The Buddhist Sect's grand ceremony, the fierce battle, the century-rare "Torrent of Thunderfall," and the waves of merit golden light falling from the sky had all become the talk of the sect's disciples and the cultivators in its governed cities.
The sudden appearance of the evil cultivator made everyone more vigilant. To attempt a scheme against the Buddhist Sect in broad daylight was brazen indeed. If not for the intervention of the sect's powerful masters, the consequences would have been disastrous.
News of the entire incident quickly spread across Lingyun Continent. The Demon Gate and the beast clans all received the intelligence and dispatched more forces, carefully investigating their own territories. Meanwhile, Jian Dan was already on the sect's flying ship, returning to the Heavenly Sword Sect.
The joint ceremony between the Buddhist Sect and Jian Dan had both earned merit and showcased the sect's power. As the greatest beneficiary, Jian Dan did not even send back a reward after receiving the Buddhist artifact sent by Master Jue Song's young monk.
Jian Dan understood this was a subtle way of showing thanks and didn't push the matter further. She also separately requested a copy of the Buddhist Sect's Tranquil Heart Scripture.
Master Jue Song gladly agreed. Having Buddhist scriptures enter the Heavenly Sword Sect would help spread the Dharma, so he happily gifted Jian Dan a finely bound edition of the Tranquil Heart Scripture.
On the flying ship heading back to the Heavenly Sword Sect, the number of passengers had increased slightly. Bian Qikang, three injured Golden Core cultivators, and their escorts all traveled aboard Zūnshàng's ship.
The little disciples on board did not neglect their daily training. After finishing their running and body refining exercises, followed by sword practice, they gathered on the deck to corner Qi Hua Jūnshàng, eager to hear about the great battle against the evil cultivator at the Buddhist Sect.
Qi Hua could only roughly recount the day's fight.
In the main cabin, Jian Wu was reporting to Jian Dan on the completion of tasks by the "War Hall" and "Tracking Hall":
"Zūnshàng, the Tracking Hall has located the precise position of the ore vein. However, it intersects with Heavenly Demon Palace's territory, which is sensitive. The lead cultivators of the Tracking Hall say they need to investigate further to confirm the ore vein's authenticity and exact location before reporting back to the Law Enforcement Hall."
Jian Dan nodded, then said to Jian Wu, "Their caution is justified. This ore vein map has changed hands multiple times before reaching the Heavenly Sword Sect. There are two possibilities: either the ore vein truly exists, but the Fu family lacks the ability to mine it because of its location, or this is a trap set by the Fu family — more precisely, a scheme by that evil cultivator using the Fu family's hand to set up the sect."
"So, you mean the other side is stepping on the boundary between Dao and Demon, hoping to spark a conflict between the two sects over the ore vein? But this is just a mid-grade spiritual ore vein that has yet to be confirmed. I doubt the Heavenly Sword Sect and Heavenly Demon Palace would risk a big fight over such a thing."
Jian Dan smiled and lightly tapped the table with her jade finger, replying, "If you received news that it was a mid-grade ore vein but later found it to be high-grade or even top-grade, what would you do? Would you still be willing to share it with another sect?"
Jian Wu suddenly looked up and said, "Of course not."
"You wouldn't, and neither would Heavenly Demon Palace. The person setting the trap relies on this fact. If my guess is correct, friction between the Dao and Demon sects is inevitable."
Jian Wu wasn't foolish. After Jian Dan's hint, he reviewed the whole situation and muttered to himself, "If the mastermind really is that evil cultivator, then the ore vein's grade means little to him. But if a large-scale conflict breaks out between two top sects, that's when he can strike."
Actually, Jian Dan suspected that once the two sects clashed, the evil cultivator might take the opportunity to probe the spatial nodes protected by the Heavenly Sword Sect. As a top sect, the Heavenly Sword Sect's guarded nodes would naturally be the weakest and easiest to break.
Jian Dan did not reveal all her suspicions. Some details Jian Wu and the others didn't need to know yet. Still, she nodded in approval of Jian Wu's deduction.
"I understand, Zūnshàng. I will send a message instructing them to be extremely cautious. Once confirmed, they must report to the sect immediately."
"Good. How are the Heavenly Sword Sect's own inspections?"
"Reporting to Zūnshàng: The War Hall's Tianyue Squad has re-cleared the mountains near Yaoguang City. After confirming there are no more blood pool caves, they have set off for Kaiyang City."
"Jian Feng and Yue Liang are with them."
"Yes. After regrouping, they have been acting alongside the Tianyue Squad."
"Good. Tell them to proceed carefully. Once the other War Hall squads arrive, the Tianyue Squad can return to sect. Jian Feng and Yue Liang will continue to assist the other squads in investigating the remaining cities."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. I will send the message now."
"Also, send a message to Jian Sheng to post a long-term mission in the Mission Hall. Squad leaders must be at Void Refinement stage, members at Divine Soul stage. Teams of nine will patrol the sect's cities and territories. Patrol routes are random, with cities selected at will. After each patrol, rotate the teams."
Hearing Jian Dan's orders, Jian Wu immediately took out his jade slip and recorded the instructions, then asked, "Zūnshàng, is this mission arranged because you fear the evil cultivator might return after the War Hall's patrol ends?"
"Yes. It's possible the enemy will avoid us during large-scale checks and reemerge once our main forces withdraw. We must prepare for the worst."
"Understood."
"Also, increase the mission rewards. Have Jian Sheng and the Tracking Hall leader arrange that."
Jian Wu smiled slyly at the last command, then left the main cabin to deliver the orders.
Jian Dan went out onto the deck, just in time to see Qi Hua surrounded by a group of little disciples. She smiled and walked over.
Qi Hua noticed Jian Lu Zūnshàng and immediately stepped forward to greet her. The little ones all followed suit politely.
Jian Dan said with a smile, "In three days we'll return to the sect. I'm assigning you a task: copy this Calm Mind Mantra ten times and memorize it. Then come to me and recite it. Good recitations will be rewarded."
On Jian Dan's fan lay the very copy of the Tranquil Heart Scripture Master Jue Song had gifted her.
Qi Hua respectfully took it and led the little ones inside the cabin to begin their copying.
The deck quieted.
Bian Qikang finally found a chance to approach Jian Dan. After greeting her, he spoke, "Zūnshàng, the three injured Golden Core cultivators have fallen back to early Golden Core stage, but thanks to timely treatment and your healing pills, their foundations remain intact. They asked me to thank you for your aid."
After speaking, he bowed respectfully again.
"No need for such formality. They are fellow disciples who were injured fulfilling sect missions. Rest assured, their cultivation will recover. They will also receive rewards from the sect's grand competition. There is no need to worry about resources for now."
"Thank you for your kindness, Zūnshàng."
For the next three days, little disciples completed their copying and recitation tasks. Jian Dan checked their progress every afternoon.
For each disciple who passed, they could draw a small brocade box from a storage bag. What they got was entirely a matter of luck.
The little disciples had never received rewards like this before and eagerly awaited their turn.
Every time someone received a prize, everyone gathered around to watch. Soon, it became clear that Jian Dan was giving out very practical protective Buddhist artifacts—rings, bracelets, pendants, and the like—refined from Vajra Bodhi seeds.
The little disciples' guardians knew the value of these gifts. They urged their young masters to accept and wear them.
After three days, Jian Dan and her group arrived at the Heavenly Sword Sect.
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I need to apologize for a mistake regarding Cao Changfeng's Dao name. The author actually wrote it as 剑堸, which should be Jian Feng. Up until now, I had been translating it as Jian Gui.
When I cross-checked again, I realized the error. So if you ever come across Jian Feng being written as Jian Gui in later chapters, that's just me forgetting to fix it. I already have more than 100 chapters drafted ahead, so please forgive me if a few slips through (シ_ _)シ
As for the earlier chapters, I won't be going back to change them. With over 400 chapters already uploaded, it's just not possible to comb through all of them for a single name. Thanks for understanding!