Chapter 45: The Betrayer's Flame
The Xun Clan Pagoda loomed against the night sky, its qi traps and Ironfang runes giving Lin Xuan and Liu Yang pause. Inside, Lin Xuan, at 5th Layer Qi Transformation, sensed the runes' sinister energy. Liu Yang, at 8th Layer Body Refining, gripped his blood-forged glaive tightly.
At the inn, Liu Yue, at 2nd Layer Qi Transformation, relayed her worry about the Prime Minister's suspicions. The duo found a cache of documents and a rune-etched staff, confirming Ironfang's influence. Lin Xuan used Crimson Vein Suppression to disrupt the staff's energy, causing an explosion.
In the Ji Clan palace, Ji Yunjing, at 3rd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, declared an audit to purge the corruption. Bai Ningxue, at 6th Layer Qi Transformation, sealed any lingering traces with her Thousand Lotus Seal Art. Lin Xuan refined a pill, his focus a quiet solace. "Just keeping things interesting," he teased.