Opportunities vary in quality.

If given the chance, Lei Jun preferred to make it in time for next year’s Initiation Ceremony.

Time waits for no one, and cultivation even less so.

Compared to some novels he had read on Blue Star before transmigrating, the cultivators in this world were somewhat unique.

Cultivators might possess extraordinary powers and destructive capabilities, but their lifespans weren't as exaggerated as thousands or tens of thousands of years.

To sum it up, they were powerful, but short-lived.

Short lifespans were a significant issue; another was their eventual decline.

Unless immortality was attained, no matter how high one's realm or long their lifespan, even cultivators would face the inevitability of aging and weakening.

From the information Lei Jun had gathered, unless cultivators continuously raised their realm and surpassed themselves to extend their lifespan limit, they would not grow stronger as they aged. Instead, failing to advance would cut off further progress and gradually lead to weakening or even a decline in realm.

The image of an ancient, youthful-looking immortal at the peak of their power could only occur under two conditions:

First, although they appeared elderly, their current age was still far from their lifespan limit.

Second, they were indeed old now, but had been even stronger in their youth.

Thus, while fame didn’t necessarily require youth, progress certainly did.

The younger one was, the more vigor they had, leading to faster advancement and greater potential.

For Lei Jun, who only began cultivating at eighteen, starting in a sacred place like Tianshi Mansion was a stroke of good fortune, helping him make up for lost time.

However, the Initiation Ceremony at the start of next year was less than a year away.

In cultivation, the higher the realm, the more difficult and time-consuming the process.

Eating one batch of Purple-Gold Lingzhi alone wouldn't suffice; more were needed... Lei Jun's thoughts drifted momentarily.

The instructor, unaware of Lei Jun's fleeting thoughts, commented: "It was impressive of Senior Sister to lead you into our sect and bring you to Tianshi Mansion. Her insight is commendable."

Lei Jun responded, "You’re right."

Senior Sister's name was Xu Yuanzhen.

The instructor wasn't from the same lineage as her.

Yet, among the true disciples of Tianshi Mansion, everyone referred to her as “Senior Sister” out of habit.

This was because Xu Yuanzhen was the current head disciple of the Tianshi.

Although she was young, her reputation was significant.

While Tianshi Mansion had many venerable elders, outside the mansion, many referred to her as the “Second Tianshi.”

It was she who brought Lei Jun back to Tianshi Mansion.

However, she was known to be somewhat unpredictable.

She had a tendency to wander, and after bringing Lei Jun back, she left the mountain and had not returned since.

Lei Jun kept a low profile and let things unfold naturally.

The instructor advised, “It’s good that you’re making progress in your cultivation, but remember to balance your efforts and avoid impatience.”

Lei Jun replied, “Understood.”

The instructor nodded in satisfaction.

Lei Jun’s progress had been impressive, though not shocking.

However, it was less conspicuous than the recent rising star from the Eighth Academy, Chen Yi.

After obtaining a Pure-Gold Lingzhi, Chen Yi’s advancement had been swift and notable.

Lei Jun had heard that many were giving Chen Yi a hard time lately.

The Sixth Academy had also mentioned it during casual conversations.

Senior Brother Zhang, who had recovered enough to be active again, remarked with a mysterious tone:

“It’s simple; I heard he offended a Daoist in the mansion!”

Lei Jun inquired, “Was it over that Pure-Gold Lingzhi?”

Senior Brother Zhang nodded. “Yes, they say it was meant to refine an elixir, but the Lingzhi Platform had been barren of Pure-Gold Lingzhi for ages. This time, it revived unexpectedly, and Chen Yi consumed it, drawing resentment.”

“Surely, the Daoist won’t stoop to harassing Junior Brother Chen over that?” another apprentice hesitated, expressing empathy more than support.

Senior Brother Zhang sighed. “Of course, a Daoist wouldn’t act over such a matter, but some in the Daoist Children's Academy might seek to curry favor by targeting him.”

Lei Jun recalled his prior divination result:

Moderate-Moderate Omen: Do not seek chaos, wait patiently, after the upheaval, head to the Lingzhi Platform for a Sixth Grade opportunity. But beware: towering trees attract the wind, inciting envy and hidden dangers. Be cautious.

Xu Yuanzhen would only intervene if higher-level elders bullied the younger. She didn’t concern herself with apprentice rivalries.

Thanks to her, Lei Jun would have avoided major trouble had he chosen that moderate path, but minor issues could still arise.

The divination’s balance of pros and cons proved accurate.

Now, Lei Jun could remain uninvolved.

He continued focusing on his cultivation despite the stories around him.

One evening, an instructor came to his private residence accompanied by a young Daoist.

“This is Wang Guiyuan, a junior disciple under Elder Yuan.”

The instructor introduced them, “Elder Yuan has a letter for you.”

“Elder Yuan?” Lei Jun’s thoughts raced.

Elder Yuan was Xu Yuanzhen’s junior uncle and the younger brother of the current Tianshi.

Hearing that the young Daoist before him was his disciple stirred Lei Jun’s curiosity.

Typically, apprentices at the Daoist Children's Academy already knew who their future master would be when allowed to join the Initiation.

The one who brought the apprentice into the Daoist fold would usually be their mentor once they formally became a Daoist.

Tianshi Mansion valued lineage, and most sect connections were direct.

Lei Jun’s experience, however, had been unconventional.

When Xu Yuanzhen first brought him to Mount Longhu, she asked a passing acquaintance:

“Has Master emerged from seclusion after a decade?”

“The Tianshi remains in seclusion...”

“Where did Junior Uncle teach last?”

“Elder Yuan? He’s also been in seclusion but was last seen at the Sixth Academy.”

“Then we’ll go there.”

Upon arrival, Xu Yuanzhen told the instructor in charge:

“I brought him here. Although I’m not taking him as a disciple, he’s under my care. Keep an eye on him and don’t let anyone bully him.”

The instructor hesitated. “Senior Sister, based on your last ‘charge,’ please remind them not to bully others.”

Xu Yuanzhen smirked, “One person bullying an entire group?”

The instructor could only smile wryly.

Xu Yuanzhen continued, “I’ll be busy for now. Inform Junior Uncle when he returns.”

She departed, leaving Lei Jun and the instructor exchanging looks.

Fortunately, Lei Jun did not need to undergo further assessments or have his background scrutinized.

Having been brought into the fold by Xu Yuanzhen, she assumed full responsibility for him.

From that day, Lei Jun became an esteemed apprentice in Tianshi Mansion, a Daoist Children’s Academy pupil.

He immersed himself in the study of Daoist arts, finding the journey captivating.

But he hadn’t met his reclusive junior uncle or seen the current Tianshi.

Until now.

Wang Guiyuan, the young Daoist, appeared.

In his thirties, he had an unremarkable appearance but wore an apricot-yellow Daoist robe, signifying him as a true disciple of Tianshi Mansion.

He spoke warmly, “A few days ago, an accident occurred at Elder Du’s residence. I heard you were among those who assisted with the wounded, Lei Jun.”

Lei Jun replied, “It was a coincidence, just a matter of being there. The mansion teaches us the value of camaraderie, and we all keep that in mind.”

“Good, good.” The instructor nodded with a smile.

He made the introductions and excused himself.

Wang Guiyuan continued, “Master was in seclusion, and I was attending to him until recently. Just days ago, he emerged. He’s aware of Senior Sister’s wishes. Though he hoped to meet you, he had to leave when invited to survey a newly discovered grotto outside the mansion.”

Wang Guiyuan handed Lei Jun a letter.

“However, before leaving, Master wrote this letter for you.”