The four turned their heads and saw Jian Wan still standing there. She hadn't left, and she was blocking their path.
Lü Se muttered silently, wondering why she was so oblivious. Couldn't she see they had important business to handle? Still, he stepped forward politely.
"I don't know what else Jian Wan Zūnzhǔ needs?"
"Who are these three?"
She asked directly.
Lü Se's brows twitched. He was just about to speak when the three beside him cupped their hands respectfully.
"I'm Hou San, this is Bai Shuang and Bai Xia. We pay respects to Jian Wan Zūnzhǔ."
"What business do they have at the Law Enforcement Hall?"
Her question was blunt, and Lü Se felt irritation rise. This was Jian Lu Zhēnzūn's territory. The three were Zhēnzūn's guests. What did any of it have to do with her? She was sticking her nose far too deep.
"I don't know. Jian Lu Zhēnzūn only instructed me to bring them over."
His polite smile faded several degrees. He answered stiffly, then gestured for them to continue on.
Jian Wan clearly wasn't satisfied and stepped forward to block them again. Lü Se stopped holding back.
"Jian Wan Zūnzhǔ, this is Tianyue Peak. I'm just a steward, and I follow Jian Lu Zhēnzūn's orders. If you have questions, feel free to ask our Zhēnzūn directly."
The meaning was obvious: this isn't your territory, so it isn't your place to meddle.
Her face flushed with anger, and she prepared to block them again. The Bai sisters' eyes turned cold. With their strength, they could poison a Unity stage cultivator, let alone someone in Void Refinement.
They hadn't made trouble out of respect for Fairy Lu, but this woman's attitude crossed the line. They weren't afraid of conflict. They'd come from another continent, not to be pushed around. Showing strength would earn them respect and prove they had value.
Hou San was quick to sense the rising tension. He immediately stood with the Bai sisters. They gripped their staffs, and spiritual energy began gathering. The air went stiff with hostility.
"Jian Wan, when will you finally fix that awful attitude of yours? You dare act arrogant here?"
Jian Dan's voice rolled through the air, cutting cleanly through the tension. A breeze brushed across their faces. In the next instant, Jian Wan vanished from sight.
The four turned around. The barrier around Jian Lu Zhēnzūn's cave dwelling hadn't even opened. Clearly, Jian Dan had been watching and saw everything.
Hou San and the Bai sisters bowed deeply toward Jian Dan's cave in gratitude for stepping in.
"Everyone, follow me. We've already lost some time. Let's not make Jian Li Zūnshàng wait."
Lü Se put his smile back on and led the group, riding streaks of light straight toward the Law Enforcement Hall on Tianjian Peak.
The three were nervous, but all of them kept calm and composed. Reaching the hall, they bowed toward the main seat where Jian Li sat.
"We pay respects to Hall Master Jian Li."
"There's no need for formality. The three of you were recommended by Jian Lu. She speaks highly of you. Yesterday she personally informed Zhēnzūn and arranged long term placement for you."
The words steadied their hearts, though they knew things wouldn't be that simple. There would definitely be a test. Fairy Lu had already warned them about it, so they cupped their hands respectfully.
"We're only here because Fairy Lu saw value in us. We're willing to join the Heavenly Sword Sect and accept any test the sect requires."
Jian Li nodded and waved his hand.
Jian Po entered the hall, her figure carrying a confident sway. She wore a black robe patterned with dark runes, turning cold elegance into something breathtaking.
She'd recently advanced to early Void Refinement and fully assumed the position of Chief of the Punishment Division. She originally came to discuss Immortal Realm resource distribution, but Jian Li pulled her in as temporary assistance instead. He wanted her to take the three through the Heart Capturing Gate, then into the Dreamlike Illusory Rubik's Cube Realm to test their true nature.
"Everyone, follow me."
She led them to the rear hall where the Heart Capturing Gate was kept.
The three exchanged a look and stepped through one by one. Jian Po watched them with approval. None of them tried to pry or ask unnecessary questions. They were poised, disciplined, and suitable for cultivation.
One incense stick later, they were thrown out of the golden gate. The Heart Capturing Gate shrank into a stream of light and returned to Jian Po's palm.
They sat cross-legged to stabilize their minds before rising again.
Jian Po had watched every moment of the test. All three had steady hearts and firm principles.
The Bai sisters might be poison cultivators, but they never abused their power. When the sect was attacked by insect beasts in the test illusion, they struck decisively to protect the sect.
Hou San was adaptable. Even as a loose cultivator, he stepped up against the enemy instead of hiding or abandoning allies.
Jian Li and Jian Jun watched through a water mirror and were satisfied.
"Congratulations on passing the first test. Everyone, follow me."