Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 449: Achieving Sainthood in an Instant

Empress Zhang Wantong was currently not in the human realm of Great Tang.

Just like Zhao Chanyang of the Kunwu Sect before her, she too had chosen to head for the Outer Void, her whereabouts unknown.

For this breakthrough into the realm beyond the Ninth Heaven, she didn’t arrange for anyone to guard her or protect the formation.

In a sense, keeping her location and status secret was the best form of protection.

Previously, the ritual she performed using Heaven’s Cataclysm Gold and other rare treasures wasn’t to guard herself but rather to prevent her breakthrough from causing further disruptions to Biluo.

To remain discreet and not delay the affairs of the court, every time the Empress left the Great Tang human realm, she would leave behind a projection—something like a clone yet not entirely so, something both real and illusory.

For the vast majority of people in the human realm, especially the common folk, it seemed that since the Battle of Luoyang, Her Majesty the Empress had always remained in the imperial capital of Luoyang.

Only a very few knew that Zhang Wantong had, in fact, ventured out multiple times over the years.

That said, luck never seemed to favor her whenever she left the capital, much like with Zhang Hui before her.

Zhang Hui often encountered unexpected events and had to turn back midway.

Zhang Wantong, though, never aborted her journey, but her covert departures were often noticed by the outside world for one reason or another.

Still, because her projection remained in the imperial capital, it was only now that the human realm of Great Tang experienced such a disturbance.

“The current Empress has already released the blessing of the empire’s fortune that was infused into her, yet she still influences the realm. Her cultivation and power remain unfathomable.”

Yuan Mobai praised, “Great Tang has birthed one who has opened the Celestial Gate.”

Lei Jun said, “Her Majesty’s case differs from that of Eldest Senior Brother. Though she was Tianrui Layman in her past life, she started anew after reincarnating. Indeed, she is a newly ascended Celestial Gate opener following the Great Calamity at the end of the Han.”

The master and disciple pair sat quietly across from each other, waiting until the fluctuations in the Great Tang realm’s spiritual energy gradually settled.

After that, everything returned to calm.

As if everything earlier had been an illusion.

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.

Empress Zhang Wantong had not failed. She had succeeded.

A grand scholar who transcended the Ninth Heaven, stepping onto the Azure Cloud, crossing the chasm of the mortal world—this was known as achieving sainthood in an instant.

Lei Jun raised his hand, sketching a talisman in the air. The talisman shimmered and coalesced into an ethereal scroll.

The scroll’s pages turned on their own, blank at first, until a page suddenly stopped flipping. Words began to appear upon it.

Zhang Wantong’s voice seemed to echo in Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai’s ears:

“Daoist Lei, Daoist Yuan.”

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai replied in unison, “Mount Longhu congratulates Your Majesty on ascending to the Azure Cloud and achieving sainthood.”

Zhang Wantong responded, “You’re too kind.”

As previously agreed, now that Empress Zhang Wantong had ascended to the Celestial Realm, she would reside permanently in Datong, one of the Nine Heavens.

However, she wouldn’t act openly, and her whereabouts would remain known only to a select few.

Lei Jun and the others would also refrain from making a public announcement.

Since the Battle of Luoyang, Empress Zhang Wantong had steadily diminished her presence.

Even though those in the Celestial Realm could now remain in the mortal world for long periods, she wouldn’t stay in Great Tang as she once had.

Achieving sainthood and ascending to the Celestial Realm marked the moment she distanced herself from the Tang Dynasty, further fading her presence among the people.

As was the case for her, the projection she left behind in the imperial capital of Luoyang would also fade, and state affairs would further shift to the Ministry of State Affairs under her disciples’ management.

Though she had no crown prince, she would continue to reign for years in this manner.

“The times are changing,” Lei Jun mused. “Someday, the various human realms will converge.”

Zhang Wantong said, “As of now, isn’t the Jin Dynasty realm the one still missing?”

Lei Jun replied, “Yes. The spiritual energy tide in the Jin realms has yet to begin. It may take a hundred years, perhaps several hundred more.”

Zhang Wantong remarked, “Some may attempt to accelerate the tide’s onset, while others may seek to delay it.”

Lei Jun said, “I’ve visited the Jin realms and left some traces behind. I’ll keep an eye on the situation.”

Zhang Wantong: “Thank you for your efforts, Daoist Lei.”

For now, she wouldn’t make any further moves in Datong.

Her top priority was to refine and improve the ritual ceremony constructed using Heaven’s Cataclysm Gold and other rare treasures.

The ceremony she had arranged while at the Ninth Heaven level could only hold for a short time.

Now that she had achieved sainthood, she could ensure the ritual’s long-term stability.

Lei Jun asked, “Your Majesty, how is the situation in Biluo?”

Zhang Wantong answered calmly, “Headed by Gao Tian Sui, eleven individuals were sealed in Biluo back then. After so many years, it’s hard to say exactly what the situation inside is now.”

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai both responded, “Tianrui Layman’s abilities were profound, and her methods were extraordinary.”

Tianrui Layman, who had reincarnated as Empress Zhang Wantong, had now achieved sainthood.

This could possibly allow those sealed within Biluo to reemerge.

That was why Zhang Wantong had delayed taking this step until she had all the necessary treasures like Heaven’s Cataclysm Gold.

The purpose of the ritual wasn’t so much to reinforce Biluo’s seal as it was to obscure any related changes.

Among those in the Celestial Realm, there were still differences in power.

Though Tianrui Layman’s hand had sealed many powerful beings in Biluo, Zhang Wantong’s current strength upon her initial ascent to the Celestial Realm was different from the past.

If beings like Gao Tianjun were to break free from Biluo at this moment, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Still, recalling how Tianrui Layman had sealed so many formidable beings in Biluo despite paying a great price herself was awe-inspiring.

“This wasn’t my accomplishment alone,” Zhang Wantong said calmly. “That battle back then involved countless experts. Victory and defeat were decided by the narrowest of margins.”

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai both nodded slightly.

Had the fighting been any less intense, the Great Calamity at the end of the Han wouldn’t have caused such a splintering of the mortal realms.

“To be precise, there wasn’t truly a decisive winner or loser back then,” Zhang Wantong added.

Lei Jun suddenly asked, “Your Majesty, do you still recall Mister Beichen, Zheng Baiyu?”

Zhang Wantong replied, “He appeared to have perished back then, but I believe he’s still alive.”

Lei Jun said, “There’s no concrete evidence yet, but I believe the great scholar who stirred up such a storm in the Di Sea and Jiuli back then was indeed Mister Beichen.

After the Great Calamity at the end of the Han, he likely went to Youyin. What happened afterward remains unclear.”

Zhang Wantong remarked, “Had he not come into his own so late, his achievements might have even surpassed those of Gao Tian Sui.”

Lei Jun fell silent in thought.

Zhang Wantong then asked, “Do the Daoists of Mount Longhu have any clues about one of the Ten Lands, the Great Matrix?”

Lei Jun replied, “In the mortal realm where warriors rule the nation and shamans and Buddhists vie for supremacy, there are traces of the Great Matrix. However, as of now, there’s been no sign of it reappearing across the mortal realms.”

Zhang Wantong said, “When the remnants of the Celestial Palace rebelled back in the day, the Great Matrix was as significant as Biluo.”

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai, who had been listening quietly all along, both had a flicker in their eyes.

Zhang Wantong added, “The Great Matrix suffered far greater turmoil and damage compared to Biluo. Now, after so many years, if it’s still sealed, it may have recovered somewhat.

When we excavated the ancient Celestial Palace ruins, they, like Biluo, were of utmost importance.

If Zheng Baiyu is indeed still alive and has entered Youyin, then Youyin is also worth monitoring.”

Lei Jun said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for sharing this.”

He then organized and shared with Zhang Wantong the various happenings in the Han Dynasty and the Kongsang and Kunlun realms during her seclusion.

As for the situation with Wang Guiyuan, Zhang Wantong paid it no mind.

However, she did inquire in detail about the pure gold hall related to Chen Yi.

Finally, she said, “That hall was part of the ancient Celestial Palace. Back then, it should have been in Zheng Baiyu’s possession.”

Lei Jun pondered while responding, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for clearing up the doubts of this humble Daoist.”

Though they couldn’t confirm that the matter involving Chen Yi was directly connected to Zheng Baiyu, it was indeed a lead.

Zhang Wantong said, “As for the mortal realm matters, I’ll leave it to the Daoists of Mount Longhu for now.”

Lei Jun replied, “Your Majesty is too gracious.”

The words on the scroll faded, Zhang Wantong’s voice disappeared, and moments later, the pages closed.

The ethereal scroll turned into a stream of light and returned to Lei Jun’s talisman.

Lei Jun looked at his master.

Yuan Mobai’s face no longer wore its usual warm smile, but instead, he seemed deep in thought. “The Great Matrix and Youyin, hmm…”

Lei Jun said, “Saha and Lingshan are also putting in effort to locate the Great Matrix.”

Yuan Mobai regained his calm expression. “Let’s focus on ourselves for now.”

Lei Jun nodded. “That’s my thought as well.”

Later that evening during their usual study session, Lei Jun first instructed his second disciple, Han Xiaofei, and Tang Xiaotang’s disciple, Cheng Rongrong.

After the lesson, he brought up the matter of “skipping levels” and asked Han Xiaofei and Cheng Rongrong for their thoughts.

Cheng Rongrong replied quickly, “Martial Uncle, I’ll follow Master’s and your arrangements. It doesn’t really matter if I receive the talisman sooner or later.

If I reach the Third Heaven Altar Realm before the next conferral, I’d like to spend the rest of the time studying more talismans.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly. “Alright, no problem.”

Most cultivators only considered such plans after their prime cultivation window closed, focusing on horizontal growth and strengthening their combat abilities.

During the golden cultivation window, they typically focused on their core techniques.

However, this approach didn’t apply to the most exceptional prodigies.

Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun—each had walked their own path. Cheng Rongrong was no exception.

One could only wonder about Tang Xiaotang’s standards when selecting a disciple—

Cheng Rongrong, like Yuan Mobai and Zhuo Baojie, was a spirit beast. Judging them by human cultivator standards wasn’t fair, but their talent undeniably surpassed their peers.

Cheng Rongrong, in particular, was outstanding in innate aptitude.

Though her physical body and bloodline weren’t as robust as Yuan Mobai’s or Zhuo Baojie’s, her perception and comprehension were extraordinary.

In terms of talent and strengths, she was remarkably similar to Xu Yuanzhen.

For now, at the Lower Three Heavens level, her chosen core trio of spells followed the standard formula for the Tianshi Mansion lineage: Metal, Wind, and Thunder—namely, the Golden Barrier Talisman, the Riding Wind Talisman, and the Thunderclap Talisman.

In addition to these core talismans, Cheng Rongrong also mastered a wide range of basic talismans.

Regardless of whether they were core talismans, the talismans she crafted were more potent than those of her fellow Tianshi disciples.

Just like Xu Yuanzhen, even the most basic and common techniques, when performed by her, exhibited far above-average power.

In fact, her non-core talismans were often stronger than other Tianshi disciples’ core talismans.

Though her personality was quieter than Xu Yuanzhen’s, her cultivation path bore many similarities—she had broad interests.

Given all this, it wasn’t surprising that she chose not to “skip levels” and instead follow the sect’s formal procedure to await the next conferral.

On the other hand, Han Xiaofei, her “little sister,” kept glancing around with bright, mischievous eyes.

Lei Jun turned his gaze toward her.

Han Xiaofei quickly raised her hand. “Master, I’d like to receive the talisman ahead of schedule.”

Lei Jun asked, “What are your thoughts on this?”

Han Xiaofei answered, “Regarding the Dao, I have some ideas I’d like to experiment with, hoping to emulate you and Eldest Senior Brother. If I can reach the Middle Three Heavens Realm sooner, I think I can gain even more insights.”

Lei Jun glanced at Cheng Rongrong, who was looking straight ahead, her expression calm, then turned back to his second disciple.

“You’re not just doing this to compete with your senior sister, are you?”

Han Xiaofei’s eyes flickered to the side, landing briefly on a fluffy, bright red tail before quickly snapping back. She answered seriously, “This has nothing to do with Senior Sister.”

Lei Jun’s gaze returned to the top of her head. “Cultivate well. I’ll check your progress every day while I’m in the sect.”

Han Xiaofei straightened up, her expression earnest. “Yes, Master!”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

This matter had already been discussed with the high-ranking elders in the past.

Years ago, seeing the rapid progress of Han Xiaofei and Cheng Rongrong, they had talked about this possibility.

Now that Cheng Rongrong had chosen to proceed at the standard pace, Lei Jun would make an exception and grant Han Xiaofei the talisman ahead of time.

“Little Senior Sister, you sure you don’t want to do this too?” Han Xiaofei grinned at Cheng Rongrong.

“I’m not your Little Senior Sister,” Cheng Rongrong corrected without looking up.

Then she added, “I’ll wait for the next conferral as usual.”

Han Xiaofei didn’t push him, just nodded, but in her heart, she was itching to get started. She imagined herself receiving the talisman-granting ceremony first, breaking through to the fourth-level Heavenly Origin Talisman realm ahead of time. By then, with her cultivation suppressing others, she could hold a certain little panda in her arms and shamelessly grope him all she wanted.

Just picturing that moment made the girl chuckle softly, and her fingers moved involuntarily.

Cheng Rongrong turned her head to look at her.

Han Xiaofei quickly stopped smiling and composed herself, appearing as calm as ever.

“Hua Fei.” Lei Jun called to his disciple.

Han Xiaofei hurried forward.

Lei Jun said, “Begin.”

“Yes, Master.” Han Xiaofei steadied her mind, pushed aside all distracting thoughts, lit incense, changed into the ceremonial robes, and began focusing solely on talisman crafting.

Once the talisman was complete, she finished the ritual and returned to Lei Jun to practice the internal Daoist martial arts her master had taught her.

Her movements grew faster and faster, aided by the Wind-Riding Talisman on her body. Thanks to the influence of her Taixu Immortal Physique, her talismans looked strikingly like the Wind-Riding Talismans Lei Jun himself had created.

Her choice of natal talismans also bore Lei Jun’s signature style:

Her first technique: Spirit-Commanding Talisman.

Her second: Wind-Riding Talisman.

As for the third, while Han Xiaofei didn’t invent it herself, she chose a basic talisman that Lei Jun had created earlier.

Not the Five-Thunder Talisman, but... the Fireburst Talisman.

However, after her own cultivation, this Fireburst Talisman had evolved into something different from her master’s version.

Lei Jun watched his second disciple raise a talisman with great interest.

Apart from a brief flash of fire at the start, there was no visible movement.

No fire meteors flying out, no streaks of fire shooting across the sky.

Until—suddenly, in the distance, a burst of fire erupted, shaking the ground around the impact site. The explosion scattered flames everywhere.

Lei Jun nodded slightly. “Not bad. It’s taking shape.”

He was referring both to how Han Xiaofei’s Taixu Immortal Physique had altered the Fireburst Talisman, creating a new effect that retained its power but greatly enhanced its concealment—

And to how she was beginning to understand and utilize her Taixu Immortal Physique.

“The Fireburst Talisman originated from the fusion of the Blazing Talisman and the Wind-Riding Talisman. With the Wind-Riding Talisman as your foundation, you can refine its operation even further—not just by hiding the flames,” Lei Jun advised.

Han Xiaofei listened carefully.

---

Meanwhile, in the Jinhan Realm.

Northern Frontier.

Inside the Yellow Heaven Dao Sect Altar.

Kang Ming sat calmly.

Chen Ziyang entered, bowing to him. “Sect Master.”

Kang Ming asked, “Is it confirmed that the Void Portal connecting Datong and this realm has reopened?”

Chen Ziyang’s expression was grave as he nodded slowly.

Because the Void Portal connected the Tang Dynasty and the Jinhan Realm, this meant that through the Tang Dynasty, the Jinhan Realm was not completely isolated from Datong.

Now that the portal from Datong to Jinhan had reopened, both sides would see even more frequent interactions and smoother resource exchanges.

However, the fact that the Tang Dynasty had taken the initiative to open this portal implied something else:

The rumors that the Tang Emperor, who had sought to reach beyond the Ninth Heaven Realm, had succeeded.

A new Confucian Sage had emerged in the human world after thousands of years since the great tribulation at the end of the Han Dynasty.

This news stirred the hearts of the entire Han Dynasty court.

Kang Ming remained composed. “Among the princes of the Han Court, have some started to stand out?”

Chen Ziyang replied, “Two or three have begun to distinguish themselves. On one side, they’re backed by the Sumeru Buddhist Sect; on the other, by a coalition of Han regional powers.”

Kang Ming nodded slightly.

The Han regional coalition included not only sacred Daoist and Buddhist sites like the Han Dynasty Pure Yang Palace, Han Dynasty Shushan Sect, and Han Dynasty Bodhi Temple, but also renowned noble families like the Suzhou Li Clan and Langya Wang Clan. In recent years, it also included rising gentry clans from the Han Dynasty, forming a vast alliance.

What stood out most was the presence of Daoist sanctuaries like the Han Dynasty Pure Yang Palace and the Han Dynasty Shushan Sect.

Despite knowing that Sumeru housed Buddhist masters beyond the Ninth Heaven, these Daoist forces could still stand as equals. The real reason lay in the quiet but influential Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion in the Jinhan Realm.

Even though the Tianshi Mansion and the Tang Dynasty had made no public statements, others couldn’t ignore their influence.

In contrast, the Han Daoist forces were often labeled privately as “pro-Tang factions.”

Strictly speaking, even this group wasn’t truly united.

For example, some Buddhist holy sites that once aligned closely with the Han Dynasty Pure Yang Palace and Shushan Sect had started to take a more cautious stance in the past two years.

It wasn’t hard to guess the reason:

News from the Tang Dynasty revealed that Wang Guiyuan, a fellow disciple of the current Tianshi Lei Jun, was actually the Tang Dynasty’s White Lotus Sect Master.

In a realm where every ripple of movement stirred up the interests of countless forces, this revelation added another layer of complexity.

Chen Ziyang added, “The long-standing noble families like the Jiangzhou Lin Clan and Qingzhou Ye Clan have been keeping a low profile lately, avoiding involvement in the struggle for the throne.”

No need to ask why—it was clearly due to the Tang Daoist community, especially the overwhelming power of the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

Those families were already planning their retreats, doing everything possible to stay out of the fray.

As for the Han witch clans, the Tianjing Lineage and the Dudu Lineage were still locked in a fierce internal struggle, not to mention their troubled history—no way would they risk getting involved again and becoming the target of everyone’s ire.

“Old noble families like the Jiangzhou Lin Clan just want to survive now, no longer daring to intervene in the world’s grand affairs,” Chen Ziyang said wryly. “Our sect is no different.”

The Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu had grown too powerful.

Now, with the Tang Emperor attaining sainthood, the entire situation left everyone—including Chen Ziyang—feeling breathless.

Kang Ming remained calm. “Leaving the East Sea has given us a bit of breathing room...”

Chen Ziyang nodded.

By now, he had a deep respect for this peer and sect master.

Back when the East Sea Yellow Heaven Sect Altar was exposed and in turmoil, Chen Ziyang had felt hopeless.

Had the altar been destroyed again, where would Yellow Heaven Dao have gone?

Three altars destroyed over a few decades—

Even with Chen Ziyang’s resilience, it was hard not to feel as if destiny itself had abandoned them.

Let alone the other elders and disciples—

How could they have kept their spirits up?

Fortunately, Kang Ming had a way to salvage the situation. He had successfully shifted the altar’s foundational location.

This brought a collective sigh of relief from the entire sect.

Yet Kang Ming himself was far from satisfied.

“This can’t go on. We need to find a way to change the current situation where one wrong move means complete ruin.”

Chen Ziyang was startled. “Sect Master, even the ancient Talisman Dao sects needed their altars...”

Kang Ming replied, “The Dao’s evolution has been ongoing for thousands of years. How can we walk backward? If we were content to do that, we might as well have joined the human Daoist Kingdoms back then—why wait until now?”

Chen Ziyang asked, “So what do you propose, Sect Master?”

“I have a few ideas, but I need time to work them through.”

He handed over a list. “Next, focus on collecting these rare spiritual materials. Let’s give it a try.”

“Yes, Sect Master.” Chen Ziyang glanced at the list and said, “Some of these items will be hard to find, especially given the current situation.”

As the Han Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty’s Tianshi Mansion aligned, shaking the entire Han Dynasty, the Daoist Talisman sects flourished in the Jinhan Realm.

By contrast, Yellow Heaven Dao, forced to stay in the shadows, found its space even more restricted.

“We do our best and leave the rest to fate.” Kang Ming’s voice was steady.

Chen Ziyang bowed and left. “Yes.”

Kang Ming rose, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the Yellow Heaven Sect Altar in silence.

This situation, where exposing the altar’s location meant total destruction, was unbearable.

It had to change.

Times were changing.

Perhaps this shift offered a glimmer of hope for him and Yellow Heaven Dao.

Whether these plans could move from paper to reality remained to be seen.

They also had to be careful—one wrong step and they could easily fall into someone else’s trap...

Kang Ming brooded for a long time before calling over a young Daoist.

He handed the youth five talismans. “Follow the locations I’ve marked and set them up.”

The young Daoist, Xiahou Bo, was Kang Ming’s personal disciple, accepted after arriving in the Jinhan Realm.

He was exceptionally talented, steady, and capable.

“Yes, Master.” He took the talismans and left.

At the same time, in the Tang Dynasty Realm—

Inside the Tianshi Mansion of Mount Longhu, a faint gleam of Daoist talisman light flickered in Lei Jun’s eyes.

His expression remained unchanged as he continued to instruct his disciples.

Time passed quickly during cultivation, years slipping by unnoticed.

Lei Jun reached his eighty-fifth birthday.

As summer faded and autumn approached, his junior brother, Chu Kun, finally emerged from seclusion.

When Lei Jun saw him, he smiled and said, “Congratulations, Third Junior Brother, on reaching the third level of the Eighth Heaven Divine Court External Realm.”

“Don’t flatter me, Senior Brother,” Chu Kun replied with a light chuckle.

Lei Jun studied Chu Kun with interest.

The purple-robed Daoist across from him shook his head repeatedly. “Senior Brother, I doubt you have the same... particular tastes as Senior Sister Tang? Even if you did, there’s a huge difference in cultivation between us. I’m afraid I wouldn’t even qualify for a friendly spar with you and Senior Sister Tang.”

Lei Jun replied calmly, “I’m just genuinely curious about your Divine Court External Realm. Have you visited Master yet since coming out of seclusion?”

Chu Kun sighed with a smile. “Yes, I’ve already reported to Master.”

He raised his hand, and with a sudden surge of starry light radiating from his body, countless shimmering lights expanded outward in all directions, like a vast starry sea.

Lei Jun remained motionless, letting Chu Kun’s Divine Court External Realm pull him in. He looked around curiously.

Both were starry universes, but the difference between their realms was clear. Chu Kun’s stars were much denser and brighter than Lei Jun’s Xuanhuang Universe.

In the Xuanhuang Universe, the stars were scattered and distant, faint pinpricks of light in a vast, dark expanse—still, serene, and deep.

Chu Kun’s star sea, by contrast, resembled their master Yuan Mobai’s Milky Way Heavenly Gate: bright, dense, and packed with uncountable stars, like a surging ocean of light.

Surrounded on all sides, Lei Jun found himself in a world of stars.

What set Chu Kun’s realm apart from Yuan Mobai’s Milky Way Heavenly Gate was the presence of a vast, seemingly solid landmass in the middle of the star sea—

A massive continent, like an island amid the ocean of stars.

Yet this landmass seemed distant, across the cosmic river.

“An impressive and clever concept—quite a surprise,” Lei Jun said, gazing at the calm, far-off continent and nodding repeatedly, though he made no move to approach it.

Chu Kun appeared beside him. “There’s still a lot I need to work out. I’m taking it slow.”

Lei Jun asked, “What do you plan to call it?”

“I’m thinking... Xiaohan Divine Continent,” Chu Kun replied.

As they spoke, the starlight receded and Chu Kun withdrew his Divine Court External Realm.

Lei Jun exchanged a few more words with him, then said, “If you encounter any problems, let’s discuss them together.”

Chu Kun nodded solemnly. “I have some ideas. I’ll reflect on them further before asking for your guidance.”

With that, Chu Kun returned to his own cave abode.

He raised a hand, tapping lightly between his brows.

A faint gleam flickered at his glabella.

Though Chu Kun’s physical form remained in place, he did not vanish.

On the other side of the “Gate,” the world had indeed changed far more than before.

Just as Chu Kun had predicted.

By now, it had been a full sixty years—one complete cycle—since his first foray into that peculiar world.

The first subtle changes had appeared around the fifty-year mark.

After that, the shifts had only intensified, culminating in the present.

So far, there had been no negative effects.

But... what about in the future?

Perhaps it really was time to ask his senior brother, master, senior sister, and Senior Sister Tang for advice.

Chu Kun remained calm, lightly tapping his glabella repeatedly.

Unfortunately, for now, he was the only one able to enter that world.

He couldn’t bring others in yet.

However, as the changes in that world became more dramatic, they might offer him new opportunities.

With careful preparation, perhaps he could eventually alter the “Gate” itself.