"Then explain everything from the beginning. It's clear today's events were orchestrated by the few of you."
Jian Jun Zhūnzhǔ still wore a serene expression, her folding fan in hand, but no one dared to challenge her words.
Jian Dan knew there was no avoiding this. She stepped forward, bowed respectfully to the elders in the hall, took a moment to gather her thoughts, and then began:
"This matter started back in the Purple-rank secret realm. Due to a random teleportation, I encountered Han Pengfei of Cloud Sea Sect. We passed the trials together and decided to travel as companions. At the time, Xu Meixia, who was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, misunderstood and thought I had feelings for him. Because of that, she tried to sabotage me several times."
Han Pengfei nodded in agreement, allowing Jian Dan to continue.
"She tried to ambush me again, but Han Pengfei stopped her. She ended up falling into a swarm of black insects that had been chasing us."
"When we left the secret realm, she came out alive. But I clearly saw her surrounded by that black mist. She claimed that her Purple-rank token saved her."
"I did suspect something, but I had no proof. So I subtly warned Han Pengfei to be cautious around her."
This time, Han Pengfei nodded solemnly and picked up the explanation.
"Thanks to Shan Zhēnrén's warning, I reported the incident to the sect upon returning and went into seclusion to avoid further contact. Later, when the Chilang secret realm opened, she kept urging me to participate. I hesitated for a long time, but eventually agreed, not wanting to miss the opportunity."
"Before entering, Xu Meixia and Shan Zhēnrén had a conflict. She lost the exchange and suffered some injuries, so she didn't approach me again."
"After we entered, a sudden change occurred and we were ejected. Since our cultivations were lower, we were instructed to leave first to avoid unnecessary losses."
"While the Jīndān Zhēnrén were fighting, Xu Meixia acted strangely. She didn't make much effort to fight, and when the situation turned dire, she actually looked rather pleased."
Jian Dan resumed the narrative.
"Later, I summoned the Heavenly Sword Sect's warship and invited the other Zhēnrén to help operate it against the enemy. She was the only one reluctant to board and join the battle."
Bai Mo Zhēnrén from Cloud Sea Sect stood beside Hai Yue Zhēnjūn and nodded, confirming that Xu Meixia had indeed hesitated.
"I had to be responsible for every cultivator on board. I couldn't let an unstable element remain. So I had my spiritual beast remove her from the battlefield. But this was Yue Liang's first battle. In her panic, she accidentally dropped Xu Meixia near those black-armored insect creatures."
Jian Jun Zhūnzhǔ chuckled without saying a word. Everyone present was a veteran cultivator. They could tell Shan Yunzu had done it on purpose. But since she was the one standing here, they would accept whatever version she gave.
"The battlefield was chaotic. Survival was our only concern. I figured we could explain later, assuming we lived to return. Fortunately, despite the damage, we managed to eliminate the beast."
"Before Zhūnzhǔ brought us back to Yunling City, I saw Xu Meixia blending in among the other Zhēnrén. I was uneasy, so I lured her out, hoping to provoke a reaction and see what she would do."
"I didn't expect... well, the rest, all of you witnessed firsthand."
"Quite a well-laid plan," Mo Yi commented.
"You brought her back because of the mother insect in her body?" Jian Jun Zhūnzhǔ asked.
"It was just a suspicion, Zhūnzhǔ."
"Bold and meticulous. Good. You may go rest. We will handle the rest."
Jian Dan and Tao Chengfeng were just about to leave when Hai Yue Zhēnjūn stepped forward and bowed to the two Zhūnzhǔ seated above.
"Zhūnzhǔ, I beg your leave to ask one more question."
Jian Jun nodded slightly. Hai Yue Zhēnjūn turned to Jian Dan and asked bluntly:
"How can you be certain Pengfei was not infected?"
Han Pengfei glanced nervously at Jian Dan, who parted her lips and replied:
"Because Xu Meixia was willing to expose herself to kill me."
Her answer left everyone thoughtful. Jian Dan, unwilling to keep them guessing, turned to Han Pengfei and said directly:
"You should be grateful that Xu Meixia truly had feelings for you. Whether her spirit or mind was controlled by the insect, her obsession with you ran deep. That's why she wanted you to surrender willingly."
"If you had already been controlled, she could have just ordered you to stay away from me, rather than following you around."
Han Pengfei frowned slightly, sympathy surfacing on his face. Jian Dan noticed and sighed internally.
"Don't pity her. If you had refused to become Dao partners, she would have taken that final step regardless. My presence only intensified the contradiction within her heart and hastened her decision. When she tried to release that insect from her brow to take over my mind, do you really think she would have spared Tao Zhēnrén? Or passed up the chance to control you?"
Her words hit the nail on the head.
"Thank you, Jian Zhēnrén. I feel ashamed," Han Pengfei said quietly.
"You weren't entirely unaware. Otherwise, you wouldn't have avoided her, or kept your distance."
Han Pengfei froze slightly at that. Jian Dan gave a faint smile.
"You don't need to feel guilty. Actions bring consequences. She loved you and made her choices. In the end, she harmed herself. But let's not forget, with nothing but your charm, you made a Jīndān Zhēnrén—under the control of a parasitic insect—give up full control over you. That alone deserves praise: the peerless charm of a young master."
With that, Jian Dan gave a respectful bow to Hai Yue Zhēnrén and left the hall with Tao Chengfeng, leaving behind a stunned Han Pengfei, frozen in place.