Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 425: Master Tang finally has a disciple

After speaking with Empress Zhang Wantong, Lei Jun immediately sent a message to the Tang Mortal Realm, notifying Senior Sister Tang Xiaotang about the current situation regarding those from the Immortal Realm.

Tang Xiaotang, on the other hand, was more curious about the current state of the Golden Khan.

However, at the moment, she found herself in a situation where her heart was willing but her strength was limited.

To be precise, it was Elder Zheng Chen of the Pure Yang Palace of the Song Dynasty who was in such a position.

Although Tang Xiaotang was powerful, her current identity in the Tang Mortal Realm was that of Elder Zheng of the Pure Yang Palace, and naturally, this disguise restricted her ability to exert her full strength.

As a result, the Song Dynasty restoration faction she was involved in wasn't as forceful as the Blue Wolf Khanate or the White Deer Khanate, who shared common origins with the Golden Khanate.

Now that Zhu Junjie and the other Song Dynasty survivors had been warned by Elder Zheng of the possibility that the Golden Khan might launch an incursion into the Immortal Realm, they acted with greater caution.

Currently, the Song Dynasty remnant forces were mostly active in the Jiangdong region of the Lower Yangtze, and had not made any large-scale move northward.

Yet the Golden Khanate was still in a precarious situation.

The Golden Khan himself had yet to show his face, and their major supporter, the Lotus Division of Sumeru, had also gone completely silent—Division Master Zongjia had vanished without a trace.

The Blue Wolf Khan and White Deer Khan had allied in an offensive, with both Zholigetu of the Blue Wolf and Huhedalai of the White Deer personally leading the charge, placing the Golden Khanate in a critically dangerous position.

Their territory in the north continued to shrink.

As of now, according to intelligence gathered by the Song remnants, the two khanates were pressing their armies right up to the capital of the Golden Khanate.

“Still, the Golden Khanate is surprisingly resilient. On one hand, they’ve got those bald-headed Sumeru monks helping them. On the other hand, they’ve absorbed some former people from the Song Dynasty,” said Tang Xiaotang while speaking with Lei Jun via the Heavenly Sight and Earthly Hearing Talisman. “Also, I heard when they emerged from the Great Wilderness years ago, they brought something important with them—now used to defend their capital. It might not be strong enough to fight back enemies, but it's more than enough for defense. As long as the interior holds together, they can last quite a while.”

Lei Jun replied, “I heard the Golden Khan is a martial cultivator who reached the peak of Martial Saint and became a Human Immortal? If so, while he may not emphasize the will of the people or national destiny like the Central Plains dynasties do, morale and cohesion still matter. If he only holds the capital and loses the rest, it’ll work against his effort to break into the Immortal Realm.”

According to reports from the Tang Mortal Realm, as the Blue Wolf and White Deer forces approached the Golden Khanate capital, they had other elites under their command—one going through Guanzhong, the other sweeping through the Central Plains, accelerating their conquest of the north.

Tang Xiaotang shrugged, “Whatever. Let’s just take the south of the Yangtze first. We’ll think about the north later.”

Master Tang was having quite a bit of fun in the Tang Mortal Realm right now.

Lei Jun had previously given her advice on the Pure Yang Palace situation.

After all, she wasn’t a proper inheritor of the Pure Yang Palace of the Song Dynasty, so suddenly becoming the sect leader of that lineage felt a bit off.

Thus, Elder Zheng Chen made a bold announcement: the top priority for the Tang Mortal Realm now was to drive out foreign invaders and reclaim the mountains and rivers.

Whoever accomplished this grand mission could restore the name of the Pure Yang Palace, erase the damage done by people like Li Hang, and justifiably succeed the sect and revitalize the Holy Land.

Elder Zheng, now old in years, only wished to see the Pure Yang Palace thrive again before his end.

That said, there were two issues: one, a snake can't live without a head; two, the Pure Yang Palace hadn’t fully recovered yet. So for now, Elder Zheng would take charge.

At best… he was a temporary sect leader.

“If this works out, and the Pure Yang Palace has someone to succeed it, you can just walk away, Senior Sister. What, they gonna force you to stay?” Lei Jun said.

“Exactly, I’d rather travel the world solo than go down with the ship,” Tang Xiaotang muttered, then smirked with satisfaction. “Temporary sect leader… not bad. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.”

Though she was enjoying herself playing dress-up as Elder Zheng, she wasn’t without her worries:

“These Song remnants are starting to get ideas.”

Lei Jun responded, “Not surprising. We’re about to take Jiangnan.”

Tang Xiaotang snorted, “More than one Song imperial descendant is being pushed to the front, each claiming legitimacy. If it weren’t for Zhu Junjie and a few others staying rational, things would’ve already gone off the rails.”

Lei Jun said, “It’s good that some people are staying level-headed. The situation north of the Yangtze may be chaotic, but it’s not exactly favorable—especially if Zongjia from the Lotus Division really did return from Guixu.”

Tang Xiaotang perked up, “The info should be legit.”

Lei Jun asked, “What about the Division Master of the Treasure Division and Karma Division Master who went looking for him?”

Tang Xiaotang replied, “No word on them. Either they’re hiding or went back to Sumeru. I’m thinking of checking it out myself.”

Lei Jun: “Be careful, Senior Sister.”

“Oh right, I almost forgot,” Tang Xiaotang suddenly remembered something, a proud tone entering her voice. “Even though I haven’t found Li Yuanheng or anyone from Kongsang, my luck hasn’t been bad at all.”

Lei Jun: “Oh? What do you mean?”

Tang Xiaotang cleared her throat and solemnly declared, “Lei Jun, I met an interesting little girl.”

“Oh? So you finally found someone that fits your style—someone you might pass your legacy on to?” Lei Jun sounded genuinely surprised. “That’s definitely worth celebrating.”

Tang Xiaotang looked a bit modest: “Yeah, it’s rare. I’d say there’s some fate at play. But whether she officially becomes my first disciple depends on what comes next.”

Lei Jun paused. “Wait, Senior Sister, did you meet her as yourself, or as Elder Zheng?”

Tang Xiaotang coughed twice. “Uh… at first, I looked like Elder Zheng. But later, I talked to her as myself. And I didn’t try to poach her from the Pure Yang Palace! After chatting with her, I’m sure she’s a better fit for our Talismanic Branch anyway…”

She sounded a bit sheepish.

But from what Lei Jun knew of her, it probably wasn’t that the girl was only suited for the Talismanic path. More likely, she was like Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and himself—someone who could achieve great things no matter the path.

Sure enough, Tang Xiaotang then added with confidence:

“What I’m sure of is—this kid is a genius!”

Lei Jun: “For you to call her a genius, she must be truly exceptional.”

“Hughug’s helping Third Junior Brother and Senior Brother Lin tidy up Penglai, so no need to send him running back and forth.

Since Senior Sister Zhang Jingzhen has mastered the Yang Thunder Dragon, she’s about to head to Guizang to represent the sect.

Have her or Junior Nephew Hua Jiu make a trip to Dihai to bring your future disciple back to Mount Longhu.”

“Got it,” Tang Xiaotang answered casually. “Once they pick her up, I’ll go check out the former Guixu portal.”

At that moment in the Tang Mortal Realm, the Guixu portal had already been sealed once again.

The Division Master of the Treasure Division, Fandato, and the Karma Division Master, Jatiluo, were also no longer present.

They had returned to Sumeru immediately.

“We only managed to leave Guixu safely thanks to the Venerable One. Senior Brother Jatiluo and I must return to Sumeru as soon as possible to report back and help stabilize the situation,” said Fandato respectfully before departing, bowing to Zongjia, Master of the Lotus Division.

Zongjia returned the bow. “It was my error that dragged the Venerable One and Sumeru into this. My guilt is beyond words.”

Jatiluo said calmly, “What’s done is done—there’s no point in regret now. The Venerable One has already issued a decree. This Tang Mortal Realm is at a critical turning point. Senior Brother, stay here and focus on your task. As long as peace can be restored here, Sumeru will find peace as well.”

Zongjia bowed toward the west. “I shall obey the Venerable One’s decree.”

Then he thanked Fandato and Jatiluo once more.

The two returned the gesture before setting off westward, heading toward the mountain gate of Vajra Monastery in this realm to make their way back to Sumeru.

Although it was known that the Lotus Division was a major pillar of the Golden Khanate, the Blue Wolf and White Deer Khanates had continued marching eastward, never turning their blades toward Vajra Monastery of the Song Realm.

And after hearing rumors of unrest in Sumeru, they had even more reason to avoid the Sumeru portal in this realm.

Despite his strong cultivation and calm mind, now that Zongjia once again stood upon mortal soil, he couldn’t help but feel as if a lifetime had passed.

But the sentiment faded quickly. He soon regained his composure, barefoot on the earth, striding over rivers and mountains in an instant.

Not long after, a beautiful woman in a monk’s robe draped with sheer gauze appeared before him.

“Master,” said Consort Dawa, one of the Eight Great Consorts of the Lotus Division, honored alongside Yangjin and Chu Duo, as she bowed respectfully.

Zongjia nodded to her. “I’ve already learned about the situation in the capital. We’ll head there now and regroup with Harsen and the others.”

Master Harsen was a noble child of the Golden Khanate who had taken refuge in Buddhism and joined the Lotus Division after it was established in this realm.

He wasn’t someone who had been forcibly converted—he had possessed deep talent for Buddhism from a young age and had been personally accepted as a disciple by Zongjia, even traveling to Sumeru for training.

After Zongjia’s disappearance and the crisis that followed, Master Harsen had led the remaining Lotus Division experts to defend the Golden Khanate’s capital. They were all there now.

Zongjia took the lead, with Consort Dawa closely behind.

“With your return, Master, the capital will be completely secure. But reclaiming the territories we’ve lost will be extremely difficult. Aside from the Blue Wolf and White Deer forces, the southern Song remnants have grown into a real power…” she said softly.

Zongjia replied, “It matters not. Everything has changed.”

Consort Dawa’s eyes lit up. “The Golden Khan… he…”

Zongjia shifted the topic, “What’s the situation in Dihai and Yellow Springs?”

“The Dihai portal still exists, but it’s been a long time since anyone from the Nine Li tribe or Tang Dynasty cultivators were seen there. The Yellow Springs portal has vanished entirely—there hasn’t been a single Inner Shushan cultivator in the mortal realm for years. There were some rumors that the Kongsang Witch Sect appeared briefly, but they disappeared again right after,” Consort Dawa reported.

Zongjia fell into thought and nodded slightly.

Consort Dawa hesitated, as if she had something to say.

Zongjia: “Speak.”

“Master, our Lotus Division of Sumeru has suffered heavy losses. After the passing of Master Baima and others, and with all the aid we’ve given to the Golden Khanate…” she said softly.

Zongjia responded, “Yes. From now on, we must seize every opportunity—convert those of talent, and welcome them into our Pure Land.”

“Yes, Master.”

---

Per Lei Jun’s orders, after leaving seclusion, Zhang Jingzhen went to Guizang as the representative of the Tianshi Mansion, maintaining communication with Tang Dynasty cultivators in Dihai.

Following instructions from Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen, her disciple Zhang Xiongju traveled through Dihai to reach the Tang Mortal Realm.

After Zhuo Huajie, Qin Caiwei, and Xu Rui, Zhang Xiongju and Xin Beiyuan were the most highly regarded among the new generation of disciples from the Tianshi Mansion.

Both were calm and capable, respected by their peers in the sect beyond their own cultivation efforts.

Though Zhang Xiongju had a special background, he paid little attention to it. He quietly cultivated at Mount Longhu with a focused heart.

His cultivation was advancing rapidly, but he had no intention of returning to the Weinan Prince's Residence.

Zhang Jingzhen greatly valued his composure, and the elders of his sect, including Lei Jun, also held him in high regard.

However, despite being someone young yet seasoned, calm and unfazed by honor or disgrace, Zhang Xiongju, who was now escorting the one fated to enter the Dao through Tang-shishu back to the Tang Mortal Realm and the sect's ancestral grounds, was clearly not his usual calm self.

By the time they returned to the mountain, with the time on the road serving as a buffer, Zhang Xiongju’s expression had returned to normal.

Yet Lei Jun could still sense the initial stir of emotions in the young man’s heart.

It wasn’t that Zhang Xiongju rejected or harbored any hostility toward the newcomer who might become his junior sister.

It’s just that… technically, one shouldn't even call the other party "human."

Along the way, others from the Mansion also turned their heads, casting curious glances at the little girl.

Yes—a bushy, round face covered in reddish-brown fur, short in stature, walking upright like a person, with a thick, equally furry tail behind her. The tail had nine black rings in total.

According to tradition, such beings who were brought into the Dao by fate should be sent directly to the Daoist Children’s Academy upon returning to the mountain—there was no need for each of them to be reviewed by Tianshi Lei Jun personally.

But Zhang Xiongju deemed this case special. Perhaps even the Sect Master was unaware of the full situation, so after returning to the mountain, he made a point of bringing the new arrival to see Lei Jun.

“Per Sect Master’s order, this disciple has escorted Miss Cheng, the one fated through Tang-shishu, back to the mountain.” Zhang Xiongju reported calmly, bowing formally to Lei Jun.

…Was it really such a big deal?

It’s just that, in recent years, Senior Brother Zhuo Baojie had improved his cultivation and traveled more frequently, so people weren’t as used to seeing these things. That was why he felt a bit out of sorts.

Senior Brother Zhuo is the Sect Master’s disciple, after all. Just think of him, and it all seems normal enough… Zhang Xiongju was already back to his usual composure.

The little girl behind him was even calmer. She bowed to Lei Jun in a human-like manner. Though her voice still had a childlike softness, she spoke clearly and courteously:

“Cheng Rongrong, a Spirit seeking the Dao, greets the Tianshi.”

“……” Lei Jun was, for once, momentarily speechless.

Standing before him was—without exaggeration—a little red panda.

Or maybe a red panda, or… a nine-ringed wolf?

Little Senior Sister, truly worthy of your reputation… Wait, no. In this regard, I probably don’t have any right to complain about you.

Fine. I have to admit… she’s pretty cute.

Lei Jun’s expression remained calm as he nodded to Zhang Xiongju and the upright little red panda: “You may rise.”

He addressed Zhang Xiongju first: “Go get some rest, Huajiu. Meet with your master later.”

Zhang Xiongju bowed. “I’m fine, Tianshi. If there are no further instructions, I’ll head to Guizang now.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Stay alert on the road.”

After he left, Lei Jun looked again at the small figure in front of him, clad in a cloth robe and eerily humanoid: “You could speak before meeting Senior Sister Tang?”

With Lei Jun’s cultivation and perception, a single glance told him that what Tang Xiaotang said was true—this little girl did indeed deserve to be called a genius.

Her spiritual awareness hadn’t been awakened by Tang Xiaotang—she was already bright and sharp beforehand, with deep innate roots, though she had not formally stepped into the path of cultivation.

But once she receives true teachings, she would progress by leaps and bounds.

“I awakened spiritually at a young age and was adopted by a human couple who named me Rongrong. I took my father’s surname, Cheng. Unfortunately, my parents were elderly and passed away one after another,” the little one said in an orderly fashion. “Later, I met Master Tang, who saw promise in me and brought me back to the mountain to enter the Dao. I wish to follow the Daoist path. I humbly ask for the Tianshi’s approval.”

Wow, she's way more articulate than my own cub was at this age.

Look at how organized she is. So calm and poised.

Baobao, at her age, you were still scheming over bamboo shoots and playing mind games with your master every day… Lei Jun thought to himself.

“On the way back, I trust Huajiu has explained some of the relevant matters to you?” Lei Jun asked.

Cheng Rongrong’s round little face held a very human-like calmness and seriousness as she replied:

“Daoist Zhang has explained it all to me. I… do not wish to take human form. I humbly request the Tianshi’s permission.”

Lei Jun replied evenly, “No matter. So long as it’s voluntary, there’s no issue. However, our sect’s Initiation Canon is not solely for spirit beasts to take human shape. Studying it seriously will better support your cultivation path in the future.”

Cheng Rongrong bowed. “Yes. I will keep the Tianshi’s guidance firmly in mind.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Then go report to the Daoist Children’s Academy at the foot of the mountain.”

The little red panda soon changed into a specially tailored gray robe and joined the academy, reciting Daoist scriptures with the other young apprentices.

Just like before with Zhang Xiongju, everyone was initially a little stunned.

But with Zhuo Baojie’s precedent, the academy instructors quickly returned to normal.

When Yuan Mobai heard about this, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

For a moment, master and disciple simply stared at each other.

Wang Guiyuan’s face appeared calm, but he quickly turned his head away so no one could see his expression.

Lei Jun, meanwhile, stayed composed: “She’s definitely an exceptional seedling. No wonder even Little Senior Sister calls her a genius. Judging by her early-stage performance, this little girl might even surpass Baobao.”

Yuan Mobai’s usual warm smile appeared as he nodded repeatedly. “She also has excellent temperament. With such talent, she will certainly live up to it.”

Lei Jun replied, “Exactly.”

As he spoke, he turned to look at Wang Guiyuan. “Senior Brother, all these years, you never found a disciple who really clicked with you?”

Wang Guiyuan turned back, smiling with a touch of sentiment. “Once… I did. But as you said, such things follow their own course.”

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow at that and glanced at Yuan Mobai. His master simply smiled and nodded.

Seeing that, Lei Jun also nodded and said nothing more.

Within Mount Longhu, the matter of Cheng Rongrong stirred only minor ripples—it soon calmed down.

But in the Tang Mortal Realm, once the news gradually spread, many people didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

The Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu was indeed growing stronger and stronger.

But its leading figures were also increasingly… unique.

Compared to Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, and Yuan Mobai, even the always-reclusive Xu Yuanzhen, who never accepted disciples, now seemed normal.

“The past and current Tianshis really do embody the Dao of non-intervention and indiscriminate teaching,” said Zhang Hui, preparing to leave the capital once again.

Chu Yu, who was seeing him off, looked thoughtful.

After a moment, she suddenly asked, “Do you think we might have a non-human Tianshi someday?”

Zhang Hui blinked, then clapped and laughed. “Why not? Just because there’s no precedent doesn’t mean it can’t happen—history is full of firsts.”

Beside them, Empress Zhang Wantong sat quietly, fishing with her back to the two of them, unmoved.

---

Currently, peace reigned over the Tang Mortal Realm.

The biggest gossip was that Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu had welcomed a spirit beast into the sect who chose not to take human form.

In stark contrast, war in the former Song Mortal Realm had entered a white-hot phase.

Across the land—from west to Guanlong, north to the outer frontiers, east to Qilu, and south to the Two Lakes and Jiangdong—conflict raged everywhere.

Zongjia, head of the Sumeru Lotus Division, had arrived in the capital of the Golden Khanate.

With his support, the capital, which had been on the verge of collapse, suddenly stabilized.

Yet a shadow loomed over the experts of the Azure Wolf and White Deer khanates.

They had come this far and still failed to force the Golden Khan into action.

And now that Zongjia had returned, their chances looked slimmer than ever.

Though reluctant to admit it, at this point, even with all the external gains, failing to achieve their strategic goal meant they had lost.

“When they captured the Wilderness Golden Camp, the outcome was already decided,” said Zholigetu, the Azure Wolf Khan, staring toward the capital of the Golden Khanate, sighing. “Notify Hohotalai and the others—we may need to withdraw, or we’ll be too late.”

Morigen didn’t leave immediately. He asked quietly, “If Angqinfu really breaks through… Great Khan, where could we even retreat to?”

Zholigetu’s voice remained calm: “That depends on whether the news from the old Song territories is true.”

Morigen fell silent, then nodded. “Let’s hope it’s true—that immortals still can’t remain long in the mortal realm.”

He bowed and departed to inform the White Deer Khanate.

As both khanates lifted their siege on the capital and prepared to retreat separately, a thunderous tiger’s roar suddenly echoed from the rear—shaking the sky.

“It’s Alata, Angqinfu’s beast!” someone cried out.

Angqinfu, in their language, meant hunter—the true name of the Golden Khan.

It sounded rather ordinary.

But it belonged to the most powerful martial expert among the four great khans of the former Song Mortal Realm.

Like the others, he was a Rider-Warrior, but his mount—a mutant tiger known as Alata—was a terrifying beast on par with a Ninth Heaven human cultivator. The name Alata itself meant gold in their language.

Everyone present was familiar with Alata.

But today, its roar was vastly different—far more savage and forceful than usual!

Either Alata had grown stronger, or—

Angqinfu himself had made a breakthrough.

He had already stood at the Martial Saint pinnacle, a human-immortal level.

And now?

From the capital came a rare surge of blood energy—fierce and blazing, shooting straight into the sky.

A brutal, domineering will that sought to command all beings under the heavens, now took shape and swept across the land.

Zongjia of the Sumeru Lotus Division, along with Haritana, second master of the Golden Khanate, and Master Harsen, all bowed deeply:

“We welcome the Great Khan!”

Sometime later, the Song loyalists battling in Jiangnan received the latest update:

Angqinfu, the Golden Khan, had returned to the world. The White Deer Khanate, from Khan Hohotalai downward, suffered devastating losses.