Chapter 416: The True Might of the Head of the Xuan Sect (Part 1)

Chapter 416: The True Might of the Head of the Xuan Sect (Part 1)



"It's not just about Penglai," Ji Dongquan said softly.

The decision made by Yuan Qingci, Li Miaozhen, and the others from the Great Ming Shushan Sect was not kept secret from Ji Dongquan and Ye Dongming of the Great Tang.

Now that Ji Dongquan had returned to the Great Tang, he mentioned this matter, and Zhang Taigang, Ji Chuan, and the others were even more deeply moved.

In the past, there had been rumors that Lei Jun and Longhushan were already considered the leaders of the Daoist sect in the Great Tang.

Now, it seemed that this influence had spread far beyond the borders of the Great Tang.

"Before Zhenren Tang took on the role of Celestial Master, she led Longhushan out of internal strife, lifting it from its lows and bringing about a resurgence in just twenty-eight short years. This can be seen as a magnificent and turbulent journey, and in the history of the Celestial Master's Mansion, few ancestral masters can be compared to her."

At this moment, Xiao Xuetin, who had come to Longhushan with Zhang Taigang and Ji Chuan, spoke leisurely, "But the Celestial Master who succeeded her, Zhenren Lei, is even more extraordinary. It has been less than twenty years since she took over the leadership of the Longhushan sect."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Taigang, Ji Dongquan, and the others also felt a sense of disbelief.

It had been approximately eighteen years since Lei Jun ascended to the position of Celestial Master.

Eighteen years was not a brief period, yet it also felt fleeting.

For ordinary mortals, it spanned almost a generation.

For cultivators of higher realms, it was a mere blink of an eye.

However, during the years when Zhenren Lei took over the leadership of Longhushan, setting aside minor matters, just the major events that Zhang Taigang, Ji Dongquan, and Ji Chuan could immediately recall were enough to make their hearts race even now.

When Zhenren Lei was still in the Eighth Heaven realm, she had single-handedly defeated the Vajra Temple. Later, she joined forces with the two successive Celestial Masters, Tang and Lei, to once again defeat the mighty Sumeru Vajra Sect.

After that, Zhenren Lei ascended to the Ninth Heaven realm, becoming a Great Vehicle Golden Immortal. She directly put an end to the Luoyang Uprising, which had been the most violent and impactful event in the Great Tang in recent years.

She reformed the laws of heaven and earth, known as the "Gui Cang."

She conquered Datong and calmed the Earthly Sea.

Now, on the year of Zhenren Lei's sixtieth anniversary of entering the Dao, she descended from her mountain for the first time, carrying all three treasures of the Celestial Master. She swept through Penglai and displayed the might of the leader of the Xuan Sect.

At this moment, even the Shushan Sect outside of the Great Tang acknowledged the authority of the Celestial Master.

Although the Great Ming Shushan Sect was in a delicate situation within the Great Ming Dynasty, even after the split caused by Han Qingtao and his faction, it remained a sect with deep roots in the Daoist tradition.

It was far from comparable to a newly established sect like the Xuanji Temple.

The crowd didn't need to think too deeply to feel their hearts stir.

If the previous Celestial Master, Tang Xiaotang, had been a bridge between the past and the future, then the current Celestial Master, Lei Jun, was a pioneer leading the Celestial Master's Mansion back to its ancient glory.

And he had been in power for merely eighteen years.

His age had not even reached a hundred years yet.

This truly sparked the imagination, wondering what other achievements he would attain and how far the Longhushan Celestial Master's Mansion would go under his leadership in the years to come.

"These achievements are indeed remarkable," Xiao Xuetin said with a slight smile. "However, compared to the previous Celestial Masters, Zhenren Lei has made even more remarkable strides in some seemingly insignificant areas."

Zhang Taigang, Ji Dongquan, and the others nodded in agreement.

In this regard, the Shushan Sect of the Great Tang had the most direct experience.

Although Celestial Master Lei was now famous throughout the world, when it came to managing the Longhushan Celestial Master's Mansion, she did not exhibit a strong sense of expansion and domination.

On the contrary, aside from presiding over the internal affairs of the Longhushan Celestial Master's Mansion, this Celestial Master paid attention to other matters.

It was under her leadership that the Celestial Master's Mansion joined forces with the Shushan Sect, the Huitangtang, the Xuanji Temple, and even the Great Tang officialdom to make numerous improvements and attempts in areas such as alchemy and medicine.

These changes were not aimed at higher-level cultivators but mostly focused on middle and lower-level cultivators and ordinary people.

Given Lei Jun's cultivation and age, although these endeavors were still in their early stages, their impact could be far-reaching.

This influence was not limited to just the Great Tang Dynasty.

As the might of Celestial Master Lei and Longhushan shook the southern borders of the Great Tang, it also profoundly impacted the South Wildlands.

However, instead of bringing more war and bloodshed to the region, it brought civilization and peace.

"Celestial Master Lei is a true Golden Immortal, and her presence is a blessing for the four directions of the world," said Zhang Taigang, the head of the Shushan Sect. "We, as fellow cultivators, admire her from the bottom of our hearts."

The people around him slowly nodded in agreement.

Later, Xiao Xuetin privately discussed with Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai the new information they had received from the Empress.

"Her Majesty traveled in the vast and desolate void outside the human realm when she encountered a Daoist due to unforeseen events. The battle between them lasted quite some time."

Xiao Xuetin continued, "It was probably during this period that the Yellow Springs heretics became aware of her presence, which led to their subsequent invasion of the human realm."

Lei Jun asked, "Has that Daoist already ascended to the Immortal Realm?"

Xiao Xuetin slowly replied, "According to Her Majesty, they have not."

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai exchanged a glance.

They were well aware of the Empress's strength.

Due to the blockade of information, most people in the world no longer held the Empress in the same awe.

However, Lei Jun and the others knew very well that the now-recovered Empress was still the number one cultivator in the Great Tang at this point in time.

Soon after her ascension to the throne, she had achieved the Ninth Heaven realm.

Now, nearly fifty years had passed since then.

Her cultivation was unique, and even without the power of the mountain and river dragon veins, her strength remained astonishing.

Lei Jun had always suspected that her rapid rise to power indicated the potential to break through to a realm beyond the Ninth Heaven.

The fact that she had not made any moves so far was most likely due to external factors rather than her limitations.

Now that the Empress had left the Great Tang to travel far and wide, she was likely trying to resolve these final concerns.

Given the Empress's strength, one could only imagine the caliber of this Daoist.

"He is a stranger, and his age is also young," Xiao Xuetin continued. "According to Her Majesty, he is a Great Vehicle Golden Immortal from the Dan Ding sect who has already cultivated the Five Qi Morning Yuan realm."

Yuan Mobai looked at Lei Jun.

Lei Jun shook her head slightly.

Based on the information and clues they had obtained in Penglai earlier, the only person who had not shown up was the Eastern Green Emperor, Shen Xi. Like Han Qingtao, they suspected he was a Great Vehicle Golden Immortal from the Daoist alchemy sect.

As for the possible existence of a senior immortal ancestor behind the Great Han Longhushan Celestial Master's Mansion, according to Xu Yuanzhen's previous research, they undoubtedly belonged to the Daoist talisman sect.

"Kunlun?" Lei Jun asked.

"His Majesty has the same speculation, but it has not been verified. Although the two sides have been sparring for a long time, they have not reached the point of no return. Later, the other party left on their own initiative, and their whereabouts are unknown. His Majesty sent a message back, instructing us to pass it on to the several Zhenren of Longhushan," Xiao Xieting explained.

"His Majesty is considerate," Lei Jun acknowledged.

"Since it's a high immortal from the Daoist Dan Ding faction," Yuan Mobai continued, his gaze turning towards the northwest.

"That's the direction where Pure Yang Palace is located," Xiao Xieting added.

"According to His Majesty, there is the Pure Yang Palace lineage, but there are also many differences. Although they have been sparring for a long time, there are still many things that haven't been fully uncovered, so it's not appropriate to make hasty judgments," Xiao Xieting said.

Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai nodded slightly, deep in thought.

Xiao Xieting then added, "By the way, His Majesty also mentioned one more thing... Your sect's Tang Zhenren might become emotionally unstable upon encountering this person, so be sure to exercise caution."

"?" Lei Jun asked.

"His Majesty only gave a simple word of advice, and we don't know the details either," Xiao Xieting replied.

Lei Jun fell silent.

Xiao Xieting bid farewell and left sometime later.

Whether it was her or the others in the Tang Imperial Family, they only attributed the credit of sweeping through the human realm and the Daoist nations to Lei Jun, and did not mention what would happen next with Penglai.

Just like when dealing with Datong, Guicang, and Dihai, Lei Jun and Longhushan were not very enthusiastic about Penglai at this moment.

However, Penglai held a special significance for the Daoist Sect.

Moreover, Penglai might also be related to the Heaven Palace that gave birth to the human realm and ancient ruins associated with the primordial Fu Lu faction.

Although the Tang Imperial Family was concerned, they would not interfere recklessly and instead left everything to Longhushan to handle.

Sometime later, after repeatedly expressing their gratitude to Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai, the Shushan faction bid farewell and left, welcoming the Taiyi Xiantian Pagoda back to Bashu Land.

It was around noon, and the sunlight shone down, causing the vast clear qi to ripple in all directions. A dazzling light that spanned thousands of meters enveloped the entire Shushan summit.

The six-layered pagoda had finally returned to the mountain peak.

In the moment it settled, Qingxiaofu at the foot of the mountain trembled as well.

The gathering of the heavens' wind and clouds swept through the four directions.

The flow of spiritual energy throughout Bashu Land seemed to transform along with it.

The two treasures of Shushan, upper and lower, were finally reunited at this moment, causing the Six Harmonies Xiantian Array to regain its former splendor.

Although the Northming Divine Spear was currently still with Ye Dongming in Penglai, its significance had already changed drastically.

After many years, the six supreme treasures of the Great Tang Shushan Sect had finally returned to the sect.

Zhang Taigan and the others from Shushan gazed at the pagoda on the mountain peak, their hearts stirred.

"It's truly a joyous occasion for the sect to welcome back the Six Harmonies treasures during my tenure as the Sect Leader," a Shushan Elder commented emotionally.

"I dare not take credit for this," Zhang Taigan said. "It's all thanks to our Chen Shishu and Lei Tianshi of Longhushan."

"It's a pity that Chen Shishu isn't on the mountain right now," Ji Chuan added.

The Shushan group nodded silently.

Someone spoke up, "If Chen Shishu had been on the mountain earlier, he would have definitely eradicated the Huangquan evil cultivators this time."

"If Chen Shishu, Lei Tianshi, and His Majesty hadn't been away from the Great Tang human realm, those Huangquan evil cultivators wouldn't have dared to intrude so recklessly," Ji Dongquan said.

"Exactly," everyone agreed.

"This time, we were also fortunate to have the aid of Longhushan's Yuan Zhenren, Xiao Xieting, and... Sun Li, the Elder from Reincarnation Abyss in South Desolation, as well as Future Mile from White Lotus Sect. Together, they managed to repel the Huangquan evil cultivators' invasion," Zhang Taigan said.

Lei Jun did not wish to expose the existence of Xinghe Tianluo.

The credit for sensing the Huangquan invaders' return to Shushan through Xinghe Tianluo fell on Yuan Mobai's head.

That was why the Shushan group was especially grateful.

However, they also had some doubts.

Nowadays, South Desolation and the Great Tang were trending towards normal and peaceful interactions, and their areas of cooperation were gradually increasing.

Sun Li, the Elder from Reincarnation Abyss, could be said to have come at the invitation of the court.

But why did Future Mile from White Lotus Sect come to aid Shushan Sect?

Currently, the Great Tang Dynasty had indeed undergone numerous changes internally, to the point that even those within the dynasty felt that they couldn't see through it all.

It was no wonder that the Shushan faction from Li Shu Mountain had kicked an iron plate this time.

"Among the four major evil cultivators of Huangquan, Kang Andaoren perished under the sword of Longhushan's Tang Zhenren, Li Linxue was slain by Donglou, and another, Tian Lingfeng, was killed by Longhushan's Yuan Zhenren. Only the most powerful, Ji Yao, managed to escape back to Huangquan, his cultivation and strength are indeed not to be underestimated. The entire sect should remain vigilant. Thankfully, he was heavily injured this time and shouldn't be able to stir up trouble temporarily," the highest-ranked elder of the Great Tang Shushan Sect, Xu Duan, said slowly.

"It's a blessing to have fellow cultivators' help in times of adversity, but for Shushan to rise again, the entire sect still needs to focus on cultivation," Zhang Taigan said.

"We will heed the Sect Leader's decree," everyone responded in unison.

Zhang Taigan then led the group in paying respect to the Taiyi Xiantian Pagoda on the mountain peak. The younger disciples dispersed after that.

Zhang Taigan then brought Xu Duan, Ji Dongquan, Ji Chuan, and several other high-achieving elders to continue offering sacrifices to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains.

Amidst the purple lightning flashes, a dragon-tiger talisman emerged and hovered above the mountain peak.

Zhang Taigan gazed at the dragon-tiger talisman for a long while before finally opening his mouth, his voice soft, "Stealthy Masters, I have something to report."

Xu Duan, Ji Dongquan, and the others stood quietly behind Zhang Taigan. They had a vague premonition.

"After hearing about our Shushan faction in the Great Ming leaving behind three treasures in Penglai from Ji Shishu, I had this thought," Zhang Taigan said.

"The entire sect should focus on cultivation, but achieving three feet of ice in a single day is not an easy task. We want to see new high immortals emerge one after another, but it won't happen overnight," Zhang Taigan spoke calmly.

"Speaking of which, it's actually up to you, Ji Chuan, and Xie Yiying. I'm already old and useless," Xu Duan sighed.

"I pay respect to you, Stealthy Masters, for your guidance," Zhang Taigan said, then continued, "This time, we were able to repel the Huangquan evil cultivators' invasion mainly because of the timely aid from Yuan Zhenren, Xiao Xieting, and... it was thanks to the help of fellow cultivators from the Great Tang.

"In that case, this disciple believes that our sect need not be overly concerned about whether the Six Treasures remain in our possession at all times. While focusing on our own cultivation, increasing interactions with fellow cultivators from the Tang Dynasty may be more beneficial for our current situation."

Although they had a vague premonition, everyone present, including Xu Duan and Ji Dongquan, was still shaken when Zhang Taegang bluntly stated his thoughts.

Zhang Taegang continued, "I am also not advocating for reckless actions. The Upper and Lower Treasures are intimately tied to the Six Harmonies Pre-Heaven Returning Yuan Formation, and we must not act impulsively regarding them.

The Sacred Flame Cauldron of the Southern Ming Dynasty is the foundation of our sect's cultivation technique and will continue to stay here.

As for the Purple Micro Sword, although Brother Chen has no intention of using it, I believe it should stay so that he can retrieve it at any time if needed.

However, the Green Mystic Sword ought to accompany the Nord Divine Spear and stay in Penglai, similar to the Three Great Treasures of the Great Ming.

After a moment of deliberation, Xu Duan nodded slightly.

Ji Dongquan spoke up, "We can trust the Heavenly Master of this generation."

He Dongxing agreed, "I share the same sentiment."

Xu Duan turned to Ji Chuan, Xie Yiying, and the other high-achieving elders of the Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect and asked for their opinions.

Ji Chuan and the others replied, "We are willing to obey the orders of the Sect Master."

Zhang Taegang bowed to everyone, following the Daoist customs, and the Shushan disciples returned the gesture.

He then removed all his belongings, took off his shoes, and entered the Ancestral Hall alone with his hair loose, preparing to offer sacrifices to the ancestors.

After he emerged, he straightened his clothes, and together with Ji Dongquan and the others, they solemnly expressed their gratitude to the talismans, rituals, and edicts.

Far away, in the Heavenly Master's Mansion on Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

Lei Jun was currently standing in the Altar of Myriad Laws.

The purpose of his return to the mountain this time was to use the Altar of Myriad Laws to refine the ancient edict talismans obtained from Penglai.

The Altar of Myriad Laws was filled with flowing light, and myriad dao patterns intertwined.

At this moment, purple electricity condensed into talismans and edict scrolls beside Lei Jun, flashing with brilliance and communicating with the peak of Shu Mountain.

Feeling the offerings and veneration from Zhang Taegang and the others, Lei Jun remained unperturbed, lit a thin stick of incense, and offered sacrifices to heaven and earth as a reciprocal gesture.

Afterward, the Dragon and Tiger edict scrolls that were flashing with purple electricity disappeared.

Lei Jun continued with his task, pondering and refining the ancient talismans obtained from Penglai.

As Lei Jun refined these ancient edict talismans, within the Altar of Myriad Laws, numerous Celestial Generals and Celestial Officials, the Four Directions Star Gods, and even the images of the predecessors of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, shone with brilliance, becoming more distinct and detailed.

Lei Jun's mind was calm as he gave a low shout, "Rise!"

The numerous ancient edict talismans floating in front of him gathered together, forming a formation that resembled a group of palaces.

Starlight began to move, following the arrangement of the palaces formed by the edict talismans.

Then, they converged, and based on the illusory light and shadow palaces formed by these talismans, they arranged themselves into a profound formation.

In the center of the formation, the illusory brilliance converged and turned into a pillar of light that soared into the sky.

The pillar of light shot straight into the clouds, visible only to Lei Jun within the Altar of Myriad Laws.

Others inside and outside Dragon and Tiger Mountain could not see this illusory pillar of light; they only witnessed the wind and clouds stirring above Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

The airflow rippled high in the sky, seemingly located in a more ethereal void than the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Cave.

However, the turbulent wind and clouds soon calmed down.

However, within the Altar of Myriad Laws, Lei Jun sensed even more changes.

Firstly, he vaguely sensed that Penglai seemed to be undergoing some transformation.

Secondly, the dark side of the heavenly book he carried, as well as the page of the heavenly book, fluctuated.

Then, the Seal of Heaven, which had changed after being obtained from the Empress and then through Chen Yi's jade boat, was now trembling slightly and glowing.

A subtle, mysterious aura emanated from the Seal of Heaven.

Affected by this, the edict talismans from Penglai, which were intimately connected to the ancient Celestial Palace, also trembled slightly.

Not only Lei Jun, but at the same time, Zhang Hui, Future Maitreya, Sun Li, Shen Quibing, and Fang Yue, who each possessed a page of the heavenly book, also sensed that their respective pages were undergoing some transformation.

Beyond the mortal realm, in the boundless void.

Tang Huang Zhang Wantong, who was strolling in the extradimensional space, paused in her steps.

She glanced at the half-volume of the heavenly book and the single page she possessed.

With Penglai stabilized, the current changes most likely originated from Lei Jun and others' research in the Heavenly Master's Mansion on Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

Thus, Empress Zhang Wantong maintained her composure, put away the heavenly book, and continued on her way.

The related changes had not yet affected the situation in Biluo.

However, with constant changes occurring in the Four Directions of the mortal realm and the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, she also needed to quicken her pace to collect the Jin of the Calamity of the Universe.

…………………

In the depths of the Luo Abyss.

The Yoluo Bloody Sea, which was tranquil, chilly, and brimming with a bloodthirsty and homicidal atmosphere, abruptly stirred.

A one-story altar surrounded by blood-red talisman patterns emerged from within.

As the altar retracted and disappeared, a young man appeared—none other than Chen Yi, who had recently broken through to the Eighth Heaven of cultivation in the Earth Sea but soon after encountered danger and had to undergo a life-saving rebirth.

Chen Yi's face reflected his astonishment.

This was because he felt that the pure golden hall in the depths of his soul was undergoing changes at this very moment.

Within the hall, it seemed as if there were more figures, but these figures were illusory and elusive.

This was a change that had never occurred before.

Chen Yi was more surprised and vigilant than ever.

"What's the reason?" he calmed his mind, and his thoughts seemed to turn into entities, stepping into the pure golden hall.

Chen Yi and the illusory figures seemed within reach, yet they seemed to exist in different worlds.

"Could it be related to the changes on Dragon and Tiger Mountain...?"

Chen Yi fell into deep thought.

He wondered about the current state of the two parts of the Celestial Palace Chapter, which could be combined into one.

Was this change related to the Celestial Palace Chapter, or was it connected to the Altar of Myriad Laws on Dragon and Tiger Mountain, or perhaps something else? Chen Yi pondered silently.

…………………

Within the Altar of Myriad Laws in the Heavenly Master's Mansion of the Tang Dynasty on Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun calmed the disturbance within the Seal of Heaven and gazed at the palace group formed by the edict talismans, deep in contemplation.

After a moment, he made a single-handed gesture in front of him.

The palace group composed of light and shadows dissipated, and the edict talismans returned to their original state.

The Seal of Heaven also settled into tranquility.

Lei Jun discussed this matter with Yuan Mo Bai, and their views were similar:

"Her Majesty the Empress of the current dynasty may also have some connection to the ancient Celestial Palace.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end