Sword energy from the Twin Moon Flood Dragon Sword clashed with the red spiritual power of the Scarlet Sun Ribbon. Jian Dan and Du Yanran were both forced three steps back.
The Scarlet Sun Ribbon retracted, coiling tightly around Du Yanran to shield her. With a flirtatious smile, she said to Jian Dan, "You said you entered the cultivation world before me, so how is your cultivation still so low?"
"Oh? And what is my cultivation, exactly? You're only at mid-stage Golden Core. What gives you the right to speak?"
"You think things will go smoothly for you now that you've escaped me? Let me tell you—it's impossible. In our past life, you were my stepping stone, and in this life, you still are!"
Her words were answered by a strike from Jian Dan's sword, cloaked in chaotic spiritual energy. The sword aura had condensed into a blade three zhang long, its surface wrapped in the gray mist of primordial chaos. When it slashed down, Du Yanran's eyes widened in shock. She was split in two and vanished into a cloud of red mist.
Far away in the lower realm, where Du Yanran was cultivating in preparation to form her Foundation, her spiritual energy suddenly became chaotic. Her technique rebounded on her, turning her face pale as she collapsed on her meditation cushion.
The Twin Moon Flood Dragon Sword in Jian Dan's hand was a true magical artifact. But it could not withstand the pressure of the chaotic spiritual energy she had summoned for the first time. The twin blades dulled, coated in a faint gray haze, their brilliance dimmed.
Jian Dan narrowed her bright eyes slightly. What kind of formation was this? It had managed to reflect the inner demon hidden deep in her heart. One of the reasons she had entered the cultivation world early was indeed to sever ties with Du Yanran.
Back when she reached mid-stage Foundation Establishment, deep in the Shennongjia region of the lower realm, they had met again. Jian Dan had already developed the intention to kill. Her attack back then had been merciless, but at the critical moment—just before she struck the final blow—her heart had jolted with unease, as if fate itself was warning her. She was forced to hold back and only inflicted serious injuries on Du Yanran, venting her rage but failing to end it once and for all.
"This junior is decisive. To face her heart demon and cut it down with a single sword... now that's the spirit of a true disciple of Tianjian Sect," said Jian Fan Zūnzhě, the one presiding over the formation.
Jian Jun Zūnzhǔ wore his usual warm and refined expression, gently waving the folding fan in his hand. "Indeed impressive. At Foundation Establishment Perfection, she managed to join forces with three fellow disciples in late-stage Foundation Establishment and cripple a Golden Core junior from the Hua Clan."
"Looks like the Enforcement Hall will be gaining some promising new blood. The young ones this time are all quite good."
"Agreed. Among the disciples from the outer nine peaks, the ones from Jian Yue Peak, Jian Ming Peak, Jian Yu Peak, and Jian Zhen Peak all show great potential."
"Let's watch the final round before drawing conclusions."
Jian Dan exited the formation and found herself standing before a mist-shrouded mountain. Deep within, the roar of spirit beasts echoed faintly. Before she could study her surroundings further, a glowing orb shot toward her. She raised a hand and caught it. In her palm, the orb revealed the characters "Yin Ding."
"Use the number to locate the other members of your team," a Nascent Soul Zhēnjūn nearby instructed.
At the time, the open space at the mountain's base was still relatively empty. Clearly, many cultivators were still undergoing their heart demon trial.
Jian Dan looked around. Seeing no familiar faces, she didn't bother asking questions. Instead, she gathered spiritual energy and projected the words "Yin Ding" above her head, waiting for others with matching numbers to approach.
Several nearby Golden Core cultivators saw her actions and found the method useful, following suit. Soon after, some teams had assembled. Some had five people, others eight, and even some with ten.
Once a team had gathered, the number spheres in their hands merged into a single mission jade slip. The team leader examined it briefly, then led the group up the mountain without further delay.
Jian Dan waited patiently. Before long, a familiar face approached—sharp features, same impassive expression.
"Shan Zhēnrén, Cao Chenfeng of Jian Ming Peak, outer sect disciple, reporting to join the team."
"Hm. Welcome. I don't see Kong Shizhi?"
"I didn't spot him among the successful candidates."
"Senior Brother Cao, you're in this team too?" came a delighted female voice from behind him.
As she drew closer, Jian Dan saw a tall, confident woman in moon-white robes. A jade pendant shaped like a sword hung at her waist. Her presence was striking and commanding. Her tone was direct, but the moment she saw Jian Dan, she grew serious and bowed with cupped fists.
"Jin Liuli of Tianhua Peak, inner sect disciple. Greetings, Zhēnrén."
"Hm. My name is Shan Yunzu. We're from the same sect, no need to be so formal."
In the cultivation world, strength was the ultimate standard. Whether one was inner or outer sect mattered less than actual cultivation. Jin Liuli could sense that Shan Zhēnrén's aura was calm and refined, with balanced spiritual power. Her foundation was clearly solid, and her strength not to be underestimated.
"Zhang Xuefeng of Jian Yue Peak, outer sect disciple, greets Zhēnrén."
A young man in blue robes bowed respectfully. Jian Dan gave him a brief glance, remembering that this was the same outer sect disciple at the peak of the Qi Refining stage who had once given her a friendly warning in the Scripture Pavilion.
She nodded in acknowledgment and told him to rest nearby. With most teams now heading up the mountain, Jian Dan remained unhurried. She allowed everyone to introduce themselves while waiting for the remaining teammates to arrive.
"Apologies for the wait!"