After his bloodline stabilized, the Sovereign's Pavilion hummed with new, dense spiritual energy.
A fragile peace settled over the estate. In the courtyard, Lin Tian practiced the Moonfrost Sword Dance, feeling the boundaries of his Earth Spirit Realm power.
Xueya watched serenely from the veranda, holding cool tea, while inside, Su Lan cross-referenced ancient herbs against her database, muttering about catalytic reagents.
The peace shattered with the sound of hurried footsteps on the gravel path.
A Discipline Hall disciple, one of the newer ones assigned to their perimeter, bowed at the garden's edge, his face pale. "Young Master Lin. Forgive the intrusion. An emissary has arrived at the main gate. She demands an audience."
Xueya set her cup down with a soft click. "Demands?"
"She bears the sigil of the Golden Silkworm Sect," the disciple said, swallowing. "She says her business is neutral, and urgent."
