Holding the transmission talisman in her hand, Jian Dan gave a slightly awkward smile and cupped her hands toward Tao Chengfeng.
"Tao Zhēnrén, I'll have to trouble you to wrap things up here. I need to report to the Discipline Hall."
Tao Chengfeng nodded helplessly. He hadn't expected this Shan Zhēnrén to stir up such a commotion with a single lecture that it even drew the attention of the Discipline Hall.
Jian Dan stood properly in the grand hall of the Discipline Hall. This time, the one who summoned her was none other than the Sect Master, Jian Jun Zūnzhǔ. He was as refined and elegant as ever, holding a folding fan lightly in his hand. His voice was calm and cordial.
"Shan Shizhi, your lecture today offered them quite the opportunity."
"You flatter me, Zūnzhǔ. It was merely their own fortune. Most of those disciples had just finished the sect tournament, so their foundations were already solid. I only helped them stabilize a bit."
Jian Dan responded modestly, which earned her a satisfied nod from Jian Jun Zūnzhǔ.
"Do you know why I summoned you today?"
"I do not, Zūnzhǔ."
"In addition to leading the team into the Chilan Secret Realm, there is another task for you and Tao Chengfeng."
"I await your instructions, Zūnzhǔ."
"You and Jian Wu dealt with the demon cultivators in the mortal realm before. You should be familiar with the situation. This time, after the Chilan Secret Realm closes, I want you to lead the returning disciples and patrol the southwestern regions of the mortal realm under Tianjian Sect's jurisdiction."
Upon hearing this, Jian Dan felt like her face was about to droop. So this was all part of the setup. But since she had received the favor of the Chaos Sword, it was only fair to return the debt.
"I understand. I'll act according to the situation when the time comes."
"Good. I know you're quick-witted, so I won't say more. Just like last time, you'll work in the open, and I'll assign a Yuányīng Zhēnjūn to work from the shadows. He won't interfere unless absolutely necessary."
"I understand. I'll make sure they all gain valuable experience."
"Very well. You represent Tianjian Sect when you're out in the world. Do not tarnish our reputation."
"I will keep your teachings in mind, Zūnzhǔ."
"You may go."
At the entrance of the Discipline Hall, Jian Dan saw Jian Wu Zhēnjūn waiting. Without a word, he tossed her a jade token. She looked down and saw it was a black jade sword-shaped token, one she recognized from the final trial of the assessment, once worn at his waist.
"This is a special token from the Discipline Hall. In emergencies, it can contact nearby hall disciples for assistance."
"Thank you, Zhēnjūn."
"I see the sword aura around you is much more restrained than when you first left the Sword Tomb. You're almost fully bonded with your spirit sword."
Jian Dan could only laugh awkwardly. This one always got straight to the point. She quickly made her exit from the Discipline Hall's mountain.
By now, the Chaos Sword had almost fully fused with the yang side of the Yin-Yang Taiji Disk in her dantian. But it was ignoring her, the small silver sword turning over lazily as it continued repairing itself.
Back at her cave residence, as soon as she opened the formation, Yue Liang leapt onto her shoulder and nudged her with its furry little head.
Jian Dan happily picked Yue Liang up and inspected her closely. Her fur was shinier, and her aura felt more stable.
"Yue Liang, how are you feeling? Any progress?"
"Thank you, Zhēnrén. I think most of my hidden injuries are healed, though I'll need a bit more time to fully recover."
"Good. We'll be heading out to the central Chilan Secret Realm in five days."
"Yue Liang understands."
That night, as Jian Dan circulated the Primordial Chaos Art, she noticed the speed of her cultivation had increased, and the spiritual energy she absorbed was noticeably greater. However, as the energy entered her dantian, a large portion of it was intercepted by the Chaos Sword within the yang side of the Yin-Yang Taiji Disk, with the remainder reinforcing her cultivation base.
Jian Dan frowned and brushed the sword with her spiritual sense. This time, the Chaos Sword responded quickly, as if stretching lazily.
"What is it?"
"You took my spiritual energy."
"Ahem, well, I need to repair my sword body quickly. It's been so many years. Now that I've finally formed a contract with a cultivator who possesses the Chaos Root, I have to make the most of it. Otherwise, I won't be able to fight alongside you in the future."
"You sensed my Chaos Root when I entered the Sword Tomb?"
"Not exactly. I only sensed you had five elemental roots. It wasn't until you fused the five sword techniques into chaotic spiritual force that I realized it. That's why I came out immediately."
"I think that Yin-Yang Disk in your body shields your dantian. That's why no one was able to detect your root."
Upon hearing that, Jian Dan understood. It must be the dual cultivation of Dao and Demon that formed the Yin-Yang Taiji Disk, which masked her spiritual root perfectly. Otherwise, someone would've discovered her secret the moment she arrived in Tianyue City.
"You're the sword spirit of the Chaos Sword. Do you remember your name?"
"The past is the past. You're my new master. Why don't you give me a new name?"
"Alright. Since my cultivation is still weak, and you're not fully restored, we should stay low-key for now. I'll give you a name that sounds nice and still carries power."
"How about Bà Tiān?"
"Too tacky."
"Long Yuan?"
"I'm not affiliated with the dragon clan."
"..."
Hearing no follow-up, the Chaos Sword shifted uncomfortably.
Jian Dan looked at the Taiji Disk quietly absorbing energy. Suddenly, inspiration struck.
"How about Mò Xī?"
The moment she said the name, the two characters appeared on the Chaos Sword's body within her dantian. The sword aura around her fully receded into her body. The contract was now complete.
From this moment on, Mò Xī was Jian Dan's true-life spirit sword. Together, they would begin their journey to leave their mark on the cultivation world.
===
(默皙, Mò Xī)
默 (Mò): silent, quiet, wordless
皙 (Xī): fair, pale, clear [usually refers to fair or white complexion, also associated with clarity or light]