Han Lian moved to intercept Yun Chen Fózǐ, then glanced toward Yun Xi with a smile and asked: "Yun Chen, what brings you to find my brother? His cultivation is on par with mine, so seeking me is the same."
Yun Chen recited a chant before replying helplessly: "Amitabha! In that case, I leave it to you, Han Lian Daoyou."
Then he turned his attention toward Yun Xi.
Yun Xi, understanding the situation, swiftly moved to Yun Chen's side. Yun Chen introduced her: "Feng Xiaoyou, this is Han Lian Zhēnjūn of the Jihan Sect from the Northern Domain. Her cultivation surpasses mine."
Yun Xi immediately cupped her hands and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Han Lian Zhēnjūn. I am Feng Xiyun of Haoran Sect. During the secret realm exploration, I discovered traces of evil cultivators."
It took her half the time of a small incense stick to explain the full context before she looked at Han Lian Zhēnjūn.
Han Lian Zhēnjūn's appearance matched her name: aloof yet noble, radiating a cold aura. Her spiritual root and cultivation method seemed tied to this chill, and only when facing Yun Chen Fózǐ did she show the slightest smile.
After hearing Yun Xi's explanation, Han Lian Zhēnjūn's icy eyes scanned her. A hint of a smile curved her lips: "Unexpected for a young Golden Core like you to have such skill. You actually managed to capture a disciple of Jihan Sect alive."
Yun Xi pondered, realizing this was protective pride. Still, she replied respectfully: "Zhēnjūn, I also believe Jihan Sect disciples are not so easily bested. This person is likely an evil cultivator in disguise, intending to stir conflict among the Five Domains' major sects. That is why I ask you to verify. Evil cultivators may mimic appearance, aura, and attacks, but they cannot imitate Jihan Sect's unique cultivation techniques."
Han Lian's gaze softened slightly. She said: "Then release him."
"Yes, Zhēnjūn."
Yun Xi bowed respectfully, then waved her sleeve to release the Jihan Sect cultivator restrained in her portable medicinal garden. The moment he hit the ground, he awakened, only restrained by the bindings that had prevented him from acting sooner.
Realizing his precarious situation, he shouted: "Han Lian Zhēnjūn, save me!"
Han Lian's expression remained unchanged; she merely nodded toward Yun Xi.
Yun Xi understood, waving her sleeve to undo the bindings. The male cultivator sprang up in a perfect flip and bowed respectfully: "Han Lian Zhēnjūn, I am Zhao Sinan of Hanshu Peak."
Han Lian's eyes were calm: "So it is Zhao Sinan. You serve as elder at Hanshu Peak and entered the new secret realm to break through to Nascent Soul?"
"Yes."
Backed by Han Lian Zhēnjūn, Zhao Sinan looked at Yun Xi with less friendly eyes and spoke loudly.
Yun Xi paid no mind. This was just a preliminary confirmation that the Jihan Sect had a Golden Core elder. It did not prove his innocence, nor rule out his potential as an evil cultivator's accomplice. She remained observant, waiting for Han Lian Zhēnjūn's next question.
"This disciple of Haoran Sect claims you ambushed her to seize the Fei Xu Sands Stone she found. Is that true?"
Zhao Sinan looked embarrassed but replied: "Zhēnjūn, I did indeed seek the same Fei Xu Sands Stone, but exploration in the secret realm relies on skill. It was not theft, only competition. I was outmatched and captured, requiring your intervention."
He added a trace of guilt to his expression.
Yun Xi looked at Zhao Sinan in her mind, giving him a mental thumbs-up. If she had not witnessed the events firsthand, his words would have seemed believable.
Han Lian Zhēnjūn remained composed. Yun Chen Fózǐ twiddled his prayer beads silently, as he had not witnessed the events.
Yun Xi spoke calmly: "Daoyou, if this were merely a dispute over resources, it would be understandable. But your earlier provocative words were excessive. You openly disrespected Western Domain cultivators, as if you wished to trample us underfoot."
Zhao Sinan scoffed: "The Western Domain has fewer cultivation resources than the Northern Domain. Am I wrong?"
Yun Xi snorted coldly: "Fewer resources, yet I still captured you alive. What are you boasting about?"
The remark stung, leaving Zhao Sinan momentarily speechless. He could only look at Han Lian Zhēnjūn for support.
Han Lian Zhēnjūn extended a white orb into Zhao Sinan's dantian. His body stiffened, and he looked at his Zhēnjūn in surprise.
"Zhēnjūn, this is—"
Without further explanation, Han Lian withdrew the orb and said to Yun Xi: "Feng Daoyou, he is indeed a disciple of Jihan Sect."
Yun Xi raised an eyebrow: "Since he is truly an Jihan Sect cultivator, my judgment was wrong. I thank Zhēnjūn for verifying."
She pulled a jade pendant from her waist and projected it to Han Lian, speaking calmly: "This records the encounter and duel with Zhao Sinan. It will show whether the conflict arose from competition over resources or his unilateral provocation. Zhēnjūn can judge for herself."
Yun Xi had prepared for this verification. If the situation backfired, she could have become a target, as every cultivator entering the secret realm had three or five hidden cards. She had purchased multiple jade recording pendants from the Xia family during her worldly training with Xia You. Originally for defense against Wei Yunqing, they now served to prove her point.
The jade pendant caused Zhao Sinan's expression to change briefly, then return to normal. He bowed his head, as if caught in wrongdoing.
After reviewing the jade pendant, Han Lian returned it and said: "Conflicts over secret realm resources are based on skill. He was caught due to his own inadequacy. I have nothing to say, but since you and Yun Chen brought him here, I will spare his life as a courtesy."
Yun Xi rehung the pendant at her waist and bowed politely: "Zhēnjūn, your courtesy is appreciated. Since you have spoken, I will comply."
With that, she requested permission to leave. Upon approval, she vanished from the pear blossom grove. Yun Chen Fózǐ recited a chant and followed closely.
Once Yun Xi and the Fózǐ left, Han Lian turned to Zhao Sinan. He immediately knelt and said: "Please punish me, Zhēnjūn. My skill is lacking, and I was captured by Haoran Sect. I underestimated them and spoke arrogantly, giving them the opportunity to seize the advantage, causing Zhēnjūn embarrassment."
Before he could finish, his body was uncontrollably pulled forward toward Han Lian Zhēnjūn.
Her expression was truly icy. Her slender hand slowly hovered above Zhao Sinan's head.
===
To be honest, I'm not completely sure about 佛子 (Fózǐ), or "Buddha Son." I have a rough idea about what an Abbot is, but Fózǐ is a bit confusing to me. From what I can tell, it seems to refer to a leader of the younger generation—kind of similar in status to a true disciple in a sect, but in a monastery setting, I think? I'm not entirely certain.
If anyone knows more about Fózǐ, feel free to leave a comment down below! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧