Jian Dan knew the crisis had passed. She also understood clearly that she was no match for the Nine-Tailed Beast King, so she considered her words carefully before answering.
"Jian Qingyue of the Jian Clan was the first Patriarch—and my direct ancestor."
The Nine-Tailed Beast King seemed to realize she had overstepped. With a single step, she returned to her reclining couch.
"So, you really are one of his true descendants. No wonder he sealed three offensive spells into your talisman. He did it to keep you safe."
Jian Dan didn't know how to respond, so she simply remained silent.
"Ai, back in the day, your ancestor and I shared some fate." The fox's eyes fluttered coquettishly as she spoke. Seeing that Jian Dan didn't react, she continued on her own.
"We once fought side by side. But human cultivators are born with more advantages. He advanced faster than I did, and ascended sooner. The responsibility of guarding the beast race fell to me, so I had no choice but to linger in this realm for a while longer."
Jian Dan stood respectfully below, her expression solemn, but inside she was already rolling her eyes.
She did believe that her ancestor had known this ancient fox, and perhaps they had even fought together. But to say he delayed ascension for the beast race? She couldn't accept that.
Beast cultivators had naturally powerful bodies and long lifespans, but that very longevity made their cultivation slow. Without inherited bloodlines or ancient techniques, their cultivation could only progress through slow absorption of beast qi. Advancing was extremely difficult.
The Nine-Tailed Fox, as a noble lineage of her kind, had a pure bloodline and a complete inheritance. She'd already had fewer detours than most, and it had still taken her ten thousand years to reach the peak of the ninth stage. That was already considered outstanding.
So Jian Dan listened to the tale politely, but didn't buy into all of it.
"Enough. I can see you don't want to chat with an old woman like me," the Nine-Tailed Beast King said, waving her hand. "Go call in your three companions. Xiaobai is still waiting for you."
"Yes."
"Oh, does Yingge know you're cultivating both Dao and demonic techniques?"
"He does."
"Then why hasn't he mentioned it to Xiaobai?"
"I... threatened him."
The lazy tone in the Beast King's voice vanished. She brightened instantly, clearly amused.
"Hah! That little one knows how to read the room. Still, I suggest you don't tell Xiaobai you ever threatened his Yingge. That boy may look like a gentle spring breeze, but his heart is thinner than a needle."
She even curled her lip, clearly speaking from experience.
"I understand."
Jian Dan bowed once more before exiting the Beast King's hall. She met up with Mo Qi and the others, and invited them inside before turning to Bai Jue Zhūnzhǔ.
"Greetings, Bai Jue Zhūnzhǔ."
"Come with me."
"Yes."
Bai Jue led Jian Dan into the Bai Clan's territory. In a small pavilion just outside his personal cave residence, he prepared a tea set with graceful movements, brewing a pot of steaming tea. The delicate fragrance of peach blossom rose from the cup he offered her.
Jian Dan recognized the quality immediately—this was a premium-grade peach blossom tea. She accepted the cup with both hands, sipped gently, and let the floral aroma spread across her tongue.
"Thank you for everything," Bai Jue said, his voice soft. "You've helped Yingge many times now, even allowing him to refine that sliver of phoenix blood. As his elder brother, I'm deeply grateful."
"You're too polite, Zhūnzhǔ. I believe I was simply fated to meet Yingge. He's obedient, bright, and will surely achieve great things."
"I know."
Though his words were calm, a trace of unease lingered between his brows.
Jian Dan raised an eyebrow. The conversation had been pleasant so far, but now the air felt heavy. Had she said something wrong?
She coughed softly and asked, "May I ask, is Yingge doing well lately?"
"He's fine. He's in seclusion, refining the phoenix blood. I believe he'll emerge soon."
"That's good. I'm currently on a sect mission, so I won't stay long. Once I return, I'll come visit him again."
"Good. Then I have one more request."
Jian Dan's temples began to throb. She rubbed her forehead lightly before answering.
"Zhūnzhǔ, what would you like me to do? Is it related to Yingge?"
Bai Jue looked at the reserved demon cultivator seated before him. He nodded.
"Once Yingge finishes refining his bloodline, I want him to follow you on a training journey."
"This—"
"His bloodline is pure. I wouldn't feel at ease letting him wander alone."
Jian Dan screamed internally: "Brother, you trust me more than him? I'm only at Divine Transformation. What if I can't protect him? Will you tear me apart?"
Still, her voice remained calm.
"You flatter me. But my current cultivation is still lacking. I'm not confident I can keep him safe."
"I'm aware. You're also headed out on a sect mission. I'm not asking you to take him now. After he completes the refinement, I'll train him a bit more. Everything can wait until you return from the Ming Valley."
"Understood."
"This is the phoenix token you asked the auction house to retrieve. I've resealed it with a protective strike. Take it."
"Thank you, Zhūnzhǔ."
Jian Dan accepted the red token and stored it carefully.
With nothing more to say, the two sat in quiet companionship, sipping tea and watching the scenery.
Fortunately, Mo Qi and the others soon sent her a message. Once they regrouped, Bai Jue personally escorted them beyond the beast clan's borders.
The moment they crossed the barrier, the Heavenly Demon Palace's flying vessel rose into the air. It had been hovering, waiting for the four of them to return before setting course for Bamboo Sea.
With a light leap, the four cultivators boarded the vessel. Their fellow disciples relaxed at the sight of them, clearly relieved.
Mo Zhang's voice sounded through a transmission.
"You four, come to the main chamber."
Without hesitation, they made their way toward Mo Zhang Zhūnzhe's location.
"Come in."
Inside, Mo Zhang sat reading a jade slip. Once the four stood neatly before him, he waved for them to sit. After finishing the message, he finally spoke.
"You handled the Black Armored Beetle incident at Huanle City well. The Black Robe Guards will follow up. You don't need to worry."
"Thank you, Zhūnzhe."
"As for the insect invasion and the matter of the Insect Ancestor, I agree with your analysis. After a wave of high-level cultivators ascended from the Lingyun Continent, there hasn't been a successful ascension for nearly five thousand years."
The four sat in silence, each processing that number. Mo Zhang suddenly shifted the conversation.
"Mo Yue, what do you think is the cause?"
Jian Dan looked up at him, then slowly replied.
"To my knowledge, every race—human, beast, and demon—has multiple Mahayana-stage Zhēnzhūn holding the line. Even secluded family clans likely have at least one. I don't believe not a single one of them has tried to ascend."
The others nodded in agreement.
"Which means... they tried, but failed. One or two failing could be explained. But for five thousand years of attempts to all end in failure—there's only one reason I can think of."
"What is it?"
"Heaven won't allow it."
Crack.
A bolt of Silent Lightning descended from the sky, striking directly at Jian Dan before she even had time to raise a defense.