Seeking Fortune And Avoiding Calamity, Starting From The Heavenly Master's Mansion Chapter 404: The Continuity of the Immortal's Journey - Novel Cool

Chapter 404: The Continuity of the Immortal's Journey

Chapter 404: The Continuity of the Immortal's Journey

The expression on Han Qingtao's face was as solemn as Li Hang's: "Whether they are descendants of the Celestial Palace is unclear, but I believe we must guard against them."

"Han, my friend, your words are true," Li Hang nodded.

For a moment, the mountaintop fell silent, with the two men standing opposite each other, both silent.

Soon, another line of spiritual light flashed in the distance and arrived at the summit in an instant.

An elderly Taoist priest, dressed somewhat similarly to Li Hang but with a different style, mainly ochre-yellow, appeared before Li Hang and Han Qingtao.

The old Taoist priest had white hair and a youthful face. His breath was long, and everything seemed unassuming, but it gave people a feeling of returning to simplicity.

"Yan, my brother," Li Hang and Han Qingtao said together, greeting him with respect.

The old Taoist priest smiled and returned the greeting: "Li, my friend, and Han, my friend, it has been a long time, and I hope you are well."

He scanned the surroundings of Penglai and then sighed softly: "Such an immortal realm. It's a pity that it was disturbed by the people of Dragon and Tiger Mountain in the Great Tang Dynasty, and it has only recently regained some of its former glory."

The old Taoist priest withdrew his gaze and looked at Li Hang and Han Qingtao in front of him: "Back then, I was too busy to come in person, and I appreciate the hard work of you all."

Han Qingtao said: "This matter was caused by the lack of secrecy in my actions and those of Huang, my fellow Taoist from the Pure Yang Palace in the Great Tang."

Old Taoist: "Han, my friend, you are too hard on yourself."

As the three were talking, another stream of light appeared in the distance and quickly arrived at the summit.

The stream of light landed, and from it emerged a young Taoist priest dressed in plain clothes and straw sandals, similar in style to Han Qingtao.

The young Taoist priest's true age was unknown, but in appearance, he looked no more than twenty or thirty years old, exceptionally young.

"Brothers," the young Taoist priest greeted Han Qingtao and the other two.

His name was Shen Xi.

In recent years, with the reopening of Penglai, he has been known as the Eastern Green Emperor among the high-ranking Taoists of the Five Directions who entered Penglai.

With this, all but the Northern Black Emperor, Huang Xuanpu, who had perished, were present, and the four great Taoist masters of Penglai were gathered here today.

Eastern Green Emperor, Shen Xi.

Western White Emperor, Han Qingtao.

Southern Red Emperor, Li Hang.

And the yellow-robed old Taoist, who also seemed to be from the Dan Ding sect, Central Yellow Emperor, Yan Kejie.

In their respective worlds, they were all powerful figures.

By coincidence, they had entered Penglai, one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, in a short period of time.

Shen Xi, the four of them, plus Huang Xuanpu before, had their share of clashes and friction, but in the end, they all chose to restrain themselves and explore Penglai together.

Here, they discovered many relics of the ancient Fu Lu school and the ancient Celestial Palace, and made some gains.

Although their experiences in their respective worlds were different, various reasons led them down the same path:

Relying on the legacy of the ancient Celestial Palace and the ancient Fu Lu school, they established a Taoist country in the human world.

In their respective worlds, they all had their foundations and secretly plotted.

During this process, many other things happened as well.

Among them, Huang Xuanpu, the Northern Black Emperor, who was in the Great Tang Dynasty, completely perished, and then Yu Yuanzhen entered Penglai from the Great Tang human world and caused quite a stir.

However, in this process, Shen Xi, Li Hang, and others also uncovered many secrets.

Some of these secrets helped them tremendously, but some also foreshadowed trouble and crisis.

"The disturbance in the Jade Falls may be caused by the descendants of the Celestial Palace," Han Qingtao said.

Yan Kejie nodded slowly: "Your words are not without reason, my friend Han. I also have a similar feeling."

Shen Xi's face was calm and unperturbed: "Are they the successors, or... are they the surviving members of the Celestial Palace from back then?"

Han Qingtao: "So many years have passed. If the surviving members of the Celestial Palace from back then still have their lifespan intact, then their cultivation and strength..."

"There is no doubt about the severity of that great battle, but there are many secrets, and the details are unclear," Li Hang said slowly.

In front of them, Yan Kejie, Shen Xi, and Han Qingtao remained silent.

The four Taoist masters did not speak, and at the same time, they lowered their heads to look at the peak beneath their feet.

Here, there was once a remnant of the ancient Celestial Palace.

In ancient times, there were three realms: Heaven, Earth, and Man.

Due to the upheaval of Heaven and Earth, the Heavenly Realm eventually split into Nine Heavens, and the Earthly Realm into Ten Lands, leaving only the Human Realm intact.

Time passed, and many years later, even the Celestial Palace disappeared, and the world lost its highest ruler.

At that time, the various aristocratic families and sects in the human world rose and fell, and dynasties changed. Although there was chaos, the path to immortality had not yet been cut off, and there were still immortals in the human world who traveled through the universe.

Until the end of the Great Han Dynasty.

When the human world was in turmoil and the situation was turbulent, the heavens and the earth also changed greatly.

It was said that the descendants of the Celestial Palace had appeared and wanted to re-establish the Celestial Palace.

For various reasons, the descendants of the Celestial Palace clashed with those who opposed them, and the battle intensified, eventually engulfing the human world and even the entire Nine Heavens and Ten Lands.

Many powerful beings and countless lives were wiped out because of this.

History and records were scattered and even chaotic.

In the end, it even caused a temporal disturbance in the human world, leading to a split.

The Nine Heavens and Ten Lands disappeared without a trace.

The spiritual energy of the heavens and the earth was in turmoil and decline, causing the path to immortality to be cut off, and for many years, no immortals were seen again.

After countless years, the spiritual energy of the world was surging once more, and finally, a turning point was upon them.

For Han Qingtao, Li Hang, and the others, this was an opportunity.

But it could also be a crisis.

Although they wanted to comfort themselves, saying that the great war at the end of the Han dynasty swept through the mortal realm, and no one could stay untouched, resulting in the demise of the immortals and buddhas. Yet, Han Qingtao and Li Hang were well aware that this was merely the ideal scenario, and it was unlikely that things would unfold exactly as they wished.

Unfortunately, there was a gap in their knowledge of Penglai, and they only learned of each other's intentions to reinstate the Celestial Palace after they had set forth on their respective paths.

"The spiritual energy in the mortal realm has been low for many years. If there truly are survivors from the Nine Heavens still alive, they are most likely in one or some of the worlds within the Nine Lands and Ten Grounds."

Li Hang spoke slowly, "For example, the Azure Fall."

Most of the time, Shen Xi remained silent, but at this moment, she calmly spoke up, "If that is indeed the case, then everything is due to the workings of fate."

Yan Keju said, "Sister Shen's words are true. We should do our best and leave the rest to heaven's will. Changes bring both good and bad, and it may not be entirely a calamity."

Han Qingtao asked, "Should we... pay a visit to the Azure Fall?"

"The situation is unclear, and we should refrain from acting rashly," advised Li Hang.

Yan Keju and Han Qingtao nodded slightly.

"What are your thoughts on the Celestial Master's Mansion of Dragon and Tiger Mountain in the Great Tang mortal realm?" Yan Keju asked, changing the subject.

Li Hang replied candidly, "To be honest, I had some hopes of obtaining the Celestial Master's Seal, but ultimately, I fell short.

The Dragon and Tiger Mountain sect in the Great Tang has already established its dominance. In my opinion, among the various branches of the Daoist tradition in the mortal realms, they are the cream of the crop. It would be difficult for any single sect or faction to suppress them.

Taking the Celestial Master's Seal or the Altar of Myriad Laws is no longer achievable by the power of a single sect."

Han Qingtao added, "This lineage of the Talisman and Register tradition in the Great Tang mortal realm is a new sect that emerged after the Daoist law reform at the end of the Han dynasty. If the disturbances in the Azure Fall are indeed related to the old affiliates of the Celestial Palace, and they wanted to recreate the glory of the Celestial Palace ruling over all, they would support the ancient Talisman and Register tradition as well. Even if there is no conflict between them and Dragon and Tiger Mountain, it would be difficult for them to join forces."

"It's too early to say anything for certain. We should consider some indirect approaches," suggested Yan Keju.

Han Qingtao recalled a junior named Chen Yi, who had slipped through her fingers in the Great Tang mortal realm many years ago.

That junior, who had entered Luo Yuan, had a secret that seemed vaguely related to the Celestial Palace.

It could have been an opportunity, but she had underestimated him at the time and failed to give him her utmost attention, allowing him to escape.

Han Qingtao's thoughts raced, but her face remained calm, betraying none of her inner turmoil.

After the four of them discussed and finalized their strategy, Shen Xi was the first to bid farewell and depart, disappearing from Penglai.

Yan Keju also took his leave after bidding farewell to Li Hang and Han Qingtao.

Li Hang watched the old Daoist's figure disappear before he finally spoke, "We still can't be certain."

Han Qingtao nodded, "I can't see through Senior Yan either."

Although Shen Xi was aloof and rarely spoke, Han Qingtao and Li Hang had come to know her a little over the years.

For example, although they didn't know the specific situation of the mortal realm where Shen Xi resided, they guessed that its history and length of existence were probably not as impressive as the Great Ming or the Great Song realms, and the gap might be significant.

Another example was that the resurgence of spiritual energy in Shen Xi's world had arrived much later than in the Great Ming and Great Song realms...

However, both Han Qingtao and Li Hang felt that their understanding of Yan Keju was extremely limited.

Even Huang Xuanpu of the Great Tang mortal realm had shared the same sentiment when he was still alive.

"Sister Han, how is our separate branch of the sect in the Great Ming mortal realm, the True Martial Temple, doing these days?" Li Hang changed the subject and asked Han Qingtao.

"Brother Mu and the True Martial Temple are also facing some significant troubles," Han Qingtao replied.

Li Hang smiled and asked, "Have you had a deep conversation with him?"

"I haven't had the opportunity," Han Qingtao answered.

However, she was certain that Mu Chunyang had been aware, to some extent, of the affairs concerning the Daoist Country in the Great Ming mortal realm.

At the same time, she sensed that he did not approve of the idea of a Daoist Country.

Yet, to a certain degree, he had adopted a permissive attitude towards it.

Han Qingtao believed that Mu Chunyang's inaction was due to his own dislike of the Great Ming Neo-Confucianism, and he tacitly allowed the possibility of change.

But with the exposure of the Daoist Country affair in the current situation of the Great Ming mortal realm, he had to make a statement.

Han Qingtao did not blame Mu Chunyang for this.

But to reiterate, after this incident, your True Martial Temple will not be able to stay clear of trouble either.

For now, Han Qingtao was more concerned about herself.

The surging spiritual energy and the reopening of the Nine Lands and Ten Grounds also meant that the path to immortality, which had been cut off for many years, was reconnected, and the gates to ascension might open once more.

…………………………

Great Ming Mortal Realm.

In the picturesque landscape of rivers and mountains, many had set up camp and were now spreading out in all directions, meticulously combing through the area.

Later, the soldiers reported back to the main camp, relaying their inability to find any weak spots in the void that could lead to a "gateway" to Penglai.

Inside the main tent, Yu Zan, the high-ranking official overseeing the manhunt, silently waved his hand, and the messenger promptly withdrew.

Yu Zan, with his refined appearance and military robe, and a middle-aged official dressed in court attire remained in the tent.

The middle-aged official stood with his hands clasped behind his back, silent.

Yu Zan bowed slightly and addressed him, "Your Excellency..."

One of the current Grand Academicians, Chao Feng, finally spoke, "Continue the search."

"Yes, Your Excellency," Yu Zan replied.

After a brief pause, he added, "Your Excellency, I believe that for the traitor Han Qingtao to have escaped, there must be someone secretly colluding with him and providing aid..."

Chao Feng turned and asked, "Are you referring to Master Mu?"

"Indeed," Yu Zan confirmed.

Chao Feng questioned, "Master Mu of the True Warrior Pavilion is a Daoist immortal personally bestowed by His Majesty. How could he be associated with traitors and rebels?"

Yu Zan argued, "This traitor Han Qingtao did possess a rather unique identity in the past."

"In that case, it's not entirely impossible," Chao Feng conceded. "We can dispatch a few censors to report this situation back to the capital. Since the matter has not yet been fully investigated, there's no need for us to submit a memorial."

Yu Zan agreed, "As you wish, Your Excellency. I'm certain His Majesty and the Prime Minister will uncover the truth."

On one hand, Han Qingtao's escape needed a scapegoat.

On the other hand, if this matter was reported, Master Mu would return to the capital to avoid any suspicion, which would be unfavorable for Liu Chong, the Duke of Liu.

"Personally, I'm still inclined to trust Master Mu," said Chao Feng as he took a seat. "His Majesty is known for his benevolence and magnanimity, and I believe he will give Master Mu a chance. Speaking of which, the barbarians in the northwest and the heretic monks in the western regions have become increasingly troublesome lately."

Yu Zan concurred, "Your Excellency is right. Over the past few years, we've received reports indicating that the heretic monks in the western regions are not limited to the Karmapa sect. According to their scriptures, they should possess the complete Five Divisions of the Vajra Realm.

Judging by the scale of the Karmapa sect, the other four divisions are likely to be of similar magnitude. It appears they have gained significant power."

"Indeed," Chao Feng nodded. "Especially if they collude with the barbarians. This is no ordinary minor threat. If our dynasty aims to completely pacify the unrest in Sumeru, we must be prepared for far-reaching consequences and plan meticulously."

For hundreds of years, the Ming Dynasty in the mortal realm had been blessed with abundant spiritual energy, resulting in a deep and solid foundation.

However, what hindered the full utilization of their strength were often internal factors...

"The Prime Minister will surely consider all aspects," Yu Zan assured.

Chao Feng slowly nodded in agreement.

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

Back in the Underground Sea, Lei Jun sensed that the pressure from the Ming Dynasty in the mortal realm was noticeably waning.

He wondered if they were regrouping and conserving their strength for a decisive blow or if it was just another routine occurrence. Lei Jun decided to temporarily disregard it and focus on blocking their access through the Guicang realm.

His junior martial sister, Tang Xiaotang, was still in the mortal realm of the barbarian khanate. After things settled there, Lei Jun planned to visit the Ming Dynasty in the mortal realm when he had the time.

Although the Underground Sea had not yet completely calmed, the situation was stable, and no significant disturbances were expected.

The Giant Li tribe's chieftain, Li Bin, was taking advantage of the Underground Sea's geographical advantages to tirelessly evade Li Tianqing's pursuit.

Li Tianqing practiced the Divine Dance lineage of the Wu Clan, and this lineage's characteristics dictated that to defeat an opponent of equal caliber, he needed sufficient time.

However, once he established a decisive advantage, his opponent would typically suffer a crushing defeat with little chance of escape.

It was similar to what had happened to the Nine-Winged Golden Cockroach in the past.

Meanwhile, Xing Feng was sealing off the void gateway that connected Luo Yuan to the Underground Sea.

This trip had revealed to Lei Jun that the new leader of the Blood River Sect, who had succeeded Wei Ancheng, was also an extraordinary figure.

Although he didn't move with absolute effortlessness, the fact that he could enter and exit Luo Yuan alone and do so frequently was impressive.

Since they weren't enemies at the moment, Lei Jun didn't inquire further into Xing Feng's methods.

He was more concerned about another matter.

The Nine Li tribes had existed since ancient times.

However, Lei Jun had always found their current names suspicious.

The correspondence to the star names of Greed Wolf, Defeat the Army, Great Chariot, Left Assistant, and Right Assistant seemed too coincidental. From what Lei Jun had learned since arriving in this world, the history of the Nine Li tribes didn't seem to stretch back far enough to explain these names.

So, when were the names of the current Nine Li tribes, like Greed Li, Defeat Li, Giant Li, Assistant Li, and Assistant Li, given?

Who named them?

"Master Tian."

In the Underground Sea, Shen Quibing greeted Lei Jun and introduced the woman beside him: "This is Li Ying, the chieftain of the Wu Li tribe."

PS: 4k2 chapters, this chapter is a bit slow, sorry for the wait, trying not to stay up too late, so sending it out first.

(End of Chapter)

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