Everyone fell silent, each lost in thought.
"Senior Sister, did you put away that star map?"
"Of course. For that star map, I was trapped for three whole years. Of course I kept it safe." Jian Jun chuckled as she answered, then looked at Jian Dan. "Do you want to check the map again once we're out of here, see if Lingyun Continent shows up on it?"
"Yes. Senior Sister, do you share the same thought as me?"
Jian Jun flicked her folding fan, nodding slightly.
"No matter who it was that knocked down this fragment of the Immortal Realm, the immortals inside aren't going to come out unscathed." Jian Jing spoke with a hint of schadenfreude.
The others silently took note of what the two disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect said, planning to remind their own sects once they returned.
"Senior Sister, I had my suspicions before, but now that I've confirmed the change in Xianyuan energy, I feel a lot more certain," Jian Dan said without hesitation.
"You mean Lingyun Continent is the insect race's target, and once it's occupied, the whole battlefield of the Immortal Realm could be shaken? That's why this fragment fell, to block Lingyun Continent from showing up on the star maps of the Cultivation Realm? If the immortals here managed to notice, they might even be able to help us resist the invasion? At the very least, they'd make sure Lingyun Continent's fall won't drag the rest of the Cultivation Realms down with it?"
Jian Jun spoke slowly, but everyone hung on every word.
"Exactly, Senior Sister. And I've got some proof," Jian Dan smiled brightly. Talking to smart people was always easy, one hint was enough. She continued, "Ever since the incident in the Purple Ranked Secret Realm, hasn't the Heavenly Dao been dropping hints? The Chilang Secret Realm, Blackwind Ravine, Cloud Sea Sect's Haiyan, even that 'Blood Insect' tied to Heavenly Demon Palace and Bi Shu—all of them were warnings, giving us chances to eliminate hidden dangers early and save ourselves.
And then there's the space rift of Purple Sky Sect, which lasted for a full century. That's far too unusual, almost like it was left open for us on purpose.
After coming here, we found out most cultivators entered either by exploring secret realms or getting caught in spatial rifts. I've already seen people from several continents. Hou San came from one, and the Bai sisters from another."
Hou San cupped his hands. "I'm from Lingxi Continent. Just a loose cultivator. I got pulled in by a spatial rift while exploring a secret realm."
Bai Xia cupped her hands for both sisters. "My sister and I came from Wuxi Continent. Our family elders sent us here."
Everyone grew even more convinced by Jian Jun and Jian Lu's guess.
"That space rift of Purple Sky Sect only shut after we came through," Jian Mao added.
"Honestly, back when Senior Brother Jian Xu and I led the team to Cloud Sea Sect for the sect tournament, I already wanted to check that rift," Jian Mao admitted, "but Senior Brother held me back, said the timing wasn't right."
"I only stopped you because I was afraid you'd ditch us and go on your own. With evil cultivators ambushing us back then, I worried they'd strike again on our way back. It's a good thing you stayed, otherwise I wouldn't have managed against that Unity stage evil cultivator alone," Jian Xu teased.
Jian Dan smiled, lips curling faintly. "Senior Brother, forgive me. I didn't think it through back then."
Everyone chuckled before steering the talk back to the main point.
"Lingyun Continent might very well be the breach point for the insect invasion into the cultivation world. If the Immortal Realm doesn't want to fight on two fronts, it can only give us both clear hints and subtle signs.
What I'm not sure about is whether those immortals who fell with this fragment got direct orders. And if they did, did they pretend not to hear and do their own thing instead? That only they would know.
But what Senior Sister Jian Jing said earlier is right. Once this fragment rises back to the Immortal Realm, and the truth of what they've done comes out, they'll face the consequences. We don't need to clash head-on with them. For now, the most important thing is leaving this place."
Everyone nodded in agreement. This wasn't their home ground, and no matter how strong they were, they couldn't unleash their full strength here.
"We've seen enough to know the score," Jian Jun said solemnly. "No matter what those immortals are plotting, the battle for Lingyun Continent will have to be fought by us. They can't be relied on."
"You're right, Junior Sister. Even though we rushed non-stop, we've had good fortune along the way and gathered plenty of useful things. Plus, Junior Sister Jian Lu went out of her way to invite Hou San and the Bai sisters to join us. They'll be a huge help when we return," Jian Jing added deliberately.
Her words were clear, meant to show everyone that Hou San and the Bai sisters weren't just tagging along out of desperation, but were personally chosen by disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Even if that wasn't said aloud, it would've left shadows in their hearts.
Sure enough, relief flickered across the trio's faces. They bowed politely. "Cultivation is the same no matter where we are. Lingyun Continent's cultivators are upright, righteous, and united. That's what we've admired. Fighting side by side with everyone here is our honor."
The words were smooth and dignified, enough to win trust.
Just then, everyone's attention was stolen by Xiao Yue's cry. The little beast let out a long howl, making everyone turn toward it.