When Jian Dan returned to the Law Enforcement Hall, her smile was so bright it almost blinded a few people. Everyone wondered what good news the Zūnshàng had encountered to be so happy.
Only Jian Sheng understood the situation, sighed quietly, and hoped Jian Li Zūnshàng would emerge from seclusion soon.
"Jian Sheng, Zhēnzūn has approved ten days for me to handle affairs at the Buddhist Sect," Jian Dan cleared her throat and began arranging the upcoming trip.
"This time Jian Wu and Qi Hua will accompany me to the Buddhist Sect."
A flicker of joy appeared in Qi Hua's eyes. Finally, she could get out and have some fun. She immediately agreed happily.
"When I'm away, Jian Sheng will watch over the sect. If there is an emergency, feel free to ask Tian Yun Zhēnzūn directly. Non-urgent matters can wait until I return."
"Yes."
Jian Sheng bowed in acknowledgment. Jian Dan smiled and promised,
"When I return, I will allow you to enter the Advancement Hall for cultivation and breakthrough. I will temporarily take charge of the Communication Hall. Focus on improving your cultivation."
"Thank you, Zūnshàng."
Only then did a genuine smile appear on Jian Sheng's face.
Jian Dan then comforted Jian Sheng and turned to Jian Wu and Qi Hua.
"Jian Wu, you are responsible for notifying the Tongzi Hall disciples. The day after tomorrow, they will accompany me on the visit to the Buddhist Sect. Each disciple can only bring one attendant. Let them make their own arrangements. Tomorrow will be a rest day for everyone. We depart early the day after tomorrow."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Tianyue Peak
Jian Dan finally returned to her own cave. What a relief—no need to go to the Law Enforcement Hall tomorrow.
The four attendants were delighted to see their master back. This was the longest the Zūnshàng had ever stayed at the Law Enforcement Hall.
Ting Feng stepped forward and reported good news.
"Report to Zūnshàng: The steward Lü Se passed the thunder tribulation yesterday, advancing to Divine Transformation. He is now secluded to stabilize his cultivation."
"Hm, I knew about this. Little Lü is quite capable," Jian Dan nodded with satisfaction, planning to praise him once he emerged from seclusion.
"I have received a sect mission and will leave the sect the day after tomorrow."
Ting Feng spoke calmly and continued,
"Zūnshàng, do you need Yun Juan and Yun Shu to accompany you and handle trivial matters?"
Jian Dan immediately waved her hand.
"No need. None of the three have condensed Yuányīng yet. They should take this opportunity to seclude. Only Ting Feng will stay to guard the cave."
"Yes."
The four attendants knew Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ did not like to travel with attendants. They obediently prepared to finish their tasks and go into seclusion.
Meanwhile, Jian Wu sent a teleportation talisman to notify the Tongzi Hall disciples, then returned to Tiandu Peak to prepare for departure.
The group of young disciples were ecstatic upon receiving the notice. Holding their talismans, they rushed to their ancestors to ask what to pay attention to on their first official sect mission outside.
Yu Zongfan accepted the talisman and quickly sought advice from clan elder Yu Yuanhai about who to bring along. They needed to finalize the details quickly since the departure was imminent.
In the afternoon, Tian Yun Zhēnzūn received several voice talismans from the ancestors of the Tongzi Hall disciples, inquiring about the journey. Tian Yun Zhēnzūn opened a water mirror to explain to a few of them what Jian Lu would be doing with the young disciples at the Buddhist Sect.
"Taking them out is to broaden their horizons. The jade slips always need practical experience. If you are worried, send a high-level cultivator as a guard for the juniors."
The young disciples eagerly began preparing their storage bags to show their elders what else they needed to bring.
"Are you not going to bring Mao Dou to gain some experience?"
Liu Chuan sent a reminder to Jian Dan. Mao Dou was an unaccepted disciple.
"This trip is unofficial. Next time I will find a chance. How is his cultivation?"
"He has been working hard. Recently, as you three advanced simultaneously, he benefited too and broke into the eighth layer of Qi Refinement."
"That's good. If he can raise his cultivation to Foundation Establishment and place in the top ten at the next Outer Sect Competition, I will accept him as a registered disciple."
"Cultivation should be fine. He needs more combat experience. He lives next to Yu Zongfan in the Outer Sect, so they can handle sect missions together."
"That works. I will give Zongfan some pointers."
The next day, Jian Dan first visited Tianjian Peak to meet with Jian Chuan Sect Master.
Jian Chuan was as composed as ever, sitting on the sect master's seat. Seeing Jian Dan enter, he immediately cupped his hands.
"Greetings Jian Lu Zūnshàng. Is there anything you require?"
Jian Dan smiled and sat on the right side of the seat, then handed over a jade slip with spiritual energy.
"Yes, there is a matter troubling you, Sect Master Jian Chuan. This is the latest on the Ziyu Mountain Range. I have already reported it to Zhēnzūn. The decision is to issue a warning in the sect's name to the other sects, including the demon sect and beast clans."
"Understood. This is necessary. I will arrange for messages to be sent immediately."
Jian Chuan accepted the jade slip and replied to Jian Dan.
"Also, I will lead a team to the Buddhist Sect. Please keep an eye on Law Enforcement Hall affairs."
Jian Chuan looked at Jian Dan with envy. Jian Dan understood and smiled.
"I am going on official business. I will return to the sect as soon as it is done."
Jian Chuan did not want to argue and just nodded.
Jian Dan suddenly asked,
"How did Jian Chuan take over as sect master?"
"Compared to my senior brothers, I lost in a sword match."
Jian Dan nearly lost control and swallowed her laughter, but her squinting eyes betrayed her.
"If you want to laugh, laugh," Jian Chuan said helplessly. He was teamed against by several senior brothers and had no choice but to accept the position.
"I recall that Heavenly Sword Sect masters can retire once they reach Void Refinement. I notice your cultivation has been in the late Divine Soul stage for quite a while. When do you plan to breakthrough?"
Jian Chuan's eyes lit up at Jian Dan's words, and he cupped his hands.
"I want to spar with you, Zūnshàng. Maybe I can break into Void Refinement."
Jian Dan twitched at her own words. She shouldn't have asked. Now Jian Chuan had taken an interest.
"When Jian Xu Senior Brother emerges, I will ask him for you."
After saying that, Jian Dan left the main hall immediately.
Jian Chuan sighed, returned to his seat, and closed his eyes to practice sword techniques in his mind.
Jian Dan then went to the Affairs Hall. Yu Yuanhai smiled and bowed.
"Greetings Jian Lu Zūnshàng."
"Yu steward, I need to borrow a flying ship."
"Yes, what kind do you require, Zūnshàng?"
Yu Yuanhai had heard from Zongfan about the trip and asked Jian Dan to specify.
"I need an ordinary flying ship with strong defense."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
Yu Yuanhai fetched a flying ship from the back hall and handed it to Jian Dan. Jian Dan saw it was a two-deck black ship, surprisingly forged from black beetle shells.
"Is this newly forged?"
Jian Dan examined the ship with spiritual sense and toyed with it in her hands.
"Yes. It is mainly forged from black beetle shells. Its defense is very high. It can withstand a Unity strike."
"Oh!"
If it really could withstand a Unity strike, it was a high-grade defensive spirit treasure.
"Zūnshàng, your strength is above average. You should not test it," Yu Yuanhai added in time.
"No," Jian Dan thought. "Can I really say I don't want to try?"
She handed over her identity sword pendant for registration. After it was recorded, Jian Dan left the Affairs Hall with the flying ship.
The Evil Seal Bottle was still with Tian Yun Zhēnzūn. Jian Dan planned to pick it up before departure. The rest of the matters would be handled by Jian Wu and Qi Hua, allowing Jian Dan to relax and rest for half a day.