After watching the "Heaven's Punishment" squad depart, Jian Dan finally turned and made her way toward the Law Enforcement Peak.
Yue Liang, who had been curled up on Jian Dan's shoulder all this time, spoke softly.
"Zūnshàng, I'll return to Medicine Peak to report my safety. While I'm there, I'll also speak to Ancestor about the matter of returning to the beast clan."
"Alright. If you need anything, come find me at Tianyue Peak."
And so, master and spirit pet parted ways.
The moment Jian Dan's light descended outside the Law Enforcement Hall, the guards immediately stepped forward, faces bright with smiles as they bowed deeply.
"Greetings to Jian Lu Zūnshàng!"
Jian Dan acknowledged with a slight nod, then lifted her feet and stepped into the grand hall.
"Zūnshàng, you have finally returned!"
At the forefront came Jin Liuli, followed closely by Qi Hua and Wei Zhengrong, both wearing expressions of joy.
"It is rare to see the three of you so warm-hearted."
Jian Dan walked leisurely toward the desk in the hall. She waved casually for them to follow, and once she sat down, she said,
"If there is an urgent matter, speak. If it can wait, then hold it. I must go see the Zhēnzūn first."
The three exchanged glances. They knew very well that Zūnshàng had just returned and surely had important matters to report to the Zhēnzūn. None would dare delay her. They all shook their heads.
"Good. I only came to tell you this much. Once I have met with the Zhēnzūn, I will return to Tianyue Peak. In the meantime, organize all matters you need to report and present them to me tomorrow."
"Yes, Zūnshàng!"
Jian Dan gave a nod, and in the next instant her figure vanished from the hall, reappearing at the forbidden grounds behind the mountain.
"Greetings to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn!"
Today, Tian Yun Zhēnzūn was neither practicing swordplay nor playing chess. He was seated quietly in meditation, but sensing Jian Dan's aura, he opened the restrictions.
"Mm. You've returned. The matter was settled smoothly?"
"Yes. It only delayed us by three days. Thanks to Tian Zhou Zhēnzūn's care, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters lent me their strength, and once the matter was resolved, we immediately returned."
Jian Dan then laid out in detail everything about dealing with Yin Zhengchuan, including Yun Yun Zhēnzūn's intentions and her own decisions.
Tian Yun nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied with her handling.
"However, on the return journey, I encountered a Mahayana Zhēnzūn who blocked the path and demanded my life-bound sword."
At this, Tian Yun's lips curved slightly in amusement.
"Since you have returned, that means he failed."
"Yes. I trapped him and then used the Jian clan's teleportation array to return."
With that single line, Jian Dan conveyed two meanings. Tian Yun Zhēnzūn, intrigued, asked,
"Given your temperament, and with Jian Mao and the others at your side, you chose not to slay him but only to trap him. Why?"
Hearing this, Jian Dan's forehead darkened. Was this really the image she had in their mind, as someone with such a bloodthirsty nature?
Rolling her eyes internally, she coughed lightly and replied,
"Zhēnzūn, Mahayana Zhēnzūn are rare in Lingyun Continent. Since he did not attack me with killing intent immediately, I judged he was merely curious."
"Heh. It seems Jian Lu's vision is broad indeed."
At that moment, clad in a dark-blue robe, Tian Hong Zhēnzūn appeared before them, smiling as he praised her.
Jian Dan quickly turned and bowed again. Only after both Zhēnzūn had taken their seats did she continue reporting the rest of the matters.
She briefly mentioned the Jian clan, but when it came to the appearance of black-armored insects within the clan grounds, the two Zhēnzūn were not particularly surprised. What did catch their interest, however, was that Jian Dan's group encountered several other unusual insect breeds at their resting place.
Jian Dan touched her ear, removing a recording earring, and respectfully presented it.
Tian Hong Zhēnzūn examined the images first, while Tian Yun Zhēnzūn remained calm, listening to Jian Dan's full account.
"I also informed Mo Su of Heavenly Demon Palace. Since it lies within their territory, I will later inquire whether they found anything more."
"Good. That is the most prudent way."
Having finished recounting their journey, Jian Dan then brought up the matter of the Purple Sky Sect.
"Zhēnzūn, have you reviewed the jade slip submitted by the Operations Hall regarding the closure of Purple Sky Sect's restricted-space rift?"
"Zheng Rong delivered it to me after you departed."
"Zhēnzūn, Senior Brother Jian Li is more familiar with the matter. The sword token I brought back from the Di Ling was from Jian Jun Zūnzhǔ, and it must contain a sealed message. At the time, Senior Brother Jian Li did not explain in detail."
"I am aware. Jian Li came to me directly. Previously, their expedition was relatively safe, but this instability in the rift is different. If Purple Sky Sect forcibly closes it, that changes everything."
"Zhēnzūn, since I could retrieve a sword token from the rift in the Di Ling, it suggests that space rift has another exit."
"You are correct."
At this point, Tian Hong Zhēnzūn had finished reviewing the recording. Handing it to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn, he continued Jian Dan's thread.
"What has the Law Enforcement Hall planned for this?"
"Zhēnzūn, the plan is for me to lead a team into the rift, to see whether we can link up with Hall Master Jian Jun. If possible, we will return by the original path. Should it be sealed, we will seek another way out."
"You never can sit still. How many times have you gone out already?"
For once, Tian Hong Zhēnzūn teased her lightly. Jian Dan knew he bore no malice, so she grinned, baring her small white teeth.
"Zhēnzūn, you wrong me. Each time I left, it was for the sect's sake."
"And you didn't take care of your personal matters along the way?"
Tian Hong chuckled.
Jian Dan realized some things could not be hidden, so she only smiled without answering.
"Zhēnzūn, when will Senior Brother Jian Li leave seclusion?"
"Soon. His recent breakthrough was helped along by you and Jian Xu, plus the radiance of karmic merit. He advanced two minor realms in one go. I told him to remain longer in seclusion to stabilize that sudden rise."
Jian Dan nearly snorted aloud. So it was Tian Hong Zhēnzūn's meddling that left her stuck in Law Enforcement Hall instead of roaming free.
Tian Hong merely smiled at her, wearing the kind of expression that said: I enjoy watching you fume because you can't do anything about it.
Grinding her teeth, Jian Dan told herself to endure. Once she reached Mahayana, she would get her revenge.
Off to the side, Tian Yun Zhēnzūn had also finished viewing the recording. Seeing Tian Hong's mischievous grin, he shook his head helplessly.
Jian Dan retrieved the recording earring, and Tian Yun finally spoke.
"You've been running nonstop these days. When you return to Law Enforcement Hall, handle the most urgent matters first. The rest can wait."
"Yes. Thank you for your care, Zhēnzūn."
"As for the trip to Purple Sky Sect, make your preparations."
Hearing this, Jian Dan's spirits brightened. It meant the matter was practically settled.
"Yes, I understand."
When Tian Yun had finished making his arrangements, he noticed Jian Dan still had not taken her leave.
"Anything else?" he asked.
Jian Dan smiled at the two Zhēnzūn before speaking.
"It is nothing major. Zhēnzūn knows that when Jian Lu entered the sect, I was considered to have brought my own arts."
"Indeed. I know."
"With the great war approaching, I wish to hand over my cultivation art to the sect, so that more disciples may practice it."
Her words startled both Tian Yun and Tian Hong. Cultivation methods were tied directly to one's path to ascension. Few would ever part with them, passing them at most to their own disciples.
After a brief silence, Tian Yun asked seriously,
"Jian Lu, are you certain? This concerns legacy. If I recall, the Jian clan once personally demanded your technique."
"Zhēnzūn need not worry. I am not using the sect as a shield. I have already given the technique to the Jian clan."