Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 95: The Position of Heavenly Master Belongs

For Lei Jun, the return of Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen to the mountain was good news.

But for some others, upon hearing this news, their feelings were more complex.

Winter had arrived.

In the courtyard of a large house in the mansion, the cold wind blew sharply.

In the center of the yard stood a square stone table, surrounded by four people—three sitting and one standing. Apart from them, there was no one else.

"Third Uncle, Second Sister, the current plan is that we need to come up with a strategy together," said Li Ziyang, who had invited the other three here.

Today was a family gathering that had turned into a non-banquet.

His identity was not as a high-ranking elder of the Tianshi Mansion, but as a clan elder of the Li family from Mount Longhu in Xinzhu.

"Unless we can immediately retrieve the Tianshi Sword, saying anything more is useless," said Li Hongyu, her face cold.

The only person not seated, Li Zhengxuan, lowered his head. "This matter is entirely my fault. I am sorry to the ancestors of the sect, and the ancestors of the Li family."

Li Song, who appeared old and frail, sighed. "It is not just Zhengxuan's fault. I also underestimated Yu Qingling."

Li Ziyang gently shook his head. "Third Uncle, as for the Tianshi Sword, we must ask Zhengxuan to take full responsibility. Otherwise, even the Tianshi robe will be lost to us."

Li Song fell silent.

Li Zhengxuan took a step back and silently bowed to the three elders in front of him.

"Let it go. If I couldn’t protect it, who can I blame?" Li Hongyu snorted.

"The position of Tianshi belongs to the capable. In the past, Grandfather, Uncle, and Father—along with Li Cangting—were all among the best of their generation. No outsider could defeat them without siege tactics.

Now, we’re the ones who are outmatched. Holding the Tianshi robe, I am not afraid of Xu Yuanzhen, but what of that? Relying on the Tianshi robe, I have already lost."

Li Ziyang sighed lightly. "Second Sister, your words are true, but the Li family cannot afford to lose."

Li Hongyu closed her eyes and took a deep breath, but didn’t argue.

Leaving aside what was happening on the Huangtian Dao side, the current situation in the Tianshi Mansion was delicate.

The Li family still had four high-ranking elders.

Even if the position of Tianshi were to be relinquished, as long as they remained united, the Li family would still be the most powerful faction in the Tianshi Mansion, not fearing any revenge from outsiders.

But the key was human hearts.

Did the Li family plan to lay low and eventually strike back?

Would outsiders guard against a Li family counterattack and make the first move?

Should the Li family be wary that outsiders might split and purge the Li family in the future?

Once such suspicions formed, even if they didn’t amount to anything immediately, they would leave people uneasy.

Could there be no consequences for starting such a thing?

Some matters cannot even be thought of from the start.

Once the thought arises, it might become reality.

Especially now, among the younger generation of the Tianshi Mansion, the Li family seemed to be running out of successors.

Among the disciples of the Middle Three Heavens, there were still core figures like Li Xuan and Li Kong.

But among the Lower Three Heavens, their momentum had already begun to weaken.

Li Ming, Li Ying, and Li Zhenchang, along with those related by marriage to the Li family, like Xia Qing, were all outstanding, but when facing outsiders, they could not dominate.

Of the four high-ranking elders, Li Song was getting old, while Li Hongyu and Li Ziyang were older than Yao Yuan, Shangguan Ning, and Yuan Mobai.

Not to mention compared to Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang, who had more vitality…

Li Hongyu admitted that she was inferior to Xu Yuanzhen in skill.

It wasn’t hard for her to withdraw from the competition.

But she couldn’t guarantee that if the Li family retreated, it wouldn’t lead to an abyss.

"The situation hasn’t reached its worst yet," Li Hongyu slowly said. "It’s difficult to predict Shangguan Shimei, but Yuan Shidi can still be worked on."

She didn’t mention Yao Yuan, who had always supported her.

It wasn’t because she worried Yao Yuan would turn against the Li family.

But because Yao Yuan’s current position was also quite awkward.

Chen Yi’s defection, especially with the label of a Blood River Sect spy, had implicated his master, Yao Yuan.

As a high-ranking elder, Yao Yuan wouldn’t necessarily suffer greatly, and no one would suspect him of being a spy of the Blood River Sect.

But the fact that he was unaware of certain matters was inescapable.

At present, Elder Yao hadn’t been punished or confined to think, but his authority had undoubtedly dropped to its lowest point. He was actively avoiding suspicion and refraining from speaking out.

Unless the Tianshi Mansion experienced another internal battle, Yao Yuan would not easily take a stand.

Otherwise, before that, he wouldn’t express any opinion.

If things escalated into an all-out internal battle, where Yao Yuan stood would be very difficult for the Li family to handle…

"Let’s prepare more plans," Li Ziyang said softly. "The most important thing now is that we must stay united."

Li Song said, "Zhengxuan, go to the back mountain to guard the tomb and reflect. Apart from Yuan Shidi, Ziyang, you and Fang Jian should talk, and Hongyu, please meet with Shangguan Shidi. I’ll write a letter and send it to the Suzhou Chu family."

Li Ziyang nodded, feeling a bit heavy-hearted.

At this moment, support from the Tang Empire and the Fang and Chu families was extremely important.

Li Song scanned the other three and fell silent for a moment.

This high-ranking elder of the Tianshi Mansion, rarely uncertain, hesitated.

After a long silence, he finally spoke again, "If things come to the worst…"

Inside Mount Longhu, the atmosphere was tense, like a tightly wound spring, with a storm brewing in the background.

Outside the mountain, however, there were signs of things settling down.

The Huangtian Sect, the Blood River Sect, and the Yin Mountain Sect had all suffered defeat and retreated.

The disciples of the Tianshi Mansion, under the guidance of their elders, began to clean up the aftermath of the battle.

Through the green mountains, a few Tianshi Mansion disciples hurriedly passed by.

Soon, another person appeared in the forest.

A young man with delicate features, dressed simply, yet with a gaze that was piercing and commanding.

It was none other than Chen Yi, the one who had defected from the Tianshi Mansion and was now fleeing.

He had undone his Daoist bun, removed his robe, and disguised himself, traveling by day and hiding by night. He was leaving Mount Longhu behind and heading far away.

To avoid detection, he avoided Tianshi Mansion disciples whenever possible.

But deep in his heart, a sense of indignation continued to grow.

"The Upper Qing Thunder Altar, in the end, I never got in..."

Chen Yi turned and looked back toward Mount Longhu, but the thunderclouds and celestial realm atop the mountain were no longer visible.

"If I had known this would happen, I should’ve taken the risk and tried to force my way in."

Back then, he had believed that as long as he could successfully be initiated, he would have a legitimate opportunity to enter the Upper Qing Thunder Altar. Although he was eager, he had still managed to hold back.

Now, that opportunity seemed to be gone for good.

But…

"One day, I will return!" Chen Yi ground out each word through clenched teeth.

After one last glance at Mount Longhu, he resolutely turned and left.

…

The world is vast, not just the rivers and mountains of the Tang Empire.

Heading north, the season had turned to one of snow and cold winds.

Jinzhou, in the northernmost part of the Tang Empire,

is well known for its unique status.

Here, the most effective command is not the emperor’s decree.

The most powerful voice is not from the imperial family of the Tang Dynasty.

This place feels like a country within a country.

It belongs to the Ye family.

One of the five prominent families of the Tang Dynasty, the Ye family of Jinzhou, also known as the Jinzhou Ye Clan.

In the snowstorm, the Ye family ancestral land was warm, like spring, and always green.

Inside the main residence, an elderly man silently read a letter.

In front of him, a few people stood quietly, awaiting orders.

The elderly man read slowly, and after a long while, he spoke: "The Tianshi Sword has been lost."

Among the group standing, the man at the head was a middle-aged figure, scholarly in appearance, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. He respectfully answered, "Yes, Father."

The elderly man put down the letter and sighed. "Li Qingfeng is dead, the Tianshi Seal is not returned, and the Tianshi Sword is also lost. The Li family has reached a critical moment."

He looked at the others. "What do you think?"

Though the family had strict rules, since the old man had asked, the middle-aged man immediately spoke:

"Most of the Li family will not retreat. Some are unwilling, others are afraid.

If the Li family does not retreat, there is a possibility of another internal conflict or even a complete split in the Tianshi Mansion.

As for the final outcome... I still support the Li family. Xu Yuanzhen, though strong, cannot stand alone.

Yuan Mobai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning are more likely to remain neutral. Shangguan Ning, under the command of the Tang court, is more likely to assist the Li family.

No matter how the Li family develops within the Tianshi Mansion, they still remain loyal to the Tang Empire.

Thus, if Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang face off against them, it’s a two-against-five situation.

However, if a real battle breaks out, the Tianshi Mansion will be much weaker, and soon, more snowstorms will blow their way."

The elderly man did not immediately respond, his gaze sweeping over the others.

In fact, most members of the Ye family did not find this outcome unpleasant.

Strictly speaking, while they were far removed from the Li family, the Ye family of Jinzhou was also one of the five prominent families with a relatively good relationship with the Tianshi Mansion.

The elderly man, the current head of the Ye family, had been on friendly terms with the second and third Tianshi brothers, including the Li family, in the past.

It was with his assistance that the Li family had risen so quickly.

The Tang Dynasty supported major sects and holy lands to counter the Confucian families.

The prominent families had stood for years, and of course, they had methods of counteraction.

Some people chose more aggressive methods, while others took a gentler approach.

For the elderly man, if he had to choose between a similar family and another major sect, he would choose the former.

The Li family of Xinzhu was superior to the Daoist holy land of Mount Longhu, because the former could continuously produce more members of the Li family...

At this critical juncture for the Li family, the Tianshi Mansion also faced a critical moment.

"From today on, the news from Mount Longhu should come more frequently," the elderly man said finally, without saying much more.

The people in front of him quickly nodded.

The elderly man placed the letter in the candlelight and let it burn, changing the subject. "What other news do we have?"

…

Lei Jun waited at Yuan Mobai's residence, with Wang Guiyuan accompanying him.

Before long, Tang Xiaotang arrived.

"Where's Senior Sister? Didn't she come to visit Junior Uncle?" Tang Xiaotang asked curiously.

Both Lei Jun and his senior brother shook their heads.

Tang Xiaotang sat down and gave Lei Jun a glance from head to toe, smiling. "Not bad, not bad, the Third Heaven Altar is completed?"

Lei Jun: "Yes, just the past few days."

Tang Xiaotang: "Then you’d better prepare for the Third Heaven to Fourth Heaven tribulations. The Yuan Heart Tranquil Jade I gave you will help, but it’s not a guaranteed success. It can only assist you; it’s up to you in the end."

Wang Guiyuan sighed: "Junior Brother Lei, your progress is astonishing. It's truly impressive."

Not long ago, he had heard about the Tianshi Seal incident from Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai, and even he couldn’t stay calm.

However, when he recovered his senses, his first words were: "Junior Brother, you mustn’t take this lightly. This item is a treasure, but it could also be a great trouble!"

Lei Jun patted his shoulder. "Now, Senior Brother, you’re also in the know. We’ll face this trouble together."

Wang Guiyuan: "What did you just say? I’ve forgotten! I’m getting old, my memory is really bad... No, wait, it’s my ears that don’t work, I didn’t hear you clearly!"

Lei Jun ignored him and shifted his focus to Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen’s return to the mountain, wondering what would happen next.

Tang Xiaotang clearly shared his interest.

After a moment, two figures entered the room.

It was Xu Yuanzhen and Yuan Mobai.

Xu Yuanzhen was dressed in a black cloak that tightly wrapped around her slender body, revealing only a pale face, her expression as usual, indifferent to the point of coldness.

Yuan Mobai, as usual, wore a gentle smile that made people feel like they were in a spring breeze.

Two people, two seasons, entered the hall together.

"Senior Sister, just returned? Where did you go?" Tang Xiaotang asked with a smile.

Xu Yuanzhen: "I spoke with Uncle Song and a few others about who the new Tianshi should be."

Tang Xiaotang's eyes widened. "Who?!"

Xu Yuanzhen: "Guess."

Yuan Mobai, seeing Tang Xiaotang's confusion, directly gave the answer:

"The position of Tianshi is still vacant. It was decided that, for now, the old practice from when Master closed the sect before, with a council of high-ranking elders, will be followed. Major decisions will be made by voting."

Tang Xiaotang stared blankly: "The position of Tianshi will remain vacant?"

Yuan Mobai smiled bitterly and glanced at Xu Yuanzhen: "If the Li family produces another Tianshi, there might be internal conflict again. Our sect cannot afford another blow to its vitality."

"Junior Uncle, if you’re happy to mediate, why not take the position?" Xu Yuanzhen said. "I don’t mind."

Yuan Mobai: "Junior Sister, you’re joking. Among all the disciples of the top three heavens, I should be at the very bottom, and Xiaotang should be ahead of me."

Lei Jun was surprised to hear this.

From Yuan Mobai’s tone, it didn’t sound like modesty, but rather a statement of fact.

By age, he was certainly younger than Li Song, Li Hongyu, and others, but his rank still held.

In terms of cultivation, Lei Jun had never seen his master go all out, but his intuition told him Yuan Mobai wasn’t at the bottom of the high-ranking elders.

By temperament and ability, even among the Li family members, Lei Jun at least believed that under Yuan Mobai’s leadership, the Li family would not be purged.

Between Tang Xiaotang and him, they didn’t know who had stronger cultivation.

But if one of these two were chosen to become the Tianshi, the entire sect would vote for Yuan Mobai to be the next one.

It wasn’t modesty; Lei Jun could only guess that his master had some untold secret.

"I don’t think so." Xu Yuanzhen replied nonchalantly. "I think Junior Uncle, you’re quite suitable."

Yuan Mobai shook his head and didn’t continue this topic. He then turned to Tang Xiaotang, who seemed about to speak:

"Xiaotang, you’re not suitable for now, at least not temporarily."

Xu Yuanzhen remained calm: "As long as it's not a Li family member, anyone else will do."

"Senior Sister…"

At this point, Lei Jun raised his hand to signal. "I have a question."

Xu Yuanzhen looked over.

Lei Jun: "What if there’s a Li family disciple who is exceptionally talented, even surpassing you, and capable of leading the Tianshi Mansion to further greatness? Would you support him to become the new Tianshi?"

"I wouldn’t support him."

Xu Yuanzhen: "Choosing the worthy is good, but the Li family of Xinzhu has a past, so they should pay their debts next."

As for the hypothetical scenario of her being inferior to such a person, Xu Yuanzhen didn’t bother to answer.

Wang Guiyuan, curious, asked: "Senior Sister, many people think you have an interest in the Tianshi position."

"I enjoy taking other people's things."

Xu Yuanzhen: "The point is to take from others, not the things themselves."

In this context, it was obvious who "others" referred to.

Lei Jun asked an important question: "What about the Tianshi robe and the Ten Thousand Methods Sect altar?"

Yuan Mobai: "The Li family will manage each for now, and after a while, they’ll swap."

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow: "Then what about the Thunder Law Talisman?"

Yuan Mobai: "The Tianshi robe will remain with Second Sister for now, and the exchange will happen when the time comes."

Lei Jun directly commented: "A temporary measure."

Yuan Mobai smiled slightly: "Gradually."

Wang Guiyuan quietly asked: "Master, what do you think?"

"As long as Xu Yuanzhen respects Qingfeng, I only need to report to your ancestor. He has long passed away. What I care about is the Daoist tradition of Tianshi Mansion."

Yuan Mobai's tone remained gentle: "What matters most is the survival of Tianshi Mansion. If we split, we’ll grow weaker, and internal strife will hasten our downfall, making us vulnerable to outside enemies. Whatever plan it is, as long as it avoids another internal battle, I’ll support it."

Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks: "I won’t talk to you anymore, I’m going to find the Tianshi Sword!"

Wang Guiyuan called after her: "Tang Sister, things aren’t settled yet, but no matter the outcome, you can formally be initiated and take the vows!"

Tang Xiaotang didn’t look back: "No need, I’ve decided. I will become the Tianshi, and I’ll be the first one to ascend directly from Daoist child to Tianshi!

Now my cultivation isn’t strong enough to dominate the entire mansion, but soon, I’ll be able to do so!"

With that, she strode out of the room.

Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan exchanged glances.

Xu Yuanzhen paid no attention.

Lei Jun turned to her: "Senior Sister, about the Thunder Law Talisman…"

Xu Yuanzhen smiled. "It’s just like the Tianshi position. They keep suppressing the Thunder Law from me and refuse to make me the next Tianshi. It’s rather amusing to watch."

Lei Jun watched her smile, and couldn’t help but feel there was a malicious intent behind it.

Xu Yuanzhen smiled brightly: "I’ve always casually taken the Tianshi Seal, not because I want the seal itself, or the Thunder Law Talisman.

I have no interest in learning it in secret. If I want to learn it, I want them to give it to me openly."

To be honest, I’m not particularly interested in the Thunder Law Talisman itself, but I do enjoy breaking their traditions and insistences."

Lei Jun nodded.

He wasn’t surprised to hear that; it only confirmed his suspicion.

"By the way, Senior Sister," Lei Jun said softly, "the Tianshi Seal is currently with me."

Xu Yuanzhen paused for a moment, sizing him up for a long while.

Finally, the first words that came out of her mouth were: "When I first met you, the Tianshi Seal was indeed there? Was that why I thought you looked familiar? Tsk, this is quite embarrassing."