"Alright, I'll make time to take a look."
Jian Dan had just settled beneath the banyan tree outside her cave residence when Ting Feng came to report.
"Zūnshàng, Hall Master Meng requests an audience."
Jian Dan almost rolled her eyes. They truly would not let her enjoy a single moment of peace. With a wave of her hand, she gestured for Hall Master Meng to be shown in.
"Zūnshàng, forgive my intrusion."
"What is it? You were in such a hurry to see me that you chased me all the way to my cave?"
"Hehe, please don't take offense, Zūnshàng. It's like this—Tianyue Peak is ready. I just wanted to ask… about the profits from this matter?"
Jian Dan laughed at that. So that was it—he was still thinking about the earnings.
"Half will go to the Operations Hall, the other half to the Enforcement Hall's 'Tracking' division. We can't let you work for nothing. Does that satisfy you?"
Hearing this, Hall Master Meng's face lit up. With Zūnshàng's word, it was as good as settled. Smiling from ear to ear, he took his leave of Tian Yue Peak.
The next day, Jian Dan brought Wei Zhengrong and Jin Liuli to meet Jian Chong, the Sect Master.
"Zūnshàng, the arrangements for the succession ceremony are all in place. Do you have any further instructions?"
Once they were seated, Sword Soar asked first.
"No. The Sect Master has handled this well. There's nothing more to add. I came today to give advance notice about another matter."
"Is Zūnshàng referring to the matter of the evil cultivator?"
"Yes. I've more or less confirmed the target's location. After the succession ceremony, I plan to personally lead a team there."
"Does Zūnshàng have confidence? And what about the other sects?"
"I'm seventy percent confident. When the other sects gather for the ceremony, I'll find a reason to bring their leaders together and discuss it."
"I understand. When the time comes, I'll cooperate fully."
Jian Dan nodded and returned to the Enforcement Hall with her people. As soon as her escape light descended, a streak of yellow shot toward her.
Smiling, Jian Dan caught Yue Liang in her arms and smoothed the slightly ruffled fur.
"Zūnshàng, Yue Liang is back!"
"Hm. Mission completed? Was it smooth? Any injuries?"
Hearing her questions, Yue Liang's eyes curved into a smile. She hooked her fluffy tail around Jian Dan's wrist before replying.
"Jian Feng and I worked together well. We joined forces with the War Hall squad and completed the inspection of all seven major cities under Heavenly Sword Sect's jurisdiction."
"And Jian Feng?"
"He's gone to the Operations Hall to hand in the mission report."
As they talked, they entered the main hall. Qi Hua quickly approached. Seeing Zūnshàng in good spirits, she also smiled as she reported.
"Zūnshàng, the War Hall's Tianzheng squad has returned to the sect."
"I know. Notify all War Hall squad leaders to meet me here in the Law Enforcement Hall tomorrow."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
That day, Yue Liang stayed by Jian Dan's side in the Law Enforcement Hall, helping handle hall matters. During a break, she recounted the details of her mission.
Jian Dan listened with interest, occasionally adding comments and praise. Yue Liang beamed at the encouragement, making Jin Liuli and Qi Hua hide their laughter behind their sleeves.
They had never seen a master pamper their spirit pet like this. Still, Yue Liang was well-trained—this time, she had even brought back many trophies for her master. Jian Dan chose two and told Yue Liang to keep the rest.
The following day, the seven squad leaders of the Combat Hall came to see Jian Dan.
"Greetings, Hall Master."
"You've all worked hard. Sit."
Without wasting words, Jian Dan began assigning the security duties for the succession ceremony.
"The main security will be handled by each peak's guards. They'll be the ones in plain sight. You will act as hidden protectors. Each squad will be responsible for two peaks. Make your own arrangements for deployment."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. We will complete the task."
"If problems arise, you may act at your discretion. No need to seek my permission."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Five days before the ceremony, delegations from the various sects began arriving at Heavenly Sword Sect.
The disciples of each peak donned matching sect robes and stood tall, ready to welcome this grand event.
Yu Zongfan and Mao Dou, now close as brothers, were chatting about the occasion.
"Zong Fan, have you met cultivators from other sects before?"
"I saw a few when I was cultivating with my family. What about you, Douzi?"
Mao Dou scratched his head, looking embarrassed.
"Before I started cultivating, I worked at Sword Pool Peak as a washing boy. I once saw an fairy from Heavenly Demon Palace."
"Oh? Heavenly Demon Palace is the top demon sect alongside our Heavenly Sword Sect. You're lucky."
"Hehe, I didn't know that senior was from Heavenly Demon Palace at the time. I thought she was from our sect, and I even made a wish to her. I didn't expect her to grant it."
He then told Yu Zongfan about his encounter with Mo Yue Zūnzhǔ. Zong Fan's eyes lit up.
"Do you want to meet Mo Yue Zūnzhǔ again?"
"Is Mo Yue Zūnzhǔ coming to the succession ceremony?"
Zong Fan shook his head.
"I'm not sure, but I can ask around. Maybe you'll get the chance."
"Thanks, Junior Brother, but I was just speaking casually. I didn't really think I'd see such a powerful senior again."
Mao Dou's eyes shone with longing, hoping one day to be just as strong.
Yu Zongfan clapped him on the shoulder, speaking like an elder.
"Why envy other sects? My future master is no less powerful than her."
"You mean Jian Lu Zūnshàng?"
"Of course."
They muttered as they walked back to Sword Yue Peak to resume their cultivation. The sect's grand ceremony was just a spectacle for low-level Qi Refinement disciples, but their training couldn't be neglected.
Neither noticed the willow tree nearby swaying without wind before returning to stillness.
In the days that followed, Heavenly Sword Sect was busy from top to bottom. With more guests arriving, it was common to see cultivators in the garb of other sects walking through the welcoming peaks.
Jian Dan made a special trip to the back mountain to see Tian Yun Zhēnzūn and report recent events.
"Zhēnzūn, the Sect Master has fully arranged the succession ceremony. The Law Enforcement Hall will focus on security assistance."
"Rest assured. This is Heavenly Sword Sect's great occasion. We old fellows are still here—we won't let anyone ruin it."
"With Zhēnzūn's assurance, Jian Lu can rest easy."
"Credit also goes to your Enforcement Hall. You've swept through the sect inside and out more than once."
Jian Dan smiled faintly.
"Guarding the sect is the Law Enforcement Hall's duty."
"Is there anything else?"
Tian Yun Zhēnzūn knew Jian Dan's temperament. She wouldn't have come just for this report.
"Zhēnzūn is perceptive. There is one more thing, about the evil cultivator. Based on several sources, I have a good idea of his hiding place. After the ceremony, I wish to lead a team there."
Tian Yun nodded.
"Very well. I'll assign a junior martial brother to accompany you."
"Many thanks for your trust, Zhēnzūn. I'll also try to persuade the other sects to join us. With more allies, our chances will be greater."
"Good. Handle it as you see fit. Eliminating the evil cultivator isn't just our sect's responsibility—they have a duty to act as well."
"Understood. I will heed Zhēnzūn's guidance."
Once her report was complete, Jian Dan returned to the Enforcement Hall.
At that moment, Tian Hong Zhēnzūn revealed himself beside Tian Yun.
"Jian Lu has a touch of our late master's style."