Chapter 1181 - 396: Heavenly Palace Relic (Double-Length - )

Chapter 1181: Chapter 396: Heavenly Palace Relic (Double-Length Chapter)

Empress Zhang Wantong has already detached herself from the Emperor’s Skill, thus her cultivation returns to the path of Confucian scholarship.

The knowledge she possesses is unique and forms its own style.

However, according to Lei Jun’s observation, her situation differs from that of Meng Shaojie.

In appearance, Zhang Hui seems more alike to her.

In some ways, Zhang Hui may indeed be her first disciple inheriting her legacy similar to a mountain-opening disciple.

It’s not that she withheld cultivation from Meng Shaojie; rather, her and Zhang Hui’s cultivation, accurately speaking, should still be called the Confucian Classical Studies line, both continuing and developing.

Meng Shaojie’s method separates historical studies from the classical scholarship as an independent path.

Among them, Zhang Hui uses classical studies as the foundation and painting as the means, blending Empress Zhang Wantong’s scholarly calligraphic legacy with philosophical artistic conception, while also involving some mysteries of the Confucian Chanting Sect practitioners, harmonizing with heaven and nature.

This is his cultivation method that forms during his studies, combining his own traits, most suitable for himself, and distinct from the majority of other Confucian practitioners in the world.

After detaching from the Emperor’s Technique, the Empress’ cultivation is a unique aspect in certain ways, achieving the Great Scholar of the Ninth Heavenly Layer Perfection in classical studies.

She retained the great mystery of the Great Scholar reaching Five Classics Perfection rather than fully transitioning to historical cultivation, named Smooth Ascent to the Clouds.

In ancient times, during the era when ascension to the Immortal Realm was still possible, according to ancient records, this was considered the relatively easiest method to ascend.

Of course, what is termed easy is always relative.

Throughout history, the chasm between mortals and immortals has buried countless prominent figures of their time, causing countless outstanding talents to falter, among them those who have already achieved Smooth Ascent to the Clouds as great scholars.

From the appearance, Empress Zhang Wantong seems internally reserved with no Visible Vast Integrity Qi, seemingly far inferior to Lin Zheng, who shares the same cultivation level of the fifth layer of the Ninth Heavenly Layer.

But Lei Jun’s cultivation and insight are both extraordinary; he intuitively senses that Empress Zhang Wantong’s Home, Country, World is currently strong and, despite not being outwardly visible, still holds a substantial presence, as detailed as a true Heaven and Earth World.

Within, it contains a unique philosophical artistic conception, distinct from other great scholars’ Home, Country, World.

"Dragon Tiger Mountain once obtained a celestial document, related to the Heavenly Palace," Zhang Wantong spoke again. "Recently, urgent news came from the north, unexpectedly discovering a seal also related to the Heavenly Palace. Minister Lei, feel free to take it with you and examine it together with other ministers from Dragon Tiger Mountain."

Lei Jun’s expression remained unchanged as he pondered and replied, "I, a humble Daoist, thank Your Majesty for your trust."

After his audience with the Emperor, a palace maid presented a brocade box, which Lei Jun accepted before leaving the palace.

After some inspection, he opened the brocade box, only to find a large seal seemingly made of white jade inside.

As soon as it was subjected to human gaze, the jade seal seemed to gently shake as if it had life.

Although the jade seal appeared unchanged on the surface, Lei Jun keenly noticed that the treasure seemed to have shifted into an alert, closed, and defensive posture.

He found this interesting—the protective enchantment of this treasure was quite intriguing. If not perceived correctly, one might be fooled, thinking the jade seal ordinary, and thus likely wouldn’t forcibly damage it, losing its treasure in vain.

Lei Jun did not take any drastic action, maintaining a calm observation of the treasure.

He seemed to integrate into nature.

His gaze on the jade seal seemed unchanging, yet the jade seal could no longer feel Lei Jun’s sight, gradually relaxing its previous defensive position.

Thus, following this, in Lei Jun’s vision, based on this jade seal, numerous incantation seals began to appear consecutively.

With Lei Jun’s current cultivation, he could instantly see that these incantation seals were all inherited from the Taoist School of Lu Sect and originated during the era of the Ancient Talisman Sect.

Given the jade seal’s provenance from the Heavenly Palace, it could be speculated that it might have been left behind by senior masters from the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain long ago when they ascended to the Heavenly Palace.

In theory, the Heavenly Palace has long become history, and now the Celestial Master Mansion of Mount Longhu of Tang’s inheritance also has many differences compared to the Ancient Talisman Sect of old.

But considering Penglai and the Heavenly Palace’s relationship, the successive emergence of the Mortal Tao Country, as well as the existence of the Great Han’s Dragon Tiger Mountain inheritance, Lei Jun had to pay extra attention in this regard.

Empress Zhang Wantong entrusted this treasure to Lei Jun and Dragon Tiger Mountain, presumably also to have them focus on this matter.

However...

Lei Jun’s situation differs from the other cultivators of Dragon Tiger Mountain.

Furthermore, he, and Xu Yuanzhen, who also possesses natural-level insight, differ as well.

Lei Jun achieved natural-level insight; besides being related to the Heavenly Palace, he is also linked to the legendary Bluestone Drop and Netherworld among the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Thus, he is somewhat more sensitive to matters concerning Bluestone Drop and Netherworld than others.

Presently, Lei Jun faintly feels that this seal related to the Heavenly Palace seems to have some connection to Bluestone Drop.

The Bluestone Drop among the Nine Heavens is relatively special, or was relatively special.

The reason is that, according to rumors, Bluestone Drop has never been stably occupied by anyone or any group.

Though over the years, some have entered and exited Bluestone Drop, all were passersby, none able to stay for an extended time.

Lei Jun now gazes at the seal, lost in thought.

His concerns are not solely about the Heavenly Palace and the Ancient Talisman Sect but also about Empress Zhang Wantong, who entrusted him with the seal.

.........

The Mortal World during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

The Black Kirin Army main camp of Mangshan under Later Chu.

The entire army is currently draped in mourning wear, with all soldiers dressed in white robes and wearing mourning headbands.

Yet the number of soldiers in the camp is not many.

The main force is currently on an expedition with Marshal Zhou Wei.

The destination is the capital city of Later Chu.