Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 471: True Dragon

Similar to the celestial treasures corresponding to Nine-Colored Radiance, Lei Jun's own cultivation also benefits the accumulation of Azure Spirit Nine Qi.

From this perspective, private work like this would also be useful for Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang.

However...

"Senior Sister, by now, your accumulation of Azure Spirit Nine Qi should already be quite substantial?" Lei Jun asked.

Xu Yuanzhen replied nonchalantly: "The accumulation is plentiful, but still requires some refinement."

Lei Jun: "Within the next few years?"

Xu Yuanzhen: "Shortest three to five years, longest around ten years. There are some other matters that still need preparation."

She rarely spoke with such ambiguity, especially with such a wide time gap.

But Lei Jun knew that his senior sister was just one step away from pushing open the Immortal Gate.

The chasm tribulation leading to the Nine Heavens above—she was already confident in crossing it, most likely within the next three to five years.

The reason she added a ten-year timeframe was due to other considerations.

In terms of temperament, Xu Yuanzhen and the Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong were quite different.

Zhang Wantong preferred tranquility. After attaining sainthood, she could remain secluded in one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths for years, reading and fishing, perfectly content.

Xu Yuanzhen was the exact opposite. Roaming across various realms of heaven and earth, exploring all kinds of secrets—that was her passion.

This had been her way since she began cultivating.

The only difference was that as her cultivation and strength grew, the scope of her wanderings expanded.

But in the current environment of the mortal world, Immortal Realm experts moving about would cause their Immortal Essence to dissipate, nourishing the natural world.

Xu Yuanzhen's cultivation and comprehension were extraordinary, and she possessed the Cosmic Immortal Physique, so her situation might be slightly better than other Immortal Realm experts—but only slightly.

Though she could go anywhere within the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, freely traversing the mortal world was still impossible.

So, if she still desired freedom in the current mortal world, the only choice seemed to be...

Despite her already abundant accumulation, temporarily refraining from pushing open the Immortal Gate and remaining at the Nine Heavens Realm?

With the surge of spiritual energy in the Two Jins mortal world, the various realms divided after the Great Cataclysm of the Han Dynasty's end now had the opportunity to merge again.

Though impossible now, given some years, when the mortal realms reunite, Immortal Realm beings would then be able to move freely in the mortal world.

Xu Yuanzhen could consider waiting until then to break through to the Immortal Realm...

Yeah, right.

If that were her thought process, she wouldn't be Xu Yuanzhen.

Even before asking, Lei Jun had already guessed his senior sister's approach:

She wanted it all.

She wouldn't obediently stay secluded in one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths after ascension, nor would she deliberately hold herself back at the Nine Heavens Realm out of caution.

Xu Yuanzhen's way of thinking about such matters would only be about finding a way to roam the mortal world freely even after ascending.

"The three treasures and three great grotto-heavens of our sect?" Lei Jun asked.

Xu Yuanzhen nodded: "Correct."

Lei Jun clapped his hands in admiration: "After the Great Cataclysm of the Han Dynasty's end, excluding special cases like Daoist Zhou Tian, our Daoist Talisman lineage will finally produce a Cave Mystic Immortal."

Xu Yuanzhen showed no pride, casually saying: "Must be done before the mortal realms merge, and much earlier at that, otherwise it'd be wasted effort."

Lei Jun pondered: "This reminds me of records in our sect's archives about Canghuan..."

Xu Yuanzhen understood: "Dragons?"

Ancient legends spoke of dragon-kind existing in Canghuan.

Not lesser dragons like hornless dragons or flood dragons.

But true dragons.

Before the Great Cataclysm of the Han Dynasty's end, there were records of Immortal Spirit-level true dragons existing in Canghuan.

The current situation in Canghuan remained unknown.

The reason Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen brought this up was because true dragons were relatively special existences under certain circumstances.

Though there were no precedents before the Great Cataclysm, given Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen's current cultivation and understanding of heaven and earth, it wasn't hard to deduce that in this era where Immortals couldn't tread the mortal world, Immortal Spirit-level true dragons might be rare exceptions.

Because of mortal dynasties and the Imperial Sovereign Arts.

The Imperial Sovereign Arts, combined with terrestrial veins, gave rise to what was also called Mountain-River Dragon Veins or National Fortune Dragon Veins.

This name came partly from the shape of geographical features, and partly because when the Imperial Sovereign Arts were first established in ancient dynasties, they were connected to true dragons.

Dragons could also freely change size, capable of soaring the Nine Heavens or diving into the Nine Earths.

So when it was determined that the current mortal world would cause Immortal Realm experts to dissipate their essence, Lei Jun speculated there might be exceptions—Immortal Realm true dragons.

An Immortal Spirit-level true dragon entering the mortal world might be able to endure by borrowing the power of mountain-river veins.

Of course, this would come with certain restrictions.

Especially being closely tied to the current mortal dynasty's national fortune.

But even partially restricted, their situation would be far better than other Immortal Realm experts.

It's just that true dragons had long disappeared from the mortal world.

Until now, with Canghuan's reappearance and its unknown current state, the question arose again.

"Senior Sister interested in Canghuan?" Lei Jun asked.

Xu Yuanzhen casually replied: "It's behind Daju."

Though her temperament was quite unrestrained, unlike Tang Xiaotang whose attention often shifted, she generally wouldn't easily change course.

Most times, when encountering something interesting, she'd first handle what she was currently dealing with.

The Kunlun matter involved the Daoist Talisman lineage's heritage, so she prioritized it over Saha.

After Kunlun was temporarily settled, she focused entirely on Saha.

Thus, when Daju underwent changes earlier, Xu Yuanzhen didn't enter.

Now that Saha was settled, she turned her attention back to Daju.

As for Canghuan, it naturally had to wait its turn.

"I've already mentioned to Chu Kun that after the Nine Abysses of Yellow Springs refinement is complete, I'll enter Daju," Xu Yuanzhen said.

Lei Jun: "Senior Sister, be mindful of that Abyss of Time."

With Canghuan suddenly appearing, he was very interested.

However, after Canghuan's portal opened, no extremely powerful spirit beasts emerged.

Lei Jun speculated that Canghuan's return might not have been initiated by its spirit beasts or birds.

If that were the case, then someone from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm might have tried actively opening a spatial portal to bring Canghuan back.

While pondering this, Lei Jun remained still for now, observing calmly.

In that mortal realm, aside from Zhou Pu's Later Han dynasty, other kingdoms were also curious yet wary of Canghuan, wanting to investigate.

Daoist and shaman experts like Mu Chunyang and Sun Li were the same.

Lei Jun, meanwhile, used the fire energy of the Yellow Springs' Nine Abysses, combined with the Time Blade Soul, to repair and refine the Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman.

After this was mostly complete, he brought the Five Decays Great Dao Bell back to the Tang mortal realm.

Zhang Taigang, the Tang Shu Mountain Sect's leader who had been in seclusion for years, personally came to Mount Longhu after receiving Lei Jun's message.

Accompanying him were Ji Dongquan and Ji Chuan.

"Congratulations, Daoist Ji, on achieving the Immortal Soul," Lei Jun first congratulated Ji Chuan on reaching the Daoist Artifact Refining lineage's eighth-level Immortal Roaming Realm.

Ji Chuan smiled: "I'm ashamed, ashamed."

Though over a hundred years old, reaching the eighth level was still considered extremely young—just not comparable to Lei Jun and others.

"The surge of spiritual energy benefits our cultivation," Ji Chuan sighed after laughing. "We must also thank the Tang's peace in recent years and frequent exchanges with other realms. Many celestial treasures once extinct in the Tang can now be found elsewhere."

Zhang Taigang and Ji Dongquan both said: "Truly a rare golden age for cultivation."

Lei Jun: "Fortune and misfortune intertwine. We must forge ahead diligently."

Zhang Taigang looked at the Five Decays Great Dao Bell hovering peacefully in the Celestial Master Hall and nodded repeatedly:

"Indeed, though prosperous times have come, evil forces are also numerous. Thanks to the Celestial Master purging the Netherworld, this bell has returned to our orthodox lineage."

Lei Jun: "By chance, I dare not claim credit. Fortunately, the demons of Inner Shu Mountain are mostly eradicated. Later, when I presumptuously used the Yellow Springs and this bell to mislead foreign races, I must ask forgiveness from Shu Mountain's fellow Daoists."

Zhang Taigang shook his head: "Not at all. We admire the Celestial Master's eradication of evil, ashamed we couldn't join due to our weakness."

They didn't know when Lei Jun entered the Yellow Springs to destroy Ji Yao and the Inner Shu Mountain lineage.

But with Inner Shu Mountain destroyed and the bell returned, such questions were unnecessary.

The Lei Jun before them now was the undisputed new master of the Yellow Springs.

From the Tang imperial family in Sumeru, news gradually came about the former Song mortal realm.

Though details were unclear, recent messages all indicated that the ascended Immortal Golden Khan Ongqinfu had died in the Yellow Springs.

Even if Celestial Master Lei Jun didn't single-handedly kill him, he was at least the most direct cause.

The vaguer the information, the more legendary it became.

A ninth-level cultivator slaying a Martial Immortal—

This terrifying feat surpassed even Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong's previous achievements.

The already illustrious fame of Celestial Master Xuanxiaozi Lei Jun now resounded across the Tang and beyond.

Yet in recent years, he seemed to have become even more reclusive.

"The Azure Firmament Sword is currently in Penglai. Daoist Ji may retrieve it anytime," Lei Jun said calmly.

Ji Chuan smiled: "Having previously received your permission to cultivate in Penglai and temper the sword there has already greatly benefited me. Penglai's environment is especially suited for sword nurturing."

Zhang Taigang then collected the Five Decays Great Dao Bell.

Its chime was profound, carrying an intent of deep melancholy reminiscent of the five decays of heaven and man, but unlike when controlled by Inner Shu Mountain in the Yellow Springs, it no longer carried thick death energy.

Ji Dongquan asked Lei Jun: "Celestial Master, I heard Yuan Qingci of our Shu Mountain branch in the Great Ming mortal realm is preparing for the ninth level?"

Lei Jun nodded: "As far as I know, he has begun."

Ji Dongquan looked at the bell and nodded silently.

His thoughts weren't about differences between the Tang and Ming branches, but rather emotional upon seeing the bell's return, reminded of the Great Ming situation.

Of the six ancient Shu Mountain founding treasures—Purple and Azure Twin Swords, Five Decays Great Dao Bell, Taiyi Huashang, and Jiuxiao Yuanyang Ruler—were scattered.

The twin swords and bell were with the Tang Shu Mountain.

Taiyi Huashang with Southern Jin Shu Mountain.

Jiuxiao Yuanyang Ruler with Han Shu Mountain.

Though divided, at least all were held by Shu Mountain descendants.

Only the last—Qiankun Sun-Moon Pot—was currently held by the Great Ming court.

While the Great Ming Shu Mountain lineage survived, they lost this sect treasure.

Not only did Yuan Qingci and others miss it, but even Ji Dongquan and the Tang branch regretted its loss.

Yuan Qingci now having the chance to advance to the ninth level was ultimately good for Shu Mountain.

"I wish Sect Leader Zhang may also soon achieve the ninth-level Great Vehicle True Realm," Lei Jun said.

Zhang Taigang made a Daoist salute: "By the Celestial Master's auspicious words."

Like when welcoming back the Taiyi Xiantian Pagoda, Shu Mountain's disciples, led by Zhang Taigang, solemnly welcomed the bell's return.

This celebrated the treasure's homecoming and thanked Lei Jun and Mount Longhu's Celestial Master Mansion.

The grand ceremony gathered many guests, some using this chance to visit Mount Longhu and meet Celestial Master Lei Jun.

After the ceremony, guests departed.

"The esteemed couple will return to Mount Ling?" Lei Jun asked the pair before him.

Both wore grand shaman robes, ancient and magnificent yet slightly eerie.

However, their demeanors were peaceful and friendly.

The man was one of Mount Ling's Ten Shamans—Shaman Peng Qiao Yang.

The woman was fellow Ten Shaman member—Shaman Gu Lei Lei.

"With Canghuan newly opened for unknown reasons, I'll return to Mount Ling. If needed, I plan to visit that realm," Lei Lei smiled.

"My husband wishes to stay in the Tang realm a while longer."

Qiao Yang also smiled: "I hope to tour various places, meeting shaman colleagues. I beg the Celestial Master's forgiveness for my presumption."

Lei Jun: "Elder Qiao is too polite."

Shaman Peng Qiao Yang's cultivation surpassed his wife's, yet he was more low-key.

Among Mount Ling's Ten Shamans, he, Shaman Xian Zhao Qianran, and Shaman Zhen Jia Xianting were considered equals—all ninth-level fifth-layer peak Divine Descent great shamans.

However, as Sun Li explained, though Qiao Yang was a gu poison great shaman, his most renowned skill in Mount Ling was medicine.

Most of his gu weren't for harming but healing under his controlled modifications.

Thus among cultivators, he was extremely low-profile, rarely disputing or speaking up—barely noticeable among the Ten Shamans.

But as a shamanic doctor, he was quite famous among Mount Ling's common folk.

Stories of his virtue occasionally spread in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm.

"This Canghuan reopening may bring many never-before-seen exotic plants," Qiao Yang said frankly, then added:

"But recently in the Tang, some shaman colleagues have broadened my horizons. After much hesitation, I wish to stay longer."

Lei Jun remained calm: "Because of Yin Mountain's Sect Leader Hu and others' recent research?"

Qiao Yang nodded: "Exactly. When Brother Sun first mentioned it, I was curious. Seeing gu techniques aiding agriculture and production is truly ingenious—inspiring to me."

He looked at Lei Jun: "I heard this originated from the Celestial Master's idea?"

Lei Jun shook his head: "Not at all. This is Sect Leader Hu and Daoist Tian's merit. First benefiting Southern Wasteland commoners, then gradually spreading across the Tang. Without Yin Mountain colleagues' dedicated research, there wouldn't be today's achievements."

Qiao Yang: "Truly remarkable. Thus I wish to assist, staying longer in the Tang."

Lei Jun: "With Elder Qiao's help, it'll reach new heights—a blessing for the people.

I heard Sect Leader Hu of Yin Mountain plans to impact the shamanic ninth-level Divine Descent Realm soon. Please advise him—I thank you in advance."

Overcoming tribulations depended on the individual.

But before Yin Mountain's Sacred Lord Hu Hengyuan entered seclusion, guidance from a peak Divine Descent gu master like Qiao Yang would be invaluable.

Of course, Mount Ling's and the Tang's shaman paths had diverged long ago.

But sometimes, relevant insights could make a big difference—like how Li Tianqing successfully revived the long-lost "Nine Songs of Sacrificial Arrays: Donghuang Taiyi" with Sun Li's help.

"The Celestial Master flatters me. Exchanging with Tang colleagues benefits me too," Qiao Yang said.

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Tang's Yin Mountain Sacred Lord Hu Hengyuan, though far from declining, was already over two hundred.

In recent years, the Southern Wasteland was no longer as bloody and chaotic.

While leading Yin Mountain's gu masters in researching new gu techniques, Hu Hengyuan also cultivated diligently, finally deciding to attempt the eighth-to-ninth-level tribulation.

Similarly, there was Tang's Reincarnation Abyss Sacred Lord Feng Gui.

Perhaps because of Sun Li, Feng Gui had been quite low-profile recently.

After a few more words with Qiao Yang and Lei Lei, Lei Jun had his chief disciple Zhuo Baojie see them off.

After escorting them down the mountain, Zhuo Baojie returned to his master.

Having previously gone to Mount Longhu's Han branch to observe the Three Caves Twelve True Talismans' Battle Department Three Talismans, he recently returned to the Tang ancestral temple to study under Lei Jun.

Now, no longer his usual small stature, he revealed his true form—

A giant black-and-white bear comparable to Yuan Mobai's eighth-level form, its sheer physicality shaking heaven and earth.

Fortunately, they were within Lei Jun's Great Vehicle Dao Domain, otherwise its size might surpass Mount Longhu's main peak.

But unlike Yuan Mobai's eighth-level form, Zhuo Baojie's starlight now faintly shimmered purple.

Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and Chu Kun all watched Zhuo Baojie's display.

"Already taking shape," Lei Jun nodded repeatedly.

Yuan Mobai smiled gently as always: "Indeed progressing well. Once complete, it can be called the Destiny Technique's Midheaven Talisman, achieving the Dipper Mother North Pole Dharma Form."

Chu Kun observed: "Quite different from the Han branch's Dipper Mother Midheaven Treasure Talisman."

Lei Jun: "In the Yellow Springs, Senior Sister and I discussed the Destiny Technique's Human Calligraphy Talisman and Dipper Mother Star God Dharma Form extensively. Those insights were passed to Huajie."

Chu Kun understood.

Xu Yuanzhen had delved deeper into the Nine Abysses' True Fire in the Yellow Springs.

As for the Nine Heavens Thunder Ancestor Dharma Form and Dipper Mother Star God Dharma Form, she long had different views.

The former divided the Nine Heavens—among other variations Chu Kun knew.

The latter, he heard Xu Yuanzhen was developing the Purple Subtlety Imperial Scenery from the Dipper Mother form.

Though Chu Kun hadn't seen it, Purple Subtlety—the North Star, also called the Lord of Ten Thousand Stars—was profound just to imagine.

As an Galactic Immortal Physique cultivator focusing on stellar changes, even just hearing about it gave him insights.

Though not his path, he wanted to discuss it further when Xu Yuanzhen went to Daju.

Currently, Zhuo Baojie was developing his second innate divine ability most suited to himself under his elders' guidance.

"Like the Yang Thunder Dragon, Yin Fire Tiger, Destiny Star God, Origin Pearl and... that thing," Lei Jun said straight-faced.

"Huajie's new form could have a shorthand name—how about Purple Subtlety Bear?"

Chu Kun stared at his nose:

Senior Brother, your "that thing" was clearly referring to Master's Yin-Yang Bear, right?

The giant bear seemed to deflate, shrinking back to Zhuo Baojie's usual form.

His bear face showed clear human-like exasperation at his master.

Lei Jun could practically hear "When will you grow up, Master?"

Zhuo Baojie then looked at Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai remained unperturbed: "No rush. Once the talisman is complete and reported to our ancestors, Huajie can decide himself."

Straightening his Mount Longhu elder robes, Zhuo Baojie bowed solemnly: "Yes, Grandmaster."

Lei Jun remained composed until Yuan Mobai and Chu Kun left, then grabbed his disciple for some bear-hugging:

"Baobao, you're distancing yourself from Master."

The bear cub said seriously: "Master, I believe Grandmaster's teaching is most reasonable."

Lei Jun: "Just told Grandmaster we haven't encountered any intelligent mountain tapirs in Ba-Shu lately, but now hear Canghuan might have cultivated ones."

Zhuo Baojie grew curious: "Not practicing human Daoist arts but absorbing heaven-earth essence?"

Lei Jun patted his head and adjusted his Daoist crown: "Correct. All Canghuan's spirit beasts are like this."

Recently, Lei Jun hadn't gone to Canghuan.

But Zhou Pu, Mu Chunyang, and Sun Li had investigated multiple times.

After Wang Guiyuan arrived in Saha, the fully recovered Tang Xiaotang grew restless, leaving Saha for the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm.

Her appearance naturally caused another stir there.

But Tang Xiaotang's interest was solely in Canghuan.

She recently sent back information about its interior.

"That little spirit beast said there are two Immortal Spirit-level beasts in Canghuan," Tang Xiaotang marveled excitedly.

"Golden Crow, and a true dragon."

Lei Jun pondered: "Before the Great Cataclysm, there were rumors of an Immortal Spirit-level Golden Crow—the Solar Sage Lord. Perhaps this one?"

Tang Xiaotang: "Right! He ruled Canghuan until recently when a true dragon ascended, calling himself the Brilliant Sage Lord."

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow: "Speak of the devil—a real Immortal Spirit true dragon."

That said, though Golden Crows and true dragons weren't necessarily violent, both were proud by nature.

Coexisting, Canghuan's internal situation was likely tense.

"Indeed, heard it's quite confrontational," Tang Xiaotang said.

"They're currently at a standoff, not particularly interested in the mortal world. Probably not them who opened Canghuan.

But they're not strongly sealing the portal either.

With the Golden Crow and dragon watching each other, their subordinates mainly monitor the portal.

In Canghuan, the portal's in Golden Crow territory, so most investigating the mortal world are spirit birds."

She grinned: "About time—I'm going to see the phoenix!"

Lei Jun became interested: "There's a phoenix too?"

Tang Xiaotang: "Thanks to Huawei niece. She befriended a green luan that flew out of Canghuan. They bonded over rare plant cultivation—the luan mentioned her elder, a proper phoenix, is Canghuan's best at this."

Lei Jun: "Phoenixes are famously noble—even the Silvermoon Nether Phoenix who cultivated sinister energies was so. A pure phoenix must be more so.

But better safe than sorry. Junior Sister, proceed at your pace. I'll head to Saha now."

"Okay!" Tang Xiaotang ended the Heaven-Earth Observation Talisman communication, immediately taking Qin Caiwei out of Saha.

Arriving in Saha, Lei Jun first met senior brother Wang Guiyuan.

Studying at the former Thunderclap Temple site, Wang Guiyuan smiled wryly at Lei Jun: "Junior Sister Tang remains as impulsive as ever."

Lei Jun: "Should be fine. Even if she enters Canghuan, we can assist if needed."

In seeking fortune, Tang Xiaotang's luck fluctuated wildly.

In avoiding misfortune, she was extremely reliable.

Lei Jun admitted that without the light sphere in his mind, he couldn't compare.

Her entire cultivation journey's occasional stumbles were mostly from her personality—knowing there were tigers in the mountains yet heading straight for them.

Wang Guiyuan understood too, sighing with a smile.

After smiling, he glanced meaningfully at Lei Jun.

Though not inquiring about Qin Caiwei, since Lei Jun said it was fine for them to leave Saha together, that meant...

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Wang Guiyuan understood and asked no more.

Lei Jun then toured Saha, finally reaching the deep valley underground.

The ritual array left by Venerable Puguang, modified by Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, Xu Yuanzhen, and Wang Guiyuan, appeared stable but was fundamentally different inside.

Upon Lei Jun's arrival, the air near the array twisted, revealing a faint female figure—

Bai Mei, one of Shu Mountain's founding ancestors.

"True Monarch Bai didn't accompany Huawei niece?" Lei Jun asked.

Bai Mei: "With Junior Tang present, it should be fine. My entering Canghuan might provoke the dragon and bird."

After long observing the array-sealed Saha rift, she asked Lei Jun:

"I heard someone from that mortal realm made contact with Daju?"