Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 473: Disappointing the Onlookers' Enthusiasm

Lei Jun accepted the Zen staff and alms bowl passed by Wang Guiyuan.

The Heavenly Connection Earth Penetration Talisman rotated within his pupils.

The Jade Purity Cosmic Mirror accompanying him also flickered with light in this realm.

Wang Guiyuan, disguised as Monk Faqing, remarked, "Though I didn't witness it personally, from your descriptions and the ruins of Thunderclap Monastery, Venerable Puguang's alms bowl appears quite unique."

Lei Jun turned to him. "Not personally refined by Venerable Puguang? Perhaps an ancient artifact?"

Wang Guiyuan nodded. "Beyond absorbing Thunderclap Monastery, it likely has other uses. This treasure maintains deep connections with the mortal world."

Retrieving his own alms bowl from Lei Jun, he mused, "Venerable Puguang must have utilized it for specific purposes. With proper planning, this could become a clue to locate him. The difficulty lies in what comes after..."

Lei Jun: "Judging from previous events, even if concerned, Venerable Puguang won't easily return to the Saha World."

The Saha World's ritual formations remained intact, with neither Qiangming Linlang nor the Yuqing Miluo Grotto-Heaven being separated.

To prevent further damage to this realm through its existing rift, Lei Jun's faction adopted gentler measures.

This left Venerable Puguang a sliver of hope.

Lei Jun speculated the Buddhist venerable hadn't abandoned this place entirely.

The inexplicable reappearance of Canghuan in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm strongly implicated Venerable Puguang and Thunderclap Monastery's monks, if not being their direct handiwork.

Past encounters showed Venerable Puguang occasionally indulged in wishful thinking.

Lei Jun had exploited this to conceal his own breakthrough to the Mysterious Bridge realm, dealing the venerable a devastating blow that enabled the subsequent three grotto-heavens, three bridges connection to Saha.

Yet when crisis struck, Venerable Puguang demonstrated decisive caution, immediately retreating from Saha.

While this left him stranded in bitter regret within the Sea of Suffering, neither shore within reach, it also meant minimal chances of luring him back through Saha.

Without absolute confidence, Venerable Puguang wouldn't resurface.

As the victor who secured both Saha and Yuqing Miluo Grotto-Heaven, Lei Jun cared little for the loser's feelings - but eternal vigilance wasn't sustainable.

"Beyond Saha, he'll likely avoid other Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, especially those connected to Great Tang," Wang Guiyuan added.

Venerable Shanzhihui lost Sumeru. Golden Khan Ongqinfu perished in the Yellow Springs.

Any rumors reaching Venerable Puguang would make him wary, even if his Buddhist lineage claimed immunity to underworld realms like Yellow Springs, Luo Abyss, or Avici.

"Hence our preparations elsewhere," Lei Jun stated.

A Daoist Talisman master's Mahayana Dao Domain could isolate a battlefield, creating favorable terrain while restricting opponents' movements.

Combat outcomes varied - stalemates, victories, or fatalities.

Enemies trapped within Lei Jun's Mahayana Domain typically faced annihilation upon defeat.

But against adversaries like Venerable Puguang, the situation differed.

The Mysterious Bridge and other divine abilities formed Lei Jun's foundation for confronting Immortal Realm experts.

His Mahayana Domain, despite versatility, proved... inadequate against such foes.

Had Lei Jun achieved Immortal Ascension, transforming his Mahayana Domain into an Immortal Domain would change matters.

Until then, no Daoist Mahayana practitioner's domain could reliably contain a determined Venerable Puguang.

"Confident?" Wang Guiyuan's gaze fell on the phoenix tree branch in Lei Jun's hand.

Lei Jun: "Some ideas forming."

Surveying their surroundings, he added, "Though Saha is one of the Nine Heavens, its recently repaired rift makes it unsuitable. We'll need another location."

Summoning his chief disciple Zhuo Baojie, Lei Jun entrusted him with the phoenix branch: "Take this to Penglai for careful cultivation."

Simultaneously, he inscribed multiple talismans in midair, handing them to his disciple: "Affix these to the branches when the time comes."

Zhuo Baojie bowed: "As you command, Master."

Lei Jun added sternly: "You may sample a few leaves, but overindulgence will split your backside eight ways."

The now-respectable Eightfold Heaven Daoist elder Zhuo Baojie solemnly plucked a single leaf while replying with dignity: "Master jests. This disciple has long outgrown such behavior."

"Regardless, this branch serves my formation," Lei Jun waved dismissively. "Should the array lack components, you'll become its foundation pillar. Consider this carefully."

Despite his lofty status, Elder Zhuo's neck involuntarily retracted. He promptly assumed proper decorum, bowed, and departed to cultivate the sacred branch at Penglai.

Lei Jun's formation required far more than just the phoenix branch.

Remaining in Saha, he divided time between accumulating Azure Spiritual Nine Qi and inscribing talismans for future use.

Seasons flowed quietly.

By summer, Celestial Master Lei celebrated his ninety-second birthday.

During this period, Mount Longhu's Celestial Master Mansion welcomed more joyous news - Zhang Xiongju, disciple of Zhang Jingzhen, successfully crossed the chasm between Sixth and Seventh Heavens.

The sect gained another Upper Three Heavens elder.

"The younger generation grows swiftly," Fang Jian remarked from his seat below Lei Jun in Saha. "Soon it will be Hua Fei, your second disciple, and Hua Rong, Junior Sister Tang's disciple."

With Qin Caiwei primarily managing relations with Canghuan, Fang Jian had assumed her Saha oversight duties.

Lei Jun responded: "New talents emerge with each generation - a positive development. Has Senior Brother Fang considered taking a disciple?"

Fang Jian smiled faintly: "Let fate decide."

Though never formally accepting disciples earlier, he'd diligently mentored nephew Xu Rui until the latter surpassed him, now seeking guidance directly from Lei Jun or Yuan Mobai.

To Xu Rui, Fang Jian represented truer mentorship than the late Li Zhengxuan ever had.

Having focused on personal cultivation since, Fang Jian only recently became more active externally, prompting Lei Jun's question.

"That war-torn realm lacked strong Daoist traditions," Fang Jian mused. "Countless promising seedlings must have been overlooked these years. I may explore there later, perhaps encountering destined individuals."

While Mount Longhu's influence permeated the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm, it remained aloof from mortal affairs.

Lei Jun never restricted disciples from operating there either.

Nodding at Fang Jian's words, he added: "Then I'll wish Senior Brother fruitful endeavors."

Changing topics, Lei Jun inquired: "What of our ancestral rites at Mount Longhu's original site in that realm?"

Fang Jian confirmed: "Completed. The thatched altar stands prepared with dedicated caretakers."

Lei Jun: "Good."

Fang Jian added: "The Southern Wu ruler grows restless..."

Saha's portal to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm emerged in Southern Wu territory, as did Mount Longhu's historical site there.

Yet the Celestial Master Mansion never deeply engaged with that mortal realm.

Though hovering above Saha opposite Mount Ling and Canghuan after displacing Thunderclap Monastery's legacy, contemporary Five Dynasties inhabitants largely perceived Saha as an abstract Daoist concept rather than concrete presence.

The True Martial Temple's Dan Ding lineage became the primary earthly representatives, establishing themselves in Later Han - partly due to Mu Chunyang's regard for Zhou Pu, and because Pure Yang Palace's ruins lay within Later Han's borders.

Southern Wu, once prosperous under Buddhist stewardship, now occupied an awkward position.

"Great Han Shushan Sect's Leader Chen recently sent Yu Boyan to investigate their ancestral connections," Fang Jian noted. "However, their Shushan Mountain ruins lie within Later Shu's territory."

Later Shu's founding relied on Mount Ling's Witch Sect support.

Lei Jun suggested: "Simply introduce them to Mount Ling's witches and let them negotiate directly."

Fang Jian bowed: "As you command, Master."

After his departure, Lei Jun pondered recent developments.

Witch Gu Lei Lei of Mount Ling's Ten Witches had returned to investigate Canghuan's appearance in the mortal realm.

Her inquiries uncovered peculiar phenomena reported to both Mount Ling and Mount Longhu:

A portal now connected the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm with the Great Ming realm.

After consideration, Lei Jun transmitted this intelligence to True Martial Temple's leader Mu Chunyang...

Meanwhile, in Great Ming realm's capital...

Chief Minister Zhou Mingzhe sat silently in his residence, attended by prized disciple Nie Song - who'd risen to prominence after Xi Zhichang's untimely death in Penglai.

After prolonged contemplation, Zhou Mingzhe finally spoke: "Mu Chunyang yet lives."

Though not native to Great Ming, Nie Song had thoroughly studied its history since arriving.

He instantly recognized the implications of True Martial Temple's distinctive practices appearing in another realm, strongly suggesting Mu Chunyang's involvement.

"Master, did Daoist Mu stage his death to withdraw from society, or..." Nie Song ventured softly.

The inter-realm portal couldn't remain hidden indefinitely, likely being recent.

That Daoism now rivaled the Witch Sect in that realm - primarily through Mount Longhu's influence rather than True Martial Temple - revealed much about their allegiances.

Nie Song hailed from former Heavenly Principle (now Guizang) territory, whose transfer involved Great Tang and Mount Longhu.

This inevitably suggested Mu Chunyang's longstanding collusion with Mount Longhu, despite his failed assault on Guizang years earlier.

"Master, shall I request Father to investigate the southwestern portal?" Nie Song proposed.

"Unnecessary - at least presently," Zhou Mingzhe declined. "Suppress this information temporarily. Delay its spread however possible."

With Great Tang voluntarily sealing Sumeru's portal to Great Ming after occupying it, avoiding further contact, the True Martial Temple intelligence from the Five Dynasties realm carried unclear motives - possibly aiming to instigate Tang-Ming conflict for third-party benefit.

Great Ming's court prioritized maintaining uncompromising rhetoric above all else.

Once public sentiment ignited, even the Chief Minister must tread carefully - especially with the Emperor growing increasingly assertive.

Confucian hierarchy demanded ministerial submission to imperial authority.

No single official could oppose the throne - only collective court pressure created balance.

Thus while guiding this collective, Zhou Mingzhe couldn't ignore its voices.

Compounding matters, domestic and foreign crises multiplied.

Just as the White Lotus Sect rebellion seemed contained, the Diamond Realm's Karma Department and northern barbarians regained strength.

Initially, Western Buddhists restrained from fully opening Kongsang's portal to divert threats eastward.

But with Great Tang sealing Sumeru's portal, Great Ming shifted focus northward to barbarians and the Karma Department, prompting Diamond Realm Buddhists to finally introduce Kongsang to Great Ming.

The north remained Great Ming's primary concern.

"Current military focus remains northern Kongsang Buddhists," Zhou Mingzhe instructed. "As for the southern inter-realm portal, post guards preparing for eventual sealing."

"Regarding Daoist matters, adopt conciliatory measures for now but maintain vigilant observation."

A breach had emerged - though its full scope remained uncertain.

Nie Song grasped the implication: "Master refers to Shushan Sect?"

Despite Mu Chunyang's "resurrection" discrediting Great Ming's True Martial Temple, decades of court infiltration - including current leader Wei Jingyi - kept it under Zhou Mingzhe's control.

Mu Chunyang had deceived not just the court but his own disciples.

Conversely, Great Ming's Shushan Sect, though orderly since Han Qingtao's rebellion, now drew Zhou Mingzhe's suspicion.

Regrettably, his realization came too late.

Secret reports soon confirmed:

Great Ming Shushan Sect's current leader Yuan Qingci had achieved Ninefold Heaven Mahayana realm.

A new Daoist Mahayana master now graced Great Ming.

Zhou Mingzhe studied the missive silently.

As Nie Song wondered whether his master would summon Shushan elder Mo Qingshi, Zhou Mingzhe instead ordered:

"Invite Bodhi Temple's Abbot Guangshu to the capital."

Meanwhile, along Great Ming's southeastern coast...

Karma Department leader Shedila walked across endless waves, his earlier regrets having dissipated to restore mental clarity.

He'd miscalculated earlier.

After Great Tang sealed Sumeru's portal, he'd arranged Kongsang's descent into Great Ming to regain Venerable Shanzhihui's backing against imperial aggression.

Only later did he learn of Mu Chunyang's possible activities in the Five Dynasties realm.

Had he known earlier, Shedila would've endured longer without introducing Kongsang - keeping Daoism and Great Tang as the court's primary concerns, forcing them to purge domestic Daoists and investigate Guizang's portal.

Great Tang might retreat further, but this could sever their Great Ming influence completely.

Now, with imperial focus locked on the northern frontier against Diamond Realm's Karma Department...

"Thunderclap Monastery's intelligence, while fundamentally accurate, omitted critical details," Shedila mused without surprise.

After decades of interaction, conflict remained their default state.

Kongsang's descent proved beneficial regardless - with imperial attention northward, Shedila gained freedom to maneuver southward...

Beneath the waves, an enormous shadow emerged.

Shedila calmly formed a mudra: "Has the benefactor reached a decision?"

The submerged entity's voice pierced the surf:

"Kongsang's treasures are indeed remarkable - surviving centuries of witch occupation.

Pity they fell to your hands, given your... reputation!"

Shedila shook his head: "While Kongsang possesses artifacts aiding your cultivation, they're insufficient for breakthrough without Venerable refinement. Why else would Kongsang's Witch King withhold them from potential allies?"

"True, the Venerable once suppressed the Pixiu Demon Sage, but that stemmed from past karma irrelevant to you.

As for conversion concerns - in these troubled times, the Venerable seeks Immortal Realm comrades, not more Ninefold Heaven disciples."

The shadow clarified into a massive four-winged celestial serpent, its demonic aura expansive yet lacking malevolence, instead exuding draconic majesty that dwarfed even Shedila's Buddhist presence.

The serpent snorted, submerging again: "We'll see."

Shedila remained composed: "The benefactor's preparations are noted. Please remain patient while I finalize arrangements for our joint endeavor."

Withdrawing his presence, Shedila traveled west before penetrating Great Ming's southern wilderness...

Meanwhile in Saha, Lei Jun hosted another guest - Southern Jin Shushan Sect's current leader Shen Xi.

"Many thanks for your assistance, Celestial Master. My teacher's condition has finally stabilized," Shen Xi expressed gratitude.

Though never entering Penglai again and denied ancient Talisman methods by Mount Longhu, Lei Jun's gifts of jade scepters and Dragon-Tiger Talismans - plus cross-realm resource exchanges - enabled Shen Xi to stabilize his master Gongsun Daoqi's immortal soul through alternative means.

This creative problem-solving deepened Shen Xi's respect for Lei Jun beyond mere appreciation.

"You flatter me," Lei Jun invited him to sit. "Observing your clarified mental state and purified immortal soul, breakthrough seems imminent. My congratulations in advance."

Shen Xi demurred: "Overpraise, Celestial Master."

A prodigy who achieved Ninefold Heaven young and continued advancing, Shen Xi had recently plateaued before Five Qi convergence - similar to Western White Emperor Han Qingtao and Southern Red Emperor Li Hang, though for different reasons.

Naturally carefree, accumulated burdens had constrained his progress until recent upheavals eliminated both northern/southern Buddhist pressures and his master's health concerns.

Like a mountain stream clearing obstructions, his path now flowed freely.

Though not yet breaking through, his immortal soul's newfound clarity surpassed past limitations.

With Mount Longhu's indirect influence transforming Southern Jin Shushan Sect's circumstances (akin to True Martial Temple in the Five Dynasties realm), and Gongsun Daoqi resuming leadership, Shen Xi contemplated long-delayed wanderings across realms.

"I never imagined entering Saha under such circumstances," Shen Xi remarked, surveying their surroundings.

Lei Jun smiled: "Yan Keji was actually Venerable Puguang's incarnation."

Shen Xi reflected quietly: "Truly... disorienting."

Lei Jun noted: "Saha currently connects two realms - the Two Jins and that warring states dimension."

"Where Daoism was historically weak until your sect and True Martial Temple arrived," Shen Xi smiled wryly. "I feel certain... kinship."

Lei Jun: "The differences outweigh similarities. Interested in visiting?

The Shushan Mountain ruins there lie within a Witch Sect-supported kingdom. I've notified Mount Ling, and Great Han Shushan will send representatives."

Shen Xi: "I've no intention of offending Mount Ling's witches. Thank you for arranging this."

Lei Jun: "The pleasure is mine."

Almost as Shen Xi departed, Tang Xiaotang returned to Saha.

"Date's set," she announced regarding the Canghuan Immortal Lords' duel - though appearing less enthused than before.

Noticing her expression - still eager but seemingly... annoyed at prolonged anticipation? - Lei Jun studied her.

Tang Xiaotang plopped down across from him: "Guess when?"

Lei Jun calmly replied: "You'll tell me eventually."

She glared until he remained unfazed, finally scoffing and turning away.

Lei Jun serenely poured tea.

After sipping impatiently, Tang Xiaotang slammed her cup down and cleared her throat dramatically.

Lei Jun obligingly assumed an attentive posture.

Their eyes met - then Tang Xiaotang suddenly grinned strangely before declaring:

"Seven years."

"That long?" Lei Jun genuinely startled.

Though her theatrics had hinted at an extended timeframe, seven years exceeded expectations for two clearly poised adversaries.

For immortal beings like Solar Sage Lord and Brilliant Sage Lord, seven years meant little - barely longer than routine meditation.

But after such overt posturing, scheduling seven years later?

What anticlimactic pacing!

No wonder Tang Xiaotang returned so disgruntled.

Wait...

Lei Jun reconsidered, studying Tang Xiaotang carefully:

"The Solar Sage Lord is second-level Immortal Spirit?

He's waiting for Brilliant Sage Lord to reach equivalent cultivation?"

Tang Xiaotang twirled her cup, puffing her cheeks: "Ever the perceptive one!"

Lei Jun refilled her tea: "Pre-Great Calamity records lacked detail about his exact level, but his confidence remains remarkable - though the opponent matters."

Musing further, he added: "This public announcement should provoke interesting reactions."

Tang Xiaotang sipped: "Regardless, the spectacle's delayed. I returned first - how fares Senior Sister in Great Square?"

Lei Jun raised his cup in toast:

"Excellent question. Third Brother recently reported - Senior Sister pierced Great Square's heavens."

Tang Xiaotang froze mid-sip.

Lei Jun clarified:

"Literally. Pierced through."