"Zhūnzhǔ, why don't you want to accept the Hall Master's token?"
Jian Dan scooped Yue Liang back into her arms and gave her a vigorous rub. Yue Liang's fluffy fur ended up a total mess, and only then did Jian Dan reply.
"You were already hugging the token. Like it or not, I had to take it."
Yue Liang's round, dark eyes spun mischievously as she bounced back onto Jian Dan's shoulder.
"Zhūnzhǔ, the token already carries your qi. Sooner or later, it's going to be yours anyway. Might as well accept it now."
"You think being the Hall Master of the War Hall is easy? Anyone who wants the crown must bear its weight. That token isn't light."
"Yue Liang can carry it. It's not heavy."
"I'm talking about the responsibility it represents."
While Jian Dan resigned herself to the role and accepted the token, elsewhere, Jian Wan was not in such good shape.
She returned to her cave on Tiandu Peak and sealed it with a restrictive formation. As soon as she was alone, she coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed unconscious.
Outside her cave, Fu Yao's expression looked equally troubled. It was only now that she recalled Jian Ning's warning. Turns out it hadn't been an exaggeration after all.
Even with her cultivation at the Nascent Soul stage, Fu Yao had only managed to catch a glimpse of Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ's sword strike before her master had already lost.
It was a crushing blow. She had seen the look on Jian Wan's face—it had been pale and drawn. She was clearly suffering internal injuries.
Fu Yao's eyes flashed as she turned and hurried back to her own cave to send a message to her clan. She needed top-grade healing pills. This was her chance to prove herself.
The next day, Jian Dan showed up at Tongzi Hall as usual to teach. She wasn't planning to lecture on new material today. Instead, she was there to answer the children's questions.
When she walked into the classroom, twenty children were already seated cross-legged on their meditation cushions, all staring at her with wide, reverent eyes.
"What's with the looks? What play are we performing today?"
"Zhūnzhǔ! That sword move you used yesterday was amazing!"
Yu Jiajia's eyes sparkled like stars as she looked at Jian Dan.
She had watched the duel through a water mirror with Yu Zhēnzūn, but having only just begun cultivation, she hadn't understood much. So she had pestered her ancestor into explaining every detail.
"At first, Jian Lu didn't even draw her sword. She focused on dodging, studying Jian Wan's sword path. Once she had a clear grasp of it, she finally struck.
That single strike contained the essence of the five elements. She started by mirroring Jian Wan's water-based sword force, blending with it, then countered with the gentler force of wood.
After shattering the opponent's water element, she transitioned into fire to launch an attack, then followed with earth and finally metal."
Yu Zhēnzūn paused before continuing.
"Jian Wan barely withstood the first three elements. Her natal sword took damage. The last two were deflected onto the protective barrier. If they hadn't been, she would've been in real danger."
"Old Ancestor, but weren't those five swords?"
"No. Jian Lu released only a single sword strike—within it, she evolved five forces."
"Wow! Zhūnzhǔ is incredible!"
"Yes. You must study well under her while you're here in Tongzi Hall."
"Got it, Old Ancestor!"
Back in class, Yu Jiajia's question broke the ice. The rest of the children followed, firing off one question after another.
Jian Dan raised a hand. The room immediately quieted.
"Alright, we're doing Q&A today. Ask your questions one by one. Don't all talk at once."
"Yes!"
What followed was a string of odd, curious questions.
"Zhūnzhǔ, when can I be as strong as you?"
"Zhūnzhǔ, what's the highest realm in swordsmanship?"
"Zhūnzhǔ, do you still temper your body?"
"Zhūnzhǔ..."
Jian Dan smiled as she answered each question patiently. Once they were all done, she summed up.
"The Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages are just the beginning. They form the groundwork for your path. Only when you reach the Nascent Soul stage do you start to align with the Dao. That's when you truly step onto the path of cultivation."
"Everyone's Dao is different. Some seek immortality. Others want to stand at the peak of the cultivation world. Why do you cultivate? Start thinking about it now."
"Zhūnzhǔ, why did you begin cultivating?"
One child looked up at her with wide eyes.
"I started cultivating so I wouldn't be bullied. Later, I wanted to defeat my enemies. And now, I cultivate to protect this land beneath my feet."
"Why does your goal change every time?"
"Because back when I was only at Foundation Establishment, all I could do was survive. When I reached the Golden Core stage, I could start fighting back. And now that I've stepped into the Void Refinement stage, I finally have some ability to protect this continent."
"Zhūnzhǔ, mighty and wise!"
"Alright, you've only just started your journey. No need to think too far ahead. Lay a solid foundation. There will be time to reflect later."
"Yes!"
After class, Jian Dan headed back. Along the way, she received a message from Liu Chuan.
"That little guy you mentioned is currently cultivating on Jianyue Peak. He's at mid-stage Qi Refining. Not bad in character. He even leased his own spiritual field to grow spirit rice and herbs. Can support his own cultivation."
"Good. Does he have any friends? Is anyone bullying him?"
"Haven't seen any friends yet. He has a birthmark on his face, so there's some gossip. But he doesn't seem to mind."
"Strong mental resilience. Seems we do have a bit of karmic connection. And he ended up on Jianyue Peak too. Keep observing. Unless his life's in danger, don't intervene."
"Understood."
When Jian Dan returned to her own cave, Jian Sheng was already waiting.
"Jian Sheng, something to report?"
"The matter you instructed me to follow up on has returned with news."
"Your Intelligence Hall is efficient as always. What's the update?"
"Du Yanran is still being hunted by the cultivators of Tianya Haijiao. She took a gamble and handed over half a treasure map to their leader, claiming it marks a hidden sect from the Immortal Realm, filled with ancient treasures."
"They bought it?"
"Yes. The half she provided has been verified—it's indeed from the Immortal Realm."
"Too bad it's only half. Did she say who holds the other half?"
Jian Sheng didn't answer immediately. He looked up at her.
Jian Dan burst out laughing.
"Let me guess. She said the other half is with Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ of the Heavenly Demon Palace?"
"Zhūnzhǔ guessed right."
"She's trying to use a borrowed knife to kill. Hasn't gained power, but already lost her wits. Mo Yue has the entire Heavenly Demon Palace behind her. If Tianya Haijiao dares go after her, the Heavenly Demon Palace will have every reason to wipe them out. In the end, all the treasures would fall into their hands anyway."
"Seems their leader had the same thought and proposed a partnership."
"Smart. That's the best win-win outcome for now. Still, I don't think Mo Yue will show up anytime soon."
Jian Dan chuckled and asked,
"Can you get that half of the map?"
"It won't be easy, Zhūnzhǔ. If we really push for it, Intelligence Hall may suffer losses."
"I don't need the whole thing. Even a partial copy will do. Make several tracings and send one to each of the major sects. Who knows? Maybe one of them has the other half."
"Yes. I'll give the order."
"And send a copy to me too. I want to see what an Immortal Realm sect looks like."
"Understood."
"Anything else?"
"Zhūnzhǔ, this is the detailed briefing for the escort mission."
He handed over two jade slips. Jian Dan took them and swept them with her divine sense, quickly grasping most of the information.
"I'll pick up my own supplies before we set out. No need to trouble yourself."
"Yes."
Their conversation had just ended when Yun Shu hurried in.
"Zhūnzhǔ, there are two monks at the base of the mountain requesting an audience. They say they're your guests and have even sent a formal greeting card."