Cultivation: Fortune by Lots-Chapter 398 - 228. The Third Rank May Expand Opportunities, Balance of Motion and Stillness (Combined Chapter)_2

"Both His Majesty and the late Emperor have said that Dragon Tiger Mountain has not had it easy these years, having weathered many storms," Zhang Mu reflected. "Master Lei, before a true master like yourself, this prince will not speak falsely. The Great Tang has also faced its share of turmoil over the years. Hence, looking at Dragon Tiger Mountain, I deeply empathize."

Lei Jun understood the implications in the other’s words and responded, "When the late Emperor was alive, he was quite generous to Our Sect. Alas, Heaven does not grant endless years. Fortunately, the current Empress has succeeded to the throne. May Heaven bless the Great Tang. The storms of the past have become fleeting clouds. Under Her Majesty’s rule, the Great Tang is gradually displaying signs of a golden age. It is indeed my good fortune to live in such an era."

This was true. Publicly, the Celestial Master Mansion hoped that the Tang Imperial Court would remain as stable as possible to avoid further ripples. Privately, I am personally uninterested in hereditary rule. The Empress seems like someone who enjoys making waves, but as things stand, she is preferable to other Emperors. The Crown Prince appears elegant and refined for now, but Heaven knows what he will be like once he ascends the throne.

Hearing Lei Jun explicitly express support for the Empress and the current reign, Prince Xun’an, Zhang Mu, nodded with a smile.

Lei Jun, with his Cultivation at the realm of the Sixth Heavenly Layer, currently does not hold the ultimate authority on Dragon Tiger Mountain. However, his status is very special. His master, Yuan Mobai, is one of the few remaining High Merit Elders of Dragon Tiger Mountain. Rumors further indicate his excellent relationship with the current Celestial Master, Tang Xiaotang. Combined with his exceptional talents and rapidly advancing Cultivation, his significance within the Celestial Master Mansion could not be measured by ordinary standards. Regardless of what might happen in the future, his attitude at that moment was enough to indicate some of Dragon Tiger Mountain’s inclinations.

Pleased with the answer he received, Zhang Mu smoothly changed the subject, casually chatting with Lei Jun about the scenery of Dragon Tiger Mountain. For a time, the atmosphere between host and guest was harmonious. This continued until, suddenly, someone arrived with news.

Messengers arrived for both sides simultaneously. From the Eastern Palace came the guards stationed outside the mountain, and from the Celestial Master Mansion came Lei Jun’s junior martial brother, Chu Kun. Both parties greeted each other calmly, showing no emotion. It was clear that Prince Xun’an, Zhang Mu, paid some attention to Chu Kun, who had a special background. However, upon hearing the guard’s report, Zhang Mu’s eyes suddenly sharpened, though his smile did not fade.

Chu Kun also quietly said to Lei Jun, "Senior Brother, someone exhibiting mysterious movements and of unknown origin has been discovered outside the mountain, spying on the Eastern Palace guards!"

Lei Jun remained composed. "And now?"

Chu Kun replied, "Elder Shangguan has personally left the mountain to investigate. There is no further information at present. Before she left, she instructed us not to alarm the Crown Prince, but to remain vigilant for his safety."

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

Chu Kun was somewhat speechless. "If they don’t intend to truly attack Our Sect’s mountain gate, is this act purely to antagonize us?"

Lei Jun said, "We can’t conclude yet. Perhaps they want us to let our guard down. In any case, let’s focus on our own affairs for now."

Chu Kun replied, "As Senior Brother says." He also found himself reflecting. I had previously considered leaving the mountain for a while just to avoid duties, not intending to go far. But if I had stayed near Dragon Tiger Mountain, I might have been caught up in this current issue. Whether it would have been dangerous is uncertain, but it would surely have dragged me into the ensuing troubles, causing unnecessary hassle. Remaining on the mountain, despite the brewing storm, at least I have the freedom to act as I see fit.

Thank goodness, thank goodness... Chu Kun breathed an internal sigh of relief.

Lei Jun then went to meet Prince Xun’an, Zhang Mu, who, having also received the news, was approaching him.

"With Elder Shangguan handling this matter, everything will certainly be resolved satisfactorily. However, this prince cannot stand idly by. I must consult with Elder Shangguan," Zhang Mu said, his tone still warm. "The safest place nearby is currently the Celestial Master Mansion, with a Celestial Master present. Therefore, it seems the Eastern Palace might need to stay on the mountain for a few more days..." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Lei Jun replied, "Of course, Your Highness. Please be at ease."

Zhang Mu said, "The Crown Prince is in high spirits. Let’s not disturb him just yet. Please, Master Lei, accompany the Crown Prince for a little longer."

Lei Jun replied, "Certainly, certainly."

Prince Xun’an, Zhang Mu, found an excuse to take his leave temporarily after speaking with Crown Prince Zhang Hui. Lei Jun remained composed, continuing to accompany Zhang Hui and admire the mountain scenery.

"In the Capital City, I often heard people mention Master Lei. When I visited Mount Shu, Taoist Jichuan also often spoke of you," Zhang Hui said politely, his voice clear and bright.

Lei Jun smiled. "I also fondly remember my time in Shunan; Mount Shu’s scenery is picturesque. I wonder if Your Highness has ever been to the Southern Shu Bamboo Sea? It is indeed a rare spectacle, one that makes visitors reluctant to leave."

Zhang Hui clapped his hands and laughed. "Of course, I have! And just as Master Lei says, it is indeed a wonder of the world. I only lament that my artistic skills are too poor to capture even a fraction of its beauty." He gestured, and an attendant brought over a portfolio. Zhang Hui rummaged through it, pulling out a few scrolls to show Lei Jun. "Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I couldn’t stay there for long."

Lei Jun saw that the scrolls indeed depicted the Bamboo Sea scenery, executed with a free and expressive style. With his discerning Insight, he could detect the Wenhua Qi of a Confucian Cultivator imbued in the paintings, which brought the images to life, making the flat paper seem like a vibrant, real scene. The inscriptions on the paintings were similarly spirited. They appeared to follow the Taoist Heritage of the Confucian Chanting Sect, rather than the Scriptures Studies lineage.

Confucian Scholars of the Scriptures Studies lineage, cultivating Wenhua Qi, would wield swords in battle against foreign enemies. In their daily lives, they naturally also practiced classical arts such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. To some extent, it could be said that one’s swordplay reflected one’s calligraphy, and one’s sword revealed one’s character. Viewing their calligraphy was like seeing Sword Qi leap from the paper. In contrast, the calligraphy and paintings of Confucian Chanting Sect cultivators were much more serene.