Chapter 234: A Fourth-Rank Opportunity, Star Dust of the Divine Celestial Body

Chapter 234: A Fourth-Rank Opportunity, Star Dust of the Divine Celestial Body

Upon hearing Lin Che's words, his son Lin Lang wanted to speak but hesitated.

"The Ye Clan of Jinzhou intends to use our Jiangzhou as cannon fodder, thrusting us into danger. I am well aware of their plans," Lin Che said calmly.

"But now that we share a common enemy, cooperation is built on the foundation of mutual sincerity and contribution," he continued.

Lin Lang understood and replied, "This child comprehends."

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Father, Lin Yuwei and the others seem to be making some small moves lately as well."

"Hmm, has Chu Mingxian arrived?" Lin Che inquired.

Chu Zhe, also known as Chu Mingxian, was the third son of the elder of the Chu Clan in Suzhou and was considered the most outstanding among his offspring.

In recent years, Chu Zhe had been managing most of the daily affairs of the Chu Clan in Suzhou, and it was generally acknowledged that he would be the next leader of the clan.

Because of this, Chu Zhe usually stayed in Suzhou, just like his father, and rarely ventured out.

However, this time, he had quietly arrived on the outskirts of Jiangzhou, and even this subtle action hinted at something unusual.

Lin Lang looked at his father with an inquiring glance, awaiting further instructions.

"As I mentioned earlier, cooperation is built on mutual sincerity and contribution," Lin Che reiterated calmly. "This principle applies to us in Jiangzhou as well."

"Yes, I understand," Lin Lang acknowledged.

Lin Che casually wrote a note and handed it to his son. "I still need to continue my recuperation, but there are some preparations we must begin in advance. The items listed here should be prepared discreetly and swiftly. Once I recover, we must also be ready to take action."

Lin Lang respectfully accepted the note.

...

On Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun quietly cultivated his powers.

The Dao Seal hovering above his head displayed subtle changes compared to before.

The overall image of the seal was now noticeably different from the Heavenly Master Seal.

The positive and negative Five Thunder and Five Elements Talisman Array, which had previously existed between Lei Jun and the Dao Seal, had now fused and further refined itself within Lei Jun's Dao Seal.

Currently, suspended between Lei Jun and the Dao Seal was a hazy cluster of starlight.

The tiny stars, like grains of rice, were densely packed, resembling the dazzling stars and constellations in the night sky, forming a nebula.

Each minuscule speck of starlight moved incessantly, orbiting and attracting each other.

This was a manifestation of Lei Jun's first law, the Stepping on the Looming Walk.

Compared to the previous Yin Five Thunder Positive Method Talisman, the current Stepping on the Looming Walk was much more concise and rapid in its refinement into the Dao Seal.

As the nebulae flowed and turned, they gradually seemed to condense into a humanoid form.

The figure had a physique and stature strikingly similar to that of Lei Jun himself.

At this moment, the humanoid form composed of starlight remained still, mirroring Lei Jun's posture as he sat cross-legged in meditation.

Within the flowing starlight, there existed profound principles of moving stars and changing constellations, grand and majestic.

At first glance, it vaguely resembled the embryonic form of the Great Goddess of Life and Death, also known as the Dou Mu Goddess, revered by the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

The teachings of the Heavenly Master's Mansion had been passed down through the generations, refined and polished by sages to retain its essence. Thus, it possessed a coherent structure.

To some extent, the Five Thunder Positive Method Talisman could be considered the preliminary foundation of the Nine Heavens Thunder Ancestor's manifestation, while the Stepping on the Looming Walk could be seen as the initial foundation of the Dou Mu Goddess's manifestation.

The esoteric nature of the Divine Registers and Divine Talismans far surpassed ordinary methods, so it was impossible to deduce the Yang Thunder Dragon and the Goddess of Life and Death solely from the Five Thunder Positive Method and the Stepping on the Looming Walk.

However, disciples of the Heavenly Master's Mansion who cultivated these foundational techniques as their lifeblood methods would be able to cultivate the Yang Thunder Dragon and the Goddess of Life and Death much faster if they successfully reached the Upper Three Heavens realm and practiced the Divine Registers and Divine Talismans.

Lei Jun sat still, regulating his breathing and cultivating his powers.

Meanwhile, the starlight humanoid form manifested by the Stepping on the Looming Walk above his head slowly ascended and refined itself into the Dao Seal.

The massive seal hovering in the air shone brilliantly, exhibiting subtle changes in its appearance.

Although the Stepping on the Looming Walk was a secret technique passed down in the Heavenly Master's Mansion, it would manifest differently for each practitioner, reflecting their unique characteristics.

Consequently, the Dao Seal would never appear identical for everyone.

Especially now that Lei Jun had attained the level of clarity in his enlightenment, his understanding and insights into the Stepping on the Looming Walk differed from those of others.

Thus, while his Dao Seal was influenced by the Heavenly Master Seal to some extent, using it as a foundation, the differences between the two seals gradually widened as Lei Jun continually refined and summarized his own realizations.

Lei Jun remained silent, regulating his breathing and contemplating. After a moment, the glowing Dao Seal descended, transforming into a stream of light that merged with Lei Jun, becoming one with him.

He stood up and walked out of the quiet room.

It was the hour of dawn, and the sun was just beginning to rise.

After a restful night, Lei Jun felt refreshed and energized.

He needed neither a bath nor a meal, as his spiritual power and aura were abundant, keeping him naturally clean.

Eating was more of a personal interest than a necessity.

Although Lei Jun had long since mastered the art of fasting, he still occasionally indulged in earthly delights.

He left his residence and strolled through the mountains and forests, absorbing the spiritual energy of the Dragon and Tiger Mountain ancestral land.

As he wandered aimlessly, admiring the scenery, he felt a closer connection to the natural world than before.

After walking for a while, Lei Jun made his way to the Imperial Book Pavilion within the mansion.

Here, he could delegate most matters, if not all, to the disciples who received the registers and the initiated disciples. He only needed to make an appearance from time to time to maintain his presence.

While at the Imperial Book Pavilion, Lei Jun could either cultivate or immerse himself in the vast collection of books.

One day, as noon approached, Lei Jun was reading a book in the pavilion when he suddenly sensed something. He put down the book and walked outside.

There, he saw a disciple who had received the registers, accompanied by a young Taoist priest wearing an apricot-yellow robe, approaching him.

Upon seeing Lei Jun, the disciple quickly bowed and said, "Elder Lei, Wang Shi has returned to the mountain."

Upon seeing the Taoist priest clad in an apricot-yellow robe, Lei Jun recognized him as Wang Guyuan, the senior disciple who had left the mountain before.

The initiated disciple who accompanied Wang Guyuan bid his farewell after introducing him to Lei Jun. Lei Jun remarked, "If you had returned a little earlier, Elder Brother, you would have had the chance to see Master."

Wang Guyuan nodded, "I heard Master had gone into seclusion. I'm sure he will emerge successfully. I don't plan on leaving the mountain again anytime soon, so I'll definitely be here when Master comes out of seclusion... Uh, what are you doing, Junior Brother?"

Lei Jun circled Wang Guyuan, his gaze sweeping up and down, examining his fellow disciple who had finally returned.

"I can't spot any obvious changes for the moment," Lei Jun murmured to himself as he halted his pacing.

A bemused expression appeared on Wang Guyuan's face. "Rest assured, I'm not an evil spirit in disguise."

"Later, let's go and see Little Senior Sister. We can ask her to take a look," Lei Jun suggested.

After some lighthearted banter, Wang Guyuan asked, "While I was away, I heard people mention that Lin Che, the clan leader of the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou, has returned. I'm not sure if the news is true or not."

"It's definitely true, but we haven't heard from Senior Sister yet," Lei Jun replied.

Wang Guyuan sighed, "I hope Senior Sister will be blessed with good fortune."

He then inquired, "Since Master has gone into seclusion, where is Chu Kun, our junior brother?"

Lei Jun briefly explained, "Chu Kun is out traveling. Given the turbulent times, I lent him the Soil of Breath Flag for protection."

"Your consideration for him is indeed necessary, Junior Brother Lei," Wang Guyuan said, his fist clenching in frustration. "However, during such tumultuous times, it's best not to leave the mountain lightly. The more I go out and come back, the more I feel this way."

"Many times, I agree with your viewpoint, Elder Brother. However, sometimes, the tree desires calm, but the wind will not subside," Lei Jun added.

The two disciples chatted for a while before Wang Guyuan suddenly seemed to remember something. He took out a miniature pouch that Master Yuan Mobai had given him before he left the mountain.

After opening the pouch, Wang Guyuan retrieved a large piece of pine ink and handed it to Lei Jun. "I didn't gain much from this trip, except for this item. I have no use for it, but perhaps you can find some use for it, Junior Brother."

Lei Jun reached out and took the item, needing only a glance to discern its quality. "This seems to be refined Confucian ink rather than our Taoist talisman ink."

Wang Guyuan nodded, "Yes, although we Taoists have no use for it, perhaps a Confucian scholar can? I recall you mentioning that someone in your celestial book's starry sky is a Confucian student."

Given Wang Guyuan's personality, Lei Jun didn't expect him to help mediate any transactions, but during their casual conversations, he occasionally brought up the matter, especially as Wang Guyuan was about to leave the mountain. Lei Jun had specifically instructed him to keep an eye out.

Wang Guyuan had listened, and his first response was: "Junior Brother, I think it's better to minimize contact with these people. It's best to avoid getting involved."

Obviously, if it were him, he would never choose to use the Heavenly Master's Seal to fully activate that page of the heavenly book.

However, despite these words, Wang Guyuan, entrusted by Lei Jun, kept this matter in mind during his travels. That was why he made an exception and brought back the Confucian ink as a gift for Lei Jun.

... He didn't even bring anything back for himself.

"This Confucian ink is indeed of excellent quality, and it seems to possess a unique profundity," Lei Jun said as he carefully examined the pine ink.

Although Wang Guyuan had brought back this treasure for Lei Jun, he still cautioned, "In any case, be extra cautious."

Lei Jun nodded, "Rest assured, Elder Brother. I understand. Thank you so much for your help this time."

Since Wang Guyuan didn't bring it up himself, Lei Jun didn't inquire further about where he had gone or the specific origin of the peculiar pine ink.

However, he vaguely felt that the pine ink might have come from the Chu Clan in Suzhou.

Lei Jun had limited knowledge of Confucian classics, principles, and cultural nuances.

But the Taoist-Confucian inkstone he had previously studied and dismantled belonged to Chu Andong of the Chu Clan in Suzhou.

Thus, comparing the two, Lei Jun felt a sense of familiarity with the faint artistic conception exuded by this pine ink, as if it also originated from the classic teachings passed down by the Chu Clan in Suzhou.

Although Lei Jun had no use for Confucian ink, he occasionally took it out to study and research, broadening his understanding of Confucian traditions.

First, the saying "a stone from another mountain can attack jade" applied here. By referencing and making connections, it helped Lei Jun in his own Taoist practice and understanding of the universe's principles.

Second, as he had discussed with Wang Guyuan, there were times when one desired peace, but the situation would not allow it.

Therefore, it was necessary to emphasize another old adage.

Know yourself, know your enemy, and you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.

Of course, not all Confucian scholars across the land were considered adversaries.

However, a significant portion of the hypothetical enemies were Confucian cultivators.

Hence, Lei Jun naturally wouldn't turn a blind eye to them.

Moreover, he had an inherent interest in various cultivation traditions.

Wang Guyuan's return to the mountain was certainly good news.

However, as time passed, there was also bad news.

Chu Kun, who had left the mountain, had not returned.

He occasionally went out to gain experience, and the duration of his trips varied. While there had been previous instances of him being away for extended periods, this time, his absence was exceptionally long.

The new year arrived, and during the grand ceremony, Chu Kun was still nowhere to be seen, leaving Lei Jun and Wang Guyuan perplexed.

Lei Jun sifted through the many long-distance communication talismans in his possession, considering whether he should try to locate his junior brother.

Fortunately, as spring approached, Chu Kun finally returned.

"Elder Brother Wang is also back?" Chu Kun asked happily.

Lei Jun and Wang Guyuan exchanged glances with him, "Are you alright?"

Chu Kun gave a bitter smile, "I'm fine, but I was previously trapped in a certain place where it was inconvenient to use the long-distance communication talismans, so I was delayed for a long time. Otherwise, I would have returned before the new year."

As he spoke, he returned the Soil of Breath Flag to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun took back the flag and, without needing to scrutinize it carefully, could roughly sense that Chu Kun had used this spiritual treasure but had not tapped into its full potential.

Upon contemplation, Chu Kun's words rang true.

Before, he must have been trapped and tried to use the Soil of Breath Flag to forge a path, rather than relying on it for protection.

Perhaps he encountered an environment that was confining but not dangerous, or perhaps this junior disciple had his own spiritual treasure for protection.

Chu Kun didn't go into detail with Lei Jun and Wang Guyuan.

While cursing his bad luck, he felt a greater sense of relief.

On his trip to explore the Spirit Mountain, he hadn't encountered any man-made disasters, but nature had certainly taken its toll.

Fortunately, he hadn't tried to create a high-grade or top-grade high-level spiritual talisman.

Otherwise, he would have been buried alive under the mountain.

With the earth-shattering and sky-splitting spectacle, even if he had more spiritual treasures for protection, he feared he wouldn't have seen the light of day again.

Even though he had been very cautious on the "other side," it seemed that he still needed to be more vigilant... Chu Kun thought to himself.

"A natural disaster, no enemies encountered?" Lei Jun asked.

Chu Kun shook his head. "It should just be my own carelessness. Excluding the possibility of an enemy with a much higher cultivation level than me, I didn't sense anyone with malicious intentions."

"Just in case, go and see Sister Tang later, and ask her to help you check for any problems." Lei Jun suggested.

Chu Kun nodded eagerly. "Of course, as long as Sister Tang has the time."

Normally, if the enemy's cultivation level was far superior to Chu Kun's, they would have just attacked directly.

If there was a big gap in their cultivation realms, the Soil of Breath Flag and other spiritual treasures might not be enough to protect Chu Kun.

However, it was possible that the enemy had secret techniques and was biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike.

That's why Chu Kun also intended to ask Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang for help.

He also felt that the Spirit Mountain he had explored this time seemed a bit unusual, beyond his initial expectations.

"Although I encountered risks, it wasn't a completely fruitless trip."

Chu Kun quickly smiled and showed his findings to Lei Jun and Wang Guyuan.

Even in the daylight, specks of starlight appeared in the air, shining brightly.

Lei Jun looked intently and saw that in the midst of the starlight, numerous loose star fragments were clustered together, resembling a fetus in a deep slumber.

"The power of this intent is somewhat similar to the legendary star core..." Wang Guyuan mused. "But it returns to the primordial state, even more so to the initial form."

Lei Jun felt that it looked familiar, and after a moment of recollection, he remembered seeing a similar description in the Imperial Book Pavilion: "Stellar Fetal Stardust?"

Chu Kun nodded vigorously. "Yes, it's indeed Stellar Fetal Stardust!"

"This is indeed rare. It's been many years since I last saw this, and I've only read about similar treasures in ancient texts." Lei Jun said.

In recent years, the world has been filled with spiritual energy, favoring the cultivation of monks.

Generally speaking, in a similar environment, there might also be more spiritual treasures born, living up to the name of a cultivation golden age.

But just as it takes time for young monks like Chu Kun to improve their cultivation levels, the same is true for various spiritual objects.

Even with the surge of spiritual energy in the world, some time is still needed for the accumulation and maturation of extinct spiritual treasures to reappear.

Moreover, not all extinct spiritual treasures will reappear.

Historically, Stellar Fetal Stardust has also been an extremely rare object.

"This treasure is tailor-made for you, given your Stellar Sacred Body." Lei Jun said to Chu Kun.

Chu Kun then divided the Stellar Fetal Stardust into several portions. "According to the ancient texts I've read, this Stellar Fetal Stardust can aid in cultivating the Great Divine Ability of the Life Star."

Wang Guyuan shook his head repeatedly. "Don't count me in. You two can divide it. As for the Divine Ability that takes three days to cultivate, I'm still far from being able to cultivate it. On the other hand, Lei, you might have a chance soon."

Lei Jun no longer needed to be so polite with Chu Kun, and he didn't feign modesty. "Keep a portion of the Stellar Fetal Stardust for me, little brother, and we'll decide what to do with it later."

Chu Kun asked, "Second brother, have you not decided on the first Divine Ability you'll cultivate after reaching the Seventh Heaven?"

Lei Jun nodded. "Yes, I'll decide later."

He intended to cultivate the Life Star God and the Life Star Divine Ability, but he hadn't made a final decision yet.

Every day, as Lei Jun contemplated the Dao, new insights and inspirations emerged.

By keeping a portion of the Stellar Fetal Stardust for Lei Jun, Chu Kun was giving him more options, and he could decide later based on his needs.

If Lei Jun wanted to quickly cultivate the first Divine Ability to enhance his combat power after reaching the Seventh Heaven, he could directly choose the Life Star God. With his clear and calm level of insight, along with the Stellar Fetal Stardust, he would be able to master this Great Divine Ability in a short time.

If the situation allowed for it, Lei Jun could take more time to ponder and refine his choices.

As time passed and Lei Jun continued to grow, many things gradually took on a new aspect.

About a month later, one evening, Lei Jun was sitting in his quiet room, contemplating and cultivating.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him.

Within the True One Fa Tan Cave Heaven, the page of the heavenly book remained stable.

However, the hidden side of the heavenly book, which was pressed against Lei Jun's body, began to stir.

Lei Jun carefully contemplated the changes and was slightly surprised.

He wasn't surprised that there were changes, but rather that they were occurring earlier than expected.

Lei Jun had anticipated that the hidden side of the heavenly book would undergo changes, but he had assumed it would happen after he reached the Upper Three Heavens realm.

After some contemplation and confirmation that there was no harm, Lei Jun immersed his consciousness into the hidden side of the heavenly book.

The feeling was similar to when he had immersed himself in the book's universe before.

However, this time, what he saw was completely different.

Instead of a deep and boundless universe, he found himself in a white expanse.

In this white void, there were scattered black dots, like ink splatters on paper, or perhaps...

Stars in a white universe.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end