Yingge had no idea about his elder brother's worries. He was overjoyed to help Shan Yunzu. He paid no attention to the fourth tail feather gradually solidifying. After fluttering, he sank back into the pool's depths to start another round of bloodline refinement.
"Alright, do not disturb the little one. This place is safe. You don't need to guard it. In a few days, come with me to the Bamboo Forest Sea. The Demon Palace will pass through there on their route to the Ming Valley."
"Yes."
With that, both figures vanished from the Flame Pool's edge.
Heavenly Sword Sect, Law Enforcement Hall
After surviving the tribulation at Divine Transformation, Jian Wu stabilized his cultivation. As the bell rang to celebrate new Divine-Transformation cultivators, he hurried to the law enforcement peak to meet his master.
"Master, I have successfully ascended to Divine Transformation. I will assist you more from now on."
Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ's stern face softened with rare approval as he observed his student's steady aura.
"Congratulations, Brother Jian Wu. From now on I must address you as Jian Wu Zhēnshèng."
Jian Ning, beaming, offered her congratulations.
"Senior Sister teases me," Jian Wu replied modestly. "If not for my promotion, you would soon reach Divine Transformation yourself."
"Brother, you flatter me. I still need to consolidate. No rush," Jian Ning said.
Jian Sheng, who had remained silent, stepped forward and bowed. "Congratulations, Brother."
Jian Wu acknowledged him then turned to Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ with a serious look.
"Master, how is the sect's situation these past years? Any new developments?"
Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ entrusted Jian Sheng. "Give Jian Wu the compiled reports."
Jian Sheng handed over the prepared jade slip while quietly briefing their master on latest intel.
"Master, the Divine Soul cultivator assigned from the Shadow Division to meet me in Huanle City did not locate Hua Chunshan. For safety, Zunzhě Jian Jin followed hidden by my side, but Hua Chunshan did not appear."
"It seems our movements have spooked him. Hua Chunshan is an old fox with sharp senses."
Jian Wu had absorbed the contents quickly, filling in his absence and grasping the current state.
"So what is our next move, Master?"
"We wait."
"Wait?"
"For Jian Jun Zhūnzhǔ to return—and for Shan Yunzu to bring back the latest news."
Jian Wu, Jian Ning, and Jian Sheng exchanged glances then bowed.
"Also, monitor the disciples' cultivations closely. Encourage those ascending, but don't push too fast. We must solidify the foundation. Also, consider recruiting a batch from the secular world."
"Yes, I will handle it."
"Additionally, news of the alien insect tribe's impending invasion of Lingyun Continent should be discreetly shared with major cultivation families. Gradually make it public so all Heavenly Sword Sect disciples are mentally prepared."
"Yes."
"Such news may cause unrest. Have Law Enforcement Hall disciples increase patrols, especially at border regions and the secular realm. We cannot lose due to negligence."
"Yes, I will draft a plan for your approval."
"Lastly, the Law Enforcement Hall disciples on assignment in Huanle City performed well. Start assigning them independent tasks outside the sect gradually, focusing on intel gathering—accurate, timely, and no delays."
"Yes."
Jian Sheng Zhēnrén, in charge of intelligence, nodded and acknowledged the assignments.
As they finished, footsteps and a report echoed outside.
"Master, urgent jade slip from Huanle City's Yu Yuanhai has arrived."
Jian Ning turned swiftly, accepting the jade slip, and returned to the hall to present it to Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ.
After reading it, his face stayed composed. He nodded and handed it to Jian Sheng before instructing:
"Inform Yu Yuanhai to return to the sect at once. He has been exposed and can no longer covertly operate. Likewise, recall Shadow Division operatives in Huanle City, leaving only intel gatherers."
Jian Sheng bowed, then passed the slip to Jian Wu. With a nod to his juniors, he left to begin organizing.
Jian Wu, reviewing the slip with Jian Ning, found his eyes flicker in surprise.
"Master, it seems Hua Chunshan is gone without return."
"Yes. Yu Yuanhai was lucky."
Jian Ning's eyes glinted. She looked at Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ and added:
"Junior Brother Yu was fortunate. Shan Yunzu, disguised differently, lured Hua Chunshan away and simultaneously relayed intel. She saved his life."
"Then Junior Sister Shan was sure of success?" Jian Wu inquired.
"You need not worry, Senior Brother. The one leading the Demon Palace party this time was Zūnzhě Mo Zhang—head of the Black-Robed Guard. He is ruthless. A family that plotted to foment strife in the Demon Palace was exterminated under his command. All supporting mortals had their memories erased and were returned to the secular world."
Jian Ning's tone carried deep admiration.
"Hua Chunshan found himself up against a wall. Those who provoke demon cultivation cannot escape Mo Zhang's wrath."
Unknown to them, Jian Dan and Yingge had already eliminated Hua Chunshan before Mo Zhang even stepped in.
"Master, with Jian Wu back, I plan to go into secluded cultivation for a time. I want to advance my cultivation for the tougher challenges ahead."
Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ nodded. He had intended for Jian Ning and Jian Sheng to also undergo seclusion. They must all reach Divine Transformation to tackle greater assignments. This recruitment of new talent was designed for that purpose.
Training new pillars capable of teamwork and independent missions would ensure if failures occurred, the ancient masters could protect them. They needed core strength—today, it was clear Shan Yunzu was the standout despite entering mid-stream. Her rapid progress was extraordinary.
Had Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ known she was a reincarnation, he might not have been so surprised.
Since her rebirth, every step Jian Dan had taken was calculated. She intended to avoid her past fate and rise quickly beside Du Yanran, the story's heroine favored by fate. She could allow no mistakes.
Every obstacle or threat had been subtly turned to her advantage. Only she knew how much effort that required.
Her fast cultivation growth, even ahead of Du Yanran, and her ability to suppress her in the realm—all stemmed not just from the magnolia immortal treasure she had inherited, but from lessons learned in her past life.
After all that, Jian Dan was certain. True cultivation boiled down to personal strength. Only by becoming powerful could one shape destiny and control progress. Her advantage lay not in an ancestral artifact, but in the wisdom gained from a previous life.