, wore casual attire and was fishing leisurely. She didn’t turn around as she said casually, “While I’ve been away from the Great Tang, much thanks to Master Lei and Master Yuan.”

Lei Jun replied, “Your Majesty must have been on a journey of utmost importance.”

Zhang Wantong answered, “Mm. I’ve been searching for a rare metal called Heaven-Wrath Calamity Gold.”

Lei Jun thought for a moment. “Forgive my ignorance, I’ve never heard of such a metal.”

Zhang Wantong said, “No matter. I’ve found it. However, it isn’t mature yet and can’t be mined. I’ll have to wait before harvesting it.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Then that’s good news. Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

He quietly pondered. It was rare for the empress to reveal a personal objective.

In the past, items like Dispersed Soul Essence, traded through the Celestial Starry Universe of the Heavenly Book, were most likely meant for people like Xiao Chunhui—not for the empress herself.

Now, she was finally revealing a bit more to him. Perhaps it was due to their closer collaboration since the Battle of Luoyang. Or maybe the Heaven-Wrath Calamity Gold involved deeper matters yet to be said.

While pondering this, he asked directly, “Your Majesty seeks this treasure… in preparation for stepping into Sainthood?”

For Daoism, this step into Immortality was equivalent to Sainthood in Confucian terms.

Yet Zhang Wantong replied, “Yes and no. This treasure is not for me, but for someone else. However, once I have it, I’ll no longer be held back—I can take that final step without worry.”

Lei Jun’s eyes gleamed.

Fortunately, the Empress continued without forcing him to guess.

“I carry certain entanglements,” she said. “Taking that step recklessly might affect many others. The consequences would be unpredictable.

Thankfully, I’ve made plenty of preparations over the years. The Heaven-Wrath Calamity Gold is the final piece I need. Once everything is in place, I can act freely, without involving others.”

So you’ve long been ready to step into sainthood—only your concerns for others held you back… Lei Jun thought silently.

From the way the empress spoke, those “others” didn’t seem like friends… more like enemies.

And that rare metal—perhaps it wasn’t a tool for her progress, but a weapon to remove what was blocking her path…

“Former domain of the Heavenly Palace?” Lei Jun recalled the jade seal gifted to him earlier and asked.

The Empress neither confirmed nor denied it. “A key trait of the Heavenly Tribulation Gold is that it’s hard to mine and harder to preserve. Like morning dew—it begins to dissipate the moment it’s formed. If not harvested immediately, it vanishes. Even after extraction, I can only preserve it for a short while. So the day it’s mined will also be when I face my final tribulation in the mortal realm. When that time comes, I’ll need the support of you, Master Lei, Mo Feng’er, Shu Yin, and the others.”

“This poor Daoist and my fellow disciples will do our utmost,” Lei Jun replied, inwardly confirming that this Heavenly Tribulation Gold came with its own set of troubles.

He didn’t linger on the topic and moved on to another critical question:

“Your Majesty ascending to sainthood is a cause for great celebration. But what of the Tang court afterward?”

Empress Zhang Wantong said, “Guicang is still recovering. When the time comes, I’ll temporarily reside in Datong.”

Lei Jun asked, “So you're saying that those beyond the Ninth Heaven, whether they experienced the great tribulation at the end of the Han or not, cannot—or rather, should not—set foot in the mortal realm?”

Zhang Wantong flicked her fishing rod—empty. She set it aside casually, stood up, faced Lei Jun, and shook her head lightly:

“If I must give a definite answer—it’s that they shouldn’t linger long in the mortal realm.”

Lei Jun nodded, seemingly enlightened.

Nearby, Zhang Hui and Chu Yu remained silent, listening attentively. It was clearly their first time hearing the Empress speak on the matter.

“After the great calamity at the end of the Han, the mortal realm was split, the world fragmented. For those from the Immortal Realm, their mana and essence constantly leak out when they’re here, nourishing the mortal world in turn. If they stay too long, they’ll descend in cultivation.”

Zhang Wantong’s tone was light:

“The more unstable one’s state, the more fragile the foundation, the more important it is to avoid remaining in the mortal realm. One can either drift in the outer void in slumber or take shelter among the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.”

She looked across Lei Jun, Zhang Hui, and Chu Yu. “Because each one’s condition varies, it’s not a universal rule.”

The three exchanged glances.

In other words, beings beyond the Ninth Heaven won’t enter the mortal realm unless absolutely necessary. But if pushed too far, the mortal world isn’t entirely off-limits either. Even a brief visit could pose a tremendous threat.

…Lei Jun was now even more interested in the Heavenly Tribulation Gold the Empress valued so highly—and the target she intended to block with it.

“Earlier, Aunt mentioned that immortals avoid residing long in the mortal realm due to the fragmentation caused by the Han’s end…”

Zhang Hui pondered aloud, “Though there’s no clear sign of the realms reuniting, if they were to merge again, would that change the current situation for immortals?”

“Indeed,” Zhang Wantong replied. “In fact, there are already signs of convergence.”

Zhang Hui suddenly understood: “The surging spiritual energy across the human realms? So if all human realms begin experiencing this spiritual tide—or if it reaches a certain threshold—then the reunification might begin?”

Zhang Wantong nodded. “That’s what I’ve observed.”

Lei Jun added from the side:

“Besides the Tang, there are currently the Two Jins, New Han, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the Former Song, and the Ming.

The pattern seems to be—realms with longer, more accumulated histories experience spiritual revival first.

At present, all but the Two Jin realms have begun showing signs of the spiritual tide.”

He didn’t mention his own Zhou Heavenly Mirror’s role at the Penglai Heavenly Palace’s Sky-Observing Platform, but instead referenced clues left by the Eastern Azure Emperor, Shen Xi, regarding the Two Jins.

“So if there’s no way to artificially trigger a spiritual tide,” Zhang Hui speculated, “then it’ll still be years before every realm begins showing signs.”

Lei Jun said, “It’s too early to draw conclusions.”

At that moment, Chu Yu suddenly spoke up:

“Your Majesty, you mentioned that conditions vary among those beyond the Ninth Heaven. What about martial path immortals?”

There was a reason for her question.

It was widely acknowledged that martial cultivators had the most condensed and self-contained cultivation. Especially body refiners—all their power was contained within their bodies.

They were even more extreme than Daoist alchemists, who could project their souls outward.

Most martial cultivators had their soul fused with the body, making them unable to project externally.

This affected their external perception, weakening their scouting ability.

But it also made them exceptionally alert to personal threats.

Among all cultivation paths, martial cultivation was the most inwardly focused.

In a stable realm, this wasn’t necessarily an advantage.

But the current mortal world was far from normal.

Thus...

“At the same level, they’re probably the immortals who can remain in the mortal realm the longest,” Zhang Wantong confirmed calmly.

“Especially the body refinement branch. Their qi and blood form an internal cosmos, so their energy loss is the slowest. If they keep to themselves and focus on cultivation, they may even be able to stay indefinitely.

But as for the nomadic martial riders of the alien tribes—it’s hard to say. Their path arose after the great tribulation and there’s no precedent of martial or war immortals among them. Their techniques are far more externally focused.”

Chu Yu turned to Lei Jun. “Is Master Tang still in that realm? Perhaps we should warn the Azure Wolf Khanate and White Deer Khanate?”

“Master Chu is quite right. I was thinking the same,” Lei Jun nodded.

Who knows what state the Golden Khan is in—maybe he’s just waiting to strike fast at the last moment and wipe out all opposition?

There had long been a lingering question about the Former Song realm:

The rise of the alien clans—what’s the current status of Great Wilderness, one of the Ten Lands?

Lei Jun didn’t mind if the Azure Wolf and White Deer Khanates collapsed alongside Golden Khanate.

But for now, letting them grind against each other might be the better outcome.

“Earlier, Your Majesty mentioned encountering someone linked to Kunlun. What exactly happened?” Lei Jun recalled another matter.

Zhang Wantong looked at him first. “I heard Master Lei cultivated two Great Ascension Dao Domains at once?”

Lei Jun answered honestly, “Just a fortunate breakthrough.”

The Empress nodded. “Then you must possess the Two-Element Celestial Physique. Is your comprehension Clear-Tranquility or Natural?”

She didn’t wait for him to answer and continued:

“Master Lei, you’ve likely received fortuitous encounters that improved your innate bone structure and comprehension. You probably don’t care much about innate differences—but our State Preceptor might not feel the same.”

Lei Jun thought: As expected.

If Tang Xiaotang, his little senior sister, had anything she prided herself on—it was her unparalleled talent.

Aside from Empress Zhang Wantong, the only people in all of Tang who could compare to her innate gifts were Future Maitreya and Zhang Hui, currently standing nearby.

Both she and Zhang Hui shared the same pairing: Celestial Physique and Clear-Tranquility Comprehension.

There had been other Celestial Physique cases in history, but none reached Tang Xiaotang’s level.

And on top of that, she had other innate advantages.

Kang Ming, Meng Shaojie, Nie Fang, and Zhou Pu had all gained their edge through exceptional soul gifts linked to the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book.

Tang Xiaotang too—possibly even surpassing them.

Her insight into human nature came from this source.

Adding that in, her innate potential outclassed most Celestial Physiques.

In Lei Jun’s words: even if she wasn’t a dual-Celestial Physique, she was at least a “1.5 Celestial Physique.”

Undisputed top-tier innate stats in the Tang mortal realm.

No wonder she carried herself like she had a tail always cocked proudly toward the heavens.

Though Xu Yuanzhen and Lei Jun had later raised their bone structure and comprehension to Celestial and Natural levels respectively, they did so through postnatal effort.

Tang Xiaotang had already formed the Primordial Dao Body, so her pride remained untouched.

Across all the known realms, the highest confirmed innate combination remained: Celestial Physique + Clear-Tranquility Comprehension.

Zhou Mingzhe, the current Ming Prime Minister, might have even better comprehension than Zhang Hui—but his bone structure likely didn’t match.

And now, the Empress hinted at someone from Kunlun...

“There was a brief skirmish in the outer void—we parted quickly. I can’t say for sure whether his gifts were purely innate, but judging by his age, he most likely was.”

Zhang Wantong said, “Dao Body Bone Structure, Natural Comprehension.”

Chu Yu raised her brows, Zhang Hui looked intrigued.

If both were innate, then he was a born Dao Child.

Zhang Hui chuckled, “At least he’s not some born Sage or Limitless?”

Chu Yu shook her head, “For us postnatal beings, it’s the same either way.”

Confucian Sages, Daoist Limitless, and Buddhist Tathagatas—these weren’t just combinations of bone and comprehension.

They were said to be gifts of ancient preexistence, no longer seen since antiquity.

True to the Empress’s estimate, Lei Jun remained calm.

“Does Your Majesty know what kind of Dao Body he possesses?”

Zhang Wantong: “Can’t say for sure. My first impression was—Taiyi Dao Body.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly. “From Kunlun… Though he trains in the External Alchemy Sect, even a Mixed-Element Celestial Physique, the lower form of Taiyi Dao Body, can inherit multiple Daoist lineages.”

Zhang Wantong: “Are the Tianshi Mansion Real Persons eyeing the Han realm?”

Lei Jun: “Quite a few intriguing aspects.”

Chu Yu: “I’ve heard a lot is happening there recently.”

Lei Jun, face composed: “We’ll watch and wait. Our sect’s true goal lies with the ancient Talismanic Daoist heritage.”

After chatting more and confirming several suspicions, Lei Jun took his leave and returned to Mount Longhu.

Aside from updating his peers, Lei Jun remained focused and steady.

He continued his cultivation and stewardship of the Tianshi Mansion.

Time flowed unnoticed in the mountains.

As his eightieth birthday approached, guests began arriving to offer congratulations.

Lei Jun remained indifferent.

As summer neared, in the Upper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto, a black Thunder Dragon coiled in the air, echoing the violet thunder above.

At the foot of Biyou Immortal Mountain, Lei Jun sat cross-legged in meditation.

Before him stood a young-looking Daoist in deep red robes with a three-foot-long beard.

The man gazed up at the black Thunder Dragon, lost in thought.

After a long silence, he calmed his mind and bowed. “Thank you for the demonstration, Sect Master.”

Lei Jun stood. “No need for courtesy, Senior Brother Fang.”

The red-robed Daoist was none other than Fang Jian.

One of his core spells in the Middle Three Heavens was the Yin Five Thunders Talisman, created by Lei Jun himself.

For guidance in Daoist arts, who better to learn from than the original creator?

Lei Jun was always willing to teach fellow sect members, and Fang Jian had benefited greatly over the years.

“You’ve improved quite a bit,” Lei Jun smiled.

Fang Jian chuckled. “Your praise is too generous. My Dao Seal still needs work. I’m not yet ready for the Seventh Heaven.

But with the surging spiritual energy and your constant guidance, I might be able to attempt the tribulation before I turn a hundred.”

Lei Jun: “You’ve built a solid foundation and your mindset is calm and steady. The Heavenly Chasm Tribulation should pose no great obstacle.”

Fang Jian smiled, “No rush on my end. Hua Rui has surpassed me, and I’m genuinely happy for him. No resentment, no impatience.”

Hua Rui, one of the third-generation disciples Lei Jun had personally mentored, had finally advanced past the Heavenly Chasm from Sixth to Seventh Heaven, though a bit later than expected.

His innate potential was excellent, and he remained young with great future prospects.

Without mental burdens, he was unlikely to be stuck at his current stage due to inner constraints.

“With our ancestral masters above, the foundation of our sect is finally stabilizing again,” Lei Jun remarked.

Including Xu Rui, Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu now had:

• Four Great Ascension Sages: Xu, Tang, Lei, Yuan

• Three Eighth-Heaven Masters: Yao Yuan, Chu Kun, Zhang Jingzhen

• Seven Seventh-Heaven Masters: Shangguan Ning, Liu Xiao, Lin Shan, Zhuo Huajie, Ke Sicheng, Qin Caiwei, and Xu Rui

A total of fourteen Upper Heaven Talismanic Daoists.

Top-tier strength remained solid, and the mid-tier foundation was finally growing—returning to the glory days of old.

“It’s thanks to the efforts of you, Senior Sister, Junior Uncle, and Junior Sister Tang,” Fang Jian said sincerely.

Lei Jun: “It’s the united effort of our entire sect.”

They exchanged a smile.

Then Fang Jian remembered something. “About Master Shangguan…”

Lei Jun: “Fifth Uncle-Master says—let things unfold naturally.”

Fang Jian nodded.

Lei Jun’s expression shifted slightly.

From the Former Song realm, Tang Xiaotang had just sent word:

Guixu had recently reopened. Outside it, someone had spotted Master Zongjia of the Sumeru Lotus Division.