Within the Yin Gui Sacred Hall, Mei Ji, Jian Ji, and Qin Ji knelt with their heads lowered, their bodies taut, scarcely daring to breathe.
"Failed?" The Yin Gui Saintess looked at the three and spoke blandly.
"Saintess, please forgive us. Our Fourth Sister took the Yellow Springs Pill, and her cultivation surged greatly. The three of us could not stop her, so we had no choice but to return first and report to you," Mei Ji said truthfully.
"The Yellow Springs Pill."
Hearing this, the Yin Gui Saintess's eyes narrowed slightly. Slowly, she said, "Very good. Mei Ji, take Sixth, Eighth, and Ninth with you. Bring Dan Ji's life token and make certain you bring her back before she dies. Doesn't she refuse to return even unto death? Then this True Body shall grant her wish."
"Yes."
The three Heavenly Maidens bowed to receive their orders, then rose and headed outside.
"Wait."
Suddenly, the Yin Gui Saintess spoke again. "Bring back the man who took Dan Ji away as well."
"Yes."
The three accepted respectfully, turned, and left the hall.
Not long after the three departed, the void within the hall began to churn. Amid ring after ring of ripples, an illusory figure appeared. His young face bore an untamed coldness as he said, "Yin Gui Zhen, where is the Heavenly Maiden your Yin Gui Sect promised to send to my Heaven Mending Pavilion? Shouldn't this True Body be allowed to see her?"
A smile appeared on the Yin Gui Saintess's face. "My sincerest apologies. That Heavenly Maiden defected from the Yin Gui Sect not long ago. I have already sent people after her. Brother Qi, do not be impatient. I will arrange a new Heavenly Maiden as soon as possible. I certainly will not disappoint you."
"She escaped?"