Chapter 296: Chapter 296

After hearing Ye Yan describe the situation within Heavenly Principle (Tianli), Chu Xiuyuan appeared more solemn: "What about the Confucian lineage there?"

Ye Yan replied, "Their Scholarly Aura blends seamlessly with the mountains, rivers, and Earth Veins, spreading everywhere—appearing scattered, yet actually unified."

Chu Xiuyuan nodded genly.

It matched his expectations.

If the literati of the so-called Great Ming Dynasty carried the nation's fate, then conversely, their Scholarly Aura naturally fused with the geography and Earth Veins.

Without needing further explanation, Chu Xiuyuan understood clearly. In that realm, there was a fundamental difference from the Tang scholars.

Although the scholars of the Great Ming Dynasty bore the empire's fate, the true core was not held by individual scholars or even specific Confucian families. Instead, it rested upon…

Ye Yan nodded. Both he and Chu Xiuyuan, experienced Confucian cultivators of the Tang Dynasty, shared the same insight.

According to common cultivation traditions, this new system stood apart from the traditional branches of Confucian study: Scripture Recitation, Divine Archery, and Poetic Incantations. Instead, it formed an entirely novel system—though it encompassed elements derived from traditional Confucian principles.

It was unmistakably unprecedented in the history of the Tang Dynasty.

Chu Xiuyuan, experienced and steady as he was, felt deeply moved.

Having had time to digest this, Ye Yan remained relatively calm. "Gui Cang has transformed into Tianli, but where did its people originally come from?"

Chu Xiuyuan shook his head lightly: "Our ancestors once ventured into Gui Cang, but even their records don't indicate clear origins."

Ye Yan then said, "Previously, I thought the scholarly aura connected to Xu Yuanzhen of Tianshi Mansion and the Barbaric Martial Intent might have some relation to this Tianli."

Chu Xiuyuan responded thoughtfully, "Perhaps after being trampled by that barbaric martial intent, the scholarly aura painfully evolved, refining itself into today's form?"

Both men silently considered news about martial cultivators from the northwest region—warriors from the Guying Khanate whose martial intent matched exactly the barbaric martial intent that had humiliated their scholarly pride before.

Had the Confucian scholars of Heavenly Principle encountered these barbarian warriors previously?

"The fusion of scholarly aura with their national fate grants impressive abilities, yet because the Heavenly Principle lacks completeness, their scholars, while powerful, aren't far ahead of our own Tang scholars," Ye Yan continued.

Chu Xiuyuan contemplated silently.

Some intelligence he already possessed even before Ye Yan’s return. The scholarly aura tied to an incomplete national fate explained why, although impressive, their practical combat skills fell short compared to Tang scholars. Yet, the new system showed another intriguing trait.

It established a clear hierarchy.

Within the new Confucian lineage, higher-level scholars possessed an overwhelmingly clear advantage against lower-level cultivators. Scenarios of the weaker defeating the stronger were virtually impossible.

Moreover, this rule extended beyond their own internal Confucian practice.

A high-level scholar from Heavenly Principle held a more substantial advantage when confronting lower-level cultivators from other paths—even from Tang’s various sects.

"This structure has never appeared before in thousands of years of our Tang history," Chu Xiuyuan muttered thoughtfully.

"Exactly," Ye Yan said calmly. "The sudden transformation from Gui Cang into Tianli makes their true origins puzzling."

Chu Xiuyuan agreed, then turned westward and said quietly, "The Crown Prince has already overcome the tribulation barrier between the Sixth and Seventh Heaven Realms."

Ye Yan nodded: "The situation demands caution."

The northwest frontier was increasingly tense, the barbarian tribes restless, and the imperial court would need powerful support soon.

"Fortunately," Chu Xiuyuan sighed gently, "His Highness succeeded."

Imperial Capital, Luoyang, Eastern Palace.

Crown Prince Zhang Hui had just returned from the Chancellery.

In the side hall, two young scholars—one surnamed Ye, the other Chu—were already waiting.

Seeing Zhang Hui, they saluted respectfully.

Zhang Hui waved: "No need to be formal."

The young man from the Chu family stepped forward, smiling. "I hope everything went well with governmental affairs today."

He was Chu Fu, a distinguished grandson of Chu Xiuyuan, patriarch of the Suzhou Chu Clan. Chu Fu’s father was the Tang Grand Chancellor, Chu Lin, currently serving as head of the Secretariat (Zhongshu Ling).

Next to Chu Fu was the scholar Ye, named Ye Song.

Zhang Hui sat with them, asking about recent developments.

Ye Song reported calmly: "Currently, there's no significant unrest in the south. The primary focus is on the northwest incursions, and secondly, the situation regarding Mount Longhu's Tianshi Mansion and the Mortal Daoist Nation."

Zhang Hui nodded thoughtfully.

Everyone had underestimated Tianshi Mansion. Despite Xu Yuanzhen's absence, Tianshi Mansion still managed to inflict heavy damage upon the Mortal Daoist Nation.

Even with aid from talents like Xiao Xueting, Zhang Dongyuan, and Zhang Junhai, and the unexpected reappearance of Master Faqing, the outcome was still surprising. Human Dao Nation was nearly collapsing.

Chu Fu wondered aloud, "Who knows when the Tianshi Seal will return to Mount Longhu?"

Ye Song speculated, "Probably no earlier than the Battle of Jinzhou. Perhaps the chaos following at Shushan and the Southern Wasteland triggered shifts in the Earth Veins."

Zhang Hui smiled thoughtfully. "The known factor is the Tianshi Seal, but there's also that mysterious Elder Lei…"

He turned to Ye Song, sighing lightly, "Remember our earlier conversation?"

Ye Song nodded. "Indeed, Your Highness foresaw it. Lei Jun proved himself just like his master, Yuan Mobai—a sudden yet decisive prominence."

Ye Song continued thoughtfully, "If Human Dao Nation hadn't attacked aggressively, we might never have seen Lei Jun’s true potential. Now, his power clearly exceeds our expectations."

Chu Fu added, "It's fortunate that such talented individuals support our empire in troubled times."

Zhang Hui smiled. "Indeed, with increasing turmoil around the empire, the emergence of capable talents to support our country is excellent news."

Chu Fu and Ye Song exchanged knowing smiles.

Xu Yuanzhen was still trapped in Heavenly Principle. Ideally, the Tianshi Mansion would soon have conflict with the Great Ming Dynasty.

After all, it would buy them time.

Ye Song murmured, "It would be interesting if Tianshi Mansion were forced to confront the Great Ming Dynasty next."

The three smiled meaningfully.

Mount Longhu’s Daoists had proven powerful allies. In chaotic times, their strength was welcome protection for the Tang Dynasty.

With increasing turbulence across their empire, capable people stepping forward to stabilize the dynasty was undoubtedly a blessing.

“Oh, right… that one, Meng Shaojie—Meng Qingyan—where is he now?” Chu Fu suddenly remembered something.

Zhang Hui thought briefly, “He's still in Luoyang, staying at the Imperial Academy. He's been locked away studying for quite some time now.”

Chu Fu sighed, “His Majesty once had great expectations for him. A pity…”

Zhang Hui smiled lightly, “Studying can’t be forced. Hopefully, he'll suddenly understand someday, achieving greatness through steady accumulation.”

Ye Song remarked indifferently, “With others already decorating Your Highness's court, there's no need to keep him.”

At the Luoyang Imperial Academy, the Meng Shaojie who was currently being discussed by Chu Fu and others was indeed diligently studying behind closed doors.

After Xiao Chunhui had stepped down from his post as Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, he focused primarily on political affairs, only occasionally returning to the Academy to check Meng Shaojie’s studies.

Recently, due to Fang Yue going south to Jianye to establish a third Imperial Academy, Xiao Chunhui visited the Luoyang Academy more frequently. Coincidentally, Meng Shaojie had been making steady academic progress and had many questions to ask Xiao Chunhui.

After patiently answering each query, Xiao Chunhui praised him, saying:

“Qingyan, you're now developing the style of a truly outstanding scholar. You've nearly stumped me on a few questions already. With the northwest frontier currently unstable, His Majesty is preoccupied. But once things calm down, you should prepare to head to Chang'an for direct instruction from His Majesty.”

Meng Shaojie hurriedly replied, “Teacher praises me too much. This student still has many shortcomings and needs your continued guidance.”

As Meng Shaojie's studies progressed rapidly, fueled by Confucianism's potential for steady accumulation and sudden breakthroughs, his vision and insights had broadened significantly.

Precisely for this reason, he increasingly felt that this seemingly humble and scholarly teacher before him possessed knowledge as deep as the ocean.

“Teacher, previously you mentioned something about the Guizang School—also called 'Heavenly Principle'—in the Eastern Sea, where the scholars are also cultivating a new discipline?” Meng Shaojie remembered and asked curiously.

Xiao Chunhui nodded, “Correct. Although certain details are yet unverified, it's undoubtedly the fourth Confucian discipline.”

Meng Shaojie listened with longing—not because he was particularly interested in this new Heavenly Principle school itself, but because the scholarship there had genuinely matured into a distinct lineage, opening a new chapter in Confucian studies.

In contrast, his own side had only just begun taking shape, still fraught with many immature elements. Thus, Xiao Chunhui had described the Heavenly Principle school as an entirely new and distinctive fourth Confucian lineage beyond classics study, divine archery, and recitation. Meng Shaojie, by comparison, still had a long journey ahead.

“Don't dwell too much on this. The Heavenly Principle school has evolved through countless generations' efforts,” Xiao Chunhui gently reminded. “Without accumulating small steps, a thousand-mile journey is impossible.”

Meng Shaojie respectfully replied, “Understood, Teacher. I will take this lesson to heart.”

He then suddenly remembered another topic, “Teacher, did the Tianshi Mansion repel the invasion by the Mortal Daoist Nation?”

Xiao Chunhui answered, “More accurately, they didn’t just repel—it should be said they defeated the Mortal Daoist Nation.”

Having already read the detailed reports, Xiao Chunhui briefly recounted the events to Meng Shaojie.

“Daoist Lei is truly formidable!” Meng Shaojie was sincerely impressed.

Xiao Chunhui also smiled, “Indeed, the world has underestimated Daoist Lei. I admit I was no exception before, but witnessing his brilliance now has greatly impressed me.”

In fact, the entire Tianshi Mansion’s performance this time was quite surprising.

They had quietly recovered the Tianshi Seal. Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, and Lei Jun then successfully killed the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, Rong Guangchen, and Wei Qiyue.

Even considering the surprise factor of the Tianshi Seal, the results were astonishing.

Xiao Chunhui had heard from his sister, Xiao Xueting, about the details of the battle. While she hadn’t witnessed everything within the Pure Yang Domain firsthand, she had seen unexpected treasures—a whisk and an ancient mirror—being deployed on Mount Longhu. Though these were one-time-use items, their effectiveness was incredible. She speculated that the Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King's ultimate demise was related to that whisk.

Xiao Xueting later inquired and learned that the whisk had been left by Xu Yuanzhen. This revelation implied that although Xu Yuanzhen was already renowned, even she might have been slightly underestimated.

However, the one with the greatest surprise was still Lei Jun himself, Xiao Chunhui thought inwardly.

“I never expected Pure Yang Palace’s Elder Huang—Huang Xuanpu—to be the emperor of the Mortal Daoist Nation,” Meng Shaojie remarked thoughtfully, then hesitated briefly. “Teacher, about my situation in the Heavenly Book's Dark Side Universe…”

He remembered the interest shown in ancient talismanic lineages by the opposing forces in that pale universe. He was uncertain of their exact relation to the Mortal Daoist Nation, whether friend or foe. Now, with the Mortal Daoist Nation severely weakened, some truths were gradually surfacing. Yet matters in the Heavenly Book’s Dark Side Universe remained unresolved. His latest incarnation, Ketu, still received instructions to keep searching for clues regarding ancient talismanic heritage.

“Qingyan, proceed as usual for now,” Xiao Chunhui thoughtfully instructed. “We’ll observe developments in due time.”

Meng Shaojie quickly responded, “Yes, Teacher.”

On Mount Longhu, within the Tianshi Mansion, Lei Jun was also examining his Heavenly Book’s Dark Side Universe.

Because in that pale universe, amidst the starry ink-blot-like darkness, there was a newly formed, large “dark ink-blot”—a third dark luminary beyond Rahu and Ketu.

This change occurred after Lei Jun's cultivation reached the Eighth Heaven realm. Remembering that after reaching Seventh Heaven previously, he had formed Ketu in addition to Rahu, he speculated that advancing another full cultivation level produced this new dark luminary.

“Let’s name it Yuebei (Lunar Apogee),” Lei Jun softly nodded.

Then, he quietly released Yuebei’s shadow into the earth veins to circulate freely. As for who ultimately found it, Lei Jun would not interfere, leaving it to destiny.

After sending Yuebei away, Lei Jun discreetly returned to the mountain.

Meanwhile, in the mansion, Fourth Martial Uncle Yao Yuan was welcoming a guest.

Lei Jun had interacted with this visitor before: Elder Miaoyi from Suzhou’s Tianlong Monastery.

Due to matters involving the Eastern Sea's Heavenly Principle school, Tianlong Monastery had dispatched many experts to fight there, including Abbot Miaoxin himself. Yet Elder Miaoyi journeyed west to Mount Longhu, primarily to inquire about Monk Faqing.

“I’m not fully informed about Master Faqing. Please invite my junior martial brother Yuan Mobai,” Yao Yuan instructed a disciple.

Lei Jun arrived first, receiving Elder Miaoyi’s congratulations on the Tianshi Mansion’s recent victory. Miaoyi swiftly moved past pleasantries and directly asked about Faqing.

Lei Jun sincerely responded, “To tell the truth, even I was greatly surprised by Master Faqing’s appearance. Our entire mansion appreciates his timely help, but we were unaware he was even still alive. My master and Master Faqing were close friends, and he often mourned his untimely death. Thus, this unexpected encounter was equally surprising to us.”

Lei Jun avoided revealing Wang Guiyuan’s secret identity. Yuan Mobai returned shortly after, echoing similar sentiments, indicating Faqing had departed hastily without clarifying his situation.

“Could Master Faqing have been secretly watching the Mortal Daoist Nation or Huang Xuanpu all along?” Elder Miaoyi speculated aloud.

Yuan Mobai confessed honestly, “We wondered the same but dared not probe deeper given Master Faqing’s rapid departure.”

After a brief conversation yielding no further insight, Elder Miaoyi took his leave.

He wasn’t alone in puzzlement. Many were guessing at Faqing’s mysterious connection to the Tianshi Mansion—and to Tianlong Monastery itself.

“Why must he go through all this trouble?” Tang Xiaotang, somewhat irritated by her misjudgment of Wang Guiyuan, complained.

Lei Jun comforted lightly, “Perhaps Eldest Senior Brother has other considerations.”

Tang Xiaotang snorted in frustration but quickly recovered, eyes sparkling mischievously. Lei Jun recognized her thought instantly, chuckling, “Unlike Senior Sister, Eldest Senior Brother won’t fight you. Push him too far, and he'll either run or lie down pretending dead.”

Tang Xiaotang deflated instantly. “Tch! You just need to improve quickly,” she urged Lei Jun playfully.

But unlike her usual rivalry with Xu Yuanzhen or Wang Guiyuan, she currently didn't see Lei Jun as a rival—only because his current realm was still lower than hers.

However, she looked forward eagerly to Lei Jun advancing further in cultivation.

In particular, she was very curious about what his Divine Court outer manifestation would look like.

"In matters of cultivation, haste is unhelpful. It's best to follow the natural flow," Lei Jun said calmly.

Tang Xiaotang replied enthusiastically, "Personally, I prefer charging forward boldly, breaking through in one breath!"

She suddenly remembered something, "Oh, let me see the Tianshi Robe."

Although information about the Tianshi Robe was currently kept confidential, Lei Jun certainly wouldn't hide it from the current Tianshi, Tang Xiaotang.

Although slightly regretful that the Three Treasures of the Tianshi were finally complete yet couldn't be worn all at once to dazzle others, Tianshi Tang didn't dwell on it.

She wasn't particularly interested in magical artifacts or treasures.

Her interest in the Three Treasures mainly lay in their attention-grabbing appeal when shown off.

If she really had to pick one she truly liked, it'd be the Tianshi Sword.

Taking the robe from Lei Jun, she carefully observed the Dragon-Tiger talisman formations contained within.

Directly examining the Tianshi Robe was far superior to viewing the illusory Dragon-Tiger talisman Lei Jun previously created with the Ninefold Void Radiance.

The Tianshi Robe contained the complete Daoist legacy of the Tianshi Mansion, including the Three Realms True Canon, the entirety of the True Canon of the Dao of Righteousness, and the complete Talismanic Scriptures.

Tang Xiaotang was familiar with all of these by now.

Aside from its defensive power, the Tianshi Robe was the most comprehensive Daoist inheritance treasure among the Three Treasures.

Years of accumulated Dao insights made it intricate and profound, with many derivative details.

Those with greater comprehension talent gained more insight from viewing it.

Both Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang, upon examining the Tianshi Robe, found new insights when comparing it with their own inherited Daoist arts.

This convinced even the impatient Tang Xiaotang to stay on the mountain a while longer.

At present, the mountain gate needed stability, so Lei Jun also had no immediate plans to leave the mountain.

Fortunately, there wasn't much happening over at Tianli, so there was no need to worry about anything untoward happening to Senior Sister Xu Yuanzhen.

Communication was inconvenient and often delayed, but at least hadn't completely ceased.

As more news about Tianli gradually arrived, Lei Jun finally understood what Xu Yuanzhen meant previously by "interesting yet annoying" regarding the Confucian traditions.

Was this so-called Great Ming Dynasty limited solely to Tianli?

Lei Jun couldn't help recalling the shattered world he'd entered through the void gateway atop the Great Black Mountains.

Prompted by Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun afterward made a special visit to the Central State region of the Tang human world.

In terms of terrain and geography, the two were nearly identical.

Thankfully, the Tang's Central State region hadn't been carved away and was still safely intact.

But then, where did that shattered world beyond the void gateway come from?

The people of Tianli claimed to be from the Great Ming Dynasty.

Lei Jun developed a conjecture:

Could it be that another mortal realm belonging to Great Ming existed elsewhere?

If so, from where was the shattered world beyond the void gateway torn?

Too many mysteries, too few clues. Lei Jun gathered his thoughts after some consideration.

He decided to wait for further information from Tianli before validating any speculations.

He refocused his attention on the affairs at Mount Longhu.

Despite a decisive victory over the Mortal Daoist Nation, Mount Longhu's mountain gate itself had been shaken.

Though not quite starting from ruins, reconstruction work was complex.

While the Tianshi Mansion busied itself with reconstruction, the outside world remained turbulent.

Aside from the ongoing conflict between the Eastern Sea region and Tianli, in the northwest, the Tang Dynasty and the Lone Eagle Khanate resumed hostilities.

Nevertheless, this northwestern conflict did not affect the Tang Imperial Family's rewards and comfort to Mount Longhu.

By defeating the Mortal Daoist Nation, a significant threat was temporarily alleviated for Tang.

Although Huang Xuanpu remained alive, at least his identity was now openly exposed, which was also beneficial to Tang.

As for Pure Yang Palace, the Tang Imperial Family was slowly dealing with them.

There was no need for Mount Longhu to comment much. After Xiao Xueting and others reported back, Prince Xunan Zhang Mu personally arrived at Mount Longhu as an official representative to comfort everyone at the Tianshi Mansion.

Traditionally, Tang rewarded Daoist cultivators who contributed significantly to the empire.

However, there was a small complication:

Only one living person had previously received the official title of Pure Yang True Guardian Real Person—

Yet that individual was none other than the currently missing former Pure Yang Palace sect leader, Huang Xuanpu.

Thus, the esteemed title "Huang Lao Zhenren" originated from there.

Now, however, this had become an embarrassing record.

With discretion, Lei Jun and the others' official titles were temporarily shelved, quietly forgotten, with no one mentioning them.

Lei Jun and his companions didn't care much about this.

To compensate, the imperial court provided exceptionally generous rewards.

The spiritual treasures captured earlier from Fu Dongsen and Rong Guangchen, combined with the imperial court's generous gifts, ensured Mount Longhu's reconstruction was more than sufficient, with plenty left over.

Among the court's rewards, four treasures were particularly eye-catching:

To some extent, these four supreme treasures corresponded to Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, and Lei Jun respectively.

According to Zhang Mu, these treasures were personally decided by the Empress amidst her supervision of the northwest battles.

After expressing gratitude, Tianshi Tang bluntly and unapologetically took the Nine Yang Divine Wood first.

"It seems General Shangguan and his people gained quite a lot from their last venture into Jiuli's black mist," Yuan Mobai sighed while observing the Deep Sea Nether Gold. "Such rare treasures. Her Majesty has truly put great thought into this."

Wang Guiyuan sighed softly, "I'm just concerned there's no such thing as a free lunch. The imperial court's resources have surely depleted quite a bit over the years."

Internal turmoil, external threats, continuous chaos, and repeated wars.

For an imperial dynasty in a cultivation world, money and resources were consumed in a different form, yet just as rapidly:

Whether it was crafting spells, refining pills and medicines, healing wounds, raising cultivation, setting up ritual formations, repairing arrays at strategic locations, or even later rewards and inducements—everything required this unique form of "currency."

Though the Tang Imperial Family's resources were vast, spending had been extravagant in recent years—especially lately.

"If Master Faqing were to reveal himself, perhaps Senior Brother would get a share," Lei Jun joked.

Wang Guiyuan waved his hand. "Forget it. That blessing, I truly can't afford."

Lei Jun suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, Senior Brother, why did you originally choose such a Dao name?"

Wang Guiyuan was puzzled, "What's wrong with it?"

Lei Jun deadpanned, "Sounds like ‘passionate’ (发情, fāqíng)."

Wang Guiyuan nearly choked. "…Could you please pronounce words more clearly!"

After teasing each other briefly, the two senior brothers turned their focus back to rebuilding Mount Longhu.

With time, the ancestral grounds and mountain gate gradually regained form.

Yet, like earlier upheavals, due to disturbances in spiritual energy, certain landscapes changed dramatically.

Lei Jun and the others meticulously adjusted everything to preserve Mount Longhu’s vibrant spiritual charm.

Once reconstruction was nearly complete, Lei Jun could finally spend more time and energy on personal matters.

Besides daily cultivation, Lei Jun's next focus was on refining magical artifacts.

He first reforged his Upper Qing Jade Celestial Bamboo.

The bamboo staff, glowing with purple-gold brilliance, currently had seven segments.

As Lei Jun reached the Eighth Heaven, the staff once again had room for advancement.

Using heavenly thunder and earthly fire, Lei Jun refined it anew.

Eventually, the bamboo grew from seven segments to eight.

After nurturing the Upper Qing Jade Celestial Bamboo for a period, Lei Jun began refining his second artifact.

As planned, he used the Dragon-shaped Raincloak, Eight Sceneries Wind, and the newly acquired Solitary Wood Heart Essence as main materials, supplemented by other ingredients.

However, Lei Jun saved the recently acquired Divine Firmament Flowing Gold for future consideration.

Under Lei Jun’s control, the dragon-shaped cloak turned into dancing dragon images, while the Eight Sceneries Wind condensed anew.

With patience and the aid of the Nine Abyss True Flame, he slowly merged the materials.

The new treasure gradually took shape: a cloak in harmony with the Taiqing lineage.

Lei Jun named it: Taiqing Eight Sceneries Treasure Cloak.