The past two days, the air in the Law Enforcement Hall felt heavy. Ever since the Sect Master of Jianchun advanced in rank, the successor for the position had yet to be decided. In the meantime, sect affairs were temporarily handled by Jian Lu Zūnshàng.
Jian Dan could not have been more unwilling. But who told her to egg Jian Chun into sparring with Senior Brother Jian Xu? That little stunt ended up backfiring on her, adding to her workload. She had not been back to her own cave residence for several days.
Of course, rumors had already started circulating within the sect. Some whispered in private that Jian Lu Zūnshàng now held the very lifeblood of the sect in her hands, the most powerful cultivator below Mahayana.
When those words reached the Law Enforcement Hall, the ones who knew the truth only scoffed."Jian Lu Zūnshàng would be overjoyed if you spread that around. The more people believe it, the sooner she can toss everything aside. She has no interest in being a hall master or sect master. Given the choice, she'd rather spend that time cycling through a few more rounds of cultivation or finding someone to fight. Who knows, she might break through to Mahayana directly. You think she wants to sit here listening to your nonsense?"
It was hard to argue with that. Looking at Jian Lu Zūnshàng's cultivation journey so far, it was exactly like that.
Jian Po snorted, "They're just jealous of how quickly Zūnshàng advances in cultivation."
Jian Wu added, "Not a single one of them would dare say it to her face."
Qi Hua muttered, "Who has the guts to tug on a tiger's whiskers like that? Aren't they afraid she'll wipe out their whole clan?"
Wei Zhengrong's judgment was blunt. "A bunch of idiots."
Jin Liuli just looked on silently.
Jian Dan paid the gossip no mind. Instead, she turned to Jian Wu and ordered, "Go inform the high-ranking cultivators of all nine inner and outer peaks. Within three days, they are to decide on a new sect master and take over sect affairs from me."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
"And tell them to choose wisely. If they dare slack off, I will personally go challenge the high-ranking cultivators of every single peak."
Jian Wu wiped at sweat that wasn't there, bowed, and left to deliver the message. How each peak decided their candidate was none of his concern. But if the deadline came and no one stepped up, it wouldn't be him who suffered for it.
For the next few days, Heavenly Sword Sect was in quite the stir. Finally, the inner and outer peaks reached an agreement: the matter would be decided in the arena. The losing peak's candidate would be put forward as the successor. The chosen cultivator had to be at least at Divine Soul stage and have an impeccable character.
When Jian Wu reported back, Jian Dan nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Let them keep busy. Some of them have no ambition at all."
"Has the first group gone to gather spirit stones yet?" she asked.
"Zūnshàng, they've already departed. A Unity-stage Zūnshàng has gone ahead to guard the vein. There's no need to worry about safety."
"Good. Have the 'Tracking' Hall squad return. Tianyue Squad is to continue patrolling Kaiyang City."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. I'll issue the recall order immediately. Should Jian Feng and Yue Liang return as well?"
"No. They'll stay with Tianyue Squad until the patrol is finished. Jian Feng and Yue Liang are to check every remaining city, coordinating with the other squads from 'War' Hall."
"I understand."
Three days later, Jian Wu brought a jade slip to Jian Dan. "Zūnshàng, these are the three final candidates decided upon by the nine peaks. Please review them."
Jian Dan took it with a smile. "That was quick."
Jian Wu kept quiet, though in his heart he thought, "Only because you forced them. They're all Unity-stage cultivators—losing was shame enough."
After a glance, Jian Dan saw she didn't recognize any of the names. Without hesitation, she tossed the jade slip back to Jian Wu. "Take it to the back mountain and let Tian Yun Zhēnzūn decide."
"You can still select one yourself."
Traditionally, the Law Enforcement Hall conducted background checks on the candidates and had the right to put forward one preferred choice. While the final decision was always made by the Zhēnzūn, the Hall's vote carried weight, and nearly every past sect master had been chosen from their recommendation.
"I've barely done anything and they already call me the strongest below Mahayana. I don't even know who's working so hard to make me hated. If their backgrounds are clean, then let Zhēnzūn decide."
"I understand your concern, Zūnshàng. I'll see to it."
When Jian Wu met Tian Yun Zhēnzūn and relayed Jian Dan's words, the elder only shook his head."She's not afraid of people. She's afraid of responsibility and hassle."
"Zhēnzūn is wise."
With a flourish of his brush, Tian Yun Zhēnzūn selected a candidate and tossed the jade slip back."Have Jian Chong take over as soon as possible. Jian Li's cave already has one of Jian Lu's message talismans buried in it."
Jian Wu couldn't help a sly smile. When his master came out of seclusion, she'd be in for a surprise.
After leaving the back mountain, Jian Wu reported to Jian Dan, who simply said, "Have him come for the handover tomorrow."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
If it hadn't been past noon, Jian Wu was certain she would have made him come today.
Orders from Tian Yun Zhēnzūn were soon passed to the nine peaks.
When Jian Wu returned, he hesitated before reminding her, "Zūnshàng, shouldn't there be an inauguration ceremony?"
Only then did Jian Dan realize they couldn't just hand over the position without formal recognition."Who usually handles that?"
"It's the Affairs Hall's responsibility. The Law Enforcement Hall only coordinates external matters."
"Meaning we have to invite people from other sects to attend?"
"Of course. A sect changing leaders must announce it publicly."
"Jian Chun really couldn't have chosen a worse time to advance."
Jian Wu had no idea how to respond. Clearly, Zūnshàng had never considered the matter at all.
"We'll talk about it when Jian Chong arrives tomorrow. You can get back to work."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Shortly after Jian Wu left, Jin Liuli came in to report, "Zūnshàng, the Hall Master of 'Operations' Hall requests an audience."
"Let him in."
'Operations' Hall was one of the largest sub-halls under the Law Enforcement Hall, handling nearly all of its miscellaneous affairs. Its hall master was a late-stage Void Refinement cultivator, and the only hall master in the Law Enforcement Hall who wasn't a sword cultivator.
"Hall Master Meng Congjian of 'Operations' Hall greets Jian Lu Zūnshàng."
Jian Dan sized him up. A tall, broad-shouldered man of about one point nine meters, dressed in a pale moon-white robe embroidered with subtle patterns, a purple jade sword pendant at his waist. He had the scholarly air of a learned man and looked like someone with a good temper.
"Sit. This is the first time I've seen you since I took over. What brings you today?"
Jian Dan disliked wasting time and went straight to the point.
"Forgive the intrusion, Zūnshàng. I know you are busy, but I wished to consult you before issuing a task."
"Speak."
"You instructed Jian Wu to issue a green-ranked patrol mission, with irregular inspections of every city under the Heavenly Sword Sect's jurisdiction."
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"None, except… you also ordered the rewards to be generous, and I am uncertain where to draw the line."
Only then did Jian Dan realize he was here to plead poverty in a roundabout way.
"I won't go into details, but I've brought plenty into the sect over the past century. Don't tell me we can't pay for one small task team."
"Of course, Zūnshàng's contributions are unmatched. But the resources you turn in to the sect are not all for the Law Enforcement Hall to allocate, so…"
"I understand. Since you're here, I'll give you a chance to earn some spirit stones."
Meng Congjian had expected to be sent away empty-handed, as usual. He didn't expect Jian Lu Zūnshàng to say that, and his interest was instantly piqued.