After sorting out the matter regarding Jian Feng, Jian Dan set it aside and turned her attention to the matter of the top-grade spirit stone vein.
The next day, Jian Dan brought Jian Wu to meet Sect Master Jian Chun and explained the entire sequence of events.
"Sect Master, I've already arranged for the Tracking Hall to set up formations at the vein. The sect should issue the mining tasks as soon as possible so we can begin extracting the spirit stones."
"Good. Jian Lu Zūnshàng acts decisively. In just a few days, you've already settled this matter of the vein."
Jian Dan exhaled softly and said to Jian Chun, "Sect Master, I believe this entire vein was part of a trap set by evil cultivators, aimed at provoking conflict between our two sects."
Sect Master Jian Chun frowned and asked, "Zūnshàng, are you certain?"
"I wasn't sure before. But after the Tracking Hall's scouting team reported back, I could finally confirm it."
"I would like to hear the details."
"This vein remained undiscovered because its entire length was covered in a layer of spirit-suppressing stone, and it lay deep underground, almost touching an underground river. The Tracking Hall's team found the location by following the map, and they entered through a formation."
At this, Jian Chun nodded, understanding the basis of Jian Lu Zūnshàng's judgment.
"According to their findings, the first to discover the vein was a pangolin. After finding it, the beast used the place as its cultivation ground. It was likely spotted by the person pulling the strings when it came and went.
From there, that person made use of the vein's special location to set the trap. The Fu family became his pawns. At the right time, this map would have been delivered to the sect, allowing the Fu family to gain more influence within the sect, perhaps even to support Jian Yu's rise in position."
"But man proposes, heaven disposes. Jian Yu's sudden disappearance, your raid on the Fu family, and the exposure of a Unity-stage evil cultivator meant that the map to this vein still fell into the hands of our Heavenly Sword Sect." Sect Master Jian Chun added at the right moment,
"Yes. And given that the Heavenly Demon Palace's resources must have been depleted after the battle in the 'Ming Valley', just a single whispered tip about the vein would have been enough to spark a struggle for it."
"I know you even called upon Jian Xu Zūnshàng, while the other side had the Black Robe Guard's head, Mo Zhang Zūnshàng. The two stayed near Chonglin Mountain and Chimei Mountain for three days. I worried the two might come to blows."
"There was a small… interlude. That's why the matter of the vein was settled so quickly."
"You mean Jian Feng's matter."
Jian Dan caught the meaning in his words and arched a brow. So this one was well-informed too. She nodded.
"Zūnshàng, our Heavenly Sword Sect cannot suffer such a loss without reason. We saved people from the Heavenly Demon Palace, but the cost to us cannot simply be ignored."
"I know. That's why, once Senior Brother Jian Li exits seclusion, I intend to go to the Heavenly Demon Palace myself. Some things must be made clear."
Sect Master Jian Chun gave a small cough, sensing that he might have sounded like he was encouraging Jian Lu Zūnshàng to stir up trouble at their door.
Jian Dan paid it no mind and continued, "Sect Master, keep this matter close to the chest. Best to keep the spirit stones in our own pockets."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. I understand."
Jian Chun saluted. Jian Dan rose to leave for the Tongzi Hall. Today would be her first lesson for the little ones since returning to the sect, and she had only stopped by here to report about the vein in passing.
Before stepping out, Jian Dan added, "Senior Brother Jian Xu has come out of seclusion and will be staying in the sect for a while. If you wish to spar, you can ask him."
With that, she smiled and walked out of the main hall.
Jian Chun's eyes brightened at the thought, already calculating the chances of arranging a spar with Jian Xu Zūnshàng.
Behind Jian Dan, Jian Wu lowered his head and gave a not-so-innocent smile. Jian Lu Zūnshàng was clearly stirring the pot in retaliation for Jian Chun's earlier attempt to provoke her.
"Jian Wu, don't be so pleased with yourself. Jian Ning and Jian Sheng are both in seclusion, and I've given them strict orders not to come out before reaching Divine Soul. You can't afford to lag behind."
Hearing her gentle yet firm voice beside him, Jian Wu quickly smoothed the curve of his lips and answered respectfully, "Yes, Zūnshàng."
When Jian Dan's light landed at the Tongzi Hall, the little ones had already finished their daily laps and were practicing body-tempering fist forms.
She nodded and entered the classroom without interrupting. A quarter-hour later, the group came filing in, bowing in unison. "Greetings, Zūnshàng."
"Mm. Be seated."
Only after they had all taken their seats did Jian Dan begin the lesson.
"I've read the reflections you wrote in your two teams. You're all quite aware of your own strengths and weaknesses."
At her words, the children exchanged sheepish smiles.
In truth, when they had reviewed the recording stone of their actions that day, they had been dismayed to see just how many mistakes they had made. Without someone secretly watching over them, they might have been eliminated the moment they entered Putuo Mountain.
Their morale had taken a hit until Yu Zongfan had stepped forward with some fair words to ease the sting: "Junior Brothers, Junior Sisters, you don't need to be so discouraged. Zūnshàng said from the start that this trip was to broaden our experience, not to meet some fixed standard. Our cultivation time is still short. While our realms are not low compared to others our age, our actual combat experience is lacking.
Take me for example. Before joining the sect, I cultivated under my family's protection. Even then, because of my young age, I had few opportunities for real training, and always in familiar mountains near home.
This time, Zūnshàng brought us far from the sect to completely unfamiliar terrain. We were underprepared. So rather than dismiss ourselves entirely, we should take this as a lesson, so we can do better next time."
His words rekindled their fighting spirit. They began seriously analyzing their mistakes. Though their written reflections were still a bit naive, they were at least thorough.
"It's good that you can calmly examine your shortcomings. Keep that mindset from now on. Today, I'll teach you the common knowledge you need when training in the wilderness, and the preparations you should make for yourselves."
Jian Dan's lessons were casual and practical, focusing on real combat.
In her view, no amount of theory could compare to the lessons of the battlefield. In the instant between life and death, you would draw upon every skill you had ever learned to defeat the enemy and save yourself.
"Alright, that's all for today. Aside from your daily cultivation, you can also take on one or two sect tasks. That too counts as training."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
The children left the Tongzi Hall in high spirits, chatting in groups about which tasks might suit them. Jian Dan, however, kept Yu Zongfan behind.
"Zūnshàng, do you have instructions for me?"
"Bai Bai is back."
With a flick of her sleeve, she sent the sleeping Bai Bai—snoring away—straight into Yu Zongfan's hands.
Yu Zongfan's eyes lit up. He stroked the little beast from head to tail, finding it unharmed and merely in deep sleep, evidently cultivating. He immediately thanked her.
"Thank you, Zūnshàng, for looking after Bai Bai."
"He's sly. That's just from eating the fruit I rewarded him with. He's refining it. No need to worry."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
"Zong Fan, while you train at Tianyue Peak, don't isolate yourself. With your seventh-layer Qi Refining cultivation, you can also take on sect tasks. I've checked into the Qi Refining eighth-layer cultivator living near you. His character is sound. You can pair up with him."