Jian Chong carried the Sect Master's Order in both hands as Meng Congjian, the Hall Master, led his subordinates close behind. Together, they made their way toward the main hall atop the Heavenly Sword Peak.
Meanwhile, Jian Wu and Qi Hua had been dispatched by Jian Dan to assist Jian Chong in handling sect affairs for the time being, as well as to oversee preparations for the upcoming succession ceremony.
Jian Chong, still bewildered by the sudden turn of events, had been pushed directly into the role of Sect Master by Jian Lu Zūnshàng. His very first assignment had been handed down without warning. Before leaving, Jian Dan's expression grew solemn as she addressed him.
"The outcome of a sword match is not the true reason you were chosen as Sect Master. The position of Heavenly Sword Sect's leader is no child's game. The others teased you only so that you might keep your heart steady and remain true to yourself."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
"The candidates the Law Enforcement Hall presented to Zhēnzūn were three in total, yet Zhēnzūn chose only you. It is because you are capable, and because he believes you can protect our Heavenly Sword Sect."
"Jian Chong will never betray Zhēnzūn's expectations."
"Good. At the succession ceremony, Sect Master Jian Chun will formally hand the position over to you and share matters known only to the Sect Master. For now, your focus should be on becoming familiar with sect affairs. If there is anything unclear, you may consult Jian Wu. Qi Hua will also serve as your aide."
"Thank you for your consideration, Zūnshàng."
When the group had finally departed, Jian Dan let out a long breath. Having passed on part of her responsibilities, she felt her shoulders grow lighter and her burdens ease.
She retired to the side hall and reclined on a soft couch to rest. Jin Liuli immediately presented her with tea and light refreshments to clear her mind, all while quietly relaying the latest intelligence.
Upon hearing the report, Jian Dan's mood improved slightly.
The three squads of the War Hall had arrived on schedule in Kaiyang, Tianxuan, and Tianji City. When the self-detonation attacks took place, their swift arrival prevented chaos and stabilized the situation.
While tracing the source of the incidents, the Battle Hall squads discovered that after the initial self-detonations, someone had begun inciting the local cultivators, blaming the Heavenly Sword Sect for failing to protect them and allowing the tragedy to spiral.
True to the War Hall's fierce style, the squad leaders quickly rooted out the instigators. Those who needed to be arrested were arrested, those who needed to be killed were killed. Within a single day, the unrest had been quelled.
There were, of course, cultivators who criticized the Heavenly Sword Sect for acting too decisively. But any experienced cultivator knew that hesitation at such a time would only worsen the disaster.
"If you lack the brains for it, best keep quiet. Not long ago, when the Jia family of Yunling City was exposed for colluding with the insect race, it was Jian Li and Jian Lu Zūnshàng who stopped their Unity-stage cultivator from fleeing. Back then, the Jia family had used cultivators under insect control to self-detonate, creating chaos to cover their escape."
Once reminded of the Yunling City scandal, people began to understand. The uproar gradually subsided.
Aside from Tianxuan City at the mountain's foot, the other three cities suffered varying degrees of casualties. Following the Battle Hall's example, they quickly stabilized their own situations. Only the follow-up investigation and cleanup remained.
Jian Dan was satisfied with the squads' performance. She ordered them to increase patrol frequency and return before the succession ceremony.
"Liuli, take my War Hall Master's Order and dispatch another team to patrol Tianquan and Yuheng City."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Wei Zhengrong had been waiting at the side hall's entrance. Once Liuli left, he stepped inside.
"Zūnshàng, this is a message from Senior Brother Jian Feng. He and Yue Liang discovered black beetle larvae in Kaiyang. They joined forces with the War Hall squad to completely eradicate them."
Jian Dan nodded at the report.
"They did well. Tell them the other three squads are also patrolling. Have them each link up with a squad and intensify their efforts. They must be careful and watch out for evil cultivators."
"Yes."
"Also, check the green mission orders posted by the Administration Hall. Tell Yu Yuanhai that once a mission is taken, he should dispatch a squad immediately."
"Yes."
After a brief pause, Jian Dan took out a jade bottle from her storage bracelet and handed it to Wei Zhengrong.
"This is an additional reward from me — Undying Liquid. Three drops for the squad leader, one drop for each member. Deliver this to Yu Yuanhai and have him add it to the mission rewards."
"Yes, I will see to it at once."
It was a rare treasure from Jian Lu Zūnshàng, and Wei Zhengrong left promptly to carry out her orders.
The next day, just after Jian Dan entered the Law Enforcement Hall's main chamber, Jian Po arrived with Jin Liuli in tow.
"Jian Po greets Zūnshàng."
"Sit. Do you have a report?"
"Yes. Regarding the cultivators you had me interrogate at Tianfa Peak — they indeed had issues. It is fortunate you foresaw this and did not have me send them to the Punishment Hall."
"They intended to self-detonate as well?" Jian Dan asked, raising a brow as she settled into the main seat. If Jian Po was sitting here unharmed, the enemy's scheme had clearly failed.
"That would require them to have the ability to do so."
Jian Po spoke with confidence.
"Heh. I know your abilities well. So, what did you find?"
"They all had restrictions placed in their sea of consciousness by a high-level cultivator. When triggered by a certain person or event, the restriction would cause them to self-detonate."
Jian Dan's brows drew together. She tapped her fingers lightly against the table.
"Evil cultivator methods?"
"Yes. My cultivation is limited; I cannot undo it. Perhaps Zhēnzūn could."
Jian Dan shook her head.
"A cultivator's sea of consciousness is extremely sensitive. Zhēnzūn could resolve this once, but what about next time? Would we always rely on him?"
"I am ashamed. I will devote myself to studying a way to undo it," Jian Po said, bowing.
"I am not blaming you. But since the intruder had already entered their sea of consciousness, it makes no sense that they would leave without planting something more."
"You mean… a double-layer restriction?"
"If they never intended to let these cultivators live, they would wring every use from them. Were it you, in setting up the scheme, would you not prepare two hands to play?"
Jian Po's eyes lit in sudden understanding.
"Then we should just kill them all."
Jian Dan laughed and shook her head.
"Jian Po, do not let your killing intent grow too heavy. These cultivators have not had an easy path. We should at least give them a choice."
Jian Po shrugged.
"Then please be direct, Zūnshàng."
"Most of them likely had the restriction forced on them, but I will not rule out other possibilities. Keep them at the Reflection Cliff for now. Have people watch them in secret. Once I have the time, I will examine the restrictions in their sea of consciousness myself."
"Troublesome," Jian Po concluded bluntly.
"I know. But since they are our own sect disciples, we must proceed cautiously. Make no secret of the restriction. Tell them exactly what it is and explain the sect's decision."
"I understand. You want to fish for bigger prey."
"It is worth trying."
"As you command, Zūnshàng."
In truth, Jian Dan simply wished to delay until Yue Liang returned, so that they could confirm whether the victims bore not only the restriction but also the possession of an evil soul.