A Moment of Respite

Jian Dan had been in the Heavenly Sword Sect's outer sect for some time now. When she first arrived with Jian Ning Zhēnjūn, a minor figure like her wasn't important enough to meet the sect master. Instead, a Golden Core cultivator guided her through the entry procedures.

Holding the green sword-shaped jade token of an outer disciple, Jian Dan was quite satisfied.

The palm-sized jade pendant was engraved with a basic defensive formation capable of blocking a single strike from a Golden Core cultivator. It also served as a communication device for the sect.

Jian Dan had been assigned to Jian Yue Peak, one of the Nine Outer Peaks. Thanks to the Purple-Heart Fruit she had presented, her entry was considered a special recommendation.

To its credit, the Heavenly Sword Sect was relatively fair. They granted her the official status of an outer disciple, exempted her from three years of sect duties, and even credited her with a thousand contribution points. Moreover, she was given one opportunity to enter the Sword Tomb and choose a sword.

Jian Dan spent several leisurely days in her cave dwelling on Jian Yue Peak, finally loosening the tension she had carried since arriving in the Lingyuan Continent. She slept soundly for three whole days before resuming her daily cultivation.

Just as she completed a full cycle of the Primordial Chaos Art, a man's voice called from outside her cave:

"Junior Sister Shan, are you inside?"

Jian Dan opened her eyes, stood up, and walked toward the entrance. With a wave of her hand, she activated the defensive array, allowing her to see the visitor beyond. 

The male cultivator wore a blue robe, the green sword-shaped jade token of an outer disciple hanging at his waist. His hair was tied in a white jade crown, and a sword rested diagonally across his back.

Since Jian Dan was new, she didn't recognize many fellow disciples. This was her first time meeting this senior brother.

"I am Shan Yunzu," she said with a polite nod. "May I ask what brings Senior Brother here?"

"My apologies for the intrusion. I am He Jintang, also an outer disciple of Jian Yue Peak."

"Well met, Senior Brother He," she said. "What can I do for you?"

"I heard that Junior Sister hails from Luoxia Village, in Xiangyun Town of Tianqing Kingdom?"

"That is indeed where I was born."

"My companions and I have accepted a sect mission in that region. We need someone familiar with the area to serve as a guide. I'd like to invite you to join our team. Of course, we'll register the mission as a joint task. Upon completion, the rewards will be divided according to each person's contribution. What do you think?"

Jian Dan didn't want to reject him outright. Her eyes flickered with thought before she responded, "I'm honored by Senior Brother's invitation. However, I've only just entered the sect and still have some matters to settle. If the mission isn't urgent, could you allow me some time to arrange my affairs before setting out?"

"The mission isn't urgent," He Jintang nodded, handing her a communication talisman. "Here—when you're ready, contact me."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

He Jintang didn't linger. Once the matter was settled, he left.

"Really, can't they let me rest? I just entered the sect, and already I'm being watched."

Jian Dan hadn't made any moves these past few days, nor had she entered her space. In the secret realm, she had been surrounded by people, making it inconvenient. Now, she had her own cave dwelling, but the monitoring divine sense trailing her hadn't disappeared.

She understood why.

Her entry into the sect was essentially a "donation slot," not through official recruitment. She was a rogue cultivator with no recognized background—her identity and past remained unverified. Most importantly, she had returned from the secret realm unscathed after being ambushed. Whether she bore any hidden threats was anyone's guess.

The fact that she was assigned a remote cave dwelling revealed the sect's cautious stance.

Still, Jian Dan didn't mind. A major sect like this had to consider many variables, and it was wise to root out danger early.

They likely thought she had been behaving herself, with no signs of trying to leave the sect. So they arranged this sect mission—an excuse to send her out legitimately.

Whether she'd complete the mission or survive to return... that would be up to fate.

On the fourth day, Jian Dan changed into the pale blue outer disciple robes, fastened her identity jade, and finally left her cave.

Lu Mingyi, the Golden Core cultivator from the Law Enforcement Hall assigned to monitor her, immediately spread his divine sense to follow her.

Jian Dan strolled leisurely toward the Outer Sect Affairs Hall, maintaining the graceful demeanor of an immortal. She wanted to check the mission details first. Each of the outer nine peaks had its own Affairs Hall, all interconnected. Thus, missions posted by the sect could be seen and accepted by any disciple from the nine peaks. High-reward, easy missions were snatched up the moment they appeared—speed was key.

Entering the hall, she was greeted by a three-zhang-long white jade wall displaying constantly updating mission notices.

Examples included:

Guard spiritual fields—2 points per day.

Hunt and skin a Lion-Tiger Beast—5 points.

Tend to medicinal gardens.

The hall bustled with disciples, most moving swiftly. Only a few lingered by the jade wall to select missions.

A perceptive Qi Refining attendant approached Jian Dan:

"Greetings, Senior Aunt. I am Lu Se from the Affairs Hall. Are you here to accept or post a mission?"

"I'm preparing for a sect mission outside. I'd like to gather some supplies."

"Understood. May I ask what rank your mission is?"

"Oh? Is there a difference?"

"Missions are categorized into seven ranks: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, and Purple (highest to lowest). Each rank is further divided into eight sub-ranks (Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei) to set time limits—Jia being the shortest, Wei the longest."

"Red missions are for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples. Orange missions are for Golden Core cultivators, Yellow for Nascent Soul masters, and so on up to Unity Stage. Mahayana rarely leave the sect unless for major events."

"Mmm."

As Jian Dan pondered how to inquire about her mission, whispers broke out nearby:

"Look! That's Senior Sister Feng Nianyue, a descendant of Tian Yun Zhēnzūn!"