Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 483: Immortal Lei Jun

Venerable Puguang exerted great effort to open a new path to Penglai.

Daoist Zhou Tian endured discomfort and the suffering of dissipating spiritual energy from the human realm's Dao essence, journeying to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human world.

Under a sky of cyan blue, one of the Nine Heavens, Biluo, finally reopened and descended to the human world.

From the portal in the void, a vast and powerful consciousness emanated.

Daoist Zhou Tian appeared, holding a tally tablet, and bowed to Biluo:

“Disciple pays respects to the Great Ancestor.”

The powerful consciousness within Biluo trembled slightly, varying in number and response.

Then, an ordinary-sounding voice came forth: “Come in.”

Daoist Zhou Tian entered and saw beneath the cyan sky of Biluo a vast and boundless world, appearing incredibly empty without any living beings.

Yet, to Daoist Zhou Tian’s senses, this realm was incomparably full, leaving him scarcely any ground to stand on.

Within this world, aside from himself, seven people stood—three on each side and one in the center wearing a primordial crown and a nine-colored robe, of short stature and middle-aged appearance.

He was the one who had just spoken.

His appearance and voice were unremarkable.

He stood at the center, looking the most ordinary.

Among the other six, some radiated a strong presence, seeming like the world’s center, impossible to ignore.

Some seemed inconspicuous but appeared as one with the entire Biluo world, as if they were Biluo itself.

These people surrounded the middle-aged Daoist peacefully, with no contradictions in sight.

Daoist Zhou Tian stepped forward and respectfully bowed deeply to him.

He had seen countless portraits of this middle-aged Daoist and naturally recognized him as the fourteenth Celestial Master of the Longhu Tianshi Mansion, Gaotian Sui, the Heavenly Lord who once founded the former Heavenly Palace faction. He was a top expert of the Daoist talisman sect who had reached the pinnacle of the Dongxuan Sanyuan realm.

During the late Han dynasty, he was even renowned as the world's foremost figure.

Though once sealed inside Biluo during a battle involving the sixteenth Celestial Master Zhuang Zheng and the Heavenly Virtue layman He Ying, who was later reincarnated, nearly all opponents of the former Heavenly Palace faction were killed or injured.

Now, with Biluo returning to the human world, Gaotian Sui and others have also returned.

“We have been in contact a few times; no need for such formality.”

The middle-aged Daoist raised his hand: “Regarding Xinguang’s matter, don’t mind it. Those of different paths do not associate. The hardest thing for us cultivators is to find those who share our aspirations.”

Daoist Zhou Tian instinctively rose and suddenly noticed a simple, ancient-looking talisman on his body.

With the talisman’s blessing, the injuries caused earlier by Xu Yuanzhen were alleviated.

Within Biluo, the dissipation of Dao essence greatly slowed.

“Thank you, Great Ancestor, for the talisman.” Daoist Zhou Tian bowed again with utmost respect.

“That battle back then still affects the human world to this day,” Gaotian Lord sighed, gazing at the Biluo portal.

Daoist Zhou Tian lowered his head slightly.

The great calamity of the late Han dynasty was widespread, involving many masters. Amidst the chaos, time and space warped, causing subsequent changes in the human world.

Among those who had the greatest influence and contribution at that time were four figures:

Gaotian Sui.

Zhuang Zheng.

He Ying.

Zheng Baiyu.

Especially, the sealing ritual that imprisoned Gaotian Sui and others inside Biluo had a huge impact.

Without it, Biluo would not have been closed for so many years.

If the human world were to converge, Biluo would surely reopen.

Although current plans to advance the human convergence were obstructed, Gaotian Sui and others inside Biluo had been strategizing for years.

The balance was extremely delicate; now, with some external influence, the internal seal of Biluo was finally broken.

However, rumors said that more than seven people were sealed inside Biluo initially.

It seemed that not all former Heavenly Palace faction members survived through the years.

While Daoist Zhou Tian pondered this, details about Biluo’s external situation were introduced.

Beside Gaotian Sui, an old Daoist in black-and-white robes spoke:

“This time the human convergence cannot be advanced hastily. Further plans require long-term consideration. Currently, one Biluo alone is too cramped; more of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths are needed.”

Ge Xuanzhi, once the leader of Pure Yang Palace and now a dual-flower pinnacle spirit of the Danjing sect, was present. Daoist Zhou Tian lowered his eyelids slightly.

Gaotian Sui smiled at Ge Xuanzhi: “Kunlun?”

Ge Xuanzhi replied: “For now, start nearby, from realms connected to this human world: Daju, Canghuan, Mount Ling, and Saha.”

Gaotian Sui: “Then, each shall visit old acquaintances.”

A green-robed woman nearby spoke: “Lord, will you next go to Longhu Mountain or Daju?”

Gaotian Sui: “I will head to Daju.”

The green-robed woman bowed: “In that case, I will first go to Mount Ling.”

Daoist Zhou Tian stood quietly aside.

The woman was Ruan Qiao, the once-renowned Witch King and former Sovereign of Yin Mountain.

Time had little effect on her; she moved with ease.

Among the seven remaining in Biluo, aside from Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, and Ruan Qiao, the others were first-level Immortals.

Those who had persisted in Biluo until now owed much to Gaotian Sui and probably to this green-robed woman.

“Could Venerable Puguang have gone to Penglai?” Gaotian Sui asked Daoist Zhou Tian.

Daoist Zhou Tian hurriedly replied: “Disciple believes he is close to succeeding.”

Gaotian Sui: “I will make a trip to Daju now. Wait for me in Penglai. The situation there is special; with my talisman, you can reside safely within.”

Daoist Zhou Tian’s spirit lifted again: “Yes, Great Ancestor!”

Penglai once had relics of the Heavenly Palace.

Though the Han human world initially had no human Dao state, Daoist Zhou Tian now knew that the human Dao states of various regions originated from Penglai.

Venerable Puguang’s current chance to re-enter Penglai was due to this.

With Gaotian Sui’s talisman, residing within a realm like Biluo, the Dao essence still slightly dissipated.

Upon reaching Penglai, with the talisman’s help, one could stay there long-term.

“Great Ancestor, Venerable Puguang seems to have other intentions. I will accompany this...” said a middle-aged Daoist in purple robes, looking at Daoist Zhou Tian.

Daoist Zhou Tian bowed: “Just call me Junior Uncle Zhou Tian.”

The middle-aged Daoist continued: “...Please allow me to accompany Junior Uncle Zhou Tian on a trip to Penglai, for safety’s sake.”

Gaotian Sui: “Be vigilant.”

Then he led the way out of Biluo.

Looking at the world of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, his expression was neutral as he departed.

Without needing directions, he headed straight for the Daju portal, which had also reappeared in the human world.

Ge Xuanzhi also exited Biluo.

His companion was a relatively young man: “It’s been many years since I saw that old Golden Crow. Shall we go together?”

Ge Xuanzhi: “No problem.”

A very tall man laughed: “Then I will go to Saha!”

Without further words, he strode off.

Two purple-robed talisman sect cultivators exited Biluo side by side, with Daoist Zhou Tian following.

The earlier speaking man named Yu Shuo asked again: “Senior Brother Quan, where do you intend to go?”

Another purple-robed Daoist, Quanyuan Qi, said: “I will accompany Senior Ruan to Mount Ling.”

He bid farewell to Yu Shuo and Daoist Zhou Tian and followed the green-robed Witch King Ruan Qiao.

Yu Shuo and Daoist Zhou Tian hurried toward the Ming human world.

Cen Ruopu had already located Master Baoneng and Master Duming, and Yu Shuo also seemed to have some way of searching for Penglai’s whereabouts.

Daoist Zhou Tian guessed it was related to the Heavenly Palace relics.

“Is Penglai currently controlled by the disciples of Zhuang Zheng?” Yu Shuo asked.

Daoist Zhou Tian answered: “Yes. The premature human convergence being stopped this time was likely due to Zhuang Zheng’s descendants. Detailed information on them is scarce; the situation in Penglai remains unclear.”

Yu Shuo nodded: “An enemy on a narrow road. Let’s see what kind of rebellious disciples Zhuang Zheng’s altered Dao scriptures have produced.”

...............................................

In Canghuan, the battle between Golden Crow Haoyang and True Dragon Huaming was nearing its climax.

Golden Crow Haoyang, at the double spirit realm since the late Han dynasty, had grown more fierce with age after recovering from his wounds. Facing the newly arrived True Dragon Huaming, also at the double spirit realm, he gradually gained the upper hand.

However, having just recently recovered, both were now severely wounded, their injuries worse than before.

Yet neither of the two spirit overlords yielded, fighting until the very end.

Unfortunately, someone interrupted the battle.

An old Daoist in black-and-white robes entered the Canghuan portal with a change in spirit.

Accompanying him was the young man.

Upon seeing Ge Xuanzhi appear, Golden Crow Haoyang’s gaze turned serious.

Seeing the young man, he suddenly became furious: “...Wang Dianchen!”

The young man remained calm: “Old Golden Crow, long time no see.”

Watching nearby, Qin Caiwei shrank back.

As a legendary Daoist master, Qin Caiwei had seen portraits of Ge Xuanzhi, a talisman sect cultivator.

Although she had never met Wang Dianchen, she had heard of him from the sect leader.

He was rumored to be the most famous witch genius of the late Han, rising rapidly to prominence, just breaking through the Immortal Gate and ascending to the Ninth Heaven, rivaling Witch King Ruan Qiao at the double immortal realm.

It was unclear if his cultivation improved while trapped in Biluo, but even at the first immortal realm, he was often treated as a double immortal-level threat.

“Get out!”

Before Golden Crow Haoyang spoke, a dragon roar thundered.

True Dragon Huaming retracted his dragon might cloud and stood beside the Golden Crow Haoyang, resembling the sun itself, standing shoulder to shoulder.

Previously enemies, now allies without words.

“I don’t need you to leave,” Wang Dianchen said calmly. “True Dragon and Golden Crow are both rare.”

Ge Xuanzhi stared at the two Canghuan spirit overlords: “Same arrogance and disdain—deserved this fate.”

As he spoke, he surged forward, and Wang Dianchen did the same.

In the past, Golden Crow Haoyang and True Dragon Huaming would not fear them.

But now, both severely wounded and suddenly ambushed by such strong enemies, the situation became perilous.

Golden Crow Haoyang did not speak further but emitted a clear cry.

A brilliant light shone as Canghuan began to tremble.

...............................................

Mount Ling had immediately sealed the void portal to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human world upon receiving messages from Longhu Tianshi Mansion and the Tang court.

Though Witch King Huangfu Qi was stationed there, she remained vigilant.

Her opponent this time was... the former Lord of Mount Ling.

The green-robed woman strolled as if on a casual walk.

Around her, twinkling starry lights appeared, lively and seemingly sentient.

These star-like spirit insects flashed in midair and vanished as if entering the void.

The sparkling insects gnawed and tore open the void, forcibly opening a strange portal.

Ruan Qiao calmly entered.

Quanyuan Qi, dressed in purple talisman sect Daoist robes, followed silently.

...............................................

Outside the Saha portal, a tall man looked up and down.

Canghuan was still engaged in battle; Mount Ling had long been sealed.

Yet Saha’s portal remained wide open?

Martial Immortal Chen Dadao raised his eyebrows.

At this moment, at the entrance to the Daju portal, Gaotian Sui, clad in a nine-colored robe, stepped into the void portal.

He arrived beneath the crimson sky of Daju.

Upon entering, he looked up toward the Time Abyss in the sky.

Just one glance made Gaotian Sui’s eyes sparkle with unusual light.

The Time Abyss had changed significantly since before—who caused this?

Now, pulled again by Biluo, the Time Abyss would further transform.

At that moment...

Gaotian Sui suddenly reined in his mind and looked toward the opposite side of the Time Abyss.

There, a casually dressed woman was gazing at him across the abyss.

She was extraordinarily elegant, and it was Gaotian Sui’s first time meeting her in person.

But without hesitation, he spoke: “Laywoman He, long time no see.”

Tang Empress Zhang Wantong replied: “Daoist, long time no see.”

Gaotian Sui: “I planned to see Daju first, then find you. Your appearing here is somewhat unexpected, especially...”

He looked her over carefully.

Her cultivation had reached a higher level, now at the second layer of Confucian Sage.

“Have you been waiting in Daju all along?”

Gaotian Sui glanced at the Time Abyss and shook his head slightly: “This isn’t your doing; it seems more like Zhuang Zheng’s descendant’s work.”

Zhang Wantong changed the subject: “Your injury doesn’t seem healed either.”

Gaotian Sui replied frankly: “Biluo is no place for healing.”

Zhang Wantong: “Others aside, I must thank the existence of Biluo and Daju.”

“I also thank these two realms for allowing us to uncover the ancient Heavenly Palace ruins.”

Gaotian Sui: “As for you, no need to rejoice yet.”

They looked at each other across the Time Abyss, then stepped forward simultaneously, walking toward each other.

...............................................

Elsewhere, Venerable Puguang successfully opened the void portal to Penglai.

Islands dotted the Penglai sea like stars.

Ji Chuan, Xie Yiying, Yuan Qingci, Yue Xiling, and others cultivated within.

Yue Xiling had successfully crossed the heavenly chasm tribulation and reached the ninth heaven Great Vehicle realm of the Daoist Danjing sect.

However, amid the sea clouds full of Dao essence, golden Buddhist light suddenly shone, accompanied by endless chanting.

A golden Buddha statue, not particularly huge but radiating light that gradually filled all of Penglai, appeared.

The chanting filled the air, impacting even newly arrived ninth heaven cultivators Yuan Qingci and Yue Xiling, blanking their minds.

But the chanting abruptly stopped.

In the tranquil and peaceful golden light’s center, golden radiance suddenly exploded.

It was as if something was shattered.

Yue Xiling and Yuan Qingci recovered first and looked intently, witnessing a scene they would never forget.

The golden light flowed, enveloping the golden-bodied Venerable.

Close to the Buddha was a tall young Daoist.

He wore a primordial crown, a nine-colored robe, with a white jade seal and a purple thunder sword hanging at his waist. His expression was calm, almost indifferent.

One hand was stretched, palm pressing atop the Buddha’s head.

Yuan Qingci, Yue Xiling, Xie Yiying, Ji Chuan, and others saw the golden-bodied Venerable’s head crack open under the Daoist’s palm.

The shattered golden light appeared like blood splattering.

Yet... this was a Buddha Venerable who had broken through the Immortal Gate!

The Venerable’s head seemed half collapsed.

His figure soon transformed from solid to phantom.

As a Buddha Venerable of the vow lineage who had broken through the Immortal Gate, Puguang used his karmic body to shield him from this tribulation.

But Puguang’s shock was greater than Yuan Qingci and the others’.

For a moment, Puguang felt his spiritual core defiled and unguarded.

Buddhist cultivators of the precept lineage have strong minds and sensitive perceptions.

Though Puguang was cautious, he failed to sense the other’s approach.

If not for his karmic body blocking the attack, he could have been seriously wounded.

How could the opponent stealthily approach him?

And wield such immense power?

After the karmic body blocked the attack, Puguang reappeared, gazing complicatedly at the tall young Daoist.

He was the current Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, Xuanyaozi Lei Jun.

After a palm strike, Lei Jun flicked his hand and nodded slightly to Ji Chuan, Yuan Qingci, and others far away.

The crowd was momentarily stunned.

Puguang focused all attention on Lei Jun.

Compared to when they met in Saha, this opponent was vastly different.

Though in Penglai, Lei Jun seemed detached, as if not belonging to this place.

He was like a universe himself, formed in human shape but containing another realm within.

Yet in Penglai, he conflicted with nothing and complemented it perfectly.

He had crossed the last threshold and ascended to the immortal realm?

Leaving aside Daoist Zhou Tian’s special case, had the Daoist talisman sect produced new Dongxuan immortals after the late Han calamity?

To be precise, the present Lei Jun was unlike the Daoist talisman sect immortal Lei Jun and Puguang had seen when first ascending the immortal realm.

He filled Puguang with a chilling fear, certain he would be stronger than those immortals.

Yet...

Lei Jun had recently traveled between Saha and the Tang human world, never secluded in Saha.

His obstruction of the premature human convergence likely involved this Lei Jun’s interference.

How did he have time to cultivate and break through the heavenly chasm between the ninth heaven and the immortal realm?

That chasm was far more dangerous and difficult than breaking from the eighth to the ninth heaven.

Since Lei Jun had long stayed in the human world, it could not be like before when he hid his breakthrough from the fourth to fifth layer of the ninth heaven.

How did he achieve this?

Puguang found it utterly incomprehensible, further troubling his mind.

Yet he could tell he was in great danger.

This young Daoist had already killed Martial Immortal Ongqinfu at the ninth heaven realm.

And now he had successfully reached Dongxuan immortal.

Puguang forcibly suppressed his doubts, clearing his spiritual core.

Then, without pause, he immediately left Penglai.

Though entry was difficult, luck was clearly against him. No chance for gain this time, only escape.

As a Buddha golden-bodied Venerable, his karmic body could quickly recover even if destroyed.

But after a brief clash in Saha, Puguang knew the karmic body was ineffective against this young Daoist.

So he first formed an incarnation.

This incarnation was still an immortal witch king.

However, no longer a curse witch king, but one inheriting the Divine Dance lineage.

Once formed, the incarnation performed the ghost and deity sacrificial dance, generating a sacrificial formation to seize terrain advantage.

Puguang manifested the Dharmakaya of the Great Virtuous Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva and quickly fled.

He had no intention to fight Lei Jun to the death now.

His priority was preventing Lei Jun from expanding the Dao realm Xuanyuan and capturing him.

For talisman sect cultivators, from the ninth heaven Dongshen to Dongxuan immortal realm, a major change was the Great Vehicle Dao realm transforming into Dao realm Xuanyuan, greatly enhancing power and capture ability.

Now Puguang wished only to escape.

He used the Divine Dance witch king incarnation and ghost deity sacrificial formation to restrain Lei Jun’s Dao realm Xuanyuan from expanding.

Lei Jun appeared unhurried.

His figure remained unchanged as usual, no golden talismans circling like a starry river around him.

But his life star deity had already merged with him.

As he stepped forward to chase Puguang, dragon and tiger roars rose faintly from the clouds around him.

The next beings to appear were not the dragon and tiger formed of thunderfire, but six towering luminous deities, tens of meters tall, godlike.

Among them were four dragon-headed human-bodied and two tiger-headed human-bodied deities, armored and stepping on clouds, detailed features, with radiance like transparent crystals, not fragile but radiating violent power.

The six deities were differently colored:

Dragons: one purple, one black, one gold, one silver.

Tigers: one green, one red-gold.

They were the six great divine talismans of Lei Jun, forming the Law of Heaven and Earth, ascending with him.

These six deities appeared together and instantly shattered the ghost and deity sacrificial formation Puguang’s incarnation had formed.

“Though one may manifest myriad laws and phenomena, cultivation is subtle and profound. Comparatively, there is still a gap,” Lei Jun said calmly, as if casually commenting.

Yet, at the same time, Lei Jun shattered the incarnation’s head with one palm.

Far away, Yuan Qingci, Yue Xiling, and others witnessing Lei Jun’s six divine deities standing like gods finally snapped out of their shock.

Yuan Qingci suddenly asked a somewhat offbeat question, breaking the silence:

“How old is Celestial Master Lei now?”

Ji Chuan held his breath: “Should be exactly ninety-nine.”

He exhaled and added: “He started cultivating somewhat late, only at eighteen was he guided back to Longhu Mountain by Master Xu. Until now, he has cultivated eighty-one years—nine times nine, returning to origin!”

“An immortal under a hundred...” Xie Yiying murmured.

Yuan Qingci said nothing further.

He now clearly felt what he had sensed earlier.

If the former Lei Celestial Master seemed inscrutable, like heavy clouds in the sky, now he was like the sky itself, making worldly mortals unable to comprehend his thoughts at any time.

Perhaps the only consolation was that he was not an enemy...

Yet, compared to Daoist cultivators, Puguang’s heart felt like lead.

Lei Jun needed no Dao realm Xuanyuan to restrain him.

His movement was so swift, seemingly ignoring all space-time constraints.

Puguang felt like he faced a Martial Immortal.

Moreover, Lei Jun’s nine-heaven thunder ancestor manifestations, Xuanyao thunder ancestor, Pure Yang and Pure Yin thunder ancestors, and the Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman all formed boundless thunder, empowering him.

In an instant, Puguang found it even harder to discern Lei Jun’s movements.

Just then, Penglai trembled.

Others arrived through the void portal into Penglai.

Besides Daoist Zhou Tian and Yu Shuo, there were Master Duming and Master Baoneng from Thunderclap Monastery, and Daoist Zhou Tian’s disciple Cen Ruopu.

Upon entering Penglai, Daoist Zhou Tian was shocked.

That was... Lei Jun of the Tang Longhu Mountain?

During Xu Yuanzhen’s assault on heaven, Lei Jun had assisted.

Though they never truly faced each other, Lei Jun’s impression on Daoist Zhou Tian was deep.

Now, seeing Lei Jun empower his Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman, Daoist Zhou Tian was envious.

But looking at Lei Jun’s appearance, had he truly crossed the last threshold?

So soon?!

Lei Jun was surrounded by thunderlight, combining the nine-heaven Yinyuan Five Thunder Law with his life force, recreating the Thunder Emperor’s true form.

His divine power had fully strengthened, surpassing his ninth heaven strength.

He had reached Dongxuan immortal, merging the Dao bridge with his body.

Lei Jun’s calm gaze first landed on Yu Shuo.

He was less familiar but indeed a Dongxuan Daoist talisman sect immortal.

Records from earlier years were sparse.

Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, Ruan Qiao, Luo Sigao, Wang Dianchen, Ban Shuang, Yu Shuo, Chen Dadao, Chi Yin, Quanyuan Qi, Wu Zehong... Lei Jun recalled the Biluo list provided by Empress Zhang Wantong.

Yu Shuo was among them.

According to Zhang Wantong’s earlier explanation, Yu Shuo may have switched to Daoist talisman sect cultivation.

Lei Jun’s gaze shifted to Daoist Zhou Tian and Venerable Puguang.

The monk and Daoist both seemed wary.

Lei Jun seemed to understand their suspicion:

“My success today is partly due to your help.”

Naturally achieved, with no calamity.

He said:

“One step to heaven.”

At the same time, Lei Jun bowed to Yuan Qingci with a Daoist salute: “May I borrow your sect’s treasure?”

He waved his hand, and the Ming Shushan sect’s treasure, the Chuitian Whip, flew automatically into his hands.

As thunderbolts surged along the whip, its power was renewed.

For Lei Jun now, his bonded treasure could unleash power far beyond usual.

Venerable Puguang and Daoist Zhou Tian trembled.

A faint glow appeared in their minds but was elusive and confusing.

“Did Zhuang Zheng’s descendants produce new immortals this era?”

Yu Shuo glanced at Daoist Zhou Tian dissatisfied: “This contradicts your information.”

He ignored Lei Jun’s words: “Enough with the petty provocations!”

Suddenly, immense thunder appeared beside him.

Purple nine-heaven divine thunder instantly transformed into a thunder sea.

Unlike Daoist Zhou Tian, who lacked the Longhu Tianshi Mansion’s traditional three void three heaven talismans, Yu Shuo had pledged early to the former Heavenly Palace faction and received talismans from Gaotian Sui.

His three heaven talismans were the Thunder Law Heavenly Book Talisman, Fire Law Earth Book Talisman, and Life Merit Human Book Talisman.

The nine-heaven divine thunder manifested a dragon shape, which further expanded.

Within the purple thunder sea, multiple figures emerged.

Thunder dragons rose and fell, eight in total, occupying all directions.

This was Yu Shuo’s immortal art: Immortal Art - Thunder Law Eight Extreme Heavenly Dragons!

During his ninth heaven Dongshen period, he specialized in thunder law; after breaking through the Immortal Gate, this was his first immortal art.

Now manifesting the nine-heaven thunder ancestor form, resembling a dragon-headed deity formed of thunder.

At this moment, manifesting eight extreme thunder dragons, all dragons, by his design.

The eight huge thunder dragons circled, blocking Penglai’s sky.

Before the dragons could attack, Lei Jun disappeared from sight.

As if no time passed, a thunderclap exploded above the sky.

Lei Jun reappeared, crushing one thunder dragon on the spot!

Countless purple scales, claws, and flesh fell like thunder rain, as if a real dragon was slaughtered.

Amid Yu Shuo’s anger and shock, Lei Jun vanished again in midair.

When he reappeared, he was before Venerable Puguang.

The Chuitian Whip lashed out, lightning surging wildly.

Venerable Puguang’s awakened void nature body seemed ineffective.

Half of his Dharmakaya of the Great Virtuous Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva was shattered by Lei Jun’s whip.

Daoist Zhou Tian formed a thunder talisman, then waved to Lei Jun.

But all was in vain.

The Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman previously taken by Lei Jun was unresponsive.

Lei Jun’s Thunder Emperor true form was utterly unaware.

Master Baoneng and Master Duming attempted to assist Venerable Puguang but were soon beaten by two fiery deities, staggering.

The Nine Abyss Fire Ancestor and Heavenly Celestial Fire Ancestor manifestations did not advance but approached each other.

Next, a burning Taiji diagram appeared in Penglai.

The Taiji transformed into a dazzling star core, then produced endless flames engulfing Master Duming and Master Baoneng.

Buddhist cultivators were resilient, so the two monks did not die immediately.

But the light and heat were endless.

The heavenly dragon chant sounded, shaking the four directions, attacking Lei Jun and attempting to disperse the infinite sea of light from the Yin-Yang Wuji Star Radiance.

Yet Lei Jun’s Thunder Emperor true form was unaffected.

He suddenly let out a long roar like thunder, dispersing Venerable Puguang’s heavenly dragon chant.

Puguang helplessly watched as Master Duming and Master Baoneng’s bodies were completely consumed by flames.

Lei Jun moved fluidly, killing ninth heaven cultivator Cen Ruopu.

“I finally understand how Golden Khan Ongqinfu died...” Venerable Puguang became enraged.

This Daoist now surpassed many Martial Immortals in power and speed.

Daoist Zhou Tian thought of his own situation and Penglai’s importance, gritted his teeth, calmed his mind, and cooperated with Yu Shuo to advance.

A vast radiance spread around him.

Daoist Zhou Tian seemed to become a universe itself.

Though still uncertain, he unleashed his Dao realm Xuanyuan.

Yu Shuo’s face darkened.

Though disdainful of Lei Jun, Yu Shuo wielded his own immortal art cautiously.

He reluctantly gave way for Daoist Zhou Tian to use the Dao realm Xuanyuan but felt increasing unease.

Only unity could counter this opponent.

He released six injured thunder dragons, merging forces to attack Lei Jun.

Lei Jun glanced and saw a vast palace complex forming before him—Daoist Zhou Tian’s Dao realm Xuanyuan: the Zhou Tian Palace.

Within his sight, the palace was divided into star regions.

The Dipper region contained the North Pole, Four Saints, Seven Luminaries.

The Thunder region had Thunder Mountain and Thunder Pillar.

The Fire region contained Fire River and Lantern Candles.

The Pestilence region had the Dharma Bell.

The Smallpox region had the Ink Brush.

The Water region contained the Inkstone.

The Wealth region had the Golden Ruyi.

The Tai Sui region held the Great Seal.

The wonders of the Three Caverns and Twelve True Treasures of the talisman sect were all displayed here.

Countless streams of light rose from the palace, enveloping Lei Jun.

Then Lei Jun, manifesting his Thunder Emperor true form, waved his steel whip, scattering the light and toppling a section of the Zhou Tian Palace.

The palace had no dust but scattered light everywhere.

At the same time, Lei Jun’s other hand formed a fist and struck in the opposite direction.

There, seven roaring thunder dragons approached.

The Thunder Emperor’s fist suddenly grew huge, like covering the sky with one hand, crushing the ground with a punch.

One punch faced seven dragons!

Lei Jun stood firm, unmoving.

The seven purple thunder dragons wailed as if alive, scattering and unable to regroup, their purple light spreading like blood spray.

Yu Shuo was dumbfounded.

What power and destructive force was this?

He had seen many superhuman talents before.

Not just during his ninth heaven Dongshen period but even after breaking through to Dongxuan, some geniuses surpassed others at the same realm.

No need to mention Gaotian Sui; Wang Dianchen was absurdly powerful, making Yu Shuo uneasy despite his usual arrogance.

But this Lei Jun felt even more overwhelming.

...Indeed, more overwhelming.

Daoist Zhou Tian already regretted coming to Penglai.

He unfolded his Dao realm Xuanyuan.

As a Dongxuan first-level talisman sect cultivator, his Dao realm was called the Tian Shi Yuan.

Tian Shi Yuan governed prosperity, gathering, balance, coordination, and interaction.

The marvel of the talisman sect’s Dongxuan immortals’ Tian Shi Yuan was that its profound Dao realm could compensate for a cultivator’s shortcomings relative to others, friend or foe.

In other words, if someone in Zhou Tian Palace had traits far surpassing Daoist Zhou Tian, the palace’s power could strengthen him accordingly.

Though not always equal, the greater the difference, the more benefit.

At this moment, Daoist Zhou Tian’s greatest gain from Zhou Tian Palace was... his killing power.

He had thought it would be agility or movement.

The benefit was surprising and filled him with chills.

This showed their disparity was outrageously vast!

Even with Zhou Tian Palace’s blessings, he feared he could not match Lei Jun’s level.

The gap was too great; even massive compensation was insufficient.

Not even seventy percent white light could help.

Sure enough, the next moment, Lei Jun caused havoc in Zhou Tian Palace, sweeping buildings with his steel whip, collapsing many.

The five-colored clouds within Daoist Zhou Tian’s Dao realm Xuanyuan, which provided defense, were shattered by Lei Jun’s whip.

At the same time, Lei Jun moved instantly beside one of Yu Shuo’s thunder dragons.

He raised his hand, fingers spread, gripping the dragon’s neck.

With force, he crushed the dragon’s head.

“Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Drumbeats roared wildly as countless thunderbolts exploded.

Yu Shuo’s remaining six purple nine-heaven thunder dragons retreated.

Massive thunder drums appeared from all directions, shaking ceaselessly.

These were Yu Shuo’s crafted treasures, the Eight Extreme Thunder Drums.

Though not refined like Daoist artificers’ treasures, Yu Shuo’s drums were still tremendously powerful, shaking the heavens and earth.

Each beat caused earth-shattering thunderbolts aimed at Lei Jun.

“So that’s it, the Eight Divisions of Heavenly Dragons. You and Daoist Zhou Tian both switched to our Daoist talisman sect, but were formerly Buddhists?”

Lei Jun looked into it: “Did you... switch cultivation the same way as Daoist Zhou Tian?

You switched before him, and he learned from you?”

As he spoke, the Celestial Master sword flew above his head.

The purple thunder sword shimmered and struck, releasing power far beyond before.

Sword light like dragons and thunder spread everywhere, shattering all thunderbolts from the Eight Extreme Thunder Drums.

“Celestial Master sword...” Yu Shuo and Daoist Zhou Tian’s eyes flashed.

“All pests,” Lei Jun commented calmly.

While the Celestial Master sword held off the Eight Extreme Thunder Drums, the Celestial Master seal appeared above him, radiating purple, gold, and cyan light.

It transformed into a huge three-tiered ritual altar, covering the five drums, silencing their sound.

Lei Jun’s power from the Xuanyuan merged universe was overwhelming, even Venerable Puguang’s great liberation would require a long time to revive.

Yet Lei Jun had his Shangqing Jade Immortal Bamboo ready for rebirth.

As his path to enlightenment treasure, not only the Jade Bamboo, but also the Taishang Eight Scenes Treasure Raincoat and Jade Qing Zhou Tian Magic Mirror benefited alongside him.

He would further refine and nurture them later for continuous improvement.

Currently, under the Xuanyuan light, Puguang’s liberation rebirth was much weaker than usual.

The Jade Bamboo’s strike shattered his soul completely, ending him.

Lei Jun’s manifested Thunder Emperor true form disarmed Daoist Zhou Tian’s sword barehanded.

The Celestial Master sword slashed through the air with a purple arc.

The sword light first severed Yu Shuo’s damaged soul, scattering it.

“You two, go back where you came from.”

Then the sword returned to Lei Jun’s side and slashed Daoist Zhou Tian, cleaving him in half.

Lei Jun waved his hand again, summoning the Zhou Tian Seal he had knocked down earlier.

He caught it and retracted his Dao realm Xuanyuan.

Outside the Xuanyuan universe, within Penglai, Yuan Qingci, Yue Xiling, Ji Chuan, Xie Yiying, Chen Ning, and others anxiously waited.

Celestial Master Lei Jun’s strength was now widely recognized.

The Daoist sect members had just witnessed his overwhelming presence.

But there were still multiple immortals.

Defeating them all or surrounding them was a different matter.

Hence, some anxiety remained as they gazed up at the Xuanyuan universe.

Until the Xuanyuan universe opened from within and gradually retracted.

Light white clouds drifted out.

Then, the contemporary Longhu Mountain Celestial Master Lei Jun emerged calmly.

Ji Chuan, Xie Yiying, and others held their breath, watching behind Lei Jun.

No one else appeared.

Former Han Longhu Mountain Ancestor Zhou Tian.

Former Saha Lord Venerable Puguang.

Former Heavenly Palace faction Daoist Dongxuan immortal Yu Shuo.

All had become history.