Chapter 35: The Viper's Strike
The Ji Clan inner court buzzed with conversation. Lin Xuan sensed a disturbance. A Wudu Clan Thousand Petal Viper assassin, a 5th Layer Qi Transformation cultivator, struck, her dagger glinting with toxin.
Lin Xuan reacted, activating mirror talismans to turn the attack back on her. He used suppressive formation stones to pin her down. With Phantom Lotus Palm illusions, he uncovered fragmented memories of a Lord Wei, a 6th Layer Qi Transformation administrator tied to Ironfang. "He serves the shadow," she hissed before slumping.
Lin Xuan leaked falsified documents exposing Hei Clan-Ironfang ties to the Royal Court. The messages spurred Ji Yunjing into action, disrupting Hei Clan supply networks. Lin Xuan then orchestrated a fake trade dispute to ensnare Lord Wei. He used a cursed formation from the Crimson Blood Crystallization Art to bind Wei as a double agent.
Retreating to a hidden cave, Lin Xuan rested. Liu Yue joined him, her snowflake mark pulsing with the promise of a breakthrough. Liu Yang followed, his blood sword now sharper, its qi stirring autonomously. The cave was a sanctuary where the viper's strike marked a victory.