Chapter 353: 352. Grand Master of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 353: 352. Grand Master of the Tang Dynasty

"Oh..." Tang Xiaotang's eyes lit up, and then her eyes rolled.

Lei Jun and Shangguan Yunbo asked, "Since His Majesty has issued an edict, the two of us have no other matters to attend to, and we will gladly obey and head to the capital. However, there is a possibility that Bo Muge might stage a comeback..."

Shangguan Yunbo said, "I will remain in the Guanlong region, and there will also be experts coming to aid from the court. You need not worry, Heavenly Master."

Lei Jun: "In that case, thank you for your hard work, General."

With only him and his fellow disciple, Tang Xiaotang, left, the former Heavenly Master cleared his throat and said, "The edict is merely to summon the leaders of the various sacred sites to the capital to meet the emperor. It doesn't necessarily mean that the matter of appointing a Grand Master is settled..."

Lei Jun: "More or less."

Tang Xiaotang circled him a few times: "Looking at your expression, you seem less than enthusiastic."

Lei Jun: "Indeed, I'm not particularly interested."

Although he hadn't put it into practice yet, with his exceptional insight and perception, he had been able to piece together a general idea during this time.

This position of Protector of the Great Tang, aside from honor and power, would likely also involve some practical changes.

Unlike the Heavenly Principle sect, where the Way of Principles dominated the four directions.

But similarly tied to the nation's geomantic fortunes, such a distribution of resources showed that the Empress was truly investing a lot.

However, it had nothing to do with Lei Jun.

Ascending to the position of Heavenly Master, leading the Heavenly Master's Mansion—part of it was personal interest, and another part was because he had entered the Dao in the Heavenly Master's Mansion. After all these years of weathering storms, the sect needed someone to shoulder the burden, and he was not opposed to it.

Moreover, there were people like Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, Wang Guyuan, Chu Kun, Zhuo Baojie, and Luo Haoran.

For the common people, if he had the ability to lend a hand, he would. But Lei Jun asked himself, and he knew he was not a particularly enthusiastic person.

In a sense, he did get along well with Senior Master Xu Yuanzhen.

If left entirely to his own devices, he would spend all his time traveling and cultivating.

His involvement in the mundane affairs of the world often stemmed not from his own desires but from his disdain for certain people and matters.

Moreover, in his view, the people of the world and the Great Tang court were always two different matters.

The Empress ruled with a penchant for theatrics, but fortunately, none of her measures were particularly objectionable to Lei Jun.

So as long as there were other opponents, cooperation was fine.

But to expect Lei, the Daoist Master, to be loyal and devoted to the court and the Empress and to charge into battle—that was asking too much.

However, such thoughts were only for himself.

Junior Sister Tang Xiaotang was full of enthusiasm, and Lei Jun did not oppose it.

He could naturally see that she coveted this position, not out of gratitude for the emperor's grace or loyalty to the court, or even to take advantage of the nation's fortune for her cultivation, but because this position was prestigious and honorable...

"By the way, did the edict mention Senior Sister?" Tang Xiaotang suddenly remembered something.

Lei Jun calmly said, "Even if Her Majesty summons her, Senior Sister Xu may not obey."

Of course, Xu Yuanzhen herself might not care, but Yuan Mobai, Shangguan Ning, and others from Dragon Tiger Mountain would definitely help her smooth things over and find excuses and reasons, and they wouldn't bluntly refuse the edict.

But it was clear that the Tang imperial family also had a good understanding of this Guardian of the Vast Heaven, Xu Yuanzhen.

"As for the position of Grand Master, I will definitely not yield!" Tang Xiaotang said with a smile.

Lei Jun: "Although I'm not particularly interested, if you are, Junior Sister, then I will support you."

Tang Xiaotang suddenly blinked and turned to look at Lei Jun: "Then what if I don't want this position of Grand Master?"

Lei Jun: "In that case, I will have to consider it, because compared to sitting in this position myself, I would rather not see Galota take it."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaotang's eyebrows twitched as if they were about to stand on end: "Those bald thieves from the west..."

Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged: "As it stands, if not us, then it could only be him."

Although, according to the Sun of the Seven Lights in the Heavenly Tome Universe, that is, the Empress Zhang Wantong, she also had no small amount of suspicion towards the Buddhist sect from the west.

The reason for deciding to appoint a new Grand Master this time might be because the Heavenly Master's Mansion could suppress the Sumeru Vajra Sect.

If it were the other way around, the position of Grand Master of the Great Tang would likely be difficult to fill, and the Sumeru Vajra Sect might not get their wish.

"For this position, I truly will not yield!"

Tang Xiaotang repeated what she had said before, but her tone was resolute, and her attitude was obviously much firmer.

Lei Jun also repeated: "If you are interested, Junior Sister, I will support you."

With this, it was as if Junior Sister was cooperating with Her Majesty the Empress to put on a whole show... Heavenly Master Lei remained calm.

The battle in the northwest was basically coming to a complete close.

With Shangguan Yunbo staying in Guanzhong to guard against any unforeseen circumstances, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang could leave with peace of mind and head to the capital, Luoyang.

Accompanying them was Lu Jinduan, the representative of Pure Yang Palace, who had also received the edict.

The edict was issued to the leaders of the various sacred sites.

The representative of Pure Yang Palace should have been the new palace master, Jiang Yu.

But in the battle in the northern desert that had just ended, Jiang Yu was injured and was recuperating.

Therefore, the Tang imperial family was accommodating in this regard and specially allowed Pure Yang Palace to send a representative.

Thus, Lu Jinduan, the elder of Pure Yang Palace with the highest seniority, obeyed the edict and went to Luoyang with Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

"Heavenly Master Lei, Realized Tang, please." Lu Jinduan smiled and greeted Lei Jun and the others.

Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang returned the greeting: "Elder Lu, please."

Along the way, Tang Xiaotang kept accelerating, rushing forward with great enthusiasm, leaving Lu Jinduan crying and laughing.

There were also quite a few speculations from the Pure Yang Palace regarding this trip to Luoyang under the Emperor's order.

Lu Jinduan also vaguely guessed that the reason for the various leaders of the sacred sites to go to the imperial capital Luoyang this time might be because of the Imperial Tutor position that has been rumored in recent years.

Now, looking at Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang's demeanor, Lu Jinduan seemed to have a realization.

Lei Jun, the Heavenly Master, seemed rather indifferent. Although he was usually calm and stoic, in contrast to the outgoing former Heavenly Master, Tang Xiaotang, one could more or less guess his opinion on the Imperial Tutor position.

If he was also ambitious, Tang Xiaotang might not be in such high spirits.

Unless Lei Jun was deceiving her, Tang Xiaotang wouldn't compete with him.

But over the years, not only Lu Jinduan, but also others from the outside world had realized that among the young generation of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, the exceptional trio of Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun, and Tang Xiaotang, not only didn't compete or turn against each other, but also shared a close personal relationship, basically ruling out the possibility of Lei Jun deliberately hiding his true intentions to deceive Tang Xiaotang.

...It was precisely because of the existence of this trio that the outside world felt an even heavier pressure.

However, at present, this did not include the Pure Yang Palace.

Elder Lu Jinduan remained very calm at the moment.

If the Pure Yang Palace was still in its prime from four to five decades ago, perhaps the successors of the Pure Yang Palace would also have competitive thoughts.

But at the moment, in the next one or two generations, they would only focus on quietly restoring their vitality.

Externally, they would support and cooperate with the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

After the calamity of the Human Path and the Nation, the entire Daoist community suffered severe damage.

It would be more beneficial for the entire Daoist community to restore their vitality, which would, in turn, aid the Pure Yang Palace in regaining their strength.

Therefore, Elder Lu Jinduan's attitude was very clear as he represented the Pure Yang Palace to meet the Emperor in Luoyang:

"The Pure Yang Palace supports a virtuous and accomplished member of the Heavenly Master's Mansion to become the Protector of the Great Tang, assisting the court in managing the affairs of the Buddhist and Daoist sects throughout the land, and leading the masses."

After Lu Jinduan came out of the palace, the next person to enter was Zhang Taigang, the current leader of the Shu Mountain Sect.

He had been keeping a low profile in recent years, secluding himself in the peaks to refine the sect's magical treasures.

But after receiving the imperial order, Zhang Taigang paused his tasks and headed to Luoyang to meet the Emperor.

After Zhang Taigang finished his audience with the Emperor and exited the palace, he went straight to Lu Jinduan's residence.

"Greetings, Sect Leader Zhang," Lu Jinduan said as he greeted Zhang Taigang.

Zhang Taigang returned the greeting with great solemnity and once again expressed his gratitude to the Pure Yang Palace for their assistance to the Shu Mountain Sect in refining their magical treasures.

As they discussed this audience, both men remained quite calm.

"I believe that the current Heavenly Master is the most suitable candidate," Zhang Taigang said candidly.

Like the Pure Yang Palace, the Shu Mountain Sect had also received the edict from the Heavenly Master's Mansion, recognizing the Dragon Tiger Mountain as the leader of the Daoist community in the Great Tang.

After suffering a severe internal conflict, the Shu Mountain Sect could only focus on quietly recuperating at the moment.

"Heavenly Master Lei has just taken over the leadership of the Dragon Tiger Mountain, and his temperament is steady and his demeanor is competent," Lu Jinduan said. "Most of his attention will likely still be on the affairs of the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

The Protector of the Great Tang will need to spend a significant amount of time in the imperial capital, accompanying the Emperor, and the rest will be spent traveling throughout the land to oversee the various Buddhist and Daoist sects.

In terms of time, Heavenly Master Lei may not have the leisure, and Former Heavenly Master Tang might be a more suitable candidate."

Zhang Taigang nodded slightly.

Seeing Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun coming to the imperial capital Luoyang together, it seemed that they were not just here for a casual visit.

And since Lu Jinduan was accompanying them, he probably had some exchange or had noticed some clues along the way.

"Former Heavenly Master Tang's cultivation and strength are naturally beyond question," Zhang Taigang said.

Lu Jinduan couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. "The so-called karmic laws are truly unpredictable. In the blink of an eye, several decades have passed."

Zhang Taigang knew that he was referring to the once-in-a-generation genius, Tang Xiaotang, who possessed the Pure Yang Immortal Body and the Clear Quiet Insight, but instead of joining the Pure Yang Palace, she entered the Dragon Tiger Mountain.

To this day, Lu Jinduan still deeply regretted that missed opportunity.

However, thinking of the problems caused by Huang Xuanpu, Rong Guangchen, and others, Lu Jinduan felt a sense of surrealness, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

He snapped back to reality and saw Zhang Taigang sitting quietly beside him, and he couldn't help but laugh at himself. "My apologies, Sect Leader Zhang. I was lost in thought."

Zhang Taigang shook his head. "You're too kind, Elder Lu."

To a certain extent, he could understand Lu Jinduan's feelings.

Missing out on such a genius was indeed regrettable for anyone.

If Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun, or Tang Xiaotang had joined a different Daoist sect, such as the Pure Yang Palace, the sacred site of Daoist alchemy, or the Shu Mountain Sect, the sacred site of Daoist artifact refinement, they would have undoubtedly become outstanding figures.

In that case, either the Pure Yang Palace would have flourished, or the Shu Mountain Sect would have risen to prominence.

The fates of the Pure Yang Palace and the Shu Mountain Sect would have been drastically different.

This was the contemplation of Zhang Taigang, the leader of the Shu Mountain Sect.

Of course, if Lei Jun or Tang Xiaotang had joined the Shu Mountain Sect, the position of the sect leader would most likely not have fallen to him, Zhang Taigang.

But he didn't mind that.

What he cared about was how different the situation of the Shu Mountain Sect would have been.

As for the Imperial Tutor position, that would naturally follow in due course.

In fact, the court had already indicated their preference during the previous bestowal of the title of Realized upon the four masters of the Dragon Tiger Mountain.

"Your sect's friend Chen Donglou has consecutively defeated Wang Dongchu and Fu Dongsen of the Human Realm, and with his cultivation and accomplishments, he might also have the opportunity to receive the imperial title of Realized," Lu Jinduan said.

Lu Jinduan sighed.

Chapter Taigan nodded.

"What a pity. Missed opportunities are missed forever."

In recent years, the macro Daoist sect has been watching the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

Speaking of the Heavenly Master's Mansion...

Lu Jinduan turned back towards the palace, "Has Her Majesty not summoned Grand Master Lei and Tang yet?"

Chapter Taigan nodded, "After I left, the Abbot Ning Ru of Xuan Tian Temple followed."

Lu Jinduan pondered, "It seems that the Heavenly Master's Mansion might be left for last... I wonder what the situation is with the Sumeru Vajra Sect?"

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

Xuan Tian Temple has always been closed off and guarded. Abbot Ning Ru has not left the mountain in many years.

The last time he left the temple's gates was over twenty years ago when the internal strife in Xuan Tian Temple was triggered by the Ye Clan's infiltration of Jinzhou.

Of all the people summoned, he spent the least time with the Emperor.

His only opinion was to humbly abide by Her Majesty's wise decree.

After Abbot Ning Ru, the next person to be summoned was the heir of the Bodhi Temple.

The Southern Bodhi lineage had been recuperating for many years, and although they had not yet fully recovered, they were gradually regaining their strength.

The new leader of this next generation sacred site was Ruan Yuan, a monk who had achieved the cultivation of the Upper Three Heavens. He had recently taken over the Bodhi Temple, becoming the head of yet another powerful sect.

His visit to the imperial capital of Luoyang was marked by extreme modesty, and his opinion was already decided upon before his arrival, agreeing to humbly abide by the Emperor's wise decree.

As for Ru Yuan himself, he believed that the position of Grand Master of the Great Tang should rightfully go to the Heavenly Master's Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain, especially to Grand Master Lei.

However, as the current leader of a Buddhist sacred site, Ru Yuan's feelings were complicated.

The relationship between Buddhism and Daoism had always been delicate.

Now, while Daoism faced a great calamity due to the previous affair with the Human Dao Nation, Buddhism was also at a low point.

Among the major sacred sites, Tian Long Temple was in a better situation than Bodhi Temple and Xuan Tian Temple, but they were still no match for Dragon Tiger Mountain of the Daoist sect.

If there were to be a contest, the Buddhist sacred sites would likely need to unite under the Sumeru Vajra Sect.

However, Ru Yuan lightly shook his head as he left the palace, signifying the complexity of the situation.

From afar, at the other end of the palace gates, the Abbot of Tian Long Temple, Miao Xin, arrived.

Abbot Ru Yuan took the lead and bowed with his palms together, and Abbot Miao Xin calmly returned the gesture.

Abbot Miao Xin's attitude was even more unequivocal.

As the current leader of a Buddhist sacred site, he supported the high Daoist masters of the Heavenly Master's Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain to take on the role of protecting the Great Tang.

After exiting the palace and returning to their lodgings, a middle-aged monk clad in cassock quietly awaited.

Upon seeing Abbot Miao Xin's arrival, the middle-aged monk stood up and pressed his palms together, "Abbot Miao."

Abbot Miao Xin returned the greeting, "Venerable Miao Hui."

The monk named Miao Hui softly inquired, "Abbot Miao, have you made up your mind?"

Abbot Miao Xin nodded slightly, "Although the Sumeru Vajra Sect is of the same Buddhist lineage as us, I believe that if the Great Tang must appoint a Grand Master, the Heavenly Master's Mansion of the Daoist sect is more suitable."

Venerable Miao Hui shook his head, "Buddhism and Daoism are inherently different. Whether it is the Heavenly Master's Mansion, the Pure Yang Palace, or the Shu Mountain Sect, they will never be on the same path as us."

"They are not simple, and that is best," Venerable Miao Hui said calmly. "Otherwise, how could they withstand the might of Dragon Tiger Mountain?"

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

The representative from the Sumeru Vajra Sect was their most influential figure.

The leader of the Vajra Sect, Galota, had personally come to the imperial capital of Luoyang after receiving the imperial edict.

Such a move made the outside world feel that a storm was brewing.

This leader of the western Buddhist sect seemed to place great importance on the position of Grand Master of the Great Tang, and his demeanor reflected a determination to attain it at all costs.

However, in reality, Galota's attitude towards the Empress was rather peaceful and humble, not displaying an air of superiority as expected.

He respectfully requested Her Majesty's wise decision and did not exhibit a sense of entitlement, but instead, a willingness to accept whatever came his way.

After the audience, Soyang, who had accompanied Galota to Luoyang, silently trailed behind him.

And yet, their Sumeru Vajra Sect had not had the opportunity to come face-to-face with the Lone Eagle Khanate.

Of course, even without the Lone Eagle Khanate's second invasion, the Heavenly Master's Mansion had already gained too much momentum to be reversed.

The members of the Sumeru Vajra Sect had to admit this fact.

So, what path should they take from here?

The leader of the sect, Galota, remained calm. "The current Tang imperial family is no longer worth pinning our hopes on. We need to change directions as soon as possible."

A moment of anxiety flashed across Soyang's face. "Venerable Master..."

The leader of the sect smiled gently. "I know that this decision is difficult for you, having been born in this land. But for the sake of all parties, it's better to make an early decision."

Soyang took a deep breath, calming his mind. "I will obey your teachings, Venerable Master."

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

Galota, the leader of the Sumeru Vajra Sect, was the second-to-last to be granted an audience.

The Dragon Tiger Mountain's Heavenly Master's Mansion was the very last.

However, unlike the other sacred sites, only two people from the Dragon Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, were summoned to appear before the emperor at the same time.

The Tang imperial family did not make them wait idly.

They sent a special escort to deliver another imperial decree, bestowing rewards for Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang's contributions in quelling the second invasion of the Lone Eagle Khanate.

Overall, the gifts were quite generous, including various spiritual treasures.

However, this time there were no eye-catching items like the Nine Yang Divine Wood or the Shenyin Liquid Gold.

Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks, her interest quickly fading. "I thought there would be something good."

Lei Jun, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought.

Unpredictable and ever-changing, the past few decades had brought more border conflicts and internal strife to the Great Tang Dynasty than the previous few centuries combined.

As a result, the various rewards and disaster relief efforts, coupled with the imperial family's need for self-cultivation, had significantly depleted their reserves, and the court was now facing a financial crisis...

Later, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang were summoned to the palace by the lake.

On an island in the middle of the lake, Empress Zhang Wantong was fishing, her back turned to the world as if she faced eternity alone.

Observing her posture, Lei Jun remained silent, his eyes sharp and perceptive.

The Empress did not discuss the matter of appointing a new Grand Master with Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

Instead, she instructed Chu Yu, who stood by her side, to inform Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang about the latest intelligence gathered from interrogating the captives of the Lone Eagle Khanate.

"The growth and proliferation of the alien forces in that world far exceed our estimates."

In front of the Empress, Chu Yu refrained from her usual banter with Tang Xiaotang and spoke in a solemn tone. "There may be more than just the Lone Eagle Khanate in that world.

Some captives mentioned the four great khanates, particularly the name of the Golden Khanate.

According to them, the invaders who trampled over the lands of the Central Plains were not from the Lone Eagle Khanate. Their strategy was to continuously head west, plundering and conquering as they went.

Meanwhile, the Golden Khanate was marching eastward, waging war against the Song Dynasty and winning consecutive victories, even shattering parts of their territory.

The exact situation is unclear, and there seems to be limited contact between the Golden Khanate and the Lone Eagle Khanate."

Tang Xiaotang, upon hearing this, furrowed her brows slightly, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Four great khanates?"

Chu Yu nodded. "That's right. Although we're still verifying the information based on the captives' statements, there's no doubt that the succession of the Khan's position involves the bloodline of the royal tribe.

However, we're not sure yet if it's connected to the geomantic fortunes and dragon veins of this land."

Lei Jun remained composed.

He had grown accustomed to this world, which felt strangely familiar yet unpredictable.

"Were there any other khanates involved in the two invasions of the Great Tang's northwest, aside from the Lone Eagle Khanate?" Lei Jun asked.

Chu Yu nodded. "According to what we know so far, they were all from the Lone Eagle Khanate. They are said to be its peripheral forces, while the main army is allegedly conquering a nation in the far west of that world, and they could return at any time. If they reopen the portal, it will pose a significant threat..."

As she spoke, her voice trailed off slightly.

Because Chu Yu had noticed that Tang Xiaotang had curiously sidled up to the Empress, observing the fishing float together.

Seeing this, the maids standing at a distance couldn't help but turn pale.

However, Chu Yu quickly regained her usual demeanor after her initial surprise. "Never mind.

On another note, while there is limited interaction between the Lone Eagle Khanate and the Golden Khanate, conflicts and open wars between the four khanates are not uncommon, according to the captives."

The Empress didn't seem to mind Tang Xiaotang's proximity and continued nonchalantly. "There are some similarities between the Golden Khanate and the Qian Dynasty mentioned in the historical records of the Ming world."

Lei Jun's eyes narrowed slightly, deep in thought.

"Regarding the Taoist Talisman Sect," Chu Yu changed the subject, "aside from the Three Springs Palace, the original Pure Yang Palace still exists in that world, but they have less interaction with the Lone Eagle Khanate."

Tang Xiaotang turned her head. "How about the Taoist Talisman Sect? Are they making any progress?"

Chu Yu shook her head. "Not as far as we know. They haven't established themselves yet."

The Empress Zhang Wantong spoke up. "Aside from the Taoist Talisman Sect, keep an eye on the other Buddhist and Taoist sects as well, my dears. Whether it's the Pure Yang Palace or the Shu Mountain Sect, they are not as simple as they appear."

"Yes!" Tang Xiaotang's eyes lit up. "That sounds fun!"

PS: This chapter is about 6,000 Chinese characters, a little shorter than usual. Please forgive me, and I'll get some rest now.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end