Encounter in Tianshu City

He Jintang spotted Jian Dan and Feng Nianyue from a distance, accompanied by his two companions. Though the pair seemed to be smiling pleasantly, he could still sense an invisible clash of blades in the air.

"Senior Brother He, why is Senior Sister Feng getting involved all of a sudden?" Kong Yu asked curiously.

"Probably because someone refused to bow to her—and she didn't get her way," He Jintang replied with a smirk.

Next to him, Cao Chenfeng stood with arms crossed. His sharply contoured face bore no expression, and his voice was hoarse and low. "Enough gossip. Let's not forget why we're here. Let's go."

At that moment, Jian Dan was inwardly sighing, feeling as though the conversation with Feng Nianyue was heading straight toward a dead end. He Jintang's interruption was like music to her ears.

"Junior Brother He."

He Jintang paused when he noticed Jian Dan's cultivation, blinking in mild surprise before smiling again."You already know Senior Sister Feng, so no need for introductions. These two are my fellow disciples for this mission: Kong Yu and Cao Chenfeng of Jianming Peak, one of the Outer Nine Peaks."

Jian Dan cast a glance at the two. Both had reached the late Foundation Establishment stage, their spiritual energy compact and well-contained. It was clear they had cultivated purely through their own efforts, without relying on pills. True powerhouses.

"Greetings, Junior Brothers."

The two exchanged glances before bowing in unison. "Senior Sister Shan."

"Now that we're acquainted, let's head to the market," He Jintang declared, leading the group on their swords toward Tianshu City, the largest settlement beneath the sect's mountain.

At the city gates, cultivators of the Golden Core stage stood guard. The five presented their identity jades as required, inserting them into the open mouths of spirit toads. Their identities verified, they were allowed into the outer city without needing to pay an entrance fee.

Jian Dan gazed at the bustling streets ahead, sensing a rare touch of worldly life. Though nearly all passersby were cultivators—mostly in the Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment stages—there was no shortage of Golden Core cultivators. Tianshu City was at least ten times larger than Tianyue City.

"Junior Brother He, since you're familiar with this place, let's head straight to the 'Hall of Ten Thousand Treasures.' I'm sure we'll find what we need there."

Nodding, He Jintang guided them through the streets. "Tianshu City is the closest to our sect—a key defensive node in the Big Dipper Sword Formation, hence the name. Remember: No fighting. No flying. Break the rules, and you'll regret it."

Jian Dan nodded to show she understood. As He Jintang explained, the group soon arrived at the Hall of Ten Thousand Treasures. A young Qi Refining cultivator at the entrance immediately stepped forward to welcome them.

"Honored seniors, please come in."

Jian Dan didn't bother with formalities. She casually flashed the purple-gold card Feng Nianyue had given her. The young cultivator quickly ran a hand over the jade token at his waist, then personally ushered the group inside.

Just as they entered, a soft, almost delicate voice called out behind them.

"Oh? Isn't that Junior Niece Feng?"

Jian Dan instantly knew that voice was directed at Feng Nianyue.

Feng Nianyue stiffened before forcing a bow. "Greetings, Elder Hua, Senior Brother Kong."

Beside the willow-thin Elder Hua stood Kong Qiankun—the same Golden Core cultivator who'd once tried to crush Jian Dan with his aura.

The group bowed respectfully, while Jian Dan played the inconspicuous bystander, studying her jade token as if it held the secrets of the universe.

"I saw just now that this junior niece had a purple-gold card from True Venerable Tianyun. Did you lend it to her?"

Elder Hua's gaze swept over to Jian Dan, the look in her eyes no different from how one might glance at a piece of trash.

Jian Dan ignored her, keeping her eyes lowered on her identity jade as though fascinated by the faint flower-like pattern etched upon it.

"Yes," Feng Nianyue replied calmly. "I took a liking to one of Shan Yunzu's robes she owned. After she agreed to part with it, I promised her a new one in return. We're here to pick it out."

"Elder Hua, why are you with my senior brother?"

Elder Hua's divine sense coiled toward Jian Dan—only for Cotton Candy on her hairpin to twitch imperceptibly, scattering the probe.

Elder Hua paled, then simpered, "Our families have been discussing a Dao-companion ceremony for us. I asked Qiankun to accompany me for a stroll through Tianshu."

Kong Qiankun's phoenix eyes narrowed. "Elder Hua, that matter isn't finalized. Don't speak presumptuously."

Elder Hua's face whitened further. Clutching her forehead, she whimpered, "I feel… unwell. Might you escort me back?"

Trapped by her theatrics, Kong Qiankun acquiesced. After a few terse words to Feng Nianyue, he left with Elder Hua.

Feng Nianyue stared at their retreating figures, her expression complicated. Sensing the group's curiosity, she suddenly seemed drained. "I'd like to wander alone." With that, she departed.

Jian Dan, still gazing after Feng Nianyue's slightly lonely silhouette, turned to He Jintang and asked an odd question.

"Tell me, would it be more beneficial to form a Dao-companion bond with Senior Sister Feng... or with that Elder Hua?"