Jian Dan listened to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn's words and finally felt as though a sentence had been passed. The war for Lingyun Continent had officially entered its countdown.
"Anything else you wish to know?"
"Zhēnzūn, how many guarded spatial nodes exist on Lingyun Continent?"
"The Nine Sects of the Dao Sect each guard one. The beast race has one. The Ming Valley, guarded by the Demon Sect, has been closed for now, but it could be breached again."
Jian Dan did a quick calculation in her mind. That already made eleven. She continued, "Zhēnzūn, could there be spatial nodes that remain undiscovered?"
"At present, no." The implication was that the future was uncertain.
Her last question was, "Zhēnzūn, should this news be reported to every peak in the sect?"
After dropping a piece onto the board, Tian Yun Zhēnzūn replied,
"That you should discuss with Jian Chong. We old ones can only buy this much time. This battle will not be one we can win with just the few of us."
"Jian Lu understands. I will ensure we are ready to meet the enemy within the time we have."
"Good. Go on, then."
Having received clear answers, Jian Dan left the Zhēnzūn's secluded cultivation grounds. The days ahead would only get busier.
"Senior Brother Tian Yun, this round is yours," said Tian Zhen Zhēnzūn, placing her own piece on the board with a smile.
"Are you talking about the game or our wager?" Tian Yun tossed the white piece in his hand back into the box and grinned.
"Both. Your play this time was cunning. You trapped me, and I had no chance to turn it around. I concede."
Tian Zhen Zhēnzūn, patient as ever, picked up each black stone from the board and returned them to the box as she answered,
"As for Jian Lu, she holds the Law Enforcement Hall in hand. Without any prompting from us, she still saw where the problem lay. She is quick."
"Haha, looks like I made the right choice in naming her as acting head. Now all that's left is to make it official."
"That's if she's willing. From the way she sends Jian Li a transmission talisman every day to push him along, I doubt she's eager to take the Law Enforcement Hall's seat."
"No matter. We'll persuade her."
Naturally, Jian Dan knew nothing of the two Zhēnzūns' plotting. If she did, her expression would be priceless.
When she returned to the Law Enforcement Hall's main hall, the Tianyue squad of nine was standing inside, excitedly exchanging words. Each of them had a faint ripple of spiritual energy about them.
The moment they saw Jian Lu Zūnshàng's figure, they bowed in salute. "Greetings, Hall Master!"
"Any gains?" Jian Dan asked.
"Hall Master, quite a lot. Once we return, we will enter brief seclusion. Our cultivation should rise somewhat."
"Good. Go to seclusion. When the War Hall's squads have all returned, I will gather everyone for a meeting."
"Yes, Hall Master."
They left swiftly, eager to cultivate.
"Jian Wu, Qi Hua, come with me to Tianjian Peak. I need to see the Sect Master."
"Yes."
Heavenly Sword Peak, Main Hall
After some time to adapt—and with Jian Wu and Qi Hua's early help—Jian Chong was now proficient in his duties, and sect affairs were running much more smoothly.
When Jian Dan entered with her two companions, Jian Chong was in white robes with subtle dark patterns and gold trim, seated in the chief position handling matters.
Seeing her arrive, Jian Chong rose and cupped his fists in greeting.
Jian Dan nodded in return. After they had all taken their seats, she asked, "Sect Master Jian Chong, have you settled into handling the sect's affairs? If you need the Law Enforcement Hall's help, speak to Jian Wu. I have already instructed him to fully cooperate."
"Many thanks, Jian Lu Zūnshàng. I've more or less gotten the hang of it. The Affairs Halls and Steward Halls of both inner and outer nine peaks are functioning well."
Once they were both seated, Jian Chong set aside the jade slip in his hand and asked, "Zūnshàng, you came in person. Is there urgent business?"
"Yes."
He nodded, waved his hand, and set a restriction over the hall. "Please speak."
Jian Dan was pleased by his caution. Her smile faded, and she said, "Latest news: the insect race has begun attacking the spatial nodes of Lingyun Continent. At most, we have two hundred years to prepare. This is the limit our sect's Mahayana Zhēnzūns can win for us.
The great sects of the Dao Sect have already begun mobilizing. Our Heavenly Sword Sect must also prepare. I've come with several matters to discuss so you can plan ahead."
At her words, Jian Chong's brow furrowed. To take the seat of Sect Master only to face such a threat—it was fate indeed. Hearing her final words, he focused fully. "I am listening."
"First, you must summon the high-ranking cultivators of both inner and outer nine peaks, as well as the leaders of the cultivation clans and small sects affiliated with us. Inform them of the situation, but only the high ranks. Low-level cultivators need not know—it would do more harm than good."
"I understand your concern. The sect must remain steady."
"Second, regarding your succession ceremony: as the new Sect Master, you can coordinate with the major sects to acquire more pills, talismans, tools, and formations. This will help our reserves and give you chances to exchange information."
"That should be no problem. We do need to build up our stores."
"Third, the training of our disciples must be strengthened, to ensure the Heavenly Sword Sect's heritage endures."
"I understand. As Sect Master, this is my foremost duty."
"Fourth, recruitment of new disciples. I suggest we draw from affiliated sects, cultivation clans, and even the mortal realm, but without lowering standards. Two hundred years is enough to produce a new backbone."
"I have noted everything. I will arrange them one by one, and seek the Law Enforcement Hall's aid when needed."
"Good. If you have thoughts, you may inform me anytime."
Having said all she needed to, Jian Dan rose. She could have summoned Jian Chong to the Law Enforcement Hall, but out of respect for his position, she had come herself. And given the gravity of the news, she wanted to speak in person, not via transmission talisman.
Seeing Jian Lu Zūnshàng off, Jian Chong rubbed his temples. Being Sect Master was no easy task. He began arranging the priorities she had outlined.
Jian Wu and Qi Hua, having listened in, were still digesting the news.
Back at the Law Enforcement Hall, Qi Hua could not help but ask first, "Zūnshàng, may I relay this news to my clan?"
"If I let you listen, I had no intention of hiding it. But as I said: only to high-ranking cultivators. Do not spread it widely. Let the news settle, or it will shake the Dao hearts of the low ranks."
"I understand. I will not break the Hall's rules."
Her expression grew serious. Having first-hand news to bring to her clan was already a favor from Zūnshàng; she would be even more careful.
"Jian Wu, I thought we had more time for you all to advance slowly. Now, you must reach Void Refinement within two hundred years."
Jian Wu bared his teeth in protest. "Zūnshàng, you think we can all be like you? That's not so easy!"
"What's the rush? I'm not saying advance right now. If you all go into seclusion at once, who will help me with affairs?"
She smiled with mock malice. "I will personally train you."