The towering, broad-shouldered figure of Lang Xiao Patriarch strode beneath the banyan tree, his presence like a moving mountain. Even Lü Se, who stood by Jian Dan's side, unconsciously took a step back.
"Lang Xiao pays respects to Jian Lu Zūnshàng!"
"Patriarch Lang Xiao, you are too polite. How have you found your stay at Guest Peak?"
Jian Dan raised her hand and gestured for him to sit.
Lü Se had already prepared an oversized jade stool before the table and respectfully invited the patriarch to take a seat.
"Many thanks for Zūnshàng's concern. The cultivators of the Heavenly Sword Sect have taken good care of us. This time, however, I have come to confirm whether the Raccoon Beast Clan's return to the beast clan's ancestral lands has been settled. If no decision has been made, then I must return to the clan first. After all, the clan cannot be left leaderless for long."
The scars on Lang Xiao's face only added to his fierce aura, yet his words carried restraint and clarity. He was waiting for Jian Dan's definitive answer. If the Raccoon Beast Clan would return, he would escort them back. If not, he would depart alone.
"This matter has indeed delayed your return. I have already sent Yue Liang back to assist with the arrangements. By now, the decision should be clear. I will summon her and ask."
As her words fell, Jian Dan called Yue Liang through their contract bond.
Over the past few days, Yue Liang had helped the Raccoon Beast Patriarch and Xing Xing settle clan affairs. She had just been preparing to return to Tianyue Peak to report when she received the summons.
"Ancestor, Xing Xing, Zūnshàng is calling me. I'll be right back."
With a flash, Yue Liang vanished.
The next moment, she appeared before Jian Dan. "Zūnshàng, you summoned me!"
Her crisp, clear voice rang out.
Jian Dan smiled and asked, "Has your clan's return been settled?"
Yue Liang immediately noticed Lang Xiao Patriarch beside them. She raised her small paws respectfully, then answered at once: "Ancestor said that for the sake of the Raccoon Beast Clan's growth, it is better to return to the beast clan's ancestral land for cultivation. The Patriarch is already preparing for phased relocation."
Hearing this, Jian Dan understood well. Their choice was made because awakening racial talent was more likely within the ancestral domain.
"Excellent. Patriarch Lang Xiao happens to be here to take his leave. Your clan can accompany him back. With him as escort, you'll have someone to introduce you upon entering the beast clan territory, rather than stumbling blindly."
Jian Dan's smile was warm.
Yue Liang reacted quickly. She turned to Lang Xiao and bowed deeply. "Then I must trouble Patriarch Lang Xiao to guide my clan."
"Yue Liang, you are too courteous."
With those words, Lang Xiao accepted responsibility for escorting the Raccoon Beast Clan home.
The matter now progressed smoothly. Jian Dan immediately instructed Yue Liang:
"Go to the Operations Hall and find Steward Yu Yuanhai. Rent a flying vessel with strong defenses. If your sect contribution points fall short, use mine."
She then turned to Lang Xiao and asked, "When does Patriarch intend to depart?"
"The sooner, the better!"
Lang Xiao was a straightforward man. Too much time had already been lost.
Yue Liang blinked her bright eyes and replied, "Please rest assured, Zūnshàng, Patriarch Lang Xiao. The clan is fully prepared. I will go rent the vessel now and bring everyone to Guest-Welcoming Peak to rendezvous with Patriarch."
"Good. Go on then."
Jian Dan waved her off, then turned to Lang Xiao. She retrieved two storage rings from her bracelet and pushed them toward him.
"This time, thanks to the Nine-Tailed Beast Lord, we were able to pinpoint the evil cultivators' lair and destroy them. This is wine I prepared especially for the Beast Lord. Please deliver it."
She pointed to the other ring. "As for this one, Yue Liang is my contracted spirit beast. Naturally, I care about her and her clan. This journey will trouble you as their guide. I know your clan has many younger generations. This ring holds superior-grade spiritual spring water. It can aid cultivation and refine one's body. Please accept it as my thanks."
Lang Xiao immediately rose, respectfully accepting both rings. "Lang Xiao will certainly deliver Zūnshàng's gift to the Beast Lord, and I shamelessly accept this gracious reward."
Jian Dan nodded with a smile.
"Then I shall not keep you. Patriarch, please return to Guest-Welcoming Peak and await Yue Liang and her clan."
Lang Xiao departed swiftly. At Guest-Welcoming Peak, he gathered his clansmen, announcing their return to the ancestral land.
The news dispelled their restlessness. Though they had been treated well in the Heavenly Sword Sect and Guest-Welcoming Peak was rich in spiritual qi, they had always felt ill at ease. Now that it was time to go home, they were energized, packing within moments, ready to march out.
Lang Xiao narrowed his eyes knowingly. He understood their feelings. But the trip had not been in vain. The superior-grade spiritual spring water in the ring alone was worth the stay.
Even just sniffing it earlier, he felt his seventh-rank cultivation begin to stir. Once back, he planned to enter seclusion with Xiao Yue to break through.
Meanwhile, Yue Liang headed to the Operations Hall at Heavenly Sword Peak.
She found Steward Yu Yuanhai and explained her needs. Without hesitation, he allocated a newly-refined black flying vessel, the strongest in defensive capability.
Yue Liang handed over the sword pendant hanging from her neck and added, "Steward Yu, if my sect points are not enough, I will pay in spirit stones."
She didn't want to use Jian Dan's contribution points. After all, this was her clan's matter. Zūnshàng had already gone to great lengths on their behalf. From here on, how the Raccoon Beast Clan developed depended on themselves.
Yu Yuanhai handed her a storage pouch. "Your points are sufficient. No need for spirit stones."
He looked as though he wished to say more, but Yue Liang, eager to return, did not linger. With a flash, she was gone.
Back at Medicine Peak, she saw the Ancestor and Xing Xing already waiting.
"Did Zūnshàng assign you a task?" Xing Xing asked first.
"Lang Xiao Patriarch came to bid Zūnshàng farewell. For our clan's safe return, Zūnshàng specially requested him to lead us back."
The Ancestor and Xing Xing exchanged a glance, joy lighting their eyes. Their unspoken concerns were now relieved. With a guide, their path back into the beast clan would be far smoother.
"Zūnshàng also arranged for me to rent a defensive vessel. Once the clan boards, we will head to Guest-Welcoming Peak to meet Lang Xiao Patriarch, and I will escort you out of the sect."
Yue Liang explained everything in one breath, then looked to the Ancestor.
"Good. I will gather the clan immediately."
Xing Xing understood at once and rushed to notify the others in the bamboo grove.
The Raccoon Beast Ancestor stroked Yue Liang's little head, smiling with relief. "Yue Liang, all that you have done for the clan, I see clearly. Once we return to the beast clan, you need only remain at Jian Lu Zūnshàng's side. Leave the rest to Xing Xing."