Just as Jian Dan finished speaking with the three others, Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ returned to the hall.
He said to her, "I delivered it. Tian Yun Zhēnzūn's presence has already diminished a little."
Jian Dan nodded. "As long as it worked, then it wasn't in vain that I played the villain."
"Tian Yun Zhēnzūn said you are someone who sees things clearly. Everything you've done was for your master. He accepts that sentiment."
Jian Dan let out a rare sigh. "Mo Mei really did die unjustly. Truthfully, Mo Yan Zhenzūn has always carried guilt about it. When the great powers hold grudges against each other, it's never good for the continent.
And then there's Tian Yun Zhēnzūn, stuck between blood relatives and someone he loved. He's already grown a Demon Heart. He cannot afford to undergo tribulation recklessly."
"Actually, one of the sect's Zhēnzūn skilled in divination once cast a reading. A hundred years ago, he saw that Tian Yun Zhēnzūn faced a fatal calamity within a century."
Jian Dan paused, and realization dawned. "No wonder when Feng Nianyue was schemed against, Jian Jun Zhūnzhǔ responded so fiercely. She uprooted the entire Hua family by force, and the Kong family didn't fare much better."
"That incident happened back when your cultivation was still in Foundation Establishment. You led a group of fellow disciples. I didn't even get a chance to step in," Jian Wu added, sounding slightly nostalgic.
Jian Dan only smiled. She couldn't reveal that she already knew Feng Nianyue's death was the fuse that would eventually lead to the Heavenly Sword Sect's decline.
"Truth be told, from that moment on, your fate was already tied to the Zhēnzūn. Today marks the final day of that century-long period. His calamity has now passed."
"Good. That puts me at ease. You don't know what it was like when I walked out of the forbidden grounds. The other elders and Tian Yun Zhēnzūn looked like they wanted to burn holes into me with their eyes."
"I saw you coming out looking rather calm," Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ said, unusually light-hearted.
"Zhūnzhǔ, don't tease me. I was faking it."
"Very well. I won't ask why you can enter the Ming Valley and fight, but the Heavenly Sword Sect is still your sect. Once you've handled things, return as soon as possible."
"Yes, Zhūnzhǔ. I still need to keep my demon cultivator identity a little longer. Once the Ming Valley war ends, I'll return naturally."
"Jian Wu, go replace her sect sword badge and give her one from our Enforcement Hall."
Jian Dan knew immediately that this was to verify her identity. She didn't resist, simply handed over both her current badges to Jian Wu.
He bowed and left to handle it.
"Do you need anything from the sect this time?"
"Nothing urgent. I don't want to draw too much attention while I'm out in the world. I mostly came back to inform Zhūnzhǔ that my life-bound sword is ready. I just need to undergo its tribulation."
"That's easy. Tomorrow, Jian Ning will take you to the Sword Pool Hot Springs. Afterward, head to the Heavenly Artifact Peak for your sword's tribulation."
"Thank you, Zhūnzhǔ."
Jian Wu soon returned and handed the two updated sword badges back to Jian Dan.
She scanned them with her divine sense. The new identity badge was a shade of jade-green, its internal defense array clearly stronger than before. The black Enforcement badge remained thoroughly dark, usable for both protection and emergency communication.
With a wave, Jian Dan stored them away. Then she handed Jian Wu another storage pouch.
"This is for our Yue Liang. How is she doing?"
"Yue Liang was attacked while at the Purple Sky Sect…"
Jian Dan's face darkened immediately. "Xiao Yong Zhūnzhǔ of the Purple Sky Sect personally took Yue Liang in. He promised to keep her safe. Was she hurt?"
"Calm down. She's unharmed. But you gave her the protective talisman from the Zhūnzhǔ, remember? Yue Liang sensed something was wrong, activated the jade pendant, and blew up Purple Sky Sect's entire rear mountain…"
At that, Jian Dan's expression finally relaxed.
She had given Yue Liang that protective charm both out of worry and as a backup. Jian Dan had already bonded with the talisman left by the Jian family patriarch, so she had the right to pass one along to Yue Liang.
"As long as she's alright. Otherwise, she wouldn't need to lift a finger. I'd have gone there myself to make things right for her."
"You're still as protective and bold as ever," Jian Ning said with a laugh.
"Everyone says we each walk our own path toward the Dao. But companions on that path are rare and precious. That's why I cherish them deeply."
"Well said. After Yue Liang was brought back by Tao Chengfeng, she fell into a deep sleep. Not long ago, she advanced to Tier Four, left the clan grounds, wandered through your cave dwelling, and broke through again before you arrived."
That made Jian Dan smile with her eyes. Yue Liang was doing her best to grow.
She asked about old friends. Some were still cultivating steadily, while others had fallen behind her pace.
By the time Jian Dan returned to the Yingke Peak, the demon guards—Mo Yi and the others—visibly sighed in relief.
She raised an eyebrow. "No need to look so rattled. I didn't do anything that dangerous."
"Zhūnzhǔ, please do not be angry. We were only worried you'd be put in a difficult position, and we wouldn't be able to protect you in time."
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. Tomorrow I'm visiting the hot springs. No need for you to follow, unless any of you want to try out the Sword Sect's springs."
"Yes, understood."
That night, Jian Dan and her group were closely watched, almost as if they were inside an iron barrel.
The next morning, Jian Wan Zhūnzhǔ of the Heavenly Sword Sect arrived at Welcoming Peak, accompanied by Jian Ning.
Jian Wan Zhūnzhǔ wore spotless white robes, tall and imposing—almost one-point-seven-six meters—and carried the stern face of a head instructor.
"Mo Yue Zhūnzhǔ. Greetings."
She cupped her fists formally. Jian Dan quickly returned the courtesy.
"I am Jian Wan, acting under Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ's orders to escort you to the Sword Pool Hot Springs."
Jian Dan sensed faint hostility from her, so she replied politely, "Much appreciated, Jian Wan Zhūnzhǔ."
She waved for the black-robed guards to follow her.
Originally, she hadn't planned to bring them along. But since Jian Wan was clearly unfriendly, Jian Dan figured she might as well assert her authority.
Jian Ning could only exchange a subtle glance with Jian Dan and smiled faintly as she followed her master.
Their group circled past Heavenly Sword Peak and arrived at a mist-shrouded mountain. Two children dressed in white robes stood at its base, both around six years old.
When they saw the large entourage, the two exchanged glances and quickly stepped forward.
"Seniors, we are Jian Wu and Jian Wei from the Sword Pool Peak. Greetings."
"You two are on duty today?"
"Yes. If there's anything you need, please instruct us."
"Open one Sword Pool for the Void Refinement stage, and one for the Divine Soul stage. We have honored guests."
"Yes, right away. Seniors, this way please."
Jian Dan didn't hold back and followed the young Jian Wu through several tunnels. They stopped at the mouth of one cavern.
"Senior, here is the restriction token. You may imprint it with your divine sense to activate the spring. When you are done, erase the imprint and return the token."
"Understood."
She turned back to the nine black-robed guards.
"You've all followed me into battle. Your killing intent has built up too much. This Sword Pool spring is excellent for cleansing and calming. Go soak. They've prepared a Divine Soul pool just for you."
Mo Yi hesitated briefly, then stepped forward.
"Zhūnzhǔ, shall we remain as guards?"
"What, are you worried my Heavenly Sword Sect will try to assassinate her?