Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 428: The Real Opponent

The Mortal Daoist Nation had essentially become a thing of the past.

But that didn't affect the task Lei Jun had assigned to Kang Ming and the others:

Investigate individuals and artifacts related to the ancient Talismanic Daoist Sect.

For the other three, the task might still be somewhat challenging.

But for Kang Ming, who was now in the Han Mortal Realm, it was a textbook case of fate stepping in.

The Mount Longhu lineage of the Great Han Dynasty, located in this mortal realm, happened to be a direct continuation of the ancient Talismanic Sect.

Although the current Great Han Mount Longhu sect had gone into seclusion, Kang Ming could still collect and compile all historical information and related objects that remained in this mortal world pertaining to the sect.

Just as the Tianshi Mansion of the Tang Dynasty stood as the sacred ground for the Tang’s Talismanic Sect, with its many offshoots and a deep-rooted legacy,

the Great Han Mount Longhu had once been the premier Daoist holy land of the Han Imperial Court.

Even now, under the Han regime, the Talismanic Daoist Sect still flourished across various regions through its many branches and offshoots.

Though the ancestral sect and mountain gate had withdrawn entirely into the Taiqing Salvation Grotto, it was impossible to take all the spread-out lineages across the world with them.

Kang Ming could naturally search in secret.

In fact, due to the disappearance of that sacred ancestral ground, the other branches of the Talismanic Daoist Sect in the Han Mortal Realm were deeply affected.

The Conferral of Talismans had become a bottleneck for many cultivators.

Nearly ten years had passed since the Mount Longhu sect withdrew from the world.

If things continued as they were, the sect would inevitably decline in this realm.

Within the various branches, debate was rife.

The reappearance of Pan Hailin in the mortal world, and his breakthrough to the Great Ascension Realm of the Ninth Heaven, reignited hope among many.

The Yellow Heaven Sect took advantage of the opportunity to expand its influence in the shadows.

Meanwhile, sects that had previously been weaker—like the Daoist Alchemical Sect and the Artifact Refining Sect—also began to rise.

The entire Han Dynasty was in a state of chaos.

Lei Jun calmly reviewed all the information Kang Ming had sent.

After careful thought, he issued new instructions to Kang Ming, Meng Shaojie, Nie Fang, and Zhou Pu:

In addition to the ancient Talismanic Sect, any intel or personnel connected to the former Heavenly Palace were to be included in their investigations.

With that, Lei Jun withdrew his consciousness from the Dark Side of the Heavenly Book, sitting silently in the Tianshi Hall, his gaze deep and reflective.

Later, Yuan Mobai arrived at the hall. After briefly discussing everyday matters of the mansion with Lei Jun, Lei Jun updated his master on the latest events from the Han Mortal Realm.

“The current Han Imperial Court won't provoke the Sumeru Treasury Division for now,”

“But most people, especially the Han Emperor and Crown Prince, neither trust them nor welcome them. Their attitude is one of polite distance and quiet vigilance.”

Yuan Mobai mused,

“That has, in turn, granted a brief reprieve to the Kongsang Heavenly Capital and Vast Void Temple.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Yuan Mobai then asked,

“What of Abbot Juexiang from the Vast Void Temple—how are his injuries?”

He had been wounded by the very man sitting opposite him—Lei Jun himself.

“The pursuit by the Han Court only worsened his condition,” Lei Jun replied.

“Although he now has a moment to breathe, his recovery won't be easy.

In fact, it may directly hinder his breakthrough to the Perfection Stage of the Ninth Heaven’s Fifth Layer.”

Abbot Juexiang was exceptionally talented and had once advanced rapidly.

This setback might completely halt his progress—an outcome that could have far-reaching consequences.

If the Vast Void Temple or the Kongsang Grand Shamans had a solution and could help him recover swiftly, then all might still be well.

But if his progress was truly broken, there would be no telling when—if ever—he would complete his Great Destruction Realm at the Ninth Heaven's Fifth Layer.

Contrast with Positive Cases:

Take Shen Qubing, for instance—wounded in the Land of the Deep Sea, yet aided by Empress Zhang Wantong, he swiftly broke through to the Eighth Heaven after recovery.

The Empress herself had sustained serious injuries in the Battle of Yunzhou, but after healing, she was once again poised to ascend beyond the Ninth Heaven.

She stayed in the mortal world only because of personal reasons.

Otherwise, she would have reached immortality before Crown Prince Angqin of the Golden Khanate.

Other Examples:

Northern Black Emperor Huang Xuanpu, despite repeated setbacks, managed to rally himself and advance from Four Energies Converging to the Origin to Five Energies Converging to the Origin - Perfection Stage.

Negative Examples:

On the other hand, the Western White Emperor Han Qingtao faced repeated disruptions.

First, he failed to seize the Taiyi Innate Tower and Tianshi Seal in the Tang Mortal Realm and suffered damage to his life-bound artifact at the hands of Tang Xiaotang.

Then, his identity was exposed by Xu Yuanzhen, leaving him exiled and disgraced in the Ming Mortal Realm.

Though he never sustained injuries that damaged his foundation, his cultivation was slowed, and he had long been stuck at the Fourth Layer of the Ninth Heaven.

Southern Red Emperor Li Hang faced similar setbacks, primarily at the hands of the Golden Khanate.

Yuan Mobai said,

“Since the Kongsang Heavenly Capital included the Vast Void Temple in their plans, I doubt they'll let it fall without a fight.”

“I agree,” said Lei Jun.

“In fact, another person might have an even better chance at reaching the Perfection Stage of the Ninth Heaven’s Fifth Layer…”

Yuan Mobai’s eyes lit up:

“Ji Daocheng?”

Lei Jun nodded,

“Though the Mount Longhu lineage seems to have retreated to the Taiqing Salvation Grotto, that may well have been a strategic choice.

Ji Daocheng, with focused cultivation, may still have a shot.”

Yuan Mobai replied,

“The Void Gate between Datong and the Han Mortal Realm is closed. Let’s see what they do next.”

Lei Jun smiled,

“It only looks closed.”

Master and disciple shared a knowing glance.

Lei Jun opened his palm to reveal a jade pendant—once belonging to the Eastern Yang Hermit.

The Wang Clan of Langya had failed to find the Eastern Yang Residence because Lei Jun had placed an additional barrier there.

But that same mechanism could now serve as a hidden passage.

Han Mortal Realm

Within the Great Han Imperial Court, the prevailing rhetoric still focused on a vigorous purge of the demonic monks of the Vast Void Temple who had fled to the Southern Wasteland, as well as their potential Witch Sect allies.

But due to the recent upheavals between Sumeru and Datong, most forces only made noise on the surface, keeping actual operations restrained.

Many began observing the shifting landscape quietly while building their own strength behind the scenes.

That late autumn, joyous news came from the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou:

Clan leader Lin Xiaoyi had made a breakthrough—achieving the Ninth Heaven Realm of Confucian Exegesis.

The Han Dynasty had gained a new “Pacify-All-Under-Heaven Grand Scholar”.

From all corners of the realm, dignitaries arrived to extend their congratulations.

After the official gifts and pleasantries, a few guests chose to stay behind.

Lin Xiaoyi received them personally.

Only three were present in the quiet chamber: Lin Xiaoyi himself, seated in the host’s position, and two guests he addressed with courtesy:

• Ye Zhao, Patriarch of the Ye Clan of Qingzhou

• Ye Chunyu, Patriarch of the Ye Clan of Jinzhou

There was little small talk. All three wore solemn expressions.

“You've both come from afar. Forgive me if my hospitality has fallen short,” Lin Xiaoyi said gently.

There was no need for formality among them.

“Datong is now sealed. The threat from the Tang Mortal Realm has subsided for the moment. But in the long term, optimism is difficult,” Lin Xiaoyi said quietly.

“This era of change... just a few short years can overturn everything.”

Ye Zhao and Ye Chunyu nodded faintly. They shared the same sentiment.

“With spiritual energy surging across the world, immortals from hidden realms are reappearing.

Though few have openly descended to the mortal world, I suspect the situation will only escalate,” said Ye Chunyu, her palace robes flowing.

Lin Xiaoyi replied,

“The Witch Sect, Daoist sects, and Buddhist temples may all have ancient immortals among them. Even the martial world has those reaching beyond the Ninth Heaven.

Yet we scholars—not a single Confucian Sage has appeared.”

Silence followed.

Even though Lin Xiaoyi had just reached the Pacify-All-Under-Heaven realm, and Ye Zhao was long-renowned, neither had achieved the Perfection Stage of the Ninth Heaven’s Five Classics.

In fact, among the Han Dynasty’s noble clans, no scholar had reached that ultimate level.

The closest in memory was Lin Zheng, former head of the Datong Lin Clan, who had once attained it.

But Lin Zheng had long passed.

Even if he were alive, his journey to ascend beyond the heavens would have remained uncertain.

If there were any hope of a Confucian master breaking through the Ninth Heaven soon, only two names stood out: Crown Prince Xiang Jing and the Eastern Yang Hermit, Wang Xu.

But Wang Xu’s condition was unclear. He claimed his injuries hadn’t fully healed.

And neither Ye Zhao nor Lin Xiaoyi truly considered him “one of their own.”

As for Crown Prince Xiang Jing—though more virtuous than Emperor Xiang Chengyuan—his rise might spell trouble for the noble clans.

“If any Confucian Sage from before the Great Cataclysm is still alive,” Lin Xiaoyi said slowly,

“Then it’s not Datong or Tang or Gui Cang. Our hope now lies solely in—Lianshan.”

He looked up at Ye Zhao and Ye Chunyu.

Legend held that before the Eastern and Western Ye Clans split, the Ye family had once ruled over Lianshan.

According to popular belief, the Ye clan later parted ways with Lianshan entirely.

But the truth—only the Ye family truly knew.

“It’s true that our clan once held stewardship over Lianshan,” Ye Zhao replied softly.

“But it’s also true that we were eventually forced to withdraw. At least, that’s what I know.”

Ye Chunyu nodded slowly beside him.

Meeting Lin Xiaoyi’s gaze, she said,

“We would never deceive you. More than anyone, we hope that some ancestor of our clan still lives in Lianshan.”

“I believe you both,” Lin Xiaoyi said gently.

“Still, under these circumstances, even the slightest hope must begin with Lianshan.”

“We’ve been trying to locate it for years,” Ye Zhao admitted.

“But we have nothing so far.”

Lin Xiaoyi said,

“Your caution is wise. We must tread carefully to avoid handing over our legacy to others.”

After a pause, he added,

“Actually, I asked you both to stay behind today for another matter.”

Ye Zhao and Ye Chunyu exchanged glances.

Then Lin Xiaoyi said, with a slightly distant tone:

“Recently, we found some clues—regarding a branch lineage of our clan in another mortal world…”

“Oh?” Both Ye patriarchs straightened up.

They had long felt isolated, as if they could already glimpse their own clan’s decline—just like the noble families of the Tang, Song, and Ming mortal worlds, who had faded into obscurity.

So this news sparked hope.

Even though a Lin Clan branch didn’t guarantee a Ye Clan presence in that realm, it was still a glimmer of possibility.

“There’s not much information yet,” Lin Xiaoyi said.

“But we know the ruling court in that world is called the Jin Dynasty.”

“A world we’ve never heard of before,” Ye Zhao said with a nod.

Ye Chunyu hesitated but said nothing.

Lin Xiaoyi noticed, and gently reassured her:

“Rest assured—I’ll treat this as our clan’s highest priority. Even if it means a minor branch merging into a greater one, we can’t afford to stall.”

“These times are far more perilous than we ever imagined,” Ye Chunyu sighed.

“Just look at what happened to the noble clans in the Tang and Datong realms.”

Lin Xiaoyi and Ye Zhao nodded.

They knew, from messages out of Tang and from Xiao Jing and others of Datong, that noble families once had the chance to ally early.

But out of caution—or distrust—they let that opportunity slip.

If the Five Great Clans of Datong had entered the Tang Realm sooner, perhaps the outcome would have been different.

Right before the Battle of Luoyang, the two sides had just begun to connect—but it was already too late.

One by one, they were crushed by the Tang court and the sectarian forces.

Even between the Han nobility and Datong elites, mistrust had long prevailed.

But the world had changed so rapidly that now, they could delay no longer.

They feared that even their newfound willingness to act might already be too late.

But compared to waiting for death, it was better to try and grasp every sliver of opportunity.

Even if they couldn’t change the ultimate course of the era—they might still save some lives, some destinies.

Kunlun – Dao Palace in the Immortal Realm

In a quiet hall within the immortal realm of Kunlun, the Patriarch of the Celestial Cycle, who appeared outwardly as a middle-aged man, reclined lazily beside an alchemy furnace.

A young Daoist, appearing barely past his twenties, stepped into the palace and bowed.

“Master.”

His name was Mu Weizi. He was not a disciple of the Mount Longhu lineage of the Great Han, but rather a personal disciple the Patriarch had accepted in Kunlun in recent years. Young in age, yet already walking the Daoist path.

“Congratulations, Master,” Mu Weizi said.

“With Datong sealed off, and the Tang and Han Mortal Realms temporarily isolated, when the Han makes its next move, there’ll be fewer distractions and less interference.”

The Celestial Cycle Patriarch sat up and stared into the alchemy furnace.

“It still depends on what the Kongsang Witch Sect decides to do.”

He, too, was seeking a way to descend into the mortal realm.

For him, the actions of the Kongsang Witch King were key.

This was his opportunity to substitute one for another—a case of “plucking the peach while replacing the plum.”

The Witch King was his true target.

The fewer distractions there were, the easier it would be for him to carry out his plan.

Once he could freely move between the immortal and mortal realms, he would reclaim and unify all talismanic Daoist lineages under his command once more.