The so-called hidden troubles may not manifest imdiately.
As cultivation progresses and circumstances change, there might be opportunities to resolve them. However, for Lei Jun, avoiding such troubles altogether is preferable.
For instance, during his initiation into the sect, those who chose to beco direct disciples of the forr Tianshi, Li Qingfeng, inevitably faced future challenges to varying degrees.
Senior Brother Wang Guiyuan had been targeted by Prince Wu, which caused no small amount of headaches. Though Prince Wu is now deceased, Wang Daozhang’s reputation, spread via Prince Wu’s court, made it difficult for him to maintain a low profile.
Even when Xiao Xueting visited to prepare for the Empress’s arrival, she specifically inquired about Wang Guiyuan.
Fortunately, Yuan Mobai understood his disciple’s preference for discretion and managed the situation accordingly. Otherwise, Wang Guiyuan’s troubles would have been even worse.
For now, Lei Jun could only wish Lin Shan well.
Lei Jun had exchanged the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree for Zhang Jingzhen’s Blood-Vitality Elixir.
The elixir, a type of aged spiritual wine, was not a Daoist Talismanic Branch creation but a product of martial physicians. Its primary function, as the na implies, was to invigorate the body’s vitality and further strengthen physical resilience.
Not limited to martial artists, it was beneficial for any cultivator focusing on physical refinent.
The Daoist Talismanic Branch emphasizes dual cultivation of life and essence, making body refinent a core practice. Even Zhang Jingzhen, who appeared slender and graceful, had a robust foundation in physical vitality as a Sixth-Heaven Talismanic cultivator. She regularly practiced Daoist fist and sword techniques and could engage in close combat with talismans like the Spirit Strike Talisman and the Mountain-Cleaving Talisman.
However, like Lei Jun, she did not cultivate these talismans as life-bound spells.
Her perspective on the Blood-Vitality Elixir mirrored Lei Jun’s view of the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree:
“Good to have, but not essential.”
Talismanic cultivators are inherently versatile due to their access to diverse talismans, with few weaknesses. This allows them to focus on enhancing their strengths rather than patching vulnerabilities.
The trade between Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen optimized their resources.
If I had the Essence-Gathering Ice Soul instead of the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree, would Senior Sister Zhang have co to trade at all? Lei Jun mused.
To Zhang Jingzhen, the Twin Spirit Treasure Tree appeared superior not only to the Blood-Vitality Elixir but also to the Essence-Gathering Ice Soul.
Perhaps the tree isn’t just for cultivating the Dragon-Tiger Twin Spirit Technique. There might be deeper reasons for her interest, Lei Jun thought, deciding not to pry into her secrets.
Lei Jun began integrating the Blood-Vitality Elixir into his practice.
Having previously refined the Black Bear King’s Gallbladder, Lei Jun already possessed a stronger physique than most in the Daoist Talismanic Branch. His cultivation at the Primal Talisman and Dao Palace stages had further enhanced his mana and simultaneously fortified his body.
With the elixir, his foundation deepened further, showing signs of a qualitative transformation.
In his small courtyard, Lei Jun didn’t ditate in the lotus position but instead practiced slow, deliberate punches.
Each movent seed unhurried, yet an imnse power was contained within, restrained but palpable.
The surrounding air appeared faintly distorted from the energy radiating off him.
Nearby, the panda, Gungun, observed with curiosity. It slowly shuffled closer but stopped abruptly as a wave of heat washed over it, as though approaching a blazing furnace.
Startled, the little creature transford into its massive form, growing even larger than it had been in Bashu.
Lei Jun chuckled at the sight, stopped his practice, and centered his energy.
The heat subsided, and Gungun, blinking in confusion, shrank back to its smaller size.
Lei Jun laughed and rubbed its head.
Soft, great texture.
Gungun tilted its head, its small eyes turning as if puzzled by Lei Jun’s behavior.
“You’re making good progress in your body cultivation,” Tang Xiaotang’s voice ca from outside the courtyard.
Lei Jun smiled and opened the door, bowing slightly. “Lei Jun greets the Tianshi.”
Tang Xiaotang strolled in with a grin. “No need for formalities!”
Having completed the ancestral rites in the forbidden grounds of the ancestral tomb after the New Year, Tang Xiaotang was officially recognized as the new Tianshi.
Carrying the Tianshi Sword, she had also been entrusted with the Ten Thousand thods Sect Altar by Yuan Mobai.
Preparations were underway for her formal inauguration ceremony, scheduled for the 15th of July.
Regardless of her tenure, Tang Xiaotang was destined to leave a significant mark in history as the first Talismanic cultivator to rise from apprentice to Tianshi.
Her insistence on skipping the formal Initiation and Talisman Conferral Ceremonies added to her legendary status.
“She wants to title her moirs From Apprentice to Tianshi,” Lei Jun joked inwardly, bowing lightly toward the direction of the ancestral tomb.
Tang Xiaotang, watching him, raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”
“Paying respect to the ancestors, hoping the Tianshi Robe returns to Mount Longhu soon,” Lei Jun replied smoothly.
Tang Xiaotang puffed her cheeks. “They’ve made a replica of the Nine-Colored Robe, but it’s just not the sa as the real one! Hmph, once things settle down, I’m definitely going to—”
She suddenly paused mid-sentence.
Lei Jun remained silent, observing her quietly.
“Who says the Tianshi can’t leave the mountain to travel?” she muttered, though her voice grew faint, her determination clearly faltering.
Of course, a Tianshi could leave the mountain. Nearly every Tianshi had done so.
But with the Tianshi Mansion in a fragile state, Tang Xiaotang couldn’t afford to take risks.
For now, she would remain on the mountain, sword in hand, to stabilize the sect.
“The Tianshi Robe must be recovered,” she declared.
Lei Jun nodded. “That’s true.”
Tang Xiaotang quickly changed the subject. “Do you think Senior Sister Xu will return in ti for the ceremony in July?”
Lei Jun sighed. “No news yet.”
“Fine. I’m going to ditate for a while.”
Tang Xiaotang clenched her fists, her eyes gleaming. “When Senior Sister cos back, I’ll give her a big surprise!”
Lei Jun watched her leave with a smile.
Tang Xiaotang showed little interest in daily sect affairs, leaving most responsibilities to the High Priests Yuan Mobai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning.
This arrangent mirrored the era of the previous Tianshi, Li Qingfeng, who spent long periods in seclusion.
The disciples of Mount Longhu were long accustod to their Tianshi's lack of involvent in daily affairs.
For over two decades, the Tianshi’s presence in routine matters had been minimal.
Tang Xiaotang’s daily life could be sumd up in three words: cultivation, showing off, and play.
Thankfully, she placed cultivation first, embodying her personal philosophy:
If I am the strongest in Mount Longhu, I should be the Tianshi.Since I am the Tianshi, I must ensure I remain the strongest.
As for the “surprise” she intended to give Xu Yuanzhen, it was, of course, not her ascension to the Tianshi position.
Back in her days as the domineering “Little Tang” of the apprentices, Tang Xiaotang had three life goals:
Beco the Tianshi.Beco the Tianshi Mansion’s most outstanding successor.Beco the Tianshi’s direct disciple.
The second goal clearly targeted Xu Yuanzhen.
While Tang Xiaotang and Xu Yuanzhen shared a close bond, that did not conflict with her ambition to surpass her senior sister.
Her third goal—to beco a direct disciple—was abandoned after the fall of the previous Tianshi, Li Qingfeng.
Now, as the incoming Tianshi, her refusal to undergo the formal Initiation and Talisman Conferral Ceremonies left an ambiguous legacy.
Since her formal lineage was unclear, it was decided to record her under the late Elder’s na as a compromise. This avoided disputes over whether she should inherit Li Qingfeng’s mantle, especially during the ongoing internal housecleaning.
Tang Xiaotang herself was unbothered by such formalities. For her, the living people mattered more than the deceased.
After sending Tang Xiaotang off, Lei Jun closed the courtyard door and pondered.
“That Mars Luminary still hasn’t reappeared,” he murmured.
After the appearance of three new luminaries in the Book of Stars, Lei Jun had privately sought confirmation from those in the know.
Tang Xiaotang, intrigued but uninford, expressed curiosity upon hearing that all seven luminaries were now occupied.
Subsequent gatherings in the book’s starry void saw no sign of Mars Luminary, even though its light remained dimly shrouded, indicating that Heavenly Book No. 6 still had an owner.
The group speculated that the owner might be busy, possibly imrsed in prolonged seclusion or ditative practice—a common occurrence among cultivators.
As winter gave way to spring, the Great Tang Empire began to stabilize after recent upheavals.
Lei Jun’s days followed a steady routine: assisting Yuan Mobai with sect affairs at the High Priests’ Hall, cultivating, and refining the Great Five-Elent Creation Qi.
The refinent process enriched his internal harmony of the five elents, organs, and qi, setting the stage for significant breakthroughs.
At the Fifth Heaven Dao Palace Realm, Talismanic cultivators emphasize physical refinent alongside other advancents. Lei Jun, fortified by the Blood-Vitality Elixir, enhanced his vitality and reinforced his internal harmony.
Eventually, Lei Jun completed his Fourth Dao Palace, the Western Spirit Guardian Palace, specializing in repelling external evils and enhancing spell power.
“Only the Eastern Profound Altar Palace remains,” Lei Jun mused after stabilizing his foundation.
The Eastern Profound Altar Palace symbolizes wealth and accumulation, constructed from liver wood qi balanced by yin and yang. When complete, it significantly amplifies a cultivator’s mana reserves.
For Lei Jun, the synergy between this palace and the Northern Mystic Abyss Palace would allow greater spellcasting efficiency. He estimated that once all five Dao Palaces were complete, he could unleash multiple Magnetic Sword Pellets in quick succession without external aid, greatly enhancing his combat potential.
Ti flew, and sumr arrived.
Preparations for the July 15th Tianshi Inauguration Ceremony were nearly complete. After six or seven years without a Tianshi, Mount Longhu would finally witness the formal succession.
Lei Jun, like others, shifted his focus to assisting with the upcoming grand event.
On one such day, a Daoist clad in a dark red robe approached Lei Jun. Despite his youthful appearance, his deanor was courteous.
“Junior Brother Lei, I’ve recently recovered from an injury and my preparations have been hasty. For the ceremony, I’ll have to rely on your and Senior Brother Lin’s guidance,” the Daoist said politely.
“Senior Brother Ke is too modest,” Lei Jun replied with a smile. “We’ll support one another.”
The man was Ke Sicheng, the prized disciple of Elder Yao Yuan, and a peer to figures like Li Zhusheng and Chen Yi.
With Chen Yi’s betrayal and Li Zhusheng’s death, Yao Yuan’s lineage had lost so prestige, but Ke Sicheng managed to uphold its reputation.
However, Ke Sicheng was known for his streak of bad luck.
In his early years, Ke Sicheng was regarded as one of the first-tier prodigies of the Tianshi Mansion, alongside Zhang Jingzhen, Li Xuan, Lin Shan, Li Kong, and Xia Xiushan.
However, his path was marred by misfortune.
During a journey years ago, he suffered a severe injury, which slowed his progress. Later, during the great battle against the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, the Yellow Heaven Sect, and the Blood River Sect six or seven years ago, Ke Sicheng was injured again.
After spending years recovering, he returned to action, only to be wounded a third ti in the confrontation at Poyang Great Marsh between the Tianshi Mansion and the Jiangzhou Lin Clan.
Ke Sicheng spent the subsequent years recuperating and only began to recover fully this past sumr.
During the internal strife last winter, Ke Sicheng was still bedridden. Worse, his association with Elder Yao Yuan’s faction almost led to his assassination by vengeful mbers of the Li family amidst the chaos.
On the flip side, he had repeatedly risked his life for the Tianshi Mansion.
Despite his setbacks, Ke Sicheng’s perseverance earned him recognition as a key figure among the young generation, alongside Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, and Lin Shan. Though others like Fang Jian were also promising, their cultivation levels were currently insufficient.
With this year’s Tianshi Inauguration Ceremony, Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, Lin Shan, and Ke Sicheng were formally inducted as elders of the Tianshi Mansion.
Over the past half-year, Lei Jun frequently visited the High Priests’ Hall to learn from his master, Yuan Mobai, and familiarize himself with sect affairs.
Following the ceremony, he would officially assu his duties as an elder.
Compared to the initiation and talisman conferral ceremonies, the Tianshi Inauguration Ceremony was far grander and more elaborate.
Though the formal date was set for July 15th, preliminary rituals began nine days earlier.
The procession was led by the three High Priests—Yuan Mobai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning—each bearing a scripture scroll, a hand warr, and a ritual lantern.
Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, Lin Shan, and Ke Sicheng followed closely behind as talismanic disciples. Behind them were disciples of the Initiation Hall, including Wang Guiyuan and Chu Kun.
The first stop was the Jade Emperor Hall, where the procession offered prayers and burned incense while reciting chants for an entire day.
On the second day, the group proceeded to the Ten Thousand thods Sect Altar, led again by the three High Priests.
When the altar activated, its interwoven Daoist patterns and profound anings produced a towering spiritual light that reached the heavens.
Traditionally, the incumbent Tianshi would lead the new Tianshi into the altar. In the absence of an incumbent, the High Priests carried the Tianshi Sword inside, with Tang Xiaotang following.
Lei Jun and the other disciples remained outside the altar, where they raised nine Daoist banners to flutter in the wind and lit thirty-six lamps, forming the auspicious number of four nines.
For the next seven days, they chanted Daoist scriptures and ensured the perpetual burning of incense and lamps.
On the seventh day, the spiritual light of the Ten Thousand thods Sect Altar receded, leaving everyone in a state of heightened clarity and harmony.
When Tang Xiaotang erged from the altar, followed by the three High Priests, all disciples outside bowed and greeted her:
“Disciples pay respects to the Tianshi. Boundless blessings and longevity.”
Tang Xiaotang led the procession to the ancestral tomb in the back mountains, where she entered alone to pay her respects to the past Tianshi.
On July 15th, Tang Xiaotang erged from the ancestral tomb and led the procession to the Tianshi Hall, where the formal inauguration ceremony began.
After presenting her offerings and informing the heavens, Tang Xiaotang concluded the ceremony.
By this point, Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, Lin Shan, and Ke Sicheng stood behind her, reciting edicts and ritual texts.
With Tang Xiaotang’s ascension to the Tianshi position, the four were officially appointed as elders of the Tianshi Mansion.
Unlike honorary titles or polite addresses, their positions as Daoist elders carried official responsibilities and were publicly recognized across the Daoist community.
At just under 33 years of age, Lei Jun beca the youngest elder in the history of the Tianshi Mansion.
Thus, the title Elder Lei was formally established.
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