"Greetings, Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ."
"You're too polite. Is there something urgent?"
Jian Dan held her round fan in hand, her tone cool and even as she spoke.
Han Pengfei, however, was deeply unsettled. He felt that because of Yu Yaoyao, the Zūnzhǔ had grown displeased with him. Still, he composed himself and answered with respect.
"I've come to report to Zūnzhǔ regarding Yu Yaoyao. She mistakenly entered the 'Yunhai' and was severely injured, losing all her cultivation. Her family has taken her back. The Cloud Sea Sect has already removed her from their rolls. I hope Zūnzhǔ will forgive her mistake."
"I've said before, I don't bother with the faults of juniors. Since she's already reaped what she sowed and Yue Liang is unharmed, this matter is settled. There's no need to bring it up again."
"Understood."
"Is there anything else?"
"After the tournament ends, Cloud Sea Sect will be hosting a trade exchange within the sect. We'll be offering some rare marine spiritual items. Zūnzhǔ might find it worth a look."
Jian Dan seemed mildly intrigued upon hearing this. Clearly, Cloud Sea Sect was using this event to appease the other sects. A bit of generosity was necessary to avoid looking heartless.
"Where will it be held?"
"There will be two events. One is an open market at the plaza in front of Yunhai Peak's main hall. The other is for higher-level cultivators, held at a smaller auction venue on one of Yunhai Peak's side summits."
As he spoke, he handed her an invitation. Bian Qikang stepped forward to receive it and passed it along to their Zūnzhǔ.
"Very well. I'll attend."
Having completed his official task, Han Pengfei seemed to want to say more. But seeing the other cultivators respectfully standing nearby, he held back. He cupped his hands in salute and left Yunyin Peak.
Jian Dan looked at the invitation in her hand and turned to Bian Qikang.
"If the so-called Young Master Wushuang comes again, just say I'm in seclusion healing. If he needs anything, he can speak to Jian Xu Zūnzhǔ."
"Understood."
After Bian Qikang left, Yue Liang finally spoke.
"Zūnzhǔ, that Yu Yaoyao has already been punished. Don't be angry. It wasn't really his fault."
Jian Dan stroked Yue Liang's fluffy fur a few times and chuckled.
"You're the one who was harmed. Why are you speaking up for the one responsible?"
"Zūnzhǔ, I just feel that he's caught in a hard position."
"Yue Liang, you can speak this way now because you're unharmed and safe in my arms. But what if you'd fallen into that spatial storm? What would have become of you?"
Jian Dan's tone grew colder. "True, Han Pengfei didn't act directly, but this all started with him. He failed to handle a female cultivator who clearly had feelings for him, and you suffered for it in my place. How could I be pleased? I've already shown enough courtesy out of respect for Yun Yun Zhēnzhūn."
Yue Liang flicked her tail, signaling she only half-understood, her round eyes looking up at Jian Dan, silently pleading for a clearer explanation.
"You were there yesterday. You heard the story about Jian Jun Zūnzhǔ. She also had admirers, but she refused them swiftly and decisively, without hesitation. That's the kind of decisiveness I admire."
Yue Liang finally gave a serious little nod.
"I understand, Zūnzhǔ. If someone doesn't reciprocate those feelings, they shouldn't let their admirer get close. Otherwise, the admirer may think there's still a chance and do something wrong. Like Yu Yaoyao did."
"That's a fair understanding, for now."
"Zūnzhǔ, I don't think Han Pengfei can be as decisive as Jian Jun Zūnzhǔ."
"Oh? Why not?"
"He's too softhearted. No backbone."
"Oh ho, you even know about having no backbone? Who taught you that?"
Jian Dan burst out laughing, scooping Yue Liang into her arms and giving her a vigorous rub.
"I overheard some female cultivators from Cloud Sea Sect say it while I was patrolling Yunyin Peak."
While the pair bantered, Han Pengfei had already arrived at Yuntu Peak to meet the Yu family's Ancestor.
"Han Pengfei pays respects to Yun Tu Zūnshàng."
"What brings Martial Nephew Han here?"
Han Pengfei bowed respectfully before the youthful-looking man seated at the head — none other than the Yu family Ancestor, Yun Tu Zūnshàng — who looked even younger than himself. Only after rising did he speak.
"I've just come from visiting Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Her spiritual pet is unharmed, and she won't pursue Yu Yaoyao's actions."
"I see."
"One more thing, Zūnshàng. I've always regarded Yu Yaoyao as a Junior Sister. I never harbored any romantic intentions toward her, and I've never crossed any lines."
Yun Tu Zūnshàng looked displeased at the words. But the fact was, Yu Yaoyao had made the first misstep. He merely nodded perfunctorily, signaling he understood.
Han Pengfei sensed the Zūnshàng's dissatisfaction, but still offered a respectful bow before leaving.
"You heard him yourself, didn't you?"
Yu Yaoyao emerged from the inner chamber, supported by attendants. Her face was veiled.
"Ancestor… I lost control."
"That boy knew you were here. He said it for your ears. It's time you let go of those feelings."
"Ancestor, I've waited a hundred years. I can't accept this."
"What does it matter? He's never held you in his heart. Now that your cultivation is gone and your foundation damaged, you'll be stuck at the Qi Refining stage for life. What can you possibly achieve now?"
Yun Tu Zūnshàng didn't sugarcoat his words. Yu Yaoyao finally broke down, covering her face and weeping as she knelt before him, grief pouring out.
With a wave of his hand, she lost consciousness. Yun Tu Zūnshàng personally sealed away all her memories of the cultivation world before gesturing to the attendants.
"Send her back to the mundane world. She'll resume her place as the second daughter of the Yu family. Find someone for her to marry. From now on, no one is to speak of the cultivation world to her. Once she's delivered safely, return immediately."
"Yes, sir."
The four attendants bowed and quietly left with Yu Yaoyao in tow.
Yun Tu Zūnshàng sighed inwardly. She had been a promising talent, now ruined by infatuation. In truth, the family had never opposed her wish to pursue a Dao companion. Her chosen partner had been Yun Yun Zhēnzhūn's favored junior, so he had never interfered.
But Jian Lu's appearance had thrown everything off course. Instead of focusing her efforts on winning over Han Pengfei, Yu Yaoyao had foolishly tried to attack Jian Lu and drive a wedge between them. Sadly, it seemed Jian Lu had no feelings for Han Pengfei at all. If anything, Han Pengfei was the one who admired her.
In the end, it was Yu Yaoyao who paid the price. Yun Tu Zūnshàng now felt little goodwill toward either of them.
The next day, the tournament resumed as normal. The leaders of the various sects gathered to watch. However, it was obvious that the matches lacked their previous intensity. Gone were the fierce clashes and deadly rivalries. Instead, the bouts had become polite, almost friendly exchanges.
Qian Wanguan fanned himself dramatically, grinning at Jian Dan.
"Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ, doesn't this feel a bit dull? Are these youngsters still shaken by the assassination attempt?"
"Elder Qian, I'd say you've got it wrong. These juniors are smarter than you think. They're preserving their strength. After the tournament, they still have to return to their sects. If they fight to the death now and end up badly injured, who will protect them on the way back? Even we can't always watch over everyone."
Their casual conversation began to draw the attention of the surrounding Zūnzhǔ from other sects.