Jian Sheng didn't immediately follow Jian Dan's train of thought. He paused for a moment before replying, "The highest cultivation level in the Fu family right now is Unity Stage. Currently, only one individual remains. It's likely because all their key figures within the sect have been compromised that they finally reached out."
"Hah! Is he using his cultivation as leverage to have Senior Brother Jian Li summon me for questioning?"
"Yes."
"No wonder you're so angry."
A cold smile touched Jian Dan's lips. She gave a light wave of her round fan toward Lü Se and Ting Feng, signaling them to leave.
Once only Jian Sheng remained, Jian Dan sealed the restrictions of the cave abode, sat at the head seat, and then said calmly, "It's been over a month since I returned to the sect. Aside from Jian Wan, no one of real influence from the Fu family has come demanding answers. The fact that they're only now making a move means they've probably cleaned up all their tracks."
Jian Sheng could only give a truthful report. "The Law Enforcement Hall has been secretly investigating the Fu family, but they've caught wind of it. Every time we got close, they cut off the lead ahead of us. The only ones we could actually implicate were low-level cultivators acting on their own."
Jian Dan listened, unmoved by the frustration in his voice. In her view, this was exactly the decisiveness a powerful clan should show in crisis.
"They're discarding tails to preserve the body. What they've sacrificed aren't core personnel or critical assets. And because you have no solid evidence, they've come striding right into Heavenly Sword Sect, acting righteous while targeting me."
"You're absolutely right, Zūnzhǔ."
"So, from what you've told me, am I correct in thinking that the Fu family is indeed hiding something, something serious, but you just haven't found enough proof to bring them down openly?"
"Yes, Zūnzhǔ."
Jian Dan lowered her gaze and gently flicked the fan twice before asking again, "What exactly have you uncovered about the Fu family?"
"They've embezzled sect assets and secretly established ties with the Jia family of Yunling City. Previously, it was because of their tip-off that the Hua family managed to flee with part of their members. They also still maintain contact with the Kong family."
"That's not quite enough to warrant execution. Any signs of involvement with evil cultivators?"
"We haven't found direct evidence… but there are suspicions."
Jian Dan nodded and asked, "What are those suspicions based on?"
"Jian Yu's background. She was originally an overlooked branch disciple, but after reaching the Golden Core stage, her cultivation suddenly surged. She offered the secret of her rapid advancement to the clan in exchange for the opportunity to develop within Heavenly Sword Sect.
The Fu family placed her on Tiandu Peak to serve Jian Wan. Over time, Jian Yu's cultivation gradually caught up with Jian Wan's. Jian Wan grew displeased, but the Fu family's strong presence on Tiandu Peak, backed by two Void Refinement Zūnzhǔs, meant they had enough clout to pressure both sides into maintaining peace.
Jian Yu knew how to behave. She always deferred to Jian Wan and never overstepped. When something happened to Jian Yu, it was Jian Wan who came to question you, Zūnzhǔ."
Jian Dan gently waved her fan as she continued, "Was the secret behind her rapid advancement ever uncovered?"
"Forgive me, Zūnzhǔ. I was unable to find anything concrete."
"I suggested to Senior Brother Jian Li that he investigate the Inner Nine Peaks thoroughly. Any progress there?"
"None. The pace is slow, and most of our manpower is tied up in the Fu family case."
Jian Dan fell silent for a few breaths. Then she looked up and said, "Send a message to Jian Li Zūnzhǔ. Have him delay the Fu family's Ancestor. I'll take people to raid their main compound."
Jian Sheng's eyes widened. It took him a long moment to find his voice. "Zūnzhǔ… are you planning to wipe them out?"
Jian Dan rolled her eyes inwardly, then slammed the fan on the jade table with a crisp smack."I wish. But Jian Li Zūnzhǔ is too damn reasonable. If he had taken my advice from the start, we wouldn't have wasted time investigating every angle only to find nothing—and worse, now they're coming after me!"
Her words left Jian Sheng completely at a loss. He couldn't afford to offend either Zūnzhǔ.
"So your intention is…"
"I'm just going to rattle them. If they're guilty, fear will make them slip. If there's nothing, I'll personally apologize to the Fu Ancestor, take the punishment, and bear all consequences."
"Yes, understood."
"Of course, if I do uncover anything during the raid, don't blame me for showing no mercy."
Jian Sheng felt a chill crawl up his spine at her final words. The Fu family was, after all, a proper cultivation clan. Still, he obeyed and sent a message to Jian Li Zūnzhǔ.
The reply came almost instantly: "Go."
Seated in the grand hall of the Law Enforcement Hall , Jian Li read the message and understood immediately. Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ was trying to force a breakthrough. If they kept playing it safe, the investigation would always lag behind and go nowhere.
"Jian Li, your people really take their time. Is Jian Lu avoiding me deliberately? Trying to dodge accountability? Or is she the one responsible for Jian Yu's disappearance?"
The Fu Ancestor's tone was thick with irritation.
"I wouldn't know. But if you wait a little longer, the one I sent should be back soon," Jian Li replied, respectful but not lacking in authority.
"Hmph."
The hall returned to silence. Jian Ning stepped forward with tea and refreshments, only to be scolded by the Fu Ancestor.
"Jian Wan is missing, and you didn't think to notify me immediately? Why did I have to hear about it first and come here myself? Without your master's protection, how will you survive in the Law Enforcement Hall?"
Jian Ning had never been spoken to like this before. She wasn't even Jian Wan's favorite disciple. Knowing full well the Fu Ancestor was looking for a target to lash out at, she simply lowered her head and stood silently behind Jian Li, unmoving.
Just as the Fu Ancestor's patience began to wear thin, Jian Sheng returned alone. He cupped his hands first to the Fu Ancestor, then to Jian Li.
"Zūnzhǔ, I went to Tianyue Peak to summon Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ. I was told she had gone to Jianchi Peak. When I arrived there, she was already gone. Her steward said she left the sect to visit a Daoyou."
"You didn't think to use a message talisman?" the Fu Ancestor snapped.
"I did, but she hasn't replied. Fearing your anger, I came to report first. I'll take men to search Tianxu City immediately."
"Hmph! You just don't want her to face me. Fine. I'll find her myself."
The Fu Ancestor was convinced the Law Enforcement Hall was shielding Jian Lu, trying everything to prevent them from meeting.
In truth, he knew the Fu family had left no evidence. As long as Jian Yu's disappearance could be pinned on Jian Lu, and they stirred the waters just right, taking down a lone cultivator with no backing would be effortless.
At such a sensitive time, the sect wouldn't dare go against the Fu family.
"Fu Heng, still so impatient?"
A calm, commanding voice cut through the hall. Fu Heng jolted, turning to see that the seat at the head of the hall had already been taken by Tian Yun Zhēnzūn.
"Fu Heng greets Tian Yun Zhēnzūn. I didn't expect this minor matter to trouble you. It was my mistake."
"It is indeed a small matter. I wouldn't have stepped in, but this involves the Law Enforcement Hall's War Division Head. I must ask a few questions personally."
Fu Heng frowned and looked up in confusion. "Please enlighten me, Zhēnzūn."
"Jian Lu is the War Division Head of the Law Enforcement Hall. Today, I will wait with you until she returns. If she is at fault, her post will be reassigned."
The hall fell silent once again.
Only Fu Heng was left uneasy. His heart pounded, and his eyelid wouldn't stop twitching.