Lei Jun exchanged a few more words with Li Xuan and Li Kong before bidding them farewell and returning to his residence.
As he entered the courtyard, his eyes fell on a small black-and-white furball sitting there, its tiny eyes darting around constantly. It was none other than the panda he had brought back to the mountain—Rolling.
When Lei Jun left for Xianliu Palace, he had chosen not to bring Rolling along. The outside world was fraught with complexity, and more importantly, Rolling’s cultivation had reached a critical phase. Now reunited, he noticed Rolling’s body had shrunk significantly, no longer the size of a small elephant. Standing upright, it barely reached one ter in height. However, its aura of intelligence had grown markedly since Lei Jun’s departure.
Especially its eyes—bright, expressive, and almost human-like, exuding wit and cunning. Spotting Lei Jun at the door, Rolling paused mid-bite on a bamboo branch, then shuffled forward energetically to greet him.
“Your cultivation has really paid off,” Lei Jun said with a smile, scooping up the much smaller panda.
Hmm... The sensation was different now. He ran his hand over Rolling’s fur, noting its newfound softness and smoothness, much like a cat’s, rather than the coarse, prickly texture of before.
Rolling didn’t resist as Lei Jun continued petting it. Instead, its face took on an exceptionally human-like expression as though it were saying, You win, I give up.
“Indeed, you’ve made remarkable progress,” Lei Jun nodded approvingly. “Keep at it; don’t slack off.”
The now-miniature panda turned its head away, as if avoiding eye contact.
“Senior Brother, it’s good to have you back. Make sure to keep this lazy creature in check,” ca a cheerful voice from outside the courtyard. It was Lei Jun’s junior brother, Chu Kun.
Chu Kun entered with a broad grin. “This little guy is a true genius, but it sure loves to loaf around.”
In Lei Jun’s arms, Rolling shifted nervously and averted its gaze.
“Speaking of geniuses, your cultivation progress is comndable, Junior Brother,” Lei Jun remarked, turning to Chu Kun. “Even though I was away from the mountain, I heard from our fellow disciples that you’ve crossed the Heavenly Chasm between the Second and Third Heavens.”
Indeed, Lei Jun had caught wind of this from fellow disciples during their travels between Mount Longhu and Xianliu Palace. His master, Yuan Mobai, had also ntioned it in their exchanges. Chu Kun had successfully surpassed the Heavenly Chasm, reaching the Third Heaven Altar Stage of the Daoist Talismanic Branch—a significant achievent.
By Lei Jun’s count, it had been six years since Chu Kun was formally initiated into the mansion and beca Yuan Mobai’s disciple. Within this ti, he had not only overco two Heavenly Chasm tribulations but also achieved the Foundation Establishnt stage and ascended to the Altar Realm. Such speed was rare, even among top-tier factions like the Tianshi Mansion and the Chu Clan.
Recent years had seen few new true disciples progress as swiftly. Only Lei Jun had advanced faster, with Chen Yi being close behind. Others lagged considerably.
Even Chen Yi had lingered at the Perfection Stage of Foundation Establishnt, preparing for the tribulation. While the resurgence of spiritual energy had accelerated cultivation, Chu Kun’s rapid progress was exceptional.
“Just luck,” Chu Kun said modestly. “I wouldn’t count on being so fortunate in the future.”
Looking at Lei Jun, Chu Kun’s expression grew earnest. “I must thank you for the Spirit Root Vine and for allowing to observe your tribulation. It was imnsely beneficial, even if the challenges we faced were different.”
“Cultivation has two old adages,” Lei Jun said as he gestured for Chu Kun to sit. “First, if you often encounter luck, it’s seldom pure coincidence. Second, even if it is coincidence, a cultivator’s blessings and opportunities are invaluable assets.”
He regarded Chu Kun thoughtfully. Given his rapid advancents, it was clear his junior brother’s innate talent was extraordinary. Perhaps he possessed the combination of a Spirit Physique and exceptional comprehension, or even a Sacred Physique and illuminated wisdom.
Of course, the abundance of spiritual energy in recent tis rendered past standards less precise, but they still offered insight.
“Has Senior Brother Wang Guiyuan left seclusion?” Lei Jun asked.
In the Tianshi Mansion, “Senior Brother” typically referred to Li Zhengxuan in recent years. However, Lei Jun and Chu Kun had begun casually addressing Wang Guiyuan this way during conversations.
Chu Kun nodded. “He ntioned joining to see you, but sothing ca up.”
Chu Kun explained, “An envoy from Prince Wu visited the mansion to et with Master and invited Senior Brother Wang to join him.”
As they spoke, Wang Guiyuan appeared at the door, wearing a troubled expression.
“What’s Prince Wu planning this ti?” Lei Jun and Chu Kun asked as they stood to greet him.
Wang Guiyuan sighed. “He wants to recruit as an advisor for his household.”
The two exchanged glances. Wang Guiyuan could easily decline, and Prince Wu’s envoy wouldn’t dare force him. However, it was likely that the envoy would publicize the offer, framing Prince Wu as a benefactor of the Tianshi Mansion.
“His situation is worsening,” Lei Jun speculated. “I get the feeling he’s preparing for sothing dramatic.”
This wasn’t the first ti Prince Wu had stirred controversy. His previous involvent in the White Lotus Sect uprising was well-known. Now, his actions hinted at desperation.
“Regardless of the outco, Senior Brother Wang, your reputation will only grow,” Chu Kun said with a hint of sympathy. “Prince Wu is giving you free publicity.”
Wang Guiyuan shook his head with a wry smile. Glancing at his younger brothers, he said, “You two prodigies aren’t making things easier either.”
Lei Jun and Chu Kun’s rising prominence within the Tianshi Mansion had inevitably drawn attention to Wang Guiyuan as well. Yuan Mobai’s rare decision to accept disciples had yielded such outstanding results that the outside world couldn’t ignore it.
Lei Jun responded modestly, “You flatter us, Senior Brother.”
Chu Kun, anwhile, feigned obliviousness, staring at the ground.
Wang Guiyuan could only shake his head at the duo’s nonchalance. After petting Rolling a few more tis, Lei Jun asked, “Is Master available?”
“Yes, he’s back at the mansion,” Wang Guiyuan replied. “You can see him directly.”
Lei Jun nodded. “Li Xuan has returned to the mountain and requested an audience.”
Wang Guiyuan sighed. “These turbulent tis... the storm is brewing.”
Bidding farewell, Lei Jun made his way to Yuan Mobai.
The conversation with Yuan Mobai and the subsequent insights into the shifting dynamics of the Tianshi Mansion, the lingering conflicts with the Li Clan, and the undercurrents of rival factions like the Yellow Heaven Sect illustrate the mounting tensions. Despite these challenges, Lei Jun’s focus remained sharp as he prepared for another journey into the Shangqing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven.
Within this sacred domain, the hints of celestial fortune awaited. The unfolding narrative promised tribulations, alliances, and personal growth intertwined with the fate of the Daoist sect.
Lei Jun greeted his master, Yuan Mobai, with a bow and explained Li Xuan’s request for an audience. Yuan Mobai replied calmly, “It’s rare for Senior Nephew Chongxuan to return. I’ll see him tomorrow morning at the High Priests’ Hall.”
“Yes, Master,” Lei Jun acknowledged.
Yuan Mobai shifted topics. “As for Senior Nephew Xiaotang, I’ve made arrangents. Her safety is no longer a concern, but whether she can overco the Heavenly Chasm tribulation will depend on her own efforts.”
He stood and walked to the window, gazing at the frost-covered branches of a tree in the cold winter air, saying nothing further for a long mont. Lei Jun stood respectfully behind him, not interrupting.
Finally, Yuan Mobai broke the silence. “Third Martial Uncle and Third Senior Brother... they’ve crossed the line at last.”
He turned to face Lei Jun, his expression calm but his words weighty. “The inevitable has co.”
Lei Jun nodded silently. He understood the implications. The recent maneuverings of the Li Clan were no longer subtle. Their plans to target Tang Xiaotang during her seclusion had failed disastrously. Not only did they fail to locate her, but they suffered losses, with Li Song and Li Ziyang retreating wounded. Yet, the line had been crossed. Their actions would not be forgotten, and retaliation seed unavoidable.
The precarious peace that had endured for over a century after two civil wars in the Tianshi Mansion was crumbling. Conflicts that had simred beneath the surface were boiling over, just as they had within the Shushan Sect not long ago.
Should Tang Xiaotang successfully return after reaching the Eighth Heaven, she wouldn’t keep silent about the Li Clan’s attempt on her life. Her fiery disposition wouldn’t allow her to tolerate such offenses without reprisal. Yuan Mobai, though reluctant to see internal strife reignite, wouldn’t shield the Li Clan either. The storm was brewing.
“Master…” Lei Jun began hesitantly, but Yuan Mobai turned back to him with a faint smile, his usual composure restored. “It’s not entirely unexpected,” he said lightly.
Sensing the shift in tone, Lei Jun changed the subject. “I wonder who will act first—Senior Sister Xiaotang or Second Martial Uncle.”
Yuan Mobai nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed.”
He took a seat, his tone asured as he continued, “Since this reckoning is unavoidable, we must face it calmly. As internal conflicts erge, we must remain vigilant against external threats to avoid being caught unprepared.”
Lei Jun furrowed his brow. “The Blood River Sect has grown increasingly active.”
“Indeed,” Yuan Mobai confird. “Their presence in Bashu and Huai Mountain has resurfaced, with signs of their lineage reappearing.”
“And the Yellow Heaven Sect?” Lei Jun inquired.
“Little has been heard of them in recent years,” Yuan Mobai replied. After their catastrophic defeat six years ago, which saw the death of their Supre Elder and the crippling of their sect leader, the Yellow Heaven Sect had retreated into obscurity, licking its wounds. Their silence was a concern.
“Master Yuan’s disappearance, followed by the news of Senior Nephew Xiaotang’s seclusion, has stirred them to action,” Yuan Mobai said. “They may see an opportunity to exploit our internal strife.”
He paused, his expression contemplative. “The Yellow Heaven Sect’s recovery may not be complete, but their unusual behavior is troubling. Be cautious.”
Lei Jun nodded solemnly. “I understand, Master.”
After discussing his potential return to the Shangqing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven, Lei Jun made his preparations. His contributions during recent battles had earned him enough rit to revisit this sacred space. Lei Jun had previously entered the grotto-heaven only once, shortly after being initiated as a talismanic disciple. Now, the prospect of returning held new promise.
On the appointed day, Lei Jun ascended to the summit of Mount Longhu, where Elder Yao Yuan, a high priest, awaited with several disciples.
The portal to the grotto-heaven opened amidst crackling purple lightning, with imnse talismanic arrays illuminating the mountainside. Elder Yao issued a reminder, “Within the grotto-heaven, avoid straying near the Biyou Immortal Mountain. Proceed carefully.”
Among those entering were Zhang Jingzhen, who had accompanied Lei Jun on his first visit, and Luo Haoran, using his initial opportunity as a talismanic disciple after years of delay.
Inside the Shangqing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heaven, the world glowed with a pervasive purple hue, and spiritual energy perated the air. Each disciple set off in different directions, pursuing their own goals. Lei Jun aid to explore the Immortal Bamboo Grove, but as he stepped forward, the orb in his mind flickered to life, displaying a cryptic ssage:
“Disaster lies in the individual; fortune lies in the grotto-heaven. Thunder stirs the nine skies; seize the auspicious hour.”
Three fortune signs followed:
Upper-Moderate On: At midnight, head to the Lone Crane Peak for a Fourth-Grade Opportunity, no risk or consequences.Upper-Moderate On: At midnight, head to the Sacred Wave Pool for a Fifth-Grade Opportunity, no risk or consequences.Moderate-Moderate On: Wander the grotto-heaven or miss the midnight destinations, yielding no additional gains or risks.
Lei Jun raised a brow, amused. Two auspicious signs with no ominous ones? A marked improvent compared to his last visit, which had been fraught with peril.
Still, the cryptic phrase lingered in his mind. Could it an that Elder Li Song’s misfortune during his recovery had inadvertently altered the grotto-heaven, creating these fortuitous opportunities?
Shaking his head, Lei Jun focused on the path ahead, his curiosity piqued by the possibilities the night might bring.
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