https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-121-The-Best-of-Times-the-Worst-of-Times/12586466/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-123-Every-Cloud-Has-a-Silver-Lining/12586468/
Chapter 122: 121. An Exchange Between Fellow Disciples
Chapter 122: 121. An Exchange Between Fellow Disciples
With the current situation, Lei Jun would have to embark on a long journey to the northern borderlands alone.
Among his reliable peers, his senior martial sister, Xu Yuanzhen, was always unpredictable and elusive. The last he heard, she was in the southern wilderness, a far cry from the northern borderlands.
His master, Yuan Mobai, resided in Longhu Mountain, but as the leader of the Wanfa Zongtan, it was not easy for him to leave. Even if he weren't in that position, he would still be tied up with other matters at the moment.
There were supposed to be seven people in the Gaogong Pavilion, including Tang Xiaotang, who was there to observe and learn. However, Xu Yuanzhen was rarely present, and Shangguan Ning often traveled between the capital and Longhu Mountain. If Yuan Mobai left as well, they would be even more short-staffed.
Lei Jun had heard that there had been talks about Elder Yao Yuan, who had been in seclusion, re-emerging and joining the Gaogong Pavilion. Even so, Yuan Mobai would still be occupied with various duties, making it difficult for him to leave Longhu Mountain casually.
As for Tang Xiaotang, she was still drifting in the eastern seas...
Although Lei Jun was unaware of his senior martial brother, Wang Guyuan's, background and true strength, he could guess with certainty that Wang would never dare to venture to the northern borderlands, a place brimming with demonic energy.
As Lei Jun pondered whether to set off this summer, a light bulb flashed in his mind, and words appeared:
"Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise. Think thrice before you act, and choose the path of good fortune and avoid calamity."
Hmm? A fortune at this moment... Lei Jun's heart stirred slightly.
Only two fortunes appeared in the light bulb this time.
Lei Jun read them carefully:
"Upper-middle fortune: Stay in the mountain gate, cultivate your heart, and wait for the right opportunity. There is a chance to obtain a fifth-grade opportunity, no risk, no aftermath, auspicious."
"Lower-middle fortune: Head to the icy lake in the northern borderlands. There is a chance to obtain a fifth-grade opportunity, but you will encounter great danger, and the outcome is uncertain, ominous."
The two fortunes represented two very different paths.
The upper-middle fortune promised an opportunity for a fifth-grade opportunity without any risks or aftermath.
The lower-middle fortune also offered a chance at a fifth-grade opportunity, but it came with a significant caveat—it meant facing immense danger, and the outcome was uncertain.
Given Lei Jun's current cultivation and strength, coupled with the presence of the Xirang Flag, it was clear that the kind of danger that could threaten his life was no small matter.
Ironically, this lower-middle fortune pointed directly to the icy lake in the northern borderlands.
Lei Jun's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but they soon relaxed again.
He chose the upper-middle fortune.
Although he might miss out on the true yin spirit object he needed, it was a pity.
But he didn't have to take such a big risk.
Even if he took a step back and assumed that the yin cold sea in the northern borderlands truly contained the true yin spirit object corresponding to the true yang miracle flower, the most he would lose was the chance to elevate his root bone to a sacred body.
This would only happen if that true yin spirit object was unique and irreplaceable.
Even if that were the case, Lei Jun could still explore other options to enhance his root bone. At worst, he would have to start over.
His cultivation journey was still on the right track. While it was true that those who lacked foresight would encounter immediate worries, as long as he remained grounded and focused on his path, his prospects were still promising.
Enhancing his root bone was like icing on the cake—it would be nice to have, but it wasn't a necessity worth risking his life for.
Moreover, the true yin spirit object in the icy lake of the northern borderlands might only be beneficial to him; it wasn't a certainty.
Based on the grades of opportunities associated with previous treasures like the Shadow Hare, the Heart-Burning Snake, the Spirit Cleansing Rock, and the Divine Eye Stone, Lei Jun even suspected that the treasure corresponding to the True Yang Miracle Flower might only offer a fourth-grade opportunity instead of a fifth-grade one.
Of course, this assessment might not be entirely accurate.
But if he encountered life-threatening danger because of it, he might end up losing everything.
The risk far outweighed the potential reward.
Later, I'll pay a visit to the bamboo sea in southern Shu... Lei Jun thought to himself.
For now, the icy lake in the northern borderlands will have the lowest priority.
If the bamboo sea in southern Shu doesn't work out, I'll reconsider.
As time passes and my strength improves, perhaps the danger will become less severe.
If I miss this opportunity, then so be it. It's destiny.
Having made his decision, Lei Jun didn't hesitate or second-guess himself. He put the lower-middle fortune and the mentioned fifth-grade opportunity out of his mind.
Instead, he focused on the upper-middle fortune.
Lei Jun noted that the fortune mentioned, "When the time comes, there is a chance to obtain a fifth-grade opportunity."
From this perspective, it seemed that even this fifth-grade opportunity wasn't guaranteed.
Perhaps it would depend on how he seized the moment when it arrived?
Although he didn't know what this opportunity entailed, Lei Jun's interest was piqued.
Since it advised him to wait for the right moment, he calmed his mind and continued to focus on his cultivation.
As Lei Jun sat cross-legged in meditation, a brilliant light began to shine above his head, in addition to the giant yuan talisman that had always been there. As time passed, the light in the air began to form intricate patterns, gradually weaving together to create a new shape.
One day, after Lei Jun had finished his cultivation and stored away treasures like the Spirit Cleansing Rock, he stepped out of his room.
He practiced a few more sets of punches in his courtyard, stimulating his qi and blood.
Just as he was in the middle of his routine, a visitor arrived at his residence:
"Brother Lei!"
Lei Jun continued his punches without pausing and replied casually, "Brother Chu? Come in."
The visitor was indeed Chu Kun.
Chu Kun entered the courtyard and proceeded to brew some tea as he waited for Lei Jun to finish his training routine.
Lei Jun completed a set of punches and, after a long exhale, made his way to the table in the courtyard. Nonchalantly, he asked, "Shouldn't you be attending a lecture with Master at this time?"
Chu Kun served the tea, and the two chatted as they sipped. "Apparently, there's an important matter at Gaogong Pavilion that requires Master's attention. My lessons will be put on hold for a few days, and he'll resume them when he's available again."
Lei Jun nodded. "Study on your own for now, and if there's anything you don't understand, feel free to come to me. I'll answer what I can, and for the rest, you can ask Master later."
Just a few days prior, Wang Guyuan had entered seclusion.
So, aside from their master, Yuan Mobai, Chu Kun could only turn to his second senior martial brother, Lei Jun, for guidance.
"Matters regarding our Daoist arts aren't urgent. Master also mentioned that he'll make up for the missed lessons later," Chu Kun said. "The reason for my visit today is to trouble you, senior martial brother, to draw an excellent Wind-Riding Talisman for me."
Lei Jun looked at him inquiringly. "Are you planning to travel far from the mountain?"
"Not too far," Chu Kun replied. "If I'm not on the mountain when Master returns to resume my lessons, that wouldn't be good. I'm just going on a short trip with some other senior martial brothers, and I'll be back soon.
But it's better to be safe than sorry, so I'm shamelessly asking you for an excellent Wind-Riding Talisman."
Having undergone the formal transmission of degrees into the Tianshi Manor, Chu Kun had been studying the Daoist arts and talisman manuals of the Manor and had successfully built his foundation. He could draw Wind-Riding Talismans himself, but only of inferior quality.
Moreover, it wasn't his innate talisman art.
Like Wang Guyuan and Lei Jun, Chu Kun's first innate art was also the God-Striking Talisman.
Theoretically, he could acquire an excellent Wind-Riding Talisman through a roundabout method—by asking his family, the Chu clan, to purchase one from a Tianshi Manor descendant who might be willing to part with it.
But of course, he didn't need to resort to such a convoluted method.
"Yes, prioritizing personal safety is always a wise decision," Lei Jun nodded, not refusing his junior martial brother's request.
Having attained the Four Heavens Talisman realm, he could effortlessly create excellent basic spirit talismans without the need for a special ritual.
After receiving the Wind-Riding Talisman, Chu Kun expressed his gratitude to Lei Jun. The two chatted a bit longer before Chu Kun took his leave.
Lei Jun watched his junior martial brother's figure disappear beyond the courtyard, then retracted his gaze.
But his movement suddenly halted, and his eyebrows furrowed as he looked back toward the courtyard entrance, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Am I being overly sensitive, or am I just realizing this now?" he wondered.
After bidding farewell to Lei Jun, Chu Kun didn't immediately descend the mountain.
Instead, he returned to his own residence.
That night, when the hour grew late and the surroundings were quiet...
Chu Kun, his spiritual energy fully recovered, checked himself over.
Feeling prepared, he lifted his hand and lightly tapped his glabella with his index finger.
The next moment, without any warning, he vanished from the room.
This time, Chu Kun stayed away for a long while.
Time continued to pass.
The following morning, as dawn approached and the sky gradually brightened...
Suddenly, Chu Kun's figure reappeared in the room.
He looked exhausted and disheveled, but thankfully, he wasn't injured.
As soon as he materialized, Chu Kun sat down, his face worn out. "That was quite an adventurous trip."
However, the outcome was excellent.
He had obtained everything he wanted and even made some unexpected gains.
All thanks to the excellent Wind-Riding Talisman from Lei Jun.
Otherwise, he would have had to come up with another plan or give up, as time was limited.
Speaking of which, I don't know if it was my good luck or yours, senior martial brother.
The biggest unexpected gain from this trip is something that's too early for me at the moment but just right for you. It's a case of good deeds being rewarded.
There should be reciprocity among the upper echelons... Chu Kun's spirits lifted, and he sat up straight.
It's just a pity that the timing was so tight that I didn't have a chance to rest and enjoy myself there properly.
Now, I have to rush back, not even finding time for a proper rest.
Although he had built his foundation and his physical condition was far superior to that of ordinary people, Chu Kun felt extremely tired, yawning continuously.
Not only had his spiritual power been severely depleted, but his essence, qi, and spirit had also been greatly exhausted.
Nevertheless, the young Daoist priest mustered his energy, washed up, changed his clothes, took some pills to restore his spiritual power and rejuvenate himself, and then left his residence.
He still had to join his fellow disciples on the planned trip down the mountain.
"Chu Kun, you don't look well. Were you up to something secretive last night?" one of his fellow disciples teased, not thinking much of it.
"Oh, I encountered some obstacles in my cultivation. Never mind that," Chu Kun replied casually.
There was no real need for this, but Chu Kun wanted to conceal his true actions from the previous night, as some things would be hard to explain otherwise.
Descending the mountain wasn't a big deal, and the group soon returned.
After coming back, Chu Kun took time to rest and recuperate.
Once he felt refreshed and rejuvenated, he once again paid a visit to Lei Jun.
"Senior martial brother, during my trip down the mountain, I unintentionally acquired a treasure. Take a look," Chu Kun said excitedly as he entered.
Lei Jun looked up, giving him a serious glance. "Oh?"
Chu Kun nodded vigorously and took out a package, unwrapping it in front of Lei Jun.
Instantly, a dazzling array of colors filled the room and courtyard, as if overflowing with rainbow light.
PS: This is the third update of the day, and with this, we've reached 10,000 characters for today. Thank you all for your support of the authorized version. Let's continue to work hard together tomorrow!
(End of Chapter)
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