In a few words, Lang Xiao summarized the situation at the Heavenly Sword Sect, then presented the storage ring Jian Dan had entrusted him with to the Nine-tailed Beast Lord.
With a sweep of her violet fox eyes, Nine-tail immediately noticed several jars of spiritual wine and a few sealed jade boxes containing spiritual plants and elixirs.
"Jian Lu truly spares no effort. Even for a few of his spirit pets, he went to great lengths," she murmured.
She then glanced at Lang Xiao and asked, "Since you brought them back, I suppose Jian Lu ensured you received some benefit as well?"
Knowing this could not be hidden from the Beast Lord, Lang Xiao openly took out another, slightly smaller, storage ring to present. Before he could, Nine-tail dismissed it with a glance: "Enough. Put it away. Since you accepted their gifts, just make sure you handle the matter properly."
Lang Xiao knew the small gift in his hand was insignificant in Nine-tail's eyes, but it was still better to hand it over politely.
"Understood, Beast Lord. I know loyalty comes with responsibility when entrusted with a task," he replied.
"Surprising. One trip to the Heavenly Sword Sect, and you've picked up a touch of refinement," Nine-tail teased.
With that, she allowed Lang Xiao to lead the Raccoon Beast Ancestor in for an audience.
"Raccoon Beast Xing Chen pays respects to the Nine-tailed Beast Lord!"
The Raccoon Beast Ancestor bowed respectfully.
"Yes! The Beast Clan welcomes the return of the Raccoon Beast family," Nine-tail said.
She tossed a bamboo plaque to the Raccoon Beast Ancestor.
"This is the sealing plaque for your clan territory. Since your branch left, the remaining Raccoon Beasts suffered greatly, so I sealed your land."
The Raccoon Beast Ancestor accepted the plaque. The faint scent of fresh bamboo drifting from it made the moment feel real—they had finally returned.
"The past is past. I hope your clan will look forward and grow stronger within the Beast Clan," Nine-tail's voice echoed, pulling him back from his thoughts.
"Yes, Xing Chen speaks on behalf of the Raccoon Beast family. We are grateful for your protection, Beast Lord."
"Lang Xiao, take Xing Chen to their territory," Nine-tail commanded with a wave.
Her words said everything necessary; the rest was up to the Raccoon Beast family's own efforts.
Lang Xiao led them through half of the Beast Clan's lands. The Raccoon Beasts were once again a spectacle, and news of their return spread through the clan almost immediately.
Hearing Nine-tail summon him, the Dragon Earth Clan Chief hurried to her cave.
"Paying respects to the Beast Lord," he said.
"Yes. Has your clan completed the second round of inspections?"
"Reporting to Beast Lord, the second round is complete. Nothing abnormal was discovered."
"Bai Ling."
Nine-tail had already uncorked a jar of spiritual wine sent by Jian Dan—a clear and crisp cherry blossom brew she favored. She had downed one cup, while Bai Ling had just poured a second.
Upon hearing her name, Bai Ling immediately handed over the Heavenly Demon Palace warning slip to the Dragon Earth Clan Chief.
He took it and frowned. His peaceful days were clearly over.
"Dragon Earth, return to your clan and make sure everyone keeps their eyes open. If I discover that disgusting thing in Beast Clan territory, your entire clan will be torn to pieces!"
"Yes, yes! We dare not trouble the Beast Lord herself. The Dragon Earth clan will complete the task," the chief replied anxiously, promising full compliance.
The Nine-tailed Beast Lord had a notorious reputation for unpredictability.
Her martial power was off the charts. In her battle for the title of Beast Lord, she had slaughtered the Snow Leopard clan that challenged her, almost to extinction.
The Dragon Earth clan had no such power and could only obey orders to ensure survival. Failing to follow her instructions would certainly have dire consequences.
With orders received, the chief returned to his clan to deploy careful inspections. Such things, if they rooted in Beast Clan territory, would spell disaster.
Meanwhile, Lang Xiao led the Raccoon Beasts to a dense bamboo forest and instructed Xing Chen to unlock the seal with the plaque.
The Raccoon Beast Ancestor placed the bamboo plaque against the seal. Green ripples radiated from it, slowly spreading in waves until the seal gradually faded. Only then did the Raccoon Beast territory fully reveal itself.
Tall, sturdy bamboo grew thickly. Even the smallest stalks were over a thousand years old, radiating a pure and strong bamboo fragrance.
"Xing Chen, settle your clan members and repair the territory. In a couple of days, I will take you to meet the neighboring clans," Lang Xiao told the Raccoon Beast Ancestor.
"Yes. Thank you, Clan Chief Lang Xiao, for your careful consideration," the elder replied.
He bowed and added, "Our territory is disorderly today, not suitable to entertain you properly. Once everything is in order, we will invite you as a guest."
"Good."
After the two clan leaders parted, the Raccoon Beast Ancestor led his family into the territory and reactivated the protective seal.
The first task was to report their safety to Yue Liang and Xingxing, still in the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Heavenly Sword Sect, Tianyue Peak
Yue Liang had not accompanied Jian Dan to the Operations Hall in recent days, remaining under the banyan tree outside Zūnshàng's cave, counting the days on her small paws. The Ancestor should have reached the Beast Clan territory by now. Why had no message arrived?
Scratching her small ears, she decided to wait another day before seeking Zūnshàng or inquiring with Clan Chief Lang Xiao.
"Senior Yue Liang, here is a message for you," Yun Juan said, holding out a jade slip.
Yue Liang's eyes lit up, and in the next instant, she had descended the tree, grabbing the message with her small paws. After reading it, her mood improved considerably, her eyes narrowing in a happy smile.
"I'll report back to Zūnshàng immediately."
With that, she instantaneously left Tianyue Peak.
Wei Zhengrong, upon leaving the Wei family grounds, had received a message from Jin Liuli. He immediately used the teleportation array to return to the sect, currently receiving Zūnshàng's instructions in the main hall.
"I have arranged for Liuli to relay to all halls. Your 'Intelligence' hall, send more agents to collect information," Zūnshàng instructed.
Wei Zhengrong's expression darkened. Just as the evil cultivator matter had been resolved, another wave of trouble arose.
"Understood," he replied.
"Also, the mobile patrol squads currently in the sect's jurisdiction must receive this information. They need to heighten vigilance and be extra thorough in their patrols."
Wei Zhengrong silently recorded Zūnshàng's orders in a jade slip before replying, "Zūnshàng, I have completed the 'Tianya Haijiao' task against the Fu family. On my return, I also checked on the Hua family as instructed."
"Where is Du Yanran now?"
"According to the Hua family, Du Yanran remains at the Yin Yang Gate."
"Ah?"
Jian Dan asked further, "Is the last location where she appeared confirmed?"
"The Hua family says it cannot be confirmed. The only certainty is her last appearance was within the Yin Yang Gate."
"Good. I understand."
Jian Dan considered carefully. Du Yanran had likely used White Magnolia's pendant to temporarily escape but had not yet left the Yin Yang Gate.
She contemplated whether to send messages to Yu Ze and Yu Shu to thoroughly inspect Du Yanran's dwelling.