Jian Dan's figure emerged once again, already stepping into the Sect Master's Hall atop Tianjian Peak.
Inside, the gathered cultivators had been murmuring among themselves, but the moment her silhouette appeared before the dais, all conversation ceased and eyes turned toward her.
The sixteen Unity-stage cultivators present were all strangers to Jian Dan. These were the experts left behind to guard the sect; at least half of the sect's Unity cultivators were either in closed-door cultivation or had ventured into dangerous realms seeking their next breakthrough.
From this alone, one could see the deep foundation of a great sect.
"Jian Lu greets all fellow disciples. I have arrived a step late."
Walking forward at an unhurried pace, Jian Dan cupped her fists toward the assembly.
"We all know Junior Sister Jian Lu carries the burden of the Law Enforcement Hall. Arriving late is only natural."
Qi Chongzhi was the first to speak, smoothing over the moment.
Jian Dan looked at the mid-Unity male cultivator whose features bore a faint resemblance to Qi Hua, smiled, and nodded. She quietly took the seat furthest down the line.
A waiting attendant immediately stepped forward, setting a fresh cup of spirit tea before her before standing respectfully at the side.
From the main seat, Jian Chong inclined his head toward her, then addressed the room.
"Honored seniors of the sect, do any of you still have questions?"
The hall fell silent for a breath. Then a tall, broad-shouldered Unity cultivator spoke in a deep voice.
"War… our Heavenly Sword Sect has never feared it. But the sect must also preserve a spark to ensure our lineage endures."
"Ancestor Jian Chen speaks wisely," Jian Chong replied. "Jian Lu Zūnshàng and I have already discussed this. Once the ceremony concludes, we will recruit new disciples from our affiliated cultivation clans, sects, and even the mortal realm."
Jian Chen nodded, then turned his gaze to Jian Dan.
"Junior Sister Jian Lu, as acting head of the Law Enforcement Hall, you hear the most news. Have the other sects received the same warning?"
Jian Dan inclined her head slightly, smiling.
"Yes. From what I've gathered, the other sects seem to have received identical messages, and they've already begun to act."
At her words, the assembled senior brothers exchanged glances. A female Unity cultivator with a loud, forthright voice leaned forward.
"Junior Sister, are you saying the 'spatial nodes' guarded by other sects are also in trouble… and that those nodes might be breached?"
"Yes."
"Then to hell with waiting for the insects to break our barrier! Why don't we strike first? The best defense is offense!"
A male cultivator blurted it out, only to find everyone staring at him like he'd lost his wits. He awkwardly turned to Jian Dan for support.
Jian Dan chuckled softly and explained, smoothing the moment over.
"This senior brother's words hold merit, but the insect race is clinging to the outer side of the spatial wall. As long as the barrier remains intact, they cannot get through. If we open it ourselves to attack, we would be giving them exactly what they want."
The room nodded in agreement. Jian Lu's point was sound. But her next words made their expressions grow grave.
"So, when a spatial node is breached, the sect's Mahayana Zhēnzūns will immediately surge into the starry void to clear the insects attached to the barrier. Tell me, brothers and sisters—do you know how vast the Lingyun Continent truly is? And how many Mahayana Zhēnzūns exist across the entire land?"
The air in the hall seemed to thicken. Jian Dan had chosen to say everything—both what should be said and what might best be left unsaid—to ensure the matter received the weight it deserved.
"At that time, the sect may have only a single Mahayana Zhēnzūn left to guard it. This does not include those in the forbidden rear mountains who have entered death-sealing seclusion. For them to emerge would mean abandoning the path to ascension. I believe all of you, my seniors, understand this better than I."
"If the Zhēnzūns are clearing the insects outside, those that break through will fall to us to hold back. All of you here will lead the sect's forces into battle. In this war, we are allowed only victory, never defeat."
"Junior Sister Jian Lu, say no more. We all understand. If we lose, the billions of living beings behind us will be annihilated, and the Lingyun Continent will cease to exist."
Jian Chen Zūnshàng spoke, summing up her words. Seeing that everyone had taken the message to heart, Jian Dan did not press further.
"In that case, there's nothing more to say. We fight. Two hundred years is too short to greatly raise our cultivation, but each peak still has Divine Transformation and Divine Soul cultivators. Urge them to advance as much as possible—every extra sliver of strength is a greater chance to survive."
The forthright female Unity cultivator from earlier spoke with determination.
Jian Dan smiled and continued.
"All of you have surely sensed it yourselves. In the past hundred years, secret realms across the Lingyun Continent have been opening one after another—some far earlier than their appointed time."
"Indeed! The Chengli Secret Realm opened thirty years early. My disciple entered and returned with fine gains," said a red-haired Unity cultivator seated beside Jian Chong.
Jian Dan nodded.
"And you must have also noticed that the continent's spiritual energy has grown denser. The rapid progress of the younger generation these past hundred years is proof enough."
"Junior Sister Jian Lu, your meaning is…"
Qi Chongzhi gestured upward.
"…that even it is helping us?"
"Yes. Senior Brother Qi's thoughts match my own—it too is trying to save itself."
The cultivators present were all the elite of their kind. Even though the two spoke obliquely, they understood well. This was Heavenly Dao itself attempting to save the world, even bending the rules to aid them against the insect race.
After exchanging looks, they spent the next hour discussing detailed assignments for the coming century. Jian Dan added the occasional remark, while Sect Master Jian Chong recorded everything into a jade slip.
An hour later, the Unity cultivators departed with their tasks in mind. Before leaving, each exchanged communication jades with Jian Dan. She accepted them with a smile and personally saw her seniors off Heavenly Sword Peak.
"Many thanks to Zūnshàng for presiding over the matter," Jian Chong said respectfully behind her.
"No need for such courtesy. Our duties differ, but our goal is the same—to safeguard the sect. Thanks are unnecessary."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
"Do not worry. The Unity Zūnshàngs understand the stakes and will begin arranging matters upon their return. If there is anything you do not understand, you may come to me or speak with them directly."
"Jian Chong understands."
"Good. You have worked hard today. If you need me, I will be at the Law Enforcement Hall."
With a final nod, Jian Dan turned and returned to her cave residence on Tianyue Peak.
This time, she was greeted by Ting Feng and Yun Shu. Yun Shu stepped forward with a bright smile and bowed.
"Greetings, Zūnshàng. My cultivation has stabilized. I will resume my duties from today."
A glance told Jian Dan that Yun Shu's early Nascent Soul cultivation had indeed solidified. She nodded.
"Good. I have much to deal with and will rarely be at the peak. With Lü Se here, the two of you should take sect missions or challenge the arenas to hone your combat skills."
Yun Shu and Ting Feng exchanged a glance and bowed in unison.
Since becoming attendants to Jian Lu Zūnshàng, they had scarcely had proper duty days—either she was away, or they were sent into seclusion or on missions. Their master had always taken a personal interest in their cultivation, and now she was directly ordering them to strengthen their combat power. There was clearly more to this.
"Where is Lü Se?"
"Reporting to Zūnshàng, Steward Lü is assisting Hall Master Meng in preparing the side peak for the trade fair, auction house, and arena. He has not yet returned."
"Very well. Let Lü Se handle it."
Jian Dan was content to leave the matter to him.
Suddenly, she sensed something within her storage ring—a single lotus petal, wrapped in a gentle radiance. As she watched, a line of words appeared upon its surface.