Chapter 748: 308. Second Layer of the Eighth Heavenly Layer, Divine Court Intermediate Scene (Three-in-One Chapter)_2

Therefore, the newcomer benefits for Zhuo Baojie came to a temporary halt.

"Guard against arrogance and impatience, proceed steadily and surely, and do not become anxious if the progress of your cultivation is no longer as smooth as it was before."

Lei Jun looked at the little fellow in front of him, his fluffy body showing the deep red sleeves and collar of the Taoist Robe. "Also, do not fixate on the notion that in the future Fifth Heaven Layer Heaven Tao Palace Realm, when you return to focusing on Corporeal Life Mastery, you will have good days once again. Remember to aim high and stand firm on the ground; always focus on walking the path right in front of you."

Zhuo Baojie was solemn, nodding earnestly, his two little claws folded in front of his chest, bowing to Lei Jun, "Disciple will heed Master’s teaching."

Lei Jun nodded slightly. Perhaps Zhuo Baojie would encounter other opportunities in the future. But during the subsequent period of cultivation, it was indeed best for him to maintain a stable state of mind.

The little bear spoke again, "Master, regarding the life-bound First Law, your disciple would like to choose the Star-stepping Spell."

Lei Jun nodded in agreement, "Good."

It wasn’t just a tradition of Lei Jun’s faction within the Celestial Master Mansion; the Star-stepping Spell was one of the most popular choices faction-wide.

For Zhuo Baojie, who veered towards the Corporeal Life Mastery path, the Star-stepping Spell was even more the most suitable life-bound First Law.

Having previously created the Devouring Spirit Talisman in the Third Heavenly Layer, Gungun, upon reaching the Fourth Layer of Heaven realm, was returning to the orthodox path.

Although he insisted on staying in his non-human form, the way he moved and paid respects in his practice had a comical aspect to it...

"Has Baobao reached the Middle Three Heavens in cultivation?" Chu Kun had come back to the sect in the past two days and couldn’t help but smile when he saw Lei Jun teaching Zhuo Baojie the Star-stepping Spell.

Zhuo Baojie walked around the altar for a full cycle, returning to his original position and stopping, then respectfully bowed to Chu Kun, "Uncle-Master."

Lei Jun asked, "You’ve returned later than expected. Did your family’s relocation not go smoothly?"

Chu Kun shook his head. "That wasn’t the issue. It’s just that I got slightly delayed by some other matters."

He then asked, "What is Elder Brother doing at the moment?"

Lei Jun replied, "He should be in secluded meditation, not in closed-door training."

He instructed his disciple Zhuo Baojie to continue with composed cultivation, and then left with Chu Kun towards Wang Guiyuan’s residence.

Wang Guiyuan, seeing Chu Kun return, asked, "Third Junior Brother, you’ve come back rather late. Is everything alright?"

Chu Kun replied, "Don’t worry, Elder Brother. I encountered no dangers. My return to the mountain was slightly delayed because I stayed in the coastal area for some time to assist in disaster relief."

After the three brothers sat down, he said, "A great calamity occurred in the East Sea this time. Continuous tsunamis caused major disturbances along the coastlines. Thankfully, the Imperial Court had made preparations in advance."

However, that wasn’t without its problems, as there were instances of greed and corruption, just as one might expect.

It even impacted the disaster relief efforts, so Chu Kun stayed to help with dyke protection against the tsunamis, which resulted in his delayed return to the mountain.

Fang Yue had also stayed behind. He originally planned to return to Jianye to continue with the establishment of the new Scholarly Mansion but, like Chu Kun, remained to lend a hand.

For Cultivators, providing food relief to civilians was not as significant.

However, among the materials used for reinforcing the dikes to intercept the tsunamis, there were many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures of immense utility.

The Tang Imperial Court’s response, overall, was severe in its handling.

But, on the other hand, Chu Kun said, his voice lowering as he simultaneously observed Wang Guiyuan’s expression quietly, "some of the masters from Tianlong Temple are quite greedy..."

Although he had often heard the elders and older clan members in the Chu Clan talk about the affairs of Tianlong Temple growing up, his firsthand experience this time was nonetheless surprising.

The seawall stretched for miles. Not only government officials but also other regional powers contributed to the dike protection and disaster relief.

Yuhang, Mingzhou, and places north of them, like Songjiang, were essentially under the responsibility of Suyang’s two major local forces: the Chu Clan and Tianlong Temple.

It turned out that they also made the news.

Hearing this, Lei Jun looked at Wang Guiyuan.

Wang Guiyuan’s expression was as usual, and he seemed unsurprised. "How many people were involved?"

Chu Kun replied, "The confirmed ones are not many, just a few individuals. But the team leader, Master Faping, and Elder Miaohui, who later came to deal with the matter... Mm, are quite protective of their disciples."

So, they were being defensive, perhaps even covering up for their disciples... Lei Jun realized. In that case, it was hard to say how many were actually involved.

However, there was an issue.

"The cultivation of Tianlong Temple follows the Buddhist Oath Lineage," Lei Jun said, turning to Wang Guiyuan.

Wang Guiyuan sighed. "People vary, as do their vows. Making and fulfilling vows doesn’t always mean that sowing good seeds will yield good fruit. Of course, to say it has no effect at all is impossible."

Lei Jun said, "It seems the effect isn’t very significant."

Although Master Faping was not as accomplished as Faming, he was also an Upper Three Heavens-level monk from Tianlong Temple, the leader who brought the temple’s disciples for dike protection and disaster relief.

As for Elder Miaohui, he was of the same generation as Abbot Miaoxin and Elders Miaokong and Miaoyi from Tianlong Temple, possessing cultivation of the Eighth Heavenly Layer.

Lei Jun couldn’t help but wonder: had they always been this way, or had they gradually changed into what they were now?

"People vary," repeated Wang Guiyuan. "In recent years, I’ve heard the temple’s ethos has somewhat improved."

Lei Jun immediately recalled Wang Guiyuan’s brief comment about Abbot Miaoxin from the past.

He wondered, "Is Abbot Miaoxin capable of handling this situation well?"

Chu Kun, standing nearby, seemed to recall something. "Elder Miaohui’s mentor was Master Yunhui..."

Master Yunhui was the former Supreme Elder of Tianlong Temple, who used to be regarded as the foremost expert of the temple, with Perfection cultivation of the Eighth Heavenly Layer.

It wasn’t until this year, after the great battle at Dragon Tiger Mountain, that Monk Faqing reappeared in the world. His reappearance added another Eighth Heavenly Layer Perfection monk to the lineage of Tianlong Temple in the public eye.