This little fellow was, of course, Gungun, whom Lei Jun had brought back from Bashu years ago.
Although he had aged over the years, his physique, due to its unique nature, had actually condensed into its current form.
He had achieved early success in his cultivation of the Conversion Scripture but had never transford into human form. Lei Jun never pressured him in this regard.
As he gradually matured, besides his childhood nickna Gungun, Lei Jun, as his ntor and Du Shi, bestowed upon him an official na.
This was just as when Yuan Mobai had beco a disciple under the previous Celestial Master.
The na Lei Jun chose for his disciple was Zhuo Baojie.
It was derived from Baojie Jun, one of the elegant titles for bamboo.
As for the surna, Yuan Mobai ntioned that his original surna held no special significance. His ntor, the third Celestial Master Li, had selected the character "Yuan" for him from the sacred edict of the Supre Pure Lingbao Heavenly Venerate.
Following suit, Lei Jun also picked the character "Zhuo" from the sacred edict of the Lingbao Heavenly Venerate for Gungun’s surna.
Thus, he received the formal na Zhuo Baojie.
Although the disciple had no intention of transforming into a human, he was initially quite content with his na.
Until...
"Alright, Baobao, go and make preparations with Senior Brother Ke," Lei Jun waved his hand.
Chu Kun also waved to him with a smile.
Xiaoxiong sighed in a very human-like manner. His look towards his master and martial uncle clearly seed to say, "Can’t you two be a bit more mature?"
Behaving like a miniature adult, he paid his respects to Lei Jun and Chu Kun, then withdrew.
"Let’s go as well and greet the guests," Lei Jun said, and Chu Kun nodded.
A new Transcension Ritual was about to be held, and many guests from afar had co to witness it.
The attending guests were of considerable status.
In the battles of Jiangzhou and Youzhou, the Celestial Master Mansion had truly made a na for itself, stirring the winds of change across the South and North.
Even now, various parties were still busy managing the aftermath, and the turbulence had yet to subside.
With the Celestial Master Mansion holding the Transcension Ritual, many factions sent representatives to observe. It was also an opportunity for them to increase exchanges and communication with the Mansion, and even to gauge its true strength and weaknesses.
"Elder He, your presence graces our humble abode," Lei Jun said, welcoming He Dongxing, an elder from the Mount Shu Sect, inside.
Although Lei Jun had recently been appointed as a High rit Elder of the Seventh Heavenly Layer, Shangguan Ning was in the Capital City for the New Year and had not yet returned. anwhile, Yao Yuan had gone to the Rear Mountain Ancestral Tomb for penance, leaving Dragon Tiger Mountain currently short of High rit Elders.
Lei Jun, having just taken office, already had to shoulder significant responsibilities.
Fortunately, he had prior experience serving as an elder in the Hall of Steward and managing such affairs, so he was adept at organizing the ceremony.
The guest from the Mount Shu Sect attending the ceremony was He Dongxing, an elder and an old acquaintance of Lei Jun and his disciple.
More than two years ago, He Dongxing had been injured by Xiong Gang, an elder from the Blood River Sect, in the Southern Wilderness.
Afterwards, he returned to Mount Shu and had spent nearly two years living in seclusion while recuperating. This was his first long journey away from the mountain since his injury.
"Fellow Taoist Lei, you are too kind. It is I who am imposing," He Dongxing smiled as he exchanged greetings with Lei Jun.
The guest from the Imperial Court, it should be said, was also a familiar face.
Prince Xun’an, Zhang Mu.
Lei Jun received him, and they engaged in polite conversation.
"After Elder Yuan, for your esteed sect to produce another illustrious Taoist martial expert like Elder Lei is truly a cause for celebration," Zhang Mu said with a smile.
"Your Highness, you overpraise ; I truly don’t deserve it. On that day, Lin Chi was first affected by the destruction of his ancestral land and then distracted by other matters. That was what gave an opportunity. I am truly unworthy of Your Highness’s generous praise," Lei Jun replied.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lei Jun instructed Chu Kun to continue attending to the two guests, while he went to greet other new arrivals.
"Elder He, it has been a long ti. Has your health significantly improved?" Zhang Mu inquired of He Dongxing.
He Dongxing replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. After the events in the Southern Wilderness, this old fra of mine has finally recovered sowhat."
The two walked together, engaging in casual conversation.
During their conversation, Zhang Mu remarked, seemingly offhand, "The Jiangzhou Lin Clan conspired with the Great Void Temple rebels and even colluded with demons and evil spirits—truly unpardonable! For their suppression, besides thanking the many Taoists of the Celestial Master Mansion, the Mount Shu Sect also played an indispensable role!"
He Dongxing understood the implication in his words. After a brief silence, he said softly, "Your Highness, to be frank, although Our Sect wished to assist our fellow Taoists from the Celestial Master Mansion, the presence of the Jingxiang Fang Clan ant our spirit was willing, but our strength was insufficient. We could only focus on containing them to prevent the Jingxiang Fang Clan from reinforcing Jiangzhou."
Zhang Mu paused. After another mont of silence, he said, "Elder He... I might as well be candid with you. On that day, by His Majesty’s imperial edict, the Imperial Court dispatched n southward, intending to assist the Celestial Master Mansion in quelling the Lin rebellion in Jiangzhou. However, the battle in Jiangzhou concluded far more swiftly than anticipated."
Did the Celestial Master Mansion defeat Jiangzhou and severely weaken the Lin Clan relying solely on its own strength? Or did they have assistance from others? What were the origins of that rumored mysterious archer, or the enigmatic Taoist Sect expert of External Alchemy? Zhang Mu and He Dongxing looked at each other, montarily at a loss for words.
The guests gathered, each with their own thoughts and calculations.
And so, the Celestial Master Mansion’s Transcension Ritual comnced as scheduled.
Celestial Master Tang Xiaotang was rely an observer this ti; the ceremony was presided over by High rit Elder Yuan Mobai.
As for Lei Jun, according to ceremonial etiquette, he had less involvent in the proceedings once the ritual officially began, quietly following the established procedures.
Because today, he was to act as the Transcension Master and formally accept disciples.
He Dongxing and the other observing guests watched the young, tall Taoist in the purple robe. A myriad of emotions welled up in their hearts.
The once young Taoist of lower standing had already reached such heights...
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