Jian Dan's first stop after returning to the sect was the forbidden grounds behind the mountain, where she paid her respects to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn.
"Zhēnzūn, greetings. This trip went fairly smoothly. The ceremonial invitation has been delivered, and I suggested inviting Mo Su of the Heavenly Demon Palace to attend the ceremony at the Heavenly Sword Sect. When the time comes, we will handle the matter between Jian Feng and him.
As for the Nine-Tailed senior from the beast clan, I have persuaded her. She promised that once we narrow down the general area, she will personally strike to determine the location of the evil cultivator."
Tian Yun sat on a low stool in front of his cave dwelling, listening to her report. He nodded with satisfaction. "It seems all your objectives were accomplished. Well done."
"However," Jian Dan continued, "in order to enlist the Nine-Tailed Beast King's help, I promised Bai Jue of the White Crane Clan the use of our sect's Advancement Hall to aid him in breaking through to the eighth tier."
She stole a quick glance at Tian Yun Zhēnzūn before adding, "Since it was a promise I made privately, the cost of using the Advancement Hall can be deducted from my own sect contribution points."
"You acted for the sect's benefit. There is no reason for you to bear this cost yourself," Tian Yun replied. "Let the sect cover it. I also know you have already been quietly supplementing the 'Operations Hall' with your own resources."
"Many thanks for your understanding. What I contributed is still within my means, so long as you do not fault me for deciding on my own."
"Good. You may go."
After bowing, Jian Dan left Tian Yun Zhēnzūn's place of seclusion.
When she returned to the Law Enforcement Hall, she had barely taken a breath before Jian Wu and Qi Hua entered the main hall with a thick stack of jade slips.
Rubbing her temples, Jian Dan said, "Jian Wu, you first. Urgent matters first. Anything that doesn't require immediate action can wait."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Jian Wu handed her the jade slips and began his report.
"The War Hall's Tian Yue squad has completed its patrol and returned to the sect. The remaining three cities will be patrolled by the other War Hall teams, but those inspections are still underway."
"Any further sightings of blood sacs or black beetles?"
"With Jian Feng and Yue Liang working together, there have been no further discoveries in Yaoguang, Kaiyang, Yuheng, or Tianshu. Jian Feng and Yue Liang are on their way to the other three cities, but no updates have come back yet."
"Good. Report any findings immediately."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. Also, the blue mission order you wanted posted has been taken up by a team of nine high-level cultivators. They have already departed, with Yaoguang City as their first destination."
"Efficient. Send word to their captain: make the affiliated towns of the seven main cities the priority. Sweep them again to ensure no hidden blood sacs remain."
"Understood."
"And investigate signs of the insect race as well."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
After reporting several key matters, Jian Wu withdrew to relay her updated orders.
Qi Hua stepped forward. "Zūnshàng, per your instructions, the map to the Great One's abandoned estate has been circulated. Cultivators are already heading toward the outskirts of Cloud Sea Sect. Cloud Sea Sect has received the news but has not taken action yet."
"Good. Keep watching."
"Zūnshàng, some Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators have also obtained the map and seem to be forming teams to explore."
"Do not stop them. Have someone from the Law Enforcement Hall let slip that the estate is deadly, and that only Divine Soul cultivators can explore it with any chance of survival. Anyone else would just be throwing their life away."
Qi Hua nodded immediately. She, too, did not want their sect's people to be buried in someone else's dangerous opportunity.
"Anything else?" Jian Dan asked, scanning the jade slips in her hand.
"The Operations Hall's Master Meng is waiting outside. He says there are matters for the succession ceremony that require your decision."
"Alright, send him in. We'll handle everything now. Tomorrow I still have to teach at the Tongzi Hall."
"Yes."
Qi Hua left to make arrangements, while Meng Congjian entered with brisk energy.
"Greetings, Jian Lu Zūnshàng."
"No need for formalities. How is the coordination with the Affairs Hall for the succession ceremony?"
"Zūnshàng, the process is fine. We have old records to follow. The only uncertainty is the post-ceremony auction, trade fair, and sparring matches. You said to hold them in the inner peaks, but which peak should we choose?"
"What did Sect Master Jian Chong say?" Jian Dan asked with a smile, pausing her work to sip tea from the cup Jin Liuli had prepared.
"Sect Master Jian Chong said you may decide."
"Then we'll hold it at Tianyue Peak, my own peak."
"Yes, understood. Preparations will be made in advance."
"Tianyue Peak only has me as an active Unity cultivator at the moment. Guard arrangements will be as usual. As for hidden security, I have my own plans. You just ensure the right people are in place for each stage of the event."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Meng Congjian left in high spirits. Jian Dan then said to Jin Liuli,
"Liu Li, take my identity sword token to the main peak's Affairs Hall and redeem something for me."
She removed the purple jade sword token from her waist and handed it to him.
"Yes, Zūnshàng. What should I redeem?"
"A Wood Spirit Pearl, if the sect has one."
"That I'm not sure of. I'll have to check with the Affairs Hall."
"Go check. If they have one, use my contribution points to get it."
"If they do not, may I redeem something with a similar function?"
"Yes. It's for my plant beast, so preferably wood-element."
"Understood. I'll go at once."
Though she could have redeemed it through the Law Enforcement Hall's Operations Hall and saved points, Jian Dan decided to go through the main Affairs Hall instead, since she had already used her deputy hall master's authority to arrange Bai Jue's entry into the Advancement Hall.
Soon, everyone in the main hall had been sent on their tasks, leaving only Wei Zhengrong standing quietly nearby. Jian Dan quickly skimmed the last of the jade slips, then finally allowed herself a moment to breathe before leading Zhengrong into the side hall to rest.
Yue Liang was still away on her mission, Mo Ran and Jade were in the beast clan's territory for training, and Yingge was still pushing for a breakthrough. Only Cotton Candy and Liu Chuan remained at her side, and once the Wood Spirit Pearl was obtained, Liu Chuan would likely enter a period of dormancy.
During the respite, Jian Dan asked Wei Zhengrong directly, "Zheng Rong, about the keel flying boat you lent me this time—have you decided what reward you want?"
In truth, Wei Zhengrong had been hesitating to bring this up ever since returning to the sect. With Zūnshàng so busy, it felt petty to raise something like this. But it was a rare opportunity; perhaps she could help.
Her question caught him off guard.
"If you haven't decided, I can convert the reward for the keel flying boat into contribution points and transfer them to you."
"Zūnshàng, I do have a request."
Jian Dan's eyes glinted with amusement. "I knew you wouldn't have lent me a treasured clan artifact without something in mind. What is it? Let's see if I can manage it."
"I wish for you to examine my younger sister's constitution."
"Oh? She has no spiritual root? That I cannot change—spiritual roots are bestowed by the Heavenly Dao."
"No, she has a spiritual root… but she cannot cultivate."