Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 470: Exactly What the Celestial Master Wanted

The Abyssal Border...

Abbot Baoneng's face remained calm, but countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

The Abyssal Border was one of the Ten Lands, rumored to have been occupied by great demons in ancient times.

As one of the Ten Lands, it was abundant in spiritual energy, but it was also saturated with dense demonic miasma.

Moreover, like the Nether Sea, it was said to be perpetually shrouded in darkness, with even the faintest light being swallowed by endless gloom.

From the perspective of ordinary mortals, it was no place for human habitation.

However, thousands of years ago, during the turbulent transition between the Han dynasties, many martial artists entered the Abyssal Border and eventually drove out the great demons, taking control themselves.

Yet after the cataclysm at the end of the Han Dynasty and the fracturing of the human realm, the Abyssal Border, like the other Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, became isolated from the mortal world.

The Thunder Sound Temple lineage had previously occupied the Saha World, and after returning to the human realm, they primarily operated in the human realms of the Two Jin and Five Dynasties periods. Neither of these realms had records of the Abyssal Border's reappearance.

Abbot Baoneng had only heard Venerable Puguang mention in passing that in another human realm, the Abyssal Border had briefly appeared before vanishing again.

It seemed to be the Great Song human realm where the Lotus Division of Vajra Realm's Five Divisions from the Western Regions' Buddhist tradition had once been active.

The recent conflict between the Tang Dynasty's cultivation world and the Western Regions' Buddhist sects had centered around that human realm.

And now, Feng Wensu, who claimed to hail from the Abyssal Border, had appeared in this Great Ming human realm.

Previously, there had been no news of the Abyssal Border descending upon the Great Ming.

As these thoughts raced through Abbot Baoneng's mind, he pressed his palms together in greeting: "Amitabha, this humble monk Baoneng greets Benefactor Feng."

Feng Wensu, dressed in black robes, showed no pallor from prolonged absence of sunlight as he calmly returned the greeting: "Greetings, Venerable Master."

His tone carried concern: "How fares Venerable Puguang these days?"

Abbot Baoneng's gaze flickered toward Shedila, leader of the Vajra Realm's Karma Department: "Since leaving the Saha World, the Venerable has been meditating in the void beyond our realm."

Feng Wensu said, "His Majesty has heard of the changes in the Saha World and is deeply concerned. However, His Majesty is currently at a critical juncture in his cultivation and cannot leave lightly. Thus, he instructed me to present some Buddhist treasures to Venerable Puguang and the eminent monks of Thunder Sound Temple. Meeting you today is fortuitous—please accept these on their behalf."

As he spoke, he produced a pouch and handed it to Abbot Baoneng.

It was unmistakably a Buddhist spatial pouch.

Abbot Baoneng's mind churned with thoughts: "We cannot accept such generosity without merit..."

Feng Wensu replied, "These treasures originally belonged to the Buddhist tradition. We are merely returning them to their rightful owners."

Beside them, Shedila of the Vajra Realm's Karma Department remained expressionless and silent.

Hearing Feng Wensu's words, Abbot Baoneng did not open the pouch to inspect its contents. He accepted it with pressed palms:

"This humble monk dare not presume to keep these treasures and will merely deliver them to the Venerable for his decision. We are deeply grateful for His Majesty's kindness. Might I ask who currently presides over the Abyssal Border?"

Feng Wensu smiled: "His Majesty has yet to enter the human realm officially. He styles himself the Abyssal Emperor rather than the Abyssal Sovereign."

Abbot Baoneng nodded: "This humble monk thanks the Abyssal Emperor and Benefactor Feng on behalf of my fellow monks. Has His Majesty any instructions for us?"

Feng Wensu shook his head: "The Venerable Master worries too much. His Majesty merely wishes to lend support to Venerable Puguang and the eminent monks of Thunder Sound Temple."

Abbot Baoneng expressed his gratitude again before turning his attention to Shedila.

Shedila spoke slowly: "Our traditions differ, and we have clashed many times in the past. Yet after suffering heavy losses at Sumeru and the Saha World, and facing a common formidable enemy, perhaps we should call a temporary truce?"

Abbot Baoneng thought to himself that if not for their attempt to redirect trouble by breaking the concealment of the Great Jin's Mountain and River Painting, the Celestial Master's Mansion of Mount Longhu would never have found the Saha World.

But after joining forces with the Tang imperial court, the Celestial Master's Mansion had become terrifyingly powerful, simultaneously opening battlefronts at Sumeru and the Saha World, leading to the misfortune of both great Buddhist traditions.

However, what was done was done. Abbot Baoneng had no energy to quarrel.

Compared to the Vajra Realm of the Western Regions, which had at least seized Kongsang, the Thunder Sound Temple lineage was in a far worse position.

The enmity between the two great Buddhist traditions was nothing new.

Not to mention their joint efforts to accelerate the spiritual energy surge in the Two Jin human realm, or Venerable Shanzhihui presenting the Green Lotus Throne to Venerable Puguang.

Even when Venerable Puguang was forced to lead the Thunder Sound Temple lineage out of the Saha World, he tacitly allowed Abbot Baoneng to exchange information with Vairochana, leader of the Vajra Realm's Buddha Division, to verify details about the Daoist sects.

"The Elder Brother speaks true. We who have left home should abandon our attachments," Abbot Baoneng replied calmly.

As he observed Shedila, Feng Wensu, and Cen Ruopu before him, a conjecture formed in his mind.

The Abyssal Border likely intended to descend upon the Great Ming human realm and compete for supremacy.

The Vajra Realm's Karma Department was currently active in the northern borderlands of the Great Ming, having reached some understanding with the Abyssal Border.

Abbot Baoneng and some Thunder Sound Temple monks operated in the southern borderlands.

The Abyssal Border was thus mediating between both sides while securing their support.

Cen Ruopu had spoken little beyond initial pleasantries, but as representative of Daoist Zhou Tian, he had clearly reached some understanding with Feng Wensu.

Finally, Feng Wensu asked softly: "Venerable Masters, might I inquire about something? I heard that the two Venerables once worked together to induce a spiritual energy surge in another human realm. How... does the situation stand now?"

After exchanging glances with Shedila, Abbot Baoneng answered directly:

"According to the Venerable's judgment, since the fracturing at the end of the Han Dynasty, spiritual energy surges have begun in all major human realms. Barring further major disruptions, the reunification of the human realms should occur within the next ten to twenty years."

Shedila nodded in agreement.

Feng Wensu immediately said, "I see. The two Venerables possess truly formidable powers."

He continued, "I hope we three may correspond regularly in the future. With the situation so fluid, exchanging information will help us assess developments."

Abbot Baoneng: "Benefactor Feng's suggestion is most welcome."

Their meeting did not last long. Having each gained much from this encounter, deeper exchanges could wait for another time—there was no need to rush while all were present.

Thus they gradually dispersed.

Cen Ruopu had listened more than spoken.

Though unclear about his master Zhou Tian Daoist's current situation, he knew the latter slumbered in the void, making communication difficult.

Cen Ruopu could only burn incense and pray to the heavens, sending messages to Zhou Tian Daoist.

When—or if—his master would respond was beyond his control.

During the battles at Kongsang, Sumeru, and the Saha World, he had immediately sent word to Zhou Tian Daoist in the outer void.

Yet his master had remained silent, leaving Cen Ruopu helpless.

Feng Wensu departed with relative ease, returning inland to Great Ming territory.

Traveling discreetly, he arrived near Xuzhou for another appointment.

Silently, a white-robed monk materialized—dignified in bearing but with a sorrowful countenance.

Feng Wensu greeted him calmly: "The Future Maitreya honors me with his presence. Feng pays his respects."

This was the Future Holy Master of the White Lotus Sect—not the Tang Dynasty's Future Maitreya Huiyin, but the Great Ming lineage's Future Maitreya, Dharma name Tianshu.

As second only to the current White Lotus Holy Master of the Great Ming, Tianshu had temporarily disengaged from intense battles to meet secretly here—not for nothing.

Feng Wensu produced another Buddhist spatial pouch: "Please convey my regards to your revered master, the White Lotus Holy Master."

Monk Tianshu accepted it silently before pressing his palms together: "Many thanks, Benefactor."

"The Future Maitreya is too kind," Feng Wensu smiled. "Your sect's uprising against the Ming court's injustices is admirable. I merely offer modest assistance."

Tianshu said, "The war leaves no leisure for lengthy discussion. Another time, perhaps."

Feng Wensu: "Naturally, naturally."

With that, he took his leave.

But Tianshu remained, waiting briefly before setting off in Feng Wensu's direction—not to pursue him, but to call out via secret transmission:

"Has Junior Brother Huiyin arrived? Please show yourself. That man is a Martial Saint who traverses thousands of miles in an instant—even with your formidable powers, pursuit would be difficult."

Soon, another white lotus bloomed in midair, revealing a dignified young monk in white robes—the Tang Dynasty's Future Maitreya, Huiyin.

The two Future Maitreyas stood face to face.

Huiyin pressed his palms together: "I couldn't hide from Elder Brother Tianshu's discerning eyes."

Tianshu said, "Monks abstain from false speech. Your Buddhist attainments run deep—I didn't truly detect you, only guessed you might investigate my meeting with Benefactor Feng."

Huiyin nodded: "Elder Brother is correct. Though we can step on lotuses, chasing a Martial Saint of similar cultivation would strain us."

Tianshu replied, "Your words conceal pointed meaning. But given current circumstances, our sect needs more support to resist the Ming court."

Huiyin sighed softly: "This Benefactor Feng's origins are unclear, with many hidden aspects. Elder Brother must remain cautious."

Tianshu: "I appreciate your concern, Junior Brother."

Before Huiyin could continue, Tianshu added: "Since coming to the Great Ming, you've subdued numerous demons while secretly aiding our sect. Though you avoid publicity, we are grateful."

"But under Ming oppression and Confucian bullying, having risen up, we must persevere. Please don't try to dissuade me further."

"Elder Brother, take care." Huiyin remained composed, bowing before departing without another word.

Yet Tianshu felt no joy at having his way—only unease.

Huiyin wasn't acting as he had in the Tang realm.

Not because he hailed from the Tang White Lotus while Tianshu belonged to the Ming branch.

But because Huiyin wished to observe this human realm longer before deciding.

Different realms held different people and affairs—they couldn't be treated the same.

…………………………

Meanwhile, Kongsang was undergoing gradual changes.

Faint golden light circulated through the land as Buddhist influences grew.

Venerable Shanzhihui remained seated at the center when Vairochana, leader of the Vajra Realm's Buddha Division, came before him: "Venerable."

Shanzhihui opened his eyes as Vairochana presented a dharma missive: "Word has come from the Great Ming human realm."

After reading it, Shanzhihui nodded slightly: "Progress seems smooth."

Vairochana asked softly, "Venerable, what sort of person is this... Abyssal Emperor?"

"I don't yet know his background," Shanzhihui replied. "Even before the Han Dynasty's cataclysm, the Abyssal Border was already reclusive and mysterious."

Vairochana: "They appear intent on establishing themselves in the Great Ming, replacing the Ming court."

After a pause, he added, "Reports suggest the Abyssal Border may be secretly supporting the Great Ming's White Lotus uprising."

Shanzhihui said, "No major concern. We can set it aside for now."

Vairochana understood: "Yes, Venerable."

Shanzhihui studied the missive: "Zhou Tian Zhenjun is likely slumbering in the outer void like the former Golden Khan, whereas Puguang..."

He shook his head calmly: "His situation is somewhat special."

Vairochana looked surprised.

Shanzhihui explained, "Puguang truly slumbers in the void, but given his powers, his disciples can awaken him far more easily than the Golden Khan or Zhou Tian Zhenjun."

"Able to respond quickly despite slumbering beyond our realm?" Vairochana's astonishment turned to realization as he recalled rumors of the alms bowl Puguang had used to evacuate the entire Thunder Sound Temple from the Saha World.

"That should make certain matters easier for Thunder Sound Temple," Vairochana remarked slowly.

Shanzhihui nodded before asking, "Any news of the Pi Xiu named Kong in the Great Ming?"

Vairochana: "Nothing confirmed yet."

When the Vajra Realm's Five Divisions flourished at Sumeru, aside from Shanzhihui's guidance, another key factor had been the Pi Xiu demon saint suppressed beneath the mountain—named Kong, who escaped when Sumeru collapsed.

Given its unique traits, Shanzhihui suspected it might conceal itself within a human realm—most likely the Great Ming.

But lacking further clues made tracking it impossible.

With Sumeru lost and Kongsang newly occupied, the Western Regions' Buddhist tradition was weakened, making Shanzhihui and Vairochana especially wary of the escaped demon.

…………………………

Meanwhile, in the Great Ming human realm...

At the front lines of suppressing the White Lotus uprising near Xuzhou, Ming troops clashed fiercely with sect members.

Luo Hai's cultivation had reached considerable heights.

But he neared his limit—the invisible ceiling over Great Ming martial artists.

As the Chief Grand Secretary's reforms took effect, the Ming court no longer wanted martial artists reaching the Upper Three Heavens.

They desired only Mid and Lower Three Heavens practitioners—not helpers to tend the fire, but more fuel for the flames.

"It's time to leave and seek other paths," a voice as cold as ice whispered in Luo Hai's heart.

He exhaled slowly: "Indeed."

General Luo of the Great Ming would soon "die heroically in battle."

But...

Should the world remain this way forever?

"Consider that after becoming a Martial Immortal," the Pi Xiu demon saint said coldly.

Luo Hai: "As the Senior advises."

With the Ming court distracted by northern tribes and the resurgent threat of the Vajra Realm's Karma Department, pressure on the White Lotus uprising eased slightly.

To compensate, the court pressed Buddhist holy sites like the Great Ming's Bodhi Temple to commit more forces.

At the frontlines, Abbot Guangshu of Bodhi Temple had just battled the current White Lotus Holy Master.

Amid the chaos, he found a moment to meet another monk—Abbot Baoneng of Thunder Sound Temple, recently returned from the deep seas.

"My inability to assist Elder Brother shames me," Abbot Baoneng apologized.

Abbot Guangshu waved it off: "Your delivering the Venerable's dharma missive is help enough. The suspicious Ming court would only grow wary if you acted openly."

Abbot Baoneng: "I am ashamed."

Guangshu asked, "Has the Venerable any instructions?"

Baoneng replied, "The Venerable believes great changes may soon come to the Great Ming. We should bide our time and observe developments."

Guangshu gazed at white lotuses blooming on the horizon: "Pity we cannot purge these heretics."

After contacting Abbot Baoneng, the latter had concealed nothing.

Guangshu knew of the Saha World's fall, yet neither he nor Bodhi Temple's leadership wavered.

Previously, he had secretly instructed his junior Guangdeng to contact Tang cultivators in the Great Ming to counter Ming Confucian repression.

But now, aside from a few like Guangdeng, most led by Guangshu had grown wary of the Tang cultivation world—not turning completely hostile, but keeping their distance.

The reason was simple:

The Tang White Lotus Holy Master Jingjiu had conspired with Mount Longhu's Celestial Master's Mansion.

Though he had since left, the Mansion's ambiguous stance and the Tang court's halfhearted pursuit made Bodhi Temple naturally withdraw from Tang connections.

Because of Guangdeng, Guangshu didn't reveal Xiao Chunhui's secrets to Baoneng, but he did say:

"Tang cultivators have long operated in the Great Ming. Though details are unclear, we must remain vigilant."

Abbot Baoneng nodded slightly: "Many thanks for the warning."

After parting with Guangshu, he traveled south in secret, eventually reaching the Great Ming's southernmost wildlands—where he encountered a massive creature.

Resembling an ape with four ears, its presence brought floods—a great demon equivalent to a human Ninth Heaven expert, named Changyou, a rare ancient species.

It eyed Abbot Baoneng warily as he calmly extended his palm, releasing a peculiar spirit fruit—a rare treasure preserved by Thunder Sound Temple through secret arts.

Changyou cautiously accepted it, studying it intently before showing an almost human smile.

Abbot Baoneng waited patiently until the demon stored the fruit and suddenly spoke: "Not in this human realm."

Abbot Baoneng: "We will honor our agreement."

Changyou then opened its mouth again, releasing a strange crystal—perfectly spherical, emitting golden light like the sun yet pitch black in substance, resembling a solar eclipse.

With that, it departed with the spirit fruit.

Abbot Baoneng stored the crystal and proceeded to his next destination—where fellow Thunder Sound Temple monk Abbot Duming of the Five Dynasties era awaited.

"Elder Brother has waited long," Abbot Baoneng greeted with pressed palms.

Abbot Duming returned the gesture: "You've worked hard."

Having received Venerable Puguang's approval, they exchanged few words as Baoneng handed over the crystal.

Duming then departed the Great Ming through a newly opened void portal linking to the Five Dynasties human realm—where he met an old adversary:

Witch Zhen of Mount Ling, Jia Xianting.

Recently low-key in the Five Dynasties realm, Jia Xianting showed no surprise: "You found that Changyou?"

Abbot Duming presented the black crystal glowing gold: "This is indeed the Haoyang Cang Crystal!"

Jia Xianting's eyes shone with excitement: "Excellent! With this, I can proceed."

After Duming left, Jia Xianting began ancient witch rituals that soon transformed the heavens and earth.

The black crystal rose, its golden light intensifying until it resembled a second sun—then suddenly condensed into a dark hole that twisted into a portal.

Through it flowed vast spiritual energy—luminous, majestic, and vibrant.

Jia Xianting withdrew as bestial cries echoed from within.

This was Canghuan—one of the Nine Heavens.

He had long prepared for this, waiting only to avoid complications.

But after the Saha World's fall and the Five Dynasties realm's changes—with Buddhists replaced by aggressive Daoists, and internal tensions at Mount Ling—Jia Xianting decided to act.

As for Abbot Duming and Thunder Sound Temple, already forced from the Five Dynasties realm, they cared little about ripples from tossed stones.

Canghuan's emergence would bring turbulence—and opportunities to break through beyond the Ninth Heaven.

Jia Xianting's gaze remained placid as water.

…………………………

Later, in the Yellow Springs, Lei Jun completed repairs on the Taishang Eight Scenes Treasure Raincoat amid endless Nine Abyss True Flames—greatly accelerated by the Time Blade's essence.

He then turned to the Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman when three simultaneous messages arrived:

From Sun Li via Yuan Mobai; from Zhou Pu through the Tome of Heaven's dark aspect; and from Mu Chunyang via Mount Longhu.

All reported the same event—Canghuan, one of the Nine Heavens, had descended upon the Five Dynasties human realm.

"Canghuan? Wasn't it previously unconnected to any human realm?" Xu Yuanzhen asked casually amidst the Yellow Springs.

Lei Jun checked the messages: "According to known information, yes."

Canghuan—one of the Nine Heavens.

Like the Abyss and ancient Kongsang, it wasn't controlled by human cultivators.

But unlike those domains ruled by demons, Canghuan was home to powerful spirit beasts attuned to spiritual energy.

Though less bloodthirsty than demons, they were no easier to deal with—human cultivators also wielded spiritual energy yet never lacked for conflict.

"Just what you wanted," Xu Yuanzhen remarked.

Lei Jun nodded: "Indeed—a pleasant surprise."

His current cultivation of Green Spirit Nine Qi, combined with the Two Forms Immortal Body's mysteries, required a counterpart to the Nether Abyss's energy—ideally from among the Nine Heavens, one brimming with vitality like Canghuan.

Having prepared the Ten Lands' aspect during his visit to Wang Guiyuan at the Nether Abyss, only the Nine Heavens' counterpart remained.

This was perfect.