When Jian Dan returned to the cave dwelling, Yu Zongfan was in the middle of swinging his sword, practicing the basic forms of the Nine Forms of the Heavenly Sword. Beside him, Bai Bai was sharpening his claws on a rock. Both man and mouse were wearing the "Weighted Rings" Jian Dan had given them, which made every swing of sword or claw a little more taxing.
Yu Zongfan had been brought to Tian Yue Peak three days ago, personally escorted by Steward Yu Yuanhai.
That very day, Yu Yuanhai had sent word back to the family that Jian Lu Zūnshàng had accepted Yu Zongfan as a registered disciple and would personally oversee his instruction. The Yu Family's Ancestor, along with Zongfan's parents, had been overjoyed. This was not only Zongfan's great fortune, but also a stroke of luck for the entire clan.
Yu Yuanhai had even arranged for others to take over his duties for a few days so he could personally escort Zongfan back to the clan. There, under his protection, Zongfan consumed a special body-tempering medicine Jian Dan had bestowed—a brew that washed the muscles and cleansed the marrow.
Yu Zongfan had endured those three grueling days with clenched teeth, and the result was remarkable: his cultivation had dropped straight to the mid-stage of Qi Refining.
The Yu Family's Ancestor examined him and found that nearly all impurities in Zongfan's body had been purged, and his meridians were now twice as wide as before.
The drop in cultivation was easy to explain. It was like pouring the same amount of water into a teacup versus a sea bowl—naturally, the level would not be the same.
Zongfan himself felt his body far lighter. Even his basic Five Element spells flowed more smoothly. He knew this was all a gift from his master. Since arriving at Tian Yue Peak, he had behaved impeccably, completing every bit of training Jian Dan assigned without complaint.
Under the banyan tree, Jian Dan beckoned to Bai Bai. The little fellow, knowing his master's master was a generous patron, scampered over at once.
With a sharp thud, Bai Bai tripped mid-run and sprawled flat on the ground. He had forgotten about the Weighted Ring on his body, thinking himself still light as a feather—only to be dragged down by the extra weight.
"Heh!" Jian Dan chuckled without mercy. Yun Juan and Yun Shu both covered their mouths, trying not to laugh. Yu Zongfan simply looked away from his spirit pet in embarrassment. He had discovered that Bai Bai was a shameless little turncoat, now shamelessly currying favor with his master.
Ignoring Bai Bai's mishap, Zongfan continued his sword practice until he had finished his daily quota.
Bai Bai picked himself up, shook out his fur, then scrambled onto the jade table beside Jian Dan. Panting lightly, he looked at her with beady black eyes.
Jian Dan smiled. "You'll need to keep wearing that Weighted Ring for a while. That drop of Undiying Liquid has awakened your bloodline, but you haven't fully absorbed it yet. Only once it's completely absorbed will you be able to return to your snowy-white fur. Understood?"
Bai Bai pressed his front paws together, bowing, then nodded earnestly.
Just then, Yu Zongfan finished his practice and stepped forward to salute. "Greetings, Master."
"Hmm. Have you been soaking in the body-tempering decoction I prescribed?"
"Yes. The decoction you prepared has been very effective, Master. It's cleared my meridians and even opened some of the smaller ones, allowing me to store more spiritual power."
"Good. Your body has nearly recovered these past few days. Tomorrow, you'll come with me to attend class at the 'Boy's Hall'. Since you're now my registered disciple, I'll arrange quarters for you on Jian Yue Peak so you can cultivate here from now on."
"Yes, Master."
Yu Yuanhai had no objections. With his current Qi Refining cultivation, he wouldn't dare boast publicly about being Jian Lu Zūnshàng's disciple. Strength should speak for itself.
"Also, your Bai Bai will be lent to the Law Enforcement Hall for a few days to help locate a spirit stone vein. This will count as a mission for you, and you'll receive the sect contribution points for it."
Zongfan exchanged a few words with Bai Bai, then cupped his hands to Jian Dan. "Bai Bai says he has no problem and will complete the mission."
The boy's youthful face was set with determination as he accepted the task.
"Don't worry, Bai Bai will disguise himself so his talent isn't revealed."
Feng Ting hurried over to the banyan tree, saluted, and reported, "Zhēnzūn, Jian He (Cao Chenfeng) Jūnshàng has arrived."
Jian Dan nodded. "Invite him in."
Jian Gui entered in a white Daoist robe, a jade crown holding up his hair. His elegance was striking. At his waist hung only a jade sword pendant and a storage ring—no other ornamentation.
"Greetings, Jian Lu Zūnshàng."
"No need for formality. You'll be joining members of the Tracking Hall to locate a mid-grade spirit vein. I've found you a small helper."
She nudged Bai Bai forward. Jian He's star-bright eyes swept over the little mouse, who promptly clasped his paws and bowed.
"This is Zong Fan's spirit pet. He's adept at treasure-seeking. Take him with you to locate the vein and mark it for the Tracking Hall to handle."
"Yes, I accept the order."
With the official matters done, Jian Dan asked casually, "Your breakthrough to late-stage Divine Transformation went smoothly?"
"Thanks to your blessing, Zūnshàng, I received a wisp of golden karmic light. The breakthrough went well."
Jian He was as succinct as ever. Jian Dan had Zongfan bid Bai Bai farewell before sending the mouse off with Jian He.
Seeing Zongfan's reluctant gaze, she smiled. "Don't worry. Bai Bai is clever and knows how to take care of himself. This will be a good experience for him. One day, you'll also have to leave my protection to temper yourself outside."
"Yes, Zūnshàng. I understand… it's just, ever since Bai Bai was born, we've never been apart."
He sounded a little childish, absently rubbing the hem of his robe.
"Separation is common among cultivators. Even the closest friends or family members may spend years apart as they follow their own cultivation paths. Being apart now is for a better reunion later."
"Thank you for the guidance, Master. I understand."
His young face grew solemn as he bowed. Jian Dan accepted the salute with a nod. "Cultivation requires balance. You've completed today's tasks—go circulate your qi through one full great cycle and smooth your meridians."
"Yes, Master."
Knowing his time on Tianyue Peak was limited, Yu Zongfan immediately returned to his temporary quarters.
On his first day here, Bai Bai had been thrilled. She'd told Zong Fan that the spiritual energy here was even richer than in the Yu Family Ancestor's cave and urged him to seize the chance to cultivate.
Before coming, Zong Fan had traveled home with Yu Yuanhai and privately asked Bai Bai how she had dared to run straight up to Jian Lu Zūnshàng. Bai Bai's explanation was blunt:
"Zūnshàng's body was shining with golden light, and treasures gave off a glow so bright it almost blinded me. Of course I had to hurry over and see what they were. It was the brightest treasure light I've ever seen since I was born."
Zong Fan could only tap her on the forehead with a sigh. "I knew you were a little money-grubber, too lazy to walk anywhere, yet this time you went bouncing over yourself."
Then, with a trace of lingering fear, he added, "Bai Bai, you were reckless. We were lucky it was Master, who doesn't covet your talent or need you to find treasures. If it had been another high-level cultivator, what if you'd been captured? I couldn't have saved you."
Bai Bai scratched her head with a paw, admitting her fault. "You're right, Master. This was my mistake. Zūnshàng has already taught me a lesson. I won't do it again."
"You little rascal, you got a benefit and still play the victim. She didn't punish you—she gave you good things. I think part of your bloodline awakened again."
"Hee hee, Bai Bai is adorable. Zūnshàng wouldn't bear to hurt me. I'll listen to you and her from now on, cultivate well, and keep a low profile. Then I'll ascend to the Immortal Realm with you."
"Good. It's a deal."