"I kind of sensed it too."
Jian Jun had been staying here for ten long years, so of course she understood these changes better than anyone.
"Otherwise, the Immortals from the inner circle wouldn't be this restless. First, they fought each other, then they started plundering resources, and now they're gathering followers. Any cultivator they think has decent talent, they rope in."
"I think they're trying to take advantage of their dominance and raise a loyal group of subordinates. Before, they didn't have enough Xianyuan energy, so they fought over resources. That's why the Yu and Tan families clashed. As for us cultivators from the outer continents, we're nothing but tools for them. They send us to dig up resources from burial grounds, and all it takes is some empty promises to keep a constant flow of cultivators working for them.
Now that they've got enough Xianyuan energy, they're pulling people in again, grooming personal guards. Since we don't know the situation of the Immortal Realm, they can bluff us all too easily."
Jian Dan's tone dripped with sarcasm, but his words cut straight through the Immortal families' facade.
"Junior Sister's sharp, you see things clearly."
The two rarely spoke alone, but even with just a few words, they'd touched the heart of the matter.
"Senior Sister, once you return, your cultivation's bound to advance. Be prepared."
"Oh?"
Jian Jun turned back, glancing at Jian Dan.
"What I used to heal you was something rare. My plant beast found it by chance. After repairing your meridians and dantian, the leftovers were scattered through your channels. You can't circulate your art here, but once you're back, you'll absorb and refine it all. That should be enough for your breakthrough."
"Good. Thanks, Junior Sister. I'll remember this favor."
A smile swept over Jian Jun's finely-wrought features, softening her expression as she cupped her fist in thanks.
"No need to be polite."
While they spoke, Xiao Yue was already swallowed by moonlight, his body glowing. His howls had stopped. Eyes closed, the crescent mark on his forehead flickered as it drank in lunar essence. It looked like he was at a critical point.
"Zūnshàng, someone's coming."
Kuang Dao leapt down in front of them and bowed.
"Inner circle Immortals or nearby squads?"
"It's from the Tan Song family, both siblings are here," Liu Chuan's voice reached them first.
Kuang Dao shook his head before answering. "I didn't dare get too close, but from their robes, I'd say inner circle Immortals."
"Senior Sister, you all go ahead. Once Xiao Yue completes his regression, I'll catch up."
"No way. They're clearly after me. How can I let you face them alone?"
Jian Jun refused outright. There was no reason to let her Junior Sister take her place.
"Senior Sister, my divine sense still works, and I can fight. If you stay, I'll just be held back. Since they've chased us here, they won't show mercy. If anyone's caught, rescuing them later will be a nightmare." Jian Dan's words were earnest.
She'd already used up her trump card by luring off the Black Whip Electric Eel. The Immortals wouldn't give him a second chance.
"Jian Jun, listen to Junior Sister. She can slip away if things turn ugly. We're too restricted here. Don't drag her down." Jian Mao had walked over, speaking at the right time.
Jian Jun looked at him. Jian Mao gave a nod, so she stopped insisting. Her wounds had barely healed, and she couldn't risk burning her life force on another forbidden technique.
"Junior Sister, they're Immortals after all. Don't fight head-on. Keep your strength. There'll be other chances." Before leaving, Jian Jun gave one last reminder.
"Relax. I'm practical. If I can't win, I'll run."
Jian Dan said it without shame, earning a few chuckles from the Heavenly Sword Sect disciples. But they quickly sobered up, cupped their fists, and left the tree hollow.
Hou San led the way again. With the moon above to guide them, he quickly picked out a safe route, leading the group away.
The Bai sisters had wanted to stay behind too, but Jian Dan drove them off, promising she'd catch up later. They left reluctantly, brows furrowed, before retreating with the others.
Jian Dan exhaled slowly, then sent a voice transmission to Liu Chuan. "Chuan, it all comes down to you. Drive off the Tan Song siblings, or they'll hound us nonstop."
"Don't worry. I'll make you look like a true Immortal master, crushing them flat." Liu Chuan's reply was lazy, almost casual.
"Good. Just keep Xiao Yue safe."
"Nagging again. Enough, they're here."
Jian Dan's divine sense picked up the siblings rushing straight for her. She raised her fan, the Butterfly's Gold Chalice Blossom, and stood calmly with a faint smile, as if she'd been waiting.
The Tan Song siblings followed the marks all the way, only to find Jian Jun's Junior Sister alone. In the distance, a spirit beast was wrapped in glowing light. They exchanged glances, determination flashing in their eyes.
"Where's Jun Qingfeng?" Tan Songjia asked bluntly.
"Back to the outer continent."
"You're lying. There's no spatial fluctuation here." Tan Songyu immediately cut her off.
"Then why'd you bother asking?"
Jian Dan twirled her fan, giving them a look like they were idiots.
Furious, Tan Songyu swung his sword. Space rippled as his blade slashed down toward Jian Dan's face.