Jian Wu and Qi Hua both trembled slightly at Zūnshàng's words, but they forced themselves to answer with composure.
Without delay, they took advantage of the brief afternoon lull. Qi Hua went to Tiandu Peak to see her clan's uncle, a Unity-stage elder, and relayed the information she had just learned in detail. She also passed along Jian Dan's strict instruction that this news must not be disclosed to lower-level cultivators.
"I understand, Hua'er. I'll send word to the clan's Ancestors myself. For now, serve diligently by Jian Lu's side. The only reason she allowed you to return with this report is because you and Jian Wu share the same peak, and because of Jian Li's influence."
"Yes. Zūnshàng has already informed the new Sect Master. I expect within a day or two, the news will be conveyed to the senior cultivators of each peak."
"Good. I understand. Go about your duties. From now on, only share information with me if it's something Zūnshàng has permitted you to reveal."
"Rest assured, Clan Uncle. I know my limits and will not break the rules."
After Qi Hua saluted and departed, Qi Chongzhi sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in his cave, eyes closing as he sank into thought. The insect invasion was no longer a problem for just a few major sects—it was a catastrophe for the entire Lingyun Continent. If they could withstand it, all would be well. If they were defeated, they would become nothing more than food for the swarm. It was truly a battle with no retreat.
A century ago, when the larvae of the black-armored insects first appeared on Lingyun Continent, cultivators quickly discovered them. Since then, the continent's cultivators had upheld an unyielding principle: every parasitic larva must be destroyed without exception.
This ruthless eradication prevented countless cultivators from becoming puppets and helped the continent slowly accept the grim reality of the threat.
Now that they had an exact time frame, Qi Chongzhi believed the great sects would gradually release the information within the remaining time, preparing the entire continent for war. As an affiliated family of the Heavenly Sword Sect, the Qi Clan needed to prove its worth. Otherwise, why would Jian Lu continue to favor Qi Hua, or entrust Tiandu Peak to their clan?
Qi Chongzhi could not help but admire Jian Lu. She truly had a broad view of the greater situation and always planned far ahead, making her arrangements before trouble arrived. Suddenly, a Sect Master's decree flew into his cave. Qi Chongzhi was not surprised. He touched it lightly, and Jian Chong's voice came forth:
"Three days from now, at the hour of Si, Unity-stage cultivators from all peaks are to gather in the Sect Master's Hall on Tianjian Peak. There is an important matter to discuss."
Qi Chongzhi waved his sleeve, storing the decree, then took out a blank jade slip from his storage ring. He recorded the latest news about the insect invasion into it, adding his own speculations, before sealing it with the Qi clan's bloodline seal.
This seal could only be broken by a Qi clansman of higher cultivation than himself. Any attempt to force it open would destroy the jade slip. This was a common method among great cultivation families to ensure critical information reached the intended recipient without leaking.
"Qi Wu, deliver this jade slip to the clan's Ancestor in person."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Qi Wu accepted the order without hesitation and departed Tiandu Peak immediately.
Cloud Sea Sect
After returning to the sect, Han Pengfei did not rest for a moment. He went straight to see his grandaunt, Yun Yun Zhēnzūn.
"Grandaunt, you summoned me back so urgently. Has something happened?"
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn nodded, handing him a map.
"Look at this. It's a map of an ancient powerhouse's estate, recently circulating in the cultivation world. Its location is near the borders of our Cloud Sea Sect."
Han Pengfei accepted the beast-hide scroll with both hands, studying it carefully. The more he looked, the more familiar it seemed. Finally, he looked up.
"Grandaunt, this place lies along the path I was following to track that evil cultivator. When you summoned me back, I had just reached this area. Because of the undercurrents in the seabed, we were unprepared to enter the deep current zone to investigate."
Yun Yun's brows drew together briefly, then relaxed.
"Peng Fei, are you certain your trail was correct?"
"I'm not completely sure, but it's the most likely path."
She nodded. "Now that this map overlaps with your target location, what do you think?"
Han Pengfei compared the beast-hide map with his own marked jade slip for a long moment before speaking.
"Could this be a trap?"
"It's possible."
"Then should I continue the investigation?"
"Of course. But someone will scout it for us first."
Han Pengfei lowered his gaze in thought, then understood.
"You mean the cultivators who got hold of this map will go investigate on their own, testing the waters for us."
"Exactly."
"I understand. I'll arrange for someone to keep watch nearby. But I still wish to see it myself."
"I won't stop you. But for now, don't be reckless. Wait for the right moment."
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn, knowing his temperament well, didn't try to forbid him. She casually handed him another jade slip.
After reading it, Han Pengfei's expression grew far more serious.
"Grandaunt, Purple Sk Sect found a blood sac within their own sect grounds. Our Cloud Sea Sect has some history with that evil cultivator, and he knows our sect's layout well. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to launch the last attack so easily. Then in our sect—"
He left the rest unsaid, but Yun Yun understood perfectly. She smiled faintly.
"At least you react quickly. I have the same concern. That's why I brought you back—to have you and Hai Yue assist our Sect Master in conducting an internal investigation."
She paused, looking him over before continuing.
"I heard that in the Heavenly Sword Sect, Jian Lu thoroughly inspected every peak twice after Jian Yu disappeared within our Yunhai territory. She even uncovered several issues, which were then handed over to their Law Enforcement Hall."
Han Pengfei was not surprised. From what he knew of Shan Yunzu, she would indeed act like that.
"Jian Lu is Zūnshàng always sharp. She must have discovered something to take such measures."
"Last time our sect was attacked, our investigation focused mainly on each peak's formations and its heads. Many disciples were injured during the battle, so we avoided a full inspection of the cultivators to prevent unrest. Until now, Hai Yun has been quietly investigating in secret. The Purple Sky Sect incident gives us the perfect excuse to conduct a thorough sweep. That's why I called you back to assist the Sect Master."
"Understood. I will fully support Sect Master Hai Yun in inspecting every peak of our sect."
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn nodded approvingly. She was about to say more when a transmission talisman flew into the room—it was from Yun Tao Zhēnzūn.
She quickly opened it. Upon reading the message, her heart gave a small jolt.
"Spatial node under attack. Estimated endurance—two hundred years. From this day forward, the entire sect is to prepare for war."
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn exhaled slowly, then said to Han Pengfei, who was standing respectfully nearby:
"Peng Fei, go invite Sect Master Hai Yun to my cave at once. I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."
"Yes."
Han Pengfei noted the subtle shift in his grandaunt's expression after receiving the message, but he didn't ask. Instead, he left immediately, flying toward Yunhai Peak.
When Sect Master Hai Yun heard Han Pengfei's invitation, he initially thought it must be about the ancient estate. But a moment's reflection told him otherwise—if it were only that, a simple transmission would suffice.
So he put aside his current affairs and went with Han Pengfei to Yun Yun Zhēnzūn's cave.
"Hai Yun pays respects to Zhēnzūn. What matter requires my presence?"
"Hai Yun, take a look at this."
===
If you have been reading my historical translations, you probably know I keep a private glossary of ancient China terms in Google Docs. I usually share the link in the chapter comments. I realized some of you read on the app, and copying links there can be a hassle (´･ᴗ･`).
So I am officially uploading the glossary here on Webnovel under The Imperial Handbook: A Practical Guide to Ancient Chinese Society. This will make it easier to access, and I can keep updating it whenever I meet a useful term, office, rank, or cultural note. Whether you are new to history novels or want deeper context, I hope it makes your reading smoother and more fun. (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
If it helps, please add the handbook to your Library and give it a read. While you are there, feel free to add the rest of my handbook series as well:
• The Xianxia Handbook: A Guide to Cultivation and BeyondIn short: for all things Cultivation, Realms, and Daoist magic.
• The Imperial Handbook: A Practical Guide to Ancient Chinese SocietyIn short: for historical topics, courts, bureaucracy, and daily life in the past.
• The Webnovel Handbook: A Guide to Slang, Tropes, and Inside JokesIn short: for community slang, inside jokes, and fun tropes. The cover is ready, chapters will follow soon.
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