After handing the Purple-Gold Alms Bowl and the Nine-Ringed Copper Staff to Senior Brother Wang Guiyuan, Lei Jun reviewed the gains from this trip.

Compared to others, Yu Shuo’s holdings were sparse.

Having been sealed in Biluo for many years, needing to heal and maintain his condition, it was understandable that he had few reserves.

They had not turned Biluo into something like the Great Wilderness or the earlier Guicang;

for this, Lei Jun had to praise Gaotian Sui’s skillful methods.

Daoist Zhou Tian’s reserves were relatively ample, carrying many rare heavenly materials and treasures, but not all;

some remained outside Penglai and were not always on hand.

The person who contributed the most spoils to Lei Jun was Venerable Puguang.

Beyond the Nine-Ringed Copper Staff, the Purple-Gold Alms Bowl contained a considerable stockpile.

This mystical treasure was special;

when Venerable Puguang had used it to swiftly sweep away the entire crowd of Tianlong Temple, its power was evident.

Though now the Tianlong Temple people had been released, a large amount of reserves remained inside the Purple-Gold Alms Bowl. Even if Venerable Puguang was sleeping in the outer void, all of this could be carried with the bowl.

Then, it was brought into Penglai altogether, greatly benefiting Celestial Master Lei.

Although most of these were shared Buddhist materials and treasures, overall it was a huge gain for the Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

For Lei Jun personally, the greatest prize was the Sun’s Heart Blood collected on his behalf by Tang Xiaotang.

It now lay before Lei Jun, shimmering with golden light like a pulsating heart.

The mighty and vast blazing sun’s fierce yang qi emanated from it, then seemed to breathe as it was reabsorbed.

After carefully studying it for a moment, Lei Jun extended a finger and lightly tapped, causing a black-and-white Taiji diagram to appear, wrapping the Sun’s Heart Blood for careful storage.

Within Lei Jun’s internal universe, now supplemented by the newly entered Sun’s Heart Blood, there were quietly four black-and-white Taiji diagrams turning, used to hold treasures.

The first three corresponded respectively to the Essence of Pure Harmonious Vitality, Heavenly Sea Fusang, and Daytime Moonlight.

Thus, aside from the Pure Harmonious Vitality used for daily harmonization, treasures of the sun, lesser yang, and lesser yin were all in place, leaving only the final great yin treasure.

According to previous estimations, it was mostly located in the Abyssal Border... Lei Jun thought.

He waved his hand;

the previously obtained Youning Tree seed floated in midair, sealed by another Taiji diagram formed from his magical power.

The ink treasure obtained from killing Feng Wensu, though containing many useful clues, all related to Biluo and the Great Square.

Regarding the Abyssal Border itself, the other side was cautious and skilled, so Lei Jun currently could not investigate further.

But the earlier Youning Tree seed came from the Abyssal Border itself.

According to the other side’s original plan, the Youning Tree seed would wander endlessly among the rivers and mountains of the Ming human realm, drifting unpredictably, ultimately being dissolved and swallowed by the earth’s spiritual qi.

In this way, no clues would leak out.

But Lei Jun accurately blocked the seed at the correct moment of sunrise and the correct place of Qingxing Mountain, preventing premature convergence in the mortal realm and intercepting some of the rituals set by the other side.

Now this Youning Tree seed could become an opportunity for further contemplation of the Abyssal Border.

Before that, it needed to be cultivated first... Lei Jun thought.

The Youning Tree grew in the dark world of the Abyssal Border, with extremely special conditions for rooting and sprouting.

In Penglai, or the mortal realm, it was difficult to cultivate and easy to kill the seed.

But for Lei Jun, there was a suitable place now.

“Bao Bao, send this seed to the Earth Sea for cultivation using the following method,” Lei Jun instructed his eldest disciple.

Zhuo Baojie looked curiously at the Youning Tree seed and took it: “Yes, Master.”

Without further instruction, he glanced around, lost interest in the seed, and promptly sent it to the Earth Sea.

Lei Jun then took out other spoils and continued examining them.

Five huge thunder drums appeared beside Lei Jun, lined up in a row.

Each thunder drum was enormous, over five meters in diameter, imposing in presence.

However, under Lei Jun’s suppression, they all showed signs of weakness and lethargy.

They were all mystical treasures painstakingly refined by Yu Shuo.

As the Eight Extreme Thunder Drums, Lei Jun had originally destroyed three of them directly, so only five remained.

Regardless of their origins, Yu Shuo was now a Daoist immortal who had ascended the Dongxuan realm, and his refined treasures possessed intelligence, as if having their own life and thoughts.

Despite Lei Jun’s power to forcibly suppress them, he could not instantly subdue and refine them;

special nurturing was necessary.

Lei Jun quietly observed, then colored bolts of thunder flickered before him.

Purple was the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder.

Black was the Mysterious Sky Immortal Thunder.

Gold was the Pure Yang Immortal Thunder.

Silver was the Pure Yin Divine Thunder.

And red was the Xiandu Divine Thunder.

The first four, under the condensation of the thunder talisman, manifested each as a dragon-headed human figure clad in armor and wielding sharp weapons, embodying the heavens and earth.

The last, the Xiandu Divine Thunder, formed a towering crimson mountain of thunder.

On the mountain’s cliffs was affixed a talisman of leaping red thunder, the Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman.

Lei Jun flicked his finger lightly.

Golden rays like a meteor shower intertwined around the crimson Xiandu Mountain.

These numerous golden talismans formed a splendid star river, not centered on Lei Jun himself, but gathering around the crimson Xiandu Mountain, shaping into a tall starry deity figure—the Doumu Star Deity manifestation.

Lei Jun sat quietly to one side;

under his thoughts and magical control, the Doumu Star Deity manifestation seemed to contain the Xiandu Mountain within.

Then, the faintly glowing golden Doumu Star Deity manifestation began to change, bursting forth crimson thunder from within.

It gradually transformed into a thunder manifestation.

The Xiandu Thunder Ancestor manifestation.

This Xiandu Thunder Ancestor figure, like the other four thunder manifestations, had a dragon head, human body, armored and standing.

Upon reaching the Immortal Realm, Lei Jun could now easily summon many prior conjectures.

Thus, the five towering heaven-and-earth manifestations moved forward together to strike the five thunder drums.

The thunder roared, and ripples that seemed substantial spread outward.

Under Lei Jun’s magical control, the thunder was confined within a certain range, not disturbing others in Penglai.

These tangible thunderclaps, capable of shattering all nearby things, twisted and vibrated continuously in midair.

It looked as if the five thunder drums were resisting Lei Jun’s five heavenly manifestations.

Yet, in front of Lei Jun, they had no power to fight back.

As the five manifestations kept beating the drum surfaces, mysterious runes began to appear on each.

Purple, black, gold, silver, and red each occupied one thunder drum, altering the original mystical aura and profound divine power of the drums.

Just as Lei Jun once nurtured and refined Daoist Zhou Tian’s three caves and twelve upper true talismans.

When the Battle of Penglai came, even Daoist Zhou Tian could no longer control the Jiutian Xiandu Treasure Talisman in Lei Jun’s hands.

Now, Lei Jun’s re-refinement of the five thunder drums was a similar situation.

More time was needed to carve and adjust them;

once the work was complete, Yu Shuo, the original owner, would awaken but the treasures would no longer recognize him.

After entrusting the five thunder drums to his five great manifestations, Lei Jun no longer cared about them and turned his attention elsewhere.

He waved his hand, summoning a magical sword, controlled by his power, to float before him.

It was the Zhou Tian Sword, previously refined by Daoist Zhou Tian.

In appearance, this sword resembled the Tianshi Sword of Longhu Tianshi Mansion in many ways, likely modeled after it.

Daoist Zhou Tian had not mastered the Thunder Law Celestial Book talisman, so the thunder dancing on the sword was not the purple Nine Heavens Divine Thunder.

Instead, it was intertwined scarlet and cyan thunderlight, continuously flowing along the blade.

The scarlet was the Xiandu Divine Thunder.

The cyan was naturally the Yushu Immortal Thunder.

The two thunders interwove harmoniously without impurity, complementing each other with considerable power.

It was clear that Daoist Zhou Tian had spent considerable time and effort refining this sword early on.

Lei Jun quietly observed the Zhou Tian Sword, then shifted his gaze to the Xiandu Thunder Ancestor manifestation beating the thunder drum, eyes moving between the two.

He then took out the Jiutian Yushu Treasure Talisman;

cyan Yushu Immortal Thunder flowed from it, manifesting as a giant cyan thunder pillar seemingly connecting heaven and earth.

After observing for a moment, Lei Jun nodded slightly, dispersed the heavenly thunder pillar, and put away the Jiutian Yushu Treasure Talisman.

Then he opened a verdant Nine Abyss True Fire sea of flames.

Within the fire sea, the verdant true fire formed a tiger-headed human figure clad in armor, resembling a deity.

This Nine Abyss Fire Ancestor manifestation took the Zhou Tian Sword from Lei Jun’s hand and began to refine it.

Lei Jun then took out a white jade great seal.

Just as the Zhou Tian Sword was modeled on the Tianshi Sword, this Zhou Tian Seal was likewise modeled after the Tianshi Seal, visually very similar.

After a moment’s contemplation, Lei Jun did not take the Tianshi Seal but instead took another jade seal.

It was the Seal of Sky that Tang Xiaotang had given him earlier when coming to Penglai.

The Seal of Sky was particularly effective against ancient Talisman Sect cultivators, especially those formerly affiliated with the former Heavenly Palace faction.

Tang Xiaotang had been delayed by the Sun’s Heart Blood earlier and missed the meeting.

Now Lei Jun placed the Seal of Sky beside the Zhou Tian Seal, observing and pondering.

After a while, he stretched out a palm, grasped the air, then flipped his hand.

The Zhou Tian Seal reversed direction and position, turning upside down, moving from beside the Seal of Sky to directly below it.

The two jade seals’ bottoms, one upright and one inverted, now faced each other.

Lei Jun quietly watched and pondered for a long time before putting both seals away.

He would first nurture and refine the Zhou Tian Sword with Nine Abyss True Fire.

Once the sword was ready, he would use the Seal of Sky to reforge the Zhou Tian Seal.

Following this, while refining the five Eight Extreme Thunder Drums and the Zhou Tian Sword, Grand Witch Sun Li visited Penglai.

Sun Li came both on behalf of Zhao Qianran, Qiao Yang, Lei Lei, and others to express gratitude to Lei Jun and to congratulate him on ascending the Dongxuan Immortal Realm.

Also brought was a Jade Bone from Mount Ling.

“This treasure was long held by the lord of Mount Ling. Though the Witch King was defeated and retreated, this bone was successfully brought out,” Sun Li explained.

Lei Jun’s gaze swept over the jade-like bone: “Not only does it contain the witch clan’s inherited curse power and spiritual energy, but it also seems to hold the mystical essence of our Daoist practitioners.”

Sun Li said: “Correct. It is said to be a treasure jointly forged by a Daoist True Lord couple and a Witch King in history, passed down to this day. Thus, it contains both Daoist and witch clan essences.”

Lei Jun: “Truly rare. But the lord of Mount Ling is currently in quiet cultivation. Can Daoists Zhao and Qiao make decisions directly?”

Sun Li: “Mount Ling no longer exists. Facing the threat of the former Heavenly Palace faction, quick decisions are necessary. Daoists Zhao and Qiao naturally must act decisively.”

Lei Jun nodded: “Very well. Thanks to all Daoists of Mount Ling. Soon the Yuqing Miluo Grotto-Heaven and the Resonant Langhuan will arise from Saha. Later, Elder Sun will bring them back.”

Sun Li: “I should be the one thanking the Celestial Master.”

After bidding farewell to Sun Li, Lei Jun quietly contemplated the jade bone from Mount Ling while continuing his cultivation and refining treasures.

In Penglai, he quietly unfolded his Dao Realm Xuanyuan, but the outside world could hardly perceive it beneath the Penglai mist.

Lei Jun stood within his Dao Realm Xuanyuan · Xuanhuang Universe, quietly surveying the surroundings.

Dark Dust and Nine Heavens Heart Thunder.

Three Lights Smoke and Poles Sea Eye.

Five-Colored Clouds and Lone Phase Water.

Seven Parts White Glow and Leakless Golden Rainbow.

Nine-Colored Splendor and Abyssal Strong Wind.

Ten layers of profound power were now fused within the vast cosmic Dao Realm Xuanyuan.

After ascending to Immortal Realm, Lei Jun had faced Venerable Puguang, Daoist Zhou Tian, and Yu Shuo directly.

Now he finally had time to carefully examine and improve his own studies.

The refinement and transformation of various divine talismans and spells, his first Immortal Art, thanks to previous thorough preparation, had been successfully established upon ascension.

But upon truly ascending, Lei Jun’s mind brimmed with more ingenious ideas.

He started with his Dao Realm Xuanyuan.

After standing quietly beneath the vast cosmic starry sky, Lei Jun waved his hand.

He decided to take his various studies deeper, integrating them thoroughly with the Dao Realm Xuanyuan.

As expected, he named it the Xuanhuang Heavenly Stems Ten Scenes.

The Ten Scenes were not merely the ten layers of Dark Dust and the like.

At Lei Jun’s thought, the Nine Heavens Thunder Ancestor manifestation, Heavenly Celestial Fire Ancestor manifestation, and Pure Yang Thunder Ancestor manifestation—these three extremely firm and yang manifestations—appeared together in the cosmos.

Their blazing, pure, and intense yang energy shook the four directions.

As the saying goes, "Three Yangs Bring Prosperity."

These three great heavenly manifestations gradually condensed in Lei Jun’s Xuanhuang Universe, forming a dazzling scene like a great sun close at hand.

“This scene, let’s call it Three Yangs Bring Prosperity, specially to counter and dispel yin and evil enemies,” Lei Jun nodded repeatedly.

Then the Three Yangs Bring Prosperity scene slowly retracted.

Next came the Xuanxiao Thunder Ancestor manifestation, Nine Abyss Fire Ancestor manifestation, and Pure Yin Thunder Ancestor manifestation.

The three combined to form a scene opposite to Three Yangs Bring Prosperity.

Such extremely yin and cold power was perfectly suited to counter and erode yang enemies.

The Heavenly Stems were Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui.

There were also names like Jia Wood, Yi Wood, Bing Fire, Ding Fire, Wu Earth, Ji Earth, Geng Metal, Xin Metal, Ren Water, Gui Water.

Leaving other details aside, Lei Jun first placed Three Yangs Bring Prosperity at the Bing Fire position.

Its opposite, Reverse Three Yangs Bring Prosperity, was placed at the Gui Water position.

Though not exactly opposite, in Lei Jun’s current Xuanhuang Universe, it fit perfectly.

After they settled into position, under Lei Jun’s control, the layers of Dark Dust, Nine Heavens Heart Thunder, Three Lights Smoke, and other profound layers began to merge into the wondrous scenes.

Thus, Dark Dust, Seven Parts White Glow, Poles Sea Eye strengthened the power of these scenes.

Five-Colored Clouds, Lone Phase Water, Leakless Golden Rainbow made these existences sturdier and more stable.

Abyssal Strong Wind and Nine Heavens Heart Thunder’s wind and thunder combined, granting them further direct killing power over divine souls and consciousness.

Nine-Colored Splendor and Three Lights Smoke ensured that even if the Xuanhuang Heavenly Stems Ten Scenes were damaged by strong enemies, they could quickly condense and recover.

Ten layers of profundity merged, each scene receiving enhancement.

Therefore, whichever scene of the Xuanhuang Heavenly Stems Ten Scenes, on its already formidable base, was further improved.

Lei Jun quietly refined his Heavenly Stems Ten Scenes in the Xuanhuang Universe.

During this process, he further summarized and perfected his prior studies, advancing on his cultivation path.

Like ascending the Dongxuan Immortal Realm, his upcoming cultivation path required constant comprehension of nature and steady progress.

Elders could only offer experience tips, no longer leaving Daoist scriptures.

Though sharing the same Daoist lineage and path, individual circumstances might lead to completely different styles.

…………………………

Lei Jun cultivated quietly in Penglai.

Because of his participation in the Battle of Penglai, the reopening of Biluo, the Canghuan War, and the change of lordship over Mount Ling, the effects continued to spread and ferment.

The mortal realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms was undoubtedly the most impacted.

Already torn by endless war and frequent conflicts, the mortal realm was now even more chaotic due to various shocking changes.

The earlier change of ownership of Saha, the decline of Buddhism, and the arrival of Canghuan into the mortal realm had not been fully digested when a greater shock arrived.

Biluo reopened, the former Heavenly Palace faction returned.

The Canghuan War ended in mutual destruction.

The Great Square reopened, shrouded in mist.

After Saha, Mount Ling also changed masters.

Though forced to withdraw from Saha, the Tianlong Temple branch, still home to many masters, nearly became history.

Venerable Puguang died, and the Mount Ling Witch King Huangfu Qi’s fate was unknown.

The Buddhist and Witch clans, which once dominated the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm, had withdrawn from the stage of history in barely a decade.

Warfare among the nations intensified.

Some people were consumed by anxiety.

In the capital city of Southern Wu, inside the imperial city, Southern Wu’s ruler Tang Gong and heir Tang Chongye sat face to face in silence for a long time.

Previously linked with Tianlong Temple, though not pursued by the Daoists, they were wary and anxious.

Now hearing that the Tianlong Temple branch was nearly wiped out, and Venerable Puguang personally slain by Celestial Master Lei, Tang Gong and his son were instantly shaken to their cores.

Biluo’s reopening and the return of the former Heavenly Palace faction, plus taking over Mount Ling from the Witch Clan, made their minds stir.

The Great Tang Daoists supported the Later Han dynasty, so Southern Wu had no choice but to choose Biluo.

But Southern Wu’s geography was truly poor.

Great Tang cultivators and the Longhu Tianshi Mansion disciples currently controlled Saha, which lay within Southern Wu territory.

Regarding Saha, the Biluo Heavenly Palace faction had fierce conflicts with Great Tang cultivators.

Yet ultimately, Saha remained under Daoist control.

Thus, Southern Wu remained under their watchful eyes.

The Later Han’s Zhou Pu had no such worries.

The void portal located in Later Han’s homeland led to Canghuan.

Canghuan had also not fallen under the former Heavenly Palace faction.

Earlier, the Northern Liang territory conquered and annexed by Later Han had a void portal leading to the Great Square.

Though rumors abounded, all signs indicated that the Great Square and Saha were both under Great Tang control.

Zhou Pu was completely free of concerns.

In other respects, Mount Ling’s portal was in Southern Han, and Biluo’s portal was in Southern Yue.

“Try to establish contact with Biluo, then observe what Southern Yue does. If necessary... we will launch an eastern expedition to take Southern Yue!” Southern Wu’s ruler Tang Gong said solemnly.

Tang Chongye: “Yes!”

…………………………

Compared to the war-ravaged mortal realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, today’s Han mortal realm was much calmer.

To some extent, like the Great Tang homeland, it was a rear base for Lei Jun and others.

A slight concern was that Kong Sang might reappear.

However, judging by Venerable Shanzhihui’s style, he would not act rashly under normal circumstances.

Still, calm seas did not mean all were well.

Currently in the northern border, the Yellow Heaven Dao disciples who still bore the traitor label had increasingly difficult situations.

In every branch, the atmosphere was extremely oppressive, with some starting to flee.

The Longhu Tianshi Mansion’s branch had been too dominant in recent years.

Now, with news of Celestial Master Lei Jun’s ascension to Dongxuan Immortal Realm, the Yellow Heaven Dao disciples felt suffocated.

More than fear, most were filled with confusion and hopelessness.

Xiahou Bo remained resolute and was one of the few who stayed calm.

Following his master Kang Ming’s orders, he came to the hidden Yellow Heaven Altar.

“Disciple pays respects to Master.”

Seeing Kang Ming, Xiahou Bo bowed respectfully and reported the latest news from the outside.

Kang Ming, who had been in seclusion, showed neither shock nor anger upon hearing Lei Jun’s ascension, only some sighs: “Already ascended to Dongxuan Immortal Realm?”

He bore no hatred for Lei Jun, nor any personal grudges.

Strictly speaking, Lei Jun had even saved him before.

On a personal level, he admired Lei Jun.

Looking back after many years, Kang Ming admitted that sometimes he wondered if Lei Jun had belonged to the Yellow Heaven Dao, would the fate of the Yellow Heaven Dao be different.

Enough, no more useless thoughts. Given the current situation of his sect, he might be more likely to have his talent buried here... Kang Ming chuckled dryly, shaking his head slightly.

Hearing of Lei Jun’s ascension, Kang Ming did not feel discouraged.

If it were personal, he might even want to congratulate Lei Jun.

“For our sect, it is not good news.”

Kang Ming showed no change in expression but smiled: “Fortunately, during my seclusion, there is good news.”

Xiahou Bo’s eyes lit up: “Master, the altar...”

Kang Ming smiled and nodded: “Indeed, our Yellow Heaven Altar’s foundation is not as strong as the Wanfa Altar, or even the Longhu Altar, but misfortune and fortune are intertwined;

sometimes a shallow foundation can be a blessing, such as now.”

With that, he formed a hand seal at his chest.

Xiahou Bo suddenly felt the Yellow Heaven Altar underfoot tremble, breaking away and rising.

The Yellow Heaven Altar could move like a person?

Xiahou Bo did not lose faith due to hardship but rejoiced at the good news: “Our sect’s altar has overcome a great difficulty thanks to Master!”

Kang Ming commanded: “Go tell Senior Brother Chen, we have been here too long;

let’s move the place first.”

Xiahou Bo: “Yes, Master!”

…………………………

While Kang Ming was acting in the Han mortal realm, the former Song mortal realm’s remnants faced an even more delicate situation.

Mixed with many rumors, various messages spread continuously.

But there was confirmed news: the portal from Earth Sea to the former Song mortal realm would soon open.

The portal from Kong Sang to the former Song mortal realm remained firmly closed.

This naturally revealed the direction of the wind.

The Azure Wolf Khanate could only helplessly lament.

If given a choice, they would obviously choose the Earth Sea and Great Tang cultivators and the Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

But they had no choice.

The other side clearly sided more closely with the Han land’s former Song descendants.

Thus, the Azure Wolf Khanate had to choose Kong Sang Buddhism.

As for the Golden Khanate, due to the late Golden Khan Ongqinfu, some of their important figures were unwilling to compromise.

The former Song descendants were another matter.

Although the elder Zheng Chen of the Nine Heavens Great Vehicle High True had been in seclusion for a long time, causing some to grumble privately, news of the Battle of Penglai and other events elevated the Pure Yang Palace, the only Daoist holy land in the former Song, to new heights.

With this rise and fall, Confucian and martial powers naturally suffered pressure.

Conflicts and dissatisfaction between sides showed a growing trend.

Fortunately, the former Song descendants were currently led by Zhu Junjie, maintaining overall stability.

“This time, thank you, Daoist Qi.”

The great Confucian said calmly: “Under the protection of Celestial Master Lei and others, using their prestige, the people of the grasslands and Western Region monks dared not launch large invasions. But to recover lost land is beyond our strength.

The common people have suffered for a long time;

generations of secular people have passed. Over time, the consequences are unimaginable.

Once strayed, it often takes years to turn back, sometimes beyond repair.

Now we can only ask Celestial Master Lei and the Daoist masters to lend us a hand.”

Pure Yang Palace elder Qi Yicheng bowed respectfully to Zhu Junjie: “Restoring peace to the mortal realm is also my wish;

I will do my best.”

After speaking, he parted with Zhu Junjie and traveled through Earth Sea to Great Tang mortal realm, heading to Penglai to meet Celestial Master Lei Jun, congratulate him on ascending the Immortal Realm, and participate in the Daoist sect meeting convened by Lei Jun.

…………………………

The Daoist holy land of the Ming mortal realm did not receive related invitations.

The current leader of the Ming Zhenwu Temple was Wei Jingyi, supported by the Ming court.

The person invited by Lei Jun was Mu Chunyang, who had already rushed back from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm to Penglai for the meeting.

Another was Yuan Qingci, leader of the Ming Shushan faction, secretly cultivating in Penglai.

Within the Ming court and government, there was great commotion.

Though most intelligence did not concern the present officials, the entire court moved nervously.

Prime Minister Zhou Mingzhe, after receiving a large amount of information, rushed to meet the emperor.

His student Nie Song and others waited outside.

Though Neo-Confucian cultivators tended to view themselves highly, the gap between ascension and sainthood was obvious.

The return of names like Gaotian Sui brought immense pressure.

Now, with Lei Jun having slain Venerable Puguang, Yu Shuo, and Daoist Zhou Tian in one battle, his name had to be added to the list.

The Longhu Tianshi Mansion took good care of Nie Fang… Nie Song felt heavy in his heart.

At this moment, Zhou Mingzhe came out of the palace, expression calm and unreadable.

“Teacher?” Nie Song hurried forward.

Zhou Mingzhe said while walking: “Please invite Daoists Wei Jingyi and Mo Qingshi to the capital for a meeting on my behalf.”

Nie Song immediately responded: “Yes, Teacher.”

News of the deaths of Venerable Puguang, Master Duming, and Master Baoneng caused a stir in the Ming Bodhi Temple.

Not only them, but the Ming White Lotus Sect was also shocked and anxiously discussed the impact after hearing the rough news.

The future Maitreya of Great Tang, Huiyin, residing here, made no move upon hearing the news.

But later, he received a message from the Great Tang White Lotus Holy Lord Jingjiu, urging him to return to Great Tang mortal realm soon.

Huiyin was enlightened, having a vague premonition.

Sure enough, waiting was not Jingjiu himself, but Wang Guiyuan in red Daoist robes.

“Jingjiu is history. Soon, our sect will have a new leader.”

Wang Guiyuan smiled: “Past and future meet.”

Huiyin respectfully pressed palms together and bowed deeply: “Congratulations, Senior Brother, for gains and losses. I wish you an early Golden Body realization.”

He neither refused nor demurred.

As an exceptional Buddhist with profound wisdom, Huiyin could see that losing Jingjiu was a chance for Wang Guiyuan to advance.

Wang Guiyuan returned the greeting: “Thanks for the auspicious words.”

After returning to Penglai, Lei Jun smiled and asked: “Senior Brother, will you still go to Tianlong Temple?”

Wang Guiyuan retorted sullenly: “You really know how to bring up old wounds.”

Though Jingjiu’s death’s truth was unclear, it was at least acceptable publicly.

Including Great Tang’s Tianlong Temple, Bodhi Temple, and Xuanyuan Temple, all had grown distant from Longhu Tianshi Mansion due to Jingjiu.

Not to mention other Buddhist lineages in the mortal realm.

Their hopes rested on Saha and Venerable Puguang.

But first Saha was lost to Tianlong Temple, then Venerable Puguang died.

Monks in major Buddhist holy places felt like rootless floating weeds.

Jingjiu’s death was a rare piece of good news.

Lei Jun did not publicize Wang Guiyuan’s related news.

As for conflicts between the White Lotus Sect and orthodox Buddhist holy lands, the new White Lotus Holy Lord Huiyin still had ties with Great Tang, so their interactions naturally aroused exclusion from other Buddhist holy lands, and Lei Jun said little.

“Senior Brother has successors, congratulations.” Lei Jun congratulated Wang Guiyuan.

Wang Guiyuan sat opposite him: “Your tone is odd. About the Celestial Master position, do you want to give up the burden?”

Lei Jun: “Nearly forty years have passed since I took over the sect leadership. If there is a suitable junior disciple to succeed, I will not cling to the post.”

Wang Guiyuan nodded lightly.

During Lei Jun’s tenure, he accomplished much, some destined to have lasting impact.

He had ascended Immortal Realm;

even if he stepped down, Longhu would not easily change the strategies set during his term.

Moreover, knowing Lei Jun, he did not care if successors altered his overall plans.

Whatever consequences, good or bad, the next generation must bear them.

In office, do your duty.

Lei Jun only cared that his strategies were effectively executed while in office, then left everything to successors.

“The more so, the more successors must be cautious.”

Wang Guiyuan sighed: “If you sat longer, over hundreds of years, there would be multiple generations to choose from.

Currently, only Hua Jie and his generation, or peers like Junior Sister Tang and yourself, could succeed.”

“Third Junior Brother has no intention, otherwise he would be suitable.”

Lei Jun: “I will not step down immediately;

these years I must cultivate suitable candidates before letting go.”

Wang Guiyuan: “Among our next generation, the current prospects are Hua Jie, Hua Wei, Hua Rui, Hua Yuan, and Hua You.

Hua Fei and Hua Rong are both prodigies, but still need polishing in daily conduct.

Cases like Junior Sister Tang are rare.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

His eldest disciple was Zhuo Baojie.

Qin Caiwei, disciple of Luo Haoran.

Xu Rui, disciple of Li Zhengxuan, taking over Fang Jian’s teaching.

Xin Beiyuan, originally from the Yellow Heaven Return Sect.

Zhang Xiongju, disciple of Zhang Jingzhen.

These five were undoubtedly the most outstanding peers.

Besides them, the most remarkable were Lei Jun’s second disciple Han Xiaofei and Tang Xiaotang’s disciple Cheng Rongrong.

“Currently, the highest cultivation and most promising is disciple Hua Jie,” Wang Guiyuan said to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun casually replied: “I never avoid recommending kin or not. No big deal among people. I’ve always thought my master’s taking over the Tianshi Mansion was no problem. But as I said, no rush. We’ll observe more.”

Wang Guiyuan smiled bitterly: “Recommend kin or not, sigh!”

This phrase itself was fine, but in Longhu Tianshi Mansion, it was subtle.

In the past, Li Zhiyuan’s three sons Li Yang, Li Bai, and Li Song all succeeded.

When the Celestial Master succession came, the best peer was eldest son Li Yang.

Second was Li Bai.

Choosing another meant skipping the top two and picking the third-best.

Li Yang eventually took over the position.

Later, among the next generation, the best peer was Li Yang’s only son Li Cangting.

Then the question arose: according to meritocratic selection, who would be chosen after skipping Li Cangting?

Li Bai’s eldest son, Li Qingfeng.

Complex factors combined to cause the Li family’s rise and later internal strife in the Tianshi Mansion.

“From this perspective, the most suitable is disciple Hua Yuan.”

Lei Jun said calmly: “But that is also a kind of bias.”

Wang Guiyuan: “Hua Yuan’s cultivation and talent are outstanding, but his support mainly lies among former Yellow Heaven Return disciples, with limited internal and external reputation.”

Lei Jun: “That’s why I say no rush, observe more later.

If Hua Yuan excels in all aspects, taking over the sect is no problem.

If Baojie is better, then naturally let him.

The same for others.”

When young, Lei Jun considered teaching based on talent and situation. Now, with Zhuo Baojie, Xin Beiyuan, Qin Caiwei, and others taking charge, Lei Jun and the Mansion did not mind giving them opportunities.

“They can bear more responsibilities now,” Lei Jun smiled and passed the news.

In Penglai, a Daoist meeting was about to be held, widely inviting fellow Daoists.

Zhuo Baojie, Qin Caiwei, Xu Rui, Zhang Xiongju, Xin Beiyuan, who had been there three days, and Han Xiaofei and Cheng Rongrong, there for only three days, served as hosts for the conference.

Later, more tasks would be assigned to them.

“Master Zhang, this way please. Congratulations on reaching the Great Vehicle High True realm.”

Zhuo Baojie received a young man in cloth clothes and hemp shoes entering Penglai—none other than Zhang Taigang, current leader of the Great Tang Shushan faction.

He smiled: “It is I who should congratulate Celestial Master on opening the Immortal Gate.”

On the other side, Cheng Rongrong guided Mu Chunyang into Penglai: “Master Mu, this way please.”

Mu Chunyang quietly asked: “Has Daoist Shen from Southern Jin Shushan arrived?”

Cheng Rongrong: “Master Shen is already here.”

After Mu Chunyang entered Penglai, he soon saw Qi Yicheng of the former Song Pure Yang Palace talking with Shen Xi.

A rarer guest was Zhang Haipeng, leader of Kunwu Sect.

Not only was Zhao Chanyang, Daoist Zhao True Lord, aloof and no longer entering the mortal realm, but Zhang Haipeng and the Kunwu Sect rarely left Kunlun and seldom interacted with others.

Today was rare to see Zhang Haipeng come out.

The content of this conversation was not important;

what mattered was the gathering of Daoist sect leaders.

Qin Caiwei temporarily bade farewell to Bai Mei, who stayed in Saha, while Qin Caiwei came to Penglai to receive another person.

This was Nie Fang, closely linked with Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

With Nie Fang came Ma Zongxiang, elder of the Great Han Longhu branch.

Not only Venerable Puguang and Yu Shuo had died, but Daoist Zhou Tian also perished this trip.

Compared to others, Ma Zongxiang and others from the Great Han Longhu branch were originally legitimate disciples of Daoist Zhou Tian.

Now, Ma Zongxiang naturally helped Zhuo Baojie, Qin Caiwei, and others.

Those invited to Penglai were few but weighty.

Zhang Taigang, leader of Great Tang Shushan, was self-evident.

Yuan Qingci of Ming Shushan faction was already here.

Shen Xi of Southern Jin Shushan and Chen Lingfeng of Great Han Shushan arrived one after another.

Except for the early deceased former Southern Shushan leader Ji Yao, almost all top active refining sect cultivators in recent years were present.

Among alchemy sect cultivators, Mu Chunyang, master of Zhenwu Temple, was present.

Deng Lai, leader of Great Han Pure Yang Palace, was here.

Zhang Haipeng of Kunwu Sect arrived.

Murong Minghui of Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace arrived.

Qi Yicheng represented the former Song Pure Yang Palace.

As for Great Tang Pure Yang Palace, besides Yue Xiling cultivating in Penglai, Jiang Yu also hurried from Pure Yang Palace.

Top alchemy sect Daoist experts were basically all present.

On the talisman sect side, as the local host, Lei Jun strode on Penglai’s sea waves to meet everyone.

Seeing the tall young Daoist, leaders of the Daoist holy lands from various sects stood together and saluted Lei Jun in unison:

“Jiutian Penglai Palace, Shidi Huangquan Mansion, Commander of Five Thunders, Hand Supporting Star Fire, Assisting the Mysterious Way, Upholding the People and Protecting the Law, the Three Caves and Three Heavens Master, True Lord of Dragon and Tiger.”

Today was the Daoist sect meeting at Penglai.

Though there was little prior communication, all present came to greet Lei Jun spontaneously.

The momentum of Celestial Master Lei Jun’s alliance was already established.