At the lead bull's low cry, the herd of horned bulls drinking from the stream froze in a brief moment of panic, then gathered quickly around their leader and began to retreat in an orderly fashion.
Jian Dan glanced at the scene and immediately knew the opportunity to hunt had slipped away. The lead bull seemed to have sensed her presence—particularly her—as a threat. It had already signaled the herd to fall back from the stream.
She sighed lightly and turned to Zhang Xuefeng. "Apologies. I may have startled them. They're already pulling back. Let's look for another target."
"Yes, Zhēnrén. If we follow the stream upstream, we're more likely to encounter spirit beasts," Zhang Xuefeng suggested.
"Zhēnrén said to proceed along the path, not to divert just for hunting. That would only slow our progress," Wei Zhengrong immediately objected.
This time, Jian Dan did not ignore him. She gave a small nod, agreeing with his point. The group quickly reached a consensus and resumed their advance.
While probing ahead with her spiritual sense, Jian Dan suddenly detected another selection team. The moment both team leaders' spiritual senses touched, her mission token in the storage pouch began to tremble. She took it out and found a new directive had appeared on its surface:
"When two teams meet, a challenge must be initiated. The winning team receives one point, the losing team receives none. The losing team must disclose their current mission to the winners. The winners may choose to intercept the mission or swap tasks. If the losing team reclaims the mission within three days and completes it, the trial is considered passed. If not, they are disqualified."
Jian Dan couldn't help but marvel at the Enforcement Hall's creativity. This rule was clearly designed to stir the pot and ramp up the difficulty.
With a blink, she saw that the opposing five-person team was already approaching, likely having triggered the same notification.
Jian Dan raised her hand and flicked the token toward Cao Chenfeng. He caught it with slight confusion but scanned it with his spiritual sense. After reading the new message, he passed it to Jin Liuli and gave Jian Dan a subtle nod, signaling that he was ready to fight.
Jin Liuli looked it over and immediately lit up with excitement. She passed the token on and scooted closer to Jian Dan.
"Shan Zhēnrén, how should we duel?"
Jian Dan glanced at her, catching the gleam of mischief in her eyes. Her expression turned dry."Jin Shīzǐ, did you just finish refining a new batch of experimental pills and need some volunteers?"
Jin Liuli's eyes practically sparkled as her smile turned overly sweet. "You understand me so well, Shan Zhēnrén."
"Fine, but keep it within bounds. We're all from the same sect. No need to make enemies."
"Understood."
The two teams finally met in a clearing filled with low shrubs. The opposing team also had five members. Their leader was a stern-faced male cultivator at mid-stage Golden Core. He had a square face, strong features, and deeply set eyes beneath a high nose bridge. Upon seeing Jian Dan, he cupped his hands in greeting.
"I am Tao Chengfeng from Jian Zhen Peak, leading team 'Chou-Bing.' May we exchange some friendly pointers."
Jian Dan had already taken out a circular silk fan from her pouch the moment they came into view. The fan was embroidered with a golden calendula flower. A colorful butterfly perched delicately upon it, while another hovered mid-air, scattering golden dust from its fluttering wings.
This fan was something she had found in Wei Zi's storage pouch back during a double-cross at Tianyue City's sea expedition. As a rare female-targeted magical treasure, she had kept it tucked away until now.
"I am Shan Yunzu of Jian Yue Peak, leading team 'Yin-Ding.' I accept your challenge," she replied calmly, gently fanning herself as though completely unbothered.
All four cultivators behind Tao Chengfeng had already drawn their spiritual swords, clearly prepared for battle. Jian Dan's team followed suit, falling into formation.
With ladylike poise, Jian Dan brought the fan to her nose and smiled. "Tao Zhēnrén, we're all from the same sect. This isn't a battlefield. There's no need for life-and-death combat. If either side suffers heavy losses, wouldn't that only benefit other teams?"
"Oh? And what do you propose, Shan Zhēnrén?" Tao Zhēnrén raised an eyebrow, now properly observing the graceful, sharp-eyed woman before him.
"Each side selects one person to duel. Winner takes all. Of course, that person must be of equal strength. If the difference is too great, it will be considered bullying and the offending team loses automatically. How about that?"
"What is there to consider? We're all sword cultivators. The only way is forward. Why waste time with words? Let our blades decide." Tao Chengfeng rejected the idea flatly.
"What a shame," Jian Dan sighed with an air of mock pity. "I had planned to give your team a chance. If your leader refuses it, then don't blame me for what happens next."
She continued fanning herself leisurely, as if nothing could trouble her. "Quit pretending. If you can't beat Tao Zhēnrén, just admit defeat!" sneered one of Tao Chengfeng's teammates.
"Jiang Shangxian, enough!" Tao Chengfeng barked.
No matter the outcome, Jian Dan was a Golden Core Zhēnrén. Whether her strength was superior or not, she was not someone a Foundation Establishment disciple like Jiang Shangxian should offend. Tao Chengfeng had always believed that female cultivators tended to hold grudges.
Jian Dan paid no mind to the discontented faces across from her. Still smiling, she said simply,"Then, here it comes."
As spiritual energy poured into the fan, countless illusionary butterflies burst into view. With a gentle flick of her wrist, they flapped their wings and soared toward the opposing five.