Chapter 103: 102. Well, That's Just Right Luck

Chapter 103: 102. Well, That's Just Right Luck

Among the new disciples receiving the Taoism scriptures this year, Lei Jun was the latest to join and the youngest. 

In fact, most of the others were significantly older than him by several years, perhaps even a generation in the secular world. 

There was a noticeable age gap between Lei Jun and the rest of the group. 

This was, of course, because most of the new generation of promising candidates had failed, and Lei Jun was the only one who had made it. 

However, when Zhang Jingzhen approached Lei Jun, none of the other disciples receiving the scriptures objected. 

This was simply because, as Zhang Jingzhen had said, Lei Jun was the only Middle Three Heavens cultivator among them, aside from herself. 

And he was unusually young for that cultivation level. 

In recent years, the only person who had reached the Middle Three Heavens faster than him was Tang Xiaotang. 

While the others admired Lei Jun, there wasn't much competition between them. 

Lei Jun's cultivation progress was well-known, but he usually kept a low profile and had no conflicts with the others. 

Many of them admired him, and some were even considering the benefits of forming a good relationship with this Lei junior disciple, thinking that it might be advantageous in the future. 

After all, having more connections meant having more opportunities. 

Unless something unexpected happened, it seemed unlikely that Lei Jun would stop at the Fourth Heaven realm. 

Thus, after Lei Jun expressed his intentions, the other disciples bowed to him and Zhang Jingzhen together: 

"We appreciate your help, Zhang senior disciple sister and Lei junior disciple brother." 

"Thank you, Zhang junior disciple sister and Lei junior disciple brother..." 

Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen returned the courtesy with humility. 

Then, they were free to do as they pleased. 

Most of the disciples chose to explore the cave rather than meditate in the Immortal Bamboo Forest. 

For many of them, this might be their only chance to enter the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave. 

Therefore, they wanted to make the most of this opportunity and seek their fate with the immortals. 

A small minority, thinking of securing their gains, headed to the Immortal Bamboo Forest to meditate. 

It was the most lush and nourishing area in the outer reaches of the cave, perfect for cultivating and nurturing one's body. 

While it might not directly enhance one's constitution, insight, or innate grade, it had the wondrous effect of cleansing one's bones and marrow and purifying one's body and mind. 

Its effects were even better than those of the Cloud Sea Immortal Pool or the Mysterious Yang Cave. 

Meditating in the Immortal Bamboo Forest and establishing a solid foundation would greatly benefit one's cultivation journey even after leaving the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave. 

Often, a slight difference could lead to a huge gap in results. 

For a few, this tiny opportunity might be the turning point that changes their cultivation fate. 

Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen, as planned, went their separate ways, each exploring the cave on their own. 

Of course, they weren't there just to patrol. 

Including Zhang Jingzhen herself, everyone who entered the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave was there to refine their bodies and souls and encounter their fate with the immortals. 

However, they wouldn't stay in one place for long. While exploring the cave, they would also keep an eye on their fellow disciples. 

Although Lei Jun didn't plan to meditate in the Immortal Bamboo Forest this time, he still took a tour of the area. 

The Heavenly Master's Seal and the True One Altar in his spiritual soul were stable and showed no unusual reactions. 

However, the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo he had received from Yuan Mobai shone brightly and resonated with the surrounding immortal bamboos. 

The bamboo leaves rustled as the bamboo branches swayed, and the bamboo nodes glowed. 

Lei Jun took out his own Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo, which resembled a bamboo shoot. 

As expected, it also glowed. 

Lei Jun examined the bamboo shoot thoughtfully. 

Suddenly, an idea occurred to him. 

This bamboo shoot had been nurtured and refined by a cultivator's spiritual power. 

But could it still grow into a full bamboo plant in the future? 

As Lei Jun's cultivation reached the Fourth Heaven Primordial Symbol realm, as he nurtured the bamboo shoot, he gained a new understanding. 

However, he might have to wait until his cultivation level improved further before he could explore this idea further. 

"Hmm, I'll come back and take a closer look next time I have the chance to enter the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave," Lei Jun nodded to himself. 

He put away the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo and left the Immortal Bamboo Forest. 

Lei Jun didn't rush to the South Flower Cliff and Immortal Whispering Spring, which were mentioned in the upper-middle lucky draws. Instead, he strolled through the cave with a natural and relaxed demeanor. 

The other disciples receiving the scriptures were scattered in different directions. 

Most of them didn't find anything. 

After all, encountering fate with the immortals was not an easy task. 

However, just being in the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave and absorbing its spiritual energy was worthwhile. 

A very small number of people had some extra gains, and their luck could be considered exceptionally good. 

Lei Jun mainly paid attention to these individuals. 

He didn't plan to kill them and take their treasures, nor did he intend to scoop out all the water with a single dipper. 

Instead, he was curious because the oracle in his mind hadn't specifically predicted these opportunities, regardless of their size. 

It seemed that the oracle didn't predict every detail but instead tailored its predictions to him. 

Some opportunities were unique to him, while others were meant for others. 

There were also opportunities that anyone could come across, and in those cases, it would depend on one's abilities and luck. 

Lei Jun moved in the shadows, not interfering or disturbing others unless something unexpected happened. 

As he walked, he eventually reached a fairy spring, where he could hear the harmonious sounds of the grand dao emanating from the water, soothing his soul. 

"So this is the Immortal Whispering Spring," Lei Jun noted silently. 

The Immortal Whispering Spring didn't seem very large; it was much smaller than the three-layered fairy pool in the Cloud Sea Immortal Territory. 

The entire spring covered only a few acres, exuding a peaceful and distant aura. 

Aside from the exceptionally clear water and the soothing, wondrous sounds that emanated from it, it didn't seem much different from an ordinary pond. 

When Lei Jun arrived at the Immortal Whispering Spring, two other disciples from the same batch of scripture recipients were already there. 

The three of them smiled and nodded at each other in greeting. 

Seeing that Lei Jun didn't stop but continued walking around the spring with his hands behind his back, the other two disciples didn't say anything further.

Everyone's minds were immersed in the ethereal spring before them.

After circling the spring once, Lei Jun slowed his steps slightly.

He finally stopped by the pool and reached his hand into the water.

The spring water was cool and refreshing, neither too warm nor too chilly.

Although it was rich in spiritual energy, it wasn't significantly higher than the surrounding environment.

Even if one were to immerse themselves in the water and cultivate here, the effects would be slightly inferior to those of the Immortal Bamboo Forest.

With Lei Jun's current cultivation, he couldn't discern anything peculiar about this Immortal Whispering Spring.

However, when he focused his attention on the True One Altar within his spiritual soul, which was derived from the Heavenly Master's Seal, he vaguely sensed something amiss.

Could this place hide a spiritual object that, after being nurtured by the Nine Saints Qing Shuang, could enhance one's root bone aptitude when used in conjunction with the True One Altar?

No... That didn't seem right.

Lei Jun's face remained calm, but he inwardly denied the possibility.

Compared to when he had confirmed the compatibility between the Nine Saints Qing Shuang and the True One Altar, the Immortal Whispering Spring gave him a different feeling.

For now, he set aside the question of whether there would be any repercussions or dangers.

Indeed, there might be a profound opportunity hidden here.

It could even be something that caused the True One Altar to react, indicating that the opportunity was either exceptionally good or had a deep connection to the Daoist Talisman Sect and the Celestial Master's Mansion of Dragon-Tiger Mountain.

However, it probably had nothing to do with the Nine Saints Qing Shuang.

Lei Jun stood by the spring and looked around.

Of the two others who had come here earlier, one had already left, and the remaining person was still observing the surroundings.

From their demeanor, they didn't seem to have discovered the mystery of this place.

Soon after, the second person also left.

Then, a third person arrived at the Immortal Whispering Spring to try their luck.

Lei Jun resumed his journey, continuing to explore other areas.

According to the first upper-middle lucky draw, the opportunity at the Immortal Whispering Spring would only present itself at a specific time.

Although it was possible that someone might be exceptionally lucky or possess unique abilities to uncover the opportunity ahead of time, the probability of that happening was minuscule, and Lei Jun didn't dwell on it.

He made his way to the next location.

After visiting several places and traversing the lush mountains, Lei Jun arrived at the base of the South Flower Cliff.

This was the location mentioned in the second upper-middle lucky draw.

The time was also at sunrise.

The Thunder Palace Cave of Upper Clarity, where the Lei Mansion of the Upper Realm was located, had no concept of day or night, and there was no sun or moon in the sky, only a bright purple hue imbued with thunderous light.

However, time flowed in sync with the outside world.

When it was sunrise in the outer world, it was also sunrise here.

Although there was no distinction between day and night, Lei Jun's current cultivation strength and his connection with nature allowed him to sense the time intuitively, ensuring he wouldn't make a mistake.

With a significant amount of time still left before sunrise, Lei Jun casually searched the area around the South Flower Cliff.

He appeared to be strolling casually, greeting fellow disciples he encountered along the way with a nonchalant nod.

As they passed each other, the others were oblivious, but Lei Jun carefully observed them.

Upon reaching the top of the South Flower Cliff, Lei Jun suddenly stopped at one side of the cliff's edge.

Deep within his spiritual soul, in the True One Altar formed by the Heavenly Master's Seal, a breeze blew across the altar, causing the eight-sided treasure canopy to flutter in the wind, and the nine Daoist streamers hanging from it to flutter as well.

As the breeze passed through Lei Jun's soul and filled his physical body, he felt lighter all over.

"It's you."

Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged, and he continued strolling nonchalantly.

The cliff jutted out, making it difficult for people to see what was below.

There might be others in the distance, but Lei Jun didn't immediately make a big move to climb down and investigate.

As if nothing had happened, Lei Jun calmly descended the mountain.

From the outer perimeter below, he circled around to this side of the cliff and then looked up.

There were many ancient trees protruding from the cliff.

After a sweeping glance, Lei Jun's gaze landed on one of them.

Aside from looking older, it didn't seem any different from the other trees protruding from the mountain cliff.

But Lei Jun was certain that the opportunity cultivated by the Nine Saints Qing Shuang, which could be used in conjunction with the True One Altar, was hidden in this ancient tree.

In other words, the opportunity that perfectly met his current needs was this four-star opportunity mentioned in the second upper-middle lucky draw.

Hmm...

That was more than fair.

This time, his luck was just right!

The most suitable things for oneself were the best.

Add in the fact that there were no risks or repercussions, and it was perfect.

If it weren't for this four-star opportunity at South Flower Cliff, Lei Jun would have also considered the three-star opportunity at the Immortal Whispering Spring.

But now that the two conflicted in timing, there was no need for further deliberation.

Immortal Whispering Spring, let's leave it at that.

I don't want to cause any misunderstandings with South Flower Cliff.

Although he was curious about the three-star opportunity at the Immortal Whispering Spring, Lei Jun didn't dwell on it.

To avoid drawing attention from others, Lei Jun didn't linger at the base of the South Flower Cliff.

He continued to roam around and look after his fellow disciples, as agreed upon earlier with Zhang Jingzhen.

However, while he expanded his range of activities, Lei Jun was thoughtful, ensuring that most of the time, the ancient tree on the cliff and the cliff face remained within his line of sight, even if they were far apart.

What reassured him was that even if others approached the vicinity, their attention was mostly focused on the top of the cliff.

Time passed slowly.

Lei Jun patiently waited for the crucial moment to arrive.

However...

"Boom!!!'

Suddenly, thunderous sounds reverberated from the direction of Biyu Immortal Mountain, the most central location in the Thunder Palace Cave of Upper Clarity.

Violet thunderbolts descended from the heavens, and a net of thunderous light enveloped a large expanse of mountains.

Despite being in different places, both Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen had their attention drawn to the direction of Biyu Immortal Mountain.

Something unusual seemed to be happening there.

Zhang Jingzhen glanced in that direction and quickly understood what was going on.

She didn't seem particularly surprised and calmly made her way toward Biyu Immortal Mountain.

On the other hand, Lei Jun, who was far away, was also not surprised.

After all, someone had ignored Zhang Jingzhen's advice and ventured close to Biyu Immortal Mountain.

It was often said that the more something was forbidden, the more it attracted people.

Similar incidents, large and small, had occurred numerous times throughout history.

In the distant future, this place would not be abandoned.

Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged as he made his way towards Biyu Immortal Mountain.

When he arrived at the foot of the mountain, he saw a middle-aged Taoist priest who had been injured by the purple thunder.

Fortunately, Zhang Jingzhen arrived just in time to help shield him from the thunderous assault.

However, the divine thunder was fierce, and even with Zhang Jingzhen's Sixth Heaven cultivation, it was a challenging task to fend it off.

Thankfully, the two of them had only just approached the outskirts of the immortal mountain, and Zhang Jingzhen quickly dragged the middle-aged Taoist away, retreating together.

Lei Jun stepped forward to assist, and the three of them retreated to a safe distance.

Once they were out of range, the divine thunder ceased its relentless assault.

But in the purple firmament above, lightning continued to flash and flicker, as if ready to strike again at any moment.

Affected by the changes in Biyu Immortal Mountain, the spiritual energy within the entire Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave seemed to be in turmoil, unable to settle for a long time.

The other disciples who had entered the cave heard the news and hurried over. Witnessing this scene, they were shocked and awed, their hearts filled with reverence.

"Don't stay here, let's return to the Immortal Bamboo Forest," Zhang Jingzhen instructed.

Lei Jun nodded and escorted the injured disciple back.

Upon reaching the Immortal Bamboo Forest, he helped treat the injured disciple while Zhang Jingzhen took the time to meditate and recover her energy.

After a while, Zhang Jingzhen opened her eyes and, after checking on the injured disciple, gave Lei Jun a slight nod. "Lei Shidi, you handled that very well and were quite thoughtful."

"Wang Shixiong guided me," Lei Jun replied.

Zhang Jingzhen smiled. "Indeed, that was skillfully done."

She turned to the injured Taoist priest, her tone still gentle. "Are you feeling any other discomfort?"

He looked ashamed. "I only regret that I was momentarily bewitched and didn't heed Zhang Shimei's warning, bringing this calamity upon myself."

Zhang Jingzhen's smile remained gentle. "Just focus on recuperating. There shouldn't be any major issues as long as you're alright."

Lei Jun watched quietly from the side, feeling grateful for their good fortune.

According to the description of the lower-middle luck draw, with his current cultivation level and protective artifacts, even approaching Biyu Immortal Mountain would be dangerous, let alone anyone else.

As it turned out, even with Zhang Jingzhen's Sixth Heaven cultivation, rescuing someone from the outskirts of Biyu Immortal Mountain was extremely challenging.

And that was just the outskirts; one could only imagine what it would be like to venture further in.

Zhang Jingzhen turned to the others. "Are all of you unhurt as well?"

Everyone shook their heads. "We're fine."

Though they said so, many of them were still shaken by the incident.

While only one person had secretly taken the risk and broken the rules, there were quite a few who harbored similar thoughts and desires.

Whether it was the allure of a rare opportunity or the hope of a lucky break, many yearned to venture towards Biyu Immortal Mountain.

However, most of them were able to suppress these impulses, unlike the unfortunate soul who had taken the reckless gamble.

"There are still a few others missing," Lei Jun scanned the area. "They're probably not at Biyu Immortal Mountain, but somewhere else in the cave."

After recovering her breath and regaining her composure, Zhang Jingzhen stood up. "Just to be safe, Lei Shidi, let's make another round to ensure that no one else is in danger."

"As you say, Zhang Shijie," Lei Jun agreed.

After instructing the other disciples to remain in the Immortal Bamboo Forest to recuperate and look after the injured disciple, Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen set off again to patrol the outskirts of the cave.

Calculating the time in his head, Lei Jun strolled leisurely towards South Flower Cliff.

Along the way, he happened to encounter some fellow disciples and directed them towards the Immortal Bamboo Forest before continuing on his way unnoticed.

Upon reaching the base of South Flower Cliff, Lei Jun first inspected the cliff from top to bottom.

There was no one else in sight.

Scanning the surroundings from the cliff's edge, he found that this area was relatively spacious and empty as well.

Lei Jun silently calculated the time.

According to the outside world, sunrise was approaching.

…………

Zhang Jingzhen passed by the Immortal Whispering Spring.

She circled the spring once, checking her surroundings, but found no one else there. She prepared to leave.

The moment of sunrise had arrived.

Just then, Zhang Jingzhen suddenly heard the harmonious sounds of the grand dao emanating from the spring water fade and disappear.

She turned back in surprise and saw that the spring water had dried up remarkably fast, revealing the bottom of the spring pool.

Zhang Jingzhen was astonished but did not immediately approach. Instead, she observed cautiously.

She noticed that as the spring dried up, something at the bottom of the spring, where the spring eye was located, began to glow faintly.

When she saw what it was, Zhang Jingzhen became even more curious.

It was something she was very familiar with.

It was a chapter and table used by Taoists to pay homage to the heavens.

However, this chapter and table were not complete and seemed to be missing a piece.

Zhang Jingzhen observed carefully.

It was only when she noticed the spring water rising again, about to submerge the glowing, fragmented table, that she finally made up her mind and cast a spell to retrieve it.

…………

Miles away from Dragon-Tiger Mountain, in a distant land bathed in the morning light, a youth with a delicate appearance but sharp eyes suddenly froze in place as if struck by lightning.

It was Chen Yi, who had left the mountain some days ago.

His body stiffened, and his eyes flickered with golden light.

Deep within his soul, it was as if a golden hall had appeared.

The hall was empty, but it also contained a fragmented chapter and table, which began to shine of its own accord.

After a long while, Chen Yi snapped out of his daze, and the light in his eyes faded.

He abruptly turned and gazed in the direction of Dragon-Tiger Mountain, his expression complex.

Something he desired from within the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave had been obtained by someone else.

But who?!

…………

At the same moment of sunrise, within the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave, on the sheer face of South Flower Cliff.

Lei Jun rode the clouds and mist, ascending to the ancient tree that reached out into the sky.

He examined the ancient tree carefully.

On its aged branches, a pure white immortal flower suddenly blossomed without any warning, its petals gently swaying in the air.

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end