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Chapter 126: The Master's Dark Past
Chapter 126: The Master's Dark Past
A panda bear?
???
Lei Jun's mind was filled with confusion.
For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
In this world, the creature known as the "shan pi," or the iron-eating beast, was described as a bear with black and white fur...
In other words, a giant panda, or a cat-bear!
He had known early on that this creature existed in Bashu, and he had been planning to look for it during his trip to the Southern Bamboo Sea of Shu.
In this cultivation world, humans were not the only ones who could cultivate using spiritual energy.
Non-human creatures didn't necessarily have to become demons; they too could cultivate using spiritual energy and become spirit beasts or immortal beings.
There could be tiger spirits, fox spirits, snake spirits, and of course, panda spirits.
Lei Jun was quite open-minded about this.
However, from what this Shu Mountain disciple in front of him was implying, it seemed that Lei Jun's beloved Master, Yuan Mobai, was actually a panda spirit?
Master, I must say, you've given your disciple quite a surprise...
Wait, didn't you ever mention this before? Lei Jun's lips twitched, and for a moment, he didn't know what expression to wear in front of an outsider.
Before leaving, Lei Jun had received many instructions from Yuan Mobai regarding matters concerning Shu Mountain.
But when it came to his own experiences in the past, Yuan Mobai had only briefly mentioned them.
"Although it was an unintentional mistake back then, it was indeed my fault. Thankfully, most of the grudges have been resolved."
At that time, the purple-robed youth himself had been very calm: "Some matters involve your Master-Ancestor. I won't say much about them, but if you encounter any Shu Mountain disciples who know about the past on your trip, they will probably reveal something to you."
Master, you're also concerned about your image now, aren't you? You didn't even mention the most crucial information... Lei Jun complained in his mind.
He suddenly felt that the significance of that Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo had changed somewhat.
Many of his previous doubts were now instantly clarified.
No wonder when Yuan Mobai and the eldest senior sister, Xu Yuanzhen, had discussed the new Celestial Master candidate, Yuan Mobai had said that it wouldn't be his turn no matter who it was; he was at least the last choice.
This also explained why Yuan Mobai, as an outsider elder, could get along harmoniously with the Li family elders and become a bridge of compromise and balance between the Li family and the outsiders, even temporarily taking charge of the Wanfa Zongtan.
Obviously, apart from Yuan Mobai's personal character and style, his background and origins also played a part.
Moreover, as Yuan Mobai had said before, he was indeed curious about the Thunder Law Celestial Master's talismans, but he didn't crave them particularly.
Considering his background and strengths, the most suitable cultivation method for him among the Three Caverns and Three Realms scriptures was indeed the Life and Fate Human Law talismans.
On the one hand, it was more conducive to transforming into a human form and cultivating the orthodox Taoist magic and talismans like a human.
On the other hand, the panda bear naturally had certain advantages in terms of physique.
Hmm, speaking of which, I suddenly feel like seeing Master's true form... Lei Jun quickly reined in his wandering thoughts.
Looking at the displeased expression on Ji Chuan's face, he suddenly thought of another question.
It seemed that Yuan Mobai's identity and background were not widely known.
Otherwise, Lei Jun would have heard about it by now.
Judging from the current situation, it seemed that only a limited number of people from Longhushan and Shu Mountain knew about it.
It was just a matter of whether Lei Jun's luck was good or bad that he had happened to encounter a Shu Mountain disciple, Ji Chuan, who was aware of this matter.
It was not surprising that Longhushan Celestial Master's Mansion kept the matter confidential and limited the spread of the inside story.
Even in the early years, a spirit beast transforming into a human would have been quite eye-catching.
Especially in the case of Yuan Mobai, who had risen to a high position, it would have attracted even more attention.
In recent years, with the frequent appearances and rampages of great demons, and the recent demon chaos in the Western Regions that had almost turned the Tang Dynasty upside down, matters like Yuan Mobai's were even more sensitive.
Once publicized, it would likely stir up a huge commotion.
Even though Yuan Mobai cultivated spiritual energy instead of demonic energy.
But apart from the secrecy kept by Longhushan, the Shu Mountain side had also not widely disclosed the message.
From this point of view, what Yuan Mobai said about the grudges between the two sides being largely resolved should be mostly true.
Of course, it was also possible that they had agreed to keep each other's secrets forever.
Lei Jun's mind flashed with various thoughts, but his expression remained relatively calm:
"Ji Chuan... I have heard some rumors. I believe you are a senior disciple of He Dongxing, a senior from Shu Mountain.
However, I never expected that seeing is not believing. Is this how Master He's disciple observes the rules of etiquette?"
He held up a jade slip and waved it in front of Ji Chuan: "It's a pity, though. My master also wrote a letter, asking me to visit Master He and present his greetings when I arrived in Bashu."
Ji Chuan, the Shu Mountain disciple, had already regretted his words as soon as he spoke them, remembering his master's teachings.
Hearing Lei Jun's words now, his expression changed several times, as if he wanted to say something but ultimately held it back.
Master, are you sure everyone has let bygones be bygones? Lei Jun felt an urge to facepalm.
"My apologies for my rudeness earlier, Fellow Lei. Please don't take it to heart," Ji Chuan said, taking a deep breath to calm himself and regain his composure.
His gaze fell on the jade slip in Lei Jun's hand as he said, "Fellow Lei, please come this way. My master is just ahead. Since you have a letter from Elder Yuan of your sect, you may present it directly to my master."
Lei Jun nodded and calmly followed his guide.
He also took the opportunity to observe his surroundings.
Ji Chuan, like Lei Jun, was flying amidst the clouds above the mountain range.
However, he didn't seem to be using any external magical artifacts.
When Ji Chuan had first appeared, he had arrived on a sword beam, indicating that his movement technique was faster than Lei Jun's.
Speaking of which, according to the information Lei Jun had heard previously and his own observations of Ji Chuan's sword-flying technique, the Daoist cultivators in this world, or at least the sword cultivators from the Daoist sects, didn't stand on their flying swords like they were skateboards. Instead, they fused with their swords, slicing through the air as they flew, like fish swimming through water...
"How much do you know about the events of that year, Fellow Lei?"
Lei Jun was lost in his thoughts when Ji Chuan, who was leading the way, suddenly asked a question.
Lei Jun answered vaguely, "I know a thing or two."
"I was too rash and rude earlier. Please forgive me, Fellow Lei. If you have some free time later, allow me to act as your host and guide you on a tour of Bashu as an apology," Ji Chuan said.
Lei Jun glanced at Ji Chuan with a hint of surprise.
However, they didn't continue the conversation as they could already see a commotion in the distance.
Beams of treasure light shot up into the sky, seemingly forming an array that enveloped a large area of the surrounding mountains.
Among the lights were not only the sharp sword beams but also the radiance of other magical artifacts.
Lei Jun quickly counted and estimated that there were at least a hundred magical artifacts spread out in all directions, covering a hundred-mile radius.
"There's a powerful demon, the Nine-Clawed Stone Lion, wreaking havoc here. My master and some of my senior brothers are attempting to surround and kill it," Ji Chuan explained briefly.
Perhaps considering Yuan Mobai's sensitive identity, the Shu Mountain disciple didn't elaborate further and simply led Lei Jun to meet his master.
Shu Mountain Elder, He Dongxing.
On the peak of a solitary mountain sat an elderly Daoist who appeared to be of advanced age.
Based on Ji Chuan's cultivation method, this elder was most likely also a sword cultivator from Shu Mountain.
However, his demeanor was amiable, and he often wore a smile, lacking the sharp aura that one would expect.
When Lei Jun and Ji Chuan arrived at the solitary peak, the Shu Mountain Elder, He Dongxing, turned his gaze towards them and said with a smile, "Lei Xiao, the esteemed disciple of Longhushan. Your reputation has been spreading like thunder recently."
Lei Jun greeted him respectfully, "Your humble junior, Lei Chongyun, from Longhushan, greets Elder He from Shu Mountain. My master sends his regards."
Lei Jun handed over the jade slip from Yuan Mobai to Ji Chuan, who then presented it to He Dongxing.
At the same time, he whispered, "Master, I was rude earlier in front of Fellow Lei."
"You have no filter when you speak. There are some things that your master and your father have told you, but you just can't keep them to yourself," He Dongxing said as he received the jade slip. He didn't open it but instead looked at Lei Jun and asked, "Didn't your master tell you much before you came here?"
Lei Jun answered honestly, "My master mentioned that it was an unintentional mistake in the past that offended a senior from your sect. However, he also said that the grudges between the two sides have mostly been resolved. He only instructed me to convey his greetings to the elders of Shu Mountain when I arrived in Bashu."
He Dongxing nodded, "What your master said is true. The events of that year were indeed unintentional on his part, and the issues have mostly been put to rest.
A few years ago, Junior Brother Ji had another match with your master, but it had nothing to do with the past grievances. It was merely an exchange to gauge each other's progress over the years.
Although Junior Brother Ji doesn't say it, I know that he has always admired Elder Yuan's cultivation and skills.
As for the internal affairs, only a handful of people in our sect are aware of them, and they will never be disclosed. As for my disciple here..."
He glanced at the well-behaved Ji Chuan standing beside him, "...he is Junior Brother Ji's son, and he accidentally found out about some of it. He has a loose tongue, so I will teach him a lesson later."
Ji Chuan lowered his head and said, "Yes, Master. I know I was wrong."
However, He Dongxing looked at Lei Jun and suddenly smiled, "But since you already know, you might as well listen too. Although the grudges have been resolved, I'd still like to give Elder Yuan a hard time, hehe!"
Lei Jun was at a loss for words at the elder's childish behavior. "Elder, I'm not sure if this is appropriate..."
But deep down, he was dying of curiosity...
"What Elder Yuan said is true. It really was an unintentional mistake on his part back then because, at that time, he didn't even have a clear consciousness.
"He Dongxing spoke with a casual tone, "The Shan Pi is greedy, and after being nourished by spiritual energy, its saliva can corrode gold and iron. It dares to eat anything and can chew on anything. One day, it ate the spirit flower that Ji Shidi had been cultivating."
The old Taoist priest paused before adding, "Ji Shidi had been cultivating that spirit flower for almost sixty years, waiting for the sixtieth year to harvest it."
Upon hearing this, Lei Jun's lips twitched.
Sixty years was not an extremely long time for a spirit flower to grow.
However, for a cultivator to personally spend sixty years cultivating and caring for it... considering the lifespan of cultivators in this world, this was already a significant number.
Although Lei Jun didn't know what Elder Ji had planned for the spirit flower or what losses he would suffer from losing it, he could guess from his son Ji Chuan's emotional outburst after so many years that it was probably a big deal.
Especially since Ji Chuan usually seemed quite calm and composed...
A certain panda bear had accidentally eaten the spirit flower and was being pursued by Shu Mountain disciples. It fled towards regions beyond Bashu.
Fortunately, the patriarch of the previous generation had stepped in to protect the panda bear, compensating Shu Mountain's elders and resolving this grudge.
Apart from Elder Ji, who was directly involved, only a very small number of people, including He Dongxing, knew the full story.
Those who knew a little less might only be aware that Elder Ji of their sect had some old grudges with Yuan Mobai of Longhushan, but they wouldn't know the specific details, and naturally, they wouldn't know about Yuan Mobai's background.
As for the Celestial Master's Mansion, even fewer people knew that the usually virtuous and well-respected Elder Yuan had such a past...
"It's a pity. Your master hasn't returned to Shu since he left back then. I, He, would have welcomed him warmly if he had," Elder He said with a smile.
Lei Jun also smiled, thinking to himself that he probably wouldn't be killed by his master when he returned.
Elder He of Shu Mountain didn't ask Lei Jun about the purpose of his visit to Bashu or his specific destination. Instead, he said, "I still have some matters to attend to. If you're not in a hurry, Lei Xiao, you can wait a few days. Later, I'll have my disciple here act as your guide."
"This place has been experiencing frequent earth vein movements. The situation in Bashu is more complex than the regions outside of Shu. You must be careful, as you are new here," he added, showing genuine concern.
Lei Jun didn't decline the offer and thanked Elder He and Ji Chuan for their hospitality.
The Shu Mountain disciples were hunting a powerful demon known as the Nine-Clawed Stone Lion in this area. Using various means, they had successfully trapped the demon underground within a certain range.
Next, Elder He would personally cast a spell to force the Nine-Clawed Stone Lion out of its hiding place and then slay it.
Ji Chuan and the other Shu Mountain disciples were setting up artifacts on the periphery, providing assistance from a distance.
As the preparations neared completion, other Shu Mountain disciples also arrived at Elder He's location one after another.
"Uncle He," a handsome young Taoist priest with a jade flute at his waist flew through the clouds and arrived near the solitary peak, reporting to He Dongxing.
"Lei Xiao, this is Lin Xirran, my senior brother's disciple," Ji Chuan introduced, standing next to Lei Jun.
His introduction was brief and didn't go into much detail.
However, Lei Jun had become more sensitive to certain surnames lately.
Moreover, before coming here, Yuan Mobai had mentioned that there were quite a few descendants of the Lin clan from Jiangzhou in the Shu Mountain sect.
Yes, and there were also the Ye clan from Jinzhou, the Fang clan from Jingxiang, and the Xiao clan from beyond Long Province...
Lin Xirran remained relatively calm, unlike Ji Chuan, and didn't display any particular emotional fluctuations. He greeted Lei Jun as usual.
However, another Shu Mountain disciple who arrived later had a reaction similar to Ji Chuan's initial outburst, and perhaps even more intense.
At least Ji Chuan had only lost control of his emotions by himself.
Now, this disciple named Zhao Gang stared at Lei Jun with wide eyes, even with Elder He present.
"This is Zhao Gang, Zhao Shixiong, a direct disciple of my father, Ji Shishu," Ji Chuan introduced, using the term 'Shishu' to refer to his father according to the sect's lineage.
As a direct disciple of Elder Ji, Zhao Gang glared at Lei Jun, but he didn't dare to be too presumptuous with Elder He present. He suppressed his anger.
However, when Elder He left to make the final preparations for capturing the Nine-Clawed Stone Lion, and only Zhao Gang and Lei Jun were present, Zhao Gang lowered his voice and said, "I'll remember you, disciple of Yuan Mobai."
Lei Jun turned his head calmly and looked at him.
Zhao Gang humphed, "We'll meet again."
"Yes, you've remembered me, but it's useless, just like yourself..." Lei Jun replied, "...you seem to have some skills, but no fur."
PS: First update for today
(End of Chapter)
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