At this moment, Wei Zhengrong finally composed himself. He formally bowed to Jian Dan before speaking:
"Although I am respected within my family, I experienced many sordid matters during my childhood. Only after entering Heavenly Sword Sect did things calm down. I thought it would stay this way, but with my little sister's birth and her talent, she attracted envy. She was schemed against and at a young age lost the right to cultivate."
"I do not want my sister to remain in the family as a pawn, or even be used to control me. That is why I sincerely ask, Zūnshàng, to accept my sister under your guidance. She will completely leave the family and only be your disciple, hoping for your approval."
Jian Dan was not surprised by Wei Zhengrong's words. Families with the same surname often compete—comparing cultivation, resources, and favor from the Ancestor. Competition was common.
Some families had healthy rivalry, others fell into vicious cycles. Such families rarely thrived long.
"You probably wish to use my name to prevent certain people in the Wei family from touching your sister."
"I would never dare!" Wei Zhengrong immediately bowed deeply. "Xue Ru can cultivate only because of Zūnshàng. She admires you most of all, and wishes wholeheartedly to take you as her master."
"Very well. When the sect begins recruiting disciples from families, I will go see her."
"Thank you, Zūnshàng!"
Wei Zhengrong finally smiled. Jian Dan had not refused outright, so there was hope.
Tianquan Peak
Jian Li Zūnshàng retracted the last trace of his Sword Domain into his body before slowly opening his eyes. A glint of purple light shone in them.
This advancement was a large leap. Jian Li knew it was thanks to the favorable winds from Jian Xu and Jian Lu. His cultivation was now solid; it was time to emerge.
When Jian Li lifted the seal on his cave, communication talismans surged in like a tide, instantly filling the space.
Startled, Jian Li realized the Insect Clan had breached defenses. With a slight frown, he waved his sleeve, collecting all the talismans into his sleeve pouch.
His early Unity stage divine sense swept across Tianquan Peak to confirm the Inner Peak was fine. Then, with a resigned sigh, he pulled out one talisman and listened. It was Jian Lu's voice:
"Senior Brother, when will you emerge? I was appointed by the Zhēnzūn to temporarily oversee the Operations Hall. Please emerge soon."
The second talisman opened, and the question was repeated by Jian Lu's junior sister:
"Senior Brother, when will you emerge?"
A faint helpless smile appeared on Jian Li's composed face. His junior sister was clearly eager for his emergence. He spread his vast divine sense and read through all the talismans.
Ninety-nine percent were from Jian Lu. The rest came from Jian Xu, teasing him, and from Jian Wu, Jian Sheng, and Jian Ning, reporting their whereabouts.
"Congratulations on emerging, Zūnshàng!"
Jian Li's attendant, standing outside, immediately came forward to congratulate him.
Knowing his divine sense had disturbed everyone on Tianquan Peak, Jian Li instructed:
"I will first visit the Operations Hall. You tidy the cave."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Jian Li did not delay. Riding his teleportation light, he processed the information he had just received, mostly the near-daily talismans from Jian Dan, giving him a comprehensive view. Approaching the Operations Hall, he understood the major events in the sect.
Jian Dan was reviewing a jade tablet while Wei Zhengrong continued reporting:
"Inspections and disciple recruitment in the Mortal Realm are nearly complete. Ten squads are returning to the sect and will arrive gradually."
"Good. Report this to Sect Master Jian Chong. After disciples return, they must pass sect tests. Those with ill intentions should be weeded out early."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Wei Zhengrong had not yet moved when Jian Dan placed the jade tablet back on the desk and, smiling, disappeared into the seat at the front of the hall.
In the next moment, Jian Dan appeared exactly where Jian Li's teleportation light landed, blocking him:
"Senior Brother!!!"
Jian Dan's voice was full of sweetness and joy, almost tilting Jian Li's teleportation light.
"Cough! Junior Sister, speak properly!"
Jian Li pressed a hand to his lips, coughing lightly, his voice calm.
"Hehe! I'm just happy to see Senior Brother emerge," Jian Dan said cheerfully.
Jian Dan felt no hesitation. With her Senior Brother emerged, her chance to offload responsibilities had arrived. She spoke with delight, even more joyous than seeing Jian Li after his advancement.
"Senior Brother looks even more imposing than before, his aura restrained yet powerful."
Jian Dan's praise burst out, making Jian Li wonder if she was describing him.
A few steps behind, Wei Zhengrong saw Jian Lu Zūnshàng smiling beside a tall, robust male cultivator, constantly praising him.
Though the man kept a stern face, the corner of his eye betrayed his smile.
"Wei Zhengrong pays respects to Zūnshàng!"
Jian Dan nodded, then introduced Jian Li to Wei Zhengrong:
"This is Jian Li Zūnshàng, currently acting head of the Operations Hall. I only handled temporary matters during his advancement."
Wei Zhengrong bowed respectfully, understanding Jian Lu Zūnshàng's intentions, a faint smile appearing.
Entering the Operations Hall, Jian Li scanned the room. Everything was unchanged except for a smaller pile of jade tablets on the desk.
Jian Li took the seat at the front, smiling at Jian Dan:
"Junior Sister, thank you for your hard work while I was secluded."
"No trouble. With Senior Brother emerged, I can now withdraw successfully."
Jian Dan respectfully presented the Operations Hall command token:
"Senior Brother, the Operations Hall command token is returned intact."
Jian Li shook his head, teasing lightly:
"Junior Sister, this token feels a bit hot in my hands."
He did not immediately take it. Jian Dan, having long awaited Jian Li's emergence, handed it over eagerly:
"Senior Brother, you know I never intended to take on this responsibility. Your sudden advancement forced me here temporarily by decree of Tian Yun Zūnzhàng. I have done my best, so please forgive me!"
She cast a sorrowful look at him.
Jian Li could not help but laugh:
"You think like that only because you are Junior Sister. If it were another person, managing the Operations Hall would make them half the sect's head. Only you are indifferent."
Jian Dan glared briefly before speaking:
"'To wear the crown, one must bear its weight.' They only see the benefits of power, not the responsibilities and consequences. I am lazy by nature and prefer not to burden myself. Once I reach Mahayana, I can still protect the sect."