In autumn, the most powerful experts from both the Human Race and demonkind gathered, culminating in a cataclysmic showdown in the deserts beyond Longwai. The battle raged for a long time, altering the landscape dramatically as the heavens seemed to shatter and the earth split. The outcome, too, was incredibly brutal.

Numerous peerless Great Demons perished—a detail not worth dwelling on. On the human side, the Longwai Xiao Family was nearly annihilated. Not only had the current family head fallen, but many of its experts also suffered death or injury. The losses were more devastating than those from the consecutive internal strifes once faced by the Celestial Master Mansion, severe enough to rewrite the Xiao Clan's destiny.

The Clan Chief of the Shangguan Clan, which shared vital ties with the Tang Imperial Family, perished.

Tang Emperor Zhang Qilong himself was seriously injured.

The Jingxiang Fang Clan and the Jinzhou Ye Clan, which later joined the battle in support, saw both their Clan Chiefs suffer severe injuries.

The Taoist Sacred Land Pure Yang Palace, the Buddhist Sacred Lands Bodhi Temple and Vajra Temple, the Jingxiang Fang Clan, and the Jinzhou Ye Clan all suffered casualties among their experts.

The Tang Court, prominent families, and Sects all suffered grievous losses, severely damaging the vitality of the human cultivation world.

Fortunately, the outcome could barely be considered a pyrrhic victory, as the Great Demons of the Western Regions were repelled from the Great Tang, with countless slain. To the west, a long period of peace was now expected. Still, the devastating toll left countless hearts in anguish.

This dramatic change disrupted many people's plans. And perhaps, it gave rise to new schemes and thoughts in others.

"I heard that the old fox from the north...?" Chu Kun asked curiously. "Did he really stake his life this time?"

He hailed from the Suzhou Chu Clan. The Five Clans and Seven Families, while competitive, also cooperated and frequently exchanged news. In his youth, Chu Kun had heard his family elders discuss the world's heroes, and they always mentioned that the old family head of the Jinzhou Ye Clan in the north was no simple figure. In everyone's eyes, the National Father of the Qingzhou Ye Clan might—just might—risk his life for the Great Tang. But that old fox of the Jinzhou Ye Clan? Absolutely no chance.

"Zhong Guang, show some respect for your elders," Yuan Mobai admonished his young disciple, shaking his head slightly.

Chu Kun immediately responded, "I spoke presumptuously, Master. Please forgive me."

Yuan Mobai said, "We cannot know what Elder Ye is thinking, but the information we currently have points to this."

Lei Jun raised an eyebrow slightly. "Let's not mention the Longwai Xiao Clan. The Jiangzhou Lin Clan, the Jingxiang Fang Clan, and the Jinzhou Ye Clan will likely lay low for now. That leaves the Qingzhou Ye Clan, the Suzhou Chu Clan, and the Youzhou Lin Clan…"

Tang Emperor Zhang Qilong was seriously injured. The Clan Chief of the Shangguan Clan, the foremost noble and a pillar of the court, had fallen. The strength of the Tang Imperial Family had been gravely damaged. Could they continue to secure the realm?

Yuan Mobai said, "After all, the Tang Imperial Family has ruled the land and established its dynasty many years ago. Their underlying strength should not be underestimated."

Lei Jun nodded. The imperial Zhang Family, though its history wasn't as long as that of the Five Clans and Seven Families, was, in a sense, the foremost family in the Great Tang cultivation world today.

"Although Her Highness the Princess has long been rumored to possess extraordinary talent, she had rarely acted in public before." Yuan Mobai praised, "But in this great battle in the Western Regions, when she finally made her move, it was truly earth-shattering!"

Chu Kun pondered, "The current Emperor's younger sister, Her Highness the Princess, right? I once heard my… uh, I mean, Master Chu mentioned her in passing, and he had nothing but praise for her then."

Lei Jun said, "Still, I hope the Emperor himself can hold on." Otherwise, it would spell inestimable trouble. The current Empress hails from the Qingzhou Ye Clan. Her only son, the crown prince, is still quite young.

Of course, no matter how the world's situation changed, it would not become so absurd as to require a disciple from the Celestial Master Mansion to ascend the Dragon Court. Yet with the changing tides, everything still deeply concerned Dragon Tiger Mountain. What path should the Celestial Master Mansion take in the future?

"We of the Taoist Sect should simply act according to the prevailing circumstances and adapt to the flow of fate," Yuan Mobai smiled. "Although we must prioritize the preservation of our Sect's Taoist Heritage, we can never depart from these ten words: To do one's utmost, accept fate with serenity, and remain true to one's heart."

Since Wang Guiyuan had gone into seclusion again, only Lei Jun and Chu Kun were before Yuan Mobai. They both replied, "We will bear Master's teachings in mind."

Yuan Mobai instructed Chu Kun to return and rest. He looked at Lei Jun, who remained before him, and after a brief moment of contemplation, began to speak, "Chongyun, on your journey to Shunan, you may encounter a descendant of the Mount Shu Sect. There are some matters I need to discuss with you, so you should be prepared."

Lei Jun listened in silence. He remembered the time they had both gone to the Yunxiao Mountain Range, when Yuan Mobai had suddenly left for a while. Only later did he learn that his master had arranged a duel. His opponent was a master from the Mount Shu Sect, another Sacred Land within the Taoist Sect's heritage. However, Yuan Mobai had never mentioned the specific reason. In addition, it seemed that his master was quite familiar with the magic artifacts from the Mount Shu Sect…

"First off, let me clarify that I am originally from the land of Bashu," said Yuan Mobai.

This was yet another unconventional piece of information. It reminded Lei Jun of when Luo Haoran had casually mentioned almost moving to the Guanlong region. If he had, he would most likely have wished to become a disciple of the Pure Yang Palace on Zhongnan Mountain. The various Sacred Lands, major Sects, and prominent clans generally have their own established spheres of influence, rarely encroaching upon others. The Celestial Master Mansion on Xinzhou's Dragon Tiger Mountain and the Jiangzhou Lin Clan, for instance, became embroiled in frequent friction and conflict due to their geographical proximity. Over the millennia, these disputes accumulated, deepening their enmity until they became mortal foes. In such circumstances, people from the land of Bashu often aspire to the Daoist Artificing tradition of the Taoist Sect. The Mount Shu Sect is a sacred land in the hearts of many. But Yuan Mobai turned out to be the one who slipped through the net.

"To be accurate, in my youth, I escaped from the land of Bashu," Yuan Mobai narrated calmly, without embarrassment. "The reason being, I inadvertently caused a great calamity and offended an Elder of the Mount Shu Sect. Consequently, there was no longer a place for me in the land of Bashu." His eyes filled with reminiscence. "It was thanks to my benefactor, who took me in, bore this karmic burden for me, and diligently taught me the Taoist Laws, that I was able to live the life I have since."

Upon reaching this point, Yuan Mobai chuckled. "As for the grievance with the Mount Shu Sect, it's actually been resolved. It's merely that both sides still harbor the desire to best one another, so we occasionally engage in friendly spars."

When he said 'both sides,' given Yuan Mobai's usual temperament, it seemed more likely that the Mount Shu Sect still harbored some resentment. The relationships between the different lineages of the Taoist Sect are inherently complex. Although Yuan Mobai's feud with them didn't seem as sharp anymore, they likely still retained the desire to prove their superiority and achieve a sense of resolution.

"The Taoist Brothers from the Mount Shu Sect are unlikely to make things difficult for a junior such as yourself. However, you must be mindful of another matter…" Yuan Mobai's expression became more serious. "The Mount Shu Sect itself... is not entirely peaceful internally. Do not get drawn into their affairs, lest you invite unnecessary trouble."

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun understood, a wave of dismay washing over him. Yuan Mobai's implication was clear. Though it might not necessarily be a Li Wai struggle like the one within the Celestial Master Mansion, the Mount Shu Sect could be showing signs of internal conflict…

"This is really…" Lei Jun shook his head.

Yuan Mobai's smile returned. "I have written several letters. Keep them with you and personally deliver them to a few Elders of the Mount Shu Sect when the time comes."

Lei Jun agreed. After a short while, he received several Talisman Papers from Yuan Mobai, secured them on his person, and bade farewell to his master.

This time, without his senior brother Wang Guiyuan to see him off, Lei Jun made some basic preparations and soon left the mountain, heading west towards the Southern Shu Bamboo Sea. Cloud boats and Cloud Cars were too conspicuous, so Lei Jun opted against using them, preferring the flexibility and convenience of traveling alone. However, the journey was long, and he couldn't help wondering if he should get a mount.

He was adept at managing his time, cultivating as he traveled, ensuring no moment was wasted. Despite the long journey, he didn't find it tedious.

The journey was smooth. Lei Jun flew his cloud across towering mountains, gradually entering the territory of Bashu. But not long after passing Wushan, a flash of sword light suddenly appeared before him. A young Taoist dressed in rough hemp clothes, his hair simply bound with a wooden hairpin, stepped forward to greet him.

The young Taoist initially appeared friendly, offering a Taoist salutation first. "May I ask which Taoist Brother from Dragon Tiger Mountain I have the honor of addressing? Ji Chuan of Mount Shu, at your service."

As he spoke, he looked at Lei Jun and found him somewhat familiar. Recalling a portrait he had once seen, the young Taoist's expression gradually changed.

Lei Jun observed this but remained outwardly composed. "Greetings, Daoist Friend Ji. I am Lei Jun—"

Before he could finish, Ji Chuan interjected, "I remember now! You're one of the disciples of that Mountain Pi demon!"

Lei Jun was taken aback. What was he talking about?

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