Cultivation: Fortune by Lots-Chapter 607 - 278. The Long-Awaited Down Down Signing (Two-in-One Chapter)_2
Of course, because of the Rite of Reformation between ancient and modern Taoist laws, cultivators themselves must carefully distinguish and ponder the differences.
Overall, it had proved helpful for Lei Jun’s cultivation, but not as crucial as the Eight Scenic Winds.
The main effect lay in further aiding Lei Jun in delving more deeply into the mysteries of Life Skill Human Script Talismans and Doumu Star God Dharma.
On this foundation, Lei Jun sensed the celestial chronodials remotely and continued to ponder the Great Celestial Sky Jade.
However, Lei Jun did not feel disappointed, as these Rhymes of the Twenty-Eight Constellations could likely be very useful for another person’s cultivation.
"Junior brother, if you have time, head out from the mountain." He notified his junior Chu Kun, "Got something good."
The brotherhood between them had become second nature now, sharing and looking out for each other as a matter of habit.
Upon hearing the news, Chu Kun left the mountain, received a jade plaque from Lei Jun, and did not dig into its origins—only delighted, "Mmm, this is indeed good stuff, thanks brother!"
He, like Lei Jun, had root bone physique honed and boosted in the acquired way, known as the Constellation Holy Body.
Usually, he relied on the power of the constellations in his cultivation, so these Rhymes of the Twenty-Eight Constellations held even greater effectiveness for him.
"To preserve the Tao Containment within, I have not made edits. You should still take care as you cultivate with it. After the Rite of Reformation, our sect’s current Taoist heritage is vastly different from ancient times." Lei Jun reminded him.
Chu Kun nodded repeatedly, "Don’t worry, brother, I’ve got it."
Lei Jun nodded, "Good then. Take this treasure back to the mountain for quiet cultivation. The item is now yours—do as you please. I’ve noted down the Tao Containment and, later, we can consult with senior sister together if you wish."
Chu Kun asked, "Brother, aren’t you coming back to the mountain with me right now?"
His expression grew more solemn, "Are you heading to the Southern Wilderness to rendezvous with master?"
The Great Tang was unsettled.
The latest two biggest pieces of news, one in the south and one in the north, had kept everyone uneasy.
To the north, the Green Dragon Elder of Pure Yang Palace, Rong Guangchen, had defected and joined Mortal Tao Country, stirring intense debate and shock.
Meanwhile, the south grew even more mysterious, with rumors that the black mist, previously confined near the Jiuli Secret Realm, had lately started to spread.
"I was thinking of heading toward the Southern Wilderness to support master." Lei Jun nodded, "As for the real circumstances of the Earth Sea and Jiuli, we remain curious, but with things unclear now, we would not step in recklessly."
Chu Kun let out a sigh of relief, "That’s good, that’s good."
After exchanging a few more words, the two brothers parted ways, Lei Jun heading southwest, Chu Kun returning to the ancestral courtyard of the sect.
*Thinking about the mysterious Earth Sea linked to Jiuli, and the hint of Sumi already appearing in the Western Regions, Chu Kun grew slightly absent-minded for a moment.*
Back at his own Celestial Master Mansion, seated within his residence, Chu Kun raised his hand.
Instead of tapping his brow with his fingers this time, he held his forehead, gazed up at the ceiling, and fell silent in contemplation.
............
The Great Tang was shaken from north to south, with people everywhere paying attention.
A few Western Region monks had previously been on their way to visit Pure Yang Palace, but as they approached the gate, they ran right into trouble as things changed there again.
With unrest inside Pure Yang Palace, they could not host outside guests, so they had no choice but to apologize to Master Sang Jie, Suoyang, and Master Longjia, expressing their regrets.
Master Sang Jie and the rest kept up a very polite front, needing no greeting from Lü Jinduan or others, simply saying they’d call again next time, then left with composure.
Though they did not go inside Pure Yang Palace, they did not immediately leave Zhongnan Mountain either. Instead, they lingered around the outskirts, seeking news by all means.
*In a way, they felt like they were watching a fine show.*
The official news from Pure Yang Palace only mentioned that Rong Guangchen had become a member of Mortal Tao Country, with limited details.
After waiting some time, Master Sang Jie and his peers pooled true and false information from many channels to gather more detail.
For instance, most importantly, Rong Guangchen received the official position of Heavenly Palace Talisman Decree and "restored youth."
"Now that’s odd. If the Heavenly Court were still around, Rong Guangchen and Fu Dongsen wouldn’t have to be so timid, would they?"
Master Sang Jie questioned as well, "If the Heavenly Court no longer exists, where was Rong Guangchen’s talisman decree issued from?"
Master Longjia stood quietly to the side.
Abbot Suoyang of Vajra Temple then asked, "Master, has there been any other talk about the Heavenly Court from Sumi?"
Master Sang Jie replied, "As far as I know, the Heavenly Court should have vanished long ago. Yet Rong Guangchen’s current situation seems to suggest something truly unusual."
Master Longjia spoke softly, "I heard several masters were descending from Sumi to the mortal world soon?"
Master Sang Jie nodded, "That is true, but the leaders of the five divisions have settled on their decision; here in the Great Tang, stability comes first, and only my Vajra Division will be stationed here for some time.
Though all the masters are coming, which greatly benefits the spread of Buddhist law, we must not rush, especially not to make enemies on multiple fronts.
It’s best to first gain the core support of the Tang Court, for the position of state religion and the true law, then make plans step by step."
His gaze swept over Suoyang and Master Longjia and their group, "That so-called Mortal Tao Country—naturally, it is like ice and coal to us, incompatible. Yet with new changes emerging, we should wait and watch, discern the real situation, and avoid being rash."
Suoyang and Master Longjia both nodded.
"The Zen Sect in the Great Tang is weak at present and can be left aside for now."
Suoyang commented, "As for the Taoist Sect, it is clearly rising. Fortunately, there is fierce internal factional strife—the Mount Shu Sect and Pure Yang Palace both suffered heavy blows, and now with Mortal Tao Country showing fresh changes, we can let the three Taoist branches check each other out, letting them probe the real state of Mortal Tao Country."
Master Longjia cautioned, "Confucian Studies has been the dominant school in this world for years. Though it has lost some momentum recently, it seems more like silent accumulation. We cannot let our guard down, especially since several great families are already easing relations with the Tang Imperial Court these past two years."
