Chapter 171: 170. Tang Xiaotang Emerges from Seclusion, Returning to the Mountain to Settle Scores

Chapter 171: 170. Tang Xiaotang Emerges from Seclusion, Returning to the Mountain to Settle Scores

Upon hearing Lei Jun's words, Yue Yi spoke up, "Do you know which kind of spirit pill this formula is for?"

"Cleansing Pill," answered Lei Jun.

Yue Yi remarked, "It's a shame it's incomplete. Speaking of which, I recall that Xue Yi also has an incomplete formula for a pill."

Xue Yi confirmed, "Indeed, I have the formula for the Taoist Sky Prime Green Landscape Pill."

Lei Jun was interested in this pill formula, but he didn't show urgency and instead feigned a lack of interest, "I'm not particularly keen on incomplete formulas. There's no need to exchange one incomplete formula for another."

Yue Yi replied, "Your formula is also incomplete, so it's challenging to determine its value. I'll opt out of this exchange."

Ri Yo and Xue Yi remained silent, seemingly sharing Yue Yi's lack of interest.

Lei Jun didn't show any signs of discouragement and calmly listened as Yue Yi continued, "I'd like to inquire if any of you have information regarding the major demons? I'm referring to large-scale movements of the demon race as a whole, rather than isolated incidents of individual demons causing trouble."

Although Ri Yo was still shimmering with light, he seemed solely concerned about news of Wei Ancheng, the leader of the Blood River Sect. Without a response, he appeared disinterested in other matters, choosing to remain silent and meditate.

Lei Jun also fell silent for a moment as his mind raced with thoughts, speculating on Yue Yi's interest in the movements of the great demons.

"I have some unverified information, but I'm not sure if it aligns with what you're seeking," Xue Yi spoke up.

Yue Yi asked, "What do you desire in exchange, fellow daoist?"

Xue Yi suggested, "Perhaps we can discuss this privately later."

As it turned out, he wasn't the only one who wanted a private conversation.

Later, after everyone seemed to have finished their discussions and was about to disperse, Lei Jun received a transmission from Xue Yi.

The topic of their conversation was the incomplete formula for the Cleansing Pill that Lei Jun possessed.

Although it was a private chat, Xue Yi's direct expression of interest sparked numerous speculations in Lei Jun's mind.

It was hard to tell if he was a Buddhist or if he intended to mislead Lei Jun by creating confusion.

For the time being, Lei Jun leaned more towards the former assumption.

The significance of the Cleansing Pill formula extended beyond its mere existence.

It could also be linked to the damaged candleholder artifact.

However, Lei Jun maintained his composure and calmly engaged in the conversation with Xue Yi.

"What do you desire in exchange?" asked Xue Yi.

"I want to inquire about some matters," Lei Jun replied.

"Please go ahead," Xue Yi said.

Lei Jun explained, "I want to make it clear beforehand that although the pill formula is incomplete, I can guarantee its authenticity. Thus, its value is not inferior to ordinary news or intelligence. This time, I'm not interested in a material exchange, so I request at least two pieces of information in return."

Xue Yi seemed to consider this for a moment before speaking again, his tone revealing neither happiness nor sadness, "What kind of information do you seek?"

Lei Jun stated his request, "I want to know about the White Lotus Sect, the Yellow Sky Dao, and the Great Empty Temple. At least two out of the three."

The three names he mentioned were well-known in the cultivation world of this world.

To be precise, these three could be considered the three major rebel factions.

There was no need to elaborate on the White Lotus Sect.

The Yellow Sky Dao had always been denounced as a heretical sect by the Great Tang Dynasty and was routinely wanted.

The Great Empty Temple was no less notorious.

To some extent, it could also be considered one of the external paths of Buddhism, just like how the White Lotus Sect was an arch-nemesis of the Four Great Buddhist Sacred Sites.

In fact, their relationship with the White Lotus Sect was also strained, often marked by conflicts and hostility.

Although both sects advocated for the destruction of the old world, there were significant differences between them.

One sect worshipped the future Buddha, Maitreya, while the other followed the Great Extinction Tathagata.

Even their interpretations of destroying the old world varied greatly.

The White Lotus Sect believed in the extinction of the present world, the birth of a new world, and the attainment of ultimate bliss for all beings.

On the other hand, the Great Empty Temple preached a cycle of constant destruction and rebirth, where the new would become old and then be destroyed again, with endless destruction as the only eternal truth.

In terms of their external behavior, the disciples of the Great Empty Temple were more radical and ruthless than those of the White Lotus Sect.

According to rumors, their cultivation methods often involved demonic energy and sinister influences. While their combat techniques were powerful, their style was more vicious and starkly different from most Buddhist sects, earning them the reputation of being a heretical Buddhist sect.

Approximately two hundred years ago, the Great Empty Temple had stirred up a massive rebellion throughout the lands of the Great Tang Dynasty, creating a significant disturbance. However, they were eventually suppressed.

The Great Empty Temple suffered heavy losses, and the few surviving disciples had to flee overseas to evade capture and assassination.

In the present time, it had been many years since anyone from the Great Empty Temple had appeared within the lands of the Great Tang Dynasty.

It was only after Tang Xiaotang returned from her journey across the Eastern Sea that she casually mentioned encountering disciples of the Great Empty Temple during her conversations with Lei Jun.

She had set out to search for the Heavenly Master's Sword and had a brief encounter with them, but they didn't interact much.

Lei Jun's current conversation with Xue Yi, which included the Great Empty Temple, was primarily to group the three major rebel factions together.

His true focus, however, was on the Yellow Sky Dao.

"I have two pieces of information that may be of interest to you, but they are also unverified. I don't know if they are worth exchanging for your pill formula," Xue Yi said slowly.

He continued, "The first piece of information concerns the Yellow Sky Dao.

There are rumors that after the leader of the Yellow Sky Dao, Tai Ping Dao Ren, was injured by Xu Yuanzhen and Li Hongyu during the battle at Longhu Mountain six years ago, he has been recuperating in seclusion and rarely appears in public.

The affairs of the Yellow Sky Dao are currently being managed by the elders of the sect.

However..."

Xue Yi paused briefly before continuing, "According to rumors, there seems to be a severe internal conflict within the Yellow Sky Dao, dividing them into two factions that often engage in infighting. Unfortunately, I don't know the specific details."

As Lei Jun listened, he felt a momentary urge to sigh and rub his forehead.

Was it truly possible for a sect to be endlessly divided?

Not only was his own Longhu Mountain Heavenly Master's Mansion currently in such a state, but the Yellow Sky Dao, which had branched off from them, seemed to be following a similar path.

"The second piece of information is about the Great Empty Temple."

Xue Yi continued, "There are rumors that the Great Empty Temple is showing signs of renewed activity and is seeking to return to the shore from the sea.

A new Buddhist disciple with exceptional talent has emerged and unified the previously scattered members of the Great Empty Temple. They are now regrouping and regaining their strength.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow slightly.

The question about the Great Empty Temple was merely an afterthought.

However, if Thursday's information was true, the Great Tang would soon be in for some excitement.

It might not directly affect the Heavenly Master's Mansion, but the indirect implications were hard to predict.

"Although this information is yet to be verified, I am willing to trade with you, Senior."

Lei Jun calmly spoke up, offering the incomplete formula for the Cleansing Pill, the original version from before it had been partially restored by the first layer of the Zhen Yi Fa Tan.

He wasn't in a rush for the Tian Yuan Qing Jing Dan.

Both the broken candle holder and the complete Cleansing Pill formula were now in his hands.

This transaction was different from the previous one where he had exchanged the Scatter Soul Essence for the Hui Ri Jin Jing. This time, he didn't need to specify a separate time and place for the exchange.

Right now, Lei Jun could directly provide the Cleansing Pill formula to Thursday.

After receiving it, Thursday bid Lei Jun farewell and took his leave.

Lei Jun gazed at the vast starry sky, where the other Star Masters had all faded away, and sank into contemplation.

Later, his thoughts drifted away from the heavenly books.

He had intended to pay a visit to his master, Yuan Mobai, after leaving the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave.

However, Yuan Mobai had been busy in the High Merit Pavilion lately and hadn't had any free time.

Lei Jun didn't want to disturb him, so he decided to cultivate quietly on his own.

He continued to refine the Grand Five Phases Creation Origin Qi within him.

In his body, the fourth Dao Palace, the Western Spirit Official Palace, had already taken shape and was now being steadily established.

...

In the water town of Jiangnan, despite it being the depths of winter, the climate was not as bitterly cold as in the north, but there was still a chill in the air.

However, in the watery pavilion where Chu Yu resided, it was always warm and pleasant, with scenic views all year round.

Dressed in casual clothes, she sat quietly reading a book in the waterside pavilion.

Until a special guest paid a visit to her moon studio.

"Father." Chu Yu invited an elderly man to sit with her in the studio.

The old man had a gentle and elegant demeanor, a thin and handsome face, and a demeanor that was endearing.

He was none other than one of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes, the contemporary old patriarch of the Chu family of Jiangnan, Chu Zuoran, the Old Master of Chu.

Sitting across from Chu Yu, he showed none of the tension that had existed between father and daughter before.

However, in fact, the father and daughter had indeed had a conversation earlier.

And it was after that conversation that Chu Yu left the Chu family's ancestral land and settled in her current moon studio.

No one knew that the Old Master of Chu had secretly come to the moon studio instead of summoning his youngest daughter, Chu Yu, back to the ancestral land to meet him.

"King Wu of Wu has been stirring up trouble for a long time, and finally, he has reached this point."

The Old Master of Chu smiled warmly and asked his youngest daughter, "When will you be setting off?"

Chu Yu replied, "Everything is ready. After seeing you, Father, I will set off northward to join Her Majesty."

Old Master Chu said, "Now that the arrow is on the string, you must hit the target. Very good, very good."

He looked at Chu Yu, and after a while, he sighed softly, "To be frank, your father didn't expect you and Her Majesty to be so close."

Chu Yu smiled, "I really want to boast that I have good eyesight and foresight.

But to be honest, back then, I just wanted to make friends with two people who shared the same interests. I never expected the Great Tang to be in its current state.

Especially, I never expected the previous emperor to pass away so soon. Otherwise, if the crown prince had succeeded the throne, it wouldn't have been Her Majesty who ascended to the throne."

"Her Majesty, the Empress..." The smile on the Old Master of Chu's face faded a little, "...is truly an extraordinary person."

Chu Yu's smile did not diminish, "I won't discuss Her Majesty in front of you, Father. It's not in keeping with the way friends treat each other, nor is it in keeping with the way a ruler and her subject should interact."

Instead of being annoyed, the Old Master of Chu smiled again and nodded gently, "Very good."

He looked at his beloved youngest daughter and said calmly, "Since you have chosen Her Majesty, then naturally, you must always put Her Majesty first. Not only should you not show any mercy to others, but if one day Her Majesty wants to take action against my Suzhou, you must also not show any hesitation."

The so-called branching out and taking root meant that there might be a situation where the left hand fought the right hand, where the new tree fought the old tree for sunlight, causing the old tree to wither and die. But the Old Master of Chu did not take this to heart.

As long as there was a tree of the Chu family standing tall, he would be content.

In the changing world, the rivers and mountains would change.

The Chu family of a thousand or ten thousand years in the future might no longer be the Chu family of today.

But as long as the lineage continued, he would be satisfied.

The world was full of changes, and things rarely went as one wished. The more prepared one was, the more opportunities one would have.

"Father, please take care." Chu Yu bowed to her father.

The Old Master of Chu smiled and nodded.

...

On Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun cultivated quietly.

It wasn't until Yuan Mobai returned from the High Merit Pavilion that Lei Jun went to meet his master.

He first showed off his newly acquired Thunder Heart Furnace from the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace.

Yuan Mobai saw it and couldn't help but smile, "So this thing ended up in your hands? It's also a kind of fate."

Lei Jun said, "When you have some free time later, I would like to seek your guidance."

Then, he mentioned the information Thursday had shared about the Yellow Sky Dao.

Yuan Mobai listened quietly and asked, "What do you make of it?"

Lei Jun said, "There's not much to go on, so it's hard to make a judgment. There are many possibilities.

But if I had to guess, there are two possibilities that are more likely..."

Yuan Mobai said, "The first possibility is that, seeing the increasing tension between the Li family and the outsiders in our sect, some people in the Yellow Sky Dao want to join forces with us outsiders of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, while others believe that everyone in the Heavenly Master's Mansion, whether they are Li or outsiders, is an enemy. The two differing judgments have led to conflict and division."

Lei Jun nodded, "The second possibility is that there are other major forces, not just one, secretly supporting the Yellow Sky Dao. But because of this, each force has its own representative, leading to factions within the Yellow Sky Dao."

Yuan Mobai's gentle smile remained unchanged, "No matter which possibility it is, if Dragon and Tiger Mountain really descends into chaos, the Yellow Sky Dao is still very likely to take the risk. We must not be careless and negligent.

Lei Jun: "I understand, disciple will heed your teachings."

"During these turbulent times, we can only do what we can and leave the rest to fate," Yuan Mobai said.

Lei Jun heard the underlying meaning in his master's words: "Something has happened?"

Yuan Mobai: "I just received news. King Wu of Wu has rebelled."

The Emperor had summoned King Wu to the capital, but he feigned illness and did not obey the imperial edict.

When imperial physicians were sent from the capital, King Wu delayed meeting them for several days. But now, he could no longer procrastinate, and he boldly rose in rebellion, listing numerous crimes of the current Empress, foremost among them being regicide and falsifying imperial decrees. He also accused her of plotting to assassinate the previous Emperor, Zhang Qilong, and now, he claimed, she sought to silence him as well.

Such verbal sparring was not merely about words.

The Emperor, as the ruler of the land and the possessor of the nation's dragon veins and fortune, held a position of immense power. However, this power was closely tied to the support of the people.

King Wu's actions were a fundamental strategy to sway public opinion.

And there was more to come.

Of course, the ultimate outcome would depend on the fundamental strengths of the two sides.

The verbal sparring was, in essence, a tactic to diminish the opponent's advantage and increase one's own chances of victory.

Empress Huo, of course, had not taken King Wu's claims of illness at face value, and she too had been preparing for this moment.

As soon as King Wu raised the banner of rebellion, the campaign to suppress it had already begun.

"Isn't Her Majesty capable of handling King Wu?" Lei Jun asked his master.

If one were to say that King Wu had no capabilities, that would certainly be an exaggeration.

The problem was that ever since the news of King Wu's collusion with the former Demon-Subduing General had leaked, he had been under the Empress's watchful eye.

His journey to this point had been one of constant pressure from the Tang court, forcing him into a desperate struggle.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that King Wu had been goaded into rebellion by the Tang imperial family.

... And conversely, King Wu should also have his own plans. Even though the Tang Dynasty was currently unstable, his chances of success were still slim.

"At the same time as King Wu's rebellion, a great demon disturbance has erupted in the East China Sea, causing severe havoc. Although it may not be as severe as the previous demon disturbance in the Western Regions, it's not far off," Yuan Mobai said in a low voice.

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow.

No wonder, then.

Yuan Mobai: "The suppression of the demon disturbance in the Wu and Yue regions is being handled by our subordinates. The latest news is that Her Majesty is personally heading to the East China Sea."

Lei Jun: "Does this incident involve you, Master, or Big Brother Wang?"

Although he estimated that the Tang court would not create additional troubles at this time, it was always better to be cautious.

In this regard, Lei Jun agreed with his senior martial brother, Wang Guiyuan's views.

Yuan Mobai smiled faintly: "Not for now. Even Sister Shangguan hasn't intervened. If anything happens, it will likely be some time later."

Lei Jun pondered: "From another perspective, if something happens to our sect right now, the Tang court can only offer verbal advice at most and won't directly interfere?"

Yuan Mobai nodded: "Exactly. In the past few days, there have been signs of Blood River Sect cultivators in the outer areas of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, in the territory of Xinzhou."

Lei Jun sigated: "They're like a bunch of vultures, flying around waiting to feast on corpses."

Yuan Mobai: "Be vigilant."

Lei Jun: "Yes, Master."

Led by Yuan Mobai and the other two senior elders, the sect began organizing its elite forces to take turns patrolling and clearing the Blood River Sect's secret arrangements in the mountains.

Lei Jun, now at the Fifth Heaven Realm of cultivation, also had to take on more responsibilities. Although he had not opened his own sect to accept disciples, he often led teams and commanded his fellow sect members in action.

Outside the mountain, they continuously destroyed the Blood River Arrays secretly set up by the Blood River Sect disciples.

They also encountered some Blood River Sect cultivators with Three Heavens cultivation, leading to intense battles.

In the mountains, one could see foul blood covering the sky and staining the land.

But soon, sheets of fiery flames spread out, with walls of fire meeting the sea of blood, burning away large areas of the tainted blood.

Lei Jun flicked his wrist, and two high-level spirit talismans, passed down by the Celestial Master's Mansion, flew out. One was the 'Boundless Sea of Fire Talisman', and the other was the 'City of Wind and Fire Talisman', with flames intertwining endlessly.

Facing him was a Blood River Sect elder with a Three Heavens cultivation, who was momentarily overwhelmed by Lei Jun's attacks.

To a certain extent, the masculine fire and thunder laws were effective against the sinister blood sea.

But it was not an absolute counter.

The Blood River and Blood Sea were adept at corrupting their opponent's spiritual power.

Even fire and thunder laws could be tainted by the foul blood, losing their mystical properties.

Blood River cultivators were not completely helpless against fire and thunder laws.

Moreover, Lei Jun's 'Boundless Sea of Fire Talisman' and 'City of Wind and Fire Talisman' were not his innate techniques.

The situation should have been a contest between water and fire, with water extinguishing fire and fire evaporating water.

But the current problem was that Lei Jun, having cultivated the Yin-Yang Two Killers and the Yin-Yang Two Gang, along with other factors, had combined to enhance the power of his techniques, making them obviously stronger than those of other talisman sect cultivators at the same level.

Thus, he was using the sect's true spirit talismans to crush the Blood River Sect elder, forcing him to retreat.

Lei Jun did not pursue blindly, as he was wary of the possible appearance of Blood River Sect cultivators with Upper Three Heavens cultivation.

It was just strange that during this period, the highest cultivation level among the Blood River Sect members around Dragon and Tiger Mountain was only the Sixth Heaven Realm, and none of the bigwigs with Upper Three Heavens cultivation had shown themselves.

Had they been drawn to the battles in the East China Sea and the Wu and Yue regions?

Or was there another reason?

"BOOM!!!"

As Lei Jun was deep in thought, a deafening explosion suddenly reverberated from the distance.

Not only Lei Jun, but all the Celestial Master's Mansion disciples outside the mountain turned their heads toward the source of the sound.

The source of that earth-shattering noise was none other than their own sect's headquarters, Dragon and Tiger Mountain!

Purple lightning and azure flames filled the sky above the mountain peak, with dragon roars and tiger howls echoing simultaneously.

It was not a united front against an enemy, but a clash between dragon and tiger!

"Little Sister Tang has emerged from seclusion and returned to the mountain to settle scores..." Lei Jun realized.

PS: 5k chapter.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end