Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 495: No Longer a Threat

In the Ming Dynasty court, there were currently five Grand Secretaries in total.

Besides the leading Prime Minister Zhou Mingzhe, the current Deputy Prime Minister was the venerable old minister Zeng Kui.

During the battle of Penglai, he was injured by Venerable Puguang, who temporarily revealed his true identity.

In that battle, Zhou Mingzhe also lost his most favored disciple, Xi Zhichang.

Afterwards, Zeng Kui rested for a long time and had mostly recovered by now.

If it were a different Daoist lineage, at his age, it would be extremely difficult just to maintain his strength, let alone recover from such injuries.

Emperor Han Zhi’ning then cast his gaze toward Zeng Kui: “Deputy Prime Minister, matters are urgent. Please kindly visit the Shushan Sect’s leader, Yuan Qingci, and summon him to the capital.”

Zeng Kui immediately stepped forward: “I will obey the imperial order.”

Standing nearby was Chao Feng, currently the third-ranking Grand Secretary in the cabinet.

Compared to Zhou Mingzhe and Zeng Kui, he was much younger.

He was the favored disciple of the previous Prime Minister Chen Yu.

While Chen Yu was still alive, he had already promoted Chao Feng into the cabinet.

By seniority, he ranked ahead of Zeng Kui, who was just recently reinstated.

However, after Chen Yu’s death and the heavy blow suffered by the Wu faction, Chao Feng had kept a low profile, showing respect to his elders and willingly placing himself behind Zeng Kui.

Now he was gradually reestablishing his footing in the Ming court and had become the new leader of the Wu faction. Although not as prosperous as during Chen Yu’s time, he was still not to be underestimated.

Yet, in terms of time, it was still somewhat rushed.

Under the blessing of Ming Confucian ritual and protocol, many awaited their turn to fill vacancies left by predecessors.

Under normal orderly succession, everything would be stable and secure.

But the western campaign in Sumeru had resulted in devastating losses all at once.

Therefore, even after Chao Feng and others took office and progressed rapidly, they still required time to accumulate experience and polish their skills.

Chao Feng entered the cabinet early, and although currently not as strong as Zhou Mingzhe or Zeng Kui, he had reached the fourth layer of the ninth heaven realm.

Nearby stood an even younger Grand Secretary who appeared middle-aged named Sima Cheng, the most favored student of the former Grand Secretary Liu Chong.

Liu Chong, leader of the Qin faction, also perished in the western campaign in Sumeru.

Fortunately, Sima Cheng inherited his legacy swiftly and gathered the remaining Qin faction members.

However, compared to the recovering Chao Feng and the Wu faction, Sima Cheng and the Qin faction remained more low-key, quietly recuperating. Among the five Grand Secretaries, Sima Cheng ranked last.

At this moment, he stood silently, equally low-profile as Chao Feng.

But when Prime Minister Zhou Mingzhe mentioned the Daoist sect’s demand for the Shushan Sect’s inheritance treasures, both Chao Feng and Sima Cheng’s expressions remained unchanged, yet they silently shared the same suspicion:

Those Daoist people... or rather, the Tang Dynasty behind them and the Longhu Tianshi Mansion, are they really only thinking this way?

Emperor Han Zhi’ning first issued the order to summon the Shushan Sect leader Yuan Qingci to the capital for an audience, then looked again at Prime Minister Zhou Mingzhe: “Although the north is very important, under these special circumstances, we cannot afford to relax the south. It should not be like before anymore.”

Zhou Mingzhe replied: “Your Majesty’s wisdom is profound.”

Han Zhi’ning pondered: “Someone must be sent to inspect the southwest, the Nine Borders… it might have to move soon.”

Zhou Mingzhe: “Jiliao and Xuanda should not act rashly for now. It would be better to transfer forces nearby from Shaanxi and Gansu. As for the capital...”

His gaze swept to the side.

Chao Feng and Sima Cheng remained silent.

At this moment, Li Rui, the fourth-ranking Grand Secretary, stepped forward calmly and saluted Emperor Han Zhi’ning: “This concerns the state and cannot be taken lightly. I am willing to share the burden for Your Majesty.”

Han Zhi’ning: “Thank you, Minister Li.”

After the court session, Zhou Mingzhe was summoned again for a private audience.

Emperor Han Zhi’ning’s face was as cold as still water: “Those sorcerers fear my great undertaking, so they come to obstruct it.”

Zhou Mingzhe sighed inwardly.

If it were only for the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot and the Immortal Firmament Bell, the opposing side would not have detained the Ming Chuanqian Governor Zheng Qing.

If they merely wanted to intimidate by force, just a group of Daoist Great Vehicle cultivators appearing in the Ming human realm would have been enough.

They could even have simply hinted to the Ming Bodhi Temple abbot Guangshu, who was previously sent on a diplomatic mission to Kong Sang to probe the opponent’s thoughts.

It was true that Immortals found it inconvenient to walk in the mortal realm.

But not impossible.

Tang Xiaotang personally pursued and killed Venerable Shanzhihui in the mortal world, fully proving this point.

Although it might damage the nation’s dignity, when facing such a powerful enemy, the Ming side would not necessarily refuse to return the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot and Immortal Firmament Bell.

At most, they would publicly ignore it and quietly send the treasures back to the Ming Shushan Sect without publicizing it.

If the other side had no intention to push further, they would also not make a fuss, leaving room for further exchanges.

But now, not only have many Great Vehicle cultivators appeared in the Ming human realm, they have also directly attacked the Ming Chuanqian Governor’s office. Their attitude clearly is…

Hostile!

At least, their appetite is far beyond just the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot and Immortal Firmament Bell.

Zhou Mingzhe agreed with Emperor Han Zhi’ning’s speculation that the enemy came to obstruct Han Zhi’ning’s current plan to achieve Earthly Sainthood.

To become an Earthly Saint, Han Zhi’ning would have to mobilize and disturb the mountain and river ley lines on a larger scale.

Such upheaval would inevitably be difficult to conceal from everyone.

“Currently, we can only delay time and try our best to stabilize the opponent.”

Zhou Mingzhe said: “We are incompetent and cannot share Your Majesty’s burden. Please punish us.”

Han Zhi’ning’s expression was serious but not angry: “What nonsense, Deputy Prime Minister. This is a difficult challenge for all of Ming.”

He stood and paced slowly in the hall: “What is the situation in the southern border, the other mortal realm, Biluo, and Mount Ling?”

Zhou Mingzhe: “Currently, no response.”

This was not surprising.

It was thought that the Daoist visitors to Ming this time mainly came from the alchemy and artifact forging sects, which explained it.

Not a single ninth heaven Immortal from Longhu Tianshi Mansion appeared, nor any other Talisman Sect expert.

Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong and the rumored other alchemy sect Primordial Spirit Immortal also remained silent.

Obviously, they were guarding against the former Heavenly Palace faction.

Unfortunately, even so, the power of the Daoist cultivators currently gathered was considerable.

If Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang did not descend to the mortal realm, all matters would remain limited to the human world, and Ming would not fear it.

But they had to consider the possibility of other problems erupting simultaneously.

For example, the suppressed White Lotus Rebellion would surely flare up again.

Although the four-winged Celestial Serpent King, Ming’s top great demon, was no longer present, numerous powerful demons still roamed all corners of the Ming empire.

Furthermore, the Karma Department of the Vajra Realm, which had merged with the grassland tribes and retreated to the northeastern northern border, was originally Ming’s most concerning secret threat.

Before Ming could personally suppress it, the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect was broken by the Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

Unfortunately, before Ming could celebrate this good news, the enemy changed to the even more fearsome Tang cultivation world.

Under such circumstances, Han Zhi’ning and Zhou Mingzhe found it difficult to consider using one enemy to counter another by allying with the Karma Department of Vajra Realm.

It was not that they couldn’t make the turn.

The Celestial Empire driving away invaders and winning over barbarians was a noble cause, and there was nothing wrong with changing strategies.

But on one hand, Ming’s Buddhist sacred sites were hard to reconcile with Longhu Tianshi Mansion because of the White Lotus Sect. The court now had to consider the Buddhist sacred site’s stance, and the relationship between central and western Buddhist sects was also strained.

On the other hand…

Longhu Tianshi Mansion had just conquered Kong Sang, and Tang Xiaotang, a Dongxuan Immortal, even descended to the mortal realm to relentlessly pursue Venerable Shanzhihui.

If the Ming court accepted the Karma Department of Vajra Realm, it might provoke Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang to personally enter the mortal realm, which would be unfavorable for Ming.

“They came precisely to obstruct my Earthly Sainthood.”

Han Zhi’ning stopped pacing and stood in the hall: “All the more reason that this step is critical and must succeed.”

Zhou Mingzhe: “Willing to share Your Majesty’s burden.”

Han Zhi’ning: “Deputy Prime Minister, how much time do you think those two Daoist treasures can buy us?”

“The Immortal Firmament Bell is tolerable, but the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot is the Shushan Sect’s founding treasure. Not only Yuan Qingci, but other Shushan cultivators in the mortal realm will not easily accept a scorched earth outcome.”

Zhou Mingzhe: “If there is something to seek, there is room to negotiate. But we must be wary of Immortals personally appearing in the mortal realm, so the timing and degree must be carefully managed.”

Despite these words, Zhou Mingzhe was not very confident.

The situation was unfavorable, what could be done?

Now they could only try to delay as much as possible.

“The timing and degree mainly require your control, Deputy Prime Minister.”

Han Zhi’ning said: “When Yuan Qingci arrives, handle it carefully. I will continue to study in seclusion.”

His eyes darkened: “Combining the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot with ritual ceremonies can both assist and prevent covetousness.

Whether it is Kong Sang in the north, Guicang in the southwest, or the void portal leading from the southern border to the other mortal realm, all must be closely watched.

Immortal appearances are always noisy and difficult to conceal. If anything is found, report it to me immediately!”

Zhou Mingzhe: “I obey the imperial order.”

…………………………

Southwest upheaval, Guicang returns to the mortal realm.

As the Ming court was shaken, efforts were made to block news elsewhere.

Especially to stabilize the White Lotus Sect in Qingzhou and Xuzhou.

However, the White Lotus Sect quickly received the news.

When Immortals descend, their immortal aura dissipates and is hard to hide from the outside world.

By contrast, ninth heaven cultivators with deep foundations and careful restraint moved more secretly in the mortal realm.

Thus, the Tang White Lotus Holy Lord Hui Yin, originally quietly researching Buddhist hand seals in Kong Sang, returned to the Ming mortal realm again.

This time, he not only met the future Maitreya Monk Tianshu of the Ming White Lotus Sect but also met the current Ming White Lotus Holy Lord Monk Jianhai in person.

“The Tang lineage, where will it go in the future?” Monk Jianhai slowly asked.

Monk Hui Yin: “Just focus on cultivation.”

Monks Jianhai and Tianshu pondered slightly without speaking immediately.

Monk Hui Yin did not elaborate on Tang matters but explained the recent Daoist cultivators’ entry into Ming to Monks Jianhai and Tianshu.

The Ming White Lotus Sect members were invigorated by this.

At the end, Monk Hui Yin mentioned the previous news from Lei Jun about Abyssal Emperor Zheng Baiyu.

Monks Jianhai and Tianshu’s expressions turned grave.

After a while, Monk Jianhai spoke again: “Regarding the Abyssal Border, we have contacted them many times in recent years but still feel our knowledge is limited.”

He slowly shared what information they had and exchanged news with Monk Hui Yin.

Later, Monk Hui Yin bid farewell and left.

Although shocked by the Abyssal Border matters, Monks Jianhai and Tianshu grasped the chance that the Daoist Great Vehicle cultivators had come into Ming.

Thus, the Ming White Lotus Sect immediately took action again.

However, Monk Jianhai soon encountered an old rival who had also rushed back from Kong Sang.

Guangshu, abbot of Ming Bodhi Temple.

Thus, two high monks of ninth heaven Buddhist Dharma Body perfection realm once again engaged in a world-shaking battle.

The White Lotus Sect’s resurgence immediately troubled the Ming court.

Though Abbot Guangshu brought Buddhist experts to counter them, it still consumed Ming’s resources.

Meanwhile, the Ming court’s communication with Daoist Great Vehicle cultivators was not smooth.

Yuan Qingci did not refuse Emperor Han Zhi’ning’s summons and calmly entered the capital.

During his private talk with Prime Minister Zhou Mingzhe, he openly stated the Daoist Great Vehicle cultivators’ intentions:

“The upheaval of mountains and rivers intensifies. If it continues, the people will suffer greatly. The Celestial Master is deeply worried.”

Hearing this, Zhou Mingzhe immediately felt his prior bad premonition confirmed:

They came precisely to block the birth of Immortal Realm cultivators in the Ming Empire.

He quietly gazed into Yuan Qingci’s eyes: “Master Yuan, do the other Shushan Sect Immortals share this view?”

Yuan Qingci calmly replied: “The Celestial Master’s noble life is a blessing for all living beings. We cultivators all admire him.

The Shushan Sect’s treasures are extremely precious. But Heaven favors life, so we should act in harmony with Heaven and people.

If Your Majesty grants mercy and Deputy Prime Minister shows kindness to help return our treasures to Shushan, it would be a great blessing, and I would be most grateful.”

Zhou Mingzhe slowly said: “The people matter most, and the Ming state matters too. Both are one and the same. Why must Immortals see them as enemies?

All the people under Heaven are Your Majesty’s subjects, who see you as a father, and you love them as your children.

Your Majesty’s recent diligent study is because the times change endlessly and require a sage to protect the country and the people.

In such times, we ministers should unite to share the burden, stabilize the situation, and overcome difficulties together.

Especially now, suspicion must be avoided, and beware of external rumors that divide ruler and ministers like father and son!”

Before Yuan Qingci could speak, Zhou Mingzhe interrupted: “I have often heard of Celestial Master Lei, who has compassion for life, but since he left the mortal realm, he might misunderstand our court. Perhaps some people distort his words and act accordingly.

Master Yuan is always calm and peaceful. We need your enlightened presence to mediate and bridge the gap, to resolve this catastrophe caused by misunderstanding.”

After speaking, Prime Minister Zhou stood and bowed to Yuan Qingci.

Yuan Qingci moved aside politely: “Deputy Prime Minister need not be so formal.”

Zhou Mingzhe: “I would rather die than bring shame to the ruler. I share the burden due to my duty.”

Yuan Qingci looked at him and slowly said: “The Prime Minister’s loyalty is evident, but... what you said might underestimate Celestial Master Lei?”

Zhou Mingzhe straightened: “I do not underestimate Celestial Master Lei, who has ascended to the Immortal Realm. But... does he intend to cut off all communication with Heaven and Earth after his ascension?”

Yuan Qingci: “Although I have had little contact with the Celestial Master, he is known for his tranquility and broad mind, respected by all mortal realms. I firmly do not believe he would sever all ties after ascending.

But His Majesty’s current actions are going against Heaven, a chaotic act in troubled times. The hopes for success are slim. I hope Deputy Prime Minister will advise him more.”

Zhou Mingzhe: “It seems Longhu Tianshi Mansion truly cannot tolerate a Confucian sage in our Ming.”

Yuan Qingci shook his head: “I ask Your Majesty and the Deputy Prime Minister to reconsider.”

He paused and said with some emotion: “The Celestial Master once said Deputy Prime Minister is the great Confucian scholar of this era, with talents soaring to the skies. If he cultivated other Confucian lineages, he might have already become an Earthly Saint.”

Hearing this, Zhou Mingzhe’s face darkened.

He said no more on this topic, only coldly replied:

“Longhu Tianshi Mansion might have more than one person who shut the Immortal Gate, but for Ming to bow and lose dignity, that is a dream.

I would rather die than bring shame. Our country has never lacked loyal men who die for their nation. Though I am unworthy, I will share the burden.

Master Yuan, what about you?”

The Ming Shushan Sect leader before him sighed and suddenly said: “Master Mu from Zhenwu Temple, after many years, it is rare for him to return to Ming.”

Zhou Mingzhe’s tone was cold: “He has always harbored ill intentions. Otherwise, Old Chen might not have died in Sumeru.”

Yuan Qingci continued: “After the western campaign in Sumeru, the country was unstable and rebels rose. It was the weakest time for the empire. But Master Mu did not choose to return then.

Because of internal weakness and rampant strong demons on all borders, if Master Mu had returned, it might have worsened the demon troubles and harmed the people. So he restrained himself until now before retracing his steps.”

Zhou Mingzhe did not speak but fixed his gaze on him.

Though the four-winged Celestial Serpent and other great demons were gone, numerous powerful demons still acted across Ming’s borders.

Master Mu Chunyang of Zhenwu Temple once feared that his joining caused internal chaos benefiting demons.

But now, he and other mortal Daoist experts boldly returned to the Ming mortal realm, looking like an invading army.

Does he no longer care about the demon threat?

As leader of the Chu faction, Zhou Mingzhe was the court official with the most dealings with Master Mu Chunyang in the past.

From his understanding, Mu would not betray Ming by compromising or colluding with demons.

That means, under Mu’s current judgment, the great demons across Ming are no longer a threat?

What is his reliance?

Are there more high-level cultivators from the Tang cultivation world or other mortal realms secretly entering Ming?

Do they no longer care about the former Heavenly Palace faction?

Or are Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang entering the mortal realm only to help exterminate demons?

Zhou Mingzhe was confused and suspicious for a moment.

At that time, his student Nie Song arrived, looking hesitant between Zhou Mingzhe and Yuan Qingci.

“What happened?” Zhou Mingzhe asked.

Nie Song hurriedly replied: “Urgent news from the southwest. Great demons are gathering, showing signs of rebellion.

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape from the snow plateau and the Tree Sea Golden Toad from Nanzhao seem to have left their original territories. Details are unclear!”

…………………………

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape was a notorious top demon in the Ming mortal realm, almost on par with a ninth heaven perfected human cultivator, and was always ranked alongside the Four-Winged Celestial Serpent.

Now it rarely left the snow plateau to head south, crossing the Hengduan Mountains toward Nanzhao.

Accompanying it were many snowland demons, all ferocious and formidable, and they were the greatest border threat to Ming’s southwest.

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape stopped within the Hengduan Mountains and gazed into the distance.

Its departure from its traditional activity area to Nanzhao was not to fight the local demons.

On the contrary, it was there to meet and ally with the Nanzhao demon overlord, the Tree Sea Golden Toad.

Within the Ming Empire, a new major incident had occurred recently.

Now was the perfect time for the demons to act.

To ensure success, the Snow Mountain Rage Ape did not act alone but convinced the Tree Sea Golden Toad to join.

Though the toad was not as strong as it or the Four-Winged Celestial Serpent, it was also a powerful demon commanding the Nanzhao demon horde.

The two factions merged and then avoided the troubled Bashu region, so they could further hunt within Ming’s territory.

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape looked around.

Suddenly, it noticed a streak of light flashing across the sky.

The light vanished quickly, appearing illusory.

But under daylight, it was still dazzling and bright.

Its speed was too fast and duration too short.

Lower-level demons hardly noticed it.

Only the Snow Mountain Rage Ape saw it, even doubting if it was a hallucination.

However...

That streak of light descended from the sky and slashed vertically across the horizon.

The world-renowned demon felt a sudden warning deep in its heart, a profound sense of danger.

As the thought crossed its mind, it suddenly felt the earth and mountains violently tremble from afar.

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape looked around in all directions but saw no danger.

It gazed again toward the distance and faintly sensed the dangerous presence was that streak of light that had just broken the horizon and landed.

A meteorite from beyond the heavens?

After a moment of hesitation, the Snow Mountain Rage Ape did not approach to investigate but ordered a subordinate snow ape to check.

After a while, the snow ape returned safely.

But it staggered, lost and terrified beyond measure.

Before reaching the leader, the snow ape yelled: “Dead! Dead! The Tree Sea Golden Toad is dead!!”

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape was shocked and grabbed the subordinate with its huge claw: “What happened?!”

Snow Ape: “The Tree Sea Golden Toad was just waiting over there, but... but it is dead, struck down by a sword!”

The Snow Mountain Rage Ape was even more shocked. Looking far away, it vaguely saw smoke and fire rising.

There was only a deep valley there.

Lightning and fire still raged, turning the forest trees to ashes instantly.

Many local Nanzhao demons were scattered and severely wounded. Even the survivors wailed endlessly.

At the valley center lay an enormous body like a giant rock, barely distinguishable as a toad’s limbs.

Its huge body was split in half, shattered and ruined.

No bloody flesh remained, only scorched blackness, with lightning fire still spreading and burning the remains.

Beneath the split giant demon toad’s body, in the valley center, stood a seven-foot-long great sword emitting purple light, shining brightly like a star.

A slightly short figure, dressed in a purple Daoist robe, calmly descended into the deep pit and used furry bear paws to help his master lift the slanting North Pole Sword embedded in the valley bottom.