Bai Jue's handsome face stayed expressionless as he shot Lang Xiao a cold glance before finally replying to Jian Dan.
Heavenly Demon Palace
When Jian Dan received Bai Jue's white-feathered messenger letter, it was already the seventh day after the grand competition had ended. She called over Xiao Yue and told him, "Your clan leader Lang Xiao is busy fighting over resources with other tribes. He can't come pick you up for now, so you'll have to stay here in the Heavenly Demon Palace for a couple more days."
Xiao Yue scratched his ears and, with an oddly old-fashioned tone, said to Jian Dan, "This kind of thing happens all the time. Usually, for my safety, he sends me to the Nine-Tailed Beast Lord. If I go back, I won't be able to go anywhere anyway, so I'd rather stay here with Mo Yue."
Jian Dan's lips twitched. So, this little guy was planning to stick to her.
Forget it. Xiao Yue was obedient enough. She'd keep him with her for now. Jian Dan replied to Wolf Howl, agreeing to take care of Xiao Yue temporarily, but she also urged him to hurry and reclaim his only heir.
What Lang Xiao didn't expect was that this very decision would leave his sole child separated from the beast tribe for a hundred years, his life and death uncertain. He'd regret it until his guts turned green.
The next day, Mo Yi came to find Jian Dan. "Senior Sister Mo Yue, Bi Shu's already diverted to Purple Sky Sect. The Intelligence Division just sent word."
"What? The timing doesn't match. Why so fast? Didn't I order them to leave Purple Sky Sect for last?" Jian Dan frowned and asked.
"She got intercepted midway. It was Zi Qing Zhēnzūn who personally stepped in, saying he'd already negotiated with the other sects." Mo Yi's brows knitted as he explained.
"Any idea why she did that?"
"No. Tian Squad and Bi Shu should've just arrived at Purple Sky Sect. They haven't even begun patrol yet. Senior Sister, do you want to go over now?"
"Of course. Isn't this the perfect excuse? Purple Sky Sect suddenly changed Bi Shu's route. Us going to ask questions is only natural."
"Alright, I'll go with you."
Mo Yi stood up, ready to make arrangements.
"Mo Yi, I'll go alone."
He froze mid-step, turned back, and hesitated. "But…"
"I've already wrapped up my tasks. The rest, I'll leave to you guys. I need to meet Mo Yan Zhēnzūn."
Hearing that, Mo Yi assumed Mo Yan Zhēnzūn had given her a secret mission, so he didn't pry further.
Forbidden Grounds, Back Mountain
Before Jian Dan even touched the restriction, a narrow path stretched out at her feet, leading her inside.
This was her third visit to Mo Yan Zhēnzūn's secluded cultivation ground. Everything looked the same. The Zhēnzūn sat across from himself, playing chess alone. A bloodthirsty demon vine waved its leaves, greeting Jian Dan.
"Mo Yue greets Zhēnzūn."
Jian Dan bowed gracefully.
"You're here to say goodbye?"
"Yes."
The question was blunt, and Jian Dan's answer was just as crisp.
"Why so rushed? You haven't tied up all your loose ends."
Mo Yan Zhēnzūn placed down a white piece casually.
"Zhēnzūn, there's a spatial rift at Purple Sky Sect. Dao Sect cultivators went to investigate but haven't returned for almost a century. I recently received news that the rift's growing unstable."
"Oh, I've heard of it. Since it's Dao Sect territory, they never invited us demon cultivators along." He placed down a black piece.
"You want to check it out?"
"Yes. And with Purple Sky Sect suddenly dragging Bi Shu over, I've got the perfect excuse to go."
"Fine. I won't stop you. If you enter the rift, I'll announce you're out handling a secret mission."
He'd already paved the retreat for her.
"Many thanks, Zhēnzūn."
"Go."
She bowed again before leaving the forbidden grounds.
Back at Mo Yan Peak's cave-dwelling, Mo Qi and Mo Yi were waiting.
"You're leaving today?"
"Mm. I've already reported to Zhēnzūn." Jian Dan sat down, smiling as she spoke.
"I'll leave the rest of the work to you two."
She accepted the tea from Mo Qi, sipped it lightly, and added, "I trust you'll handle it."
"Of course."
The three chatted idly for a while. When Xiao Yue came bounding over, Mo Yi raised a brow and asked, "What about this little wolf cub?"
"I can foster him at my place. When you come back, I'll return him exactly the same." Mo Qi's eyes lit up as she stared at Xiao Yue.
Xiao Yue wasn't having it. He butted Jian Dan's hand with his head, voice filled with grievance. "Mo Yue, you promised to take me with you. Don't leave me here!"
Jian Dan helplessly patted his head. "Where I'm going is dangerous. You really want to come?"
"Xiao Yue won't hold you back. I'll protect you too." The little guy's tone was firm, eyes full of determination.
"Then you'll follow orders in everything. No slacking on cultivation either. If you agree, you can come."
"Got it. I'll listen to you, Mo Yue."
Mo Qi could only sigh in disappointment. She'd hoped to cuddle the wolf cub for a while, but the little guy stuck to Jian Dan like glue.
"I promised Clan Leader Lang Xiao I'd look after Xiao Yue. This time, I'll bring him along."
After bidding the two farewell, Jian Dan tore open space itself, holding the wide-eyed, excited Xiao Yue in her arms as they vanished.
A day later, Jian Dan appeared at the gates of Purple Sky Sect. The guards were alert. One stepped forward to bow, while the other silently formed a hand seal to transmit a message.
"Greetings, Senior. May I ask what brings you here?" one of the guards said respectfully.
"Heavenly Demon Palace's Mo Yue." Jian Dan handed over her visiting card and said no more. She simply held Xiao Yue, taking in the scenery.
Purple Sky Sect was also built against a mountain, its many peaks enclosed within the sect's grand formation. Verdant ridges stretched in layers, cloaked in green. Spirit flowers, herbs, and plants grew everywhere. Disciples could be seen flying on swords, while immortal cranes soared around the peaks.
Above, dozens of floating peaks hovered in the air. Each peak had its own landscape. Waterfalls spilled down, turning into drifting mist. It was like stepping into a painted immortal paradise.
"Greetings, Mo Yue Zūnshàng! I didn't know you were visiting. Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner."
A cheerful voice rang out. A man in purple robes with a purple sash appeared, bowing to Jian Dan.
Behind him stood several others, including Captain Tian Yi, who immediately came to Jian Dan's side after greeting her.
"Zūnshàng, this is Sect Master Xiao Zi."
"My apologies for intruding unannounced," Jian Dan said politely.
Of course, Xiao Zi knew why she was here. Smiling, he gestured, "Please, Zūnshàng, come inside."
With Xiao Yue in her arms, Jian Dan followed Sect Master Xiao Zi past the gates. She asked Captain Tian Yi in a low voice, "How's Bi Shu?"
Tian Yi glanced at the sect master ahead, then replied in a deep tone, "She's a bit shaken. She's been meditating these past two days and hasn't started patrol with Purple Sky Sect yet."
Xiao Zi clearly heard but didn't comment. He simply led them to the main hall.
Once seated, Jian Dan went straight to the point. "Sect Master Xiao Zi, you already know why I'm here. By changing Bi Shu's route on short notice, you've stirred discontent among the other Dao sects. It puts Heavenly Demon Palace in a difficult spot."
"Zūnshàng is right. This was our doing. Zi Qing Zhēnzūn has already sent posts to the other sects explaining the matter. Rest assured, Heavenly Demon Palace won't be put in a bind."
"Even so, there must be a reason for such a sudden change."
Her charming eyes swept over Sect Master Xiao Zi, making him feel the weight of her presence.
"This…"