Meng Congjian smiled at Shou Feng and said, "The proof for the trade of one hundred spirit beasts, could you give me a copy so I can report back to my sect?"
"Of course."
Shou Feng noticed that Jian Lu Zūnshàng hadn't left yet. He quickly pulled out a jade tablet with the characters "Beast Taming" inscribed on it. He recorded the agreed number of spirit beasts into the tablet, sealed it with the Beast Taming Sect's unique technique, then handed it to Meng Congjian.
"With this jade tablet, the Heavenly Sword Sect can come to the Beast Taming Sect anytime and claim the one hundred spirit beasts."
"Much appreciated."
Meng Congjian tucked the tablet away, then turned his gaze toward Jian Dan.
She gave a slight nod, then spoke warmly to Shou Feng. "Speaking of which, you and I once fought side by side against the Black Armored Insects. I wonder if you still remember that?"
Relief spread across Shou Feng's face. It wasn't just because the trade was done, but because someone of such high status still remembered him.
"Of course. Back then, it was Jian Lu Zūnshàng who foresaw the danger and brought out a warship. Without that, we never would've had the power to fight the giant Black Armored Insect that broke free from the Chilang Secret Realm. And in the end, it was you who turned the tide and saved us all."
He spoke respectfully. It was the truth, and also the start of Jian Lu Zūnshàng's rise to prominence.
"I only regret that my cultivation's been a bit slack, and I've been left behind."
"I was just lucky. I stumbled into some opportunities, and that's the only reason I've gotten this far."
Shou Min listened to their exchange, puzzled about what Jian Dan was really after. Shou Feng didn't understand either, but going along with her words was always the safest choice.
"I heard your sect's Yu Yan Zhēnzūn's life-bound beast is an insect beast?"
"That's right."
Shou Feng nodded. It wasn't a secret.
Jian Dan tilted her head slightly, then spoke with gentle tact. "Blood Insects aren't the same as ordinary insect beasts. They're a fusion of a blood sac and a Black Armored Insect. But the blood sac isn't a spirit beast at all, it's a kind of plant."
Shou Feng's eyes flickered with understanding. He lowered his voice. "Rest assured, Zūnshàng, I'll deliver your reminder to Yu Yan Zhēnzūn."
"I was being presumptuous. When it comes to raising and studying insect beasts, the Beast Taming Sect naturally leads the way. I only discovered this trait while capturing Blood Insects. I thought it might help with your sect's research."
"Zūnshàng's reminder is invaluable. Your discovery's very important."
Shou Feng responded immediately.
Since her purpose was met, Jian Dan didn't linger. She turned to Meng Congjian. "Congjian, return and report."
The words had barely left her lips before she rose from the main seat, and in a single step vanished before their eyes.
Meng Congjian also cupped his hands in farewell. His mission outside the sect was complete. When he returned to the Heavenly Sword Sect's temporary cave, he immediately reported to Jian Xu Zūnshàng that the deal was done. Jian Xu announced they'd set out for the Heavenly Sword Sect the next day.
Jian Feng received the notice while he was in Mo Su's cave.
Mo Su had been busy taking over palace duties. He'd assisted Palace Master Mo Lie before, and with his master guiding him, he'd managed smoothly. But now that he was officially in charge, the Shadow Division's tasks had also landed on him. Only someone with the Palace Master's jade token could access those affairs, and it left him swamped.
As a result, he rarely had time to meet Jian Feng. His face grew darker each day. Mo Yi and Mo Qi couldn't stand the constant icy aura anymore. They took over part of his workload and pushed him to go see Jian Feng.
"Mo Su's getting unbearable, dumping his work on us so he can slack off."
Mo Yi rubbed his arm. The lingering chill from earlier hadn't been pleasant.
"Let it go. You've gotta understand how impatient someone gets when their heart belongs elsewhere. He obviously doesn't wanna sit here with us."
"Fine, fine. I'll 'graciously' cover for him just this once."
Mo Yi puffed himself up.
"Quit running your mouth. Come here and check these jade slips. This is news from Bi Shu."
Mo Qi had changed back into her red robe. Her hair was tied into a sleek high bun, held in place by a plain white jade hairpin. She held one of the unprocessed jade slips and urged him to focus.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it!"
Mo Yi pulled one slip over and began reading.
—
In Mo Su's cave.
"Do you have any plans for outside training soon?" Mo Su had changed out of the palace master's robe into his usual black attire. While pouring spiritual tea for Jian Feng, he asked casually.
"Not for now."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Mo Su's pale face, then he said, "Now that I've taken over the Heavenly Demon Palace's affairs, I don't have many chances to leave the sect."
"I know."
Jian Feng's usual concise response was followed by a sudden smile as he noticed Mo Su's darkened expression. "When you're free, you should visit the Heavenly Sword Sect. Jian Lu Zūnshàng refined a new trial realm. You and I could enter and train together."
Mo Su's face brightened at once. He raised his brows and pressed for details.
Jian Feng told him only what was safe to say, leaving out anything tied to sect secrets.
Mo Su thought for a moment, then asked, "I heard the Heavenly Sword Sect forged a treasure that withstood ten bolts of heavenly thunder. Is it that one?"
"It is."
"Then I've gotta see it for myself."
He reached out and caught a lock of Jian Feng's gray hair, frowning. "The bead I gave you last time, the pure yin energy inside's already been fully refined?"
"Yeah."
Jian Feng pulled the bead from his storage ring. It had turned pale gray, proof that the pure yin energy had been exhausted.
Mo Su accepted it. "I'll refill it when I can so you can refine it again."
Jian Feng nodded, but when he noticed Mo Su still holding onto his hair, he looked annoyed and pulled it free.
Mo Su only chuckled and didn't push further.
Just then, Jian Feng's sword pendant trembled. He scanned it with his senses, then lifted his head. "The Heavenly Sword Sect's business here is done. We leave tomorrow."
"There's a major trade fair the day after tomorrow. You're not staying?"
Mo Su tried to persuade him, even though he knew it was pointless.
Jian Feng just shook his head.
Mo Su sighed. "Alright, I shouldn't push. In that case, keep me company for a while longer."
Jian Feng agreed. He lowered his gaze, sensed the chaotic energy around Mo Su, and released his own pure yang energy. The yin and yang auras intertwined, forming a cycle that flowed around them both.
Mo Su was surprised at first, then closed his eyes and worked his cultivation method in sync.
By sunrise, Jian Feng's gray-white hair had half turned black. Mo Su opened his eyes, clearly pleased.
"Want me to see you back?"
"No need."
Jian Feng waved him off, straightened his robe, and left for the guest hall.
Mo Su quickly filled the bead with pure yin energy again. Jian Feng hadn't fully recovered, and he refused to let the other suffer any hidden damage because of him.
When Jian Dan returned to her cave on Mo Yan Peak, she received Meng Congjian's message that they'd leave for the sect tomorrow. She rolled her eyes and groaned. Not only did she have to switch identities again, she'd have to escort them back too.