A group of young disciples gathered on the deck, peering through the flying ship's defensive shield. They chatted excitedly as they took in the scenery outside, their energy infectious.
Jian Dan sat cross-legged in the main cabin and said to Yu Zongfan standing nearby,
"I have Yu steward here. You should go outside, see the view, and talk with the junior brothers and sisters. You don't need to keep me company."
"Yes, Zūnshàng."
Yu Zongfan bowed to Jian Dan and Yu Yuanhai, then joined the lively crowd on the deck.
"Why didn't you tell me yesterday that you'd be accompanying Zongfan on this trip?" Jian Dan asked Yu Yuanhai.
"Pardon me, Zūnshàng. The clan originally assigned a Divine Transformation cultivator to accompany, but I felt it was not appropriate and declined. In the end, I decided it would be better for me to come along."
"Why was it inappropriate?" Jian Dan smiled.
"Zongfan has officially joined the sect for cultivation and is your registered disciple. Naturally, he should follow sect rules. You arranged for him to train in the Outer Sect so he can progress steadily, not rely on family or masters to take shortcuts."
Jian Dan nodded in approval. Yu Yuanhai continued,
"After joining the sect, it is better for Zongfan to keep some distance from the clan."
Jian Dan raised an eyebrow, impressed by Yu Yuanhai's clear understanding. She spoke slowly,
"Zongfan is lucky to have you as clan elder. You know about the Fu family situation. I won't say more. The sect will never allow a second Fu family to emerge. Zongfan's discipleship benefits the clan but also limits him. He just needs to maintain balance."
"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Zūnshàng."
Yu Yuanhai breathed a sigh of relief, having indirectly clarified the Yu family's stance.
As long as Zongfan is Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ's disciple, the Yu family can rely on him, but they must act discreetly.
Qi Hua entered the main cabin and bowed to Jian Dan.
"Zūnshàng, we just left the Heavenly Sword Sect boundary. We are now heading toward Putuo Mountain, where the Buddhist Sect is located. At the speed of this new flying ship, it should take about five days to arrive."
"Hm. Tell the juniors not to neglect daily cultivation. Once we reach Putuo Mountain, let them train outside the sect for a day."
"Yes."
Qi Hua passed the message to the juniors, causing another round of cheers on the deck.
"They're so full of energy. Seeing these seedlings makes me feel old," Jian Dan sighed.
Qi Hua, overhearing this, quickly flattered her,
"Zūnshàng, you're far from old. With your cultivation, you're in your prime—a delicate flower."
"That sounds good. Say that more often."
Amid their chatter, the Heavenly Sword Sect's flying ship sped toward the Buddhist Sect.
Along with Jian Dan's ship were flying sword letters sent to the Dao Sect, Demon Sect, and beast clans. These contained reports about the discovery of a blood pool cave in the Ziyu Mountain Range.
Heavenly Demon Palace
Palace Master Mo Lie was counting days on his fingers. Mo Su had been secluded for over ten years and was expected to emerge soon. He was considering passing the palace master position to Mo Su so he could focus on cultivating in the back mountains. After all, he had to become a master himself.
Mo Cang Zūnzhǔ entered the main hall holding a flying sword letter.
"Palace Master, just received a flying sword letter from Heavenly Sword Sect. Please take a look."
Mo Lie snapped back to attention, took the letter, and scanned it with spiritual sense. He snorted lightly.
"The attack on Cloud Sea Sect during the Dao Sect competition was definitely done by evil cultivators. They reached far, but Heavenly Sword Sect cut off their claws."
"Yes. I just sent people to inquire. Demon sects like Demonic Sound Gate, Nine Fiends Hall, and Life and Death Pavilion have all received the same flying sword letter. It seems Heavenly Sword Sect is issuing a warning."
"Indeed. We must take it seriously. That thing is very evil. Arrange the Black Robe Guards to investigate the major mountain ranges near Heavenly Demon Palace. If nothing is found, all the better. If it is, eliminate it completely."
"Yes. I will arrange it immediately."
Beast Clan
Bai Jue Zūnzhǔ received the flying sword letter and browsed through it. His handsome face darkened with seriousness.
The beast clans have cultivated in the mountains for generations, unlike humans who have large cities. Each clan has its own territory, often far apart, making them vulnerable to infiltration.
Bai Jue turned to find the Nine-Tailed Beast Lord.
The Nine-Tailed was not in her cave but hanging on a wine fruit tree in the Golden-Eyed Jade Snow Monkey's territory, nursing a hangover.
The Golden-Eyed Jade Snow Monkeys were skilled brewers, making monkey wine from the fruit of the wine fruit tree.
The tree was a treasured possession, guarded by eighth-rank monkey kings. Yet despite heavy protection, the Nine-Tailed Beast Lord had trampled many wine fruits and was now drunk, resting on the tree.
The monkey clan leader had been guarding beneath the tree for nine days, fearing the Nine-Tailed would cause more damage. Silently, the clan harvested all ripe and unripe wine fruits.
When Bai Jue Zūnzhǔ arrived, he saw the scene and twitched the corner of his mouth. Having such a chaotic Beast Lord was no easy matter.
Shaking his head, Bai Jue Zūnzhǔ approached the monkey clan leader.
"I have urgent matters to report to the Beast Lord."
Before Bai Jue finished, the leader said,
"Please take the Beast Lord away quickly."
"You little monkey. Just because I ate a few of your wine fruits, you despise me so much?"
A purple light flashed, and the Nine-Tailed appeared in front of them, looking charming. Her fox eyes glanced at the monkey leader, who immediately bowed and said,
"I dare not!"
"Don't think I don't know what you're cursing inside your heart!"
The Nine-Tailed waved her hand, ignoring it, then asked Bai Jue,
"What's the urgent matter?"
"Please take a look."
The Nine-Tailed took the letter. After reading it, purple light flickered in her eyes and he muttered,
"So that's why I couldn't detect it."
She tossed the letter back to Bai Jue and ordered,
"Send for the Earth Dragon clan leader."
"Yes."
When summoned, the Earth Dragon clan leader bowed to the Nine-Tailed Beast Lord. The Nine-Tailed said directly,
"Tomorrow, I will send messages to the clan leaders across the beast territories. Work with you to comb through the entire beast domain and loosen the soil."
The Earth Dragon leader's small eyes widened in surprise. His clan lived underground, preferring damp and shady environments. Their defense was weak, and they kept to themselves, rarely clashing with others. They were somewhat marginalized.
The Nine-Tailed was too lazy to explain and threw the letter to the leader, who read it and understood the Beast Lord's intentions.
He considered and said,
"Beast Lord, even if our whole clan mobilizes, it will still take a year or two to search all beast territories."
"Time is not the issue. Wherever we find it, I will order cooperation. I will not allow the beast clans to become a blood bank for evil cultivators."
"Beast Lord is wise! Earth Dragon clan is at your service!"
Cloud Sea Sect
Yun Yun Zhēnzūn frowned as she held the flying sword letter, then immediately sought out Yun Tao Senior Brother.
Yun Tao Zhēnzūn appeared from the void outside Yunhai.
"Sister, what is it?"
"Senior Brother, look at this. It's a flying sword letter from Heavenly Sword Sect."
Yun Tao scanned it with spiritual sense. His expression turned colder. After a brief pause, his eyes opened again, filled with indifference.
"Heavenly Sword Sect is sharp. Arrange for a search of all mountain ranges within the sect's territory. Since they know Yunhai well, it's very likely the threat is lurking nearby."
"Yes, Senior Brother. I will handle it immediately."