"Congratulations, Zhang," Lei Jun greeted Zhang Taigang.

This leading figure among the younger generation of the Mount Shu Sect looked to be in his twenties or thirties, with a clear and handsome appearance that faintly exuded the air of a scholar. Though dressed in a Taoist robe, his demeanor resembled that of a Confucian scholar more than a Taoist. Nevertheless, he was a genuine high-level master of the Taoist Refinement Sect in the Eight Heavens Immortal Travel Realm. While not a sword cultivator, his renowned Lifebound Magic Treasure, the Emei Gold Seal, was incredibly fierce in battle, seamlessly integrating both offense and defense.

In daily interactions, Zhang Taigang appeared genteel and polite, with no hint of aggression. However, upon closer contact, Lei Jun could sense that beneath Zhang’s calmness lay a sense of rectitude and meticulousness. Indeed, Lei Jun knew that besides his Lifebound Magic Treasure being the Emei Gold Seal, one of Zhang’s personal hobbies was seal carving.

"The Sect has unfortunately fallen on hard times. I am doing my utmost with a heart full of trepidation, hoping only not to fail the legacy of our ancestors or my fellow sect members today," said Zhang Taigang. He and Lei Jun were seated opposite each other, as host and guest. Zhang Taigang continued slowly, "It has been nearly five years since the battle at Dragon Tiger Mountain, when Lei and your sect’s comrades defeated the Mortal Tao Country and restored peace to the world – an act I have always admired. The remnants of the Mortal Tao Country still lurk in the shadows, awaiting the moment to reignite their embers. I hope our three Taoist Sects can continue to stand united as before, supporting each other to completely eliminate the lingering threat posed by Huang Xuanpu, Fu Dongsen, Hong Jie, and Gu Han."

Lei Jun replied, "What you’ve said is most acute. Our Sect unanimously shares the same desire as yours." He glanced to the side. Besides Ji Chuan, a Talisman-bestowed Female Crown from the Celestial Master Mansion was also present. Lei Jun continued, "Guo will return to Dragon Tiger Mountain later, but Our Sect will send another to take her place at Mount Shu. We hope for your continued support then."

The red-robed Female Crown nodded to Zhang Taigang and Ji Chuan. "These past years, I am deeply grateful for the care you two Taoist Brothers have provided."

Zhang Taigang and Ji Chuan hastened to downplay their efforts.

The red-robed Female Crown, named Guo Yan, was a disciple inducted into the Celestial Master Mansion in the same group as Lei Jun. Previously, due to the threat posed by the Mortal Tao Country, the Celestial Master Mansion, Mount Shu Sect, and the Pure Yang Palace had each sent disciples as representatives to the other two sects. This was to ensure rapid communication and mutual support should the Mortal Tao Country pose a threat.

During the great battle at Dragon Tiger Mountain four or five years ago, Ji Chuan of the Mount Shu Sect and Long Tao of the Pure Yang Palace, then the representatives stationed in Xinzhou, had both contacted their respective sects for reinforcements. The Pure Yang Palace, facing imminent turmoil in the Northwest, found it difficult to spare personnel to aid the Celestial Master Mansion. The Mount Shu Sect, however, dispatched Zhang Dongyuan, who personally carried the Blue Abyss Sword to Dragon Tiger Mountain.

After the battle, although the Mortal Tao Country suffered a crushing defeat, Huang Xuanpu, Fu Dongsen, Hong Jie, and Gu Han all managed to escape. Though they subsequently went into hiding to lick their wounds, the threat they posed after recuperation could not be underestimated. Consequently, the three great Taoist Sacred Lands maintained the previous arrangement over the years, keeping representatives stationed at the other two sects.

For the Mount Shu Sect, Ji Chuan had initially served as the permanent representative at Dragon Tiger Mountain. Only two years ago, due to personal cultivation reasons, he returned to Mount Shu. The Mount Shu Sect then sent another disciple to Dragon Tiger Mountain to replace him and continue as their representative. The Celestial Master Mansion’s representative at Mount Shu had been Guo Yan. However, also due to reasons related to her personal cultivation, Guo Yan would soon return to Dragon Tiger Mountain, and another disciple from the Celestial Master Mansion would take her place.

Zhang Taigang had preparations for his accession ceremony to attend to, so after a brief conversation with Lei Jun, he apologized and took his leave. As the incumbent and potential future leaders of their respective Sacred Lands, there was no need for an in-depth discussion at this juncture; it was sufficient to generally ascertain each other’s philosophies and establish amicable relations.

「Later.」

Lei Jun met with another newly advanced High Merit Elder of the Eightfold Heaven Realm, Ye Dongming from the Jinzhou Ye Clan.

"How is Taoist Yuan?" Ye Dongming asked with a smile.

Lei Jun replied, "My master is well and sends his regards to Elder Ye."

"Your master is kind," Ye Dongming replied. He had fewer dealings with Yuan Mobai than He Dongxing or Ji Dongquan did, but both parties held each other in high esteem.

Lei Jun recalled his master once remarking that Ye Dongming was no ordinary individual. Now, observing him, Lei Jun understood this assessment referred not only to Ye Dongming’s talent and cultivation depth but also to his extraordinary stance regarding the relationship between the Mount Shu Sect and the Jinzhou Ye Clan. This was undoubtedly a fortunate development for the Mount Shu Sect, which had suffered continuous turmoil in recent years and had its vitality severely damaged. They certainly could not withstand another round of internal strife.

"Taoist Xuanxiao, I have a matter to inquire about," Ye Dongming said, as their conversation deepened. "Have there been any updates regarding Chen in recent years?"

"Elder Chen of your sect has not made an appearance in quite some time. Our Sect also has no further news," Lei Jun replied, his expression unchanged.

It was not that the Mount Shu Sect suspected him. Rather, because Chen Donglou had been absent during the great battle at Dragon Tiger Mountain, the Mount Shu Sect had requested the Celestial Master Mansion to keep an eye out for any news of him ever since.

Lei Jun continued, "Our Sect Leader and Eldest Senior Sister are currently traveling abroad, searching for the remnants of the Mortal Tao Country, but they have not encountered Elder Chen of your sect."

Ye Dongming nodded. "Thank you to the Celestial Master and Elder Xu of your sect for their efforts."

The Mount Shu Sect was indeed in a severely weakened state at present. If Chen Donglou could truly return, he might well be able to claim the position of Sect Leader he had once coveted. Even Zhang Taigang himself would likely be more than willing to step aside. The reality was, Chen Donglou had vanished once more, leaving Zhang Taigang to take up the mantle. However, considering Chen Donglou’s temperament, even if he were still alive, whether he would return to Mount Shu was a separate question; it was unlikely he would agree to assume the position of Sect Leader under the current circumstances.