"Zūnshàng already knows."
Han Pengfei spoke in a low voice, his eyes lowered as he stood stiffly, not daring to look at Jian Dan.
"Hehe, you need not feel ashamed to say it. As a Mahayana Zhēnzūn guarding a sect, this is the most ordinary judgment one could make. I believe you understand it well in your heart."
"I have troubled Zūnshàng."
Only then did Han Pengfei raise his eyes. Across from him stood the graceful female cultivator, refined and ethereal, her bright eyes as keen as ever, as though she had never changed.
"Wushuang, since you know this puts me in a difficult position, why do you insist on relaying the meaning of Yun Yun Zhēnzūn to me?"
Jian Dan's gaze fell upon him, as though searching the depths of his heart.
"You could easily remain silent. Tomorrow, once the matter has passed, if Yin Zhengchuan is unlucky and perishes, then it will fulfill Yun Yun Zhēnzūn's intentions. If he is fortunate and survives, you can still step forward and tell your grandaunt you never delivered the words. I trust she would not make things too hard for you."
Han Pengfei froze for a moment. He had not thought of this. Before Jian Lu Zūnshàng, he had never once felt clever.
"Then, may Zūnshàng take it as though I never spoke."
"You never said a word. I merely guessed it."
Han Pengfei's face stiffened slightly. He gave a hurried bow and quickly departed from Yunyin Peak.
"Zūnshàng, that Young Master Wushuang is really such a fool!"
Yue Liang hopped onto the jade table, stretching her small body before giving her silky yellow-and-black fur a vigorous shake.
"He is not foolish, only blinded by being too close to the matter. Besides, he has never once gone against his grandaunt. For him, acting this way is natural."
"Then what does Zūnshàng want me to do?"
Perched on the table, Yue Liang tilted her little head, asking crisply.
"Everything proceeds as usual. Before Ancestor Yin, you are not yet capable of tampering with the process. Let fate decide. If Heaven intends him to die, none can save him. If Heaven intends him to live, no one will stop it. You only need to act as you normally would."
"Yes, Zūnshàng! Yue Liang understands!"
Forbidden Grounds, Rear Mountain of Heavenly Sword Sect
The moment Tian Zhuo Zhēnzūn returned, the first thing he did was seek out Senior Brother Tian Yun.
In the secluded cultivation chamber within the forbidden grounds, Tian Zhuo found Tian Yun and Tian Hong drinking together. Neither seemed surprised to see him arrive.
Tian Yun glanced at him and asked with a smile, "Was it satisfying, making a move this time? Why is it only you and Jian Xu who came back?"
"Ah, don't even mention it!"
Without ceremony, Tian Zhuo crossed the room and sat on another cushion. He poured himself a cup of spirit wine, drained it in one gulp, then began recounting the events that had taken place.
"Jian Xu wanted to remain, but I thought the Law Enforcement Hall would need an explanation, so I dragged him back. By now he's probably already reported in."
Tian Hong listened with relish, then finally spoke. "You weren't afraid that Jian Lu might be intercepted halfway back? Two ancient weapons are quite the temptation."
"That's why I left the nine members of the 'Heaven's Punishment' squad behind. If anyone dares to try, they'll fight. They would love nothing more. This time it was us old fellows who did all the work, and they only played supporting roles. None of them were very satisfied."
Tian Zhuo Zhēnzūn spread his hands, utterly unconcerned.
"A lion uses its full strength even when catching a rabbit. Against a Mahayana evil cultivator, we could give him no chance at all. Jian Lu planned this meticulously for a long time. The result is partly thanks to her efforts as well."
"Indeed. The Nine-tailed Beast King arrived only a step later than me."
Tian Zhuo chuckled in response, then turned to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn with another smile.
"To think that our Heavenly Sword Sect's Sword Tomb actually hid an ancient weapon."
Tian Yun poured him another cup before answering, "The sect's heritage has lasted until today. Naturally, some treasures remain. Yet even treasures choose their master."
"That's good. This time our Heavenly Sword Sect will surely make headlines again. Once the news spreads, even more cultivators will seek entry into the Sword Tomb."
Tian Hong chuckled, teasing the two.
"That's just right. Jian Chong was here only yesterday. The mortal world is already recruiting disciples, so naturally, in the cultivation world, the sect must also begin training disciples."
"Is Jian Chong managing sect affairs smoothly now?"
Tian Hong asked casually. He had originally favored another candidate for Sect Master, but in the end, it was Senior Brother Tian Yun who made the final decision, appointing Jian Chong.
At the mention of Jian Chong, even Tian Yun Zhēnzūn allowed a rare smile. "Jian Lu has already built the bridge for him. She even maneuvered Jian Chun, now retired, to lend a hand for a while. If he still cannot handle things, then the problem is his alone."
"I think when Jian Lu returns this time, she may even make a minor breakthrough."
Tian Zhuo suddenly shifted the subject.
"Because of the golden radiance of merit?" Tian Yun raised a brow.
"More or less. She has been suppressing her cultivation, and that place was not suitable for a breakthrough anyway."
Then Tian Zhuo's tone changed once more. "Senior Brother, the debt of Yun Yun Zhēnzūn's protection has been repaid this time."
Tian Yun understood at once, giving a small nod in agreement.
Grand Hall of Yunhai Peak, Cloud Sea Sect
The next day, after grooming herself neatly, Jian Dan led Yue Liang out of her cave residence. The nine members of the 'Heaven's Punishment' squad were already assembled.
"Jian Lu greets Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters!"
"Junior Sister, today Senior Brother Jian Mao will accompany you."
"Very well, I must trouble everyone."
With polite bows exchanged, Jian Dan and Jian Mao left Yunyin Peak. This time, Jian Dan did not use her escape light, instead choosing to walk the Cloud-Water Staircase that linked the peaks.
As they walked and talked, a quarter of an hour passed before they reached Yunhai Peak.
At the entrance of the main hall, guards had already been instructed. After bowing respectfully, they led the two into a side hall.
The chamber was lavishly furnished. The pillars were forged of blue crystal, glowing faintly with azure light, while the tables and teaware were crafted from the finest indigo warm jade.
Inside sat Yin Zhēnzūn and Yin Zhengchuan, who had already arrived earlier. After exchanging greetings, Sect Master Haiyun stepped aside. Yun Yun Zhēnzūn was nowhere to be seen.
Jian Dan's eyes glimmered briefly. She was not surprised. She was certain Yun Yun was in her cave residence, watching everything through a water mirror.
"Yin Zhēnzūn, you have waited long."
After bowing, Jian Dan and Senior Brother Jian Mao both took their seats.
"Chuan'er does not wish his clan or the sect to be blamed on his account. Thus, he is willing to try."
"Brother Yin is a man of responsibility."
Jian Dan's smile deepened as she continued, "Zhēnzūn must also understand that this matter is risky. There is no absolute certainty. If I cannot save him, I hope you will not hold me accountable."
She did not immediately act, instead speaking plainly to avoid later quarrels.
Yin Zhēnzūn closed his eyes, exhaling softly. He looked at Yin Zhengchuan with difficulty before speaking. "If possible, I still hope you can preserve Chuan'er's life."
"Very well. I will do all I can."
Yin Zhēnzūn gave a subtle nod to Sect Master, who immediately raised restrictions around the chamber.
From the moment they entered, Jian Mao had said nothing. He merely stood silently to the side, not releasing a shred of pressure, yet still his presence weighed heavily upon both Sect Master and Yin Zhengchuan. Even Yin Zhēnzūn spared him a glance.
He knew well that Jian Mao's role was to safeguard Jian Lu. He quickly turned his gaze back to Yin Zhengchuan.
With a flick of Jian Dan's hand, Yin Zhengchuan froze where he stood. Even his Primordial Soul was immobilized.
She then sent a wisp of chaotic energy into his sea of consciousness, wrapping it completely to prevent the evil cultivator's soul fragment from charging in as it was expelled.
The sea of consciousness was a cultivator's most fragile place. Jian Dan's method was already an extremely risky move.
"Yue Liang!"
At her call, Yue Liang leapt from her shoulder. Five small fingers glowed with a radiant white halo as they reached toward Yin Zhengchuan.