Chapter 185: The Youngest Elder, Elder Lei

Chapter 185: The Youngest Elder, Elder Lei

Future troubles may not arise immediately, but they can manifest over time as one's cultivation and circumstances change. While it may be possible to resolve them in the future, it is best to avoid them if one can.

For Lei Jun, it was a matter of minimizing potential problems. For instance, during the transmission and discipleship ceremony, those who chose to become direct disciples of the former Celestial Master, Li Qingfeng, would be more or less affected in the future, be it on a large or small scale.

His senior martial brother, Wang Guyuan, had already caught the attention of the King of Wu, which caused him no end of headaches. Although the King of Wu had perished, Wang Daozhang's fame had spread far and wide through the Wu Kingdom, making it difficult for him to maintain a low profile.

When Xiao Xueling came to pave the way for the Empress, she had also inquired about Wang Guyuan. Fortunately, Yuan Mo Bai understood the temperament of his disciple and kept a low profile, sparing Wang Guyuan from further troubles.

At this moment, Lei Jun could only bid farewell to Lin Shandao. In exchange for the Twin Spirit Treasure Trees, he obtained Zhang Jingzhen's Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew.

This brew, a vintage spirit wine, did not originate from the Taoist Fulu sect but was created by a martial artist-physician. True to its name, its primary function was to invigorate and enhance one's physical body and flesh. It was beneficial not only to martial arts cultivators but also to those from other sects whose cultivation involved the refinement of the physical body and the enhancement of flesh and blood.

The Taoist Fulu sect focused on dual cultivation of life and destiny, paying close attention to the cultivation of the physical body. Even someone like Zhang Jingzhen, with her slender and delicate figure, had a strong foundation in her flesh and blood due to her cultivation at the Sixth Heaven Realm. She regularly practiced the sect's boxing and swordsmanship, and despite her seemingly frail appearance, she could still engage in close combat with her opponents using the God-Striking Talisman and the Five Ding Mountain-Opening Talisman.

However, she did not consider these talismans as her primary spells. In this regard, her view of the Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew was similar to Lei Jun's perception of the Twin Spirit Treasure Trees.

"It's good to have it, but it's not the most suitable for me."

Taoist Fulu sect cultivators were already relatively versatile due to their diverse talismans, and they had fewer shortcomings. As such, they tended to focus on further enhancing their strengths. At this point, Zhang Jingzhen and Lei Jun's exchange of the Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew and the Twin Spirit Treasure Trees could be seen as a joint effort to optimize their resource allocation.

However, Lei Jun thought to himself, "...if I had obtained the Gathering Yuan Ice Veins instead of the Twin Spirit Treasure Trees, this Zhang Shijie probably wouldn't have come to make an exchange."

Did the Twin Spirit Treasure Trees surpass not only the Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew but also the Gathering Yuan Ice Veins in Zhang Jingzhen's eyes? Perhaps her interest in the trees was not solely for enhancing the Dragon and Tiger Dual Spirit technique but also for some other profound reason.

Lei Jun pondered these thoughts but refrained from probing further into others' secrets. Instead, he began to consume and refine the Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew during his subsequent cultivation.

Lei Jun's physical body had already been tempered by the Bear King's Primordial Gallbladder, making it stronger than the average Taoist Fulu sect disciple. After refining the Yin-Yang Double Malice and the Yin-Yang Double Gangue, he had strengthened his magical powers while also benefiting his physical body and fleshly blood.

Now, with the addition of the Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew, his foundation was becoming increasingly profound, gradually showing signs of a qualitative change.

In his small courtyard, Lei Jun did not meditate cross-legged but instead practiced a slow-paced boxing routine. His movements appeared slow, but each gesture seemed to contain incredible power, restrained yet formidable. The air around his body seemed slightly distorted, as if his mere presence warped the very fabric of reality.

Gungun curiously watched him for a while before slowly moving closer, drawn by the aura that Lei Jun exuded. However, before it could get too close, it felt a wave of scorching heat, as if it were approaching a massive furnace radiating immense heat.

Stimulated by this intense heat, the little creature instantly transformed into its larger form, its body expanding to an even greater size than it had been back in Bashu.

Amused by this reaction, Lei Jun paused his boxing routine and returned to a state of embracing the primordial unity. The heat wave gradually dissipated.

The gigantic Gungun blinked its eyes, its body shrinking back to its smaller form. Lei Jun smiled and gently rubbed its head, the feel of its scaly head pleasant to the touch.

"Your cultivation of the physical body is quite impressive."

Suddenly, Tang Xiaotang's voice rang out from outside the courtyard.

Lei Jun smiled and opened the courtyard door to greet her, "Lei Jun pays his respects to the Celestial Master."

Tang Xiaotang entered with a cheerful smile, "No need for formalities."

After the New Year, under the witness of the elders, Tang Xiaotang had gone to the ancestral mausoleum to pay respects to the past generations of ancestors, officially taking over the Longhushan sect. In terms of ritual, she was now the new generation Celestial Master of Longhushan.

Along with the Celestial Master's sword, Yuan Mo Bai had also handed over the Wanfa Zongtan to her. On the upcoming July 15th, the ceremony for the Celestial Master's ascension to the position would be held, inviting fellow cultivators to celebrate the occasion.

There were less than six months left to prepare for this grand event.

Undoubtedly, regardless of how long Tang Xiaotang held this position, she would leave a profound mark in the annals of history.

Nominally, she would be the first Taoist Fulu sect cultivator to ascend from a Daoist child to the Celestial Master.

Although, in reality, she had never lacked anything in terms of treatment for transmitted disciples, ordained disciples, or even high-achieving priests. However, on the surface, things were still not entirely proper or smooth.

Especially with this being the first Daoist child in history, her teenage delusions of grandeur were in full bloom. Even after confirming that she would take over the position of the Celestial Master, she refused to make up for the transmission and ordination ceremonies, insisting on maximizing her own legend.

In Lei Jun's words, Celestial Master Tang was determined to write a memoir titled "From Daoist Child to Celestial Master" in the future.

"I think it was some of my playful suggestions that made her so determined. What a sin, ancestors of all generations, please forgive me..." Lei Jun performed a Taoist ritual towards the direction of the ancestral mausoleum at Longhushan's back mountain.

Tang Xiaotang, standing beside him, was full of question marks, "What are you doing?"

"I'm offering sacrifices to the ancestors, hoping that one day the Celestial Master's robe will return to Longhushan." Lei Jun remained calm and casually changed the subject, steering the conversation away from Tang Xiaotang's plans.

As expected, when it came to this topic, Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks, "My junior disciples prepared a replica of the Nine-Colored Shawl, but how can a replica compare to the real Celestial Master's robe? Humph, after I'm done with the current matters, I must..."

She trailed off mid-sentence, suddenly lost for words.

Lei Jun quietly stood by, his gaze shifting from his nose to his heart.

"Who says the Celestial Master can't leave the mountain to wander the clouds," Tang Xiaotang mumbled, her voice gradually softening as her momentum faded.

Of course, the Celestial Master could leave the mountain to wander the clouds.

Throughout history, every Celestial Master had engaged in similar undertakings.

However, given the recent turmoil that greatly weakened the Heavenly Master's Mansion, even the carefree Tang Xiaotang had to exercise restraint and refrain from causing any major upsets for the time being.

As a result, Tang Xiaotang could only remain on the mountain, holding on to the Celestial Master's sword to maintain stability.

"I will find the Celestial Master's robe," Tang Xiaotang huffed.

Lei Jun nodded in agreement, "You're absolutely right."

Tang Xiaotang, ever unpredictable, quickly changed the subject, "Come July, I wonder if Senior Martial Sister will be able to make it back in time?"

This question left Lei Jun sighing as well, "There's no news yet."

"Hey, I'm off to meditate too."

With a clenched fist and gleaming eyes, Tang Xiaotang declared, "When Senior Martial Sister returns, I'm going to give her a big surprise!"

As he watched her retreating back, Lei Jun couldn't help but smile.

Tang Xiaotang, the Celestial Master, had little involvement in the daily affairs of the mountain.

Most matters were left to the three high-achieving elders, Yuan Mo Bai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning.

Everything seemed to continue as it had before.

It was much like the time when the previous Celestial Master, Li Qingfeng, had secluded himself for years.

Fortunately, everyone was already accustomed to this arrangement.

For over two decades, the Celestial Master had been virtually non-existent when it came to the day-to-day management.

The daily life of the Celestial Master, Tang Xiaotang, could be summed up in three words: cultivate, show off, and play.

It was somewhat reassuring that she at least placed cultivation as her top priority, fully embodying her personal philosophy:

"If I am the strongest in Longhushan, then I should be the Celestial Master.

Conversely, if I am the Celestial Master, then I must ensure that I am the foremost cultivator in Longhushan."

As for the surprise she wanted to give to Xu Yuanzhen...

Of course, it had nothing to do with her being the Celestial Master.

Back when she was a Daoist child, the dominant figure among her peers, Tang Xiaotang had three grand aspirations.

Aside from becoming the Celestial Master, she also wanted to be the foremost disciple of the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

And so, her sights were set on none other than Xu Yuanzhen.

Tang Xiaotang and Xu Yuanzhen shared a deep bond, but that didn't contradict her desire to surpass her senior martial sister.

As for her other wish, to become the personal disciple of the Celestial Master...

Tang Xiaotang had given up on that idea after the previous Celestial Master, Li Qingfeng, passed away.

Now that she was about to assume the position, her refusal to make up for the transmission and ordination ceremonies left a messy situation.

With her master unclear, it seemed too frivolous, especially considering that she was about to become the new Celestial Master.

Recording her as a disciple of Li Qingfeng would finally allow the previous generations of Li Celestial Masters to accept disciples on his behalf, but the matter was still controversial.

To avoid further turmoil, the reckoning with the Li family did not extend to the previous generations of Li Celestial Masters, including Li Qingfeng.

However, in the current climate of cleansing the sect, Tang Xiaotang's inclusion in the Li Qingfeng lineage once again sparked debate.

The final compromise...

If they could stand in for the deceased former Celestial Master Li Qingfeng and accept disciples on his behalf, then they could also stand in for other deceased elders of external clans.

And so, they had to trouble a deceased elder, asking them to take on the new Celestial Master as their disciple, inheriting their legacy.

Tang Xiaotang herself didn't seem too concerned about this arrangement.

Her focus was more on the living.

"Speaking of which, that Huo Xing hasn't shown up again," Lei Jun said, closing the courtyard gate after seeing Tang Xiaotang off.

On the side of the starry book world, three new figures had appeared.

Lei Jun immediately sought confirmation from those in the know.

Tang Xiaotang was quite curious about this, but she claimed to have been completely unaware beforehand.

Upon hearing that the Seven Stars were now complete with no vacancies, the Celestial Master Tang even expressed some regret.

After that, Lei Jun and the others gathered in the starry book world a few more times.

However, the owner of the Six Heavens, Huo Xing, who possessed the Tian Shu, never appeared again.

The stars themselves were obscured by qi flows rather than completely darkened, indicating that the page of the heavenly book still had an owner. It was just unclear whether the owner could be changed or if the current owner was simply busy with something. Considering that cultivators in this world sometimes secluded themselves for extended periods, immersing themselves in their personal daoist world without communicating with the outside, such a situation was not unusual to Lei Jun and the others.

Time passed, day by day.

As winter faded and spring arrived, the world came to life once more.

After the successive chaotic events, the Great Tang Empire finally enjoyed some peace and tranquility.

Every day, Lei Jun would go to the High Achievement Pavilion to train, assist his master Yuan Mo Bai in managing the sect's affairs, and focus on his own cultivation.

He constantly refined the Grand Five Phases Creation Origin Qi, enriching his five viscera, five phases, and five qi.

The Five Heavens Dao Palace realm was a stage where Daoist Fulu sect cultivators further strengthened their physical bodies.

By consuming the Vibrant Blood Heavenly Brew, Lei Jun enhanced his qi and blood, which, in turn, benefited his five viscera, five phases, and five qi.

As time went on, he constructed his fourth Dao Palace, finally reaching the final stages.

Summer was approaching.

That night, after practicing a new set of punches, Lei Jun took some time to regulate his qi and blood before returning to his quiet room, sitting cross-legged, and cultivating.

A brilliant light shone above his head.

In addition to the Central Three Purities Palace, the Southern Dragon Tiger Palace, and the Northern Xuanming Palace, there was now a fourth palace, the Western Lingguan Palace.

With the completion of the fourth Dao Palace, it was done.

"Hu..." Lei Jun exhaled deeply, "Good, now I just need the final palace, the Eastern Xuantan Palace, and it will be complete."

With the constant nourishment of the Grand Five Phases Creation Origin Qi, Lei Jun's cultivation progressed more smoothly than ever before.

This was evident not only in the speed of his daily cultivation progress.

Moreover, it directly reduced the difficulty of the heavenly tribulation he would face when advancing from the Five Heavens realm to the Six Heavens realm.

Once Lei Jun successfully constructed his fifth Dao Palace, after a period of nurturing, he would be able to attempt to break through to the Six Heavens Dao Seal realm.

He calmed his mind, first stabilizing the fourth Dao Palace and nurturing his foundation.

The Western Lingguan Palace was a protective palace, and cultivating it would benefit a cultivator in expelling foreign demons and enhancing the power of their spells.

By refining the Yin-Yang Double Malice and the Yin-Yang Double Gangue, Lei Jun had already enhanced his spell power. Thus, when it came to combat with cultivators of the same realm, he either didn't need to use his spells or had a significant advantage when he did.

Now, with the addition of the Western Lingguan Palace, his spell power would increase even further.

After nurturing the Lingguan Palace to maturity, Lei Jun remained calm and steady, beginning to construct his fifth Dao Palace.

The fifth Dao Palace was named the Eastern Xuantan Palace.

Xuantan Palace symbolized wealth and accumulation.

Originating from the liver wood, through the harmonization of yin and yang, it produced the Shaoyang qi, which was used to build the Xuantan Palace.

After its construction, it could greatly enhance the purity and power of a Taoist Fulu sect cultivator's magic.

Together with the Northern Xuanming Palace, which benefited the recovery of magic, they could complement each other.

With Lei Jun's current cultivation and practiced spells, once he perfected his five Dao Palaces and reached the Fifth Heaven realm, without the assistance of external objects, he would be able to cast the Yuan Magnet Sword Pills at least twice in a short period, and with the help of treasures like the Xirang Flag, he could cast even more.

Lei Jun calmed his mind and continued his cultivation without haste or impatience.

The Grand Five Phases Creation Origin Qi was now almost completely refined.

When Lei Jun perfected his five Dao Palaces, it would also be time to completely refine this Grand Five Phases Creation Origin Qi.

Time flew by, and the scorching summer heat arrived in the blink of an eye.

July 15th was approaching.

After the position of Celestial Master had been vacant for six or seven years, the Longhushan sect would finally welcome a new Celestial Master.

The preparations for the grand ceremony were now complete, and it was about to commence.

Lei Jun and the others' focus had temporarily shifted to this ceremony for the new Celestial Master's ascension.

"Brother Lei, I'm still recovering from my recent injury, and I didn't have much time to prepare. For the ceremony, I'd appreciate your guidance, as well as that of Brothers Lin and Zhang, and Sister Fang," said a young man in a deep red Daoist robe, courteously addressing Lei Jun. He was an ordained Daoist named Ke Sicheng, a talented disciple of Yao Yuan.

Lei Jun replied, "Brother Ke is too kind. We'll support each other."

The young man before him, Ke Sicheng, was a proud disciple of Yao Yuan, and a fellow disciple of Li Zhusheng and Chen Yi.

Chen Yi had betrayed the sect, and Li Zhusheng had perished, causing a decline in Yao Yuan's influence within the sect in recent years.

Fortunately, there was Ke Sicheng to uphold his master's reputation.

Speaking of Ke Sicheng, his journey had not been smooth.

In his early years, he was renowned alongside Zhang Jingzhen, Li Xuan, Lin Shan, Li Kong, and Xia Xiushan, and was considered one of the top contenders among the younger generation of the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

However, he suffered a severe injury during his travels a few years ago, which hindered his progress.

Then, six or seven years ago, during the battle with the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou, the Yellow Sky Dao, and the Blood River Sect in Poyang Marsh, Ke Sicheng was injured once more.

Just as he was recovering from his injuries after a few years, he was caught up in the battle between the Heavenly Master's Mansion and the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou in Poyang Marsh.

Ke Sicheng was injured for the third time, and it wasn't until this summer that he finally recovered after a long period of recuperation.

Last winter, during the internal strife, Ke Sicheng was still bedridden.

Because Yao Yuan had turned against Li Qingfeng, Ke Sicheng almost fell victim to the revenge of some of Li's disciples who held a grudge.

From another perspective, he had risked his life for the Heavenly Master's Mansion time and time again.

However, due to his unfortunate circumstances, his cultivation had fallen behind, and he was now surpassed by Zhang Jingzhen and Lin Shan.

But when he thought of the once-promising Li Xuan, Li Kong, and even the former Young Celestial Master, Li Zhengxuan, Ke Sicheng couldn't help but feel the unpredictability of life and considered himself somewhat fortunate.

Currently, the Heavenly Master's Mansion needed the younger generation to step up and take on more responsibilities.

In addition to Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, and Lin Shan, Ke Sicheng also became one of the key figures.

Fang Jian and the others were in a similar situation, but their current cultivation levels were still slightly lacking, so only Lei Jun and the other three would be officially appointed as elders of the sect.

Over the past six months, Lei Jun had frequently visited the High Achievement Pavilion to receive guidance from his master, Yuan Mo Bai, learn about the sect's affairs, and gradually gain hands-on experience.

After this ceremony, he would officially take up his new position.

Compared to the transmission and ordination ceremonies, this ceremony for the new Celestial Master's ascension was even more grand and lengthy.

Although the official date was set for July 15th, the preliminary rituals had already begun nine days ago.

Yuan Mo Bai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning, the three high-achieving elders, led the way, with one holding a scripture, another holding a hand lamp, and the last carrying a ritual lamp.

Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, Zuo Li, Lin Shan, and the other ordained disciples followed closely behind.

Next came Wang Guyuan, Chu Kun, and the other transmitted disciples.

The group first entered the Jade Emperor Hall, where they offered prayers and incense, and recited incantations without cease.

Then, the new Celestial Master, Tang Xiaotang, clad in a nine-colored ritual robe, made her grand entrance.

Having practiced and familiarized herself with the ceremony's procedures, Tang Xiaotang, the Celestial Master, appeared solemn and dignified.

The rituals in the Jade Emperor Hall lasted an entire day.

On the second day, Yuan Mo Bai, Yao Yuan, and Shangguan Ning once again took the lead, with the group departing from the Jade Emperor Hall and heading towards the Wanfa Zongtan, the altar of myriad laws.

As the Wanfa Zongtan opened, a vast amount of Dao patterns and essences converged, forming a pillar of ethereal light that reached into the heavens.

According to tradition, the former Celestial Master would accompany the new Celestial Master into the altar.

Since there was no previous Celestial Master, Yuan Mo Bai, the three high-achieving elders, led the way, carrying the Celestial Master's sword, with Tang Xiaotang following closely behind.

Lei Jun and the others remained outside the Wanfa Zongtan.

The disciples erected nine Daoist banners that fluttered in the wind, and lit thirty-six lamps, symbolizing the four and nine numerological significances.

Outside the altar, Lei Jun and the other disciples recited Daoist scriptures and offered incense that burned continuously.

This continued for a full seven days.

After seven days, the ethereal light of the Wanfa Zongtan finally receded.

All the disciples of Longhushan felt a simultaneous spiritual tremor within their hearts.

After the Wanfa Zongtan closed, Tang Xiaotang was the first to exit, followed by Yuan Mo Bai and the three high-achieving elders.

The disciples outside bowed in unison and said, "Disciples pay respects to the Celestial Master, wishing you longevity and blessings."

Tang Xiaotang led the group in paying respects to the Wanfa Zongtan, then took the lead.

The group then proceeded to the ancestral mausoleum at the back mountain.

This time, only Tang Xiaotang entered to offer incense and pay respects to the ancestors.

A day later, July 15th finally arrived.

The new Celestial Master emerged from the ancestral mausoleum, and everyone lined up to accompany her to the Celestial Master's Hall, where the formal ceremony would take place.

With Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang offering prayers and paying homage to the Queen Mother of the West, the ceremony neared its conclusion.

At this moment, standing behind Tang Xiaotang were no longer Yuan Mo Bai and the three high-achieving elders, but Lei Jun, Zhang Jingzhen, Lin Shan, and Ke Sicheng, who followed her and recited the memorial tablets and scriptures.

With Tang Xiaotang's ascension as the Celestial Master, Lei Jun and the other three were also appointed as elders, officially becoming elders of the Longhushan sect.

They were not just addressed as elders out of courtesy by their fellow sect members, but they now held official positions that were recognized by Daoists everywhere.

Lei Jun, who had not yet turned thirty-three, became the youngest elder in the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

Elder Lei.

PS: Here's another 5k chapter. Today's update ends here, and I'll continue tomorrow.

(End of Chapter)

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