He asked, "These two Taoists are both outstanding figures of the Taoist Talisman Sect, their talent and flair world-renowned. It's no surprise that their Cultivation could reach a higher level, but for both to make a breakthrough at almost the same time, that seems rather coincidental. Is there any insider information you can share?"

Lei Jun listened quietly, casting a calm glance at Riyao.

Since the question about Wei Ancheng, the other had been silent, and remained so now.

When Lei Jun traded the Soul Dispersion Essence for the Radiant Sun Crystal from the other party, he had somewhat expected this.

Although there was the cover of Pure Yang Palace, the breakthrough of Tang Xiaotang using the Radiant Sun Crystal to reach the Eightfold Heaven Realm could easily lead to speculation about the Crystal's whereabouts.

However, since Xu Yuanzhen was the one who made the transaction, Lei Jun wasn't worried about being connected to it for the time being.

Yet, as for the question raised by Earth Guardian, Lei Jun too had some guesses in mind.

Some of these speculations were rather disquieting.

"Li Hongyu has passed away, and I'm afraid many secrets have been buried with her," YueYao said.

Earth Guardian said, "There might be others who know." After saying this, he did not speak further.

Because there was a newcomer among them, they did not delve any deeper in the subsequent conversation.

After chatting for a while longer, there seemed to be an intention to wrap things up hastily.

However, after everyone dispersed, Lei Jun took the time to meet with Mu Yao separately.

He got straight to the point, "About Abbot Liaoyuan from Bodhi Temple going to Youzhou in the Northern Lands, you previously revealed some information on this matter."

Mu Yao replied, "Indeed, that is true."

Lei Jun asked, "At that time, were you trying to prevent this event from happening?"

Mu Yao remained noncommittal, "I only heard that Bodhi Temple intended to go north, so I shared the news with everyone."

Lei Jun said, "I see." He did not say more and "logged off."

Lei Jun's consciousness withdrew from the True One Altar deep within his Spiritual Soul.

He stood up, pushed open the door, and stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the real starry sky of this world, lost in thought.

After a short while, Lei Jun gathered his scattered thoughts, returned to his room to meditate, and calmed his mind to continue his Cultivation.

「In two days, it was time for Her Majesty the Empress to make her official visit to Dragon Tiger Mountain.」

Shangguan Ning, Zhang Jingzhen, along with Lin Shan, joined Xiao Xueting to descend the mountain and welcome Her Majesty.

At noon, the Dragon Carriage appeared in the sky far outside Dragon Tiger Mountain.

Literally, a Dragon Carriage. Though not True Dragons but Jiao Longs, it was indeed a carriage drawn by dragons.

Compared to the formal imperial procession of the Tang Emperor, Her Majesty was indeed traveling lightly. Yet even so, it was still an impressive display.

Dragon Tiger Mountain responded in kind, with full pomp and ceremony.

Headed by Tang Xiaotang, who was essentially confirmed as the next Celestial Master, all the High Merit Masters of Dragon Tiger Mountain were present. Other Talisman-bestowed Elders and disciples likewise attended.

Today, Lei Jun finally laid eyes on the current Great Tang Emperor.

A figure descended from the Dragon Carriage.

It was Zhang Wantong, the fifth Tang Emperor, the ruler over millions of miles of the Great Tang's territory.

She dressed in casual attire, her clothes light and convenient, but it did not detract from the perfection of her facial contours and features, which were dazzlingly beautiful. Yet her features were more rugged and valiant compared to the average woman.

In Lei Jun's words, her appearance and figure perfectly epitomized the country's splendid and rich beauty, combining the heavenly elegance and majestic spirit of a prosperous imperial age.

Although the Great Tang Dynasty was currently in an eventful period, it was still far from being storm-tossed and on the brink of collapse. The key was what came next.

However, compared to Her Majesty the Empress's somewhat ostentatious appearance, the light in her eyes was restrained, making it difficult for others to discern her true thoughts.

"Not bad, I don't feel any malice so far, but it's hard to say, I can't quite see through her."

This was the evaluation of the newly appointed Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang after welcoming Her Majesty, which she shared privately with Lei Jun.

Overall, it's indeed not bad. But that "can't quite see through her" does give some cause for concern.

Lei Jun mused to himself, maintaining an impassive face, as he followed the crowd including Tang Xiaotang and Yuan Mobai to receive this sovereign of the Great Tang.

After the great battle, Dragon Tiger Mountain had suffered some damage to its gates. Fortunately, after some restoration, it no longer looked ramshackle.

The Empress would stay overnight on the mountain, and her lodging place was naturally arranged with great care.

According to her preference, the makeshift Imperial Palace set up for her stay was not on the main peak but beside a lake at the foot of the main peak.

After meeting with Tang Xiaotang, Yuan Mobai, and others on the main peak, she retired to sleep at the Imperial Palace that night.

Now, as the night deepened, the lights in the newly built pavilion on the lake shore and at the center of the lake were bright.

Xiao Xueting came to the lakeside and, via the pier, headed to the pavilion in the center of the lake.

The Palace Maids in the pavilion greeted her with bows. Xiao Xueting smiled and nodded in response, then proceeded to the pavilion.

There, a woman was sitting facing the lake, fishing, the float bobbing on the water.

"Your Majesty," Xiao Xueting approached with an easy posture, greeting her with a cheerful smile.

The fishing woman did not turn around, continuing to watch the lake. She casually asked, "How is it?"

Xiao Xueting replied, "Elder Shangguan's disciple, Taoist Lin, is quite enthusiastic. Elder Yuan's disciple, Master Lei, is more detached. Elder Yao's disciple, Taoist Ke, is also quite eager. However, he is injured and needs some time to recuperate."

The fishing woman reeled in her line. "What do you think of Lei Jun?"

Xiao Xueting laughed, "Similar to Elder Yuan, certainly very outstanding, but somewhat inscrutable."

The fishing woman stood up. "Often, when you find someone inscrutable, it's because the observer is overthinking."

She handed her fishing gear to Xiao Xueting and walked out of the lakeside pavilion.

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