Because of the sudden attack, the Purple Sky Sect lost ten members, and Lu Xuanyuan's attendants were all gone.
After switching to a new flying vessel, Xiao Die Zhēnjūn had Lu Xuanyuan stay close to Jian Dan. He piloted the craft himself and sped directly toward the sect. The rest of the journey was uneventful, and within three and a half days they arrived at Purple Sky City, the sect's territory.
Xiao Die Zhēnjūn led the group straight toward the sect gate. After verifying identities, everyone was allowed in—except Jian Dan, who was stopped.
His face darkened. "What is the meaning of this?"
A guard explained miserably, "We just received orders from the sect. They are not receiving visitors from other sects at this time. But Zhēnjūn, you may stay in Purple Sky City temporarily. All expenses will be borne by our sect."
Xiao Die Zhēnjūn bristled. "This is the first time I've brought a friend as a guest, and they shut the door in my face! How is my reputation to be preserved?"
He intended to force his way through, but Jian Dan smiled gently and said, "Zhēnjūn, there is no need for anger. We only came to escort you and young master partway. We didn't intend a full visit. Since you've arrived safely, I will not stay. I offer my farewells now. Once I finish the sect mission, I will present a formal invitation and visit properly."
Without waiting for a reply, she nodded to Yue Liang and turned back to leave Purple Sky City.
Xiao Die Zhēnjūn and Lu Xuanyuan were left staring after her—Lu Xuanyuan, especially, felt suddenly insecure. He just wanted to see his grandparents.
Jian Dan and Yue Liang made their way back to Purple Sky City, heading straight to the liaison office of the Heavenly Sword Sect. They took a resting room to wait.
Once the defensive formation was set up, Yue Liang hopped off Jian Dan's shoulder and happily sat on the table—thrilled not to be separated from her Zhēnjūn.
Jian Dan smiled and held Yue Liang. "Don't be too happy just yet. You won't be able to enter openly during the day. I only brought you back because it's not safe for Xiao Die Zhēnjūn to escort you any further."
"Why is that?" Yue Liang asked.
"Someone in Purple Sky Sect doesn't want you involved. They're worried you will speak honestly about any black beetle larvae you encounter."
Yue Liang frowned. Jian Dan stroked her fur and explained with patience. "Yue Liang, you are so principled. If you see something, you will call it out, right?"
"Mm."
"But you may not know how widespread the infestation is—or who has been infected. If a high-ranking cultivator is already infested, exposing them could weaken their faction's stability. So it's not safe for you to go in openly."
"Too complicated. So they'd rather pretend everything is fine than deal with the consequences later."
"Not exactly. They just want to control the outbreak within acceptable losses. Deal with it when it's convenient, without affecting the sect's overall strength."
"Still a nuisance."
"Haha! You two really are interesting," said a bright male voice from outside the defense formation.
Jian Dan got to her feet, and Yue Liang leapt onto her shoulder, fur bristling in readiness. Jian Dan waved and dispelled the formation. She held the protective jade token from Jian Li Zhēnzhǔ.
"Little friend, no need to be nervous. I am here to escort spirit beast Yue Liang. We prefer discretion on this mission."
A man appeared, wearing purple robes, a purple jade crown, and a white jade flask at his waist. His sash was patterned with purple formation patterns.
"I greet you, Senior. Pardon my late arrival."
"I am Xiao Yōng of Purple Sky Sect. May I take Yue Liang with me? I assure you of her safety."
"Very well. But allow me to give Yue Liang some instructions. She has never been away from me for longer than half a day."
Xiao Yōng raised a hand in understanding.
Jian Dan retrieved a neck collar from her space storage—a custom piece crafted by Su Chu from the Artifact Department, who had also supplied exclusive intelligence on the black beetle outbreak. Su Chu had given it to Jian Dan when they left Yunling City.
In place of the usual space stone, the collar held a brown crystal that blended seamlessly with its golden frame. Jian Dan casually slipped Jian Li Zhēnzhǔ's protective jade token into the collar's hidden compartment, encouraging Yue Liang to accept her new master. She then reminded her:
"You're representing the Heavenly Sword Sect in Purple Sky. Don't be afraid. The protective token is inside that collar. If you encounter danger, don't hesitate to use it. Understand?"
As Jian Dan spoke, she fastened the collar and made sure Yue Liang's sword-shaped jade token was visible on the outside.
Xiao Yōng's lips curled slightly. He could tell Jian Dan had orchestrated this well, and it was clear how dearly she cared for her spirit beast.
Yue Liang understood it was a real parting this time. She cuddled against Jian Dan's neck, rubbing against her until Jian Dan finally handed her over.
"Dear Senior, please take good care of Yue Liang. She does not go into spirit beast storage. Thank you for your attention."
Jian Dan planted a kiss on Yue Liang's forehead before sending her away.
Xiao Yōng's lips twitched, as though he felt like the villain separating a beloved pair, but without a word, he disappeared in a flash with Yue Liang.
Once they were gone, Jian Dan quickly headed to the Purple Sky Sect teleportation formation. As soon as she sat in place, she saw a group of people approaching in the distance.