"Otherwise, how could my cultivation have advanced so quickly? That place, though its flow of time was different from the Lingyun Continent, still added to my true bone age."
Hearing Jian Dan's explanation, a faint smile tugged at Jian Mao's rugged face. The trace of grievance in her tone was obvious to him. There was only one thing to say: no matter mortal world or cultivation world, the question of age was always a sensitive matter for female cultivators.
"Senior Brother, don't let that smile show so clearly." Jian Dan sighed.
"Heh, fine, I know. You female cultivators have already reached such a realm, and yet you still care about such trivial matters." Jian Mao spoke dismissively.
By this time, the two had landed on the temporary cave dwelling at Yunyin Peak. The rest of the "Heaven's Punishment" squad was gathered, discussing whether to send someone to check on how the matter had been resolved.
"What is Senior Brother Jian Mao saying? What are we female cultivators supposed to be so concerned about?"
It was Jian Jing Zūnshàng, the female cultivator who had spoken so firmly in support of Jian Dan earlier, who asked as the two returned. Knowing everyone was waiting for them, Jian Dan immediately stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.
"Thank you for your patience, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters. The matter has already been resolved."
At the same time, Jian Mao nodded to the group, confirming the truth of her words.
"There is no time to lose. Let us depart now."
None objected. None wished to linger in Cloud Sea Sect any longer.
Led by Jian Mao, the group descended Yunyin Peak, returning the jade token for the temporary cave to the guards.
Jian Mao then retrieved an invitation slip from his storage ring, about to hand it over, when Jian Dan glanced at a descending streak of light in the distance and spoke.
"Senior Brother, the one meant to receive the invitation has arrived. It is better to give it directly to Young Master Wushuang."
Jian Mao looked up, saw the incoming light, and nodded. Without hesitation, he handed the slip to Jian Dan for her to present.
After being dismissed by Yun Yun Zhēnzūn, Han Pengfei had returned to his cave dwelling, packed, then gone to the sect's Task Pavilion to accept several missions. He was preparing to bid farewell to his aunt.
Passing Yunyin Peak, he saw Jian Dan's group preparing to depart, and immediately redirected his light to meet them.
"Han Yi pays respects to the esteemed seniors of the Heavenly Sword Sect."
Landing before them, Han Pengfei saluted respectfully.
Jian Dan stepped forward on behalf of the group, inclining her head slightly.
"Wushuang, we are about to depart. This is the Heavenly Sword Sect's letter of courtesy. Please pass it to Yun Yun Zhēnzūn for us. Since Zhēnzūn must be busy, we will not bid her farewell in person."
Han Pengfei respectfully accepted the post.
"Yes. Han Yi will personally see that it is delivered."
Only then did he lift his gaze to Jian Dan. She smiled lightly and teased.
"Did Yun Yun Zhēnzūn scold you?"
"She did."
Jian Dan pressed her lips together in a small smile, then joked.
"You are far too honest. You could have simply said you had delivered the message already. Why take the scolding for nothing?"
This time, Han Pengfei answered without hesitation.
"My aunt has her own considerations. I cannot see from her perspective, so I cannot understand her reasoning. But the debts of gratitude I owe to Zūnshàng Jian Lu for saving me again and again, I must repay."
"Good. Then I will accept your sentiment. Are you planning to leave for training outside?"
"Yes. I just accepted several sect missions suited for tempering myself. I was on my way to bid my aunt farewell."
Jian Dan studied Han Pengfei's determined expression and noticed a change in him. Perhaps defying his aunt for the first time had allowed him to find his own path.
For a cultivator who could recognize himself clearly and who possessed principle and bottom line, Jian Dan did not mind giving a push. She brushed her storage bracelet and produced a storage pouch, handing it directly to Han Pengfei.
"Wushuang, these are supplies I prepared for younger cultivators going out to temper themselves. Nothing rare, just some spirit rations, thick fur robes, a few storage pendants. Inside is also a Buddhist artifact I specially commissioned from the Buddhist Sect, to aid in protecting yourself while traveling."
Han Pengfei instinctively took the pouch, surprised by the sudden gift.
"Wushuang, the reason you cannot see from your aunt's perspective is because you have not yet reached her height. When you do, you will face many helpless choices. Perhaps one day in the future, you may even make the same decision as your aunt."
Han Pengfei listened intently, gripping the storage pouch tightly.
"As one Buddhist sage once said: 'How can there be a way in this world to please both sides, without failing the Buddha nor failing the beloved?' But we cultivators strive precisely to find the way that can reconcile both. You still have time to walk and reflect. One day, I hope that when you stand atop the heights, you can make the right decision, for yourself, for your sect, and for Lingyun Continent."
Han Pengfei bowed deeply to thank Jian Dan, then took his leave from the group and departed Yunyin Peak.
The Heavenly Sword Sect party also left Cloud Sea Sect. A flying boat was thrown into the sky, and after boarding, they streaked away in a trail of light, disappearing from the sect's gates.
When Yun Yun Zhēnzūn saw Han Pengfei return, she thought he had come to admit his mistake. Her expression softened.
"Pengfei, what is it?"
Han Pengfei stepped forward and respectfully presented a black invitation.
"The ten from Heavenly Sword Sect have already departed. This is the post they left for you."
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn read the post, saying nothing. She no longer had any reason to keep Jian Lu, so only replied, "I understand."
"Aunt, I also came to bid farewell. I accepted several sect missions and will be traveling for some time."
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn's hand, setting down the post, paused for an instant. Her face expressionless, she asked.
"Is this because of Jian Lu, because I scolded you, that you made this decision?"
"No. Aunt, you misunderstand. I only wish to raise my cultivation as quickly as possible. With war so near, two hundred years is far too short. I cannot hide forever under your wings. Only by becoming strong myself can I truly repay you."
"Very well. Whatever the reason, as long as you are willing to work hard, I will not stop you. Have you prepared all that is needed for traveling?"
"Rest assured, Aunt. I have made all preparations, and did not recklessly accept overly difficult missions. I will progress step by step in raising my cultivation."
Seeing his resolve, Yun Yun Zhēnzūn simply nodded, granting permission.
"Junior Sister, it seems your younger generation has backbone and initiative. Your legacy is secured."
As the mist dispersed, Yun Tao Zhēnzūn's tall, upright figure appeared at the entrance of Yun Yun's cave dwelling.
"Greetings, Senior Brother. What brings you here?"
Yun Yun rose to welcome Yun Tao inside. Once seated opposite her, Yun Tao spoke.
"Junior Sister, your attempt to forcibly retain Heavenly Sword Sect's Jian Lu in front of everyone was unwise."
"Senior Brother's rebuke is correct. I was too rash."
In truth, Yun Yun had regretted it as soon as the words left her lips. But with Yin family cultivators present, if she had not spoken to keep Jian Lu, what would others have thought?
"I know you feared Yin Zhēnzūn, but Jian Lu had no such obligation. What she sought was to see evil eradicated to the end. Otherwise, why would she have stepped forward to take responsibility? Moreover, she never once mentioned that the evil cultivator Hai Yan originated from Cloud Sea Sect."
"This matter, I suspect, is something all high-level cultivators already understand. They have simply chosen not to pierce the paper window."
Yun Yun murmured softly.
Yun Tao did not refute this. After all, Hai Yan had shown his face in the end and was naturally recognized. He could only sigh helplessly, then asked.
"And that demonic blade?"
"After it fell into the sea, it vanished."