"This matter was indeed Purple Sky Sect's fault. Mo Yue Daoyou, please don't hold it against us!"
A woman's voice rang out as a high-ranking female cultivator walked into the hall. She wore a violet robe with a wide sash embroidered with subtle purple patterns, making her waist look even slimmer.
As soon as Jian Dan sat down, she felt a sweep of divine sense brush over her and Xiao Yue. The little wolf turned its head sharply, chasing the source of that sense, eager to see who it was.
Jian Dan already had an idea. It should be Zi Qing Zhēnzūn, so when the woman appeared, she wasn't surprised. Still, by etiquette, she rose and bowed respectfully.
"Mo Yue greets Zi Qing Zhēnzūn."
Xiao Yue stood obediently by Jian Dan's feet and even dipped his head in a formal bow, mimicking her.
"Daoyou is too polite. I've long heard that Mo Yue of the Heavenly Demon Palace is both wise and brave, her strength unfathomable."
"Zhēnzūn flatters me."
Jian Dan smiled charmingly, then sat down again, her gaze resting on the dignified woman before her.
After a round of polite compliments, Jian Dan got straight to the point.
"Zi Qing Zhēnzūn, I don't know why your sect suddenly summoned Bi Shu here ahead of schedule?"
Zi Qing knew this woman wasn't easy to fool. Bi Shu had been brought back to Purple Sky Sect, but she'd dragged her feet, refusing to carry out patrols.
Zi Qing couldn't press too hard either. One misstep could spark conflict between Dao and demon sects, which was the last thing anyone wanted.
"Ah, it's no secret anymore."
She sighed lightly and explained how various sects had entered the spatial rift but never returned.
"I've heard some rumors of this," Jian Dan replied with a patient smile, "but what does that have to do with Bi Shu Xiaoyou of my sect?"
Zi Qing faltered. She couldn't exactly say she suspected there were blood insects within her own sect. And with the spatial rift unstable, threatening to close at any moment, she'd already notified the other Dao sects. At such a critical time, she couldn't afford problems.
So pulling Bi Shu back early was meant as a warning to whoever was lurking in the shadows, a way to keep them from acting rashly.
Before Zi Qing could answer, a guard rushed in and reported, "Bi Shu Daoyou is outside the hall. She insists on seeing Mo Yue Zūnshàng."
He cast a quick glance at Jian Dan, then stood respectfully.
Jian Dan arched a brow, lightly brushed her fingers over the beauty mark at the corner of her eye, and gestured to Captain Tian Yi behind her. He understood at once and stepped back.
Zi Qing saw this clearly but couldn't stop her. Jian Dan rose, bowed with a smile, and said, "Zi Qing Zhēnzūn, I'll check on Bi Shu first. She awakened her talent late, was spoiled at home, and hasn't suffered much hardship since entering the sect. She's a bit delicate, so please forgive her."
Her words not only showed how highly Bi Shu was valued but also explained why she'd panicked and refused to work.
Zi Qing returned the smile. "In that case, let's speak again when time allows."
With Xiao Yue in her arms, Jian Dan followed the guard out of the hall. She immediately spotted Bi Shu, pale-faced, surrounded by Tian Squad.
The girl looked relieved the instant she saw Jian Dan, like she'd finally found her anchor. She hurried over and saluted. "Zūnshàng!"
"Good girl, we'll talk later."
Bi Shu knew this wasn't the place to speak. She stood respectfully behind Jian Dan as they headed toward the guest peak arranged for them.
When they were gone, Zi Qing turned to Sect Master Xiao Zi. "In these two days, has there been any movement around Bi Shu?"
"None."
Xiao Zi answered respectfully, then asked softly, "Zhēnzūn, are you certain there's a problem inside the sect?"
"The very first day I summoned Xiaoyou Bi, her face looked off. Then she kept making excuses to shirk patrols. What do you think?"
"Could it be because you called her over abruptly? Maybe she had her own thoughts, so she…"
"No. She's from a great sect, she should know better. Her expression was puzzled, wary, and guarded, but not resentful. And now that Mo Yue has arrived, she's clearly relaxed, like she has someone to rely on. We'll wait and see."
"Yes, Zhēnzūn."
The Heavenly Demon Palace group knew nothing of that conversation. They simply returned to the temporary palace arranged for Bi Shu.
Jian Dan glanced around. Purple Sky Sect had been thoughtful. The dwelling had good layout and abundant spiritual energy. Outside, along with spirit plants, they'd planted their signature purple Zitan flowers, though they weren't blooming yet.
Once she laid down a restriction, Jian Dan finally asked, "What happened?"
Captain Tian Yi stepped forward and bowed. "Forgive us, Zūnshàng. After leaving Buddhist Sect's territory, we headed straight for Artifact Sect. We were nearly there when Zi Qing Zhēnzūn appeared, insisting we come to Purple Sky Sect first. Our cultivation wasn't enough to resist, so we brought Bi Shu here and reported immediately to Black Robe Guards."
"Zhēnzūn herself came forward, you couldn't refuse. That's understandable." Jian Dan stroked Xiao Yue's fur gently, then turned to Bi Shu. "Bi Shu, what did you notice?"
Her color had mostly returned. She lifted her head and said, "Zūnshàng, ever since I entered Purple Sky Sect, I've felt like someone's been watching me."
"Because of Purple Sky Sect's cultivators?"
"Not entirely. I think there may be insect clan here."
She bit her lip.
"You actually saw a cultivator parasitized by black-armored insects?"
"No, it's just a feeling. And… I smelled blood insects."
Jian Dan's eyes flickered. "Inside Purple Sky Sect's gates?"
"Yes." Her tone was firm.
"So that's why you've been hiding here, finding excuses not to go out?"
Bi Shu gave a sheepish smile, then nodded. Nothing was worth more than her life.
"I see."
Jian Dan flicked a green leaf onto the back of Bi Shu's hand, then gave her an order.
"If it's dangerous here, tomorrow Tian Squad will escort you to finish your mission. Since I'm here, I'll keep you safe."
"Thank you, Zūnshàng."
"But don't try to fool Purple Sky Sect. You must search for the blood insects. If you can't find them but smell them again, tell me immediately."
"Yes, Bi Shu understands."
Later, when Jian Dan reached her temporary cave-dwelling, she used voice transmission to Liu Chuan.
"Chuan, do you think Zi Qing Zhēnzūn discovered something, so she intercepted Bi Shu midway to catch the culprit off guard?"
"Most likely. As a Mahayana Zhēnzūn, she probably sensed danger and acted on it."
"Good. That means I've got a proper excuse to stay here openly, guard Bi Shu, and maybe even investigate the spatial rift myself."
"Alright. I'll help you. I'll ask the spirit plants around here if they've noticed anything unusual."
"Perfect. Thanks."
Just as they finished, the jade pendant Jian Dan kept separate began to tremble.