The corpse of Gu Hai was nowhere to be found.

His few attendants were left staring in shock.

They stood there in a daze, staring at the ocean below. They saw the sea part violently, with the seabed reefs collapsing in large sections. In the very center, a shining sword of law was embedded.

... So, it's a Daoist flying sword?

The group moved stiffly, raising their heads to look upwards.

In the sky, the sword light had cleaved through the storm earlier, forcing the ferocious winds and rains apart. For a moment, no rain fell from above.

But at the same time, the area was empty.

Soon, with a roaring storm, the winds and rains gathered again, pouring down onto the sea below.

The rain struck, and the group finally snapped back to their senses.

There were no Daoist artifact refining masters as skilled as this within the Tianli world. The few Tianli cultivators had only seen records of such legendary weapons in ancient texts.

This left them still in disbelief.

Daoist flying swords and Confucian archery both allowed for long-range attacks, that much was true.

But if they had been targeted, Gu Hai would have likely sensed it.

Yet, the result showed that not only did Gu Hai not dodge or defend, but he didn’t even have time to react before being struck down instantly.

What kind of master could wield such a world-shattering sword?

Compared to the utterly confused Tianli cultivators, Chu Kun remained considerably calm.

However, even his lips twitched slightly.

Earlier, when facing Gu Hai’s attack, he had frozen for a moment because his personalTian Shi Di Tingtalisman had suddenly made a sound, with Lei Jun seemingly whispering in his ear:

“Stay away from that corrupted Confucian.”

Chu Kun had thought Lei Jun was already nearby, pondering where his senior brother was, but then a sword had descended from the sky.

Then, hearing Lei Jun’s words to retrieve the Tian Shu sword, Chu Kun realized that his second senior brother hadn't come here at all.

Instead, he was far away, delivering a strike that killed Gu Hai from the sky.

Chu Kun had been prepared for the power of his senior brother’sYuan Ci Flying Sword, knowing it could strike from thousands of miles away, like the Shushan Flying Sword. However, how could it be so precise?

If Gu Hai had stolen aTian Shi Di Tingtalisman from Chu Kun, his senior brother could have used it to pinpoint the exact location to strike with the sword. That would have been normal.

But just now, it seemed like the sword was aimed out of nowhere?

And yet, it hit with perfect accuracy?

Chu Kun couldn’t help but marvel. Indeed, his second senior brother was full of surprises, even keeping this hidden from everyone.

As he thought, his actions were still swift.

In contrast to the others, Chu Kun quickly regained his composure.

Now, aided by theTian Gang Bu Dou, hisXing He Talismanglowed once more, transforming into a constellation.

Each star represented a powerfulTian Shi Fuhigh-level talisman.

With a flash of power, many talismans exploded, creating a storm of thunder and flames far more violent than the one raging in the sky. The remaining attendants of Gu Hai were quickly swept into it.

Lei Jun’s sword had been immensely powerful, and the ground-shaking force was hard to ignore.

Though the sea area was relatively isolated, it was still possible for other masters to take notice.

The clan leader of the Ye family of Qingzhou, Ye Yan, was still engaged in the final battle against the Tianli’s Nine Heavens Confucian Scholars to seal the Void Gate, and the clan leader of the Chu family of Suzhou, Chu Xiu Yuan, was relatively free at this moment.

So, Chu Kun wasted no time and swiftly dealt with the remaining Tianli cultivators in front of him.

The Tianli cultivators of the Middle Three Heavens weren’t like Gu Hai, who carried the weight of mountains and rivers’ luck, nor did they have the boundary advantage of suppressing ritual protocols.

At this moment, Chu Kun’s sudden burst of energy quickly cleared the field.

While gathering theTian Shu Swordof Lei Jun from the seabed, he took out a peculiar white jade bottle.

With a practiced, almost graceful motion, Chu Kun poured a stream of clear, pure liquid from the bottle.

As the liquid flowed, the magical energy traces left by him and Lei Jun were washed away completely.

Once the cleanup was done, Chu Kun calmly stored the bottle, waved hisXi Rang Flag, and swiftly disappeared into the sea.

Back in theDa Zhou Tian Fa Jing, Lei Jun observed the scene in silence.

... Junior Brother, why are you so adept at this?

With his exceptional insight, Lei Jun quickly understood through the lens of theDa Zhou Tian Fa Jing.

The clear stream poured from Chu Kun’s white jade bottle had a similar effect to theTian Shu’s dark side.

It was used for clearing traces.

Although the effect was not as thorough as theTian Shu’sdark side, it was still remarkably powerful.

Especially amidst the stormy seas of the East China Sea.

After the pure stream washed away most of the magical energy traces, with the waves, even the slightest residual traces scattered away and ceased to exist.

Later, when Ye Yan and Chu Xiu Yuan arrived, it would be nearly impossible to trace back to any clues.

Third Junior Brother really is quite skilled in this... Lei Jun nodded faintly.

No longer needing to worry about Chu Kun, he left the area.

This battle was essentially concluded.

Lei Jun returned to the sea region where he had been “sealed” earlier.

Monk Faming and the other disciples of Tianlong Temple were still guarding the ritual light here.

The immense ink seal, resembling a giant black box, remained quietly settled at the seabed, unmoving.

Under the concealment of theTai Qing Eight Sceneries Treasure Mantle, Lei Jun returned as quietly as he had left, without disturbing anyone.

He quietly re-entered the giant “black box.”

Just as before, no one, including Monk Faming and his companions, noticed his return.

The disciples of Tianlong Temple were more focused on the direction of the Void Gate.

Amidst the fluctuations in spiritual energy and the churning tides, the air was filled with tension.

At this moment, however, Monk Faming suddenly sensed something.

While curious about the Void Gate, he remained alert. He joined his palms and spoke a Buddhist chant: “May the Buddha’s compassion guide the way. Who has arrived?”

As the Buddha’s light shone, a giant white elephant appeared on the surface of the sea.

The massive white elephant, glowing brightly, seemed like an enormous Buddha bead, radiating immense light.

At that moment, the magical powers of Tianlong Temple were in full display.

The Buddha’s light illuminated the area, and in the distance, a shadow appeared on the sea.

A middle-aged man, dressed in a third-grade official robe, stood there. His face darkened as he squinted at the Buddha’s light.

Feeling the powerful aura of Buddha’s will from Tianlong Temple, his expression turned grim: “Demonic monk!”

Dark ink-like energy swirled around him, creating a protective formation that blocked the Buddha’s light.

As the Buddha’s light retracted, Monk Faming and the giant white elephant reappeared.

“Please stop, my lord.” Monk Faming said solemnly.

Their mission was to guard the perimeter, maintaining the ritual of the Tang Dynasty’s Nine Heavens Confucian Scholars and suppressing the Tianli Confucian Scholars’ arrogance. They also set up a perimeter to prevent any Tianli experts from escaping.

Especially those at the Nine Heavens level, whose escape would pose a significant threat to the Tang Dynasty’s inner lands.

The Tianli Confucian Scholar before them was a prime example.

Thus, the Buddha’s light in the form of a white elephant moved forward to intercept.

The Tianli official’s expression turned sour as he faced Monk Faming. He had originally been moving stealthily but now, being blocked by the monk, he had no choice but to launch an attack.

Lei Jun watched from a distance and couldn’t help but feel that there seemed to be some personal grudges involved.

He suddenly recalled that earlier, Monk Miaoxin of Tianlong Temple had been chasing after a Tianli cultivator named Jiang Zhimin.

However, because of the conflict at the Vast Void Temple, the pursuit had been interrupted.

Upon closer inspection, Lei Jun noticed that Jiang Zhimin was indeed injured.

Monk Faming, seeing the wound, spoke with familiarity: “Is this the wound left by our temple’s Buddhist power?”

Jiang Zhimin’s expression grew darker as he slashed with his brush-like weapon, cutting faster and faster.

However, in Confucian fighting methods, overwhelming attacks weren’t their strength.

Despite being blessed by the luck of Tianli’s mountains and rivers, Jiang Zhimin’s injuries prevented him from unleashing his full power.

Monk Faming stood firm, ensuring that Jiang Zhimin couldn’t gain any advantage.

As time passed, Jiang Zhimin was pushed into a corner.

However, Monk Faming’s luck was not ideal.

Far in the distance, another group of Tianli cultivators, escaping from the siege, approached.

Monk Faming and the disciples of Tianlong Temple felt a sudden sinking feeling in their hearts.

While they weren’t worried about their own safety, ensuring that they contained all of the escaping Tianli cultivators was becoming increasingly difficult.

At that moment, the “black box” at the seabed trembled, and the sound of thunder crackled from within. Lightning flashed inside.

In the next moment, a purple thunder dragon broke free from the “black box,” its mighty power splitting the sea below.

Lei Jun appeared alongside the thunder dragon, rising from the depths of the sea.

Jiang Zhimin and the other Tianli cultivators were startled.

Monk Faming and the other disciples of Tianlong Temple were overjoyed.

The Thunder Elder of Mount Longhu had successfully broken the seal!

The purple lightning dragon tore through the sea, splitting the chaotic waves, and Lei Jun’s figure rose to the surface.

“Master, thank you for your protection.” Lei Jun nodded at Monk Faming and the others.

Then the Thunder Dragon’s long roar shook the heavens and clouds, sweeping across all directions.

The stubborn resistance of Jiang Zhiming and other Heavenly Principles cultivators collapsed in an instant.

“May Buddha be merciful.”

Master Faming and other disciples from Tianlong Temple clasped their palms together in reverence, approaching Lei Jun and bowing to him. “Fortunately, Elder Lei managed to escape the calamity in time.”

Lei Jun returned the bow with a Daoist salute. “Master, you are too kind. It was my fault for being delayed by the opponent’s ritual. Thankfully, the high monks of Tianlong Temple were here to assist earlier.”

Master Faming shook his head repeatedly. “Elder Lei, you humble yourself. Had it not been for your intervention to disrupt the opponent’s ritual, we would have been helpless. Elder Lei dared to face such a perilous task without regard for personal honor or safety, truly a great sage of the Daoist path, with wisdom, divine abilities, and immense courage. We are in deep admiration.”

After a few pleasantries, Lei Jun appeared as if he had been completely cut off from the outside world, and he inquired about the events that had unfolded at sea.

Due to communication difficulties, Master Faming only knew some details and shared with Lei Jun what he could.

“Well then, I’ll head over to the Void Gate. I will leave the rest to the monks of Tianlong Temple here.” Lei Jun said.

“Of course, Elder Lei. Thank you for your hard work.” Master Faming replied.

The monks remained at the periphery, which could become monotonous. However, the Void Gate was the key to the final phase of the battle.

Although the situation on the Eastern Sea had turned in favor of the Great Tang, the battle would not be concluded perfectly until the core strategic goal of sealing the Void Gate was achieved.

That area remained the most critical battlefield, with powerful figures gathering from both sides. While Master Faming and the others couldn’t participate, Lei Jun, being an Eightfold Heaven Realm cultivator with immense powers, was more than qualified.

After bidding farewell to Master Faming and the others, Lei Jun headed east toward the Void Gate.

He first contacted his younger disciple, Chu Kun. Later, the two met up.

Chu Kun took out the Tian Shu sword and the Xi Rang flag and handed them back to Lei Jun. “Your sword techniques are truly remarkable. Even elders from Shushan at your level would find it difficult to wield such a powerful strike.”

Shushan’s flying sword may be more nimble, but in terms of power and speed, it would hardly match Lei Jun’s, even at the same cultivation level.

Lei Jun received the Tian Shu sword and the Xi Rang flag. “There’s still plenty of room for improvement.”

As the two spoke, they headed toward the Void Gate.

Amidst the rain and wind at sea, there was a sudden shift in the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth, as if it had been shaken again. Winds stirred, and clouds surged.

Through his Great Zhou Tian mirror, Lei Jun could see the Ming cultivators being pushed back to Heavenly Principles, while the Void Gate, which connected the mortal realm and Heavenly Principles, was being sealed off.

At that moment, the elderly master Chu Xiuyuan of the Suzhou Chu family, who had been in the rear, took the lead, joining forces with Ye Yan, the clan head of the Qingzhou Ye family, to seal the Void Gate together.

With the "Gate" closed, the Great Tang and Heavenly Principles cultivators' battle on the Eastern Sea finally came to an end.

Of course, this did not mean that all was well.

The Void Gate remained unstable, and under the turbulence, it might reopen. To ensure stability, more cultivators would be required to guard and reinforce the area.

Even with the Void Gate closed, the few remaining Heavenly Principles stragglers in the mortal realm began to change. Those who cultivated outside the Daoist system still felt the influence of the Heavenly Principles, but it was significantly weakened.

The Confucian scholars felt that the Heavenly Principles’ influence had faded, as though it had been severed.

Those of older age immediately noticed the effects of time, feeling their bodies weaken and age rapidly.

For the Tang cultivators, it would now be much easier to deal with them.

However, tasks like this would be left to Chu Kun and others. Lei Jun and the other cultivators of the Upper Three Heavens would be busy with the aftermath.

Their opponents were no longer Heavenly Principles cultivators but rather the natural forces of heaven and earth.

The turbulence caused by the Void Gate’s disturbance had led to a massive tsunami on the Eastern Sea, with giant waves filling the skies.

Even though the Void Gate had been closed, the chaos was far from over.

The scale of the disturbance was vast and required a long time to settle. Meanwhile, those like Chu Xiuyuan, Ye Yan, Lei Jun, and Chu Yu worked to calm the wrath of the ocean.

If left unchecked, this disturbance could affect areas like Yuhang, Mingzhou, Songjiang, and Su Kun, making it impossible for the Suzhou Chu family and Qingzhou Ye family to ignore the issue.

Only after most of the storm had subsided did they relax.

“This battle... I must thank Elder Lei for his efforts,” Chu Yu said, looking at the Eastern Sea, which, though still turbulent, had calmed down considerably.

Lei Jun replied, “Lord Chu, you flatter me. After my escape from calamity, I heard from Master Faming that you and the Princess tried to assist me. I should be thanking both of you.”

Chu Yu said seriously, “Elder Lei, you’re too modest. The unexpected changes caused by the Heavenly Principles’ ritual took everyone by surprise. Had you not intervened, others might have failed to cope, and the entire situation could have turned for the worse.”

Moreover, much of the groundwork had been laid beforehand.

Lei Jun had already slain a great Confucian cultivator, Wang Feng, in battle. With such accomplishments, even if he were to leave for Mount Longhu immediately, he had already made enough of a contribution.

It was unfortunate that due to unforeseen events, he could not participate in the subsequent ambushes against the main forces of Heavenly Principles and the final sealing of the Void Gate, but the Tang Imperial Court would not blame him for it.

In the post-war recognition, Lei Jun and Tianshi Mansion would certainly receive their due.

“This battle has had some unexpected advantages. It may help your sect, the Mount Longhu, to renew its growth,” Chu Yu said.

Lei Jun: "Oh? This is indeed an unexpected joy."

TheTianshi MansionofMount Longhuhas been established for many years, enduring through the storms of time. The mountain has undergone many changes, and it no longer resembles the landscape it had when it first became a sect.

Some of these changes are due to the transformation of thespiritual energyof the heavens and earth, while others are influenced by the damages caused by human wars.

Many of the once-famousblessed landsortreasuresno longer exist. However, with the recent surge inheavenly spiritual energy, some long-lost entities have begun to revive.

For instance, when Lei Jun first entered the mountain, theLingzhi Platformunderwent a transformation.

Yet, some things have never reappeared.

TheCangming Treasure Treeis one such entity.

This tree is difficult to bear fruit, and the area around it once, when filled with vital energy, was extremely beneficial for DaoistTalismanic Sectpractitioners at middle to lower cultivation levels.

TheCangming Treasure Tree'svital energy encompassed area almost made it akin to a smallblessed landright within the mountain gates.

Unfortunately, the tree has been withered for thousands of years.

After many subsequent events, the spiritual energy fluctuations inMount Longhuincreased, but they still couldn’t cause theCangming Treasure Treeto sprout new buds.

Though Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and others feel regret about this, they also understand that it cannot be forced and that it is more a matter offateandtiming.

Upon hearing Chu Yu mention this matter, Lei Jun was also quite pleasantly surprised.

If theCangming Treasure Treewere to revive, it would benefit the young disciples of theTianshi Mansionfor a long time.

"I discovered someCangqing Crystals, but they are scattered and need to be gathered. I have reported to His Majesty, and His Majesty has ordered that they be sent to yoursect,Mount Longhu, once they are properly sorted," said Chu Yu.

TheCangqing Crystal, which has not been seen for many years in the human realm ofTang Dynasty, is also quite rare.

Lei Jun made a Daoist salute: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The two of them then casually discussed the situation in the northwest.

According to the latest information that Chu Yu received, the efforts to seal theVoid Gatein the northwest were still ongoing.

However, the people of theLonely Eagle Khanatewere even more fierce and resilient than theTianli Daoistpractitioners, making the battle for control of the portal even more intense and prolonged.

Fortunately, theTang Dynastyhas already gained the upper hand and is now just waiting for the final “closure.”

"The winds and waves of the East Sea are finally calming down, but forgive my boldness, I would like to ask Elder Lei to stay a few more days," Chu Yu said tactfully.

Lei Jun: "There is no problem, but may I ask why?"

He had a hunch in his heart.

Now that theTianli Daoistforces had been repelled, and the external threat from the East Sea had been temporarily quelled, it was time for theTang Imperial Courtto address the case involvingFang YueandYe Zhi.

Fang Yue, though a person of integrity, was not one to tolerate insults.

Despite being attacked and nearly assassinated by Ye Zhi, it did not affect Fang Yue’s cultivation, and he continued to focus on the bigger picture.

However, once the situation was under control, he would report the incident to the court.

TheTang Imperial Familywould not simply ignore it either.

However, theYe FamilyofQingzhouhad not been idle.

Ye Zhi’s whereabouts were unknown, and his fate was most likely grim.

Once theQingzhou Ye Familylearned of the situation, they immediately accused Fang Yue of colluding with theTianli Daoists.

They had also contacted theSu FamilyofSuzhou, who had suffered a similar fate withChu Taoyuan.

Chu Taoyuan personally investigated the matter and confirmed that his younger cousinChu Taoyuanhad died because ofDaqong Temple, but they soon discovered thatTianlong Temple’sMaster Miaoxinhad been investigatingTianli DaoistJiang Zhimin, who was then attacked byDaqong Temple’sMaster Yuanmie.

After escaping from theTianlong Templemonks,Master Yuanmiehad gone into hiding.

Fang Yue had the incomplete map of theCanghai Mapfrom Ye Zhi, but there were no further leads, especially since Ye Zhi was neither alive nor dead. TheQingzhoufaction did not recognize the situation and insisted that Fang Yue had conspired against Ye Zhi.

Thus, the two sides began to argue.

Chu Yu asked Lei Jun to stay a few more days to resolve this case.

Lei Jun calmly agreed: "Master Shangguan has yet to return from the sea, and my fellow Daoists and I are still waiting for her. I can stay for a few more days."

Chu Yu: "Thank you, Elder Lei."

On the surface, Lei Jun had no direct involvement in the case and was unaware of the twists and turns.

Neither Chu Yu nor Fang Yue expected him to take sides.

However, as a key figure in theTianshi MansionofMount Longhu, his mere presence, even in silence, would make a statement on behalf of theTianshi Mansion, and his weight was now substantial.

Thus, theTang Imperial Courtwould then use a more forceful approach to suppressQingzhouandSuzhou.

Regardless of the royal family or theYeandChufamilies, while there were currently some political games, none of them were ready to break open hostilities just yet.

Although theQingzhou Ye FamilyandSuzhou Chu Familywere both taking a more low-key approach, focusing on recovery and waiting for a better time, theTang Imperial Courtwould still need them to play a significant role in guarding and sealing theVoid Gatethat connected theTianlirealm and theTang Dynasty'smortal world.

In the end, most of the blame would fall onMaster YuanmieofDaqong Templeand theTianli Daoists.

As for Ye Zhi, he would not be able to completely clear his name.

Ye Yan publicly visited Fang Yue to express his condolences and offer compensation.

Fang Yue's name once again echoed across the land.

However, he himself did not care about the related fame.

After theTang Imperial Courtofficially honored him, he calmly accepted the rewards and then left the East Sea.

On one hand, his mind had already returned to the third academy he was establishing inJiaye.

On the other hand, he intended to inspect the coastal defenses, ensuring that the previous East Sea conflict had not caused any harm to the local people.

Lei Jun andChu Kunwaited for their fellow DaoistMaster Shangguan Ningto return from overseas.

Master Shangguan Ninghad been unable to findXu Yuanzhenand, upon meeting with Lei Jun andChu Kun, they set out together to leave the East Sea.

Chu Kun, on this trip, decided to accompany Fang Yue, inspecting the coastal defenses and also checking in on his relatives who had temporarily evacuated.

As for Lei Jun andMaster Shangguan Ning, they would return toMount Longhu.

"Cangqing Crystals, huh? This is indeed good news. If theCangming Treasure Treerevives, it will bring great benefits," Yuan Mobai smiled and nodded.

Lei Jun: "Later, the Imperial Court will send them to the mountain. I hope theCangming Treasure Treewill revive thanks to this.

Additionally, I have obtained some other things on this journey."

He took out two crimsongourdsglowing with purple light.

Yuan Mobai, recalling some ancient texts, asked: "TheFanquImmortal Gourds?"

Seeing Lei Jun nod, Yuan Mobai smiled: "The world is unpredictable, while many things that have vanished from the mortal realm of theTang Dynastystill remain in another world."

Lei Jun: "It’s the same the other way around."

Yuan Mobai: "Since it’s youropportunity, you should handle it yourself. Speaking of which, this treasure is quite suitable for your current cultivation."

EachFanqu Immortal Gourdcan only be used by one person. Any excess would be wasted.

Apart from Lei Jun, who would use one, there was still another.

For theTianshi MansiononMount Longhu, the primary task was to rebuild, lay a strong foundation, and expand its base. Over time, the spiritual vitality of theDaoist Holy Landcould gradually be restored.

However, this did not mean that theTianshi Mansionwould stop working on raising its limits.

Thus, the secondFanqu Immortal Gourdwould be reserved for either Master Yuan Mobai orJunior Sister Tang Xiaotang, one of them, not forMaster Sister Xu Yuanzhen, as the gourd would have very limited effects on aNine Heavenspractitioner and would almost be wasted.

"I don’t need it." After leaving seclusion,Tang Xiaotangsmiled brightly.

Seeing her expression, Lei Jun understood: "Congratulations, Junior Sister, for reaching perfection in theEighth Heavenand attaining theDivine Court's Upper Realmcultivation."

Tang Xiaotang smiled happily: "Thank you!"

Her next goal was to break into theNinth Heavenand surpassXu Yuanzhen.

Once she reached perfection in theDivine Court's Four Realms, her focus would mostly be on overcoming the tribulation between theEighth HeavenandNinth Heaven.

Thus, theFanqu Immortal Gourdwas of little use to her.

Lei Jun turned to his master: "Well, that works out perfectly—one gourd for one person."

Yuan Mobai chuckled at his words.

After returning to the mountain, Lei Jun did not delay further.

That night, in his personal cave dwelling, he sat cross-legged.

The crimsongourdsglowing with purple light were opened, and streams of clear spiritual energy rose from them. Lei Jun used hisspiritual powerto contain the energy in the air of his chamber. The invisible, clear energy gathered into a ball, with faint crimson runes engraved around its perimeter.

Lei Jun focused and regulated his breath, beginning to refine the clear energy as it swirled in the air.

The innerDivine Courtlandscapes inside his body began to change, progressing faster than expected after his journey to the East Sea.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com