Chapter 186: 185. Rewards

Chapter 186: 185. Rewards

News of the Heavenly Master's succession ceremony spread far and wide, attracting numerous guests and creating a grand spectacle.

Among the guests were representatives from the Pure Yang Palace and Shu Mountain, both revered sites of the Taoist faith.

"Brother He, it's been a long time since we last met." Elder Lu Jinduan of the Pure Yang Palace greeted Elder He Dongxing from Shu Mountain.

He Dongxing smiled and replied, "Brother Lu, it's good to see you again. I hope Elder Huang of your sect is doing well."

"After the battle in the Western Regions, our sect leader suffered severe injuries and has been recuperating ever since. Although his condition has improved slightly recently, we still can't afford to be careless," Lu Jinduan explained. "If not for his current state, he would have definitely come to celebrate this joyous occasion at the Heavenly Master's Mansion today. I'm afraid I can only represent our sect in his stead."

He Dongxing nodded, acknowledging the situation. "Elder Huang is a pillar of our Taoist community. Please convey our well wishes for his health."

"I am ashamed that he could not be here in person," Lu Jinduan said humbly.

"It is a slight regret, but I'm sure everyone here understands," He Dongxing consoled.

The relationship between the three great sites of Taoism was delicate and complex.

However, Elder Huang Laozhen of the Pure Yang Palace, a master of pill and cauldron, was held in high regard even by Shu Mountain and the Heavenly Master's Mansion, the school of talismans and registers.

"How is your sect leader, Elder Fu, doing?" Lu Jinduan inquired.

"Sect Leader Fu is tirelessly dedicated to our cause, and he is stretched thin," He Dongxing replied. "If not for his busy schedule, he would have certainly come to offer his congratulations in person."

"Elder Fu possesses a talent that astonishes the world. I have always admired him," Lu Jinduan said sincerely.

The current sect leader of Shu Mountain, Fu Dongsen, was a figure of much controversy. As the leader of Shu Mountain's reform, it was through his relentless efforts that the once secluded and self-contained Shu Mountain began to open up and increase its interactions with the outside world.

In recent years, Shu Mountain's influence had extended beyond Bashu, and their exchanges with the rest of the world had become increasingly frequent.

Talents and resources from all over the world flowed into Bashu, and the region's produce was circulated far and wide.

Of course, with increased interaction came greater influence from the outside world on Shu Mountain.

This development stirred unease and discontent among the conservative factions within Shu Mountain, eventually leading to a severe internal strife a few years ago.

In the end, the reformists led by Sect Leader Fu Dongsen emerged victorious. They purged the conservatives, and those who remained neutral gradually shifted their allegiance.

After the strife, Shu Mountain presented a unified front, but they have maintained a low profile in recent years, focusing on recuperation and growth.

The constant turmoil in the Great Tang Dynasty outside of Bashu had also impacted Shu Mountain to some extent.

As Lu Jinduan and He Dongxing conversed, their gazes casually swept across the room, seemingly without intention.

Seated together were a young Taoist priest and a middle-aged Taoist priest, observing the ceremony.

The young priest, clad in the traditional black and white robe of the Pure Yang Palace, was none other than Yue Xiling, the rising leader of the younger generation of the Pure Yang Palace. He had accompanied Lu Jinduan to the ceremony at Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

The middle-aged priest, on the other hand, wore a much simpler outfit—a coarse hemp robe—with his hair neatly secured by a wooden hairpin, a typical style for priests of Shu Mountain.

However, what drew attention to this middle-aged priest was not just his attire but also his identity.

Ye Dongming.

Elder of Shu Mountain.

And a member of the Ye clan from Jinzhou.

Within Shu Mountain, he was a strong supporter of Sect Leader Fu Dongsen.

Together with Lin Xinran of the Lin clan from Jiangzhou, they were among the disciples of Shu Mountain who hailed from influential families outside of Bashu.

This was one of the characteristics that made Shu Mountain so controversial—their deepening connections with the outside world beyond Bashu.

Yet, Ye Dongming seemed completely oblivious to the controversy as he represented Shu Mountain, accompanying He Dongxing to congratulate the new Heavenly Master at Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

At that moment, he was chatting amicably with Yue Xiling.

"So young!" Ye Dongming exclaimed, looking at Tang Xiaotang, who was draped in a nine-colored cloud robe. "Is she the youngest Heavenly Master in the history of the Taoist school of talismans and registers?"

"Before this, the youngest Heavenly Master in the history of the Taoist school of talismans and registers was around thirty years old," Yue Xiling replied. "Tang Xiaotang hasn't officially turned thirty-one yet, so there might only be a difference of a few months between them. Even if she isn't the youngest, she's definitely a close second."

He Dongxing glanced at Yue Xiling, knowing that Tang Xiaotang held a special significance for him and the entire Pure Yang Palace.

However, Yue Xiling remained calm and composed, his emotions steady and his heart unwavering.

Lu Jinduan, on the other hand, was not worried about Yue Xiling. As the rising leader of the younger generation of the Pure Yang Palace, Yue Xiling possessed exceptional qualities.

Regarding Tang Xiaotang, Yue Xiling's perspective was similar to that of Lu Jinduan—they both lamented the fact that such a talented individual, a genius destined for the Pure Yang Palace, had ended up joining the Heavenly Master's Mansion instead.

As he gazed at Tang Xiaotang, now seated in the Heavenly Master's Hall as the new Heavenly Master of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Lu Jinduan sighed inwardly.

"Speaking of youth, there's another person who is also very young," Yue Xiling remarked, his eyes falling on the tall and stalwart figure among the disciples of the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

"Lei Jun, Lei Zhongyun," Ye Dongming nodded, recalling his brief encounter with Lei Jun in the Rain Mountains of Bashu. "By current standards, he's probably the youngest elder in the new generation of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, isn't he? Dragon and Tiger Mountain truly has promising successors. It's quite enviable."

Yue Xiling gently nodded in agreement.

Historically speaking, Lei Jun might not have been the youngest elder of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, but in the present day, there was no doubt about it.

At the age of thirty-three, Lei Jun was the youngest elder of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, not counting the exceptional case of Tang Xiaotang. Among his contemporaries, only Xu Yuanzhen had become an elder at a younger age.

The three individuals who were being appointed alongside Lei Jun were indeed rising stars of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, but their actual ages were significantly older than Lei Jun's.

In terms of secular mortal years, they were easily a generation apart.

"I heard he's already reached the Fifth Heaven realm and has cultivated the Taoist Palace inherited by the school of talismans and registers. I wonder how many palaces he has cultivated?" He Dongxing mused. "In just a few years, he has advanced from the Fourth Heaven to the Fifth Heaven. His cultivation speed may not match that of the new Heavenly Master, but his progress is still remarkable.

Lu Jinduan slowly said, "Compared to Xu Daoyou, who soared into the skies and rose to prominence immediately."

He Dongxing nodded.

Compared to Tang Xiaotang, who soared to fame in an instant, Lei Jun's rise was more akin to that of Xu Yuanzhen.

Initially, he didn't stand out remarkably, but as time passed, he began to display his extraordinary talents, and his ascent remained relentless, as if there were no obstacles in his path.

Generally, cultivation becomes more time-consuming and challenging as one's realm improves.

However, Xu Yuanzhen's journey gave people the impression of a leisurely stroll, never rushing nor slowing down.

As she progressed, she left her peers far behind.

And now, there was also Lei Jun.

On the other side was Tang Xiaotang, who relentlessly forged ahead.

The two grand elders from the other two great sects, He Dongxing and Lu Jinduan, couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

"The guests from the Tang Imperial Family are over there." Yue Xiling and Ye Dongming's gazes turned towards the distance.

Lu Jinduan and He Dongxing followed their gaze.

The guests were slightly unexpected but also within reason.

Dressed not in hunting attire but in grand court attire, Chu Yu attended the ceremony as a guest.

However, this time, she wasn't representing the Chu family of Suzhou but the Tang Imperial Family.

"After the pacification of Wu and Yue, I heard that Chu Guoshi didn't return to Suzhou but went straight back to the capital," Ye Dongming smiled and nodded in greeting. Chu Yu saw him from afar and returned the smile.

The two, one a Shu Mountain elder and the other a confidante of the Empress, seemed to completely ignore their other identities.

However, while they might not care, others would pay attention, and from time to time, people offered respectful greetings to the pair.

Ye Dongming's companion, Yue Xiling, spoke in a casual tone, "Her Majesty has established the East and West Pavilions in front of the palace, presided over by Xiao and Chu."

"Her Majesty is newly ascended, and new winds are blowing," Ye Dongming said with a smile.

Yue Xiling nodded slightly.

The ceremony lasted until the evening, and after it concluded, the new Celestial Master, Tang Xiaotang, would head to the forbidden ancestral tomb in the back mountains.

Lei Jun and the other three, along with the other elders from the manor, would accompany the three high-achieving elders, including Yuan Mobai, to thank the guests who attended the ceremony.

"We apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality for traveling so far to attend the ceremony here at Dragon and Tiger Mountain."

Due to his previous trip to Bashu, Lei Jun was in charge of hosting He Dongxing, Ye Dongming, and the others from Shu Mountain this time.

He was already acquainted with He Dongxing and Ye Dongming, so there was no strangeness between them.

Ye Qi and Ye Chifeng had already helped Lei Jun identify the Ye Clan from Jinzhou.

However, facing Elder Ye Dongming of Shu Mountain, Lei Jun maintained his composure, his manners impeccable, making his guests feel right at home.

Ye Dongming smiled and said, "It's truly delightful to see such outstanding talents emerging from our Taoist sect."

"Elder Ye is too kind," Lei Jun replied.

There was another familiar face, Ji Chuan.

"Lei Daoyou, congratulations," he said with a smile as he handed Lei Jun a shrinking pouch. "A little something from Bashu, please don't laugh at it."

"Ji Daoyou, it's been a while," Lei Jun thanked him and didn't look at what was inside the pouch, accepting it first.

Knowing that Ji Chuan and the others would be coming, Lei Jun had also prepared a batch of spirit talismans as gifts.

"This time, I should be the host and reciprocate your hospitality," he said.

Ji Chuan smiled and shook his head. "Dragon and Tiger Immortal Mountain, I've long admired your reputation, and I would love to have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, but I'm afraid I won't be able to this time. The timing is too tight, and after the ceremony, I need to return to Bashu with my master and Ye Shishu as soon as possible. I'll have to wait for the next opportunity."

"So soon?" Lei Jun asked.

Ji Chuan nodded.

His smile faded, and he continued in a serious tone, "Things have been a bit unsettled in Bashu lately, and we can't afford to be careless... Have you heard of Prince Shengkang?"

"Not much," Lei Jun replied. "I've only seen a few mentions in the sect's archives, but they're more like legends."

Prince Shengkang wasn't a prince of the Great Tang Dynasty.

Instead, he referred to the Crown Prince of the previous Sui Dynasty before the Great Tang Dynasty came to power.

The previous dynasty fell, and in the chaos that followed, the Great Tang Dynasty was founded.

The Sui Emperor died early, and the Crown Prince Shengkang disappeared without a trace, rumored to have gone into hiding in the southwest.

However, that history was already ancient, and even if the Crown Prince had truly escaped death, he would have long turned to dust by now.

Yet, from time to time, there were rumors that the Crown Prince had left descendants, but their authenticity was difficult to ascertain.

People had gotten used to referring to them as the 'Shengkang Royalty.'

Even if there were truly descendants of the previous dynasty, the mandate of heaven had already passed to another family.

Of course, the path of the emperor and the heavens only allowed two people to cultivate, and the other members of the previous royal family had their own lineage of cultivation.

Common sense dictated that the previous Sui Dynasty had lost the mandate of heaven, and even if someone from that lineage tried to reclaim their glory, they would likely find few supporters.

"But this time, it's a bit different," Ji Chuan frowned. "There seem to be people secretly supporting them within the Great Tang, and there are also stirrings in the Southern Wasteland."

Lei Jun nodded slightly, deep in thought.

Ji Chuan continued, "Her Majesty has instructed our sect to investigate the situation in the southwest, and our sect also hopes to prevent chaos from spreading to Bashu. Therefore, the sect leader has ordered that a specialized team will be organized to visit the southwestern mountains to investigate."

Lei Jun performed a Taoist salute and said, "Thank you for the information, and our sect will also help pay attention to the movements in the Southern Wasteland."

"In that case, I'll thank you in advance," Ji Chuan replied.

In previous years, when the Celestial Master's Mansion received guests from the Tang Imperial Family, it was usually handled by Official Ning.

This year, Official Ning wanted to downplay this aspect, so Yuan Mobai received Chu Yu, with Chu Kun by her side.

After Lei Jun saw off Ji Chuan, He Dongxing, Ye Dongming, and the others from Shu Mountain, Chu Yu was also about to take her leave.

"The Celestial Master has instructed me to ask you to stay a little longer, so we can catch up," Lei Jun said.

This so-called reunion was obviously not well-intentioned.

The newly appointed Celestial Master, who usually acted arrogantly in front of ordinary people, was even more so in front of Chu Yu, whom she had never looked upon favorably.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yu smiled and said, "If I have nothing else to do, I don't mind staying to keep the new Celestial Master company. However, if I have other matters to attend to, I'm afraid I'll have to wait for the next opportunity."

Yuan Mobai, standing beside her, nodded slightly and said, "Chu Zhai-zhu is following the Emperor's decree and will be heading to the southwest."

It seemed that the situation over there was quite eventful... Lei Jun thought to himself.

Tang Xiaotang's chance for "revenge" slipped away just like that.

Having just emerged from the ancestral tomb, she couldn't help but feel a great deal of regret.

Yuan Mobai then brought up the main topic, "The matter regarding Bodhi Temple has been discussed for a long time, and a decision has finally been made."

The black pot was naturally left for Dakuang Temple to carry.

Not only did they have to bear the blame for the destruction of Bodhi Temple, but they were also framed for instigating the chaos in the North and colluding with Wei Ancheng.

The Tang imperial family couldn't accept the destruction of Bodhi Temple and was further burdened with the infamy of causing the northern chaos.

On the other hand, influential families like the Ye Clan from Jinzhou and the Lin Clan from Jiangzhou remained untouched by the incident, instead focusing on calming the northern chaos and gaining recognition for their efforts.

Dakuang Temple, burdened with multiple accusations, was unperturbed as they had already suffered a near-total destruction, and the Tang imperial family couldn't demand much more from them.

In fact, various parties speculated that Dakuang Temple indeed had connections with the northern demons.

There was no doubt that they were involved in orchestrating the chaos in the North.

After lying dormant for many years, Dakuang Temple had returned to the Central Plains from the East China Sea, making a stunning reappearance.

The only ones who suffered were the monks of Bodhi Temple.

This sacred site of Zen and martial arts, once revered by the Buddhist community, was almost completely annihilated.

Their plight was so dire that even the Xiao Clan from beyond the Long Province, who had declined after the western chaos, couldn't compare to Bodhi Temple in this misery competition.

If one were to forcefully draw a comparison, the Li family and the monks could be considered unfortunate siblings, and the Li family could even find some solace in the fact that they weren't the only ones suffering.

Although some disciples of Bodhi Temple who were traveling abroad at the time survived, there were only a handful of them left, and the temple's scriptures and treasures were scattered and lost.

Even with the support of the Tang imperial family, the prospect of rebuilding this Buddhist sanctuary seemed bleak and hopeless.

On the other hand, the Xiao Clan from beyond the Long Province was finally showing signs of recovery.

"The external turmoil has temporarily subsided, but the undercurrents are still raging, and the South has already shown signs of unrest," Yuan Mobai said. "Our sect must first stabilize ourselves and then seize the opportunity to act."

Tang Xiaotang crossed her arms in front of her and asked, "The Celestial Master's robe?"

Yuan Mobai replied, "The sect leader should not leave the mountain easily. I plan to wait until the situation on the mountain stabilizes before going out to search for the Celestial Master's robe."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaotang's eyes rolled around, clearly intrigued.

Yuan Mobai noticed her reaction and smiled, but he didn't say anything more on the subject.

Instead, he turned to Lei Jun and said, "Previously, we were busy with various matters, but now that the grand ceremony is over, things have finally calmed down a bit. The Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven has also stabilized, so there's no harm in entering it now."

"I was just thinking the same," Lei Jun replied.

It was not easy to enter the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven.

Besides the Celestial Master and a few high-achieving elders, only ordained Taoist priests who had reached the Sixth Heaven realm, as well as those personally taught by the Celestial Master, could enter once a year under normal circumstances.

However, Lei Jun, a Fifth Heaven realm elder, had distinguished himself again and again.

Just the fact that he single-handedly averted the Three Caverns' Abyssal Tribulation that Huang Tian had secretly prepared was enough to earn him abundant merit.

With this achievement alone, he had secured the top spot as the number one contributor in last winter's internal strife, surpassing even those who had fought for three days straight.

After the war, there was much to be done in terms of rebuilding and recovery, and manpower was scarce, so everyone was stretched thin. As a result, Lei Jun didn't rush to claim his rewards.

Secondly, the internal strife had involved both sides using their full power, and even the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven had been affected, making it prone to unexpected changes.

Therefore, Lei Jun decided to put off claiming his rewards for the time being.

His master, Yuan Mobai, had already discussed this with him, and they agreed to wait until after the Celestial Master succession ceremony on the 15th of July.

In addition to the opportunity to enter the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven, there were other rewards awaiting Elder Lei.

Now that the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven had stabilized, it was time for him to claim his rewards.

This time, Tang Xiaotang accompanied him on his visit to the Cave Heaven.

"I'm going to Biyu Immortal Mountain. Do you want to come with me?" The tall woman asked casually.

In the past six months, she had often stayed in the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven, both to cultivate and to help coordinate the restoration of the Cave Heaven.

"Sure, why not?" Lei Jun said, intrigued.

Biyu Immortal Mountain was the core area of the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven.

However, it could be dangerous for those below the Sixth Heaven realm, so Lei Jun had never been there before.

Now that he had a reliable companion, he didn't hesitate to tag along.

Thus, the newly appointed Celestial Master and the new elder entered the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave Heaven and made their way directly to the immortal mountain at its center.

Thunder rumbled and lightning crackled, enveloping the mountain in purple.

However, as Tang Xiaotang approached, the thunderous roars softened, and the lightning seemed to part like a sea, creating a path for them.

Lei Jun followed Tang Xiaotang through the sea of lightning and landed on the mountaintop.

Tang Xiaotang didn't go anywhere else but sat down cross-legged at the peak, saying, "Feel free to explore, but don't go beyond the range of the main peak."

Lei Jun didn't stand on ceremony and waved his hand, strolling casually around the mountain.

Aside from the dense spiritual energy that far surpassed other areas of the Cave Heaven, the immortal mountain itself was extraordinary, far surpassing the Bamboo Forest of Immortality.

Lei Jun breathed in the rich spiritual energy as he walked leisurely.

The glowing sphere in his mind remained quiet, and he wondered if there would be any opportunities here... As he pondered, his heart stirred slightly.

This time, without the need for the auspicious omen to guide him, he sensed something on his own.

In a certain area of the mountain, the spiritual energy was exceptionally dense.

However, as Lei Jun approached, slender vines suddenly appeared and began to coil around him, trying to bind him.

PS: 5k chapter

(End of Chapter)

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