Chapter 342: The Celestial Master, Lei Jun Part 2

Chapter 342: The Celestial Master, Lei Jun Part 2

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand and then asked curiously, "I recall you mentioned that in the history of the Great Ming, northern barbarians once unified the land and established a dynasty called Great Qian, which was later overthrown by the Ming?"

Lei Jun confirmed, "Indeed. According to the records in the Heavenly Principles, although the Great Qian Dynasty was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty and the barbarian kingdom fell, their descendants did not vanish. They merely withdrew from the central plains."

Zhang Taigang added, "In the course of history and the world’s changes, there were indeed great upheavals. Our ancient texts also mention northern barbarians, but by the end of the Han Dynasty, after the world was plunged into chaos and the empire was reestablished, the northern barbarians lost their influence and quickly perished."

He noted, "It seems now that the northern barbarians were not completely wiped out but rather branched off into different worlds."

Lü Jinduan agreed, "It is possible. The past chaos led to many casualties and the loss of numerous historical records."

He looked towards the north. "However, the current situation suggests that those who left are now returning."

If the enemy reemerges from the north, then the Pure Yang Palace in the Guanlong region will face them directly.

"The surge of spiritual energy in the world is a sign of prosperity for us cultivators, but with fortune comes misfortune. Many troubles, not limited to great demons, also arise," Zhang Taigang said with deep understanding.

Though the Daoist States of the human world had ceased to exist, the Shushan Sect might still face threats from the inner Shushan.

"May I make an unceremonious request for assistance from the Celestial Master’s residence and Pure Yang Palace?"

Zhang Taigang sincerely asked, "I am willing to offer our Shushan Sect's refining techniques, alchemical methods, and our sect's collection of pill formulas as gratitude. I hope Celestial Master Tang, Daoist Lei, and Elder Lü will offer guidance."

Lei Jun and Lü Jinduan exchanged thoughtful glances.

Zhang Taigang continued, "Our sect plans to refine Pure Yang artifacts and treasures to counter future threats from the Yellow Springs evil cultivators."

Lei Jun observed Xie Yichen, who had come with Zhang Taigang, and realized that she had recently achieved the seventh heaven realm but had not yet begun to refine her primary magic treasure.

If they received the assistance they sought from the Celestial Master’s residence and Pure Yang Palace, her primary magic treasure would likely be secured. If not, she would have to seek alternatives.

Similarly, if Ji Chuan managed to take this step, he too would not be an exception.

For the Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect, the most immediate threat was from the Yellow Springs inner Shushan lineage.

Despite the setbacks caused by previous battles with Bashu and Nanzhao, which pushed their enemies back to lick their wounds in the Yellow Springs, the Tang Dynasty had yet to capture the巫门高手宗汉, who was aiding inner Shushan.

Inner Shushan could reemerge at any moment, making the Shushan Sect constantly on edge.

Earlier battles had shown that Pure Yang Thunder and Pure Yang True Fire had some restraining effects on the death-cultivating techniques of inner Shushan.

Thus, the Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect could not remain indifferent.

Zhang Taigang's primary magic treasure, the Emei Golden Seal, was renowned.

Yet, few knew of his second magic treasure, refined after reaching the eighth heaven.

From what Lei Jun knew, Zhang Taigang had been preparing in secret against the human Daoist states and figures like Fu Dongshen.

With the downfall of the human Daoist states, Fu Dongshen, Hong Jie, and Wei Qiyue, the biggest threat to the Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect had become the Yellow Springs inner Shushan.

Zhang Taigang's second magic treasure might be reconsidered or even sought to be refined as a Pure Yang treasure.

"I don’t mind," Tang Xiaotang said. "But this matter cannot be resolved in a day or two."

According to relevant protocols, before the formal transfer of power at the grand ceremony, she was still the head of the Celestial Master’s residence.

However, if this matter proceeded, she would definitely have stepped down during the implementation phase.

"As both of you have previously mentioned, the current era is turbulent, and the world is ever-changing."

Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. "Although our three sects are from different lineages, we are all part of the Daoist tradition. We have often communicated and assisted each other in the past. The head of our sect has discussed this with me, and I believe that our three Daoist sects can collaborate more closely in the future and advance together."

Lü Jinduan spoke up, "Celestial Master Tang, Daoist Lei, and Sect Leader Zhang’s words are very true. I also feel the same way from discussions with my fellow Daoists on Mount Zhongnan."

He smiled at Zhang Taigang and Xie Yichen. "The Yellow Springs evil cultivators are universally despised. Our sect is no exception. We are not skilled in refining artifacts, but we will do our best to assist."

Xie Yichen stood and bowed in thanks, and Zhang Taigang also said, "Thank you to the two sects for your help. The Shushan Sect is deeply grateful."

He hesitated briefly before apologizing to Lü Jinduan and then turned to Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, saying loudly, "Celestial Master Tang and Daoist Lei, your far-reaching vision and broad-mindedness are deeply admirable. To facilitate deeper connections between our sect and the Celestial Master’s residence, I would like to request a talisman from Mount Longhu to be brought back to Shushan."

Tang Xiaotang looked at him with some surprise.

Despite her usually fiery demeanor, she did not respond immediately.

As someone who had been the Celestial Master for many years, she had seen many ceremonies and procedures.

Zhang Taigang's request, while appearing straightforward, was significantly different from the earlier arrangements made by Ji Chuan and others.

To bring a talisman from Mount Longhu to Shushan was not merely a matter of convenience but a form of devotion.

Historically, such requests were rare and usually only seen with smaller Daoist sects, not with major powers like Shushan.

Zhang Taigang's recent request clearly indicated Shushan’s willingness to recognize the Celestial Master’s residence as the leading authority in the Daoist tradition and to follow their directives within a significant range.

Lü Jinduan watched Zhang Taigang calmly.

Xie Yichen beside him looked as sincere as Zhang Taigang and was not surprised by her sect leader's action.

Clearly, this was a joint decision by the high-ranking members of Shushan, not just Zhang Taigang's individual decision.

It was apparent that from the moment Shushan personally came to observe and seek guidance on Pure Yang methods, Lü Jinduan had some premonitions.

Otherwise, Shushan could have contacted Zhongnan Mountain’s Pure Yang Palace privately and, if rejected, approached the Celestial Master’s residence later.

Upon reflection, Zhang Taigang and Shushan's decision was understandable.

The Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect had been severely weakened by the turmoil caused by the Daoist States.

Their direct adversaries, the inner Shushan lineage, included powerful beings like Ji Yao, who had become a散仙. Even though they had lost Kong An Daoist, the enemy still had many experts.

The pressure on the Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect was immense.

And it seemed that Chen Donglou was unlikely to return to Shushan.


After everyone exchanged greetings, they took their seats together.

Lu Jindan took the initiative to say, “Just now, I was talking with Master Tang about some recent disturbances in the northern desert.”

Lei Jun and Zhang Taigang exchanged a glance. “Oh?”

When it comes to the northern desert, Lei Jun and Zhang Taigang first think of two things:
One is the great demon of the northern frontier.

The other is the remnants of the Solitary Hawk Khanate that, after the virtual portals in the Grand Pass were opened, were suppressed by the Tang Dynasty, though some remnants managed to flee to the northern desert.

It has been about ten years since then.

In the intervening years, there have been sporadic reports of remnants from the Solitary Hawk Khanate being hunted down.

“If it were just them, they would be unlikely to pose a significant threat.”

Lu Jindan continued, “But various signs indicate that they intend to reopen the virtual portals and bring their forces back to the human world of the Tang Dynasty.”

After a slight pause, Elder Lu sighed, “In recent years, we have managed to capture a few survivors. Their language and writing have gradually become translatable, and the court has extracted some information from them. However, what we’ve learned has left me with mixed feelings.

It is said that the Solitary Hawk Khanate acted with great brutality and tyranny, rampaging through their territory and waging wars. Among them… were Daoist alchemists from our Dan Ding Sect.

Their lineage is known as the Three Springs Palace, but according to those alien captives, it seems to be undoubtedly our Pure Yang orthodoxy’s lineage.”

Lei Jun and Zhang Taigang exchanged another look, both understanding the complexity of Lu Jindan’s feelings.

“Trouble will come when the time is right,” Zhang Taigang said. “Water can be diverted, but only if the troops are there to hold the line.”

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand and, with some curiosity, turned to Lei Jun and asked:

“I remember you mentioned that in the history of the Daming world, there were also northern barbarian tribes that once unified the land and established a dynasty called Da Qian, but it was later overthrown by the Daming?”

Lei Jun replied, “Indeed. According to the historical records, although the Da Qian Dynasty was overthrown by the Daming Dynasty, the barbarian lineage did not entirely perish; they merely retreated from the Central Plains.”

Zhang Taigang added, “In the annals of history and the world of the heavens, there were indeed significant upheavals back then. Our ancient texts also mention northern barbarian tribes. However, after the great turmoil at the end of the Han Dynasty and the reestablishment of order, the northern barbarian tribes ceased to be a significant threat and soon perished.

It seems that rather than their destruction, it is more likely that the historical currents diverged, and many of the northern barbarian tribes flowed into other realms.”

Lu Jindan said, “That is not impossible. During the chaos, many were lost, and the world was left in ruins. Much historical material has been lost or dispersed.”

He gazed towards the north and added, “The continuous changes suggest that those who left are now likely returning.”

If they reappear from the northern lands, then the Pure Yang Palace in the Guanlong region will directly face their edge.

“The surge of spiritual energy in the world is a sign of a prosperous era for practitioners like us. However, with prosperity comes potential disaster, and many calamities may arise, not limited to the great demons,” Zhang Taigang said with deep understanding.

Although the Daoist state of the human world no longer exists, the Shu Mountain Sect may still face threats from within Shu Mountain.

“I have an unconventional request. I wish to seek the assistance of the Taoist friends from the Master Tang’s residence and the Pure Yang Palace.”

Zhang Taigang candidly asked for help, “I am willing to offer the Shu Mountain’s alchemy and artifact refinement secrets, as well as the sect’s treasured recipes, as a gesture of gratitude. I earnestly request Master Tang, Daoist Lei, and Elder Lu for guidance.”

Lei Jun and Lu Jindan exchanged a thoughtful glance.

As expected, Zhang Taigang continued, “My sect wishes to refine Pure Yang artifacts and treasures to prepare for the threat of future Yellow Spring evil cultivators.”

Lei Jun looked at Xie Yiying, who had come with Zhang Taigang, and understood.

Xie Yiying, who had recently reached the seventh level of heaven, seemed not yet to have started refining her first true magic treasure.

If she could get the assistance of the Master Tang’s residence and the Pure Yang Palace as hoped, her first true magic treasure would likely be secured. If not, she would settle for second-best.

Soon, if Ji Chuan succeeded in taking this step, he too would not be an exception.

For the Tang Dynasty’s Shu Mountain Sect, the most immediate threat was the Yellow Spring’s Shu Mountain lineage.

Although the battles with the Bashu and Nanzhao had repelled the enemy and forced them to retreat to the Yellow Spring to lick their wounds, the Tang Dynasty’s side had yet to capture any of the witchcraft experts aiding the Shu Mountain.

Shu Mountain could come back at any time, and the Shu Mountain Sect naturally felt uneasy.

In previous battles, Tang Xiaotang and the Pure Yang Palace’s Yue Xiling had already proven that Pure Yang Celestial Lightning and Pure Yang True Fire had some restraining effect on the deathly qi techniques of the Shu Mountain.

The Tang Dynasty’s Shu Mountain Sect naturally would not remain indifferent.

The sect leader Zhang Taigang’s first true magic treasure, the Emei Golden Seal, was well-known.

But few had heard him mention his second true magic treasure, which he would refine after reaching the eighth level of heaven.

As far as Lei Jun knew, Zhang Taigang had previously made preparations in secret against figures like Fu Dongshen from the Daoist state.

With the destruction of the Daoist state, Fu Dongshen, Hong Jie, and Wei Qiyue, the greatest threat to the Tang Dynasty’s Shu Mountain Sect had become the Yellow Spring’s Shu Mountain lineage.

The second true magic treasure Zhang Taigang had previously planned might be directly overturned or be used to refine Pure Yang treasures.

“I don’t mind,” Tang Xiaotang said. “But this matter cannot be resolved in a day or two.”

According to the regulations, before the formal transfer of the position at the grand ceremony, she would still be the head of the Master Tang’s residence.

However, if the matter truly proceeds, she would have already stepped down by the time it is implemented.

“As both of you said earlier, the tides of the times are rolling, and the changes in the world are unpredictable.”

Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. “Though our three sects have different lineages, we are all Daoists. We have often communicated and supported each other. Master Sister once discussed with me that our three Daoist sects could indeed collaborate more closely and advance together. I fully agree.”

Lu Jindan spoke, “What Master Tang, Elder Lei, and Sect Leader Zhang said is very true. I have also discussed the current situation with my fellow Daoists on Mount Zhongnan and have a deep understanding of it.”

He smiled at Zhang Taigang and Xie Yiying, “The Yellow Spring’s evil cultivators are detested by both heaven and earth, and our sect is no exception. Although we are not adept in refining treasures and alchemy, we are willing to offer our modest assistance.”

Xie Yiying stood up and bowed to express her gratitude, and Zhang Taigang also said, “Thank you to the Taoist friends of both sects. The entire Shu Mountain is deeply grateful.”

After a brief contemplation, he first apologized to Elder Lu with a nod and then turned to Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, speaking clearly:

“Master Tang and Daoist Lei are both broad-minded and far-sighted. I am deeply impressed. Considering it would facilitate deeper future communication between our sect and the Master Tang’s residence, I would like to request a talisman from Mount Longhu to be brought back to Shu Mountain.”

Tang Xiaotang looked at him with some surprise.

Usually so lively, she did not respond immediately.

As someone who had been the Master Tang for many years, she was well-versed in various rituals and procedures.

Although Zhang Taigang’s request seemed simple, it was quite different from the earlier arrangement where Ji Chuan and others stayed at Longhu Mountain for convenience.

Zhang Taigang’s request to bring a talisman back to Shu Mountain was not a mere request but a matter of offering.

In historical precedent, such an act was rare, and even then, it was only seen in the early generations of the Daoist Master and with relatively smaller Daoist sects, not with a major sect like Shu Mountain.

In earlier times, as the most ancient Daoist holy land, the early Daoist Masters held the title of Heavenly Master’s leader and Daoist sect leader.

Similar situations were no longer seen in later generations.

In the Shu Mountain alliance, there had been smaller sects offering talismans to the Master Tang’s residence in Longhu Mountain.

However, since the formal establishment of Shu Mountain as a sect, such things had not occurred again.

Zhang Taigang’s recent proposal clearly indicated a willingness to revere the Master Tang’s residence as the foremost authority in the Daoist world and to follow their orders directly.

Lu Jindan observed Zhang Taigang calmly.

Next to him, Xie Yiying looked as sincere as Zhang Taigang, not at all surprised by her sect leader’s actions.

Clearly, this was a joint decision by the high-ranking members of Shu Mountain.

From Zhang Taigang’s previous actions and attitudes, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang were not particularly surprised.

Zhang Taigang had indeed been prominent among the Shu Mountain Sect’s elite for many years.

Ultimately, the act of bringing a talisman back to Shu Mountain was a step taken from mutual respect and adherence to the Daoist world’s conventions.

This was a gesture of goodwill and recognition.

The Master Tang’s residence had never experienced such direct veneration in recent years.

Xie Yiying, representing the younger generation of Shu Mountain, also stood up to express her gratitude.

Lei Jun nodded in agreement. “Indeed, this gesture is both respectful and practical. Shu Mountain has always held a significant place in the Daoist world, and we are honored to continue supporting each other.”

As they concluded their discussions, the time to transition to the main ceremony approached.

The grand event of the Master Tang’s position transfer was about to begin.

The heavenly ceremony began as expected, and despite the many uncertainties, the Taoist world awaited eagerly.

The transition would take place smoothly, marking another significant moment in the history of the Daoist sects.

This was a new chapter, and the future was filled with endless possibilities.

Inside the Wanfa Sect's altar, a vast array of talismans and Daoist essences coalesced, manifesting as numerous celestial and divine phantoms encircling the altar.

Columns of light surged towards the heavens, seemingly connecting with the divine realms above.

Above Tang Xiaotang’s head, a phantom of an intricate mystical talisman materialized, flashing nine times within the light column before dissipating into nothingness.

In its place, a similar talisman appeared above Lei Jun’s head, its radiance enveloping him completely.

Today, Lei Jun was receiving his fifth talisman.

This time, he was being promoted to the "Shangqing Great Cave Sutra Talisman," abbreviated as “Shangqing Talisman,” and was assigned a first-rank Daoist position.

This talisman was exclusive to the Celestial Master and was never imparted to outsiders.

As Tang Xiaotang completed her step in the ritual, she halted in front of Lei Jun.

She took out a special incense stick and handed it to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun burned the incense, offering his prayers to the heavens, his mind calm and serene:
“Celestial Master’s disciple Lei Chongyun, today receives the Shangqing Great Cave Sutra Talisman. Having received the true teachings from Longhu Mountain, I swear to uphold the correct Dharma of the Wanfa Sect, establish the altar, propagate the teachings, and support the righteous doctrine. I will observe the transformations of the Primordial Chaos and revere the Supreme True. I am deeply awed and sincerely offer my obeisance.”

Outside the Wanfa Sect’s altar, under the supervision of elders Yuan Mobei, Yao Yuan, Shangguan Ning, Zhang Jingzhen, and Chu Kun, nine Daoist banners were raised, fluttering in the wind. Thirty-six bright lamps were lit, forming a set of forty-nine.

The disciples outside the altar chanted the Daoist scriptures in unison, with incense and lamps burning continuously.

This continued for a full seven days.

After seven days, the spiritual light of the Wanfa Sect’s altar finally gathered.

All the disciples of Longhu Mountain felt a simultaneous tremor in their hearts.

Within the altar, the Celestial Master Seal, the Celestial Master Sword, and the Celestial Master Robe all descended.

The Celestial Master Seal and Sword hung at Lei Jun’s waist.

The Celestial Master Robe, shimmering with nine-colored radiance, settled upon Lei Jun himself.

A great amount of Daoist essence and light fused into Lei Jun’s body.

The authority over the Wanfa Sect’s altar was formally bestowed upon him.

The altar was sealed.

A tall young Daoist, clad in a nine-colored robe, wearing the Yuan Shi crown, and carrying the White Jade Seal and Purple Thunder Sword, appeared first before the gathered disciples outside the altar.

Following him, dressed in purple robes, was Tang Xiaotang, who had changed out of her ceremonial attire.

The onlookers simultaneously greeted, “Disciple pays respects to the Celestial Master, wishing you boundless fortune and longevity.”

In a separate courtyard within Longhu Mountain.

A petite female Daoist, in a purple robe over a black cloak, stood alone in the courtyard.

As usual, she did not participate in such ceremonies and this time was no exception.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed painting.

At this moment, the canvas before her was covered in black.

It resembled a stormy cloud, with lightning hidden within.

Midway through painting, the black-robed female Daoist paused her brush, turned her head towards the mountain’s main estate, gazing at the Wanfa Sect’s altar.

Watching the spiritual light subside, she raised an eyebrow, withdrew her gaze, and resumed painting.

After Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang exited the altar, they led the way to the ancestral graves on the back mountain.

This time, only Lei Jun entered, burning incense to honor the past ancestors.

Inside the Daoist temple, Lei Jun respectfully offered incense:

“Ancestors of all generations, disciple Lei Chongyun today assumes a great responsibility. With utmost reverence and fear, I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly, care for my fellow disciples, and uphold the sect’s legacy, hoping to advance and renew our sect’s future.”

Lei Jun did not agree with Huang Xuanpu’s wish to restore the ancient talismanic sect’s legacy and the constant appeals for ascension.

He respected and honored the achievements and contributions of past masters, holding them in gratitude and reverence.

But as Lei Jun and Huang Xuanpu had discussed, his belief was that the human world no longer needed the divine courts or rulers like the Heavenly Sovereigns.

Lei Jun had some interest in the position of Celestial Master.

Now that he had ascended to the position, he could put some of his ideas into practice.

But that was as far as it went.

He was not attached to the position.

When he had outstanding disciples, he would willingly guide and pass on the position to them.

As for whether his plans would be abandoned by future successors or whether they would diverge from his ideas, causing his policies to fade, Lei Jun would not be concerned.

Future generations would reap what they sow and face their own consequences.

Each generation was responsible for its own affairs.

He would focus on doing his own job well during his tenure.

The rest would follow naturally.

In front of the ancestors' spirits, Lei Jun did not hide his thoughts but spoke plainly.

His Celestial Master Three Treasures emitted a faint glow.

The ancestor tablets in the Daoist temple also glimmered faintly, appearing almost like an illusion.

After standing in the ancestral graves for a day, Lei Jun left the mountain, rejoined the others who had been waiting outside, and proceeded to the Celestial Master Hall.

Thus, the date arrived at the fifteenth of the first month.

The grand ceremony was upon them.

This time, new Celestial Master Lei Jun went first to offer his obeisance and make an announcement to the heavens.

By the end of the grand ceremony, those standing behind Lei Jun were no longer Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobei, or other high-ranking elders.

Instead, Lin Shan, Fang Jian, Luo Haoran, and others followed Lei Jun to present the formal documents and proclamations.

Lin Shan, having achieved the seventh level of heaven, did not immediately receive his talisman and purple robe. He expressed his preference to be granted the talisman by Lei Jun after his ascension, becoming the first high-ranking elder appointed during Lei Jun’s tenure.

Similarly, Fang Jian, Luo Haoran, and others would also receive the title of elder during Lei Jun’s term, becoming the first batch of elders appointed by him.

Among those appointed was also Lei Jun’s direct disciple, Zhuo Baojie.

After everyone presented their formal documents and prayed to the heavens, Chu Yu, the representative of the Tang Imperial Court, accompanied by high-ranking Celestial Master Hall elders Tang Xiaotang and Yuan Mobei, arrived at the Celestial Master Hall.

Chu Yu, representing Emperor Tang, issued decrees and announced titles and rewards for the four great real persons of the Celestial Master Hall.

Following this, the succession ceremony concluded, with the new Celestial Master Lei Jun stepping out of the Celestial Master Hall.

Among the spectators, Zhang Taigang, the head of the Shu Mountain Sect, stood up and performed a Daoist salute:

“Nine Heavens Responding to the Primordial, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Observing the Void, Xuanxiao Universalization, Three Caves and Three Heavens Law Masters, Longhu Real Person.”

He Dongxing, Ji Chuan, Xie Yiying, and other Shu Mountain disciples were not surprised by their sect leader’s actions. They all rose and saluted Lei Jun in unison.

Disciples of Pure Yang Palace, led by Lü Jindan, looked at him with expectation.

Lü Jindan, showing a calm expression, rose and offered a Daoist salute:

“Nine Heavens Responding to the Primordial, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Observing the Void, Xuanxiao Universalization, Three Caves and Three Heavens Law Masters, Longhu Real Person.”

The members of Pure Yang Palace followed suit.

Other spectators showed varied reactions, some surprised and others understanding.

Among the court representatives, Xiao Chunhui and Chu Yu both smiled.

Shen Qubing looked around with curiosity.

Meng Shaojie did not speak but silently offered a salute to Lei Jun, drawing attention from those around him.

Prince Xun’an Zhang Mu and Shangguan Sheng both looked thoughtful.

“Nine Heavens Responding to the Primordial, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Observing the Void, Xuanxiao Universalization, Celestial Master of the Primordial Truth,” Chu Yu began with a Confucian gesture, respectfully saluting Lei Jun from a distance.

Xiao Chunhui followed the same gesture.

Seeing this, Shen Qubing quickly imitated the gesture.

Prince Xun’an Zhang Mu and Shangguan Sheng restored their calm expressions and also offered a respectful salute to Lei Jun.

Representatives from the Eastern Palace and Zhao King’s Mansion, Shangguan Zhengqing and Jiang Yuan, after some contemplation, almost simultaneously offered their greetings:

“Nine Heavens Responding to the Primordial, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Observing the Void, Xuanxiao Universalization, Celestial Master of the Primordial Truth.”

Elder Miaokong from Tianlong Temple initially appeared surprised but quickly composed himself, joining his palms in reverence:

“Our Buddha’s compassion, Celestial Master of the Primordial Truth, Miaokong from the Empty Gate offers his respects.”

Monks from Tianlong Temple followed suit.

Ru Yuan, a guest from Nanputi Temple, initially hesitated but, seeing Elder Miaokong’s action, he pondered briefly and then joined his palms in reverence:

“Our Buddha’s compassion, Celestial Master of the Primordial Truth, Ru Yuan from the Empty Gate offers his respects.”

Sect leaders from Daoist talismanic sects, such as Nie Fang, Tu Guangyu, Zhao Xuan, and Mu Ning, who had come to observe, had no hesitation and offered their respects:

“Nine Heavens Responding to the Primordial, Nine Abysses Returning to Truth, Doumu Observing the Void, Xuanxiao Universalization, Three Caves and Three Heavens Law Masters, Longhu Real Person.”

Far-off observers, Fang Du of the Jingxiang Fang Clan and Chu Peng of the Suzhou Chu Clan, exchanged glances.

How long had it been since the previous Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang had stepped down?

Even reaching back to Li Qingfeng, Li Bai, Li Yang, or even the first Celestial Master Li Zhiyuan and beyond, such scenes had not been witnessed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end