It took only a moment before several divine senses swept across the area, but all were weaker than Jian Dan. With a light wave of her hand, Jian Dan brushed them away effortlessly.
A late Foundation Establishment cultivator stationed at the gate bowed toward her carriage.
"Senior, please wait a moment. I'll go report your arrival."
He quickly turned and dashed toward the mountainside. Jian Dan wasn't in a rush either. Seated inside her carriage, she was rather curious to see who would come to greet her.
There was a faint ripple in space. Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ arrived at the sect gate with Jian Wu, Jian Sheng, and Jian Ning.
"I have long heard of Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ's name. To meet you today is truly an honor."
The low voice of Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ resonated clearly.
Inside the carriage, Jian Dan couldn't help but chuckle softly. Beside her, Mo Yi sensibly lifted the gauzy curtain. A black boot stepped down from the carriage, followed by the silhouette of a cultivator in a flowing black robe. Jian Dan stood before the members of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
"Mo Yue apologizes for the sudden visit. I hope my presence has not caused too much disturbance."
She bowed politely as she spoke.
Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ looked at the woman before him. If not for the constant stream of messages and information, he would never have believed that this person was the same Shan Yunzu he had once known.
As the two Zhūnzhǔs faced each other, Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ's sword qi automatically surged around him in defense. Jian Dan, on the other hand, exuded a sharp killing intent. When their auras clashed, the pressure was so intense that even Jian Wu and the black-cloaked guards could feel it. It was a quiet duel of wills, and any real move between experts would have been over in the blink of an eye.
After the brief test, Jian Dan restrained her aura, her expression brightening with a smile.
"Zhūnzhǔ, would it be convenient to invite us into the sect as guests?"
"Of course. Please, come inside."
Jian Li led the way. The group walked toward Yingke Peak, watched by the Heavenly Sword Sect's disciples.
The nine members of the "Mo" squad stayed close to Jian Dan. Far from seeming like a welcoming entourage, they felt more like a monitoring unit, guarding against the possibility that Jian Dan might suddenly lash out.
Jian Dan rolled her eyes inwardly, but she still went through the motions and said what needed to be said.
"Zhūnzhǔ—"
"You may simply call me Jian Li," he interrupted calmly.
Jian Dan nodded, taking his lead, then spoke plainly.
"Jian Li Daoyou, I believe my name card has already been delivered at the gate. Mo Mei Zhūnzhǔ of our Heavenly Demon Palace had a past acquaintance with Tian Yun Zhēnzūn. This visit is to fulfill one of my master's wishes."
Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ nodded without betraying any emotion.
"We have received the invitation. You may know that our Tian Yun Zhēnzūn is currently preparing for his ascension tribulation. I'm afraid—"
"I understand. I will not press you, but I must meet him. Please pass this item to Zhēnzūn. If he still refuses to meet me, I will leave the Heavenly Sword Sect at once."
As she spoke, Jian Dan handed over a palm-sized brocade box. There was no seal on it, and she gestured that it could be freely opened.
Jian Li opened the box and found a sword pendant inside, a piece of the Heavenly Sword Sect's unique insignia. He immediately had a few guesses.
"Thank you for your trouble, Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ."
"I will deliver both this token and the invitation to Zhēnzūn. He will decide. For now, please rest at Yingke Peak. I'll inform you as soon as there is word."
"Very well."
Jian Dan understood their concerns. After all, their group consisted of one Void Refinement Zhūnzhǔ and nine Divine Soul cultivators—power enough to rival a mid-tier family. More importantly, they had just come from the battlefield. The killing intent surrounding them was real and heavy. It was no wonder Jian Li had instinctively activated his sword qi.
Jian Li took his leave. Jian Wu, Jian Sheng, and Jian Ning stayed behind. Of the three, Jian Wu had progressed the fastest, now at mid-stage Divine Transformation. Jian Sheng and Jian Ning had just entered the realm, their foundations still a bit shaky—likely called here hastily.
"Forty years ago in Huanle City, I happened to cross paths with a young man of your sect named Cao Chenfeng. I found him quite admirable. Is he currently in the sect? I would like to see him."
The three twitched in unison at Jian Dan's question. Eventually, Jian Ning stepped forward to reply.
"Junior Nephew Cao has accepted a sect mission and gone out for tempering. He may head straight to the Chengli Secret Realm."
"Oh? That's a pity. How is his cultivation progressing?"
"To enter the secret realm, Junior Nephew Cao has kept his cultivation at peak Golden Core, but his sword qi has already reached mastery, and his sword intent is in early comprehension."
Jian Dan nodded with a smile. If not for the requirements of the secret realm and the pursuit of "true dragon blood," he would likely already have stepped into the Nascent Soul realm. This time, Du Yanran would not have such an easy advantage.
As they chatted, someone came to report.
"Inner disciple Qi Hua from Tiandu Peak requests an audience with Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ."
"Oh?"
Jian Dan feigned a bit of surprise, then nodded, motioning for Mo Jiu to bring her in.
"Qi Hua pays respects to Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ. I am grateful for your assistance in Tianmo City. I did not have the chance to thank you back then, so I came today for that purpose."
Qi Hua wore the Heavenly Sword Sect's standard robes, a white jade sword pendant hanging from her waist. She bowed respectfully.
Jian Dan raised her with a flick of spiritual energy and smiled.
"So it was you that day, Qi Xiaoyou. I see your cultivation has improved. You've reached Nascent Soul."
"Yes. After the lesson I received, I knew I had to advance quickly. Otherwise, I would not have deserved your help."
"Heh, well said. Strength determines everything."
On this side, the mood was warm and cordial. Meanwhile, Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ had already brought the invitation and brocade box to the forbidden grounds in the rear mountains, where the Zhēnzūn resided.
After unlocking the restriction, he approached the cave of Tian Yun Zhēnzūn and bowed.
"Zhēnzūn, a cultivator from the Heavenly Demon Palace requests a meeting. This is the invitation and token."
Both items flew into Tian Yun Zhēnzūn's hand. As he looked at the Manjushahua-patterned invitation, a flicker passed through his heart.
But when he opened the box and saw the familiar sword pendant inside, he vanished in a flash, appearing before Jian Li in an instant.
"Where is she?"
"Yingke Peak," Jian Li answered quickly, surprised by the Zhēnzūn's reaction.
"Shall I summon her now for a meeting?"
Tian Yun Zhēnzūn paused for a few breaths, hesitating.
"Tomorrow."
"Yes. I will make arrangements."
By the time Jian Li looked up again, the Zhēnzūn was already gone.
When he returned to Yingke Peak, Jian Dan was enjoying tea with the others, maintaining a pleasant atmosphere.
Seeing Jian Li, she set down her teacup and asked,
"Jian Li Daoyou, do you bring good news?"
"Zhēnzūn will see you tomorrow, but only you."
"That's fine. Thank you for delivering the message."
Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ left again, preparing for the meeting the next day.
"Zhūnzhǔ, is it safe for you to go alone tomorrow?" Mo Yi voiced his concern.
"It will be. The Heavenly Sword Sect is the head of the dao path. They won't stoop to disgraceful tricks. You, on the other hand, weren't sent by the Palace Master to back me up. You're here to make sure I don't wreck the place, aren't you?"
Jian Dan teased with a grin.
"Subordinate would not dare. We are here to support you."
"Support? Show me your claws, then. Didn't you notice how Yingke Peak is sealed up like an iron fortress?"
Mo Yi rubbed his nose and gave an awkward laugh.
"We'll follow your orders, Zhūnzhǔ."
"We won't be in the Heavenly Sword Sect for long. Be ready to move at a moment's notice."
"Understood."