Regarding Lei Jun’s question, Qingluan Zhuyin answered calmly, "Our clan brother is indeed currently in seclusion, attempting to break into the Immortal Spirit realm. The Solar Sage Lord Haoyang has always been quite supportive."

Lei Jun nodded slightly: "In that case, I wish Brother Fengming an early success."

Qingluan Zhuyin replied, "Thank you for the Celestial Master's auspicious words."

Earlier, Lei Jun had heard Tang Xiaotang mention that Fengming the Phoenix was a natural talent but had a calm and indifferent personality.

Though unintentional, in practice, he even seemed to hide his true strength.

However, without deeper interaction, outsiders could not grasp his real background.

Judging from his current seclusion to break into the Immortal Spirit realm, not only outsiders but likely many Canghuan spiritual beasts have underestimated him.

Previously, Ge Xuanzhi and Wang Dianchen attacked Canghuan together, nearly causing disaster, with Zhao Chanyang of the Kunwu Sect stepping in to assist.

This incident must have touched Fengming the Phoenix to some extent.

Whether he deeply regretted it is doubtful, but it clearly prompted a change of heart.

What once seemed trivial now appears necessary.

Since that is so, he has taken this step forward.

It seems a bit rushed, even like a case of locking the barn after the horse has bolted. For others, Lei Jun might not be optimistic about their chances.

With such a mindset, even things that could succeed might fail.

But for Fengming the Phoenix, it is different.

If he is confident in this, then he must have a clear plan.

And it should be resolved soon.

Unlike Lei Jun’s smooth and steady ascension, it won’t take too long nor be effortless.

He probably will not leave Canghuan upon ascending to immortality.

Unlike True Dragon Huaming, Fengming the Phoenix lacks a strong desire to compete, and he has a good relationship with Golden Crow Haoyang.

As for future actions against Ge Xuanzhi, Wang Dianchen, and other former Heavenly Palace affiliates, it is still hard to predict, but overall, it remains good news.

Setting aside all external factors, personally, Lei Jun is also eager to see a pure-blooded phoenix of the Immortal Spirit realm.

After Qin Caiwei led Qingluan Zhuyin away, Lei Jun’s senior disciple Zhuo Baojie, also acting as the host, first received guests at the ancestral hall of Mount Longhu, then escorted another group to Penglai to celebrate Lei Jun’s birthday.

In some ways, these guests were quite rare now.

Elder Miaokong of the Tang Tianlong Temple.

And Venerable Ruyuan, abbot of Tang Bodhi Temple.

Ever since Wang Guiyuan’s relationship with Monk Fajing and White Lotus Holy Lord Jingjiu was revealed, the Buddhist sects of Central Plains had quickly cooled their relations with Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

Although no secret contact occurred between the temples and Saha World, meetings remained quite awkward.

The only one still maintaining a private friendship with Lei Jun was Venerable Ruyuan.

He remembered Lei Jun’s aid years ago against the witch sect in the Southern Wilderness and often sent his regards, though always privately, not as the abbot of Bodhi Temple.

Now the two came together;

though they had exchanged energy early on, it was still unexpected.

The Taoist sect was indeed strong now.

But nearly ten years ago, when Venerable Puguang was expelled from Saha, and a year ago passed away, Venerable Ruyuan and Elder Miaokong had no contact with him;

it was unclear if their current attitude related to Puguang or Lei Yin Temple.

Lei Jun’s expression remained normal as usual, treating Elder Miaokong and Venerable Ruyuan with composure, unaffected by honor or shame.

After sitting down and chatting briefly, Elder Miaokong looked at Venerable Ruyuan.

Respecting him as a senior, Venerable Ruyuan spoke first in such a setting:

"Celestial Master, this poor monk and Elder Miaokong have come with a matter to seek your guidance. Please forgive our boldness."

Lei Jun replied calmly, "Speak freely, both of you."

Elder Miaokong did not let Venerable Ruyuan speak alone and interjected:

"Celestial Master, I heard the White Lotus Holy Lord Jingjiu has passed away, ending a karmic cycle, but I wonder if the Celestial Master’s view of the White Lotus Sect has changed?"

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun understood their purpose today.

They must have heard that after Monk Huiyin took over the White Lotus Sect of the Tang Dynasty, there was contact with Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

Lei Jun did not deliberately hide this.

What Venerable Ruyuan and Elder Miaokong were curious about was Lei Jun’s stance toward the White Lotus Sect.

If before there were reasons related to Wang Guiyuan, now the situation seemed different.

As far as they knew, Lei Jun was not a utilitarian person. Not to mention his sect, even his old friend Ji Chuan of the Shushan Sect still had good private relations with him.

What about the White Lotus Sect now?

"Peaceful times bring stability to the people;

chaotic times call for righteousness," Lei Jun answered calmly.

"These eight words are easy to say but hard to do, and standards are hard to define by one’s words. Yet, this humble Daoist yearns for them.

Beyond this, I have no intention to interfere in the conflicts among the Buddhist holy sites.

I do not deny knowing the new White Lotus Holy Lord Master Huiyin, but I have no wish to meddle in Buddhist factions’ karma.

I only hope all masters show compassion, for that is a blessing to all beings."

Venerable Ruyuan and Elder Miaokong were silent. After a while, the two monks pressed their palms together:

"Celestial Master’s compassion is truly a blessing to all beings."

There was no need to mention Wang Guiyuan and Monk Fajing further.

Elder Miaokong came representing Abbot Miaoxin of Tang Tianlong Temple to Longhu to congratulate Lei Jun’s birthday. Mentioning the new White Lotus Holy Lord Huiyin implied that Jingjiu’s incarnation as Monk Fajing had already been revealed.

"These Buddhist masters care quite deeply about the White Lotus Sect," Zhang Hui, who also came to celebrate, remarked.

Lei Jun asked, "What is the court’s current stance on the White Lotus Sect?"

Zhang Hui replied, "With Master Huiyin in charge, there should be no major issues. If not for considering the thoughts of Abbot Miaoxin, Venerable Ruyuan, and others, it would be no problem to officially lift the White Lotus Sect’s wanted status."

Given the current Tang Dynasty situation, even if done, it would not mean condoning rebellion.

If the White Lotus Sect rebels again in the future, the Tang Dynasty can simply issue another decree to ban them.

If Tang’s decrees no longer work, it means an era of upheaval and regime change has arrived, no need to say more.

"For now, let things progress step by step," Zhang Hui said.

Besides the birthday gifts, he took out a longitude and latitude box and handed it to Lei Jun:

"The Celestial Master previously mentioned plans to visit Kong Sang with Lady Gu after Tang Zhenren ascends Immortal from Dongxuan, so I was instructed to bring this."

Lei Jun nodded and opened the box, revealing a jade artifact.

But the jade’s shape was special, looking like both human bone and a Buddhist relic.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lei Jun nodded: "This gives my senior brother and me greater confidence."

After the fall of the Kong Sang Witch King, Shanzhihui Venerable quickly took the lead in the fight for Kong Sang, using the power nurtured there, combined with his own skills, to successfully push out Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong and Tang Xiaotang.

Zhang Wantong naturally would not remain indifferent to such matters.

So over these years, she has prepared to prevent the opponents from using the same tricks when re-entering Kong Sang.

"When we two go to Kong Sang, Your Majesty and other Daoist friends of Daju, Canghuan, and Saha will have to work hard," Lei Jun said after putting away the longitude and latitude box.

Zhang Hui nodded: "The timing is up to Celestial Master Lei and Tang Zhenren. This is very advantageous.

Lady Gu will stay in Daju, but Canghuan and Saha still need Zhao Zhenjun and Bai Zhenjun to look after."

Lei Jun nodded lightly: "Indeed."

The news of Zhao Chanyang’s seclusion to break through the second level of the Immortal Realm, the Dan Ding Nascent Soul Twin Glory Convergence, is currently confidential.

Strictly speaking, Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, and others have no exact information, only speculation.

This way, the opponent cannot discern truth from falsehood and won’t act rashly.

However…

"The former Heavenly Palace faction has also been too quiet lately," Lei Jun said. "They might be plotting something in Biluo and Mount Ling, especially Gaotian Lord, who might be resting and healing in seclusion."

Biluo has no other living beings and is temporarily cut off from the world, making it hard to investigate their situation.

"Lady Gu has similar concerns. Since Biluo has long been managed by the former Heavenly Palace faction, it’s much harder to attack them there than to fight elsewhere," Zhang Hui said.

Lei Jun: "We should closely watch them and focus on strengthening ourselves. I wish Zhang the Layman an early achievement of the Five Classics Perfected realm and a smooth rise."

Zhang Hui was a natural talent progressing rapidly, having recently reached the fourth level of the ninth heaven of Confucian Classics.

The Confucian ninth heaven’s fifth level is called Five Classics Perfected, granting the ability to rise swiftly. It’s considered the best cultivation path among various schools for breaking into the Immortal Realm.

Especially with Zhang Hui’s talent, if he can rise smoothly, it means that his breakthrough to the Confucian Sage realm will be even smoother than other Confucian cultivators of the same level.

"Thank you for the Celestial Master’s auspicious words, but this matter cannot be rushed. I can only go with the flow," Zhang Hui smiled.

Another old acquaintance came to celebrate Lei Jun’s birthday.

"Congratulations, Celestial Master," Shen Qubing said cheerfully.

He felt somewhat sentimental: "In the blink of an eye, decades have passed. The Celestial Master is now a hundred years old, and I’m also well into my forties."

Lei Jun smiled: "Don’t say that. Whether it’s me or you, by today’s lifespan standards, we’re still young."

He changed the topic: "There’s no better time than now. Since we’ve met today, I want to discuss another matter with General Shen."

Shen Qubing: "Please, Celestial Master, give your orders."

Lei Jun: "I want to observe your Tai Ting Immortal Thunder."

Shen Qubing: "That is naturally no problem."

At the same time, faint white lightning bursts from his body.

Though slight, it was concentrated and powerful.

This white lightning had almost completely merged with Shen Qubing himself.

Compared to Lei Jun’s single lightning technique at the same level, it was superior.

Shen Qubing practiced refining Tai Ting Immortal Thunder not for attacking, but to strengthen his body.

Now, to facilitate Lei Jun’s observation, he forcibly separated the lightning from himself.

For Shen Qubing, already a Martial Saint, this was no difficulty.

Soon, the faint white lightning’s momentum swelled rapidly, like a flood drowning everything.

Limited by Lei Jun’s cultivation, it remained confined to one corner.

Lei Jun quietly observed Tai Ting Immortal Thunder;

his eyes gleamed with the light of the Heavenly Communication and Earthly Hearing talisman.

With his current cultivation and insight, few worldly laws were hidden from him.

As he observed, strands of white lightning began to emerge above his head, weaving into a new talisman.

Though simple and not fully formed yet.

"Thank you, General Shen," Lei Jun understood clearly.

Not wanting to take advantage, he summoned a Doumu Star God Law Emblem in midair.

Countless golden talismans shimmered like a galaxy, forming a stellar deity around Lei Jun but not encircling him directly.

Once formed, five-colored lightning simultaneously manifested.

Besides the purple Yang Lightning Dragon, black Yin Lightning Dragon, golden Pure Yang Lightning Dragon, and silver Pure Silver Lightning Dragon, an additional white lightning dragon appeared.

Then the five lightning dragons merged with Lei Jun’s life star god emblem.

Thus, the Nine Heavens Responding Lightning Emperor’s True Form reappeared.

Though Lei Jun’s Taoist magical martial true body stood still, Shen Qubing’s eyes lit up.

In the Tang cultivation world, including Canghuan, Kunlun, and Saha, no one had pushed open the Immortal Gate through martial path alone.

But after Lei Jun summoned this true form, he seemed more like a martial immortal than even a martial saint.

Zhao Chanyang’s Taoist Dan Ding lineage had a strong physical cultivation combining with Nascent Soul, able to manifest a magical martial body, but his style differed from that of a martial immortal.

Observing from the side, Shen Qubing was greatly inspired by Lei Jun’s technique, especially since his own martial cultivation benefited from lightning.

Lei Jun waved his hand, and the Nine Heavens Responding Lightning Emperor true form moved forward.

Since it was not merged with Lei Jun himself, it could not exert full power, but was perfect for sparring with Shen Qubing.

With this help, Shen Qubing benefited immensely in a short time.

Lei Jun specially asked him to stay in Penglai to cultivate peacefully while he continued receiving various guests.

Most guests stayed at the ancestral hall of Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

Only a few were allowed to go to Penglai to meet Celestial Master Lei personally.

Representing the Song human realm was Elder Chai Bin of Pure Yang Palace.

He brought gifts and greetings from Zhu Junjie and Qi Yicheng.

The Song territory had just been restored and was in a state of rebuilding.

Both Zhu Junjie and new Pure Yang Palace leader Qi Yicheng were busy and entrusted Chai Bin to apologize to Lei Jun on their behalf.

"No worries," Lei Jun said. "But I do feel sorry for Elder Zheng of your sect."

Chai Bin hurriedly said, "The late Grand Tutor said the restoration of Song’s lands owed much to Celestial Master and companions. We juniors always take you and Grand Tutor as models."

Lei Jun: "You flatter me."

Though Lei Jun thought the original process had flaws, Tang Zhenren’s plan basically achieved its goal.

Elder Zheng Chen would be immortalized in Song’s history.

In the eyes of the world, although the devastating blow to Azure Wolf Khanate’s Zholigetu was divine intervention, it was Elder Zheng who shattered the enemy’s spirit with a single palm, killing the last top warrior of that alien tribe.

It was Zholigetu, not Golden Khan Ongqinfu, making the story somewhat regrettable.

But with Zholigetu’s death, the steppe tribes had no chance to rise again in Song territory.

That battle was decisive and marked a turning point in Song’s long turmoil.

Elder Zheng’s mutual demise with Zholigetu gave the story a legendary feel and ensured his place in history.

It also left a glorious legacy for Song Pure Yang Palace.

In the current thriving Taoist context, Song Pure Yang Palace had more space to recuperate and restore strength.

Lei Jun saw through Chai Bin’s attempts to get close and gather news but didn’t mind.

Many others came to probe for information nowadays.

The Southern Jin royal family’s representatives finally got approval from Shushan Sect leader Shen Xi and came with Elder Li Wanqiu to visit the Celestial Master.

Ouyang Jingyuan, a senior official of the Han Dynasty, asked Yu Boyan, the youngest eighth heaven elder of Han Shushan Sect, to accompany him to congratulate Lei Jun.

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm was represented by Prime Minister Geng Yuanyan of the Later Han, who came via Elder of Zhenwu Temple through Zhou Pu’s introduction.

He was one of the few eighth heaven Confucian scholars there.

Lei Jun knew Geng Yuanyan was likely the highest-level Confucian cultivator in that realm.

Zhou Pu’s conduct differed greatly from other rulers and emperors of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

Though gifted with top Confucian talent, he practiced martial arts.

He was not gentle or humble but decisive and ruthless.

At the same time, he emphasized balancing civil and martial affairs, reducing bloodshed.

As a top official of Later Han, Geng Yuanyan left many tasks to come represent them to congratulate Lei Jun.

The reason was the same as other representatives from Song, Southern Jin, Han, and Northern Jin:

They wanted to clearly understand the Celestial Master’s views on the human realms’ merging.

Though Lei Jun had spoken during the Taoist sects’ meeting, the major royal houses remained worried.

Their concern was not about Lei Jun or Longhu Tianshi Mansion.

Lei Jun’s actions in recent years showed he had no intention to imitate Gaotian Sui or the former Heavenly Palace faction.

Under his leadership, Longhu Tianshi Mansion kept to itself with little expansion.

But others had to consider… the Tang Dynasty.

Even ignoring Longhu, compared to the Han, Northern and Southern Jin, Song, and Later Han dynasties, the Tang Dynasty was still a colossal presence.

Not to mention, Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong alone was a leader among leaders.

When the human realms eventually merged, what would happen to the other imperial families?

Han Emperor Xiang Sheng and others had to care.

In fact, it was not only other human realms but also inside the Tang Dynasty that some eagerly wanted to communicate with Longhu Tianshi Mansion, seeking Lei Jun’s views on the merged human realms, especially regarding the mountain and river dragon veins’ stabilization.

Old acquaintances, King of Xunan Zhang Mu and Prince of Changshan Zhang Junhai, came with Zhang Ziyin father and daughter to congratulate Lei Jun, also concerned about this matter.

"Though the human realms will overlap, the overall territory will expand," Chu Kun said.

"As long as Tang Emperor has no objections and everyone holds their own territory, it can work. But it might resemble the war-torn Later Han and Southern Wu, with endless battles.

Tang Emperor and you, brother, can keep them down, but there are also the former Heavenly Palace faction, the Abyssal Border, and the Ming Dynasty."

Lei Jun: "If it becomes one dynasty, the expanded human realm’s dragon vein and earthly energy will unite, and the emperor’s arts will produce stronger sovereigns. There are pros and cons, but…"

His eyes flickered slightly: "I feel someone is eyeing this."

Chu Kun: "Gaotian Lord or Abyssal Emperor?"

Lei Jun: "Signs will gradually appear;

we must watch carefully."

Besides Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Martial arts, this time also brought witch sect experts to congratulate Lei Jun.

From the Tang Witch Sect Reincarnation Abyss, the former Holy Lord Feng Gui failed breaking through from eighth to ninth heaven and perished.

He was replaced by young elder Yang Haolong.

Joining Yang Haolong were young Holy Lord Wenxi of Ge Po Mountain and youngest elder Tian Cheng of Yin Mountain.

Current Holy Lord of Yin Mountain, Hu Hengyuan, remained in seclusion.

Like Feng Gui, he was attempting to break into the ninth heaven Divine Realm.

Feng Gui failed and died;

no news of Hu Hengyuan yet.

Tang Blood River Sect leader Xing Feng, who had reached ninth heaven, came with Li Ying, leader of the Wu Li tribe among the Nine Li.

After years of preparation, especially under Li Tianqing’s guidance, the Nine Li tribe’s return to daylight was making progress.

Li Ying traveled openly without special arrangements, first to Longhu ancestral hall, then to Penglai to meet Celestial Master Lei Jun.

"Congratulatory and joyous," Lei Jun said.

Li Ying now faced surface dwellers with calm: "Thank you for your care, Celestial Master."

Lei Jun: "No, more credit goes to Dao brother Li Tianqing."

Later, Li Ying happily met Shen Qubing.

"Tianqing and Li Jin clan leader cannot leave the Earth Sea for now, so I send their congratulations for your hundred-year birthday," Xing Feng smiled.

Lei Jun: "Thank you, Dao brother Li and clan leader."

Though Tang Xiaotang had entered the Earth Sea, she was quietly cultivating, so Li Tianqing and Li Jin could not leave easily.

In some ways, they served as her protectors.

Later, original Ling Mountain Great Witch Zhao Qianran and others, accompanied by Sun Li, came to congratulate Lei Jun.

Xing Feng initially wanted Sun Li to introduce him to Ling Mountain.

Now Ling Mountain was unreachable, so he went to Guicang to visit.

Zhao Qianran also brought good news:

Huangfu Qi was gradually recovering.

However, she was still very weak and needed much time to recuperate;

full recovery depended on fate.

Fortunately, Ling Mountain’s spiritual energy in Guicang had been restoring over the past decades, no longer as barren as before, allowing Huangfu Qi to rest there.

"Please convey my thanks for the Ling Mountain lord’s congratulatory gift," Lei Jun said calmly. "If there is a chance later, I will visit Guicang."

Zhao Qianran replied, "Celestial Master is too polite."

Ling Mountain was currently occupied by Ruan Qiao, who was stronger in both cultivation and strength than Huangfu Qi.

It was extremely difficult for Huangfu Qi to reclaim Ling Mountain.

Even if the former Heavenly Palace faction fell, the final ownership of Ling Mountain was uncertain.

Hearing Lei Jun still referred to Huangfu Qi as "Lord of Ling Mountain" eased Zhao Qianran’s mind.

With his personal cultivation and status changing, more guests came to Lei Jun’s birthday every year, but they were increasingly cautious.

Many, like Han Emperor Xiang Sheng and Later Han ruler Zhou Pu, wanted to visit personally but were hesitant.

Not out of pride, but because the topics were sensitive;

they sent representatives to keep room for maneuvering.

Only Sun Li, Ji Chuan, and a few others had no reservations.

Lei Jun observed all this but remained unaffected.

He neither rejected nor avoided nor catered to them.

The mortal world’s worldly affairs were ever-changing, part of his life experience and cultivation journey.

Compared to visitors’ birthday congratulations, Celestial Master Lei focused more on the upcoming New Year.

The next talisman bestowal ceremony was due.

This time, the ancestral halls of Longhu Tianshi Mansion’s Tang branch and Han branch would still bestow separately.

As the second independent bestowal after the calendar reform and sect reunification, Lei Jun arranged for his junior brother Chu Kun, at the ninth heaven level, to preside over the Han branch’s ceremony.

At the Tang ancestral hall, his master Yuan Mobai would come out of retirement to preside.

"There are many promising talents, and with a smooth bestowal, they should soon reach the middle third heaven cultivation level," Chu Kun messaged Lei Jun.

Lei Jun said, "For the next Han branch bestowal, I plan to have Elders Ma and Fu preside. Do you think the timing is right?"

Chu Kun: "I believe it will be fine."

Lei Jun nodded: "Good. This is the foundation for passing down the legacy."

After finishing the conversation with Chu Kun, Lei Jun retracted his spirit and continued cultivating.

Besides constantly refining the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into his own immortal essence, Lei Jun began to temper his magical treasures.

The Eight Extremities Thunder Drum, originally from Yu Shuo, had transformed into the Five Conduits Thunder Drum, corresponding to the five thunder numbers and the nine heavens’ phenomena.

His Zhou Tian Seal’s appearance was constantly changing. Now both its shape and Taoist magic realm increasingly resembled Lei Jun’s Heavenly Seal.

Now drifting in the Nine Abyss True Fire Ocean was a green bamboo staff glowing with purple and golden light.

Once a nine-section bamboo staff, it now had ten sections.

Besides this, two streams of energy, one black and one white, intertwined endlessly along its edges.

Lei Jun waved his hand, and the ten-section bamboo staff flew out from the fire ocean to him.

The black and white energies continued to swirl around its surface, making its original purple and golden glow appear hazy.

Lei Jun took it and lightly stroked it with his fingers.

After concentrating and thinking for a moment, he threw it back into the emerald fire ocean.

Then he waved again.

The Taishang Eight Scenes Treasure Raincoat floated into the Nine Abyss True Fire Ocean.

After the Jade Pure Zhou Tian Mirror, Lei Jun further tempered and refined his other two path-forming treasures, the Shangqing Jade Immortal Bamboo and the Taishang Eight Scenes Treasure Raincoat.

The grass strands on the raincoat spread in all directions like raging dragons.

In the hazy rain mist, natural fierce winds circulated, gradually condensing on all sides.

The fierce winds seemed to become tangible entities, like screens or city walls.

On one "wall" of fierce wind was a unique and profound Taoist principle, originating from the Vast Mysterious Jade Tablet, with elegant energy flowing continuously through it.

The other seven "walls" remained blank.

Lei Jun waved slightly, and a Time Blade spirit flew out, landing on one "wall" of fierce wind.

The flickering blade spirit, like a flowing river of time, slowly merged into the raincoat’s "wall" under Lei Jun’s refinement.

After time’s accumulation and tempering, this blade light containing strong martial truth became the raincoat’s second scene.

In the following days, Lei Jun worked nonstop, taking jade bones from Ling Mountain to temper and refine, merging them into the third "wall" of fierce wind, forming the raincoat’s third scene.

During this time, Lei Jun also tempered and refined numerous heavenly and earthly treasures as auxiliaries.

Whether accumulated before or gifted during his birthday celebrations, many rare treasures now aided Lei Jun in refining his magical treasures.

After an unknown time, the jade bones became part of the raincoat, and Lei Jun took out another treasure.

It was the Diamond Sutra Wheel.

Originating from Sumeru, when Venerable Shanzhihui was absent from Sumeru, Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong led Tang experts to seize it, killing many Buddhist disciples including the Vajra Realm Treasure Division leader Fandatuo.

When Vairochana and Shedila fled Sumeru, many things were left behind and became spoils of war.

This Diamond Sutra Wheel was one of them.

Now, under Lei Jun’s magical control, the Diamond Sutra Wheel was refined into the Taishang Eight Scenes Treasure Raincoat as its fourth scene.

In the following days, Lei Jun continued tempering various spiritual items, blessing the raincoat.

Time passed quietly into summer.

Celestial Master Lei Jun reached his 101st birthday.

One day, above Penglai Sea, a white lightning dragon soared, twisting and turning, flying swiftly with a thunderous roar.

The white lightning dragon turned midair and flew back before Lei Jun.

Above Lei Jun’s head hovered a mysterious and ancient magical talisman, flashing white lightning.

As the lightning surged, the white lightning dragon grew stronger.

"Hmm, the initial results," Lei Jun nodded slightly.

After observing and comprehending Shen Qubing’s Tai Ting Immortal Thunder, Lei Jun had roughly grasped its mysteries and deduced a brand-new magical talisman.

The created celestial phenomenon was also a lightning dragon.

This was his seventh mastered lightning technique.

However, like the Yushu Immortal Thunder and Xiandu Divine Thunder, this newly forged celestial phenomenon could not yet become a fully armored and armed deity like the Nine Heavens Thunder Ancestor, Xuanyao Thunder Ancestor, Pure Yang Thunder Ancestor, or Pure Yin Thunder Ancestor.

These three thunder techniques were not Lei Jun’s life-born magic.

Though he had successfully formed celestial phenomena after ascending to the Immortal Realm, they were weaker than his life-born magic.

He studied Tai Ting Immortal Thunder for other reasons, preparing for the future.

For now, its current state was sufficient.

He only needed to continue slowly improving and refining, discarding the dross.

As his thoughts turned here, Lei Jun suddenly smiled.

He stood up and, rarely, left Penglai.

Feeling his Dao essence and immortal spirit dispersing into the mortal realm, Lei Jun walked among the human mountains and waters, enjoying himself.

Upon entering the Earth Sea, the dispersal vanished.

Though he felt slightly weaker than before and Yin-Yang Wuji Star Radiance could not quickly replenish him, his expression remained calm.

Looking at the dim underground world before him, he silently concentrated, nurturing himself, patiently waiting, and tending to the Youning tree seeds he had instructed his disciples to plant here.

After an unknown time, the entire Earth Sea suddenly seemed to shake.

The next moment, a rare burst of strong light exploded in the dim Earth Sea.

The dazzling brilliance flashed and disappeared instantly.

With it vanished the violent tremors.

But immediately, unrestrained laughter rose from small to large, echoing throughout the Earth Sea and even reaching the Tang and Song human realms beyond.

"I succeeded!"

In the distant dim underground world, a figure gradually appeared, blurry at first, making Lei Jun momentarily unsure.

When the mist around her retracted, the tall female Taoist wearing a purple-gold robe became clear, lighting up the underground world.

"Congratulations, junior senior sister, on your Dongxuan ascension," Lei Jun smiled and bowed.

In a blur, they had known each other over eighty years.

At that time, one was twenty, the other eighteen.

"Looking back now, I am already over a hundred years old," Lei Jun laughed.

Unlike talking about this with Shen Qubing, Lei Jun now had a different mindset.

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand: "Stop it, I’m not there yet!"

Lei Jun raised a finger.

Tang Xiaotang turned her head aside, refusing to look at him.

At that moment, Li Tianqing and Li Jin appeared nearby.

They congratulated Tang Xiaotang in unison: "Congratulations to Divine Xiao, the True Protector of Demon Sweeping, on your Dongxuan ascension."

Tang Xiaotang smiled: "Thanks to all the Daoist friends who have protected me these days."

"Not at all, True Protector," they replied, then looked at Lei Jun: "Celestial Master Lei, we salute you."

Lei Jun: "Thank you all for your hard work."

He looked at Tang Xiaotang: "Junior senior sister?"

Tang Xiaotang laughed: "No need to look at me;

we can set off anytime."

She flipped her palm, revealing a treasure pearl that constantly shifted between bright and dark.

"I’ve been waiting for this day!"

Though not as fast as Lei Jun’s one-step ascension, Tang Xiaotang had accumulated years in the fifth level of ninth heaven to prepare for post-immortal cultivation, with much already clear in her mind.

While others need time to adapt, she only needed to cross the final chasm, push open the Immortal Gate, and stride forward, overcoming everything.

"How about you? Coming from Penglai through the mortal world to the Earth Sea, do you need rest?" Tang Xiaotang asked.

Lei Jun: "No problem."

He turned to Li Tianqing and Li Jin: "Later, the Earth Sea here will need your help to manage, to avoid harm from chaos."

Li Tianqing, already notified, nodded calmly: "We are prepared. Celestial Master and Tang True Protector can rest assured."

Lei Jun then notified Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong, Bai Mei in Saha, and Golden Crow Haoyang in Canghuan.

They all remained vigilant.

While Lei Jun communicated, Tang Xiaotang chuckled, holding the Eight Extremities Obscurity Brightness Pearl in one hand, while raising the other palm upward with fingers spread.

At that moment, her body seemed to transform into intangible qi, appearing transparent and elusive in the dim Earth Sea.

Above her appeared numerous glowing talismans forming a huge talisman formation.

As the formation rotated, it directly drew Earth Sea spiritual energy from all directions.

Rolling black mist gathered at the talisman formation’s center, transforming and regenerating, shifting from black to white.

Tang Xiaotang had been cultivating here over a year, preparing to open the Immortal Gate and constantly adjusting the Eight Extremities Obscurity Brightness Pearl according to the Earth Sea’s condition.

She had long had a plan and now effortlessly made it happen.

The black mist turned white, gathering and flowing to form a portal-like existence.

But the "portal" was closed.

Until Tang Xiaotang touched a point on it.

From that point, invisible power suddenly expanded outward in all directions.

It was Tang Xiaotang’s Initiating Pearl, but the version after her Dongxuan ascension.

After the Kong Sang war, Venerable Shanzhihui, though unaware of details, sensed Tang Xiaotang had taken something from the Kong Sang sea valley.

His spiritual perception told him it was important.

So though ignorant of the truth, Shanzhihui did not ignore it but strengthened Kong Sang continuously.

When Tang Xiaotang was still at the Ninth Heaven Spirit realm, even holding the Eight Extremities Pearl was insufficient to break Kong Sang’s portal.

But now, with her cultivation change, the primordial Daoist ruler’s manifestation also ascended.

Though still expanding invisibly outward, this expansion seemed slower than before.

The truth was that it was slow yet fast and continuous.

Primordial One Qi was intangible and formless, yet now it expanded all things in nothingness, like a continuous vacuum full of contradictions yet containing unfathomable power.

The "portal" was suddenly blown open!

Tang Xiaotang raised her hand again, the pearl’s hazy light flickered and rose, flying into the opened "portal."

The alternating light formed a path extending forward endlessly.

"Let’s go!" Tang Xiaotang called to Lei Jun, stepping in first.

Lei Jun nodded at Li Tianqing and Li Jin, then floated up, stepping into the mysterious "portal," beginning the wondrous "path."

The void shifted, and the scene stabilized quickly.

A chill intertwined around Lei Jun.

The world before him looked desolate and endless.

"This is Kong Sang," Tang Xiaotang said beside him.