Cultivation: Fortune by Lots

Ji Chuan: "In that case, I'll thank you first."

In previous years, when the Celestial Master Mansion hosted the Tang Imperial Court, Shangguan Ning was generally responsible. This year, Shangguan Ning intended to downplay such connections, so Yuan Mobai took on the responsibility of receiving Chu Yu, with Chu Kun attending by his side.

After Lei Jun saw off Ji Chuan, He Dongxing, Ye Dongming, and others from Mount Shu, Chu Yu was also ready to take her leave.

"The Celestial Master has instructed us to ask Master Chu to stay a few more days to catch up," Lei Jun said.

This so-called catching up obviously had ulterior motives. The new Celestial Master is arrogant enough in front of ordinary people, let alone in front of Chu Yu, whom she has never particularly liked.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yu smiled. "I wouldn't mind staying to accompany the new Celestial Master if I had no pressing business. However, with matters at hand, it'll have to wait until next time."

Yuan Mobai, standing nearby, nodded slightly. "Master Chu is on a mission by the emperor's decree, heading to the Southwest."

It seems there is significant unrest in that region... thought Lei Jun.

The opportunity for Tang Xiaotang to "seek revenge and redress grievances" slipped through her fingers just like that. Coming out of the Ancestral Tomb's forbidden area, she couldn't help feeling deeply regretful.

Yuan Mobai then brought up the main business. "The issue with the Bodhi Temple has been discussed for a long time and has finally been settled."

Naturally, the Great Void Temple had to take the blame. Not only did they bear responsibility for the destruction of the Bodhi Temple, but they were also accused of colluding with Wei Ancheng to instigate the demonic chaos. The Tang Imperial Court could not accept the fall of the Bodhi Temple, nor could it allow the temple to bear the stigma of having incited the demonic turmoil in the Northern Lands.

Meanwhile, prominent families like the Jinzhou Ye Clan and the Youzhou Lin Clan emerged completely unscathed. Instead, they focused on quelling the demonic turmoil in the Northern Lands, earning credit for their efforts, even if not for outright achievements.

The Great Void Temple, having shouldered the blame for several incidents, was like one so overrun with lice they no longer itch, or so mired in debt they no longer worry. After all, with the Bodhi Temple nearly annihilated, the Great Void Temple could hardly ask for more. In fact, various parties speculated that the Great Void Temple did indeed have connections with the great demons of the Northern Lands. It was almost certain they played a central role in coordinating this demonic chaos in the north. After lying dormant for many years, the Great Void Temple made a stunning return from the East Sea to the Central Plains.

The only real victim was the Bodhi Temple. This sacred land of the Zen Martial Lineage of the Buddhist Sect was practically wiped out. Their plight was so tragic that it couldn't be compared to the Celestial Master Mansion; not even the Xiao Clan from outside Long, which had declined after the demonic turmoil in the Western Regions, could win against the Bodhi Temple in a contest of misery. If one had to draw a parallel, the Li Clan and the monks were fellow sufferers this time, perhaps even finding a sliver of psychological comfort in their shared baldness.

A few disciples of the Bodhi Temple who were traveling abroad managed to escape the calamity, but only a few stragglers remained. The temple's scriptures and Buddha Treasures were severely scattered and lost. Although supported by the Tang Imperial Court, there seemed to be little hope for the reconstruction of this Buddhist Sacred Land.

The Xiao Clan from outside Long, on the other hand, was finally showing some signs of recovery.

"The storms on the surface have temporarily subsided somewhat, but the undercurrents are still raging fiercely. Trouble is already brewing in the south," Yuan Mobai said. "Our Sect must first consolidate its own position before looking for opportunities to act."

Tang Xiaotang crossed her arms. "The Celestial Master Robe!"

Yuan Mobai said, "The Sect Leader cannot easily leave the mountain. I plan to wait until the situation on the mountain stabilizes, then venture out to search for the whereabouts of the Celestial Master Robe."

Hearing this, Tang Xiaotang's eyes darted around. Yuan Mobai smiled at the sight but said no more for the moment.

He looked at Lei Jun. "I was busy with various matters before, but now that the grand ceremony is over, things have finally eased up a bit. Moreover, the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven has also stabilized somewhat. How about we go in for a visit now?"

Lei Jun replied, "Disciple was thinking the same."

The Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven was not easily accessible. Apart from the Celestial Master and a few High Merit Elders, even Sixth Heavenly Layer Talisman-bestowed Taoists and the Celestial Master's personal disciples could normally only enter once a year.

However, Elder Lei, at the Fifth Heavenly Layer, had once again performed meritorious service. Leaving all else aside, his single-handed foiling of the Yellow Sky Sect's secretly prepared Three Caverns Desolate Divine Tribulation had earned him more than enough merit and virtue. This feat alone secured him the top position among Middle Three Heavens cultivators for his contributions in last winter's great battle.

After the war, with so much rebuilding needed and a severe shortage of manpower, everyone wished they could split themselves in two. Consequently, Lei Jun was not in a hurry to have his merits formally recognized. Furthermore, the previous internal strife had seen both sides unleash True Fire in their fierce battles, affecting even the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven and increasing the risk of unexpected changes within. Therefore, Lei Jun had temporarily postponed the matter. His Master Yuan Mobai had already discussed it with him: everything would wait until after the Celestial Master's succession ceremony on the fifteenth of July this year. Besides the opportunity to enter the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven, other rewards also awaited Elder Lei.

Now that the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven had finally stabilized a little, he decided to enter it first. This time, Tang Xiaotang accompanied him.

"I'm going to Biyou Immortal Mountain. Want to come along?" the tall woman said casually. In the past six months, she had often sequestered herself in the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven. This was partly to facilitate her cultivation and partly because she was directly involved in helping the Cave Heaven recover its stability more quickly.

"That would be great," Lei Jun responded with enthusiasm.

Biyou Immortal Mountain was the core region of the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven. However, it could be dangerous and unpredictable for Middle Three Heavens cultivators, so Lei Jun had never been there before. Since he now had a powerful figure to rely on, he wasn't going to be reserved.

Thus, after entering the Supreme Pure Thunder Mansion Cave Heaven, the new Celestial Master and the new Elder headed directly towards the immortal mountain at the center of the Cave Heaven.

Amidst thunderous roars, countless streaks of lightning and electric currents spread across the four directions of the immortal mountain, dyeing the area purple. However, as Tang Xiaotang arrived, the thunder immediately subsided, and the lightning seemed to part like the sea, opening a path through the center.

Lei Jun followed Tang Xiaotang through the sea of thunder and landed on the summit of the immortal mountain.

Tang Xiaotang went nowhere else, sitting down cross-legged directly on the peak. "Do as you please, just don't go beyond the main peak's range."

Lei Jun, not one for pretense, waved his hand and began to stroll around the mountainside.

Putting other aspects aside, the sheer density of Spiritual Energy here far surpassed other parts of the Cave Heaven; even the Immortal Bamboo Forest could not compare. Lei Jun practiced his Breathing Skills as he strolled.

The orb of light in his mind showed no flicker. I wonder if there's any fortune to be found here... Lei Jun was contemplating this when he suddenly felt a slight stirring in his heart. This time, without needing guidance for seeking fortune and avoiding disaster, his own perception made a discovery.

In one area of the mountainside, the Spiritual Energy was particularly dense. However, as Lei Jun approached, thin tendrils of vines suddenly appeared, reaching out to entangle and bind him.