Jian Dan spoke with the same blunt clarity as before, leaving no room for faultfinding.
They had simply carried out a commission and done everything that needed doing, even sacrificing a Soul-Nurturing Pearl. As for Yao Bin turning to ash, it had nothing to do with their earlier investigation. The culprit was the Yao clan's own warding spirit plant. They would not shoulder that blame.
Most importantly, the Kong family backing the Yao clan had sent someone, but they could not even protect themselves right now. They had no standing to bargain. What happened next depended on the Yao clan. Jian Dan's group acted only in a private capacity and would not meddle in clan affairs.
Kong Xingkun stood obediently in the hall. He still had no idea what had happened. He stood as quiet as a chicken, not daring to sit.
Yao Yingying's gaze swept over Kong Xingkun more than once, filled with the frustration of iron that refused to turn to steel. This was the moment for Kong Xingkun to step forward, represent his clan, play the peacemaker, and smooth things over. Instead, he chose to play dumb.
Kong Xingkun was bitter. He had noticed the Yao elder's meaningful looks, but he knew nothing. How was he supposed to speak? Worse, he still could not tell which great figure he had offended. Even the Yao Ancestor was treating these guests with deference. From everyone's expressions, he was certain he was in serious trouble. All he could do was submit.
The atmosphere in the hall turned delicate. Jian Dan read every flicker of those exchanged looks. She lifted her eyes to glance at Yao Yingying and smiled without speaking.
Seated below, Yao Yingying sensed the gaze of Jian Lu Zūnshàng from above. She immediately withdrew her eyes and composed herself.
Jian Dan nodded inwardly. At least someone in the Yao clan was clever enough to realize the current stalemate should be addressed through Kong Xingkun. Unfortunately, Kong Xingkun was useless clay that would not hold a wall.
Jian Po, who had been happily watching the show, felt the black token at her waist vibrate again. She brushed her fingers over the sword token. The message made her eyes brighten. She rose and approached the two Zūnshàng, speaking softly. "Zūnshàng, the teams that went to the mortal realm have returned."
"Oh? That was fast. Where are they now?"
"They have entered the Heavenly Sword Sect's territory, more than halfway along their route. They are about a hundred li from Tianquan City." Jian Po smiled as she reported.
Jian Dan understood Jian Po's little scheme at once and arched a brow. "Is Jian Wu returning with them as well?"
"Yes. Nothing escapes you, Zūnshàng." Jian Po's smile turned ingratiating and charming without being cloying.
"You are planning a mid-route interception?"
"I will do as you command."
Jian Dan chuckled and turned to her Senior Sister. "Senior Sister, our business here is done. Have them rest in Tianquan for a day, then we go back to the sect together. What do you think?"
Jian Jing looked between Jian Dan and Jian Po. Her lips pressed lightly together. "Fine. It is no trouble. Besides, you are rich and generous. One day it is."
Jian Dan nodded to Jian Po with a bright smile. Jian Po immediately sent the message through the black token.
Kong Xingkun, who had been eavesdropping with ears pricked, was now certain he had offended great powers of the Heavenly Sword Sect. His face sagged even more, grief etched across it.
"Yao Daoyou, sect matters call. We will take our leave." Jian Jing stood and addressed the Yao Ancestor, who had been playing at profundity. Then she added, "Return my Junior Sister's Soul-Nurturing Pearl as soon as possible."
The words stung, but the Yao Ancestor could only accept them.
Jian Jing pointed toward Yao Yingying. "When the time comes, have her come to Tianyue Peak to find my Junior Sister."
Named, Yao Yingying stepped forward and agreed at once. The crowd escorted Jian Dan's group out of the Yao residence. Kong Xingkun dawdled at the rear, edging close to Yao Yingying to whisper, "Elder Yao, which seniors from the Heavenly Sword Sect are these, exactly?"
Yao Yingying rolled her eyes, unable to hide her disdain. Which idiot of the Kong clan was this, that he still did not know whom he had offended?
"The one in the sky-blue robe is Jian Lu Zūnshàng. The one in white is Jian Jing Zūnshàng. The one attending them in black is Jian Po."
She was kind enough to tell him, and at once Kong Xingkun wore the face of a man who had seen a ghost. Right now, he truly wished for death. If they killed him on the spot, at least the clan might keep some face. As it was, he had lost inside and out.
"Kong Xiaoyou, why are you standing there? Come back to the Xianlai Inn with us."
Jian Dan's clear voice floated back. To Kong Xingkun, it sounded like a spell of doom. He wanted nothing more than to turn to dust and vanish.
Too bad Jian Po gave him no chance. With a wave, she hauled him along and out through the Yao residence gates.
Yao Yingying and Yao Lin returned to the reception hall. The Yao Ancestor was still there, clearly waiting for them.
"Ancestor, was it really as they said? What did the Furong Zhizi do?" Yao Yingying could not hold back. She needed the full story to make a decision. After all, they had specifically named her to go to the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Only then did the Yao Ancestor sigh and recount the part he had concealed concerning the Furong Zhizi.
"In that case, only you and the Furong know what happened. You will not speak, so it must have been the Furong that leaked the story. But we have no way to question it now."
The Yao Ancestor nodded and sighed again. "At least Bin'er's Primordial Soul has been preserved. Find a suitable body quickly and have him seize it."
"Yes, Ancestor. I will see to it." Yao Lin accepted the task and left first. He knew the Second Elder had more to say to the Ancestor.
"Ancestor, the Kong family is unreliable. We should make our decision early." Yao Yingying went straight to the point without any detours.
"I know. From the moment we leaned on the Kong family, you disagreed. You would rather cultivate our own disciples than go to the Kong family for advancement. I understood your thinking even then.
Ancestor, relying on others is worse than relying on ourselves. I did not go to the Kong family to cultivate, yet I still reached Void Refinement. Do not put blind faith in so-called cultivation paradises of great clans. They will always reserve the best places for their own direct bloodline.
I know. We saw our relationship with the Kong family as transactional, but they saw the Yao clan as their vassal. Each generation grows worse. Their conduct grows more and more improper.
This time, Jian Lu ripped the mask from Kong Xingkun in front of everyone. That was not without intent. It was a warning."
At last, the Yao Ancestor said to Yao Yingying, "They named you to go to the Heavenly Sword Sect, so go. You already have a ready pretext. Be cautious with your words. Sound out Jian Lu Zūnshàng. Learn whether she speaks for herself, or for the sect."
"I will do my best. This Jian Lu Zūnshàng speaks and acts without leaving a seam. She seems kind and amiable, but she is the toughest of the three."
"I know. I am making things hard for you."
"It is not hard. For the clan, I will do all I can."
Meanwhile, Jian Dan's group left the Yao residence with Kong Xingkun in tow. Jian Dan gave Jian Po her orders. "Jian Po, go to the Xianlai Inn and book the entire place. Take Liuli and Jin Ai to the city gate to welcome Wu Siyuan and the others."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Jian Po turned with the two and headed straight for the inn.
Jian Jing walked side by side with Jian Dan, speaking as they strolled. "Junior Sister, you arranged a one-day rest mid-journey. Do you have a plan?"
"Nothing escapes you, Senior Sister."