The precious bottle provided by Wang Guiyuan, after being carefully examined and reforged by him and Lei Jun, transformed into an Ethereal Bottle possessing a wondrous similarity to the Ethereal Jade Qing.

Then, using these Ethereal Bottles as the core, Lei Jun continued to lay out a new Ethereal Network.

The foundation of the Ethereal Bottle was always a Buddhist treasure rather than a Daoist artifact, so compared to the network centered on the Ethereal Jade Qing, there remained some differences.

Fortunately, with Lei Jun’s cultivation strength and insight, he could make subtle adjustments.

After completing all this, Lei Jun quietly traveled from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era into the Ming human realm.

Currently, the situation in the south was relatively stable, but externally relaxed and internally tense. The Ming court continuously deployed more personnel to monitor the southern wilderness, including the southwest region.

Lei Jun remained composed and quietly moved northward, then met the future Maitreya of the Tang Dynasty, Huiyin.

A white-robed monk, over one hundred years old yet still young and handsome in appearance, greeted Lei Jun with palms pressed together in a respectful salute:

“Celestial Master, I hope you are well.”

Not only external enemies were watching Lei Jun’s movements;

Huiyin, who could be considered a familiar figure from the Tang future Maitreya, was also surprised to see Lei Jun himself suddenly arrive in the Ming human realm.

Lei Jun’s gaze swept over Huiyin, thoughtful as well.

The Buddhist dharma contained a reserved and profound essence, and Huiyin was a Buddhist expert. As his cultivation deepened, he became increasingly difficult to gauge when not engaging in dharma combat, yet Lei Jun still vaguely sensed that Huiyin’s cultivation realm had clearly improved compared to before.

He guessed that after Huiyin reached the ninth heaven Dharma Body realm, he temporarily changed his previous cultivation habits.

This future Maitreya of the Tang Dynasty possessed wisdom roots and exceptional talent, inheriting the four lineages of Buddhism simultaneously and progressing evenly.

Previously, his vow, Chan-martial, precept-holding, and mudra four-lineage transmissions all formed his Buddhist Dharma Body.

Although there was the mysterious principle of “one dharma through which all dharmas are accessible,” it more or less slowed Huiyin’s pure cultivation speed.

If he cultivated only a single lineage, his current cultivation realm would be beyond what it presently was.

However, after achieving the ninth heaven Buddhist Dharma Body realm, he seemed to temporarily focus on refining the Buddhist lineage first to raise his cultivation ceiling.

Entering the Ming human realm alone should not have caused him to change direction.

Although the Tang imperial court was no longer so harsh on the White Lotus Sect, the sect’s early days in the Tang human realm were likely no better than the current Ming human realm situation.

Huiyin temporarily altered his strategy, presumably related to the overall environment where immortals and experts were successively appearing in the world.

Without opportunities to spar, Lei Jun could not judge which lineage Huiyin chose, but Huiyin’s quick progress in Dharma Body subtleties was an indisputable fact, confirming earlier external speculation that as long as Huiyin concentrated on a single lineage, his cultivation speed would surpass before.

“Thank you for your hard work, Master,” Lei Jun said.

Huiyin shook his head: “Celestial Master, you are too polite. I also care about these matters.”

He examined the Ethereal Bottle in his hand, the core of the network: “Is this the work of the Holy Lord?”

Lei Jun nodded: “Senior Brother is currently in the Saha World.”

The future Maitreya of the Tang Dynasty, Huiyin, said: “Since the Holy Lord is secluded and cultivating in retreat, I shall not disturb him. If he summons me with a dharma decree, I will then pay my respects.”

With that, he and Lei Jun unfolded this first Ethereal Network in the Ming human realm.

Although it could only cover a limited area now, Huiyin would carry it with him as he moved.

The network integrated the strengths of Daoism and Buddhism, but its core was the Ethereal Bottle;

Huiyin quickly grasped its mysteries and techniques.

Lei Jun said: “Master’s cultivation is profound and your insight brilliant. Senior Brother once said that among the White Lotus Sect heirs in the Tang and Ming realms, you are the one with the highest achievements.”

Huiyin replied: “The Holy Lord flatters me.”

Lei Jun smiled in return: “Senior Brother is fond of hiding behind others.”

Huiyin and Lei Jun exchanged glances.

Meeting Lei Jun’s clear gaze, he smiled and sighed lightly, rarely seen: “The Holy Lord is too humble. Monks do not tell lies;

others I cannot speak for, but the Holy Lord is above me.”

He paused briefly, then explained: “Besides innate talent, the Holy Lord was granted great fortune and destiny afterward, making it difficult for me to match.”

While saying this, Huiyin’s gaze remained calm, meeting Lei Jun’s.

This contemporary Celestial Master, renowned across many human realms, had indeed improved his cultivation aptitude through later fortune, and it was no secret in the Tang human realm;

Huiyin had also heard of it.

Lei Jun did not deny this and simply laughed: “Senior Brother is just protecting you for us.”

Huiyin was slightly surprised, then smiled.

Afterward, his expression turned serious, contemplating for a moment before finally asking:

“Tai Bai Jin Yao?”

Lei Jun remained calm and answered frankly: “Sui Xing Mu Yao.”

Huiyin nodded. As Buddha light circulated above his head, a celestial book appeared with the number “Four” inscribed.

Lei Jun performed the same action, and a celestial book with the number “Three” appeared over his head.

Huiyin pressed his palms together: “Previously, I received much care from the Celestial Master.”

Lei Jun replied: “It’s really no trouble;

Master need not worry.”

Their words did not only refer to the past transactions within the celestial book universe but also that Lei Jun had long guessed Huiyin’s identity but kept it secret.

Huiyin likewise sensed his identity had been exposed and had some guesses about Lei Jun’s identity, although slower to reach conclusions.

Now, the seven luminaries of the celestial book universe rarely gathered together, but there was still much private one-on-one communication.

“The ‘Abyssal Emperor’ in the Abyssal Border you mentioned before—his true identity may be Zheng Baiyu, the North Star Scholar from over four thousand years ago,” Lei Jun brought up another matter.

Although the White Lotus Sect mostly kept a low profile, their channels were wide and archives extensive. Huiyin had naturally heard of Zheng Baiyu and pondered:

“As far as I know, the North Star Scholar had already achieved the three immortalities of Confucian classics before the Han dynasty catastrophe. The Abyssal Border is said to be ruled by martial arts masters. If he did not perish as rumored during the Han calamity, then entering the Abyssal Border means...”

Lei Jun interjected: “From what I know, he did not retreat or get trapped in the Abyssal Border unwillingly but entered deliberately with plans to complete his schemes.”

He shared the current information with Huiyin.

Huiyin silently nodded: “I had thought those who came from the Abyssal Border to the Ming realm intended to bring the Abyssal Border here. But now it seems their delayed arrival is not a failed plan but an intended one.

This only shows how profound and unfathomable their schemes are.”

Lei Jun asked: “Do you have any clues about that Abyssal Border envoy?”

Huiyin said: “That person is cautious. I found some traces before but quickly lost track.”

“If you have spare time, please keep an eye out,” Lei Jun requested.

Huiyin replied: “Celestial Master, you are too polite.”

After bidding farewell to Huiyin, Lei Jun did not linger in the Ming human realm but returned to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era.

Next, he began working on the third and fourth Ethereal Networks.

With the first two completed as a foundation, the following networks were easier to create.

After completing the third Ethereal Network, Lei Jun delivered it to Zhu Junjie, a loyalist of the former Song.

Zhu Junjie treated it as a priceless treasure.

Currently, the former Song realm’s loyalists were in relatively good shape.

The Kong Sang Buddhist Sect remained low-key.

The Golden Khanate was pressed by the Azure Wolf Khanate, but the latter restrained itself and did not take over the central plains.

As the Azure Wolf Khanate neared the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect’s Lotus Division and failed to seize the gateway to the Great Wilderness, they gradually showed intentions to move southward into the central plains.

Recently, the gateway to the Earth Sea reopened.

Although Lei Jun did not appear publicly, his presence still shocked all directions.

The Azure Wolf Khanate’s southward advance was forced to slow down again.

The former Song loyalists could breathe easier and even gradually moved closer to the Jingxiang region, where the Earth Sea gateway was located.

However, there was still no hope of restoring the Song rivers and mountains.

In this situation, the many factions within the former Song loyalists united more than before when things were smoother.

Yet beneath the surface, tensions simmered.

Some sought support from the Tang cultivation world and attached themselves eagerly.

Others cared more about the stability of the Song imperial lineage and remained wary.

Lei Jun observed all but had no desire to interfere.

He continued to support Zhu Junjie as always.

Besides this, he helped his junior senior sister Tang Xiaotang tidy up some matters.

After the recent visit by members of the Pure Yang Palace of the former Song and their return, a more important palace elder came later.

His name was Qi Yicheng. Lei Jun had heard Tang Xiaotang mention him;

he was a rising star in the Pure Yang Palace in recent years and often received guidance from “Elder Zheng.”

Tang Zhenren, now the Supreme Elder of the Pure Yang Palace, was somewhat tired and considered when to find an opportunity to “sacrifice” herself.

Dying in retreat failure seemed ignoble, so Elder Zheng hoped for a glorious chance to die in battle.

After her passing, she favored Qi Yicheng to succeed as the new leader of the Pure Yang Palace.

Qi Yicheng came to the Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu to receive the Longhu Dharma Talisman.

Young and gifted beyond his years, surpassing palace masters, he was now one of the few eighth heaven Nascent Soul experts in Pure Yang Palace, second only to Grand Uncle Elder Zheng Chen.

Yet over the years, first the Golden Khanate, then Li Hang’s founding of the Song human Daoist state, and later the Western Buddhist sects—enemies surrounded them, dangers everywhere, with decades of hardships.

Therefore, Qi Yicheng appeared calm and steady, with practical thinking.

Other elders and peers in Pure Yang Palace also coveted the new palace leader position and sought support from other Pure Yang Palace inheritances and the Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

In the end, the youngest Qi Yicheng decisively became the first to come to Longhu Tianshi Mansion to receive the Dharma Talisman.

Despite his youth, there was no trace of arrogance about him.

“Elder Qi, I heard that the great ascension venerable Elder Zheng is still alive?”

Inside the Tianshi Hall, Lei Jun remained calm: “Did you ask his opinion before coming?”

Qi Yicheng replied: “Grand Uncle is currently in retreat;

I have not had a chance to report to him. But when I talked with him about Mount Longhu, he spoke highly of it, especially praising the Celestial Master and your Tang Zhenren.”

Lei Jun’s expression remained steady: “Elder Zheng and Elder Qi are both too polite.

While the Dan Ding Sect receives Dharma Talismans from several sacred lineages, there are reasons for this.

Everyone’s original intention as Daoist peers is to unite and cooperate to face the ever-changing chaotic world, joining forces externally.

Whether our sect or others will not interfere in each other’s internal affairs.”

Qi Yicheng bowed in a Daoist salute: “Celestial Master’s teachings are clear. What I seek today may be bold, but I have no intention of interfering with other Pure Yang Palace inheritances.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly: “Let this matter be discussed carefully after your Elder Zheng emerges from retreat before making a decision.”

“Respecting the Celestial Master’s decree,” Qi Yicheng said, “I take my leave.”

Lei Jun said: “The Tang human realm and Mount Longhu always welcome you, Daoist friend.”

Qi Yicheng replied: “Thank you, Celestial Master.”

Though calm, his heart held some regret.

Since Lei Jun answered thus, he would respond similarly to other visitors from Pure Yang Palace.

However, Qi Yicheng’s visit to Longhu Tianshi Mansion to seek the Dharma Talisman was not purely for his own bid to become the new Pure Yang Palace leader.

For Pure Yang Palace to continue standing and rise again in the former Song realm remained difficult and arduous.

They needed time.

During this period, external dangers and upheavals could interrupt Pure Yang Palace’s recovery at any time.

They needed outside support.

Although this visit failed to receive the Dharma Talisman, it deepened ties between the two sides.

The Tang and Mount Longhu were vastly different from the former Song;

Qi Yicheng was very curious but currently had no time for sightseeing.

After bidding farewell to Celestial Master Lei, the Pure Yang Palace elder returned to the former Song realm.

Watching him descend the mountain, Lei Jun turned to the Tang Xiaotang who had been avoiding him: “So, when does Elder Zheng plan to emerge from retreat?”

Tang Xiaotang puffed her cheeks: “Not decided yet.”

She then asked: “What about your Elder Chen from Mount Shu and the Eastern Han’s Dongyang Mountain people?”

Lei Jun: “The Dongyang Mountain people can be more casual, even recluse. But I’ve been thinking about Elder Chen from Mount Shu lately, mainly concerning the Two Poles Primordial Dharma Talisman and the Primordial Magnetic Flying Sword.”

Tang Xiaotang: “Oh, are you planning to include those in the Mansion’s archives for disciples to study?”

Lei Jun nodded: “Yes, by now, some early matters can slowly be declassified, just enough for a general explanation.”

Lei Jun had created various dharma methods, from the Five Thunder Talismans to the Yin Five Thunder Orthodox Talismans and the Xuanshao Five Thunder Dharma Talismans, all listed in the sect’s archives.

Any disciple interested could choose to study them.

Many young disciples had already chosen to practice these dharma methods created by this contemporary Celestial Master.

The Two Poles Primordial Dharma Talisman and Heavenly Communication and Earthly Hearing Talismans, including the Two Poles Primordial Magnetic Spell and the Heaven-Earth Observation Talismans, remained secret and known only to a very small circle.

Lei Jun had no intention to conceal these, but their special effects worked more efficiently when unknown.

Currently, he still did not plan to declassify the Heavenly Communication and Earthly Hearing Talismans, which included the Jade Pure Circumambulation Mirror and the Celestial River Net.

However, some mysteries of the Two Poles Primordial Dharma Talisman and Primordial Magnetic Flying Sword could be gradually disclosed.

The old secrets of Lei Jun using these to imitate Confucian divine archers and Daoist flying swords were no longer sensitive;

their knowledge outside was just legendary tales.

On the other hand, the Primordial Magnetic Flying Sword was becoming less suitable for Lei Jun’s combat.

As his divine powers deepened and magnetic energy accumulated, the sword’s power increased.

But his upcoming enemies often had their own strengths: martial Dao immortals, Daoist alchemy sect’s great ascension masters, Buddhist Chan-martial Dharma Body cultivators with divine footwork, Daoist talisman sect’s Five Qi Converging into Profound Unity crossing the mysterious bridge, and various other methods that could avoid the flying sword’s advantage.

Even Daoist Dan Ding Sect’s great ascension masters, after perfecting the ninth heaven Five Qi Converging into Primordial, could evade and relocate, making it difficult for the magnetic flying sword to lock on.

Buddhist vow-line Dharma Body masters like Master Xihuichan, who realized emptiness and concealed their true nature, could also avoid the sword.

At high levels, even without supreme speed and footwork, many sect heirs had methods to dodge such straightforward attacks.

For immortals, it was even easier.

No matter how strong the attack, if it missed, it was futile.

Lei Jun now used various other methods to restrict enemies before the magnetic flying sword could strike.

Sharp as ever, but the upfront cost rose with stronger opponents.

However, if passed to middle and low-level disciples in the Tianshi Mansion, it could greatly enhance their strength.

Also, through years of refinement, the Two Poles Primordial Spell and Two Poles Primordial Dharma Talisman became more universal.

Now, as long as junior disciples had suitable aptitude, practicing this divine skill created by Lei Jun could bring notable results even if not matching him.

As for enemies learning about this ability and increasing defenses, Lei Jun did not mind.

He was constantly innovating, exploring other dharma methods.

This was his greatest joy and motivation in cultivation.

Still, how to publicly pass down these divine skills required careful consideration… Lei Jun thought.

In the following days, Lei Jun continued to quietly cultivate.

The Azure Spiritual Nine Qi steadily accumulated, deepening his foundation at the ninth heaven five-layer completion realm.

Like the Daoist Dan Ding Sect’s Five Qi Converging into Primordial, the Daoist talisman sect’s cultivation of Five Qi appeared stepwise, but each additional Qi required constant harmonizing with previous cultivation, making it increasingly difficult and time-consuming.

Although the Five Qi Converging into Profound Unity realm was achieved, Lei Jun still needed to accumulate and fine-tune constantly to perfect his essence, qi, and spirit, thus gaining chances for further ascent.

Before him in the void, the immortal gate grew ever clearer.

With the help of the Time Blade Soul, like grinding with a water mill, Lei Jun could save much time.

Cultivation was unknowably long.

Lei Jun soon passed his ninety-fifth birthday.

In his daily cultivation, Lei Jun forged the fourth Ethereal Network.

This network was sent to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era.

The Master of Zhenwu Temple, Mu Chunyang, along with Han King Zhou Pu, after recuperating, gradually digested the former Northern Liang lands and then began further military action against Southern Chu.

Mu Chunyang took over the Ethereal Network from Lei Jun and continued to secretly investigate Buddhist cultivators, especially watching Master Baoneng and Master Duming, who acted under Venerable Puguang’s orders to secretly scheme and intensify the surge of spiritual energy in heaven and earth.

“Brother Mu will explain the relevant matters in detail to the generals,” Lei Jun said, looking at the gathered crowd.

Xiao Xueting and Shangguan Yunbo led a group of Tang warriors, nodding: “Celestial Master, rest assured, we will secretly keep an eye on this matter.”

The situation in Sumeru was gradually stabilizing.

The Tang native realm was even more secure.

The Tang cultivation world began making arrangements in other areas.

Empress Zhang Wantong of the Tang had no intention of further expansion.

However, in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, warriors were rampant, and the martial cultivation inheritance was special and already quite different from the traditional martial paths of Tang, Han, and Ming realms.

Therefore, many Tang warriors were eager to personally experience it.

At present, Shen Qu Bing stayed to guard the Tang, while Xiao Xueting and Shangguan Yunbo brought chosen promising youths, changed clothes, and traveled through the Saha World to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm.

Their identities were relatively sensitive.

Even Zhou Pu, who had already been informed by Mu Chunyang, was somewhat concerned.

Therefore, Xiao Xueting, Shangguan Yunbo, and their group planned to stay as low-profile as possible, avoiding direct intervention in the chaotic wars among numerous kingdoms in this realm.

They were mostly observers.

Other mountains' stones could polish jade.

Officially, it was easier since they were assisting Mu Chunyang with the Ethereal Network to investigate monks with suspicious behavior.

After Xiao Xueting and Shangguan Yunbo left, Lei Jun returned to his usual pace and routine.

Besides cultivating and managing Mansion affairs, he taught disciples.

Entering autumn, his second disciple Han Xiaofei successfully reached the sixth heaven Daoist Talisman Sect Dao Seal realm.

Looking at the second disciple standing before him, Lei Jun could not help but sigh inwardly:

Innate talent was truly enviable.

Her cultivation progress in the early and middle stages was like green onions sprouting from dry earth.

Watching Han Xiaofei’s speed was like seeing a miniature Tang Xiaotang.

“Disciple greets Master,” Han Xiaofei respectfully bowed without any trouble this time.

Lei Jun asked: “Have you decided on the Twin Dragon and Tiger Spirits as your third life talisman?”

Han Xiaofei: “Disciple intends so.”

Lei Jun nodded slightly and immediately began guiding her in practicing this wonderful method passed down by the Tianshi Mansion elders.

Although his own life talisman spell did not use the Twin Dragon and Tiger Spirits, he had notable achievement in it as a non-life talisman.

“I will first help you lay the foundation. Later, when your cultivation reaches a certain level, you can seek further guidance from your senior uncle, Master Xu,” Lei Jun finally instructed.

Within the Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion lineage, the highest achiever of the Twin Dragon and Tiger Spirits method was Xu Yuanzhen.

Lei Jun did not mind his direct disciples seeking instruction from Xu Yuanzhen.

Just as he often guided Tang Xiaotang’s direct disciple Cheng Rongrong.

Such outstanding top heirs usually received joint care and nurturing from many elders in the sect.

“Yes, Master.” Han Xiaofei bowed respectfully, then smiled: “Master, I will go find my junior senior sister.”

Her junior senior sister was naturally Cheng Rongrong.

She behaved properly in front of her master and would not disturb Cheng Rongrong, who had just reached the fifth heaven realm, after her own breakthrough to the sixth heaven.

This time she learned from previous experience, quietly secluded herself, quietly broke through, then quietly approached, leaving no chance for Cheng Rongrong to retreat to Master Tang’s villa again!

“Going is fine, but there is one more thing,” Lei Jun said calmly: “Now that you have reached the sixth heaven, you officially become a Mansion elder, take on responsibilities, and undergo training.”

Now the Tianshi Mansion was large and flourishing, with many talents, unlike the talent scarcity in earlier low periods.

Outstanding disciples could focus more on cultivation, with burdens placed on them later.

However, Elder Han was somewhat special.

Lei Jun did not suppress her personality but already arranged further training.

Hearing this, Han Xiaofei immediately composed herself and respectfully replied: “Disciple will follow Master’s arrangements.”

Still, it did not affect her going to find Cheng Rongrong first.

Watching his second disciple leave joyfully, Lei Jun smiled wryly.

He shook his head slightly and continued his quiet cultivation.

The Azure Spiritual Nine Qi steadily accumulated and polished, balancing gradually with the Xuanspirit One Qi, Dan Spirit Three Qi, Five Spirits Five Qi, and Bright Spirit Seven Qi, mutually complementing and integrating into one.

Time passed.

Lei Jun celebrated his ninety-sixth birthday.