When Jian Dan returned to her cave residence, her body still carried the sharp aura of sword intent. She touched her forehead and let out a sigh of relief. Despite how ragged she looked, with sword energy still not fully reined in or merged, at least she had no internal injuries.
Jian Zhi Zhēnjūn had only glanced at her a few extra times before sending her back to Jianyue Peak without asking questions.
Upon her return, she immediately ran into Lü Zhēnrén, who had arrived at the administrative hall ahead of her. He was clearly surprised by how long she had spent inside the Sword Tomb, and assumed she must have retrieved some unparalleled divine sword. His reaction left her caught between amusement and exasperation, so she fled back to her cave residence as fast as she could.
Outside her formation array, several communication talismans hovered in the air. When she tapped to listen, she heard Tao Chengfeng's pleasant baritone:
"Shan Zhēnrén, when would you be available to discuss the team leadership matter?"
"Shan Zhēnrén, have you received my messages? Please respond at your earliest convenience."
"Shan Zhēnrén, if you're back at your residence, would you be willing to visit mine?"
Jian Dan felt guilty. She hadn't expected her trip to the Sword Tomb to take so long. Tao Chengfeng must already have certain thoughts about her by now. She quickly sent him a reply, stating that she would visit his residence right away.
Before leaving, she glanced at Yue Liang, who was still in the middle of advancing. Just as when she had left, Yue Liang was quietly absorbing spiritual energy, her body surrounded by a silver-white glow. Her presence felt stronger than before, likely due to the effects of the spirit spring water.
Jian Dan changed into a robe of flowing cyan with wide sleeves. She tied her hair into a half-up knot, fastened with a green ribbon that fell alongside her ink-black hair down to her waist. Her identity token hung at her belt, and she wore white cloud-soled boots. Once presentable, she made her way to Tao Zhēnrén's cave.
These past few days, Tao Chengfeng's face had grown increasingly dark. Fellow disciples in nearby caves took great care to avoid him, not wanting to provoke his temper.
The team mission was fast approaching, and he still hadn't seen Shan Yunzu even once. He was starting to wonder if she intended to shirk responsibility, or if she simply didn't take the matter seriously.
Just then, someone knocked on his door. When Tao Chengfeng saw that it was Shan Zhēnrén, he deactivated his defensive formation and allowed her in.
Jian Dan had already sensed the oppressive mood lingering within three kilometers of Tao Chengfeng's residence. So the moment she arrived, she greeted him with a warm smile and a soft tone, explaining the reason behind her prolonged absence.
After hearing her explanation, Tao Chengfeng's expression finally eased. Given that this involved a cultivator's fated opportunity—and one related to the sect's treasured Sword Tomb—it made sense. His frustration subsided by half, and they soon turned to discussing the upcoming team expedition.
"The opening of the Chilong Secret Realm has been announced across the sect," he said. "We've secured a quota of two hundred participants: fifty at the Qi Refining stage and one hundred fifty at Foundation Establishment. Most are from the Outer Nine Peaks, with a few from the Inner Peaks."
"So the candidates for entry have already been decided?" Jian Dan asked.
"Exactly. The Outer Nine Peaks just held their outer sect competition. Aside from rankings, one of the prizes was entry to this secret realm."
"Looks like I missed quite the show. Is there anything else you need me to help prepare?"
"Before we depart, we need to go to the administrative hall to collect the transport spirit vessel and defensive formation disks. The finalized participant list will be sent to us shortly."
"You've handled all this so thoroughly, Tao Zhēnrén. I've barely done anything. I truly feel ashamed."
"No need for that. In fact, there is one matter that only Shan Zhēnrén is suited for."
Tao Chengfeng actually cracked a faint smile as he said this.
"Oh? I'm listening."
"This expedition is meant to temper the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples, but the sect naturally wishes to avoid unnecessary casualties. After all, we lost many excellent disciples during the last purple-grade secret realm trial."
"So?"
"I know Shan Zhēnrén joined Tianjian Sect as a rogue cultivator and also entered the purple-grade secret realm. The sect hopes you might give a lecture at the Transmission Hall to share your experience. You'll receive contribution points for it, of course."
"But I'm only just at the early Gold Core stage. Compared to the great senior cultivators, I still have many shortcomings. Wouldn't I just be misleading the juniors?"
"Shan Zhēnrén is too modest. I, for one, am well aware of your capabilities."
Jian Dan realized she had no way out of this conversation, so she simply smiled awkwardly and accepted.
"Since you've said that, I'll give it a try. I'll prepare over the next two days and send out an announcement from the Duty Hall. Those who want to come can join, and those who don't won't be forced. Would that be acceptable?"
"Shan Zhēnrén may decide as you see fit."
Their talk ended on a pleasant note. To show her appreciation, Jian Dan gifted him a jar of spirit wine before gracefully leaving his residence.
When Tao Zhēnrén opened the wine, a rich aroma spread through his cave. Even someone who rarely drank like Tao Chengfeng found his brow easing at the scent.
Jian Dan didn't linger. She headed straight to the Duty Hall and made a beeline for Lü Se. This time, Lü Se had learned his lesson. As soon as he spotted the graceful and ethereal Shan Zhēnrén from afar, he hurried to greet her.
"Shan Zhēnrén, it's only been a few days, but your elegance has only grown. Is there something I can help you with today?"
His speech pattern was nearly identical to Lü Zhēnrén's, so Jian Dan didn't waste words.
"I'd like to post a notice at the Duty Hall. Please announce that there will be a survival guide lecture on the Chilong Secret Realm tomorrow at noon. You may arrange the location on Jianyue Peak."
"Understood. Please go to the High Mountain Hall at noon tomorrow."
Jian Dan nodded and left once everything was arranged.
Fifteen minutes later, a new announcement appeared on the white jade screen of the Outer Nine Peaks' Duty Hall, placed in the most prominent position:
"The spiritual plants, herbs, beasts, and fated opportunities of the Chilong Secret Realm await you. If you don't want to miss your chance, come to Jianyue Peak's High Mountain Hall tomorrow at noon. Hear Shan Yunzu Zhēnrén teach you how to avoid danger and seize fortune!"