Jian Dan swiftly broke the seal on the jade box, pulled out the supreme-grade spirit vein, and pressed it into the ground in front of the Rubik's Cube Realm. The spirit vein writhed in protest, sensing it was about to be drained dry, but she sealed it in place with a quick series of hand seals, solidifying the ground around it.
Yue Liang flashed onto Jian Dan's shoulder. "Zūnshàng, Xue Ru has been safely escorted back."
"Good. Guard me."
"Yes."
As they exchanged words, Jian Dan landed gracefully, flicked her sleeve, and summoned a meditation cushion. She sat cross-legged, began circulating the Primordial Chaos Art, and funneled streams of chaotic spiritual power into the Rubik's Cube Realm.
Sensing the aura of its creator, the realm accepted her energy without resistance, drinking in the chaotic power she infused.
Half a stick of incense later, its shrinking halted. Slowly, the Dreamlike Illusory Rubik's Cube Realm expanded back to its original size, and the tremors shaking the southern peak ceased.
After another stick of incense burned away, Jian Dan's reserves of chaotic power were nearly exhausted. She quickened her absorption of spiritual energy. Supported by the supreme-grade spirit vein, she barely managed to keep pace with her own consumption.
Once stability returned, the area was cleared. Cultivators who had been ejected from their trials dispersed after receiving word from the Zhēnzūn: they would all be allowed one more entry into the Rubik's Cube Realm free of charge. Only the sect's core figures remained, including Sect Master Jian Chong, Hall Master Jian Li, and several other Zhēnzūn.
Behind Jian Dan, Yue Liang transformed into a five-meter-tall raccoon beast, standing guard with a sharp, vigilant gaze.
Tian Yun glanced over and chuckled to Tian Shou. "That one's a loyal guardian."
"Don't underestimate her. She's strong."
A calm voice interrupted them. "No wonder there was such a commotion here. So everyone's gathered." Tian Zhen Zhēnzūn appeared beside them.
"Now we just wait for Tian Hong to come out. Can't you see Jian Lu is pushing herself to the limit?" Tian Shou gestured toward Jian Dan.
She sat steadily atop the supreme-grade spirit vein, absorbing and converting vast amounts of spiritual power, her robe rippling in an unseen gale. Meng Congjian, standing nearby, winced as he watched the drain on their resources.
The sect's elders exchanged silent looks of awe. Jian Dan's absorption speed was terrifying. Any ordinary cultivator would have long since perished from ruptured meridians and spiritual overload. Yet she sat firmly in meditation, sustaining the entire Rubik's Cube Realm.
In truth, Jian Dan wasn't nearly as calm as she appeared. Her body's tempered physique allowed her to endure this storm of energy, and her experience in the Nether Valley—where she'd survived demonic energy infusion—had prepared her well.
The Yin-Yang Taiji Disk spun rapidly within her, converting raw energy into chaotic power, while the Mò Xī Jiàn and Mó Yuè Zhǎn hovered above, siphoning off traces of spiritual energy on their own, lightening her burden.
She knew they were helping themselves first, but she couldn't afford to care.
Another stick of incense passed. Meng Congjian's heart bled as he watched the once-vibrant supreme-grade spirit vein fade, its glow dimming by the breath.
Without even turning, Jian Dan could feel Meng Congjian's burning gaze on her back.
Sect Master Jian Chong frowned at the draining spirit vein and signaled someone to fetch another, but Tian Yun Zhēnzūn raised a hand. "No need, Jian Chong. Tian Hong is about to emerge."
Right as his words fell, the supreme-grade spirit vein turned gray. Jian Dan's meridians began showing fine cracks. The Rubik's Cube Realm gave a loud "clang," and its rotation ceased. A moment later, Tian Hong Zhēnzūn was expelled from within.
He emerged with eyes closed, sword aura radiating violently, and arcs of violet lightning flickering across his life-bound sword. A Mahayana-level pressure spread through the air like a tidal wave.
Jian Dan's strong spiritual sense shielded her somewhat. She flicked her sleeve, dispersing the oppressive aura, while Yue Liang shrank swiftly back to her smaller form and leaped into Jian Dan's arms.
Once certain Tian Hong was safely out, Jian Dan cut off the flow of chaotic energy and guided what remained into her meridians to mend the tiny fissures.
Tian Yun Zhēnzūn waved his sleeve, neutralizing the lingering pressure, and barked in a voice infused with power, "Tian Hong! Open your eyes! You've left the Rubik's Cube Realm."
His voice rumbled like thunder, jolting Tian Hong awake.
Tian Hong's eyes snapped open, still glinting with killing intent. He swept his gaze around and saw his fellow disciples watching him with concern. The Rubik's Cube Realm rotated calmly behind him, restored to its usual pace.
Relieved, he reversed his grip, sheathing his life-bound sword and suppressing his overwhelming aura. In a blink, the murderous energy in his eyes vanished.
"Junior Brother, are you well?" Tian Yun stepped closer once he was sure Tian Hong was fully conscious, while the gathered elders watched with relief.
"I'm fine," Tian Hong said with a steady tone. "That trial realm is extraordinary. You should all experience it."
Tian Shou chuckled. "We sacrificed an entire supreme-grade spirit vein for you to enjoy that trial. Jian Lu worked herself to the bone to keep the realm running."
"And every other cultivator who entered alongside you was ejected just to stabilize the Mahayana trial space," he added.
Tian Yun frowned. "Does your body feel any strain?"
"No. Thank you for your concern. I gained much from this trial. Let's discuss it back at the mountain."
He gave Tian Yun a meaningful look. The elder nodded slightly, then issued orders.
"Jian Chong, handle the aftermath. Jian Li, check on Jian Lu. Don't let her push herself further. If she needs pills, redeem them at once."
"Yes, Zhēnzūn."
"Thank you for your concern, Zhēnzūn," Jian Dan said, bowing slightly.
"You gave it your all today. If you're well enough, join us in the back mountain with Jian Li later," Tian Yun instructed.
"Yes!" Jian Dan and Jian Li replied together.
The four Zhēnzūn vanished from the skies above the Tianjian Peak.
Sect Master Jian Chong carefully collected the drained supreme-grade spirit vein for restoration, while the spent high-grade spirit vein was removed and replaced under Operations Hall's supervision. The sect's wealth and depth of resources left Jian Dan silently impressed.
She recalled how the four spirit veins she'd seized from the Jia Clan Ancestor's ring had all been consumed by her cultivation and were now buried in her own space, slowly recovering.
"Junior Sister, are you alright?" Jian Li asked.
"I'm fine. My meridians just ache from the energy infusion."
"Anyone else would've exploded from that much spiritual power. Good thing you tempered your body."
"Senior Brother, don't worry. I know my limits."
"Then come back with me to the Law Enforcement Hall. I'll prepare some pills for you."
"No need. I've almost stabilized. Let me meditate a bit, refine the energy, and I should be able to heal the hidden injuries."
"Alright."
Jian Dan followed Jian Li back to the Law Enforcement Hall. She sent a quick message talisman to Lü Se to report her safety, then sank into deep meditation, focusing on mending her meridians.