Chapter 249: Chapter 249

The purple Nine Heavens Divine Thunder and the cyan Nine Abysses Earthfire converged atop Biyou Immortal Mountain at this very moment.

As the thunder and fire intertwined, faint echoes of dragon roars and tiger growls seemed to resonate in the air.

Inside the True One Dao Altar derived from the Celestial Master's Seal, the Fire Law Earth Book Talisman from the first layer and the Thunder Law Heaven Book Talisman from the third layer simultaneously surfaced, shining brilliantly.

Refined by the fusion of divine thunder and earthfire, the Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo grew taller segment by segment.

The abundant spiritual energy atop Biyou Immortal Mountain was also stirred by the thunder and fire, converging around the Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo and gradually forming a sweeping storm.

Sitting cross-legged before the bamboo, Lei Jun looked up to see the storm churning above, where the purple and cyan energies intertwined, faintly forming the shape of a Yin-Yang Taiji diagram. Half purple, half cyan, it spun continuously.

He nodded slightly, forming a hand seal before his chest with one hand, while his other hand flicked his fingers towards the bamboo in front of him.

At this moment, Lei Jun's comprehension and understanding of Daoist techniques condensed into Dao-imbued talismans, which manifested as streams of light at his fingertips before merging into the rapidly growing bamboo, fusing with it completely.

The bamboo's surface gleamed with a golden-purple radiance as countless talismans engraved themselves upon it.

In no time, the Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo soared skyward, piercing into the Yin-Yang Taiji-like cloud layer formed by the converging purple and cyan energies.

Yet, in the next moment, the previously growing bamboo began to shrink back down.

It continued to shorten until it finally returned to the ground.

Though it did not revert to a bamboo shoot, it ultimately condensed into just three sections.

The three bamboo segments shimmered with light, and within the glow, three layers of ethereal Dao altars faintly emerged.

Each bamboo joint corresponded to a Dao altar, linking Heaven, Earth, and Man.

Lei Jun did not pause, continuously channeling divine talismans into the Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo while refining it further with the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder and Nine Abysses Earthfire.

Thus, the three-section bamboo once again began to grow.

This process repeated in cycles, with the bamboo stretching and shrinking continuously, its foundation becoming increasingly robust and solid.

After precisely eighty-one cycles, the bamboo settled once more.

This time, it had four segments.

"With my current cultivation, the final completed form should be seven segments," Lei Jun concluded.

However, to establish a firm foundation, he could not rush the process. Frequent refinement was necessary.

Lei Jun was in no hurry. Now that he could freely enter and exit the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Mystic Realm, he could take his time refining it in the days to come.

Atop Biyou Immortal Mountain, facing the interweaving divine thunder and earthfire, he took out another treasure.

In addition, he prepared other materials.

Using Xuangang Fine Gold as the primary material and various spiritual items as supplements, he began refining.

Under the relentless forging of divine thunder and earthfire, a pitch-black sphere with gleaming golden light gradually took shape.

Lei Jun did not touch it with his hands. With a mere thought, the Xuangang Sword Marbles transformed into a streak of golden sword light, flashing through the air at high speed.

The once round sword marble stretched into an elongated sword light.

Seated motionlessly atop Biyou Immortal Mountain, Lei Jun retrieved another spiritual item.

The Submother Condensed Essence Pearl, born from the turmoil in Northern Frontier’s Changtian Lake.

Rather than refining it into the Xuangang Sword Marbles, Lei Jun chose to infuse it into his divine talismans using his own mana.

Then, he gestured towards the distance.

A flash of golden sword light streaked back to him.

As the elongated sword light slowed, it gradually condensed back into a perfectly round sword marble.

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Then, he resumed refining the next Xuangang Sword Marble using the same materials.

Xuangang Fine Gold was rare, and the quantity he had obtained from the Lin Clan’s ancestral land in Jiangzhou was already considerable compared to its usual output.

Yet, after continuous refining, Lei Jun managed to produce only twelve Xuangang Sword Marbles in the end.

"They still need further nurturing," he murmured with a slight nod.

The Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo also required continued refinement, but Lei Jun remained patient, proceeding according to his plans.

With the bamboo initially taking shape, it no longer needed uninterrupted refinement.

Thus, he emerged periodically from the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Mystic Realm.

On one hand, he assisted Yuan Mobai in managing the affairs of the residence; on the other, he guided his disciple, Zhuo Baojie, in cultivation.

The disciple had only recently joined and was at a crucial stage in his training.

Seeing Lei Jun return, he hurriedly stepped forward. "Disciple greets Master."

Lei Jun glanced at him and shook his head slightly. "Stop thinking about that bamboo shoot. I already told you—it needs to be reforged."

With that, he flicked his sleeve, and a four-segmented bamboo, radiating golden-purple light and brimming with spiritual energy, landed before them.

The little bear glanced longingly at the reborn Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo but quickly withdrew his gaze and remained well-behaved. "I will always keep Master's teachings in mind."

Lei Jun studied his disciple carefully.

This lazy cub had long since outgrown his youthful immaturity. Most of the time, he was more disciplined than even the other disciples of the Celestial Master's Residence.

But that was just appearances.

Especially when certain temptations were placed before him—his true nature would immediately be exposed.

The Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo was far superior to the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo.

Though his little disciple's teeth could never bite through it, that didn’t stop him from drooling over it.

His current composure was obviously unnatural.

Lei Jun narrowed his eyes. "What trouble have you caused? Confess now, and your punishment will be lighter. Resist, and it will be severe."

With his cultivation, a single glance would reveal everything about his disciple, but he chose not to check.

Hearing this, Zhuo Baojie’s furry bear face displayed a very human-like expression—one word: awkward.

"I’ve always been cautious with my words and actions. I wouldn’t dare cause trouble for Master," he murmured.

Lei Jun nodded. "Hmm. So, it wasn’t trouble outside. Continue."

Zhuo Baojie’s awkwardness deepened, but he dared not conceal anything. After some hesitation, he retrieved an item from behind his back.

It was none other than the Yin-Yang Brush Lei Jun had bestowed upon him upon entry.

At first glance, it seemed unchanged.

But Lei Jun immediately noticed that several of the brush hairs were missing…

Compared to the whole, the loss was negligible.

Yet, the Yin-Yang Brush was a magical artifact refined personally by Lei Jun, possessing exceptional quality and spiritual nature. Its bristles, no matter how fine, could never be fragile—not something that could compare to an ordinary calligraphy brush.

“…Did you bite it?” Lei Jun was momentarily speechless.

Zhuo Baojie didn’t dare look up. "Please punish me, Master… I really didn’t mean to."

Lei Jun was torn between laughter and exasperation but ultimately did not punish his disciple. He merely waved a hand. "Since it was given to you, it is yours to use. If you ruin it completely, that’s on you. I won’t give you another. If you need a replacement, go to the Treasure Pavilion and get a Wufeng Brush or Qingfeng Brush."

Zhuo Baojie looked even more awkward. "I won’t do it again…"

He said it, but he wasn’t confident.

Not that he was dishonest, but he had little faith in his own cravings.

For now, he could remember.

But over time… his tongue might slip, and his teeth might just…

"That’s your problem. Consider it part of your training," Lei Jun remarked.

Lei Jun patted the little bear’s head. “Even if you really eat this artifact, I won’t skin you alive. But when you venture out into the world, traveling the mountains and rivers, are you just going to take the bait every time someone dangles something in front of you? Getting captured as someone’s mount is one thing, but if they skin you alive and harvest your gallbladder, where will you go to cry then?”

Zhuo Baojie muttered, “I’ve already improved a lot… I’ll keep working on it.”

Lei Jun waved a hand. “Alright, enough talking. Let’s start today’s lesson.”

The little bear immediately straightened up. “Yes, Master!”

Just as Yuan Mobai had once taught Lei Jun, Lei Jun now passed down his teachings to his own disciple.

Every day, in addition to practicing the True One Great Dao Canon, Zhuo Baojie also began learning the art of talisman crafting.

Under Lei Jun’s guidance, the little bear carefully bathed, cleansed his hands and mouth, meticulously set up an altar for Daoist rituals, and solemnly burned incense to pray to the heavens before diligently drawing spirit talismans.

As expected, the first life-bound talisman technique he chose was the Spirit Possession Talisman.

To say it was the perfect fit for him was no exaggeration. Among the core teachings of the Celestial Master’s lineage, this was the one most suited to him—more so than anyone else.

Lei Jun’s approach to teaching him Daoist arts was even more focused on physical cultivation than when he himself had trained.

Despite his short limbs, the little bear took his training seriously. Every movement in his Daoist martial arts routine was executed with precision and strength.

As he moved through the techniques, his body gradually expanded.

By the end of the set, his previously round and clumsy appearance had vanished, replaced by a physique closer to when he first met Lei Jun—only even larger.

Standing in the courtyard, he was almost as towering as a rearing war elephant.

Yet, under the influence of Daoist internal martial arts and his refined mana, his energy was now contained within, no longer as wild and untamed as in his youth.

Still, the power within that massive frame was even more overwhelming and vigorous.

“Good. Don’t waste your natural advantage,” Lei Jun nodded in approval. “But don’t become overly reliant on it either.”

Zhuo Baojie completed his routine, his body shrinking back to its usual short and stout form as he stood with hands clasped in respect. “Yes, Master. I will follow your teachings.”

In the following days, Lei Jun continued to progress in his cultivation while also guiding his disciple.

Every so often, he would enter the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Mystic Realm to refine his treasures.

While he cultivated peacefully atop Dragon-Tiger Mountain, the outside world remained turbulent.

On the surface, large-scale conflicts had subsided.

However, the simultaneous downfall of two prestigious aristocratic families—the Southern and Northern Lin Clans—sent shockwaves across the empire. The implications were vast, and all factions within and beyond the Great Tang Dynasty were carefully observing the situation, preparing to react accordingly.

Though outwardly calm, the hidden undercurrents were more intense than ever.

Take the imperial capital, for example—beneath its tranquil surface, a storm was brewing.

One event, in particular, drew considerable attention: Ye Yan, the Clan Lord of the Ye Family in Qingzhou, who had recently broken through to the Ninth Heaven Realm, personally entered the capital to meet the Emperor.

Since the passing of the previous Emperor, Zhang Qilong, this was the first time Ye Yan had visited the imperial court in person.

On the surface, the audience with the Emperor appeared uneventful.

Ye Yan arrived smoothly before the New Year, met with the Emperor, and departed without incident, returning to the ancestral grounds of the Ye Clan in Qingzhou.

But only those involved knew the real details of what transpired.

After the Transmission of Dao Ceremony, Celestial Master Elder Lin Shan returned to the capital.

Meanwhile, his mentor, Shangguan Ning, went back to Dragon-Tiger Mountain.

For the Celestial Master’s Residence, the Jiangzhou turmoil had concluded.

The imperial court took charge of the official and civil restoration efforts.

The Southern Lin Clan had operated in Jiangzhou for generations, deeply entrenched since before the Great Tang was founded.

In some parts of Jiangzhou, people only recognized the Lin Clan’s authority, unaware of the imperial Zhang family’s rule.

Beyond the official administration, Jiangzhou’s powerful local families were all connected to the Lin Clan, forming an intricate web of influence.

Now that the central pillar of this web had been removed, the entire structure began to shift.

However, the reorganization of Jiangzhou would be a long and complex process.

The imperial family’s intent to take control of the region was inevitable.

As for the Celestial Master’s Residence, it only took over a few of the Lin Clan’s blessed lands and mystic realms in Jiangzhou—making integration far easier.

Though these areas had a smaller population, their abundant resources made them highly valuable.

They were rich lands with great rewards and little trouble.

However, with the Celestial Master’s Residence still lacking manpower, stabilizing and managing these newly acquired lands would take time.

As time passed, February came and went.

Winter faded, and a new spring approached.

One day, Lei Jun was within the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace Mystic Realm, refining his Upper Clarity Yuchen Immortal Bamboo.

The glowing, golden-purple bamboo had now stabilized at six segments.

Lei Jun sat cross-legged, forming a hand seal at his chest while flicking his other hand, sending streams of divine talismans into the bamboo.

After another full cycle of eighty-one refinements, he paused to let the treasure absorb and stabilize.

By midnight, he finally set aside the bamboo and sat atop Biyou Immortal Mountain in meditation.

His consciousness entered the cosmic expanse within the Heavenly Book.

At this moment, six of the Seven Luminaries shone brightly—only Mars, governed by Shen Qubing, remained dim.

“We received a message before, but Mars has been silent for some time now,” said Moon Luminary calmly. “Let’s not disturb him further. This meeting will proceed with just the six of us.”

The others nodded in agreement.

In the world of cultivators, it was common for someone to enter seclusion for days, months, years, or even centuries, cutting off all outside contact.

All present had done so themselves at some point.

“Let’s begin,” Sun Luminary said coolly. “My question remains the same—who has information on Fang Jingsheng of the Jingxiang Fang Clan?”

Some answered that they didn’t know, while others remained silent.

As usual, Sun Luminary showed no reaction to the lack of responses.

After asking her question, she remained quiet, seemingly indifferent to the other discussions.

Lei Jun, however, gazed at the silent yet radiant Sun Luminary, lost in thought.

If Sun Luminary was indeed the Empress, then those she focused on were likely candidates to break through to the Ninth Heaven Realm.

Among peak Eighth Heaven cultivators, the gap varied greatly.

Some were merely a step away from ascension, while others had already reached their peak, unable to progress further.

Previously, Blood River Sect Master Wei Ancheng successfully broke through, ascending to the Ninth Heaven Realm.

What about Fang Jingsheng?

Moreover, Lei Jun couldn’t help but wonder:

His senior sister, Xu Yuanzhen, had vanished for years, her whereabouts unknown even to the Celestial Master’s Residence. Her sudden breakthrough to the Ninth Heaven Realm had caught everyone off guard.

But what about Ye Yan, Clan Lord of the Ye Family in Qingzhou?

Unlike Xu Yuanzhen, he had openly reached Ninth Heaven.

Yet the Empress paid no particular attention to him—was it because she had underestimated him before? Or had she already known in advance?

If that was the case, then aside from Fang Jingsheng, who else was on the verge of ascension?

Lei Jun pondered in silence.

Just then, Saturn Luminary spoke up. “I have a question for everyone.”

Moon Luminary responded, “Please, go ahead.”

Saturn Luminary continued, “Are you all aware of the recent battles in Jiangzhou and Youzhou?”

As this was one of the most significant recent events, everyone acknowledged their awareness.

He then asked, “I’d like to know—how did Celestial Master Tang and Elder Xu of Dragon-Tiger Mountain manage to break through the ancestral defenses of the Lin Clans in Jiangzhou and Youzhou so effortlessly?”

Sun Luminary spoke indifferently. “I know a few things.”

Rumors of Betrayal and Unexpected Allies

Water Luminary spoke, “Regarding certain… traitors from the Daoist Alchemical Sect under Pure Yang Palace.”

Moon Luminary raised an eyebrow. “Traitors?”

Water Luminary nodded. “Yes, those who have been expelled from Pure Yang Palace and are now marked for elimination.”

The others fell into brief contemplation at these words.

Lei Jun, too, pondered.

Although he didn’t receive an immediate answer, Water Luminary remained unfazed. “This exchange is open-ended. If anyone comes across useful information, you’re welcome to find me at any time.”

Moon Luminary followed suit. “I also have something I’d like to discuss. If anyone has relevant information, I’d appreciate a message.”

Water Luminary asked, “What is it?”

“I’d like to gather intelligence regarding the Jiangzhou battle—specifically, which powerful cultivators aided Tianshi Mansion?” Moon Luminary said slowly. “According to survivors’ accounts, there were individuals who seemed to belong either to the Confucian Divine Archery Sect or the Daoist External Alchemy Sect. They appeared to have fought alongside Tianshi Mansion during the assault on the Lin Clan’s ancestral stronghold in Jiangzhou.”

“Confucian Divine Archery and Daoist External Alchemy…” Earth Luminary murmured.

Moon Luminary glanced at him. “Have you heard anything?”

Earth Luminary shook his head slightly. “Not quite, but I have heard that none of the Five Great Surnames and Seven Prominent Clans secretly assisted Tianshi Mansion. In fact, some even considered forming an alliance against them but were unable to act due to various constraints.

“As for the Daoist External Alchemy Sect’s sacred ground, Shushan Sect, they were engaged in a standoff with the Fang Clan of Jingxiang, keeping each other in check. I have not heard of any Shushan cultivators bypassing the Fang Clan’s watch to aid Tianshi Mansion.”

Water Luminary added, “What about the imperial court?”

Moon Luminary replied, “From what I know, while there were court-appointed cultivators who intended to assist Tianshi Mansion, they arrived too late. The Jiangzhou battle ended much sooner than expected.”

Earth Luminary reflected on this. “I see.”

After a bit more conversation, the group gradually logged off from their secret communication network.

It was clear that most people preferred one-on-one discussions rather than open exchanges.

Lei Jun’s Private Negotiations

Lei Jun then initiated a private conversation with Water Luminary.

“You’re looking to exchange intelligence on the Pure Yang Palace traitors?” Lei Jun asked.

Water Luminary responded, “Yes, I am.”

Lei Jun pressed further. “Are you interested in anyone specific?”

Water Luminary replied, “Any information is valuable, but my primary focus is on one individual—Zhou Peng.”

After defecting from Pure Yang Palace, most of its exiles had banded together for survival and to avoid being hunted down. Zhou Peng, a former Upper Three Heavens elder, had risen as their de facto leader due to his cultivation prowess.

“I don’t have extensive details,” Lei Jun admitted, “but we can exchange what we know.”

Back in the Southern Wasteland, Lei Jun had captured Pure Yang Palace traitor Wang Jingfang alive.

Through interrogation, he had learned some information about their network.

However, details on Zhou Peng were scarce.

The most valuable insight Lei Jun had was that someone was secretly supporting Zhou Peng and his faction. The Yin Moon Soul Stone Zhou Peng had once used had come from an unidentified benefactor.

Water Luminary did not comment much but stated simply, “Zhou Peng recently broke through to the Eighth Heaven in the Daoist Alchemical Sect and has begun his Nascent Soul Transformation.”

Lei Jun’s eyes sharpened. “That aligns with what I suspected—Zhou Peng definitely has a powerful backer.”

Water Luminary nodded. “Indeed.”

It seemed the other party had urgent matters to attend to, as Water Luminary bid farewell shortly after. The starlight surrounding them dimmed, signaling the end of the conversation.

Another Private Exchange

He had one more discussion to conduct.

“You’re seeking intelligence on Vajra Monastery?” Lei Jun asked. “I don’t have much information at the moment.”

His new conversation partner, Future Maitreya, who was masked as Jupiter Luminary, responded, “Like the others, my offer for this exchange remains open-ended. Of course, it depends on what you want in return.”

Lei Jun considered. “How much do you know about Vast Void Temple?”

Future Maitreya replied, “Not much, but it seems they are keeping an eye on Vajra Monastery.”

Lei Jun mused, “I can’t guarantee I’ll uncover anything, but if I do, you’ll be the first to know. In exchange, I want intelligence on Vast Void Temple.”

Future Maitreya agreed. “Deal.”

As Jupiter Luminary’s starlight faded, Lei Jun remained deep in thought.

Exiting the Heavenly Book’s Starry Universe, he went to find his master, Yuan Mobai.

It was from Yuan Mobai that he had first heard rumors about Vajra Monastery welcoming a new abbot.

“For now, there’s nothing particularly unusual,” Yuan Mobai said slowly. “However… they have recently sealed themselves off entirely from the outside world. That alone has raised some suspicions.”

Lei Jun nodded lightly.

Future Maitreya was the Young Master of the White Lotus Sect.

The White Lotus Sect maintained close ties with Bodhi Monastery, Xuanyan Temple, and Tianlong Monastery, three of the Four Great Buddhist Holy Lands. However, their relationship with Vajra Monastery had long been adversarial.

When Vajra Monastery recently welcomed a new abbot, the White Lotus Sect and Vast Void Temple had jointly attempted to interfere.

It made sense that White Lotus Sect would keep tabs on Vajra Monastery.

Now, with Future Maitreya reaching out to Lei Jun, it seemed they had serious concerns and were seeking confirmation from multiple sources.

“I can investigate, but I can’t guarantee any results,” Yuan Mobai said.

Lei Jun nodded. “Our primary concern right now is the upcoming duel between Senior Sister and Ye Moquan of the Ye Clan of Jinzhou.”

With spring transitioning into summer, the appointed date was fast approaching.

As master and disciple discussed the matter, they both suddenly sensed a shift.

At the Myriad Daoist Altar atop Mount Longhu, light surged and flickered, pulsing rhythmically like a lantern swaying in the wind.

“Senior Sister Zhang is taking her final step forward,” Lei Jun observed.

Yuan Mobai agreed. “Indeed. If she succeeds, our sect will gain another High Priest.”

For Talismanic Branch cultivators, breaking through from the Sixth Heaven to the Seventh Heaven required the support of their sect’s altar.

On Mount Longhu, that was the Myriad Daoist Altar.

For Huangtian Dao, it was the Huangtian Altar.

When Lei Jun had broken through in the Northern Frontier, he had been far from Mount Longhu. However, since he possessed the Tianshi Seal, he was able to manifest the True-One Altar, effectively making it as though he had been cultivating near the Myriad Daoist Altar itself.

“It’s a shame,” Yuan Mobai sighed, “that Junior Sister Zhang had already solidified her Dao Seal and begun forming her divine abilities early on. If she succeeds in this step, she will have to cultivate the Fire Law Talismanic Canon first.”

Although the Tianshi Seal had been returned to Mount Longhu, it was still bound to Lei Jun’s soul and could not be separated.

For reasons of secrecy and security, Lei Jun could not assist Zhang Jingzhen in studying the Thunder Law Talismanic Canon.

Thus, like many non-lineage disciples before her, Zhang Jingzhen had to choose between the Fire Law Talismanic Canon and the Life Canon.

She had ultimately selected the Fire Law Talismanic Canon.

Now that Lei Jun could externally manifest the Tianshi Seal, Zhang Jingzhen remained in strict seclusion, entirely cut off from the outside world.

To be honest, few within Tianshi Mansion currently possessed the Yang Thunder Dragon technique. This made performing the Dragon-Tiger Combined Strike impossible—an unfortunate gap in their combat capabilities.

For now, they had no choice but to leave it as it was and seek opportunities in the future.

The Lingering Scars of Defeat

Lin Clan Ancestral Grounds, Youzhou.

More precisely, the ruins of what was once their ancestral home.

Though the Lin Clan’s surviving members still lived in the area and had spent the winter rebuilding much of the destroyed structures, the land had yet to return to its former glory.

Above the ancestral grounds, the once-proud Literary Light flickered weakly, barely clinging to existence, its radiance fragmented like a fading illusion.

Rekindling the site’s lost literary essence would be an arduous endeavor.

The only reason they still had hope was that their ancestral treasure, the Northwind Sword, remained intact. Given enough time, restoration was possible.

Jiangzhou’s Lin Clan had not been so fortunate—their Dragon-Serpent Brush had been completely destroyed. Their fate was sealed in utter devastation.

Despite the ruins, Ye Moquan, the former patriarch of the Lin Clan’s allied Ye Clan of Jinzhou, still remained.

Standing beside him was a woman who appeared to be in her early thirties.

Throughout the winter, Ye Moquan had quietly remained in the ruins of the Lin Clan’s ancestral grounds, carefully studying the lingering traces of the battle that had taken place here.