Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 442: The Heavenly Master of the Tang Dynasty who became the pillar of the Han Dynasty

Lei Jun faced the woman in coarse robes, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, True Lord Wuyou of the Zhongtian Spirit Dome. Lei Jun of Mount Longhu pays his respects.”

Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and the others had long suspected the identity of the “Granny” who followed Qin Caiwei. Most likely, she was a transcendent cultivator who had already reached the realm above the Ninth Heaven, a predecessor of the Shushan Sect who had ascended long ago.

After witnessing that strike from the Purple Micro Sword, they could be certain—this was a sword cultivator, though her exact identity had not been fully confirmed.

Now that they met face-to-face, Lei Jun finally knew: she was none other than the Shushan Sect’s founding ancestor, the one who forged the Purple Micro Sword and the Azure Sword herself.

Long before the great calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty, this founder of the Daoist artifact refinement school was rumored to have transcended and ascended.

In later generations, Shushan disciples revered her as True Lord Wuyou of the Zhongtian Spirit Dome.

Because of the vast time gap and the chaos of the Han Dynasty’s calamity that disrupted records, she had long since become a legendary figure to the mortal world.

Most people simply referred to her by the Daoist title she used while still in the mortal world: Daoist Baimei.

“No need for formalities, Tianshi of this generation,” Daoist Baimei smiled. “If anything, I’ve been troubling you all these years.”

Lei Jun responded, “Not at all. You’re being too modest, True Lord. It’s thanks to your guidance that Martial Niece Hua Wei has advanced so quickly in her cultivation.”

Daoist Baimei said, “Cultivation depends on the individual. Little Qin’s progress is her own achievement.”

Her radiant, ephemeral figure withdrew into the wooden sword once again. “Staying in the mortal world has its inconveniences.”

Lei Jun said, “Pardon my boldness, True Lord, but compared to Daoist Zhou Tian, the Kongsang Witch King, and the Sumeru Virtuous Wisdom Venerable, your current state seems far better. Even if you remain in the mortal world, it doesn’t seem to affect you?”

Her era was long before the calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty—an unfathomable timespan.

Yet from Lei Jun’s perspective, her cultivation had not regressed to a level suitable for the mortal realm.

On the contrary, she seemed to have achieved what the Kongsang Witch King, Daoist Zhou Tian, and the Virtuous Wisdom Venerable all desired: the ability to walk freely in the mortal world despite being beyond the Ninth Heaven.

“Each has their own difficulties. I wouldn’t say I’m completely at ease.” Daoist Baimei’s tone remained calm.

Lei Jun nodded slightly, not pressing the matter. Instead, he asked, “True Lord, your sword strike earlier disrupted the schemes of both the Kongsang Witch King and Daoist Zhou Tian. May I ask why?”

Daoist Baimei’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “Those two… we’re old acquaintances, in a way. I just didn’t want them to have it too easy, so I decided to step in.”

Lei Jun asked, “So True Lord was present at Kunlun as well?”

“Indeed. Kunlun is divided into three heavens. I had a Daoist dwelling in the Great Red Heaven, though I haven’t returned in ages. It’s probably abandoned by now, so you’re free to deal with it as you see fit. I have no intention of going back.”

She paused briefly, then added, “That said, Zhao Xiaoyou from Qingwei Heaven should have already transcended the mortal realm and achieved the Yuanshen stage. He’s probably returned to Qingwei Heaven by now.”

Hearing her tone, Lei Jun remarked, “It seems that this Zhao fellow wasn’t particularly close to Daoist Zhou Tian.”

Daoist Baimei’s voice echoed from within the wooden sword. “Daoist Zhou Tian isn’t close to anyone, even among the former Celestial Palace members.”

Lei Jun asked, “Do you know his background?”

Daoist Baimei replied, “A former Celestial Palace member who, after the calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty, switched to cultivating Daoist talismans. But as for his true identity and what exactly happened back then, I’m not sure. I’ve always wondered why Daoist Xianguang took him in as a disciple. Only now do I see more clues.”

Lei Jun said softly, “I’ve heard someone mention that the calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty was caused by the Celestial Palace remnants?”

Daoist Baimei replied nonchalantly, not minding Lei Jun’s questions. “That’s true. But I was fond of wandering and rarely concerned myself with mortal or heavenly affairs.

When the calamity struck, I was too lazy to care much. While I couldn’t completely stay out of it, I only managed what was immediately in front of me.

As for the detailed events, I never bothered to look too deeply—let them be.”

A soft laugh seemed to come from within the wooden sword. “Daoist Zhou Tian has fled Kunlun. If you search his Dao Palace in Yuyu Heaven thoroughly, you might learn more details.”

Lei Jun bowed. “Thank you for the guidance, True Lord.”

After a brief pause, he glanced toward the mountain gate. “Some of the Shushan Sect’s disciples from the Han Dynasty are nearby. Chen Lingfeng, the current sect master of the Han Dynasty’s Shushan Sect, should be arriving shortly. Would you like to meet them?”

The wooden sword floated leisurely outward. “Everyone has their own fate. Let the younger generation handle their own matters.”

Lei Jun nodded gently, saying no more.

Though this was their first direct encounter, Lei Jun had already gained a general understanding of this Shushan ancestor’s temperament.

Unlike Daoist Zhou Tian, the Kongsang Witch King, or the Virtuous Wisdom Venerable, she had no grand ambitions or lingering attachments.

In the past, she hadn’t sought out the Tang Dynasty’s Shushan Sect disciples, and now, she had no intention of meeting the Han Dynasty’s Shushan Sect disciples either.

Her continued presence in the mortal world, in some ways, was due to Qin Caiwei’s aid.

Of course, the reverse was even truer—she had helped Qin Caiwei far more.

If Qin Caiwei herself faced danger, she might intervene.

But for the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion, she was neither an enemy nor a reliable ally.

She was best regarded as someone who existed on her own terms, helping when paths crossed but not someone to depend on.

Just like the events unfolding in the Han mortal realm now.

Though her strength was extraordinary, she had always been a free spirit even before the Han Dynasty calamity.

In truth, Lei Jun rather admired that lifestyle.

Perhaps one day, when he stepped down from the position of Mount Longhu’s sect master, he too would follow that path.

But for now, as long as he held this position, there were things that needed to be done.

With the Tang Dynasty’s Mount Longhu stirring up such a massive commotion and holding a tiger's stance over Jiangnan, it left many people feeling as though they had a thorn in their backs.

At this point, even when the Han Dynasty’s imperial court tried to decide on a new emperor, they had to take the attitude of the Tang Dynasty’s Mount Longhu into account.

Even though Lei Jun had acted quite composed and peaceful after his battle at the Han Dynasty’s Mount Longhu, Tang Xiaotang had returned from the Tang Dynasty’s mortal realm, only to head back again, and the news of her return sent a fresh wave of fear through many hearts.

But Tang Xiaotang hadn’t gone anywhere else—she went straight to the Han Dynasty’s Mount Longhu.

“Haha!” she laughed heartily, looking refreshed. “I finally got rid of that b*stard Li Yuanheng on this trip!”

With Li Tianqing and Li Jin blocking him, the former master of the Earth Sea, Li Yuanheng, found his path of return cut off.

Back when he entered, he hadn’t directly opened a void gate, which was certainly a clever move. But now that he wanted to leave, it wasn’t so easy either.

In the end, this peak Gu Grandmaster at the fifth level of the Ninth Heaven was even considering faking his death to escape the Earth Sea and reincarnate outside of it.

But Li Tianqing’s unexpectedly formidable Nine Songs: Great Eastern Emperor Formation shook both time and space, making it incredibly difficult for Li Yuanheng to carry out his plan to fake death and flee.

Just as he was looking for an opportunity, the Tang Grandmaster stormed in—charging straight from the Han Dynasty’s mortal realm through the Tang Dynasty’s mortal realm and into the Earth Sea.

The Han Dynasty’s mortal realm was always restricted by the Divine Dance Gu Grandmasters of the Ninth Heaven, using ghostly formations to suppress, leaving Tang Xiaotang feeling stifled even when she won battles.

But this time, the tables had turned—she was in the Earth Sea, with the Divine Dance Gu Grandmasters on her side to suppress the enemy, and the feeling was entirely different.

Tang Xiaotang finally fulfilled her wish: she killed Li Yuanheng, the former top master of the Nine Li Clan at the fifth level of the Ninth Heaven.

Back in the Han Dynasty’s mortal realm, Tang Xiaotang was still beaming with excitement:

“Li Tianqing really has a way about him. He actually managed to recreate the long-lost Great Eastern Emperor Formation. If we weren’t rushing over to Kunlun, I’d honestly want to stay and study it myself.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Master once mentioned that Elder Sun of the Southern Desolation Reincarnation Abyss encountered a unique opportunity and exchanged insights with Daoist Brother Li Tianqing. That’s how Li Tianqing got the initial framework for recreating the Great Eastern Emperor Formation. Daoist Brother Li truly is a once-in-a-generation talent—he’s already made such progress in such a short time. I’d like to see it for myself one day, but there’s no need to rush. We’ll have our chance.”

Tang Xiaotang grinned. “Let’s head over to Kunlun first. Let’s head to Kunlun first.”

Lei Jun glanced at her, then nodded. “Hold on a moment, Senior Sister. Let me give some instructions to Third Brother and the others.”

After wrapping up the matters at the Han Dynasty’s Mount Longhu, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang got in touch with Xu Yuanzhen.

Without needing to open the Kunlun portal, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang used the talisman Xu Yuanzhen had left behind. Their figures ascended as if soaring to the highest heavens.

As they rose, bright light began to shimmer across the surfaces of their bodies.

For a brief instant, Lei Jun felt as though the boundaries between his physical body, his soul, and his thoughts had disappeared.

In a flash of light, the two of them vanished into the sky.

Before their eyes, a vast array of Dao patterns and law imprints appeared, weaving together into what seemed like an entirely new world.

This world stretched far and wide, resembling an immortal paradise.

Lei Jun kept his expression neutral, first confirming that he could leave this world at any time, then mentally connected with his Stellar Net and Jade Pure Cosmic Mirror.

The former allowed him to observe certain regions of the Tang Dynasty’s mortal realm, though the images were somewhat blurry.

The latter provided clearer insights into parts of the Han Dynasty’s mortal realm.

The Heaven-Connecting Earth-Penetrating Talisman flowed quietly in Lei Jun’s pupils as he turned his gaze back to the world before him.

At the center of the immortal realm stood a vast complex of Daoist palaces.

However, these palaces now appeared in ruins.

The once-vibrant aura of celestial spirits was mostly gone, replaced by an overwhelming sense of mortal dust and earthly traces.

Tang Xiaotang looked around curiously. “Is this the sword that Senior Sister forged earlier?”

Lei Jun nodded. “Yeah, it’s Master Sister’s Red Dust Sword. But after injuring Daoist Zhou Tian, the sword dissipated.”

Tang Xiaotang shrugged. “It’s no big deal. The Kunlun spiritual energy is abundant—if managed properly, this place will recover in no time.”

She turned her head, sweeping her gaze across the sky just as Lei Jun did.

“This isn’t the only world here,” Tang Xiaotang mused. “I heard Kunlun is made up of three overlapping realms, and this is just one of them?”

Lei Jun replied, “The Nine Heavens and Ten Earths all have their unique traits. Kunlun’s spatial domain is especially peculiar—not only is it hard to find from the outside, but according to ancient texts, while it may appear to be a single world, it’s actually a mystical realm where three worlds merge into one.

When our Daoist predecessors took charge of this place, they named the three-fold world after the Three Purities: Qingwei Heaven, Yuyu Heaven, and Dachi Heaven.

It’s said that when our sect was developing the Upper Pure Thunder Palace, Taiqing’s Salvation Grotto, and Jade Pure Miro Grotto, they referenced Kunlun’s mysteries.”

Tang Xiaotang’s eyes sparkled with interest as she gazed at the sky. “Let’s find Senior Sister first—later, we can explore Qingwei Heaven and Dachi Heaven.”

The two of them stepped into the ruined Daoist palace.

Xu Yuanzhen was already there.

Though the surroundings were a mess, she appeared relaxed, even with a slight smile on her lips.

“Daoist Zhou Tian ran off on his own. His disciples here fled with him. The palace is basically empty now. Some parts of Dachi Heaven still have civilians living there, but for now, there’s no major issue.”

Xu Yuanzhen’s voice rang out crisp and fast, like raindrops striking jade, clear and rapid:

“I’ve already sorted through some useful items. These are the first batch.”

She casually tossed a few talismans to Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

While Tang Xiaotang flipped through the talismans, Lei Jun recounted his earlier encounter with Bai Mei.

Tang Xiaotang’s eyebrows lifted. “Even if she can’t move freely, that Shushan senior has been in the mortal realm for at least thirty years, hasn’t she?”

Xu Yuanzhen smirked. “Far better than Zhou Tian and his lot.”

Lei Jun added, “She’s used to being carefree, doesn’t meddle in others’ business, and is hard to track down.”

Xu Yuanzhen nodded. “That’s likely why, when it came to the old Heavenly Palace, she kept her distance—watching from afar, seeing through the fog without truly engaging.”

Lei Jun took the talismans from Tang Xiaotang and examined the wealth of information within.

Xu Yuanzhen explained, “Saying that someone inside the old Heavenly Palace betrayed the others isn’t quite accurate.

Strictly speaking, back then, many people formed a loose alliance to explore the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Later, due to discoveries related to the ancient Heavenly Palace relics, this alliance split apart, eventually turning into enemies who fought bitterly against each other.

Those who sought to revive the ancient Heavenly Palace called themselves the Old Heavenly Palace Faction.

At first, most were free spirits like Bai Mei.

But the conflict escalated—spreading wider and deeper—until it became uncontrollable.”

Tang Xiaotang’s expression twisted slightly. “The leader of the Old Heavenly Palace Faction… was one of our own sect’s ancestors?”

Xu Yuanzhen nodded. “Yes, it was Grandmaster Gao Tian—the 14th-generation sect leader of our Daoist school.”

His full title was Gao Tianshi, once ascended to the immortal realm. He was later known as Gao Tianjun, with the Daoist title Guangtian Gaosheng Yuchen Zhenjun.

Within the Tang Dynasty’s Mount Longhu Daoist texts, he was a figure of great controversy.

Records of him were scarce and vague, but one note claimed he was the key figure behind the Daoist law reform at the Mount Longhu Heavenly Master’s Mansion—though the details were unclear.

Looking at it now, Lei Jun and the others felt a complex mix of emotions.

The one who opposed Gao Tianjun and became the key leader in resisting the Old Heavenly Palace faction was also a figure from their sect's lineage.

That was Zhuang Zheng, also known as Zhuang Tianshi, the 16th-generation sect leader of the Mount Longhu Heavenly Master’s Mansion. After his ascension, he took the Daoist title Xuantian Chongxu Xianyou Zhenjun, also known as Zhuang Zhenjun or Zhuang Tianjun.

His seniority was lower than Gao Tianjun’s, and he reached the immortal realm later, making him Gao’s junior. Yet, when it came to the Old Heavenly Palace matter, Zhuang Tianjun became Gao Tianjun’s greatest obstacle.

According to what Ancestor Zhou Tian had gathered, Zhuang Tianjun had already perished in the battle against the Old Heavenly Palace faction.

That climactic battle during the late Han Dynasty led to widespread temporal disruptions and the fracturing of the mortal realm.

“They didn’t mention what happened to the other side,” Tang Xiaotang noted.

Lei Jun mused, “There’s a chance that Gao Tianjun is in Bilu.”

Xu Yuanzhen added, “Because of Tianrui Recluse, right?”

The Old Heavenly Palace faction had many top-tier cultivators from various lineages. The opposing side, meanwhile, had two main leaders.

One was the already-fallen Zhuang Tianjun.

The other was a female Confucian scholar named He Ying, also known as Tianrui Recluse.

Back then, no one knew her final fate, and Ancestor Zhou Tian had always speculated about it.

With the recent upheaval in the Han and Tang mortal realms, Zhou Tian was almost certain: the Tang Empress Zhang Wantong was the reincarnation of Tianrui Recluse, He Ying.

Before her disappearance, He Ying had been involved in sealing several of the Old Heavenly Palace’s top experts inside Bilu.

Now it seemed that her ascension had inadvertently caused Bilu to reopen, releasing the sealed Old Heavenly Palace experts.

Zhou Tian wasn’t sure of Bilu’s exact situation, but Gao Tianjun might very well be inside.

However, thanks to He Ying—now Zhang Wantong—being prepared, gathering precious materials and setting up rituals for her own ascension, she had likely protected herself from Bilu’s reemergence.

But that was under normal circumstances—it couldn’t be guaranteed absolutely.

“The place most closely tied to the ancient Heavenly Palace is Bilu,” Lei Jun said. “Gao Tianjun and the others were sealed there for so many years. Even if there’s been no movement, we shouldn’t underestimate them.”

Tang Xiaotang clicked her tongue in amazement. “Our Tang Empress is something else, huh?”

She suddenly thought of something and turned to Lei Jun. “That Chen Yi you just killed—his pure-gold palace was also connected to the Heavenly Palace, right? So who was behind him? Gao Tianjun?”

Lei Jun replied, “We’re not certain yet. Ancestor Zhou Tian only knew parts of the situation, and there’s still a lot that’s unclear.

The Old Heavenly Palace faction had too many experts, and plenty of others mixed in to stir up trouble. Without Zhuang Tianjun and Tianrui Recluse, the Old Heavenly Palace faction might have actually succeeded.”

Tang Xiaotang grinned. “It was a messy crowd, huh? That Mr. Beichen, the Chu Clan’s son-in-law, stirred up quite the storm too.”

Lei Jun nodded. “Mhm, mhm… Absolutely.”

Mr. Beichen, real name Zheng Baiyu, also known as Chu Baiyu.

Back during the Han Dynasty’s heyday, he was a brilliant Confucian scholar who eventually ascended to become a Confucian sage.

He had two major turning points in his life. One was marrying a daughter of the Chu Clan. The other could be summed up like this:

The Chu Clan’s son-in-law turned around and bit the hand that fed him.

The Suzhou Chu Clan had once controlled Guicang, one of the Nine Heavens within the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

But it was Zheng Baiyu, aligned with the Old Heavenly Palace faction, who made the Chu Clan lose their hold over Guicang—something they never managed to reclaim.

What truly infuriated the Five Great Surnames and Seven Noble Clans was that Zheng Baiyu even organized a “Rebellious Son-in-Law Alliance,” a group of in-laws who turned against their benefactors.

Not only did they lose the Chu Clan’s Guicang, but they also caused the Ye Clan to lose Lianshan, one of the Ten Earths.

This event was one of the most significant blows in the history of the Five Great Surnames and Seven Noble Clans, sparking massive conflict and heavy casualties on both sides.

Zheng Baiyu and the others gained considerable power during that time and became important figures in the Old Heavenly Palace faction.

Unfortunately, after the Old Heavenly Palace faction ultimately fell, they became relics of the past.

Guicang remained sealed for centuries until the Ming Dynasty reopened it. Lianshan, however, had yet to reappear even to this day.

“There are still many incomplete pieces of information. We’ll go through this in detail later.”

Lei Jun glanced around. “For now, why don’t we check out our new neighbors?”

Tang Xiaotang jumped up. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

“I’m not interested. You two go ahead.” Xu Yuanzhen didn’t budge, only giving Lei Jun a glance.

Though she didn’t say much more, Lei Jun understood her meaning:

She didn’t care about the new neighbors.

But Tang Xiaotang’s reaction, that was worth observing—so Lei Jun could report back to her later.