Jian Dan made no move to stop the fleeing king cobra. Instead, she extended her spiritual sense, tracking its path to uncover its master.
To her surprise, the snake slithered in erratic loops before heading straight for Luoxia Mountain—finally stopping at the exact hollow where the Spirit-Cleansing Fruit had been dug up. The boulder still sat undisturbed, and the serpent disappeared into the dark hole left by the uprooted plant.
"A guardian beast?"
It made sense. Rare spiritual treasures often had protectors. On this qi-starved planet, she'd dismissed the possibility—but the fruit's existence proved otherwise. This cobra wasn't a true spirit beast, just an animal awakened by proximity to the fruit. It had targeted her because:
She was the last person at the site. She'd concealed her cultivation, appearing utterly ordinary.
"Never underestimate anything—or anyone—in this world."
The snake now bore her spiritual mark, untraceable to anyone below her realm. She could find it whenever she wished. Jian Dan had no desire to harm creatures with glimmers of intelligence. All existence had purpose.
Little did she know this serpent would return to surprise her—but that's a tale for later.
Time slipped by. After bidding Du Yanran farewell at the airport, Jian Dan boarded a flight to the capital, where she'd transfer to France. Watching her leave, Du Yanran's emotions churned.
She'd stolen Jian Dan's immortal fate, yet the girl seemed unscathed—no losses beyond severed family ties. Even the Spirit-Cleansing Fruit, acquired earlier than last life, had come with a twist: it purged her fire root instead of water.
At the time, she'd hesitated. Fire-wood dual roots aligned perfectly with her known techniques and alchemy. But the fruit's effect couldn't be reversed. Her decision hinged on one consolation: she knew where to find a rare flame, compensating for the lost fire affinity. Yet seeing Jian Dan again had sent a jolt of unease through her.
"Too many coincidences aren't coincidences."
Had fate still tied their paths together? Her subtle probing revealed nothing—which unnerved her more. Jian Dan remained the same: kind, patient, generous. Still sharing life's little joys. But those things felt alien to Du Yanran now. The fruit's acquisition proved heaven's favor, boosting her to mid-stage Qi Refining. Each step brought her closer to the cultivation world.
Bolstered by resolve, she glided from the airport, ethereal beauty drawing stares.
Back in the capital, Jian Dan's mood contrasted sharply with her first arrival. Zhou Bing met her, taking her luggage as they navigated to the VIP lounge.
"Brother Zhou, long time no see. Thanks for arranging the transfer."
"Don't mention it. But…" He hesitated.
"Since when do you hold back with me? Spit it out."
After a pause, he said quietly: "The Zhao family is in trouble."
"Oh?"
"To be precise—Zhao Mufeng is in trouble."