https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-414-Rectifying-Deviations-at-the-Heavenly-Master-s-Mansion-Part-1-/12600454/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-416-The-True-Might-of-the-Head-of-the-Xuan-Sect-Part-1-/12600456/
Chapter 414: Rectifying Deviations at the Heavenly Master's Mansion (Part 2)
Chapter 414: Rectifying Deviations at the Heavenly Master's Mansion (Part 2)
"Greetings, Heavenly Master," Yuan Qingci said, taking the initiative to pay his respects.
Lei Jun returned the greeting: "You're too kind, Yuan Qingci."
After the greetings between Ji Dongquan, Li Miaozhen, and Lei Jun, the two took their leave, leaving only Lei Jun and Yuan Qingci.
Yuan Qingci wore the traditional cloth shoes of a Shu Mountain cultivator and appeared to be in his thirties or forties. His gaze was calm and serene.
However, Lei Jun, upon observing his immortal soul, could roughly discern that this current leader of the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect, who had been lingering at the perfection stage of the Eight Heavens for many years, had accumulated a profound depth of cultivation.
It was only due to various reasons that he had not taken that final step to breakthrough into the Nine Heavens realm, neither before nor after becoming the sect leader.
"I had previously heard Fellow Daoist Li mention Yuan Sect Leader's initial intentions."
After both parties were seated, Lei Jun asked, "Sect Leader Yuan, do you intend to leave the three supreme treasures here in Penglai?"
Yuan Qingci replied, "Please forgive us for any inconvenience we may have caused, Celestial Master."
The Three Mountains Flaming Barrier and the Void-Crossing Shuttle had been damaged, so they could be set aside for now. The Hanging Heaven Whip, still intact and the most supreme treasure of the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect, was another matter.
As for the Grand Ultimate Sword, it was not mentioned at all.
"To be honest, I believe that leaving the three treasures in Penglai and not returning them to the Great Ming realm will better help our sect in the future to seek opportunities and retrieve the remaining two treasures," Yuan Qingci said.
Not counting the Grand Ultimate Sword, the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect had once possessed six supreme treasures, but one had been lost for over a thousand years.
Aside from their own disciples, most people in the Great Ming realm now considered there to be only five peak treasures of the Shu Mountain sect.
It was only when Han Qingtao appeared with the Grand Ultimate Sword that the existence of a sixth supreme treasure was acknowledged once more.
However, due to the affairs of the Human Daoist Country, she quickly became a wanted figure, causing a split in the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect.
In the end, three of the Shu Mountain sect's supreme treasures—the Hanging Heaven Whip, the Three Mountains Flaming Barrier, and the Void-Crossing Shuttle—found their way to Penglai.
The remaining two treasures, including the Cosmic Daybreak Gourd, which contained the sect's legacy dating back to the Han dynasty, were still in the possession of the Great Ming Court.
Ironically, the Shu Mountain sect itself currently had not a single peak treasure in its possession.
Despite this, Yuan Qingci, Li Miaozhen, and the others refrained from attempting to retrieve their treasures.
Yuan Qingci looked at the calm and detached Celestial Master of Tang before him and felt, just as Li Miaozhen had said, that he possessed a grand demeanor and a tranquil mind, with no intention of keeping the three treasures for himself.
This only served to impress upon Yuan Qingci and the others from the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect the breadth of Lei Jun's capabilities and his magnanimity.
Lei Jun, however, did not think much of it.
He had not kept the treasures of the Tang Shu Mountain sect before, and he would not keep those of the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect now.
His temporary safekeeping of the Five Decays Grand Dao Bell was primarily to keep the news of Huangquan's change in ownership under wraps for the time being, biding his time for future action.
When the time came, he would not hold onto this founding treasure of the Shu Mountain sect for long either.
He had a natural curiosity and desire to explore and comprehend the various Daoist traditions of the world.
However, the foundation of cultivation ultimately rested with the individual.
Unless the Shu Mountain sect was entirely in the hands of people like Ji Yao, Han Qingtao, and Fu Dongsen, he would not interfere.
While Lei Jun had no intention of keeping others' treasures, he also had no desire to aid the enemy.
As for Yuan Qingci and the others' decision to not retrieve their supreme treasures at this time, it was partly due to their consideration of the attitudes of the Tang Dragon and Tiger Mountain and the Tang Shu Mountain sect.
Another important reason was that they were unwilling to give up the Shu Mountain sect's millennia-old legacy in the Great Ming realm.
Often, a sect's foundation was not something that could be easily relocated, even if all the people and objects were moved.
For a major sect like Shu Mountain, their influence and connections in the local area were also intangible assets.
Of course, the reason the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect had made this decision was that they had seen a glimmer of hope.
With the backing of the Tang realm and the Penglai Immortal Island, they had much more room to maneuver.
However, the task of retrieving the Cosmic Daybreak Gourd and the other supreme treasures was still daunting, and Yuan Qingci himself would have to remain patient and continue to linger at the Eight Heavens realm for the time being.
The negative impact of Han Qingtao's actions had never been limited to just herself.
"The decision rests with your sect," Lei Jun said, not wanting to interfere too much. "All three treasures can remain in Penglai for nurturing. However, if your sect wishes to use them, due to the spatial domain barrier, it may not be timely. Sect Leader Yuan should consider this matter carefully, and I ask that you forgive any inconvenience caused."
Yuan Qingci said, "Celestial Master, you are too kind. Our sect also does not wish for the affairs of the Great Ming realm to disturb the peace of Penglai.
The Great Ming Dynasty will soon face turbulent times, and our sect will also focus on stability and keeping a low profile.
It would be a waste to leave the Hanging Heaven Whip and the other treasures unused in Penglai.
If the Tang realm needs to use them, they can be deployed as needed."
His words implied that this offer was not limited to the Tang Shu Mountain sect, but extended to other Daoists of the Tang realm as well.
Lei Jun replied calmly, "Sect Leader Yuan is too kind."
After a moment of contemplation, Yuan Qingci asked, "I heard from Elder Ji and Elder Ye of your sect that the Tang Shu Mountain sect currently possesses a Celestial Master's edict?"
Lei Jun glanced at him and said, "That is true. At that time, it was to facilitate communication and mutual aid between the Daoists of the Tang realm in response to the Human Daoist Country and the heretic cultivators of Huangquan Li Shushan."
"With the two human realms currently separated by a domain barrier, and with the addition of Penglai, the transmission of information is indeed inconvenient," Yuan Qingci said. "If you would not reject me, Celestial Master, I would like to ask for a decree to bring back to Great Ming Xiaoding."
Lei Jun looked at him calmly.
Yuan Qingci remained unperturbed, his gaze as calm as still water.
"In that case, please forgive my rudeness," Lei Jun said, neither eager nor dismissive.
"Not at all, not at all," Yuan Qingci said. "Our entire sect is indebted to you."
When they finally bid farewell, Yuan Qingci apologized and explained that he could not stay away from the Great Ming realm for long. He intended to return immediately after meeting with Lei Jun, without any further delay.
The Great Ming Dynasty was undergoing tremendous changes, and there would inevitably be a period of chaos.
Once the elders on the court stabilized the situation, they would likely be more accommodating toward the Great Ming Shu Mountain sect on the surface, but they would definitely keep a closer eye on them behind the scenes.
And the one they would watch most closely was Yuan Qingci, the current sect leader.
Soon after, Yuan Qingci left Lei Jun's side and embarked on his journey.
Before departing, he instructed Li Miaozhen, "Li Shizi, you've also attracted quite a bit of attention in the Great Ming. It's unwise to remain hidden for too long. Later on, Jiang Shidi will replace you, taking up permanent residence in Penglai. Once he arrives, return as soon as possible."
It was true that high-realm cultivators could remain in seclusion for extended periods, but that might not sit well with those watching the Shushan Sect.
"Yes, Shizhong," Li Miaozhen replied. Her voice then lowered to a near whisper as she asked, "Has Shizhong already received the talisman edict from Lei Tianshi?"
Yuan Qingci replied, "From what I've seen so far, we can rest assured. They are not of the same ilk as Han Qingtao."
Li Miaozhen inquired further, "I've heard that in the Great Tang, Chunyang Palace and our Shushan Sect have both received the Dragon and Tiger Talismans for worship in our mountain temples. Is it true that the Sect of Divination in the mortal realm is about to produce another Grand Master of the Xuanmen?"
Yuan Qingci's gaze drifted towards the distant Penglai waters as he replied, "With the momentum Lei Tianshi currently possesses, if he were to ascend, he would already be one."
After a brief pause, he continued, "And if no one from the immortal realms were to appear, then he would already be one as well."
Li Miaozhen was momentarily lost for words upon hearing this.
Yuan Qingci bade farewell to Penglai, taking the route back to the mortal realm of the Great Ming.
After seeing off the visiting Ming court officials, Yuan Qingci embarked on his journey, leaving the mountain this time.
At the designated meeting spot, no one was physically present.
However, an invisible presence had already arrived.
Yuan Qingci was not surprised as he greeted the visitor, "Brother Mu."
The visitor lacked a physical body, having only projected his Nascent Soul to this location.
It was unmistakably Mu Chunyang, the Master of True Warrior Pavilion, who was rumored to have perished at the hands of the Sage of Good Wisdom.
To be precise, as the True Warrior Pavilion had already selected a new master, Mu Chunyang could now be referred to as the former master.
"Has Brother Yuan already met the Grand Master of the Great Tang's Dragon and Tiger Mountain?" Mu Chunyang inquired calmly.
"I've already received the talisman edict from Lei Tianshi," Yuan Qingci replied.
Upon hearing Yuan Qingci's account of Penglai and Lei Jun, Mu Chunyang couldn't help but exclaim, "The Dragon and Tiger Mountain of the Great Tang is no longer just leading the Daoist sects of the Great Tang.
Although he was a high immortal, a Grand Master of the Five Phases and Five Atmospheres, Mu Chunyang's admiration was unaffected.
Yuan Qingci asked, "Nowadays, the Great Ming Empire stumbles at every turn, no longer holding the dominance it once had. Brother Mu, do you have plans to emerge from seclusion once more?"
"There are no such plans at present," Mu Chunyang replied. "The Great Ming Empire is like a centipede, even when dead, it's not truly dead. Moreover, the situation with the Sumeru Realm is ever-changing, and we don't know when another upheaval might occur."
"Brother Mu's words are wise," Yuan Qingci acknowledged.
After a moment's thought, he asked, "Brother Mu, do you have any intention of going to the mortal realm of the Great Tang to see for yourself?"
"I do," Mu Chunyang replied.
…………………
Not long after Yuan Qingci's departure, Ji Dongquan also prepared to leave Penglai.
The spatial gateway between the mortal realm of the Great Tang and Penglai had officially opened and was now known to the public.
After further stabilizing the condition of the Primordial Pre-Heavenly Tower in Penglai, Ji Dongquan decided to drive this treasure back with him to the Great Tang.
His primary objective during his time in the mortal realm of the Great Ming had been to recover the lost treasure, and now he had finally achieved his goal.
Meanwhile, Ye Dongming remained in Penglai after meeting with Lei Jun, assisting Li Miaozhen in repairing the Three Mountains Fire Barrier and the Void-Crossing Shuttle.
Lei Jun himself, after completing the necessary follow-up work in Penglai, also prepared to return to the mortal realm.
During this period of tidying up, he and Xu Yuanzhen had made some additional gains in Penglai.
Lei Jun intended to bring the relevant talisman edicts back to the sect's mountain temple, and also planned to combine them with the Heavenly Master's Seal and the Altar of Myriad Dao for further refinement and experimentation.
Huang Xuanpu, Han Qingtao, Li Hang, and others had lusted after the Altar of Myriad Dao and the Heavenly Master's Seal for half their lives.
Now, with Lei Jun possessing these advantages, he naturally wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
Upon returning to the mortal realm, Ji Dongquan did not immediately head back to the peak of Shushan. Instead, he first accompanied Lei Jun to Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
With the conclusion of the battle against the Yellow Springs heretics, Yuan Mobai had returned to Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
Accompanying him were Xiao Xieting and some members of the Tang imperial family, as well as Zhang Taegang and Ji Chuan of the Shushan Sect.
On the one hand, they wanted to express their gratitude for Yuan Mobai's assistance.
On the other hand, they were also thankful for Lei Jun's help in retrieving the Primordial Pre-Heavenly Tower.
Although Ji Dongquan had also obtained clues leading to the tower, without Lei Jun's intervention, it was likely that the treasure would have fallen into the hands of the Western White Emperor, Han Qingtao.
Now that the Primordial Pre-Heavenly Tower had finally been recovered, Zhang Taegang and Ji Chuan were overjoyed.
"Thank you, Tian Shi, for aiding our sect in reclaiming our most precious treasure, and also for slaying the vicious heretical masters," Zhang Taegang and Ji Chuan expressed their gratitude together.
They had already heard from Ji Dongquan about his experiences in Penglai.
This contemporary Tian Shi was capable of simultaneously unfolding two Great Dao Scenes!
A double Dragon and Tiger Strike!
A double Great Dao Scene!
No wonder his strength was so formidable, allowing him to vanquish countless powerful foes along his path.
This time, he had even faced off against two opponents, capturing Han Qingtao and Li Hang with his two Great Dao Scenes.
Although they hadn't reached the pinnacle of the Ninth Heaven's fifth layer like Huang Xuanpu and Ji Yao, their prowess and influence were still terrifying.
In theory, they should have been more familiar with the environment in Penglai.
Yet, in the end, they had both perished within Lei Jun's Great Dao Scene, their bodies left without a trace.
Even the Shushan Sect's treasured Three Mountains Fire Barrier and Void-Crossing Shuttle had been damaged in the battle.
More importantly, according to Ji Dongquan's account, all of this had transpired within an extremely short timeframe, and Lei Jun had even found the time to capture Zhuang Changfeng and the Hanging Heaven Whip.
"If we consider Huang Xuanpu as only half a success, then this time, we've truly vanquished two so-called 'Emperor' figures of the mortal realm," Ji Chuan commented softly.
Zhang Taegang added, "As the rightful rulers of Penglai, the Dragon and Tiger Mountain has cleansed the evil influences and restored the rightful order, bringing Penglai back under the control of our Daoist sects. They are the new masters of Penglai."
(End of Chapter)
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