"Zūnshàng, do you mean that because the raccoon beast clan has been away from the beast clan territory, their cultivation has been affected, and as a result, the awakening of their bloodline is restricted?"
Jian Dan nodded and continued: "This is just my personal guess. Whether it is the main cause still needs verification. Additionally, you should discuss this with the raccoon clan Ancestor and hear her opinion. As for the wolves that came from the beast clans, I will ask him separately the day after tomorrow."
Yue Liang jumped back onto Jian Dan's lap and remained silent for a long moment before speaking: "I know Zūnshàng always considers my well-being. Since you are pointing this out, there must be a reason. I will return to Medicine Peak shortly and speak with the Ancestor."
Jian Dan smiled and patted Yue Liang's head. "You decide for yourself."
At this moment, Wei Zhengrong entered the side hall. Seeing Jian Dan chatting with Yue Liang, he reported: "Zūnshàng, just now we received news from the Mortal Realm. Signs of evil cultivators have been found across various locations. Their cultivation ranges from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul. Whenever discovered, they were all eliminated by our sect's disciples."
Jian Dan was not surprised. The blood sacs had already infiltrated the Mortal Realm; it was only natural that the evil cultivators would seize the opportunity.
"I remember the last time evil cultivators entered the Mortal Realm was a century ago. All major sects conducted thorough investigations. I did not expect that these beings had not been completely eradicated and would cause trouble again."
Wei Zhengrong thought carefully about Jian Dan's words. Based on his recent reports on evil cultivators, it was indeed true. He added: "Zūnshàng, according to sect disciples' reports, these evil cultivators have appeared in the Mortal Realm gradually over the past thirty years. They are extremely cautious and do not engage in widespread slaughter. They only create disasters such as landslides or earthquakes to corral isolated mortals in remote areas."
"So that makes them even more detestable. This is also a failure on our part in the Operations Hall. In the future, cultivators should be stationed permanently in the Mortal Realm. Closing just two passages does not guarantee safety."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. I accept responsibility and will take the punishment."
Wei Zhengrong immediately bowed. As the sect's eyes and ears, the Information Hall had indeed been insufficient in monitoring this matter.
"This matter is partly my responsibility too. You do not need to shoulder the blame alone. However, it serves as a lesson. The Mortal Realm cannot accommodate too many cultivators without disrupting the balance of mortals. My suggestion is to develop sect cultivators' relatives in the Mortal Realm to act as a watch. They should be able to relay information to the sect immediately if anything occurs."
"Understood. I will draft a regulation and submit it to you in a few days."
"Good. This is not urgent. Wait until the cultivators performing tasks in the Mortal Realm return. Then report back. For the families responsible for transmitting messages, draft a few. They do not need to be large, preferably with few branches, so they cannot misuse the authority of Heavenly Sword Sect to bully mortals."
Wei Zhengrong took notes carefully and planned to study the details before finalizing the regulations.
"Zheng Rong, for the cultivators we dispatch to the Mortal Realm, how long is each mission and what cultivation level is required?"
"Reporting to Zūnshàng, the mission duration is fifty years, and the required cultivation is Golden Core. Since spiritual energy is sparse in the Mortal Realm, cultivators' progress will inevitably lag. Therefore, few accept the mission. Some late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators take it on to complete Golden Core formation."
Jian Dan waved her hand decisively: "Change it. Times are different now. The stationed mission in the Mortal Realm will now last ten-year cycles. The cultivation requirement remains the same. Rewards upon completion remain unchanged. Increase the number of mission cultivators from two to four, stationed in four directions."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Wei Zhengrong understood. The shortened duration was meant to attract more cultivators to the Mortal Realm for experience, without falling behind too much due to sparse spiritual energy.
"And the independent patrol team, where are they currently?" Jian Dan asked.
"According to reports from the sect's main hall, the patrol team is now in Tianxuan City. After Jian Feng and the Tianzhen team left, they rushed there."
"Good. They have a plan, knowing how to strike in return."
Jian Dan praised them, then continued: "Let them continue. During this period, because of the sect's succession ceremony, many cultivators have entered our territory. They must be cautious. We are not afraid of incidents, but we cannot remain passive. Act when necessary."
Wei Zhengrong wiped sweat from his brow. Since Jian Lu Zūnshàng took over the Law Enforcement Hall, its operations had accelerated rapidly. Sometimes, even he could not keep up with Zūnshàng's pace.
Jian Dan's methods were strict and decisive, never lenient, handling matters efficiently without leaving loose ends. This impressed Wei Zhengrong greatly. Every step was well thought out, considering all angles.
"Understood. I will convey your instructions."
"Tell them that when necessary, they must take the initiative. This does not mean seeking fights for every minor matter, which they will have to compensate for themselves."
Jian Dan added lightly, aware of the tendencies of Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators and the need for restraint.
Wei Zhengrong twitched at the corner of his mouth, then bowed and left.
Qi Hua's teleportation light arrived at the Law Peak hall. She had just watched a duel arena match and was in high spirits.
"Zūnshàng, I just surveyed the nine outer peaks. Everything is normal. Nothing unusual has occurred."
"Good. Qi Hua, take my notice and go to the Yin Yang Gate's station. Invite the team leader to my residence for tea."
Qi Hua accepted the notice, a bit puzzled why Zūnshàng would specifically invite Yin Yang Gate cultivators.
"Zūnshàng, is this related to the blood sacs?" she asked.
"Partly. If asked, you may say so."
Qi Hua knew Zūnshàng never acted without purpose. Taking the invitation, she headed to the Guest Welcoming Peak where Yin Yang Gate was stationed.
"Yue Liang, I will first take you to Medicine Peak. You have not returned since completing sect tasks. Stay for a while, meet your clan brothers, and accompany the Ancestor."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. I will discuss your speculation with the Ancestor. You may call me back anytime."
Jian Dan smiled, patted Yue Liang's plush head, and guided her to the foot of Medicine Peak before returning to her residence at Tianyue Peak.
The four attendants respectfully saluted when Jian Dan's teleportation light appeared.
"I have invited Yin Yang Gate cultivators to visit. Prepare accordingly."
Yun Shu immediately stepped forward: "Zūnshàng, should the reception be at your residence or the peak top?"
"Arrange it under the banyan tree in front of my residence. Pay attention to the setup."
"Yes."
The four immediately began. The ordinary jade table under the banyan tree was replaced with a Hundred Birds Phoenix Table carved from a single block of high-grade spirit stone. The table's subtle engravings depicted over a hundred birds following a phoenix into the heavens.
Yun Juan poured a bottle of top-grade spirit spring water on the table. Yun Shu arranged several plates of delicate tea snacks and asked Jian Dan: "Zūnshàng, which set of tea utensils should we use?"
"Use the celadon-colored set."
Yun Shu nodded and went to prepare it.
At this moment, a teleportation light arrived at the foot of Tianyue Peak.