Jian Dan regrouped with Tao Chengfeng and the others at the gates of Yunling City. Once everyone was assembled, she took control of the flying vessel and led them deeper into the Lingyun Mountains.
While standing on the deck, Jian Dan casually tossed a stone to Dou Zhiyuan. It was one of the items she had retrieved from Xu Meixia's storage ring. Shui Linglong, beside him, widened her eyes in disbelief.
Dou Zhiyuan quickly thanked her. He and Shui Linglong were then swept up by a group of excited Tianjian Sect disciples and pulled into the cabin, eager to share the dramatic tale of what had happened after they had left.
Meanwhile, Jian Dan stood silently on deck, her expression solemn as she gazed back at the slowly receding Yunling City.
Tao Chengfeng approached her. "Trouble?"
"Not yet, but I need to confirm something. Before we enter the secret realm, I'll make some additional arrangements for the Tianjian Sect disciples."
"If you need assistance, just let me know."
"Understood."
The next day, the Tianjian Sect's vessel descended onto an open clearing in the center of the Lingyun Mountains. Jian Dan and Tao Chengfeng led their disciples off the vessel, drawing the attention of surrounding cultivators.
Jian Dan didn't hesitate. She quickly formed a hand seal to stow the vessel, then instructed the disciples to set up the defensive array plates and rest. She and Tao Chengfeng went to greet the representatives from the other sects who had already arrived.
She scanned the gathering and immediately spotted two familiar faces: Yan Su of the Heavenly Demon Palace and Liao Kong Zhēnrén of the Buddhist Sect.
This time, many sects had dispatched disciples. Dan Sect, Zixiao Sect, Artifact Sect, Beast Taming Sect, Formation Sect, and the Yin-Yang Gate had each sent two hundred cultivators. The Rogue Cultivator Alliance had sent the largest contingent, around four hundred.
From the demon path, the Heavenly Demon Sect, Demonic Sound Sect, and Life-Death Pavilion had all sent their people. The beastkin, however, had sent no representatives this time.
This was Jian Dan's first time seeing demon sect cultivators formally.
The Heavenly Demon Sect disciples all wore black robes and black jade crowns. Those from the Demonic Sound Sect had more flamboyant attire, and each carried an instrument—either held in hand or slung on their back. The cultivators from the Life-Death Pavilion exuded a heavy aura of death. Half wore red robes, the other half white, and all wore black-and-white masks, creating a mysterious and eerie effect.
At this moment, Liao Kong Zhēnrén stepped forward to greet her.
"Amitabha. Shan Zhēnrén, we meet again. Since our parting in the mortal realm, I see your cultivation has advanced yet again."
"You flatter me. I see your progress is just as impressive."
After a few polite exchanges, Jian Dan moved straight to the point.
"Liao Kong Zhēnrén, have you made any discoveries during your inspections of the mortal realm this past year?"
At the change in topic, Liao Kong's demeanor turned serious.
"I was not part of every inspection assigned by the Buddhist Sect, but according to the reports we've received, there have been signs of heretical cultivators in more remote regions. Our disciples encountered them in several instances and did not fare well. Most of the enemies were in the late Golden Core stage or even the Nascent Soul stage. That's why I was reassigned to lead a team into the Chilang Secret Realm. The inspections of the mortal world have since been handed off to a Nascent Soul elder."
Jian Dan's expression darkened slightly. This confirmed her suspicions that their mission was more dangerous than anticipated. She would need to discuss strategy with Tao Chengfeng soon.
"We've also noticed that other major sects have quietly dispatched disciples into the mortal realm."
"It's likely because of the incident with the purple-tier secret realm. It put everyone on alert. After all, the mortal realm is the foundation of the cultivation world."
As she finished speaking, Jian Dan glanced at the young monk standing behind Liao Kong. He was shorter than Liao Kong by half a head, and his cultivation had just reached early Golden Core, with unstable spiritual fluctuations still emanating from him.
Liao Kong stepped aside and gestured to the boy.
"This is my junior brother Liao Chén. He's accompanying me on this expedition."
He turned to Liao Chén and added, "This is Shan Yunzu Zhēnrén of the Tianjian Sect. She once fought beside me against heretical cultivators."
"Amitabha. Liao Chén greets Shan Zhēnrén."
Looking at the youthful monk, who still had traces of baby fat on his face, Jian Dan's fingers itched. She resisted the urge to pinch his cheeks.
"Your sect truly has hidden talents. To reach the Golden Core stage at such an age is impressive. I feel quite inadequate in comparison."
"Haha, indeed, it is the Buddhist Sect's good fortune."
Liao Kong was clearly in a great mood from the compliment.
Liao Chén, however, kept sneaking glances at Yue Liang, the raccoon beast on Jian Dan's shoulder, clearly fascinated.
Off in the distance, Yan Su of the Heavenly Demon Sect began walking over at a leisurely pace.
"Yue Liang, go keep Young Zhēnrén Liao Chén company for a bit."
At her words, Yue Liang was already in Liao Chén's arms. The young monk looked delighted as he gently petted the creature, his eyes sparkling. He turned his hopeful gaze toward Liao Kong.
Liao Kong couldn't bear to watch the pleading look on his junior brother's face. With a wave of his hand, he sent the boy back to the Buddhist Sect camp.
As Liao Chén departed, Yan Su arrived. Today, he wore the Heavenly Demon Sect's formal black robes, which made his sickly pale complexion stand out even more. A heavy demonic aura coiled around him, proof that his cultivation had once again improved.
"So your Buddhist temple finally let Liao Chén out into the world? I thought they only trained clones who chant Amitabha all day."
Clearly, Yan Su's sharp tongue had not dulled.
Liao Kong gave an awkward cough and tried to change the topic. "Yan Su Zhēnrén, is there something you need from us?"
Liao Kong knew him well. Yan Su never showed up without a reason, and this was already enough to make him wary.
"Our territory has become unstable over the past two years. Someone, or some force, is stirring up internal conflict within the demon path. That's why Nine Fiends Hall and Crimson Blood Pavilion didn't send anyone to this expedition. They've suffered too much damage."
Jian Dan and Liao Kong exchanged a look. Neither of them looked pleased.