"Are we certain there's something wrong with all of their Wind-Fixing Pearls?"
"Zhūnzhǔ, the Jia family is cunning. They're also afraid of being implicated if something goes wrong, so not every Wind-Fixing Pearl they sold contains a Black Armored Insect."
"Hmph. That makes them even more detestable. Let me guess, for every three or four pearls sold, one is problematic? And the buyers are all influential figures."
Jian Wu couldn't help but admire Jian Dan's sharp instincts.
"Exactly as you say. That's how they operate. As soon as your message was delivered, Jian Sheng discovered the connection and reported it immediately to Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ."
"Did Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ go in person?"
"Yes."
"Then there's no need to worry. With Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ handling things personally, and considering Peng Wang Zhūnzhǔ's concern for reputation, the matter with the Jia family will be thoroughly dealt with."
Jian Wu nodded in agreement, then proceeded to report on the follow-up from Heifeng Ravine:
"After Heifeng Ravine was cleared, only our Heavenly Sword Sect and the Loose Cultivator Alliance were made aware. Thanks to your timely warning, the Alliance suffered no losses. To coordinate with Yunling City's actions, we haven't yet spread news about the secrets within the Heifeng Ravine Pearls."
"Good. Don't spread it just yet. When Yunling City begins their operation, send word about the faulty pearls to every cultivator who's traded with the Jia family. Make sure we have people monitoring them closely."
"Are you trying to alert the snake in order to strike it?"
"Exactly. Right now, we can't be sure who exactly holds the problematic pearls, or if the holders are already under some form of control. This is the only way forward."
"Understood. I'll see to it immediately."
"Also, report this to Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ. If we coordinate well with the cultivators from Yunling City and deploy our forces properly, we might be able to eliminate two threats at once."
"Yes."
Knowing the urgency of the situation, Jian Wu immediately sent a message to Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ, detailing Jian Dan's analysis and the intent behind their actions.
The reply from Jian Li Zhūnzhǔ was brief: "Coordinate manpower and move with the Yunling City cultivators."
When Jian Dan heard this, she waved her hand at Jian Wu.
"Go make the arrangements. I've nothing else on my end. Once you're done, we can talk about Jian Yu."
Jian Wu bowed and left, already dreading what was to come. As he walked, he rubbed his ears. He'd known he wouldn't escape that topic.
Before he even left the summit, Jian Wu ran into Bian Qikang. Seeing Jian Wu descending the mountain, Bian Qikang quickly stepped forward.
"Greetings, Jian Wu Jūnshàng."
"You're here to see Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ?"
Jian Wu asked casually. It was obvious he'd been waiting there for a while.
"Yes. Qian Wanguan Zhūnzhǔ from the Loose Cultivator Alliance brings a formal letter and wishes to meet with the Zhūnzhǔ."
"Then go inform her."
"At once."
Jian Wu used Shrinking Ground Technique to vanish from Yunyin Peak.
"Zhūnzhǔ, this is a visiting letter from the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Qian Wanguan requests an audience."
Jian Dan barely glanced at the dazzling golden letter Bian Qikang presented. She didn't even bother accepting it, simply nodded.
Bian Qikang understood and left. Moments later, Qian Wanguan strolled up the peak with a wide stance.
"Jian Lu Daoyou, it's such a challenge to get a moment with you!"
With a casual chuckle, Qian Wanguan made himself at home, sitting in the jade seat Jian Wu had just vacated.
"You're the one who's always busy, Qian Daoyou. I imagine the harvest from Heifeng Ravine was quite fruitful this time?"
Jian Dan smiled warmly in return. Qian Wanguan laughed and waved it off.
"Ah, we owe it all to you, Jian Lu Daoyou. Just a modest haul, nothing much. Mainly to boost morale among our participants."
"With someone like you leading them, morale wouldn't be a problem."
"You're too kind. Actually, I came to thank you. Your warning about the Wind-Fixing Pearls came just in time."
"Qian Zhūnzhǔ, don't spread the news about the faulty Wind-Fixing Pearls just yet."
"That..."
Qian Wanguan hesitated. Something this serious should be reported to all sects promptly, or it could lead to disaster.
"Those who need to know already know. We're about to act, so for now, the information stays contained."
Jian Dan offered a brief explanation.
"I see. Understood. I'll report this to the Zhēnzūn directly on our end. We'll wait until your operation concludes before saying anything further."
"Then I thank you, Qian Daoyou."
"Not at all. I've always admired how upright you are. I hoped we could become friends."
"Why not? Here's my personal token and a transmission jade slip. You're always welcome at the Heavenly Sword Sect."
Qian Wanguan beamed even brighter. His goal had been achieved, and Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ turned out to be much more approachable than expected.
The two chatted pleasantly for a bit longer, until Bian Qikang returned to deliver another message.
"Zhūnzhǔ, a cultivator from Yunhai Sect is requesting an audience. He calls himself Peerless Young Master."
"Peerless Young Master?"
Jian Dan's smile remained unchanged. She turned to Qian Wanguan.
"Qian Daoyou, looks like today is busy. We'll have to postpone that drink."
"No worries. We'll run into each other again during the competition. I should get back and check on those rascals from the Loose Cultivator Alliance anyway. I'll take my leave."
As Qian Zhūnzhǔ departed, he passed by Han Pengfei from Cloud Sea Sect. Han Pengfei wore a sea-blue robe embroidered with subtle patterns of auspicious clouds and crashing waves.
"Greetings, Qian Zhūnzhǔ."
Qian Wanguan gave a nod. He recognized the younger cultivator.
This one was a junior from Cloud Sea Sect, under Yun Yun Zhēnzūn. Currently at mid-stage Divine Transformation, Han Pengfei had made a name for himself in the cultivation world.
This visit was to reconnect with Jian Dan. Yun Yun Zhēnzūn also encouraged him to form strong bonds with trustworthy allies.
Han Pengfei had first met Jian Dan during the Violet-Grade Secret Realm trials. They'd faced several trials together and forged a sword from Blackstone, which now served as his natal weapon.
"Han Pengfei greets Jian Lu Zhūnzhǔ."
Jian Dan nodded and used spiritual energy to lift him up gently.
"Peerless Young Master, we're old friends. No need for all that formality."
Han Pengfei gave a bright smile.
"This is the first proper meeting we've had since we parted in the Chilang Secret Realm."
"True. I was rushing back on a mission last time and didn't get the chance to speak with you properly."
"From the way you hurried, it was obvious."
Han Pengfei paused for a beat.
"Honestly, I was shocked. I thought by the next time we met, I'd have caught up to your cultivation level. But instead, you've left me far behind."
"Nothing to be proud of. If you'd cultivated for a thousand years, you'd be at this stage too."
Jian Dan gave a helpless smile.
Han Pengfei was stunned. It had only been a century since they'd last met. How could she have cultivated for a thousand years?
"I went out training and got trapped in a minor realm. The flow of time there was different. I was stuck nearly a thousand years, and only escaped after breaking through."
"So that's what happened. When I saw you at the entrance to the mortal realm last time, that must have been just after you escaped."
"Exactly."
"Then your cultivation was well-earned, not easily gained."
"Since you're here today, it actually saves me some trouble."
Jian Dan handed him a jade slip.
"This concerns a heretic I encountered in Tianyue City. Since that's Cloud Sea Sect territory, I figured you might investigate further."
"You dealt with them?"
"No. I only destroyed one of their clones."