Calculated by the lifespans of ordinary mortals, it would be more than enough to span two generations.

"I heard that he has reached the Fifth Heaven Layer realm and has cultivated the Tao Palace of the Talisman Sect's heritage. I just wonder, how many Tao Palaces has he actually cultivated?" He Dongxing said with emotion. "Several years have passed without seeing him, and he has advanced from the Fourth to the Fifth Layer of Heaven. Although his cultivation speed is not as fast as the new Celestial Master's, his staying power is also very strong."

Lü Jinduan spoke slowly, "Compared to someone like Xu, for example." He Dongxing nodded.

Compared to Tang Xiaotang, who soared to great heights right from the start, Lei Jun's ascent was more like that of Xu Yuanzhen.

He was initially nothing special, but as time went on, he gradually began to show his extraordinary qualities. His rise always seemed swift, as if there were no difficulties or dangers in his way.

Generally speaking, as one's cultivation level increases, the time it takes to advance also grows longer, becoming ever more difficult.

Xu Yuanzhen, however, always seemed to move at a leisurely pace, as if strolling through a serene courtyard.

As he continued on his path, he left his contemporaries far behind.

And now, there was another Lei Jun.

On the other side was Tang Xiaotang, who always advanced swiftly and powerfully.

He Dongxing and Lü Jinduan, venerable Elders from the two other great Sacred Lands of the Taoist Sect, witnessed all this and felt many emotions stirring in their hearts.

"The guests from the Tang Imperial Court are over there." Yue Xiling and Ye Dongming's gazes turned in unison towards the distance.

He Dongxing and Lü Jinduan also looked in the same direction.

The person who arrived was somewhat unexpected, yet it seemed reasonable.

Chu Yu, having exchanged her hunting garb for the grand attire of a court lady, attended the ceremony as a distinguished guest.

However, this time, she did not represent the Suzhou Chu Clan, but rather, she was a representative of the Tang Imperial Court.

"After the Wu Yue rebellion was quelled, I heard that Master Chu did not return to Suzhou but went straight to the capital." Ye Dongming smiled and nodded as a form of greeting. Chu Yu, seeing him from a distance, also smiled and returned the gesture.

The two, one an Elder of the Mount Shu Sect and the other a trusted confidante of the Empress, appeared to completely ignore their other identities.

But while they themselves might not care, others took notice, and from time to time, they gave the two reverential looks.

By Ye Dongming's side, Yue Xiling spoke in his usual tone, "The Emperor has established the East and West Chambers before the palace, presided over by Layman Xiao and Layman Chu."

"With the new Emperor's ascension comes a new atmosphere," Ye Dongming said with a smile.

Yue Xiling nodded slightly.

The grand ceremony continued until the evening. Once it concluded, the newly-appointed Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang would proceed to the forbidden area of the Rear Mountain Ancestral Tomb.

Lei Jun and three others, along with the other mansion Elders, would accompany Yuan Mobai and the three other High Merit Elders to thank the guests.

"I must thank the two Seniors for traveling such a long distance to attend the ceremony at Dragon Tiger Mountain. If there has been any lack in hospitality, I hope you will forgive us."

Because Lei Jun had previously gone to Bashu, this time, he was responsible for hosting He Dongxing, Ye Dongming, and the others from the Mount Shu Sect.

He had interacted with He Dongxing and Ye Dongming before, so they were not strangers now.

Ye Qi, Ye Chifeng, and others had already helped the Jinzhou Ye Clan make its mark in Lei Jun's mind.

However, now facing Elder Ye Dongming from the Mount Shu Sect, Lei Jun behaved as usual, with proper etiquette that made his guests feel warmly welcomed.

Ye Dongming also smiled, "It is indeed a joyous occasion for our Taoist Sect to see the emergence of another scion favored by the heavens."

Lei Jun replied, "You flatter me, Elder."

There was another familiar face on this trip, Ji Chuan.

"Lei, congratulations," he said with a smile as he handed a Miniature Bag to Lei Jun. "These are some local specialties from Bashu. It's just a small token."

"Ji, it's been a while." Lei Jun thanked him and accepted it without looking into what was specifically in the Miniature Bag, stowing it away first.

Knowing that Ji Chuan and others would come, Lei Jun was also prepared, having specially made a batch of Spirit Talismans as gifts.

He said, "This time, it's my turn to play the host."

Ji Chuan laughed and shook his head. "I've long revered the sacred Dragon Tiger Mountain and have desired to explore its majesty. However, I fear I cannot this time due to the tight schedule. After the ceremony, I must return to Bashu as soon as possible with my Master and Martial Uncle Ye, so I'll have to wait for another opportunity."

Lei Jun asked, "Is it so urgent?"

Ji Chuan nodded. His smile faded, and he became serious. "Bashu has been somewhat unsettled lately, and we must be cautious... Have you heard of the Shengkang King?"

Lei Jun replied, "I don't know much. I've only read a few records in Our Sect's archives, but they are more akin to legends."

The so-called Shengkang King was not a king ennobled by the Great Tang.

Rather, the title refers to Crown Prince Sheng Kang of the former Great Sui Dynasty, from before the Great Tang Dynasty came to power.

After the fall of the Former Sui, warlords vied for dominance, and the Founding Emperor of Tang established the Great Tang Dynasty.

The last Emperor of Sui died early, and Crown Prince Sheng Kang disappeared without a trace, rumored to have fled to the Southwest.

But that history was very ancient. Even if Crown Prince Sheng Kang had truly escaped death at the time, by now, he would have long since turned to dust.

Yet, there were always rumors that descendants of Crown Prince Sheng Kang survived, though it was hard to tell if they were true or false.

People were accustomed to calling him the Shengkang King.

Even if descendants of the former dynasty truly existed, the nation's destiny had long since passed from them.

Of course, the Way of the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, traditionally only allowed two individuals to cultivate it at any given time. Other members of the Former Sui imperial family had their own hereditary teachings, which were subsequently passed down.

Logically, the Former Sui Dynasty had lost the hearts of the people. Even if their descendants were to raise a banner of rebellion again, they would likely find few supporters.

"But this time, it's different." Ji Chuan frowned. "Within the bounds of Central Earth Great Tang, it seems someone is secretly supporting them, and there are also stirrings of trouble from the Southern Wilderness."

Lei Jun nodded slightly, thoughtful.

Ji Chuan continued, "The current Emperor has instructed Our Sect to investigate matters related to the Southwest. Our Sect also does not wish for turmoil to erupt in the Southwest and affect Bashu. Therefore, the Sect Leader has ordered the formation of a special team to investigate the mountains of the Southwest."

Lei Jun gave a Taoist Sect salute. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for sharing this. My Sect will also help monitor activities in the Southern Wilderness."

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