Chapter 330: Lei Jun, the Last of the Tang Dynasty Taoists

Chapter 330: Lei Jun, the Last of the Tang Dynasty Taoists

As Lei Jun channeled his spiritual energy, the two separated masses of qi gradually transformed, one turning black and the other yellow. They then merged once more, like auspicious clouds, gathering around him.

The divine court constructed within Lei Jun's body, influenced by the cosmos, became increasingly intricate and complete, resonating with the profound and yellow atmosphere of the outside world.

As time passed, the scenes within Lei Jun's divine court stabilized and gradually began to metamorphose.

While Lei Jun cultivated in tranquility, the world outside Longhu Mountain remained turbulent.

Compared to the border troubles in the northwest and the turmoil in the East China Sea a few years ago, the human realm of the Tang Dynasty could still be considered peaceful.

Some disturbances, however, continued to originate from the Jiuli tribe in the underground sea.

Earlier, the leader of the Poli tribe, Li Yan, had led a group of their experts to secretly attack the ancestral land of the Ye clan in Cangzhou, resulting in casualties among the Ye clan's descendants.

Afterward, whether it was the Ye clan of Cangzhou, the imperial family of the Tang court, the Ye clan of Qingzhou, the Lin clan of Youzhou, or the Chu clan of Suzhou, all sent experts to surround and suppress Li Yan and the retreating Jiuli experts.

At the same time, in the southern wilderness, the Tang court arranged manpower to block the passage to the underground sea.

However, in the end, Li Yan and the others received aid from the powerful sea demon, Haiwang Ju, who helped them break through the encirclement at sea and flee to the southern wilderness.

Although they were injured and in a somewhat pitiful state, Li Yan and his companions managed to return to the underground sea with the help of Li De, the leader of the Bi Li tribe.

Upon hearing this news, Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and the others on Longhu Mountain exchanged glances.

Haiwang Ju was the most formidable demon in the East China Sea, her strength comparable to that of a human expert in the Nine Heavens realm.

Moreover, unlike the deceased Chiba Butterfly King, Haiwang Ju was more ferocious and adept at close combat.

After causing a stir and suffering severe injuries, she had kept a low profile in recent years, focusing on recuperation.

Now, her sudden reappearance had ruined the Tang court's plan to surround and suppress Li Yan and his group.

Haiwang Ju possessed both intelligence and ferocity.

However, Li Yan and the other Jiuli experts had never had any dealings with her before.

Even if Haiwang Ju decided to intervene to leave more enemies for the Tang court, the communication and trust between her and Li Yan's group remained a significant issue.

Lei Jun speculated that there was a bridge facilitating communication between the two parties.

Could it be Yuanmie, the monk from Dakuang Temple?

If so, it would indicate that Dakuang Temple, which had maintained frequent contact with the Ye clan of Cangzhou, one of the most prominent families in the Tang Dynasty, now had a rift in their relationship.

The current situation of Dakuang Temple could not be described as favorable, and one might even say it was dire.

Now that they had fallen out with the influential families who had secretly supported them, what was Yuanmie relying on?

Some speculations arose in Lei Jun's mind.

However, this did not affect his own pace and rhythm.

He continued to cultivate quietly in the mountains.

In contrast, the meeting in the Tian Shu universe brought him some additional insights.

Recently, only four of them gathered: Taiyang Riyue, Taiyin Moyue, Chenxing Shuxi, and Lei Jun himself, who represented Taibai Jinyue.

Xinghuo Huoye Shen Qubing and Zhenxing Tunshi Fang Yue had not appeared for some time.

Regarding Fang Yue, Lei Jun had heard through public channels that he had started secluding himself to study.

Referring to his consistent progress and innate genius, Lei Jun speculated that this Confucian Qilin, who was a few years younger than him, had begun to challenge the "Out of the Gods" realm of the Confucian chant lineage's eight layers.

Although Fang Yue had already surpassed fifty years of age, it was not a hard and fast rule.

It didn't matter if it was a few years earlier or later; the focus was on the entire process and future long-term development.

Given Fang Yue's current progress, he lived up to the title of Qilin.

However, apart from his exceptional talent, his opportunities and experiences in various aspects were also extraordinary and unmatched by ordinary people.

As for Shen Qubing on the other side, the situation was similar.

Initially, Lei Jun had speculated that he might have been delayed due to his injuries sustained in the underground sea.

But judging from his current situation, it seemed that Shen Qubing had likely begun his seclusion to prepare for the final sprint.

In that case, his recovery from injuries and recuperation were faster than expected.

Lei Jun guessed that it had something to do with the Tang court and the Empress herself.

Whether in the Tian Shu universe or not, Empress Zhang Wantong would surely not neglect this promising talent under her command.

Compared to Shen Qubing and Fang Yue, another person, Bailian Zong Wei Mi Le, who had taken on the identity of Xusei Moku, was even more mysterious.

During the last gathering, he had participated, but this time, he suddenly disappeared without a trace, leaving everyone to wonder about the reason.

However, not only Lei Jun but also the other three did not inquire further.

They proceeded with their usual exchange of information.

"My question remains the same as before," Taiyang Riyue, presumably the Empress, spoke first. "I want information about the other four divisions of the Vajra Realm. All aspects are welcome, the more detailed the better, and it must be accurate."

Lei Jun: "I'd like to inquire about the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths and other realms. Again, all aspects are welcome, the more detailed the better, and accuracy is a must."

Taiyin Moyue then spoke: "Hmm, this time I want to ask if anyone has any news about Huangquan?

Recently, they've caused quite a stir, and I'm particularly interested in a treasure they possess called the 'Ten Thousand Souls Banner.'

During the battle at the peak of Xiaoding, the late Elder Wang Kun of the Shushan School had his evil soul sealed within that treasure, and they even used it to try and seize the North Ming Divine Gun. Fortunately, they didn't succeed in the end.

"However, this treasure was taken back to Huangquan by the so-called heretics of Rishushan."

"What I want to know is, are there any other evil souls of the deceased sages within that treasure, the 'Ten Thousand Souls Banner'?"

Chenxing Shuxi said, "Regarding the treasure called the 'Ten Thousand Souls Banner', I don't know much, but about Huangquan and the so-called Rishushan, I have heard some rumors, but we still need to further confirm the truth of these rumors."

"What does Your Excellency desire?" Monday asked.

"I desire an object called the 'Jie Hun Shi' (Soul-Draining Stone)," Wednesday replied.

Monday pondered for a moment. "I have heard of it, but I don't have it in my possession at the moment..."

"I do have the Soul-Draining Stone..." Lei Jun thought to himself.

It was one of the spoils he had obtained after defeating Fu Dongsen and confiscating his Shrinking Pouch.

Among the things left behind by Fu Dongsen, what Lei Jun and the others from the Celestial Master's Mansion were most concerned about were the talismans related to the Human Dao Country.

Aside from those, Fu Dongsen had also left some other items, including the Soul-Draining Stone.

It was indeed a spiritual object, but it had no use for Daoist cultivators.

Fu Dongsen probably kept it for future artifact refining.

This item was not something he had taken with him when he left the Shushan Sect; it was likely part of his personal collection.

When Lei Jun, disguised as Chen Donglou, returned to Xiaoding for the first time, Zhang Dongyuan and the others had specifically accounted for the losses caused by Fu Dongsen, Hong Jie, and their group's split. They provided a list to Chen Donglou as a means to track down Fu Dongsen and his companions.

Therefore, when Lei Jun took out the Soul-Draining Stone for the trade, he didn't have to worry about exposing himself as Fu Dongsen's killer.

"Friday, let's discuss something," Monday said from the side. "I also desperately desire information about Huangquan. I don't have the Soul-Draining Stone that Wednesday seeks, but I have some other news about the human realm that I can provide to both of you. May I join in on this trade?"

"I don't mind," said Lei Jun.

"As long as I get the Soul-Draining Stone, I don't mind either," Wednesday added.

"Thank you both," Monday said. "Then, to show my sincerity, I'll share the information I currently have.

The news I've heard recently is related to the Lone Eagle Khanate, which appeared in the northwest not long ago.

Now it can be confirmed that the Lone Eagle Khanate exists in another world as vast as the human realm before us.

And in that human realm, there is not only the Lone Eagle Khanate, but also, as far as I know, a rightful dynasty called the 'Great Song.'

However, the situation of the Song imperial family is uncertain. Some signs indicate that under the Song Emperor, the rivers and mountains of the dynasty may be in a state of fragmentation."

Lei Jun thought to himself, "Was the scattered and broken realm of the heavens and the earth, connected to the Great Song human realm, the one that appeared through the void portal at Dahuishan and Changjie Island?"

"The human realm of the Great Ming is about two thousand four hundred years ahead of the Great Tang in terms of the passage of time."

He pondered and asked, "What about the human realm of the Great Song?"

"On that matter, there is still no conclusive news," Monday replied.

"I hope that if there are any further discoveries, you will inform me," Lei Jun said.

"No problem," Monday assured.

"Then, let's consider this trade concluded. I'm willing to give the Soul-Draining Stone to Wednesday," Lei Jun said.

"Good, then I'll sell to both of you today," Wednesday said. "It's true that Huangquan emerged from the Shushan Sect's Xiaoding Peak into the human realm, but it certainly won't be the only such spring.

At the very least, there is a new possibility in the southern wilderness.

Be wary of Jin Chengzhai's Holy Master, 'Ghost King' Zong Han."

"Zong Han?" Monday asked.

"Indeed," Wednesday affirmed. "As far as I know, he has connections with Huangquan, but whether or not he has come into contact with the people of Rishushan is uncertain. The information is absolutely reliable, and I will find out more about the details."

"Ghost King" Zong Han was the Holy Master of Jin Chengzhai, a sacred site for the Ghost Dao lineage of the Wu Clan in the southern wilderness.

Jin Chengzhai had been experiencing bad luck, suffering one calamity after another, and in recent years, their situation hadn't been much better than that of the Blood River.

Zong Han himself had been severely injured by Tang Xiaotang a few years ago, losing almost all of his evil souls and zombies, barely escaping with his life.

After that, he disappeared without a trace, keeping a low profile. There had been no news of him for a long time.

Who would have thought that he would have connections with Huangquan recently?

"I thought Zong Han was related to Luoyuan," Monday said.

Luoyuan, like Huangquan, Dihai, and Wujian, was one of the Ten Lands of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, and it basically shared the same division of life and death as Huangquan and Wujian.

According to ancient tales, before the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands cut off contact with the human realm, Luoyuan had connections with the Wu Clan.

For cultivators of the Ghost Dao lineage, it would undoubtedly be a utopia.

"I'm not sure if Zong Han is related to Luoyuan," Wednesday said, "but he definitely has entanglements with Huangquan. It's just a matter of how deep those entanglements are."

"I naturally trust your words, Your Excellency," Monday said.

"So do I," Lei Jun added.

Subsequently, Lei Jun had a private chat with Wednesday, arranging the specifics of the trade for the Soul-Draining Stone in the real world, including the time and location.

At the same time, Sunday and Monday were also having a private conversation.

Monday sighed, "One problem after another. The cultivation methods of the Rishushan lineage are extremely sinister. If they spread, they will bring great harm to the people."

"Now that there are signs, there may be more changes in the short term," Sunday said.

"Should I come over and report this to you in person?" Monday asked.

"Come," Sunday said.

.............................

On the vast North Sea, the sea breeze howled.

Two Daoists, a man and a woman, stood side by side.

Suddenly, a radiant light flashed in front of them, and a figure of a woman appeared within it.

The man and woman who had been waiting were Shang Nan and Xxing Zi from the Great Ming's mortal realm.

They bowed together and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities."

The woman's attire was relatively simple, similar to Xxing Zi, and her style clearly resembled that of the Shu Mountain Sect.

However, her entire body was enveloped in a dazzling white light, making it difficult to look directly at her, and she exuded an air of authority.

She had come from the Great Ming's mortal realm, passing through Penglai and entering the Great Tang's mortal realm.

In the Great Ming's realm, the people of the Daoist Country referred to her as "Your Majesty."

As for the people of the Great Tang's Daoist Country, such as the late Fu Dongsen, they were accustomed to addressing her as the Western White Emperor.

"Is Fellow Daoist Huang still in seclusion?" she asked.

Shang Nan replied, "Fellow Daoist Fu Dongsen has perished, and the Northern Black Emperor has not shown himself since. Affected by this, the Daoists of the Great Tang have also gone into hiding and have not dared to reveal themselves."

The Western White Emperor said, "There are quite a few things to note about the current situation here. From now on, pay close attention to the Purple and Blue Twin Swords, the Heavenly Master's Seal of Longhu Mountain's Celestial Master Mansion, and the Myriad Laws Sect's Altar, the Yellow Springs' Shu Mountain and the Five Declines Great Bell, the Grand Ultimate Pre-Heavenly Pagoda, and that young man named Chen Yi."

Shang Nan and Xxing Zi nodded in agreement, deep in thought.

It was understandable why the first three matters were given priority.

As for the latter two…

The Grand Ultimate Pre-Heavenly Pagoda was extraordinary in itself, but what truly caught the Western White Emperor's attention was probably the principle of absorbing stars and replacing them with moons, which could be applied during the treasure refining process… Xxing Zi thought.

As for the young man named Chen Yi, he had become famous in Nanzhao's Stone Forest many years ago, and even today, there were still many discussions about him.

The Northern Black Emperor and the Great Tang's Daoist Country had misjudged him in the past, resulting in a missed opportunity.

The Western White Emperor and the Great Ming's Daoist Country naturally wanted to learn from these experiences.

However, finding Chen Yi at this moment was still somewhat challenging.

Especially since they were unfamiliar with the area and could only focus on observing the movements of other forces.

"Your Majesty, about the Northern Black Emperor…" Shang Nan asked quietly.

The Western White Emperor walked silently on the sea, not drawing attention to herself, "Since Fellow Daoist Huang is currently in seclusion, it is best not to disturb him. I believe there will be an opportunity to meet again in the future."

…………………

In the Western Regions, at Vajra Temple.

What was once a desolate place was now bathed in the radiant light of Buddha, transparent and yet solid and strong like a vajra, enveloping the surroundings.

The temple had undergone significant renovations and expansions, and its area had noticeably increased.

The Vajra Department from Mount Sumeru had gradually established its foothold here.

The gateway to the mortal realm, which connected to Mount Sumeru, was located at the very center of Vajra Temple.

Under the radiant light of the Buddha, the gateway seemed to take on a shape and form, transforming into a grand hall.

At this moment, in front of the hall, the Ninth Level of Spiritual Enlightenment realm practitioners, Master Jia Sheng and Master Ren Zhu, along with several high-ranking members of Vajra Temple, stood together, awaiting someone.

Soon, the grand hall shone brightly.

The hall doors opened, and a group of monks walked out, their cultivation levels varying.

In the center of the group stood an ordinary-looking, unremarkable middle-aged monk.

But from the moment he appeared, the sky above the courtyard was filled with falling flowers, and countless conch shells sounded.

Including the Ninth Level of Spiritual Enlightenment realm practitioners, Masters Jia Sheng and Ren Zhu, everyone bowed to the middle-aged monk and said, "Venerable Master."

The middle-aged monk's name was Galada.

He was the master of the Vajra Department of the Vajra Realm.

"Are things still not progressing smoothly?" the Vajra Master asked gently.

Master Jia Sheng's face showed shame, "Emperor Tang's thoughts are unpredictable, and his disciples find it difficult to grasp his intentions."

Vajra Master said, "Emperors always have their methods of maintaining balance. We only need to stand on one side."

Master Jia Sheng said, "Emperor Tang holds some prejudice against our temple and remains vigilant. We can only proceed with caution."

"Your approach is correct," said the Vajra Master. "But sometimes, it's better to be more decisive and observe the consequences."

"Yes, Venerable Master," Master Jia Sheng replied.

He glanced at Master Ren Zhu, "We are currently making some preparations…"

The Vajra Master glanced at them and smiled, "There's no need to report the details to me. Just do as you see fit."

"Yes, Venerable Master," Masters Jia Sheng and Ren Zhu replied together.

The group walked through the temple, eventually stopping in front of a stone wall.

There were four holes in the stone wall, three of which were occupied by a dharma bell each, while one remained empty.

The Vajra Master asked, "Are there any suitable candidates for the other three Dharma Protectors?"

Master Ren Zhu replied from the side, "The Great Tang's mortal realm is currently experiencing an influx of spiritual energy, which is conducive to cultivation. Many talented individuals have emerged, and there are indeed suitable candidates. However, it won't be easy to recruit them."

Vajra Master said, "There's no rush."

Master Ren Zhu replied, "Yes."

The middle-aged monk and his group took a moment to rest.

Meanwhile, Masters Jia Sheng, Ren Zhu, Zong Cuo, and the abbot of Vajra Temple, Suo Yang, gathered in another room.

"Now that we have the Venerable Master's approval, we can speed up our plans," Master Jia Sheng said.

"Chen Yi is connected to both the Daoist Country and Longhu Mountain's Celestial Master Mansion. He may also be related to the Celestial Palace from ancient times. This matter is of great importance to the Tang imperial family. Finding him will affect all four parties," Master Jia Sheng explained.

Master Zong Cuo said, "We've discovered that he was sent out to sea by the Ye Clan of Cangzhou, but locating his exact position will take some time."

Jiaseng Shangren nodded slightly and then asked, "Have we received a response from the Crown Prince's side?"

The abbot of Vajra Temple, Soyang, replied, "There's a slight change in tone, but their intentions are still hard to discern."

Jiaseng Shangren said, "As Master said, for an emperor, it's only natural to have unpredictable thoughts and a difficult-to-fathom mind. The key is for us to become one end of the balance."

Soyang: "Yes."

…………………

After Haiwangju's brief appearance to rescue Li Yan and the other Jiuli experts, she once again disappeared into the vast ocean.

Having achieved his goal, Li Yan retreated into the underground sea with Li De, leading the Broken Li and Auxiliary Li tribes in search of a new place to thrive and survive.

Tang Xiaotang was busy with her closed-door cultivation and didn't have time to cause trouble for Li Yan.

However, Li Yan had been one of her enemies who took advantage of her closed-door cultivation to invade the underground sea in the past, and Tang Xiaotang hadn't forgotten about it. She was just waiting for her new divine abilities to take shape before she would venture into the underground sea again to seek him out.

With the Nine Li Tribe retreating into the underground sea and keeping a low profile, the southern wilderness of the Tang Dynasty finally calmed down.

The Tang Dynasty, both internally and externally, welcomed a rare opportunity to recuperate.

Lei Jun, residing in the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain, paid no heed to the outside world and focused solely on his cultivation, following his own pace.

Time flew by in the mountains.

Soon, winter arrived in the fifty-seventh year of Lei Jun's life. The Celestial Master's Mansion held a new session of the Transmission Ceremony.

Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang finally emerged from her closed-door cultivation and personally presided over the ceremony.

Although some disciples wished to become her direct disciples, none of them managed to enter the Celestial Master's favor.

Another year passed.

Then came the Conferment Ceremony, held once every six years by the Celestial Master's Mansion.

"The most outstanding disciple at this year's Conferment Ceremony should be Senior Brother Luo's disciple, Hua Wei, right?" Chu Kun, who, like Lei Jun, had exchanged his blue robe for a purple one and become a high-ranking elder, stood beside Lei Jun.

Lei Jun nodded slightly. "Indeed, this year marks exactly ten years since she entered the Mansion after the Transmission Ceremony. In these ten years, she has cultivated to the perfection of the Triple Heaven Law Altar realm. Let's see how long it will take for her to form her own Yuanfu after the Conferment Ceremony."

As he spoke, Lei Jun glanced at Chu Kun. "Your speed is quite similar to hers."

Chu Kun said, "I was just lucky, Brother. Don't laugh at me. I can still boast in front of others, but you, on the other hand, have cultivated even faster than me."

Qin Caawei's progress in cultivation was remarkable, and her fame had spread both within and outside the Mansion.

Among her peers, only Lei Jun's disciple, Zhuo Bao Jie, was faster than her.

However, Zhuo Bao Jie's situation was unique during his cultivation in the Lower Three Heavens, as he had abundant talent and a substantial foundation.

Lei Jun believed that Chu Kun, who seemed to have average talent initially, definitely had his own extraordinary qualities.

Qin Caawei was no exception.

"It doesn't matter if it's fast for a moment. I hope she can maintain this pace and become another pillar of our sect." Chu Kun sighed.

Lei Jun said, "In some aspects, she already is."

Chu Kun smiled and said, "Indeed, once her cultivation level rises further, we can leave the entire herb garden to her management."

After a moment of laughter, he fell into thought. "However, Brother, I vaguely feel that cultivating spiritual flowers and herbs is indeed her personal interest, but her progress in cultivation is somewhat unusual, and she seems to have some extraordinary opportunities and connections... Is there a problem?"

Lei Jun said, "As long as Sister Qin has no objections and Hua Wei doesn't pose a threat to those around her, we don't need to dig too deeply into her background."

Chu Kun nodded slightly.

Lei Jun asked, "You're getting on in years now, and your cultivation has reached a high level. Don't you plan on taking any disciples?"

At the age of forty-five or forty-six, Chu Kun had achieved the Seventh Heaven realm, which, although not as stunning as Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang, was still an astonishing speed that sparked discussions throughout the Tang Dynasty.

Although he didn't reach the Eighth Heaven God's Court realm before the age of fifty, Lei Jun wasn't worried about his junior brother's future in the slightest.

It was evident that Chu Kun, like Xu Yuanzhen, was continuously improving in various aspects.

"Using the Sect Master's words, I haven't met anyone I feel a connection with." Chu Kun smiled.

The two junior brothers chatted and laughed.

When the ceremony officially began, they had to participate and assist the Celestial Master in hosting it.

"This is the last time." After the Conferment Ceremony, the Celestial Master made an announcement.

She looked at Lei Jun and slapped his shoulder casually. "You've been eyeing my position for a long time, haven't you?"

Lei Jun said, "If you like it, Sister, then keep it. I don't mind."

Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks and said, "If I didn't have to do anything, it would be fine, but there's a pile of work, and it's always repetitive."

She paced in circles. "However, I want to leave in a glorious manner. Humph, that old fraud, Huang Xuanpu, is a good target!"

Tang Xiaotang stopped pacing and looked at Lei Jun. "Hurry up and find him. Forget about the next Transmission Ceremony in two years, but at least before the next Conferment Ceremony, it will be your turn to take over my responsibilities."

Lei Jun said, "Not that long."

Tang Xiaotang's eyes lit up at his words. "Oh?"

Lei Jun said, "The next Transmission and Conferment Ceremonies should both be my responsibility."

After this Conferment Ceremony, Lei Jun secluded himself and continued his closed-door cultivation.

PS: 6k1 chapter

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end