Chapter 764: 311. The Four Directions Pay Respect to Xuanxiao Zi (Combined Chapter)_3

Lei Jun naturally had no intention of impersonating Chen Donglou and fooling the Sect Leader of Mount Shu for the seat of power. Not to mention the risk of his cover being blown, his temporary impersonation of Chen Donglou was solely to deal with the threats from the Mortal Tao Country. He wouldn’t use Chen Donglou’s identity to publicly execute anyone other than those from the Mortal Tao Country. This was to avoid a situation where the Taoist might escape, but the temple could not, thereby implicating the Mount Shu Sect.

Therefore, this morning, aside from offering his congratulations to Zhang Taigang, Lei Jun had no other intentions.

"I hope Brother Chen can return soon," Ye Dongming sighed softly.

Lei Jun said, "As this humble Taoist continues my travels, I will also help keep an eye out for related clues and news."

Ye Dongming said, "In that case, I thank you in advance."

After chatting for a while longer, Ye Dongming took his leave.

He didn’t return to his own residence but went to another cave dwelling atop the Summit.

The Supreme Elder of Mount Shu, Xu Duan, welcomed him and invited him to sit.

Ye Dongming shook his head. "Still no news of Brother Chen."

Xu Duan said, "Chen has been without news for many years before as well. We should take it easy for now, steady Our Sect, and quietly recuperate."

Ye Dongming replied, "Understood."

Despite saying so, the expressions on both of their faces were far from relaxed.

Behind the scenes, the threat from the Mortal Tao Country had not been entirely lifted.

In public, although the Jingxiang Fang Clan hadn’t made many moves recently, the Xumi Vajra Sect from the Western Regions remained a colossal entity that Mount Shu could not ignore.

In recent years, they had become increasingly low-profile in their dealings with the Great Tang, appearing harmless.

But located on the western frontier, the Mount Shu Sect had heard rumors that the Xumi Vajra Sect seemed to be moving deeper into the Snowy Plateau.

The snow mountains of Chuanxi were connected to the Snowy Plateau, and the Mount Shu Sect was naturally sensitive to this.

Unfortunately, with their current Severely Damaged Vitality, they were unable to take any countermeasures. They could only watch for changes while striving to build up their own strength and restore their Primordial Qi.

But how easy could that be?

At least in the short term, it was very difficult.

The past two years had been unusually peaceful—a welcome change. If it could continue, that would be well and good. However, the world and the times were continuously changing.

"Uncle Master, the fluctuations in the earth veins beneath the Summit seem to have become more frequent than before," Ye Dongming said softly.

Xu Duan frowned deeply. "Hmm, I’ve felt it too."

He let out a long sigh.

The departure of both the Taiyi Primordial Tower and Qingxiao Manor from the Summit had caused tremendous disturbances to the earth veins.

Yes, the Taiyi Primordial Tower and Qingxiao Manor hadn’t been there since the founding of Mount Shu. However, after so many years of consecration, they had merged with the earth veins of Mount Shu. A sudden change like this was bound to have a significant impact. Especially now, upon reevaluation, the impact appeared even greater than initially expected. It also brought many unexpected changes.

"Uncle Master..." Ye Dongming’s expression grew much more solemn than before. "Is that... the aura of the Netherworld?"

Xu Duan’s countenance was grave. "I believe... it is."

Ye Dongming bowed his head slightly, looking downwards. "Then I think it would be best to seal it."

Xu Duan did not respond immediately but looked out the window. After a long while, he withdrew his gaze. "Hmm, Our Sect indeed urgently needs opportunities to recover its Primordial Qi. However, the Netherworld is unlike Kunlun or Penglai; it may contain great dangers. Our Sect’s current foundation cannot afford the risk of a failed gamble, and the Sect Leader shares this opinion."

Ye Dongming nodded silently.

Under Mount Shu, dark currents surged.

Atop Mount Shu, with the Summer Solstice approaching, more guests arrived.

The ceremony for the new Sect Leader of the Mount Shu Sect was about to begin.

This was a significant event, and representatives from all major powers attended to offer congratulations. The Tang Court also sent its representatives.

Even the Jingxiang Fang Clan, which had in recent years improved relations with the Tang Imperial Court and the Mount Shu Sect, had representatives present.

The second-in-command of the Clan, Elder Fang Huansheng, personally attended the event.

"My ninth brother has been immersed in his studies since this winter and couldn’t personally come to extend his congratulations; please forgive him, esteemed Taoists," Fang Huansheng said.

Zhang Taigang replied, "You two Curator Fangs are too polite. Our Sect is already immensely grateful for the considerable assistance previously provided by the Jingxiang Fang Clan."

During the great battle that directly caused the major schism within the Mount Shu Sect, Fang Jingsheng, Clan Chief of the Jingxiang Fang Clan, fought under the Empress’s command. He joined forces with Xu Duan, Chu Yu, Zhang Dongyuan, Zhang Taigang, and others to repel Fu Dongsen, Hong Jie, and Wei Qiyue.

The Mount Shu Sect appropriately remembered this debt of gratitude, naturally crediting it to the Empress herself.

But now, with Fang Huansheng’s arrival to offer congratulations, Zhang Taigang, Xu Duan, and others would surely not lack the proper courtesies.

They invited Fang Huansheng and the other Fang Clan members to take their seats.

Fang Huansheng saw that the representative from the Tang Imperial Court was Prince Xiang Zhang Luo, who had returned from the Southern Wilderness just two years prior.

Jingxiang and the Prince’s lands were quite distant from each other, but they were not strangers and often interacted.

Now encountering each other, they naturally exchanged pleasantries.

After a while, both men noticed that the corners of their eyes were involuntarily drawn to the same place.

There, a tall, slender Taoist in a purple robe had already taken his seat.

Feeling their gaze, the young Taoist in purple turned his head to look.

Prince Xiang Zhang Luo smiled and nodded in greeting, "It has been a while since we last saw each other in the Southern Wilderness. How has Master Lei been?"

Fang Huansheng also made a similar gesture. "Master Lei, Fang Huansheng of Jingxiang offers his respects."

Lei Jun returned the greeting, "Prince Zhang, Curator Fang."

Guests came and went on the Summit. The Pure Yang Palace, one of the three great Sacred Lands of the Taoist Sect alongside the Celestial Master Mansion and the Mount Shu Sect, also sent a representative.

It was Jiang Yu.

The Pure Yang Palace currently lacked members even more than the Mount Shu Sect, with both Lü Jinduan and Wang Xuan unable to leave.

Although young, Jiang Yu already carried significant weight within the present Pure Yang Palace.