Chapter 342: The Celestial Master, Lei Jun Part 1

Chapter 342: The Celestial Master, Lei Jun Part1

"In the battle with Huang Xuanpu, the senior sister was severely injured and is still recovering. Please forgive any lack of courtesy."

Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and Shangguan Ning, along with Tang Xiaotang, received Chu Yu, Zhang Mu, and other representatives from the Tang Imperial Court.

Xu Yuanzhen was indeed injured, but not to the extent that she couldn’t meet others. However, she typically abstains from such occasions. Chu Yu, Zhang Mu, and the other representatives of the Tang Imperial Court seemed aware of this and didn't bring it up.

Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun, and Yuan Mobai's presence sufficed.

This time, the Tang Imperial Court was not sparing in their rewards, directly bestowing titles upon four Daoist Realms in one go:

Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun, and Yuan Mobai.

The sheer number was unprecedented, but since all titles went to the same sect, Longhu Mountain, there was no concern about diminishing the value of such honors. If anything, it elevated the sect's reputation even further.

Never before in the history of the Tang dynasty had such faith been placed in a single sect, not even in past dynasties. This had led to much discussion within the Tang Imperial Court.

The rewards were necessary, and the titles inevitable. But could they have been granted one by one rather than all at once?

In the end, Empress Zhang Wantong made the final decision, and the four great masters of Longhu Mountain were born.

"Her Majesty's kindness humbles me deeply," Yuan Mobai said calmly. "The sect master, Yuanzhen, and Chongyun have all contributed greatly to the world, but I am but an ordinary person, unworthy of such heavenly honor."

Lei Jun was similarly modest: "Her Majesty's kindness is overwhelming. Senior Sister and the Sect Master have both reached the Grand Ascension Realm and deserve the title of 'Real Master,' but my qualifications and cultivation are shallow, and I do not deserve to be ranked among them."

Although there were no strict rules regarding cultivation levels, traditionally, the Tang Imperial Court only conferred the title of 'Real Master' upon those who had reached the Ninth Heaven Realm of the Grand Ascension. Aside from the recent Huang Xuanpu, the last person to receive this honor was the first Celestial Master Li Zhiyuan, many years ago.

However, achieving the Ninth Heaven Realm did not automatically guarantee this title. It generally required significant contributions to the Tang Dynasty.

Xu Yuanzhen had already reached the Ninth Heaven Realm before Huang Xuanpu's true identity as the Emperor of the Human Dao Nation was exposed. Still, her duel with Ye Moquan in Jinzhou was a personal matter, and her subsequent destruction of the Huangtian Dao's overseas stronghold, while beneficial to the Tang Dynasty, was seen as insufficient.

Moreover, she had abandoned the battle against the Tianli and fled, leaving her 'Real Master' title in limbo. Xu Yuanzhen herself didn’t care much about it.

Now that Huang Xuanpu and the Human Dao Nation were history, the Tang Imperial Court could no longer ignore her accomplishments.

As for Lei Jun's humility, Chu Yu and Zhang Mu simply smiled and shook their heads.

"Master Lei is too modest," Chu Yu said. "Destroying the heretic Huang Xuanpu and supporting the nation is a rare achievement since the founding of the Tang Dynasty. Even without considering the Human Dao Nation, Master Lei's prior defeat of the rebel Yang Yuqi in Di Hai was also a great service to the Tang Dynasty."

Among the remnants of the previous Sui dynasty, the most influential were Yang Yuqi and Wei Anchang, the latter having joined the Wu sect but possessing formidable power.

With these two gone, even if others tried to revive the Sui dynasty under Shengkang’s name, they would struggle to make a significant impact. In the Di Hai battle, Lei Jun first killed Yang Yuqi and then repelled Wei Anchang. Tang Xiaotang later killed Wei Anchang herself. Before the final battle against the Human Dao Nation, the Celestial Master Mansion had already put an end to this part of history.

Even without the Human Dao Nation, Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun were worthy of the title 'Real Master' for their services to the Tang Dynasty.

"Master Yuan, please don't be overly humble. Your role in eliminating the traitorous Daoists, such as Rong Guangchen, was crucial," said Zhang Mu, the King of Xunan. "Over the years, though you seldom left the mountain, your steadfast support in Jiangnan has been evident to all."

Yuan Mobai maintained his serene demeanor, modestly declining the honor but not firmly refusing it. He glanced at his disciple, Lei Jun, who returned his gaze.

In Yuan Mobai's usually gentle eyes, there was a rare hint of amusement. He found it somewhat amusing because, in a way, he was benefiting from his disciple's achievements.

Yuan Mobai's merits were sufficient, but his cultivation hadn't reached the Ninth Heaven. The Tang Imperial Court could have delayed his title, but Lei Jun was sure to be honored. He had made significant contributions and was about to take over the position of Celestial Master. The Tang Imperial Court wouldn't miss this opportunity.

The Tang Dynasty wasn't strictly governed by filial piety, but it certainly wasn't neglected. Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang had no surviving masters above them, but Lei Jun still had Yuan Mobai. Since Lei Jun had set the precedent for being conferred the title of 'Real Master' at the Eighth Heaven, and Yuan Mobai met the requirements, the Tang Imperial Court decided to honor four great masters from the Celestial Master Mansion at once, announcing it to the world.

This move would not only reward the Celestial Master Mansion but also have far-reaching implications for the Tang Dynasty.

Yuan Mobai didn't mind that he was being honored partly because of his disciple; instead, he found it slightly amusing and looked at Lei Jun with a more animated expression.

Lei Jun blinked.

Chu Yu and Zhang Mu had come to the Celestial Master Mansion to discuss the conferral of the titles. The Tang Imperial Court had already prepared several drafts for the titles, with the primary differences lying in how they would address Tang Xiaotang.

In the Longhu Mountain lineage, the Celestial Masters had a traditional title passed down through generations: Three Caverns and Three Heavens Master of the Dharma, Real Master of the Dragon and Tiger. However, this title was more common in earlier times and was rarely mentioned by later generations.

In the Tang Dynasty, the official title for the Celestial Masters was Guardian Real Master of the Dao. For example, Li Zhiyuan's title was Guardian Real Master of Tongtian.

Currently, Tang Xiaotang held the position of Celestial Master, so she should be titled Tongtian. But since she was about to pass on the role, and this wasn't a posthumous title, the Tang Imperial Court needed to understand her preference.

Before becoming a Celestial Master, one’s focus was on attaining that position. Now, as she was about to relinquish it, Tang Xiaotang was indifferent to the specifics.

"Guardian Real Master of Tongtian and Demon-Suppressor... Guardian Real Master of Shenxiao and Demon-Suppressor..." Tang Xiaotang thought for a moment. "I prefer the latter."

Chu Yu smiled. "There's still time. No need to rush."

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand. "No need to wait. Let's go with the latter."

Zhang Mu nodded. "In that case, I will report to Her Majesty, and this matter will be finalized. After the Celestial Master’s succession ceremony, it will be formally announced to the world."

Thus, the titles were set:

Guardian Real Master of Xuanyuan - Xu Yuanzhen

Guardian Real Master of Shenxiao and Demon-Suppressor - Tang Xiaotang

Guardian Real Master of Doumu and Hehua - Yuan Mobai

And the soon-to-be Celestial Master, Guardian Real Master of Tongtian and Responding to the Source - Lei Jun.

"Is the recent news about the National Teacher true?" Tang Xiaotang, who had not yet officially stepped down, was more interested in another topic.

Chu Yu and Zhang Mu nodded. "Indeed, but it's not yet confirmed."

Tang Xiaotang was curious: "This has never happened since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, has it?"

Chu Yu replied, "That’s correct. There is much debate in the court, with many opponents."

"Oh..." Tang Xiaotang’s eyes sparkled with interest.

Chu Yu, knowing her well, smiled. "Her Majesty mentioned this. If judged by merit and virtue, the first choice would naturally be a Daoist from Longhu Mountain. However, whether this will come to pass depends solely on Her Majesty's decision."

Tang Xiaotang coughed lightly. "No rush, no rush."

With the titles settled, Chu Yu and Zhang Mu reported to the court. The official conferral would take place after the Celestial Master succession ceremony early next year.

"In the battle against Huang Xuanpu, Senior Sister also sustained significant injuries and is still recuperating. Please forgive us if there are any shortcomings."

Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and Shangguan Ning accompanied Tang Xiaotang to welcome Chu Yu, Zhang Mu, and others.

Xu Yuanzhen was indeed injured, but not to the extent that she couldn't see anyone. However, she usually didn't participate in such events anyway.

Chu Yu, Zhang Mu, and other representatives from the Tang imperial family probably understood this well, so they didn't bring it up. Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun, and Yuan Mobai were more than sufficient to represent their group.

The Tang imperial family didn't hold back this time and directly conferred titles to four Daoist Masters at once.

Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun, and Yuan Mobai.

Such a large number was unprecedented. But since all the titles were bestowed upon members of Mount Longhu's Heavenly Master Sect, it didn't dilute the honor.

If there was any extra effect, it further elevated the prestige of Mount Longhu. Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, no single sect had been held in such high esteem.

Even looking back through history, such favor was rare.

Therefore, there had been much debate within the Tang imperial family about these awards.

The titles had to be given, and four could be conferred, but was it necessary to do it all at once? Could they be spread out?

In the end, Empress Zhang Wantong made the final decision.

Mount Longhu's four great Daoist Masters were established.

"Her Majesty's favor is deeply appreciated," Yuan Mobai said calmly. "The Sect Leader, Senior Sister Yuanzhen, and Chongyun all have great merits in serving the people and the nation. But I am an ordinary person and do not dare to claim such an honor."

Lei Jun also remained humble: "Her Majesty's favor overwhelms me. Senior Sister and the Sect Leader have both achieved the Mahayana realm, and it is appropriate to call them Masters. However, my qualifications and cultivation are shallow, and I should not be listed among them."

Although there was no explicit regulation about cultivation levels, according to the usual practice, those conferred the title of Daoist Master by the Tang imperial family had all achieved the Ninth Heaven of the Mahayana realm.

Apart from the recent Huang Xuanpu, the previous Protector Master of the Tang Dynasty was the leader of the Heavenly Master Sect years ago, the first Heavenly Master, Li Zhiyuan.

Of course, this didn't mean that anyone who reached the Ninth Heaven would automatically receive this title. In theory, they should, but the timing could be flexible.

Generally, only those who made significant contributions to the Tang Dynasty were honored with this title.

Xu Yuanzhen had already reached the Ninth Heaven before Huang Xuanpu's true identity as the Emperor of the Human Dao Nation was revealed. However, her duel with Ye Moquan of Jinzhou was considered a private matter. Although breaking the Yellow Sky Dao's overseas stronghold was a merit to the Tang Dynasty, it wasn't enough to confer the title. Moreover, during the campaign against Tianli, she abandoned her mission, and then Huang Xuanpu's dark past came to light. Therefore, the title of "Master Xu" was put on hold, but she didn't mind.

Now that Huang Xuanpu and the Human Dao Nation were history, the Tang imperial family couldn't ignore her contributions anymore.

Regarding Lei Jun's words, Chu Yu and Zhang Mu both smiled and shook their heads.

"Daoist Lei, you are too modest," Chu Yu said. "Your merits in eliminating the demon Huang Xuanpu and safeguarding the nation are rare since the founding of the Tang Dynasty. Moreover, even without considering the Human Dao Nation, your prior defeat of the rebel Yang Yuqi at the Earth and Sea also merits great honor."

Yang Yuqi, the most influential figure of the previous Sui remnants, and Wei Anchang, who had defected to the Wumen but had high cultivation, were the greatest threats. Without them, any rebellion in the name of the former Sui Dynasty would struggle to gain momentum.

In the Earth and Sea battle, Lei Jun first killed Yang Yuqi and then repelled Wei Anchang. Later, Tang Xiaotang personally killed Wei Anchang.

Before the end of the Human Dao Nation, the Heavenly Master Sect had already ended a significant chapter of history for the previous Sui Dynasty.

Even without the Human Dao Nation, Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun deserved the title of Protector Master of the Tang Dynasty.

"Daoist Yuan, you should not decline. When you eliminated the rebellious Daoists Rong Guangchen and others on Mount Longhu, your contributions were indispensable," said King Xunan, Zhang Mu, with a smile. "Over the years, although you mostly stayed on the mountain, your role as a pillar of strength in stabilizing Jiangnan has been evident to all."

Yuan Mobai maintained a gentle smile, undisturbed by the honor or disgrace. After a polite refusal, he didn't persist. However, after hearing Zhang Mu's words, he glanced at his disciple, Lei Jun.

Lei Jun met his master's gaze, noticing a rare playful expression in Yuan Mobai's usually gentle eyes.

Yuan Mobai himself was not particularly concerned about the title of Daoist Master, but he found it amusing that, in a way, he was benefiting from his disciple's achievements.

Yuan Mobai's contributions were sufficient, but his cultivation hadn't reached the Ninth Heaven, so the Tang imperial family could have delayed his title. However, Lei Jun was certain to receive the title due to his great merits and his impending succession as the Heavenly Master.

Such a grand event would not be missed by the Tang imperial family, which, while not strictly adhering to filial piety, wouldn't overlook it either.

Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang had no mentors left, but Yuan Mobai was still Lei Jun's master. Since Lei Jun was set as a precedent for an Eighth Heaven Daoist to be conferred the title of Daoist Master, and Yuan Mobai met the criteria, the Tang imperial family decided to bestow four Daoist Master titles to the Heavenly Master Sect at once, proclaiming it to the world.

Besides rewarding the Heavenly Master Sect, this move would have profound implications for the Tang Dynasty's situation.

Yuan Mobai didn't mind the honor coming his way, instead, his gaze softened as he playfully looked at his disciple.

Lei Jun blinked.

This time, Chu Yu and Zhang Mu had come to the Heavenly Master Sect to discuss the four Daoist Master titles in advance, and the Tang imperial family had prepared several drafts, mainly concerning Tang Xiaotang.

In the lineage of Mount Longhu, each Heavenly Master had a traditional title, "San Dong San Tian Fa Shi Longhu Zhenren," which was passed down through generations. However, this was mainly a tradition from the early days, and later generations rarely mentioned it.

In the Tang Dynasty, the title of Heavenly Master was more formal. For example, Li Zhiyuan's title was "Tongtian Yuchi Protector Master."

Given that Tang Xiaotang was currently the Heavenly Master, her title would be "Tongtian." However, since she was about to pass on the title, and this was not a posthumous honor, the Tang imperial family needed to know her preference.

Before becoming the Heavenly Master, one might aspire to the position, but once they were ready to pass it on, they might care less about the title.

"Tongtian Dangmo Protector Master, Shenxiao Dangmo Protector Master..." Tang Xiaotang pondered. "I prefer the latter."

Chu Yu smiled, "There's no rush. We still have time."

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand, "No need to wait. Let's go with the latter."

Zhang Mu nodded, "In that case, I will report to Her Majesty, and it will be finalized. After the Heavenly Master succession ceremony, it will be officially announced to the world."

Xu Yuanzhen would be titled "Xuantian Guangmiao Protector Master," Tang Xiaotang as "Shenxiao Dangmo Protector Master," Yuan Mobai as "Doumu He Guang Protector Master," and Lei Jun, the soon-to-be Heavenly Master, as "Tongtian Yingyuan Protector Master."

"Is the recent news about the National Preceptor true?" The current Heavenly Master, Tang Xiaotang, who had not yet officially stepped down, was more interested in another matter.

Chu Yu and King Xunan, Zhang Mu, both nodded and confirmed, "It is true, but it's not yet decided."

Tang Xiaotang was curious, "This is unprecedented since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, isn't it?"

Chu Yu replied, "Indeed. There is much debate in the court, with no shortage of opposition."

"Oh..." Tang Xiaotang's eyes twinkled mischievously.

Chu Yu, familiar with her, smiled slightly, "Her Majesty mentioned this matter, and based on merit and virtue, the first choice would naturally be a Daoist from Mount Longhu. However, whether it will happen depends on Her Majesty's decision."

Tang Xiaotang coughed lightly, "No rush, no rush."

With the Daoist Master titles decided, Chu Yu and Zhang Mu reported to the court. The official conferral would take place after the new year, during the Heavenly Master succession ceremony.

Nie Fang greeted Lei Jun with a respectful bow. "Disciple pays respects to Elder Lei."

Lei Jun glanced at him and nodded slightly. "Your progress is impressive."

Nie Fang replied, "It’s largely thanks to the guidance and care from the Celestial Master and Elder Lei over the years."

He also silently acknowledged the help of the mysterious "Pale Universe."

"This is my latest creation," Nie Fang said, retrieving a small pouch.

Lei Jun replied, "No need to worry, you can reveal it indoors."

Nie Fang nodded, opening the pouch. As he did, a space within seemed to unfold, and a massive figure emerged, towering over six meters tall.

Yet, despite its immense size, the figure did not damage the room, as it was enveloped in an invisible force, which seemed to adjust the space around it, allowing it to fit within the confined area.

Lei Jun, with his profound cultivation, didn’t need to fully manifest his external divine realm; a mere hint of his power was enough to accommodate the current situation.

He focused his gaze, noticing that the towering figure was a colossal automaton, its surface black and composed of a material that appeared neither metallic nor wooden.

"Impressive, it’s starting to take shape," Lei Jun nodded approvingly.

Nie Fang's art of creating mechanical puppets blended elements from the Daoist talisman and artifact refining sects, as well as the ancient Mohist techniques, which had long since been lost in the human realm of the Tang dynasty. This fusion had given rise to a unique discipline.

This art retained characteristics of its various origins. For example, in the Daoist artifact refining sect, also known as the Outer Alchemy Sect, a cultivator’s entire cultivation was often invested in their life-bound magical artifact, with both the cultivator and the artifact growing stronger together.

Similarly, in Nie Fang's Daoist puppet art, while the puppets he crafted didn’t have the same life-bound connection as the Daoist artifact refiners had with their treasures, the process of refining these puppets still enhanced his own cultivation, with both the puppets and the cultivator progressing hand-in-hand.

As Nie Fang's cultivation advanced, he could create more powerful and intricate puppets. These stronger puppets, in turn, became tools for him to use in his cultivation and for protecting the Dao.

If a puppet was damaged, Nie Fang wouldn’t suffer as much as an artifact refiner whose life-bound artifact was harmed, but he would still be affected to some extent.

The reason most of Nie Fang's current puppets were humanoid, with complete heads, arms, and legs, was because this form resonated with him as their creator. The puppets’ forms allowed for a better soul connection, making them easier to control as if they were extensions of his own body.

In actual combat with a powerful enemy, Nie Fang would often directly merge with his puppets. Without this fusion, he could still control the puppets through his soul’s intent, but their range and effectiveness would be limited.

With eyes gleaming, Nie Fang looked at the towering automaton and said, "I’ve named it Ni Liu (逆流), which means ‘Against the Current.’"

He intended for Ni Liu to eventually return to its natural order, to the Great Ming, and continue to push against the tide.

"Of course, it’s not yet enough," Nie Fang acknowledged candidly. "I still have a long way to go in my cultivation."

Lei Jun asked, "As I understand, your Xuanyi Temple has been flourishing in recent years, with more disciples joining?"

Nie Fang replied, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. My own cultivation is still in the exploratory stage, so I don’t expect to soar to great heights all at once. I focus on gradual progress."

He continued, "Indeed, there have been more disciples joining the temple, many of them from nearby rural areas. I teach them basic methods, and they apply what they learn to benefit their communities. I consider that a good deed in itself."

Lei Jun regarded him thoughtfully. Despite the deep-seated enmities that Nie Fang harbored, he had not allowed his ambitions to cloud his judgment. He remained patient and methodical in his cultivation, never rushing or overreaching.

While his puppet Ni Liu was designed primarily for combat, Nie Fang’s management of Xuanyi Temple’s affairs had been marked by a calm and steady approach, likely influenced by the protection and growing influence of the Celestial Master’s residence. This protection allowed Nie Fang to cultivate without worries, but his personal restraint was evident as well.

"After the ceremony, are you in a hurry to return?" Lei Jun inquired.

Nie Fang replied, "The temple is already taken care of before I left, so it’s fine if I return a bit later."

Lei Jun said, "Then stay for a few more days. After the ceremony, there might be some matters we can discuss together."

Surprised, Nie Fang quickly composed himself and responded, "I will follow Elder Lei’s instructions."

As the branches of the Daoist Talisman Sect arrived at the ancestral court of Mount Longhu before the new year, the Celestial Master Tang presided over his final New Year’s ceremony in his current position on the first day of the first lunar month.

Following the New Year celebrations, the preparations for the Celestial Master’s succession ceremony began immediately.

This year, the triennial Daoist Transmission Ceremony coincided with the succession event. There had been discussions about postponing the transmission ceremony, but it was ultimately decided to combine the two ceremonies.

After the new Celestial Master ascended, the transmission ceremony would continue as planned.

With the New Year and the Daoist Transmission Ceremony bracketing the event, the first half of the month was filled with festivities, making it one of the most significant events in recent years for the Celestial Master’s residence.

The official date of the Celestial Master’s succession ceremony was set for the 15th day of the first lunar month. However, the related rituals began nine days earlier.

As a result, guests from outside the Talisman Sect mostly arrived before the 5th day of the first lunar month.

Among the Daoist sects, Pure Yang Palace sent its most senior elder, Lü Jinduan, to represent them.

Pure Yang Palace had yet to appoint a new head since Huang Xuanpu’s departure, which had occurred a decade ago. The palace was in a state similar to the Celestial Master’s residence after the death of Li Qingfeng.

Due to the current situation, Jiang Yu remained in secluded cultivation, and Yue Xiling had kept a low profile since the Southern Zhao conflict, returning to the imperial capital of Luoyang. Wang Xuan stayed behind to oversee the palace’s affairs.

Despite this, other high-ranking elders of the Pure Yang Palace, all at the seventh heaven level, accompanied Lü Jinduan to observe the ceremony.

One guest who caught the attention of both the Celestial Master’s residence and the other attendees was a young Daoist named Yu Yichen. He was a newly risen talent from the Pure Yang Palace, having recently reached the seventh heaven level of Daoist alchemy and forming his Nascent Soul.

As the spiritual energy of the world surged, many young talents emerged.

Pure Yang Palace, despite its recent troubles, had been hit hard by internal strife and external calamities, losing many disciples across all levels of cultivation. The emergence of new talents like Yu Yichen not only boosted the morale within Pure Yang Palace but also impressed the outside world with the sect’s ability to cultivate top-tier talent.

In contrast, the Shushan Sect, another sacred Daoist site, sent an even more prominent delegation, led by the current sect leader, Zhang Taigang, himself.

"Brother Daoist, your presence brings great honor to Mount Longhu," Lei Jun greeted Zhang Taigang.

Zhang Taigang smiled and said, "When I took over the Shushan Sect, you, Daoist Lei, were among those who came to witness the ceremony. More recently, our sect benefited greatly from the assistance of Celestial Master Tang in repelling the Yellow Springs evil cultivators. It’s only right that I come today, and I hope you don’t find my visit too presumptuous."

Lei Jun replied, "Not at all. The head of our sect is currently conversing with Elder Lü of Pure Yang Palace. I’ve sent a disciple to inform her, so please, make yourself at home while we wait."

Zhang Taigang said, "Is Elder Lü already here? If possible, I’d like to discuss a matter with Celestial Master Tang, you, Daoist Lei, and Elder Lü."

Along with Zhang Taigang were familiar faces to Lei Jun, such as He Dongxing and Ji Chuan, as well as a relatively unfamiliar one—a Taoist nun named Xie Yiying.

Although Xie Yiying's name and image had already become well-known in the Tang dynasty, this was her first formal appearance outside of Shushan.

Like Yu Yichen of Pure Yang Palace, Xie Yiying was a newly ascended Daoist cultivator who had reached the seventh heaven in the realm of Daoist alchemy. She was the third of the younger generation in Shushan to do so, following Zhang Taigang and Liao Jie.

It was worth noting that, like Pure Yang Palace, the Shushan Sect had also suffered from internal strife and external calamities, losing many young and promising disciples.

Some, like Ji Chuan, had their cultivation delayed. He remained at the sixth heaven level, not yet attempting to overcome the barrier to the seventh heaven.

"The recent Yellow Springs incident did cause some delays, but it’s not a big deal. I’m confident I’ll be ready after returning from Mount Longhu," Ji Chuan said calmly.

Lei Jun remarked, "Let me wish you success in advance."

Ji Chuan replied, "Thank you for your kind words."

He Dongxing led the other Shushan disciples to their lodging, while Zhang Taigang, along with Xie Yiying, followed Lei Jun to meet with Tang Xiaotang and Elder Lü Jinduan of Pure Yang Palace.

After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.

Lü Jinduan took the initiative to speak. "We were just discussing recent movements in the northern desert with Celestial Master Tang."

Lei Jun and Zhang Taigang exchanged glances. "Oh?"

When discussing the northern desert, Lei Jun and Zhang Taigang’s thoughts immediately turned to two matters.

The first was the Great Demon of the Northern Frontier.

The second was the invasion by the remnant forces of the Lonely Eagle Khanate. A decade ago, a portal had opened at the Guanshan Pass, allowing some of the Khanate’s forces to invade. Although the Tang Dynasty had suppressed the portal and dealt with the invaders, some remnants of the Khanate had managed to escape and hide in the northern desert.

Over the years, there had been sporadic reports of these remnants being hunted down and eliminated.

"If it were just them, it wouldn't be much of a threat."

Lü Jinduan continued slowly, "But various signs indicate that they intend to reopen the portal and bring in their main forces to invade the Tang Dynasty once more."

After a slight pause, Lü Jinduan sighed. "In recent years, we have captured a few survivors. Their language and writing have been gradually deciphered, and some information has been gathered through interrogation, but it brings mixed feelings to this old Daoist."

He continued, "It is said that the Lonely Eagle Khanate acts with cruelty and tyranny. They have been rampant in their lands, waging wars in all directions. Among them were cultivators from the Daoist Dan Ding Sect."

Lü Jinduan explained, "Their lineage is called the Three Spring Palace, but according to those captured, it is undoubtedly part of our Pure Yang lineage."

Lei Jun and Zhang Taigang exchanged a look, both understanding the complexity of Lü Jinduan’s feelings.

"Face the enemy with the right strategy, and adapt to changing conditions."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end