"Senior Brother, the Sect Leader?" Li Wanqiu looked at Shen Xi in surprise.

Shen Xi was calm. "I can no longer enter Penglai. The Tianshi Mansion lineage from the Tang Dynasty's Mount Longhu has already established deep control there. If they truly wanted to wipe out all lineages of the Ancient Talisman Sect, I believe they could even track us down in this mortal world. But ever since the upheaval at Penglai, they haven't made any further moves."

Li Wanqiu fell into deep thought at those words.

Shen Xi continued, "Perhaps it's because of the Myriad Dao Altar."

Li Wanqiu looked up. "From the earliest Black Emperor of the North, to the later White Emperor of the West, and Red Emperor of the South, they all tried to seize the Myriad Dao Altar and the Tianshi Seal from the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion? But we never did..."

Shen Xi nodded. "Central Yellow Emperor Yan Keji, White Emperor Han Qingtao, and Red Emperor Li Hang also had discussions about this. While I don't know the full details, from the Penglai ruins, it's clear: whether it's the mortal Dao Kingdom or the Heavenly Palace restoration, if they want to make it big, they can't do it without the Tianshi Seal or the Myriad Dao Altar."

He never intended to get involved in such matters. In later discussions between Yan Keji, Li Hang, and Han Qingtao, he rarely participated. Whether the Dao Kingdom in Southern Jin would succeed or not, he didn't care much.

As long as Gongsun Daoqi could survive and help Shushan of Southern Jin withstand the pressure from the Northern and Southern Buddhist Sects, that was enough.

The bad news was, Penglai's recent changes had caused Gongsun Daoqi's injuries to flare up again.

Li Wanqiu hesitated before speaking. "Senior Brother, could it be... that the Tianshi Mansion at Mount Longhu hasn't come looking for trouble because they have other plans? Like setting a trap, luring us in? Or perhaps they're wary of Sumeru and Sahā and don't want to stir up too much trouble on our side?"

Shen Xi replied, "It's not entirely impossible, but the chances are slim."

He looked at Li Wanqiu and spoke slowly, "The reason the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou from that other world has suddenly been making so many moves is because, over there, the imperial dynasty has undergone a major upheaval. Rumor has it that it involves immortals who existed before the Great Calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty. And the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion has played a major role in it—it's said they were among the last to laugh, if not the final victors."

The frequent movements of the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou had caught Shen Xi's attention, though the details were still limited. Even so, what he did know was already enough to sketch out a shocking picture.

Li Wanqiu was visibly stunned. "The Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion already has experts above the Ninth Heaven?"

Shen Xi replied, "According to what the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou knows, no."

Li Wanqiu was even more shocked. "That's... that's really..."

Even with the Penglai upheaval in mind, he still found it hard to believe. But if the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion was really that strong, it would make sense why they hadn't come to settle scores with the Southern Jin Dao Kingdom. It seemed they truly weren't focused on that.

They had been overly paranoid.

Shen Xi said, "This is all just speculation for now. The truth will only be clear once I've met the current Tianshi of Mount Longhu."

Li Wanqiu nodded. "Senior Brother, you have a point. But it's still risky for you to go in person."

For years, the Shushan Sect of Southern Jin had been known as the 'Holy Land of One Man'—all because Shen Xi stood out above the rest. The others were largely mediocre.

Of course, the reality wasn't quite so exaggerated. To deal with the pressure from the Northern and Southern Buddhist Sects, the Shushan Sect of Southern Jin had quietly hidden some of its strength within the Southern Jin Dao Kingdom. Gongsun Daoqi and others were part of that hidden force.

What they showed to the outside world was just the tip of the iceberg.

Even so, Shen Xi, as the sect's top expert and the only Ninth Heaven Great Dao cultivator, was the pillar holding it all up. If Shen Xi were to fall, the Shushan Sect wouldn't just lose half its strength—it might collapse entirely.

In the current political climate of the Two Jin worlds, no matter how confident they seemed, Shen Xi and Li Wanqiu knew they had to stay sharp.

Shen Xi said, "You're right, Junior Brother. But we don't have much time."

Gongsun Daoqi's condition was deteriorating. At the same time, the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou was making frequent moves, and with news leaking out, Shen Xi knew that other factions could find out too.

That could lead to more unforeseen changes.

"Senior Brother..."

Li Wanqiu hesitated for a moment, then quietly asked, "Even if the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion doesn't mind us using ancient talismans for cultivation... at most, they'd just tacitly approve, right? They wouldn't support or help us—let alone step in to assist?"

Shen Xi stayed silent.

Compared to the risks of his own journey, it was this question that had weighed on his mind the most.

But even so, he had no choice but to make this trip.

"I'll go and return quickly, before the current emperor summons me, or the monks from Xiaoxitian sense something."

With that, Shen Xi bid farewell to Li Wanqiu and set off for Jiangzhou.

Upon arrival, he kept a low profile, concealing his presence. The void gate was still some distance from the Lin Clan's ancestral grounds. Once he left their territory, even Lin Xiaoyi herself would struggle to detect him, given his superior cultivation.

Shen Xi had no intention of fighting. He restrained his aura, blending into the void as if he had dissolved into it.

He quietly passed through the void gate, leaving the Two Jin world and heading to the modern Han Dynasty's world.

The modern Han Dynasty also had a Shushan Sect—this much Shen Xi had already learned from the Lin Clan's people who traveled between worlds. But for now, he had no time or energy to make contact with the Shushan Sect of the Han Dynasty.

He couldn't stay away from the Two Jin world for long—he had to keep his mission secret and avoid drawing attention.

Still, Shen Xi didn't head straight for Mount Longhu.

He stopped first in the Bashu region of the Han Dynasty world to observe.

As expected, after the connection between the Tang Dynasty world and the Han Dynasty world, there were many interactions not just with the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion, but also with the Shushan Sect.

The Tang Dynasty Shushan Sect even had representatives here in the Han Dynasty.

Xie Yiying was surprised when she saw the young Daoist in plain clothes and straw sandals—dressed like a Shushan cultivator—standing before her.

"I am Shen Xi, from the Shushan Sect of Southern Jin," Shen Xi introduced himself plainly.

Xie Yiying had come to the Han Dynasty to investigate the mysterious figure who had previously borrowed the Ziwei Sword. The Tang Shushan sect suspected it was their Martial Uncle Chen Donglou, but only the sword had returned—Chen Donglou himself had yet to reappear.

Xie Yiying had been searching far and wide in the Han Dynasty, but with no solid leads. Everyone was baffled.

And now, Shen Xi suddenly appeared.

Before her was a true sword cultivator—a Great Dao expert of the Ninth Heaven. A core disciple of Shushan.

Southern Jin?

That must mean he was from another world...

Xie Yiying had a thousand thoughts racing through her mind, but Shen Xi made it clear he wasn't planning to visit the Han Dynasty's Shushan Sect or the Tang Dynasty's Shushan Sect. He intended to go to the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion first.

Such an unusual move made Xie Yiying uneasy.

Shen Xi, however, was calm. "I've heard that the Mount Longhu Tianshi Mansion of the Han Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty are now one lineage. To avoid being rude, may I trouble you to introduce me to the Mount Longhu here in the Han Dynasty?"

Xie Yiying said, "I'll try to contact a fellow Daoist from the Tianshi Mansion. I hope you'll understand, Daoist Shen."

Shen Xi replied calmly, "Of course."

When Chu Kun of the Tianshi Mansion received the message, his heart tightened.

Shen Xi—the Sect Leader of the Shushan Sect in the Two Jin world...

The Eastern Green Emperor.

He had come so openly?

Xu Yuanzhen was currently at Kunlun, so Chu Kun wasn't worried about a direct confrontation. After notifying Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen, he simply extended a formal invitation for Shen Xi to visit the Tianshi Mansion.

Shen Xi accepted without hesitation.

When they met, Shen Xi clearly stated his purpose.

"This matter isn't for me to decide," Chu Kun said. "If it's convenient for you, Daoist Shen, please visit the Tang Dynasty. Our Sect Leader wishes to meet you."

Shen Xi nodded. "That's exactly what I hoped for. I only troubled Daoist Xie and Daoist Chu earlier to avoid any misunderstandings."

Going further down... it’s actually his recovery ability.

With his innate Yin-Yang Immortal Physique and the Yin-Yang Limitless Star Radiance, Lei Jun’s rate of mana recovery completely outclasses most opponents at his level.

The only reason he sometimes shows signs of exhaustion is that he pushes himself too hard when fighting.

Same old story: trading extreme burst attacks for a surprising, game-breaking offensive—striking first, hitting hard, and ending it fast—that’s always been Lei Jun’s style.

If not for that, he wouldn’t have achieved the kind of battle records that leave the world in awe.

In terms of both total mana reserves and recovery rate, Lei Jun is a standout among cultivators at his level—few can compare.

If an average cultivator tried to cast spells like him, forget lasting three moves—even in a single exchange, they’d probably burn themselves out before they could harm their opponent.

On the flip side, if Lei Jun fought at the same output level as most cultivators, given his own foundation and the Talisman Sect’s techniques that draw on the natural forces of heaven and earth to constantly restore energy, he could honestly cast a single divine technique long enough for both sides to die of old age.

Instead, it’s Lei Jun’s defensive capabilities that, while also impressive and rarely leaving him injured in the past, haven’t created a clear gap compared to other top-tier cultivators of his level.

In some ways, this too is tied to his long-standing strategy of always going for the preemptive strike.

Now, with the addition of the Immaculate Golden Rainbow, Lei Daozhang’s defensive techniques are also growing more refined.

He continues to refine and sharpen them—his Hao Ling Seven Qi constantly honing them, and the Immaculate Golden Rainbow becoming thicker and stronger.

At present, Lei Jun’s secluded cultivation isn’t a closed, life-or-death retreat.

In the midst of his meditation, he suddenly senses something, collects his energy, and steps out of the Shangqing Lei Palace.

Deep within his pupils, the light of the Heavenly-Earth Talisman flows silently, linking the Yu Qing Zhou Tian Mirror and the Star River Celestial Web to observe all directions.

A faint figure comes into view.

It’s none other than Shen Xi, the Sect Master of the Southern Jin Shushan Sect.

For secrecy’s sake, Shen Xi came alone to the Tang realm, visiting the Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu by himself.

Lei Jun and Chu Kun had extended a certain level of trust to him, and Shen Xi didn’t betray it—he came alone, discreetly visiting Lei Jun, the current Celestial Master.

“Master Shen, I’m already aware of the situation with your sect.”

Lei Jun spoke calmly. “As for the relics related to Penglai, my sect and Senior Sister Xu have already done some work in tidying them up. So, even if certain talismans have fallen into the outside world, they will gradually lose effectiveness over time.”

Shen Xi spoke softly: “Celestial Master, I humbly ask for your assistance in aiding my master. Our sect is weak and has little to offer in return. As for the Yu Qing Miro Celestial Grotto, one of the three great grottos of your sect, it once appeared in the Southern Jin realm during the former Jin Dynasty. However, after the dynasty split into Northern and Southern Jin, the Yu Qing Miro Celestial Grotto has also vanished without a trace. Before coming here, I searched for a long time but found nothing. From here on, our entire sect will focus on seeking it, but my master’s health is rapidly deteriorating. That’s why I must shamelessly come to you, Celestial Master, and ask for your understanding.”

“Our sect is indeed also searching for the Yu Qing Miro Celestial Grotto. Master Shen, you have shown your sincerity.”

Lei Jun replied, “Our sect and the ancient Talisman Sect are not sworn enemies. There is no longstanding grudge between us. Since you have laid bare your intentions openly, I have no reason to make things difficult for your sect. However, our sect’s Daoist practices have long since been reformed. Even when we grant talismans to other Daoists, it’s always with the intention of strengthening mutual ties and aiding each other in times of need—not like the secular Daoist states that indiscriminately pass down the teachings.”

Lei Jun intended to observe further regarding Shen Xi’s words.

As the current Celestial Master of Mount Longhu, Lei Jun was willing to tolerate the Southern Jin’s Daoist state, but he would never proactively support their ongoing attempts to revive the ancient Talisman Sect’s teachings, nor would he hand over talismans to Shen Xi or Gong Sun Daoqi to let them replace Shen Xi and become the new Eastern Azure Emperor.

Likewise, he wouldn’t alter the arrangements in Penglai.

If he left a loophole for Shen Xi and Gong Sun Daoqi there, it would be equivalent to leaving an opening for others as well.

Especially for the remnants of the Heavenly Palace faction.

Still, Shen Xi’s situation was unique. Since he came to visit proactively today, Lei Jun was willing to offer him a helping hand through other means.

Without keeping Shen Xi in suspense, Lei Jun spoke directly: “Take this treasure back to your master.”

As he spoke, a flash of jade-green light fell before Shen Xi.

Shen Xi was a bit surprised. When he looked closely, it was a jade ruyi scepter.

Given his cultivation, insight, and vision, he quickly saw something unusual about it.

This jade ruyi was also an artifact from the ancient Talisman Sect’s lineage.

Shen Xi immediately recalled some rumors he had heard while in the Jin Dynasty realm, speculating that this treasure might have once belonged to the Han Dynasty’s Mount Longhu lineage and was later seized by Lei Jun and the others.

But for Shen Xi, this gain was already a huge relief.

He carefully accepted the jade ruyi and solemnly bowed to Lei Jun: “Thank you, Celestial Master. I will do my utmost to seek out the Yu Qing Miro Celestial Grotto upon my return to the Southern Jin realm.”

Lei Jun returned the courtesy: “Then I’ll thank you in advance, Master Shen.”

Shen Xi added, “I am eager to return and won’t disturb Celestial Master any longer. I hope there will be another chance to visit you, and also to explore our sect’s other inheritances in different realms.”

After taking his leave, Shen Xi immediately descended the mountain and left the Tang realm, passing through the Han Dynasty to return to Southern Jin.

“Senior Brother, how much of what he said do you think is believable?” Chu Kun, still in the Han Dynasty realm, asked Lei Jun via a communication talisman.

Lei Jun replied, “Little Junior Sister is currently in seclusion, so we’re missing a key source of judgment. For now, let’s just observe and wait.”

He then asked Chu Kun, “Your Divine Court’s inner landscape must be quite developed by now. Shouldn’t you be ready to reach the third level of the Eighth Heaven, to manifest the outer Divine Court?”

Chu Kun replied, “I wouldn’t dare boast, but yes, I’ve been preparing for it.”

Lei Jun instructed, “The Daoist reforms in the Han Dynasty are already on track. You can return to the Tang realm’s sect headquarters for quiet cultivation. Senior Sister Zhang will go to the Han Dynasty to take over your duties.”

Chu Kun: “In that case, I’ll leave it to Senior Sister Zhang.”

Lei Jun asked, “What’s the current state of the succession war in the Han Dynasty?”

Chu Kun: “It’s already escalated into open conflict.”

After Lei Jun left the Jin Dynasty realm and returned to the Tang realm, the Han Dynasty’s succession struggle entered its most intense phase.

On the surface, everyone was still trying to maintain balance.

But as time passed, the factions behind the scenes kept placing their bets, and the situation grew ever more chaotic.

By now, around the capital Chang’an, full-blown battles had already broken out.

Still, despite the fierce and even bloody fighting, no side dared to expand the conflict recklessly. The battles, no matter how intense, remained confined to a certain scope, like performing a grand ritual inside a small snail shell.

And the reason was simple.

Mount Longhu’s Celestial Master had already made a statement.

Lei Jun didn’t support any side.

That alone meant that none of the factions wanted to risk drawing Mount Longhu’s opposition.

All the contenders for the Dragon Throne in the Han Dynasty’s imperial family were doing everything they could to keep Mount Longhu out of the fray.

“What about Xumi?” Lei Jun asked Chu Kun.

Chu Kun replied, “There’s been some movement from the Xumi Treasure Division, but no sign of its master, Fandato.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly. “Senior Sister Zhang has already arrived on your side. Once the handover is complete, return here, and we’ll chat when you’re free.”

After Chu Kun returned to the mountain, he reported to Lei Jun as the sect leader, then paid his respects to his master, Yuan Mobai, before beginning his own secluded cultivation.

In the following days, Lei Jun remained focused on his own cultivation.

Aside from that, he continued to guide his disciples.

Besides his second disciple, Han Xiaofei, Tang Xiaotang’s disciple, Cheng Rongrong, also frequently came to Lei Jun for instruction during this period.

“They’re both making rapid progress.”

Lei Jun discussed their cultivation with Yuan Mobai. “At this rate, we might need to consider whether to break the rules and teach them early, like we did with Little Junior Sister back then.”

Due to timing, Cheng Rongrong and Han Xiaofei would reach their one-year post-apprenticeship mark just as the next talisman-granting ceremony arrived.

If they missed this chance, the next one wouldn’t be for another six years.

For most people, six years isn’t a short time.

But Cheng Rongrong and Han Xiaofei’s rate of advancement in the early stages of cultivation far outstripped even Chu Kun and Qin Caiwei back in the day.

Partly due to the tides of spiritual energy surging through the world now, which make it easier for younger cultivators to advance, and partly due to their superior innate talents—while some of Chu Kun and Qin Caiwei’s breakthroughs came from opportunities encountered later.

“Indeed. While they might not yet match Xiaotang’s early brilliance, their progress ranks among the best, even in the long view of history.” Yuan Mobai smiled and nodded.

Lei Jun replied, “Judging by their ages, there’s no need to rush them within two or three years, barring any major accidents. But the great chasms between realms in cultivation are always unpredictable. We can’t afford to take them lightly.”

For most cultivators, the path of cultivation is always about going as fast as possible.

The first quarter of life is the golden window for cultivation. That’s when you need to push forward, sharpen your edge, and climb higher and higher.

Once you hit the plateau, it’s time to start expanding laterally.

It’s during this plateau phase that most cultivators reach the peak of their combat power—that’s the common pattern.

But there are always exceptions.

For cultivators like Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang, they can’t be judged by the standards of the average.

“Junior Nie and Junior Fei are both exceptionally talented. We should teach them according to their aptitudes.”

Lei Jun remarked, “Sometimes, they themselves have the clearest understanding of their own situations. We should listen to their thoughts too.”

Yuan Mobai smiled. “Wise words, Sect Master.”

Just as the two were chatting, Lei Jun’s expression subtly shifted.

His gaze turned northward.

Yuan Mobai followed his gaze, and gradually, he too began to sense it.

The spiritual energy of the Tang realm was undergoing a violent upheaval.

The source of the disturbance was none other than the imperial capital of the Tang Dynasty: Luoyang.

Feeling the change in the spiritual energy, the two looked at each other.

“The Empress has taken that final step!”