Jian Dan unrolled the parchment scroll and skimmed through the contents. Only after she closed it did Jian Sheng speak again.
"Hai Yan and Cloud Sea Sect's Yun Yun and Yun Tao Zhēnzūn are Senior Brother and Sister from the same master. Hai Yan was the youngest and final disciple, greatly favored by their teacher. After the two entered the Divine Soul stage, Yun Hai Zhēnzūn passed the position of Sect Master to Yun Tao.
Hai Yan was deeply dissatisfied. Only those who had served as Sect Master could inherit the 'Yun Hai' title.
Believing it was due to his cultivation being inferior to his Senior Brother's, he began using any means necessary to raise his realm and seize resources. In doing so, he offended the Dao, demon, and beast factions alike.
Yun Hai Zhēnzūn flew into a rage, personally dragged him back to Cloud Sea Sect, and imprisoned him in the underwater dungeon. Since then, he vanished from the cultivation world without a trace."
From what Jian Dan heard, she felt there was a seventy percent chance that this man was the hidden evil cultivator behind recent events.
"What's so special about the 'Yun Hai' title?" Jian Dan asked.
Jian Sheng, knowing Jian Lu Zūnshàng might not be familiar with the order of high cultivators' titles, quickly explained:
"To bear the title 'Yun Hai' in Cloud Sea Sect, one must first have served as Sect Master. Then, their cultivation and combat power must be at the peak, their contributions to the Sect great, and their virtue beyond reproach. Only then, under the witness of the entire Sect, can they be granted the title 'Yun Hai'."
"Oh? And the current Yun Hai Zhēnzūn?"
"Since the previous Yun Hai Zhēnzūn ascended, no one in the Sect has met the requirements to take the name."
"So this title isn't automatically passed down. One must qualify for it?"
"That's right."
"And its function?"
"The Yun Hai Zhēnzūn is the foremost of all Zhēnzūn within the Cloud Sea Sect. They can represent the Sect as a whole, mobilize any cultivator or resource within, and serve in the council of nine Zhēnzūn from various sects who decide the future of Lingyun Continent."
Jian Dan understood immediately. Such a title represented not only cultivation and status, but also authority enough to shape the entire continent. No wonder Hai Yan cared so much.
"Does the Heavenly Sword Sect have such a title?" she asked casually.
"Yes."
Her interest piqued, Jian Dan asked, "Who holds the Tian Jian title now? Have I met them?"
"Since its founding, the Heavenly Sword Sect has had only three holders of the 'Tian Jian' title — the founding Ancestor and two successors who elevated the Sect to the pinnacle of the Daoist path. The title has not been granted in this generation."
Jian Dan thought for a moment.
"When I was granted the title Jian Lu by Zhēnzūn, if I reach the Mahayana stage, my title will automatically rise to Tian Lu, while Senior Brother Jian Li's will become Tian Li. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Zūnshàng, exactly so."
Satisfied, Jian Dan returned to the topic.
"Dig deeper into this Hai Yan. Once you have the details, compile them for me so I can report to Tian Yun Zhēnzūn. She may recognize him."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. But given how long ago this was, I might have to use Cloud Sea Sect's hidden agents."
Jian Dan waved him off.
"No need to mobilize them. Those agents take years to cultivate. Unless it's absolutely necessary, don't use them."
"Yes, I will look into other channels first."
"Good."
With that matter decided, Jian Dan picked up another jade slip. After reading it, her brows knit together.
"Of the cultivators I took to the grand tournament, only the Golden Core ones have returned in disguise to patrol our territory. Why are there still two squads that haven't come back?"
"Zūnshàng, both squads previously sent messages back to the Sect, and Heavenly Sword Sect outposts along their path confirmed their movements. But two days ago, we lost contact with both. The last sighting was in Yaoguang City."
"Both squads disappeared in the same place?"
"Yes. I've already sent the Intelligence Division to investigate. We should have an answer in a few days."
"What did the Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators stationed in Yaoguang City say?"
"They claimed both squads entered the city, but left one after the other after completing inspections."
"They're lying."
Jian Dan tossed the jade slip onto the desk and glanced at Jian Sheng.
Jian Ning returned from delivering orders just in time to see Jian Lu Zūnshàng's gesture and exchanged a look with Jian Sheng.
"Jian Ning, send the Tracking Hall to locate the two squads. Jian Sheng, send Jian Gui to Yaoguang City. Detain everyone at the outpost for questioning — something may be wrong there."
Jian Dan frowned. She couldn't tell whether this was the work of evil cultivators or if the insect race had successfully infiltrated again.
"Yue Liang!"
"Here, Zūnshàng!"
With a flicker, Yue Liang appeared in front of Jian Dan, tail swaying.
"I have a task for you. Go with Jian Gui to Yaoguang City and see if there's anything wrong at the outpost."
She gave Yue Liang a deliberate wink. The little beast understood instantly — she was to check if any split souls had taken control of Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators. She nodded vigorously.
Jian Dan turned back to Jian Sheng.
"The Fu family matter tied up too many people. Now, execute those who must be executed, release those who can be released, then reassign the rest. Check the defenses of the Nine Inner Peaks again. This time, no need for secrecy — inform the high-level cultivators on each peak and have them join the search."
"Yes, understood."
Jian Sheng and Jian Ning bowed.
Jian Dan smiled.
"We've known each other for a long time. My way of handling matters might differ from Senior Brother Jian Li's, but my starting point is always the Sect. I won't betray the Zhēnzūn's trust in me."
"Understood!"
"If I make a wrong decision, you're free to speak up. I take advice well."
"Yes!"
"Yue Liang needs to get ready. I'll prepare something for her. Jian Gui can collect her from Tianyue Peak later."
She rose to her feet, and Yue Liang leapt to her shoulder, giving the two men a small salute.
"Zūnshàng, the Law Enforcement Hall has a temporary residence for the Hall Master. You could move in for convenience."
Jian Ning suggested.
"Heh, you're afraid I'll slack off, so you want me under your nose in the main hall every day?" Jian Dan gave them both a pointed look.
"We wouldn't dare." Both denied it in unison, smiles tugging at their lips.
"See? You even deny it the same way."
Jian Dan waved them off with a chuckle.
"No need to waste your breath persuading me. It's better to keep work and personal time separate. I'll stay on my own peak. Come find me at Tianyue Peak if it's urgent."
She strolled toward the exit. The guards outside bowed as she passed, but with a flick of her sleeve she vanished from the steps.
Jian Sheng glanced back at the pile of jade slips on the desk and shook his head helplessly. Jian Ning chuckled softly.
"Senior Brother, Jian Lu Zūnshàng has just taken office. Don't push her too hard or she might just drop everything and leave you to clean up."
"I wouldn't dare."
"Don't worry. She knows what's urgent and has already made clear arrangements. Let's focus on finishing our tasks so we can report back."
"Come on. I think we should suggest she appoint a few more people to follow her orders directly."
"Agreed."