After being thoroughly drilled by their master, Yu Zongfan and Mao Dou did not return to their stone houses until dusk. On the way, the two Senior and Junior Brothers spoke in low voices.
"Yu Zongfan, this one is on me. I was careless and didn't watch for the Twin-Headed Python's other head. That got you taken out early," Mao Dou said.
"Senior Brother Mao Dou, it's not your fault. We both rushed it. The first thing we did on approach was go in for the finishing blow. Let's call it a paid lesson," Yu Zongfan replied.
"You're right. Next time the difficulty will definitely go up."
"Mm. Did you notice? This round we only fought beasts. The ambushing cultivators along the way never reached us before we were kicked out of the trial."
"Hah, next time I'd rather get injured than feel myself turn into a puddle of blood again."
Mao Dou patted his chest. He still felt a lingering chill.
Yu Zongfan nodded repeatedly. "Same. Being bitten in half is not pleasant. Thinking about it now still makes me break out in a cold sweat."
"Thankfully Master pulled us out in time. The instant I came out, I felt alive again. Realizing my body was whole felt like a blessing."
"Same here."
"Looks like we need to push twice as hard."
Their legs were still weak, so they did not even use Lightfoot. They simply walked slowly back to the eastern peak.
Jian Dan worried that their first live trial might hit them too hard, so she kept her divine sense on them. Seeing that their minds were steady enough, with only normal aftershock, she relaxed.
Even with the life-saving talismans she had given them, there was still a large chance they would avoid fatal harm. But Jian Dan had put them into a dreamscape trial precisely to ensure they would not rely on luck. When true disaster struck, they needed to stay calm and seize a thread of life for themselves.
The next day, Wei Zhengrong came to Tianyue Peak to pay respects to Jian Dan, bringing news about Du Yanran.
"Zūnshàng, we just received word from an Enforcement Hall disciple. Du Yanran of Yin Yang Gate has escaped. While shaking off her sectmates in Yin Yang Mountain, she ran into our disciple who went to verify the report," Wei Zhengrong said.
"She fought our Law Enforcement Hall disciple?" Jian Dan asked.
"There was no time. As soon as they crossed paths, cultivators of the Hua family arrived. They did something to Du Yanran, then left. They did not trouble our disciple, and they did not kill Du Yanran."
Jian Dan thought for a moment and understood. The Hua family had likely planted a tracking mark on Du Yanran, probably the 'Hua Seal,' which only members of the Hua family could trace. With Du Yanran's current cultivation, she would neither detect nor remove it.
"Our disciple then went straight to the city under Yin Yang Gate and reported Du Yanran's trail, including the fact that she had been impersonating others. Yin Yang Gate is now hunting her," Wei Zhengrong continued.
Jian Dan nodded. "I understand. Keep in touch with the Hua family. When Yin Yang Gate loses her trail, pass it to the Hua family."
"Yes."
"With Yin Yang Gate watching her at every step, we save time and effort. Why not? From now on, report Du Yanran's movements to me at regular intervals."
"Yes, understood."
As for Du Yanran herself, she was fleeing in a sorry state. After escaping the city under Yin Yang Gate, she took a teleportation array to the territory of Beast Taming Sect. Entering Beast Taming Mountains, she planned to capture a few beasts as combat support. Pursuers from Yin Yang Gate soon spotted her trail and slowly tightened a net. Forced, Du Yanran hid in her personal space again.
Unwilling to give up, Du Yanran examined herself from head to toe inside the space, cursing nonstop. The black qi on her brow churned more fiercely, yet she remained ignorant of it.
Having finished official business, Wei Zhengrong's tone shifted, a little fawning. "Zūnshàng, Xue Ru will come to the sect in two days for the entry test."
"Oh? What is Xue Ru's cultivation now?"
"Xue Ru has reached the fourth layer of Qi Refinement. She broke through two days ago."
"Good. Has she continued with the body-tempering decoction I prescribed?"
"Of course. She followed your instructions exactly. She has started practicing wind arts now."
"Very well. I know you worry about your younger sister. I will be present on the day of disciple selection."
"Thank you, Zūnshàng!"
Pleased by Jian Dan's promise, Wei Zhengrong returned cheerfully to the Enforcement Hall to tell Xue Ru the good news.
Meanwhile, another member of the Enforcement Hall, Jin Liuli, had already set up a temporary cave for Jin Ai. She accompanied her aunt early to report at the Operations Hall, entrusted her to Hall Master Meng, then came to brief Jian Dan.
"Many thanks, Zūnshàng. My aunt has reported to the Operations Hall. However, to begin studying the 'blood insect,' she needs some 'blood insect' specimens," Jin Liuli said.
Jian Dan understood at once. "The one we captured is the only living one. I told you before to find Jian Feng and see if you could obtain some eggs from Heavenly Demon Palace. Did you go?"
Jin Liuli thumped her own head, annoyed. "I was so busy with my aunt that I forgot your instruction, Zūnshàng. That is my fault."
"You were concerned and thus muddled. Go ask Jian Feng, then plan from there. If we cannot obtain eggs, we will work with this one blood insect. At worst, I will split it in half and give Jin Ai her share."
"Yes!"
Jin Liuli rose to leave, but Ting Feng arrived to report: "Zūnshàng, Jian Feng Zūnzhě seeks an audience."
Jin Liuli brightened at once. Now she did not even need to fly to Tianming Peak She paused and looked to Jian Dan.
"Let him in," Jian Dan said.
As always, Jian Feng saluted Jian Dan respectfully before stating his purpose. "Reporting to Zūnshàng, I received a transmission from Mo Su regarding the capture of the blood insect. He has some ideas and asked me to pass them along."
He presented his ink-black transmission jade to Jian Dan.
A sweep of divine sense told Jian Dan what Mo Su meant. They had long set their sights on Bi Shu, planning to use her to find the hidden new strain of blood insect.
Jian Dan approved. "You two, come with me to see Senior Brother Jian Li. This still needs his decision."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Law Enforcement Hall
Seeing his Junior Sister take the rare initiative to visit the Law Enforcement Hall, Jian Li's stern face softened. He smiled. "Junior Sister, do you need me for something?"
"Senior Brother, you are busy, and I didn't want to disturb you, but that blood insect leaves us no peace. Heavenly Demon Palace has sent word and wants to cooperate."
As she spoke, Jian Dan handed over the ink-black transmission jade for Jian Li to read.
After reading, Jian Li agreed the plan was workable. He said, "Junior Sister, since we have already captured one living 'blood insect,' I think we should summon Bi Shu. As the same kind, they can communicate. That way we can grasp more information."
"Yes. That matches my thinking. In that case, have Jian Feng make contact. When Bi Shu arrives, we will judge based on the situation."
"Good."
Jian Li agreed in one stroke, settling the matter.