Chapter 425: Taoist Tang Finally Has a Disciple

Chapter 425: Taoist Tang Finally Has a Disciple

After chatting with Empress Zhang Wantong, Lei Jun immediately sent a message to the ancient Song realm, informing his junior martial sister, Tang Xiaotang, about the current situation of those in the immortal realm.

Tang Xiaotang was curious about the current state of Golden Khan.

However, she was currently in a situation where she had the heart but lacked the strength.

To be precise, it was Elder Zheng of the Pure Yang Palace of the Great Song, whose true identity was Tang Xiaotang, who felt this way.

Although Tang Xiaotang was powerful, her strength was inevitably affected as she was currently operating under the alias of Elder Zheng of the Pure Yang Palace in the ancient Song realm.

Hence, the actions of the Great Song remnant forces, which she was a part of, were not as dominant as those of the Blue Wolf Khanate and the White Deer Khanate, which shared the same roots and origins as the Golden Khanate.

Now that Zhu Junjie and the other Great Song remnants had been reminded by Elder Zheng about the possibility of Golden Khan's impact on the immortal realm, they were even more cautious in their actions.

At present, the activities of the Great Song remnant forces were mainly concentrated in the Jiangdong area downstream of the Yangtze River, and they had not launched a large-scale campaign northward.

However, the situation of the Golden Khanate was still dire.

The Golden Khan himself had never shown himself, and one of his major supporters, the master of the Sumeru Lotus Department, Zongga Rinpoche, had also disappeared without a trace.

With the combined forces of the Blue Wolf Khanate and the White Deer Khanate bearing down on them, led personally by the Blue Wolf Khan Zhuolige Tu and the White Deer Khan Huhe Dali, the Golden Khanate found itself in a perilous situation.

Their territory in the north was constantly shrinking.

By today, according to the intelligence gathered by the ancient Song forces, the Blue Wolf and White Deer Khanates had already pressed their armies against the capital of the Golden Khanate.

"However, the Golden Khanate is still quite resilient. On the one hand, they have the help of the bald thieves from Sumeru, and on the other hand, they have absorbed some people from the former Great Song Dynasty."

Tang Xiaotang mentioned during her conversation with Lei Jun via the Heaven-Listening and Earth-Seeing Talisman: "Also, I heard that when they emerged from the Great Wastelands back then, something seemed to have fallen into the hands of the Golden Khanate.

It is said to be used to guard their capital now, insufficient to repel invaders but extremely strong in defense. If they maintain internal stability and continue to hold out, they could very well endure for a long time."

Lei Jun asked, "I heard that the Golden Khan is also a Riding Warrior who has cultivated to the peak of Martial Sage. In that case, although he may not value the hearts and fortunes of the people as much as the Central Plains empires, unifying their hearts is still of great importance. If the Golden Khanate only defends their capital and loses all other territories, it will not bode well for his path to the immortal realm."

The various messages transmitted from the ancient Song realm indicated that as the Blue Wolf Khan and the White Deer Khan laid siege to the capital of the Golden Khanate, their respective subordinates also sent experts to sweep through the north—one through Guanzhong and the other through the Central Plains.

Tang Xiaotang said, "Let's not worry about them for now. We'll take over south of the Yangtze River first, and then consider moving north."

At the moment, Taoist Tang was having the time of her life in the ancient Song realm.

Regarding the issues with the Pure Yang Palace of the Great Song, Lei Jun had already given her some advice.

After all, it was not appropriate for someone who was not a true descendant of the Pure Yang Palace, a sacred site of alchemy, to ascend to the position of its leader.

Thus, Elder Zheng of the Pure Yang Palace, whose true identity was Tang Xiaotang, made a public declaration. The current top priority for the ancient Song realm was to drive out the Tartars and restore the mountains and rivers of their homeland.

Whoever accomplished this great feat would not only clear the disgrace brought about by Li Hang and the others but also restore the reputation of the Pure Yang Palace of the Great Song and revive its glory. Naturally, this person would then be qualified to take over the leadership of the Pure Yang Palace.

Elder Zheng was already advanced in years, and his only wish for the remainder of his life was to see the revival of the Pure Yang Palace.

Firstly, the Pure Yang Palace needed a leader, and secondly, the Pure Yang Palace had yet to recover its vitality. Thus, Elder Zheng was temporarily in charge.

At most, he was considered an interim leader.

"As for when this great feat is truly accomplished and the Pure Yang Palace of the Great Song has a successor, Junior Martial Sister, you can just run off. What, do you think they can force you to stay?"

Lei Jun said, "Whether Elder Zheng passes away of old age or perishes together with a formidable foe, or even if you decide to wander the world alone, it's all up to you."

"Of course, I'd choose to wander alone. There's no need to seek death unnecessarily," Tang Xiaotang muttered before continuing with satisfaction, "An interim leader... that's not bad. I'll enjoy it for now."

She had indeed enjoyed impersonating Lei Jun, but she also had her fair share of troubles:

"Those Great Song remnants are starting to have their own ideas."

Lei Jun said, "That's not very surprising. You're about to take over the southern bank of the Yangtze River."

Tang Xiaotang snorted, "There's more than one descendant of the Song royal family being pushed to the forefront now, and they're starting to dispute the legitimacy of their claims. If not for Zhu Junjie and a few others who are still level-headed, who knows what kind of chaos they would stir up."

Lei Jun said, "It's a good thing that there are still level-headed people. The situation in Jiangbei is currently chaotic, but it may not be optimistic, especially if the master of the Sumeru Lotus Department, Zongga, has indeed emerged from the Land of Return."

Tang Xiaotang became spirited, "The news should be reliable."

Lei Jun asked, "What about when you went to look for the master of his Treasure Department and the Karmavachara Department?"

Tang Xiaotang replied, "There's no news about that. I don't know if they're hiding or if they've returned to Sumeru. I was just thinking of going to take a look."

Lei Jun said, "Senior Martial Sister, please be careful."

"Oh, that's right, I almost forgot," Tang Xiaotang suddenly remembered something and her tone turned proud, "Although I haven't been able to find that scoundrel Li Yuanheng and the people from the Emptiness Mulberry, my luck hasn't been that bad over here either."

Lei Jun asked, "How so?"

Tang Xiaotang cleared her throat and said solemnly, "Lei Jun, I met a rather interesting young girl."

"Oh? Does Junior Martial Sister mean that you've finally come across someone who meets your expectations and is qualified to be your successor?" Lei Jun was slightly surprised, "In that case, I offer my congratulations.

"Tang Xiатao showed a hint of restraint as she said, "Indeed, it's quite rare. I suppose we can call it fate. However, whether or not she will officially become my first disciple under my sect will depend on what happens next."

Lei Jun paused for a moment, then asked, "Wait, little Shijie, when you formed this connection with her, did you present yourself as your true self or as Elder Zheng of the Great Song's Pure Yang Palace?"

"Cough..."

Tang Xiатao coughed lightly. "Well, when we first bumped into each other, I appeared as Elder Zheng. But later, when we chatted, I revealed my true self."

"However, I didn't poach from the Great Song's Pure Yang Palace. After talking to her, I'm sure that compared to the Dan Ding faction, she's more suited for our Fu Lu faction..." The latter half of her sentence was said with slightly less confidence.

However, based on Lei Jun's understanding of her, it wasn't that the child was more suited for the Dan Ding sect's cultivation, but more likely that, like him, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiатao herself, she had the potential to excel in any path she chose.

Indeed, Tang Xiатao's next sentence was spoken with full confidence. "I'm more certain that this child is a genius!"

Lei Jun said, "If you, Shijie, evaluate her as a genius, then she must truly be extraordinary.

No need to bother Baobao, who is currently helping San Shidi and Lin Shixiong tidy up Penglai.

After Sister Zhang Jingzhen has successfully cultivated the Yanglei Dragon, she will soon represent our sect to go to Guicang. Ask her or Hua Yan to make a trip to Dihai to guide your future disciple back to Longhushan."

"Okay." Tang Xiатao casually replied, "After we take her away, I'll go take a look at the Guixu gateway."

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

At this moment, in the world of the former Great Song, the Guixu gateway had already been resealed.

Vanta, the master of the Sumeru Treasure Department, and Jiedi Luo, the master of the Karma Department, were also no longer in this world.

They had returned to Sumeru as soon as possible.

"This time, we were able to safely leave Guixu thanks to the Venerable One," Vanta said as he bowed to Zongga, the master of the Lotus Department, before leaving. "Jiedi Luo and I need to return to Sumeru to report to the Venerable One and stabilize the situation there."

Zongga returned the bow. "It was my fault that caused trouble for the Venerable One and Sumeru. I am deeply ashamed."

Jiedi Luo, the master of the Karma Department, spoke up. "What's done is done. There's no need for regret. The Venerable One has issued a decree, and this world of the Great Song is currently at a crucial juncture. You can stay here and focus on managing it, brother. Jiedi Luo and I will return to Sumeru to await the Venerable One's instructions. Once all the worlds are stable, Sumeru will also be stable."

Zongga bowed to the west. "Disciple will follow the Venerable One's decree."

Then he thanked Vanta, the master of the Treasure Department, and Jiedi Luo, the master of the Karma Department.

The two returned the bow and then set off westwards, heading toward Jingang Si’s mountain gate in this world to return to Sumeru.

Although it was common knowledge that the Sumeru Lotus Department strongly backed the Golden Khanate, the Canglang Khanate and the Bailu Khanate typically headed eastwards, never turning their aggression toward the Great Song's Jin Gonge Temple.

After hearing some news about the unrest in Sumeru, they would certainly not easily approach the Sumeru gateway in this world.

Even with Zongga's powerful mental cultivation, he still felt a sense of surrealness as he once again stood in the world of humans.

However, his feelings of awe only lasted for a moment before his mind regained its calm. He walked barefoot across the land, quickly traversing the vast rivers and mountains.

Soon, a stunningly attractive woman wearing traditional red silk shoes and a monk's robe loosely placed over delicate muslin garments appeared before Zongga.

"Shifu." Dawaminfei, one of the eight great Mifeis of the Lotus Department, known alongside He Yingjin and Chduo, respectfully bowed to Zongga.

Zongga nodded at her. "I already know about the situation in Dadu. Let's go and meet with Hasen and the others now."

Hasen Shangren was a noble child of the Golden Khanate who had joined the Buddhist faith and entered the Lotus Department to cultivate Buddhist teachings after being personally accepted as a disciple by Zongga due to his exceptional talent in Buddhism since childhood.

He had not been converted but had chosen this path himself.

Previously, when Zongga had gone missing, the Golden Khanate had been in a critical situation, and Hasen Shangren had led the remaining Lotus Department experts to assist the Golden Khanate in defending their territory. Now, they were all in Dadu.

Zongga took the lead, with Dawaminfei following closely behind.

She spoke softly, "With Shifu's return, there's no need to worry about Dadu. However, it will be challenging to recapture the other fallen territories of the Golden Khanate. Aside from the Canglang and Bailu Khanates, the southern Great Song remnants have also gained significant power..."

Zongga said, "It doesn't matter. Everything has changed."

Dawaminfei looked enlightened. "So, the Golden Khan..."

Zongga asked, "What about the situation in Dihai and Huangquan?"

Dawaminfei replied, "The gateway to Dihai is still there, but it has been a long time since we've seen any activity from the Jiuli people or the Datang cultivators.

The gateway to Huangquan has disappeared without a trace, and in recent years, no Rishushan cultivators have reappeared in the world.

There are rumors of a brief appearance by the Kongsang Witch Gate, but after that, there has been no sign of the Kongsang Gate."

Zongga nodded slightly, deep in thought.

Dawaminfei hesitated slightly, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

Zongga asked, "What is it?"

"Shifu, the Sumeru Lotus Department has suffered heavy losses recently," Dawaminfei said softly. "With the previous losses of Bai Ma Shangren and the others, as well as the assistance given to the Golden Khanate..."

Zongga said, "For now, we can only look for opportunities to convert capable individuals and bring them into our Pure Land."

Dawaminfei replied, "Yes, Shifu."

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

Following Lei Jun's orders, Zhang Jingzhen represented the Tian Shi Mansion after leaving seclusion and headed to Guicang, maintaining contact with the Datang cultivators in Dihai.

Following Lei Jun and Zhang Jingzhen's orders, Zhang Xiuyin, a disciple of Zhang Jingzhen, traveled to the former Great Song's world via Dihai.

Following in the footsteps of Zhuo Baojie, Qin Caimei, and Xu Rui, Xin Beiyuan is now one of the most promising young disciples of the Tianshi Mansion.

Both of them are known for their calm and competent demeanor, and they are well-respected by their peers within the mansion, aside from their daily cultivation practices.

Zhang Xianyu has a unique background, but he doesn't dwell on it often, choosing instead to focus on his cultivation in the seclusion of Longhu Mountain.

As his cultivation progresses, he has no intentions of returning to the Weinan Royal Palace.

Zhang Jingzhen values his calm and stable disposition highly, and his senior fellow disciples, including Lei Jun, also hold him in high regard.

However, the usually composed and unflappable Zhang Xianyu finds himself in an unusual state of mind as he escorts his fellow disciple Tang Shishu's destined partner back to the human world of Datang and their ancestral mountain sect.

By the time they are returning to the mountains, the journey has allowed Zhang Xianyu to regain his composure, and his expression is back to normal.

Nevertheless, Lei Jun can still sense the initial turbulence of emotions that Zhang Xianyu experienced.

Zhang Xianyu is neither opposed to nor hostile towards the potential new disciple, who might become his junior fellow disciple.

It's just that, strictly speaking, it's not appropriate to refer to her as a human.

As they travel, others from the mansion also give the young girl curious looks.

Hmm, brown-red fur, not too tall, fluffy and round face, walks upright like a human, but has a thick, fluffy tail as long as her body with black rings, nine in total.

According to past customs, a destined being like this would usually be escorted directly to the Dao Child Court upon returning to the mountains, and there would be no need for each one to be inspected by the sect master, Lei Jun.

However, Zhang Xianyu considers the situation to be special, and the sect master might not be aware of the circumstances beforehand, so he specifically brings her to meet Lei Jun after returning to the mountains.

"Following the sect master's instructions, I, Zhang Xianyu, have escorted my fellow disciple Tang Shishu's destined partner, Cheng... Miss, back to the mountains." Zhang Xianyu maintains a calm expression as he reports to Lei Jun with a formal bow.

...What's the big deal? It's just that in recent years, Zhuo Baojie has been cultivating diligently, and with his improved cultivation, he has been spending less time in the mountains, so it's understandable that he might be a little unprepared for this.

Zhuo Shixiong is, after all, the disciple of the sect master. As long as I think of Zhuo Shixiong, it's really not that big of a deal... Zhang Xianyu has regained his composure.

The young girl behind him is even more composed. She greets Lei Jun with a human-like bow, and although her voice is soft and gentle, her speech is clear and respectful: "I, Cheng Rongrong, a spirit seeking the Dao, pay my respects to the Heavenly Master."

"...Lei Jun is rarely left speechless.

Standing before him is a small panda standing upright like a human.

Or perhaps it should be called a red panda, a nine-tailed wolf?

Junior fellow disciple, you truly are something else... No, I shouldn't be criticizing you in this aspect.

Alright, I must admit... She's quite adorable.

Lei Jun's expression is calm as he nods to Zhang Xianyu and the upright small panda: "You may rise."

He first addresses Zhang Xianyu: "Huayi, you may go and rest now. Wait for my instructions later to reunite with your master."

Zhang Xianyu bows: "Disciple is well. If the sect master has no other instructions, disciple will be on his way to Guicang."

Lei Jun nods: "Be careful on your journey."

After the other party takes their leave, his gaze falls on the small figure standing upright like a human, clad in a plain cloth robe: "Before you met Tang Shishu, were you already able to speak the human tongue?"

With his cultivation and insight, Lei Jun can roughly assess that indeed, as Tang Xiaotang had said, this... young lady, is truly worthy of the title of genius.

Her intelligence is not something that was awakened by Tang Xiaotang, but rather, her intellect was likely already quite sharp before meeting Tang Xiaotang, and her foundation is solid. However, she has not yet truly embarked on the path of cultivation.

"I was spiritually aware at a young age and was adopted by my parents, who named me Rongrong and gave me the surname Cheng. Unfortunately, my parents passed away one after another due to their old age."

The young one speaks with remarkable clarity and calmness: "Later, I happened to meet Tang Zhenren, and she showed me great kindness and wished to send me back to the mountains to embark on the Dao. I am willing to devote myself to the Dao and humbly seek the Heavenly Master's approval."

Well, this one is far more mature than my own child at this age.

Look at how composed and calm she is, and then look at my own child, always scheming and plotting against me... Lei Jun thinks to himself.

"Has Huayi already informed you of certain matters during your journey here?" Lei Jun asks.

Cheng Rongrong's round face, with its human-like calm and composure, answers seriously:

"Zhang Daoist has already explained certain matters to me, and I... do not wish to assume a human form, and I humbly seek the Heavenly Master's approval."

Lei Jun speaks with a calm tone: "It's fine as long as it's voluntary. However, our sect's method of guiding beings is not solely for the purpose of transforming spiritual beasts into human forms. If you cultivate diligently, it will be of great benefit to you when you eventually embark on your cultivation path."

Cheng Rongrong bows to Lei Jun: "Yes, I will keep the Heavenly Master's teachings in mind."

Lei Jun nods: "Go ahead to the Dao Child Court and report there."

The small panda changes into a gray cloth Daoist robe, specially tailored for her, and then joins the other Dao children in reciting scriptures with swaying heads.

Just like with Zhang Xianyu before, everyone is initially stunned, but with Zhuo Baojie's precedent, the instructors in the court quickly resume their usual routines.

Upon learning of this, Yuan Mobai can't help but let out a laugh.

For a moment, master and disciple stare at each other, speechless.

Wang Guiyuan's expression seems normal, but he soon turns his head to the side, preventing others from seeing his subsequent reactions.

Lei Jun remained calm and collected, "Indeed, she is an extraordinary talent. No wonder your junior sister called her a genius. As of now, this little girl is still superior to Bao Bao."

A warm and gentle smile appeared on Yuan Mobai's face as he nodded in agreement, "Indeed, her temperament is quite commendable, and she will surely live up to the potential of her spiritual roots."

"Yes, yes," Lei Jun chimed in.

As he spoke, he turned to Wang Guyuan, who stood by his side, "Senior brother, have you not come across a disciple who suits your fancy thus far?"

Wang Guyuan turned back, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he mused, "Indeed... I once did, but as you said, it's best to let such matters unfold as they may."

Noticing his senior brother's reaction, Lei Jun raised an eyebrow. Turning to look at Master Yuan, he saw a gentle nod of affirmation.

Lei Jun acknowledged it with a nod and refrained from pressing the matter further.

The commotion caused by Cheng Rongrong within the Dragon Tiger Mountain sect soon settled down.

However, in the outside world of Datang, as news gradually spread, it left many people feeling bemused.

Indeed, the Dragon Tiger Mountain sect of the Great Tang was now incredibly formidable.

But each of these representatives also possessed truly unique personalities.

Compared to Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, and Yuan Mobai, the reclusive Xu Yuanzhen, who chose not to take any disciples, almost seemed normal.

"The recent successive Heaven Masters have truly embodied the principle of 'great way without form, teaching without discrimination'," Zhang Hui remarked with a laugh as he prepared to leave the capital once more.

His companion, Chu Yu, fell into thoughtful silence.

After a moment, she spoke up, "In the future, do you think there might be a non-human Heaven Master?"

Zhang Hui's eyes widened slightly at the question, and after a moment, he laughed, "Why not? Although there are no precedents, countless unprecedented events have occurred throughout history."

"Indeed, why not?" echoed a voice from beside them, and the two turned to see Empress Zhang Wantong, standing with her back turned to them, fishing calmly as if nothing had been said at all.

…………………

Peace reigned in the world of Datang.

The Dragon Tiger Mountain sect's decision to accept a non-human spirit beast as a disciple had become the hottest topic of discussion.

In contrast, in the world of the Former Song, an intense battle raged on.

From the southern lands to the western Guanlong region, from the northern deserts to the eastern Qilu, and down to the southern lakes and Jiangdong, the war engulfed everything.

The master of the Sumeru Lotus Department, Zongga, arrived at the Golden Khanate's capital.

With his support, the once-shaking capital gradually stabilized.

A dark shadow fell over the hearts of the experts from the White Deer Khanate and the Gray Wolf Khanate.

At this stage, they had failed to force the Golden Khan out of his stronghold.

And with Zongga's return, their hopes of success seemed even more slim.

Although they were reluctant to admit it, at this point, even if they gained more outside the capital, they had already failed to achieve their ultimate strategic goal.

"In the end, the fall of the Honghuang Jinzhai into their hands decided today's outcome!"

Gray Wolf Khan Zuo Ligetu gazed at the distant capital of the Golden Khanate and sighed heavily. He turned to his trusted general, Mo Rigen, and instructed, "Inform Huheda and the others—it's time for us to retreat. Any delay could be detrimental."

Instead of leaving immediately, Mo Rigen spoke up softly, "If Ang Qinfu truly takes that final step... Your Majesty, where can we retreat to?"

The Gray Wolf Khan, Zuo Ligetu, maintained his calm and replied, "That depends on whether the news from the south of the Former Song is accurate."

Mo Rigen fell silent, then nodded, "Let's hope it's true that those from the immortal realm cannot remain in the mortal realm for long."

Mo Rigen bowed to the Khan and took his leave to convey the message to the White Deer Khanate.

When the two sides retreated, they had to do so separately, avoiding gathering in one place.

Although they felt reluctant, the people of the White Deer Khanate made the same decision as the Gray Wolf Khanate and began their respective withdrawals.

However, just as the two Khanates lifted their siege and started to pull back, a deafening tiger's roar shook the heavens from behind them.

"It's Alata!" someone cried out.

Ang Qinfu—in the language of the foreigners, it meant "hunter."

This was the name of the Golden Khan.

It sounded rather ordinary in comparison.

But it belonged to the foremost expert of the Former Song's Four Khanates.

Golden Khan Ang Qinfu, like the other three Khan Kings, was a mounted warrior.

And his steed was a beast akin to a tiger, named Alata, which meant "gold" in their tongue.

Both Mo Rigen and the people of the White Deer Khanate were intimately familiar with the demonic tiger, Alata.

But the roar they heard this time was distinctly different from the usual.

It was far more ferocious, violent, and overpowering than before!

Aside from Alata's improvement, another likely reason was...

Had Golden Khan Ang Qinfu made progress?

Before this, he had already been at the pinnacle of the Human Immortal realm.

So, what about now?

A rare display of a warrior's fiery blood surging into the skies emanated from the direction of the Golden Khanate's capital.

An overwhelmingly dominant will to subjugate all creatures and spirits seemed to solidify in that moment, overlooking the four directions.

The master of the Sumeru Lotus Department, Zongga, and the second-ranked expert of the Golden Khanate, Harietana, led the experts in paying their respects, "We welcome the Great Khan!"

Later that night, in the southern lands of the Former Song, the remnants of the Great Song received the latest news: "Golden Khan Ang Qinfu has reappeared, and countless casualties have been inflicted on the White Deer Khanate, from Khan King Huheda downward."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end