"It's thanks to Hao Meng from the Nine Fiends Hall. While chasing after the cultivator who framed him, he ended up running right into our Heavenly Sword Sect's territory."
The voice inside the hall was soft and pleasant, recounting the matter in broad strokes. It sounded calm, yet the danger beneath those words was something even Lu Xuanyuan could sense.
"You acted decisively, preventing yet another disaster from befalling the Lingyun Continent."
Zi Huan praised sincerely.
"Zhēnzūn overpraises."
After Zi Huan Zhēnzūn finished speaking, it was Jian Dan's turn to ask a question.
"Zhēnzūn, I wonder, how long can that spatial rift hold out?"
"Senior Sister Zi Qing reinforced it with the Law of Space. It can last another month."
"If that's the case, then once our sect's cultivators gather, can we enter first?"
"That's not impossible, but if you wait until the other sects arrive, going in together will give you a greater chance of success."
"The fact that the rift already needed reinforcement from Zhēnzūn proves how unstable it is. The longer we wait, the greater the risk. What if it closes on its own?"
Jian Dan smiled as she countered, rejecting the suggestion in a roundabout way.
The moment Zi Huan heard her reasoning, he knew she wasn't someone easy to sway. Without pressing further, he simply turned to Lu Xuanyuan.
"These few days, if you're free, keep Senior Jian Lu Zūnshàng company."
"Yes, Ancestor."
Lu Xuanyuan responded obediently. Zi Huan then flickered away, vanishing from the welcoming hall.
Jian Dan casually handed her magnolia sword token to Lu Xuanyuan, smiling.
"You've got your own matters to handle. No need to stay with me every day. Once the Heavenly Sword Sect disciples arrive, just let me know."
"Yes, Zūnshàng, don't worry. Xuanyuan will keep an eye on things at all times."
Lu Xuanyuan rubbed his hands in delight as he accepted her token. After examining it carefully, he stored it in his ring, bowed deeply, and excused himself.
That very afternoon, before the Heavenly Sword Sect's group arrived, Qian Wanguan and Kuang Dao showed up instead.
Qian Wanguan, folding fan in hand and round face full of smiles, bowed from afar.
"Greetings to Jian Lu Zūnshàng!"
"Elder Qian, what brings you here?"
Jian Dan nodded and gestured for him to sit, asking with a smile.
"I received notice from the Purple Sky Sect. The Loose Cultivator Alliance will also be sending people into the rift to investigate. It wouldn't be right if I didn't come and take a look myself."
Seeing her accept his bow, Qian Wanguan finally sat down. Behind him, Kuang Dao, dressed in black battle garb, saluted respectfully before standing behind his master.
With just one glance, Jian Dan saw Kuang Dao had already advanced to the Divine Soul stage. His aura of blades was sharper than ever, breaking past the fate of his last life.
"Your disciple's cultivation has improved. Looks like you've invested some effort in him."
"It's all his own work. I'm a spell cultivator, I can't guide him much in blade techniques. His breakthrough this time was really thanks to your Heavenly Sword Sect."
"Oh? How so?"
Jian Dan wasn't in a rush. She leisurely fanned herself and struck up conversation.
Qian Wanguan loved spirit stones and treasures, but he acquired them with some measure of propriety. More importantly, he was smooth yet measured in dealing with people.
And of course, he'd never dare offend a sword cultivator like Jian Lu, whose combat strength was terrifying. She'd advanced faster than even veteran Void Refinement cultivators like him. Naturally, his best option was to befriend her.
"I brought him to your sect's succession ceremony. He poured all his saved-up spirit stones into challenging on the arena stage. Day after day he fought, losing more than he won, but the experience piled up. That's why, when we returned, he succeeded in breaking into the Divine Soul stage during closed-door cultivation."
"So that's it. Looks like Kuang Dao found your sect's arena to his liking."
This time Jian Dan addressed Kuang Dao directly.
"The Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators are all formidable. Sparring with them benefited me greatly. When I returned to the Alliance, Master also gave me his protection, letting me break through to Divine Transformation within his cave."
Kuang Dao replied respectfully, crediting both his sect and his master. Qian Wanguan beamed, pleased to hear such gratitude.
"As long as you've gained something, that's what matters. But it's mainly your master who favored you and nurtured you. Don't forget Elder Qian's kindness."
"Yes, Kuang Dao will repay Master's grace."
Qian Wanguan's smile widened, satisfaction written all over his face.
After some small talk, his expression grew serious as he asked,
"Zūnshàng, do you plan to enter the rift?"
"Yes. I'm waiting for the Heavenly Sword Sect's people. Once they arrive, I'll go in first."
"Isn't that too risky? If the rift collapses, there'll be no way back."
Qian Wanguan frowned. That worry was the very reason he'd rushed over as soon as he heard Jian Lu Zūnshàng was here.
"There are other exits."
Her words were transmitted by voice alone.
Hearing that, Qian Wanguan relaxed visibly.
"You're planning to bring Kuang Dao with you?"
"I came to scout first. The Loose Cultivator Alliance is still quarreling endlessly, too afraid of losing more people. I had no patience for their bickering, so I just brought Kuang Dao along." Qian Wanguan snapped his fan closed, his expression faintly disdainful.
Jian Dan immediately understood the Alliance was riddled with infighting. She offered sincerely,
"Think it over carefully. Once the Heavenly Sword Sect arrives, you can join us when we go in."
That much authority she could give.
"Thank you, Zūnshàng. What do you think?"
He turned to gauge Jian Dan's stance.
"If there's work to do, I'll shoulder it."
Qian Wanguan glanced at Kuang Dao, torn with reluctance. He feared losing a disciple if something went wrong.
Jian Dan only chuckled.
"Elder Qian, your path to the heavens lies on your disciple's shoulders."
Her words struck both master and disciple hard.
She said no more. Just earlier, when Qian Wanguan mentioned entering the rift, their fates shifted, and in a good direction at that.
Kuang Dao had shattered the shackles holding him back at the Divine Soul stage, opening a new trajectory. It looked like this trip into the rift would become an even greater turning point.
"Thank you, Zūnshàng. I'll discuss with my disciple and give you our answer tomorrow."
Jian Dan nodded. Everyone had their own fate. She wouldn't interfere too much. She simply found Qian Wanguan tolerable enough to offer a hint. The rest was up to them.
After they left, her sword token vibrated. A message came through: Senior Brother Jian Mao and his group would arrive at Purple Sky Sect tomorrow.
Qian Wanguan returned to his temporary courtyard with Kuang Dao, laid down restrictions, and motioned for his disciple to sit.
"Disciple, you heard what Jian Lu Zūnshàng said. What's your take?"
Kuang Dao's broad, rugged face turned solemn. He furrowed his brow.
"I think this trip into the rift will definitely yield something. Maybe even a chance to ascend."
"But opportunity always comes with risk."
"I know, Master. That's why I'll enter with Jian Lu Zūnshàng alone. You just wait for my good news."
"You've decided?"
"Yes. If I've got a chance to fight for your path to the heavens, I won't waste it. This is my opportunity too."
Kuang Dao's voice was calm, but his resolve was iron. Every step he'd taken had been earned blade by blade, each chance seized with both hands: the chance to step into the cultivation world, the chance to take a master. This time would be no different.
"Besides, Master, you're an elder of the Loose Cultivator Alliance. You've got plenty to handle. If you're gone, the other elders will definitely fight to take over everything you manage."