He calmed his mind and retracted his gaze, no longer observing the outside through the Breathing Soil Banner, thus becoming even more low-key and concealed than before.

However, the sounds of the warring factions still reached his ears:

"I have seen Master Kongjing," spoke Yongxiang, a disciple of Xuantian Temple.

Judging by his address, the newcomer was Master Kongjing, a revered Elder of the Buddhist Precept Adhering Lineage with an Upper Three Heavens cultivation.

With this Buddhist Precept Holder master of the Seventh Heavenly Layer arriving, logically, the three White Lotus Sect disciples should have had no escape.

Yet a greater conflict erupted outside.

The deep valley shook, seemingly on the verge of further collapse.

Under the cover of the Breathing Soil Banner, Lei Jun felt himself becoming unstable.

Had he not been in the process of absorbing the Great Five Elements Creation Qi—a process that paradoxically aided his concealment—Lei Jun would undoubtedly have been exposed.

Now, through the Great Five Elements Creation Qi, he seemed to have truly become a part of the valley's bedrock.

"It's the Young Sect Master of the White Lotus Demon Monks!" exclaimed a martial artist.

Hearing this, Lei Jun raised his eyebrows slightly.

The White Lotus Sect's Future Maitreya, the one who walks the mortal world?

What kind of day is this? Both he and Master Kongjing, an Elder of Xuantian Temple, actually showed up here.

Yet, from their appearance, it didn't seem like they were after the Great Five Elements Creation Qi, nor did they seem aware of the changes occurring here.

An aged voice, which seemed to be Master Kongjing of Xuantian Temple, called out, "Future Maitreya, please wait."

A younger voice then responded with a Buddhist salutation, "My Buddha is merciful."

His voice wasn't particularly loud, yet it suppressed all other sounds in the area, rendering even Master Kongjing's voice almost inaudible. "The turmoil at Huai Mountain," he said, his voice carrying despite its softness, "was not the original intention of our sect. It was the result of someone being misguided by external influences and going their own way. This humble monk also hopes for an early resolution and has been bringing fellow disciples back to the mountain these days to be disciplined according to our sect's precepts."

As he spoke, that voice gradually faded into the distance.

The oppressive presence of Master Kongjing, the other Upper Three Heavens expert, also receded into the distance; he was clearly unwilling to give up and intended to continue pursuing the White Lotus Sect members.

Yongxiang Monk and the other five people from before also hurriedly followed.

The deep valley floor, which had witnessed a fierce battle earlier, quickly returned to peace once again.

Lei Jun remained seated in meditation, but his mind was turbulent with thoughts.

The White Lotus Sect, a group notorious for rebellion, has always been known for its bold actions and clear banners.

But from what that Future Maitreya just said, this Huai Mountain uprising wasn't an official decision by the entire White Lotus Sect, but rather someone internally acting alone?

And it was an action taken in concert with people outside the White Lotus Sect?

This is rather amusing. The White Lotus Sect, which split from the main Buddhist Sect due to internal conflict, is now experiencing further internal disputes?

But who are the external parties colluding with these instigators?

Lei Jun shook his head slightly. He was actually more curious as to why the Future Maitreya and Master Kongjing had fought their way to the vicinity of Xianliu Mountain, but for now, he couldn't grasp the reason.

He composed his mind, refraining from further speculation, and continued to steadily absorb his Great Five Elements Creation Qi.

After a short while, all the multicolored, flowing Qi was finally drawn entirely into Lei Jun's True One Altar Cave Heaven.

Within the Cave Heavens, above the ritual ground before the Altar, a vast expanse of five-colored, shimmering qi flow spread out. It resembled clouds and mist, exuding an aura of peace and tranquility.

Lei Jun let out a deep breath.

He didn't rush to leave immediately. Instead, he meditated quietly for a while longer, focusing on Warming and Nurturing. Only after confirming that no Buddhist Sect members had reappeared did he finally retract the Breathing Soil Banner and rise to leave this deep valley.

Lei Jun returned to Xianliu Palace as if nothing had happened, finding Yun Zhan and the others restless.

The clash between Yongxiang Monk and his companions at the bottom of the deep valley was one thing.

But afterwards, when the Future Maitreya and Master Kongjing, two Upper Three Heavens masters, arrived, it was hard for Yun Zhan and his companions not to notice.

Fortunately, the two Buddhist masters had no intention of disturbing the Celestial Master Mansion's branch estate on Xianliu Mountain and quickly departed.

"I also saw them when I was in the mountains," Lei Jun reassured everyone. "Although I don't know why they appeared here, we should guard our Tao Palace well and avoid unnecessary complications for now."

All his fellow disciples agreed.

「Later, an officer from the Great Tang Shenji Army visited Xianliu Palace.」

Lei Jun recognized him as the sword-wielding martial artist from the earlier battle in the valley.

The man was polite. He merely mentioned that White Lotus rebel demon monks were active nearby and requested the Celestial Master Mansion's assistance in keeping an eye out and apprehending them if encountered.

Lei Jun verbally agreed and sent the visitor away, not taking the matter too seriously.

「When the night grew deep and quiet, Lei Jun once again inspected the defensive restrictions of Xianliu Palace to prevent any sneak attacks by Lin Clan members, then resumed his seated meditation and cultivation.」

His attention shifted to the True One Altar Cave Heaven, where he began to carefully study the Third-Rank Opportunity he had newly acquired that day: the Great Five Elements Creation Qi.

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