Chapter 796 - 318. Magnetosword Realm, New Divine Skills Concept (Combined Chapter)_3

Lei Jun said, "It’s good that you have such a mindset."

Nie Fang bowed. "I have much to thank you for, Elder, for your teachings."

After staying at the Mystery Observatory for some time, Lei Jun left and returned to his sect’s Ancestral Courtyard at the Celestial Master Mansion.

"The Hall Master of Hui Tian Hall invites you, Master, to visit Luoyang when you are at leisure," Lei Jun informed Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai smiled. "I’m afraid it will have to be later. I am preparing to go into closed-door cultivation for some time soon. In the meantime, the Mansion’s affairs will be left to Shangguan, Jingzhen, and you, Chongyun."

Lei Jun’s dispatch as a Patrolling Wind Elder did not exempt him from his duties as a High Merit Elder at the Mansion. The High Merit Elder position was his primary role; the Patrolling Wind Elder was more like a supplementary one. After his first tour as Patrolling Wind Elder, Lei Jun was to remain stationed at the Mansion for a period before considering a second tour.

Lei Jun said, "Master, His Majesty sent Purple Mansion Mist this time."

Of the two Brahman Qi Immortal Gourds originally obtained from the East Sea, Lei Jun and his master had taken one each. With the aid of the Brahman Qi Immortal Gourd, both master and disciple had made progress in their cultivation. Lei Jun had already advanced from the first to the second level of the Eighth Heavenly Layer and expected to benefit further from it.

Meanwhile, Yuan Mobai, who was originally at the second level of the Eighth Heavenly Layer, had been in deep cultivation during this period. He was clearly preparing to attempt a breakthrough to the Third Layer of the Eighth Heavenly Layer, the External Scenery of the Divine Court realm of the Taoist Talisman Sect. Purple Mansion Mist undoubtedly offered great benefits for those at the External Scenery of the Divine Court realm.

"Chongyun, I appreciate your kind intention, but there’s no need," Yuan Mobai said, declining with a smile and a shake of his head. "Firstly, you also need it for your current cultivation. Secondly, the External Scenery of the Divine Court I wish to achieve is somewhat different from the ’external universe’ cultivated by past sages. Although Purple Mansion Mist is excellent, it wouldn’t be of great help to me, so why waste it?"

"Oh? In that case, I wish you success and Perfection in this closed-door cultivation, Master," Lei Jun said. He could tell his master was not merely being polite and grew even more curious about the External Scenery of the Divine Court Yuan Mobai was about to achieve.

Thus, in the following days, Yuan Mobai went into closed-door cultivation. The daily affairs inside the Celestial Master Mansion were temporarily overseen by Lei Jun, Shangguan Ning, and Zhang Jingzhen. Unlike before, Lei Jun took the lead in managing the Mansion’s affairs this time. Previously, he had always assisted Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang or elders like Yuan Mobai and Shangguan Ning. This time, however, Lei Jun was in charge, with Shangguan Ning and Zhang Jingzhen providing support.

This change was not solely due to Lei Jun’s increased Cultivation Strength. His recent trip—whether touring the various branches of the Talisman Sect, visiting Mount Shu and Zhongnan Mountain, or even being dispatched to the Imperial Capital Luoyang—had earned Lei Jun commendation from all quarters upon his return. Both within and outside the Celestial Master Mansion, his stature and prestige had gradually grown.

Lei Jun himself remained composed. He was not aloof, nor did he feign excessive closeness to his subordinates; everything proceeded as usual. In addition to overseeing the daily affairs of the Mansion, he focused on his own cultivation and on teaching his disciples.

One day, he left a message for others in the Celestial Book Universe, initiating a gathering.

At midnight, the radiant luminaries of the Celestial Book Universe began to shine one by one.

Lei Jun, incarnated as Taibai Metal Scepter, spoke first. "Greetings, everyone. Does anyone happen to have Spirit Void Immortal Fruits?"

Saturn Earth Radiance Fang Yue replied, "I have some."

Lei Jun said, "I need a large quantity of Spirit Void Immortal Fruit—the more, the better."

Saturn Earth Radiance Fang Yue responded, "I do have quite a lot. However, I’m looking for a large quantity of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures suitable for the cultivation of Confucian Sect disciples. The specific types don’t matter, but similarly, the more, the better."

Like the last time, most of what he needed was not for himself. Although the newly established Jianye Academy was beginning to take shape, it still required massive investment for its future development. The necessary Spiritual Objects were relatively basic and simple, but the sheer quantity needed was enormous.

Lei Jun said, "I have some, but I might not be able to guarantee a sufficient quantity."

Taiyin Yueyao chimed in, "A three-way trade isn’t out of the question. If the Metal Scepter has any news or treasures that pique my interest, I can contribute as well."

Lei Jun replied, "I don’t mind others joining. I’m just not sure if what I have will be compelling enough. I also have a bottle of White Lotus Frost Dew from the White Lotus Sect. The quantity isn’t large, but the quality is exceptionally high."

Taiyin Yueyao pondered, "White Lotus Frost Dew, you say...?"

Before Taiyin Yueyao could reply, Lei Jun suddenly received a "private chat."

It was Age Star Muyao, the Future Maitreya. "Venerable Sir," he said via private message, "please reserve the White Lotus Frost Dew for this humble monk. I am willing to cover the cost of the Confucian Sect’s Spiritual Objects that Saturn Earth Radiance requires."

Since he had already revealed his identity to Lei Jun, he spoke quite openly.

Lei Jun didn’t ask why the other party possessed such a large quantity of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures suitable for the Confucian Sect, and agreed directly, "Very well, thank you, Master."

Age Star Muyao, the Future Maitreya, replied, "Venerable Sir is too kind. We are simply each getting what we need."

Thus, what followed was a semi-private three-way trade. Lei Jun obtained the Spirit Void Immortal Fruit from Saturn Earth Radiance Fang Yue. Fang Yue, in turn, received a large quantity of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for the cultivation of Confucian Sect disciples from Age Star Muyao, the Future Maitreya. And Muyao acquired Lei Jun’s White Lotus Frost Dew.

Trades like this had long been commonplace in the Celestial Book Universe. After so much time and interaction, everyone was quite accustomed to them. Apart from the three involved, no one else inquired further.

Taiyin Yueyao proactively changed the subject. "My question is the same as before: I’d like to inquire about Elder Chen Donglou of the Mount Shu Sect. Additionally, I’m also asking about Master Faqing of Tianlong Temple. Does anyone have any information regarding them?"

Lei Jun remained perfectly composed, his gaze lowered, giving no reaction.

Age Star Muyao, the Future Maitreya, then said, "Regarding Monk Faqing of Tianlong Temple, I’ve heard some rumors, but they remain unconfirmed."

Hearing this, Lei Jun raised an eyebrow but said nothing.