Dark clouds swirled above the summit of Mo Qi Peak as five bolts of tribulation lightning struck. Jian Dan, full of confidence, hurled Mó Yǐng Sǎn into the air to receive the lightning.
After being reforged by violet lightning, the umbrella's canopy became an even deeper crimson. The flower patterns bloomed more vividly, looking as if they could scatter petals with a tremble.
The frame and handle, reinforced with black beetle shell, now gleamed with a dark luster and radiated an ominous killing intent.
Once the lightning tempering was complete, the umbrella formed a red phantom in the sky, then retracted and returned to the summit's largest refining chamber.
Only then did the crowd of onlookers disperse. Mo Qi Peak Lord looked on and nodded in admiration. This was now an immortal-grade artifact, a rare creation.
Next, Jian Dan took out the sword embryo she had previously smelted and laid out the materials Mò Xī Jiàn had once requested:
Snow Crystal Stone, Meteorite Iron from Beyond the Heavens, Blue Banyan Wood, and spirit crystals of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. She had exchanged most of her Underworld Valley rewards for them.
Back to square one.
"Sigh, forging sure burns through spirit stones."
"At least you can forge. Not bad that you managed to gather all the materials in the cultivation realm."
Mò Xī Jiàn emerged from the dantian, taking command as supervisor for the forging of a smaller version of itself.
Thanks to Jian Dan's current cultivation, the smelting process was far more efficient. On the tenth day, the forging phase began.
The forging hammer performed splendidly, removing all impurities from the sword embryo.
Then came the infusion of Meteorite Iron and Snow Crystal Stone. The Blue Banyan Wood served as a stabilizer, harmonizing both materials.
Finally, the five elemental spirit crystals were incorporated. Once the last was integrated, Mò Xī Jiàn unleashed a sharp wave of sword intent, embedding it into the sword.
Moments later, thunderclouds gathered above Mo Qi Peak.
"Quick, store the sword. We can't have it face its tribulation here," Mò Xī Jiàn warned.
Jian Dan realized it as well. As a demon cultivator, it was not wise to reveal Mò Xī Jiàn.
With a swift wave of her hand, she placed the half-finished sword into storage. Cotton Candy then planted it atop a mountain peak to await its own tribulation at a later time.
As the little Mò Xī Jiàn vanished, the clouds quickly dispersed. Onlookers sighed in disappointment, lamenting the missed climax.
Jian Dan patted her chest. Thankfully, she had reacted in time, or things might have gone terribly wrong.
Having completed all her goals for the twenty-five-day trip, it was time to leave.
She opened the refining chamber door. The waiting apprentice greeted her at once.
"Congratulations, Mo Yue Zhūnzǔ, on your successful exit."
"Mm. Is Peak Lord Mo Qi available?"
"Master is studying new forging materials and instructed me to wait here for your return."
"Good. This is the refining chamber token, and here is the rental fee. Give both to your Master."
The apprentice accepted the black jade token and the high-grade storage pouch.
"Yes, I will deliver them at once."
Jian Dan then departed from Mo Qi Peak and made her way straight to Tian Mo Peak to meet with Palace Master Mo Lie.
"Mo Yue, what brings you here today?"
Jian Dan inwardly scoffed. "Old fox."
Outwardly, she remained composed.
"Palace Master, I intend to make a trip to the Heavenly Sword Sect."
Mo Lie's brows twitched. What was this about? Then it clicked.
"As you may know, the fall of Mo Mei Zhūnzǔ had ties to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn, Feng Yunyi. This time, I merely go to request an explanation on behalf of my master."
"Well..."
Palace Master Mo Lie hesitated. From what he knew of Mo Yue's temperament, she could draw her sword at the slightest provocation.
"Do not worry, Palace Master. I will not raise a hand. Solving problems through violence is unwise. The highest strategy is to subdue without battle."
She smiled meaningfully.
"My master's death weighs on Ancestor's heart. At the very least, I must speak to Feng Yunyi and fulfill my master's last wish."
"I understand. Allow me some time to consider."
"Very well."
Jian Dan turned to leave, her steps light. But before her trip, she still had some punishment to deliver to those short-sighted stewards. Did they think a few deaths had appeased her?
Did they forget women remember grudges best?
Upon her return to Mo Ying Peak, the entire mountain tightened up. Everyone spoke more carefully and acted with extra caution.
"Gong Yi, anything new while I was away?"
"Tang family's Unity-stage ancestor killed Tang Yuanyuan. Said it was for speaking recklessly and undermining sect unity."
"Mm. A ruthless one. Also a hungry wolf. Keep an eye on them when gathering information."
"Yes, understood."
"Anything else?"
"The third group heading to the Ming Valley is nearly finalized. Aside from the Mo Ying Peak stewards you insisted on bringing, one-third are from the Tang family or allied clans."
"Oh? Let me guess. Palace Master had a hand in this, along with other clans?"
"Yes. Tang's ancestor acted arrogantly, executing Tang Yuanyuan in front of the Palace Master."
"Fool. Threatening the Palace Master in his own hall? Where does that courage even come from?"
Jian Dan poured herself spirit tea and took a sip before continuing.
"Retrieve my flying steeds from the Beast Peak tomorrow. I'll be going out."
"Yes."
"Also, find out how many people from this third group need to return alive."
A knowing gleam appeared on Gong Yi's fierce face.
"Yes, understood."
— The Next Day —
Jian Dan had spent the night stargazing and was in a cheerful mood. She was about to call for Gong Yi when he entered the hall with a stern face.
"Zhūnzǔ, the 'Mo' Unit from the Black Robed Guard requests an audience."
What is this about?
"Let them in."
"Yes."
A moment later, nine figures stepped into the hall. It was the same First Team of the "Mo" Unit who had assisted her in the reconnaissance mission. All were now at the Divine Soul stage.
"Mo Yi, what brings you to me?"
Given their shared experience in battle, Jian Dan was respectful.
"Mo Yue Zhūnzǔ, we come by order of the Palace Master to escort you to the Heavenly Sword Sect."
Jian Dan twitched her lips and rubbed her forehead.
"Are you sure it's an escort mission, not a provocation squad?"
"If Zhūnzǔ insists on a fight, we could give it a try," Mo Yi replied earnestly.
"Very well. Since you're already here, we'll leave now. The sooner we go, the sooner we return."
She turned to Gong Yi.
"I was going to let you see the world, but someone else got there first. Nothing I can do."
"Your flying carriage and steeds are ready, Zhūnzǔ."
"Good. Then stay and watch over Mo Ying Peak."
Outside the hall, two fourth-rank flying steeds stood ready. Now that they had advanced, they were even more magnificent.
Jian Dan stroked their heads and connected with them spiritually. Then she boarded the carriage. The steeds neighed sharply and took to the skies, with the nine escorts flanking both sides.
Three days later, Jian Dan's golden flying carriage landed smoothly before the Heavenly Sword Sect's main gate.
The gatekeepers had never seen such a grand arrival and immediately sent a warning signal. But they stood their ground.
"No need to panic, Xiaoyou. Here is my visiting card. Deliver it to someone in charge and tell them Mo Yue, under Mo Yan Zhēnzūn of the Heavenly Demon Palace, seeks an audience with Tian Yun Zhēnzūn."
A black invitation card with a subtle Manjushahua design drifted from the carriage and landed in the guard's hand.