94: Chapter 94 Undercurrents in the Alliance

Su Qingyao handed the blood-collection jade tube to Lin Chen, signaling him to take a drop of blood from his healthy left fingertip.

Lin Chen followed her instructions and did as she asked.

The moment that drop of fresh blood, containing the vigorous vitality of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, dripped into the jade dish and made contact with the gray, decayed crystal powder, a faint ripple of spiritual energy suddenly spread outward.

The plump bead of blood seemed to be pulled and stretched by an invisible force, rapidly losing its round shape and spreading out on the jade dish into an irregular stain.

As for the gray powder, it acted as if it had a life of its own; it slowly writhed until it all gathered in the center of the bloodstain, condensing into a black dot smaller than a grain of rice.

The entire process was silent, yet it exuded a bone-chilling eeriness.

Su Qingyao's expression grew increasingly grim. She did not look at Lin Chen but turned to Qin Ruowei, her voice carrying a tremor she herself had not noticed: "I have never seen an injury like this. It goes beyond the scope of alchemy and medicine... It is... devouring vitality and spiritual energy."

She stared intently at the black dot in the jade dish, stating word by word: "This is not an injury; this is... a living curse, or rather, a type of 'erosion' based on a higher level of rules."

Qin Ruowei clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails digging deep into her palms without her realizing it.

Su Qingyao closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her gaze was filled with resolute calm: "Ruowei, you must handle three things immediately. First, in my name, send a message to Manager Han of the Wantong Trading Firm, stating that the Lin Family is willing to pay the price of three Foundation Establishment Pills to purchase any ancient books, rare manuscripts, or intelligence related to 'space,' 'rifts,' or 'realms.'

Second, send a message to Deacon Li Feng of the Iron Sword Sect and Family Head Zhu Mingyuan, informing them that my husband is severely injured and needs to enter seclusion for recovery, and that an emergency Alliance meeting will be held at the Lin residence in three days to discuss the follow-up matters regarding Foggy Valley.

Third..." She paused, looking toward the three-legged Pill Furnace that stood as tall as a person in the corner of the Meditation Room.

Qin Ruowei was greatly shocked: "Sister Qingyao, that is a Tier 4 Medicinal Pill. Your essence and blood are still depleted and have not recovered; if you force a refinement, you will..."

"There is no other way." Su Qingyao interrupted her, her voice not loud but filled with an indisputable determination: "Conventional treatments are ineffective; we can only use the most overbearing method of 'breaking technique with force.' The medicinal power of the Dragon Blood Body Tempering Pill is extremely rigid and Yang-aligned; it might be able to temporarily suppress this erosive force and buy us time. Go quickly!"

Qin Ruowei looked at her pale profile and those eyes burning with flame, her throat choking up. Finally, she nodded heavily, turned around, and left in a hurry.

In the Meditation Room, only the couple remained.

Lin Chen leaned against the soft couch, feeling that erosive force spread upward once more, the sensation in his entire right arm slowly fading away.

He watched Su Qingyao's resolute back, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

He reached out his left hand and gently grasped her fingertips, which were cold from tension.

Su Qingyao's body stiffened, but she did not pull away.

"Don't push yourself." Lin Chen's voice was hoarse and low.

Su Qingyao did not look back, only whispering: "I am your wife, and also the Lin Family's alchemist. Saving you is my responsibility, and also... my own selfish desire."

Her voice was very soft, so soft it seemed as if it might dissipate into the air at any moment.

Lin Chen did not speak again, simply holding her hand a little tighter.

He subconsciously rubbed the stone ring on his thumb; the rough texture gave him a sliver of insignificant peace.

If the gamble is won, it can buy him a chance to breathe.

If the gamble is lost, Su Qingyao's Foundation of the Dao might be completely destroyed.

Three days later, at the Lin residence meeting hall.

The originally spacious hall appeared exceptionally solemn due to the arrival of several factions.

Qin Ruowei, dressed in a capable purple martial outfit with her long hair tied high, sat in the main seat in place of Lin Chen.

There was not a hint of a smile on her beautiful face, replaced instead by a composure and dignity that did not match her age.

To her left was Deacon Li Feng of the Iron Sword Sect.

This man was around forty, with a rugged face and sharp eyes, followed by a Golden Core Stage Elder with a composed aura.

To her right was Family Head Zhu Mingyuan; he was slightly plump and had a kindly expression, but sharp glints flashed from his small eyes from time to time.

Behind him, besides having a Golden Core Elder as well, stood a young girl in a pale yellow dress—it was his beloved daughter, Zhu Waner.

At the very end of the table sat Manager Han of the Wantong Trading Firm, still sporting that cheerful expression, twirling his goatee as if he were merely attending a tea party.

Qin Ruowei did not exchange any pleasantries; once the maid served the spiritual tea, she got straight to the point.

"Everyone, I have invited you here today for the matter of Foggy Valley."

With a wave of her fair hand, a beast-skin map, drawn overnight by Liu Yuan and depicting only the terrain on the outskirts of the valley, was laid flat on the central long table.

"Three days ago, my husband personally led an elite squad to scout Foggy Valley, and the situation was a hundred times more dangerous than we had anticipated."

Qin Ruowei's voice was cold and clear, echoing within the meeting hall.

"First, the fog in the valley is not ordinary water vapor; it can significantly block Divine Sense. Divine Sense from a Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator is devoured before it can even extend ten zhang."

"Second, there lives a type of 'Mist Demon' in the fog that exists between the void and reality. They are quick, extremely difficult to lock onto, and their cores seem to contain some sort of... spatial power."

As soon as the words "spatial power" were spoken, the expressions of Li Feng and Zhu Mingyuan changed slightly at the same time.

"Most importantly," Qin Ruowei's tone grew heavier, "we discovered an extremely unstable spatial rift deep within the valley. My husband was injured by the leaked alien energy precisely while investigating that rift."

She did not describe the injury in detail, but looked around at everyone and calmly stated the consequences: "Conventional Medicinal Pills and Talismans are all ineffective. According to Sister Qingyao's judgment, we need to find a 'Void Gazer' stone or similar Heaven And Earth Treasure that contains stable spatial power to have a glimmer of hope for survival."

Finally, she dropped a bombshell: "Furthermore, we encountered an advance team from the Shadow Moon Pavilion in the valley. They clearly also have designs on the valley, and according to reports from our spies planted outside, the Shadow Moon Pavilion's activities in the Southern Region have been unusually frequent lately, and they are highly likely gathering a larger force."

After she finished speaking, the hall fell into silence.

Li Feng picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, but did not drink.

He pondered for a long while before speaking first, his voice cautious and grave: "Madam Qin, the Iron Sword Sect is deeply concerned about Clan Head Lin's injury. But this Foggy Valley... is truly exceptionally dangerous. Spatial rifts, Essence Spirits in the fog—this is no longer something that we Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Cultivators can easily tread into."

"The Sect Leader's opinion is that the current situation in the Southern Region has undercurrents surging; our three-party Alliance's Foundation is not yet stable. The priority should be to purge internal threats and solidify our existing territory. If we were to have a direct conflict with the main force of the Shadow Moon Pavilion—who are currently hiding in the shadows—for the sake of a dangerous location with an uncertain future, once we suffer heavy losses, it might shake the very Foundation of our existence."

His words were very tactful, but the meaning was clear: The Iron Sword Sect did not want to take risks, at least not now.

Qin Ruowei's expression remained unchanged, and she turned her gaze toward Zhu Mingyuan.

Zhu Mingyuan set down his teacup and sighed, his face carrying a hint of genuine worry: "Since that group of rats from the Shadow Moon Pavilion who cannot see the light have set their sights on this valley, it must hide astonishing secrets inside. If they truly obtain it, it will likely become a sharp sword hanging over the heads of all the Sects in our Southern Region. Clan Head Lin has shown kindness by helping my Family; now that he is injured while investigating a common enemy, my Family absolutely has no reason to sit idly by."

He changed the subject, his face showing difficulty: "The Zhu Family is willing to fully provide various types of Talismans for support, and we can also dispatch a few disciples proficient in protective and scouting Formation Plates to assist with operations on the outskirts. It's just... this 'Void Gazer' stone is truly too rare. I have flipped through the ancient books in our Family, and our ancestors did indeed once possess a small piece, but it was exhausted hundreds of years ago, used to refine the core of the Formation Plate for our Family's protective Formation. Now, there are only written records, but the object itself no longer exists."

The Zhu Family's attitude was more active than the Iron Sword Sect's, but it was also very measured: they could help, but only on the periphery; they could provide supplies, but their core main force would not come out.

Everyone's gaze finally fell upon Manager Han.

Manager Han chuckled, twirling his beard as he said: "I understand what the two of you mean. My Wantong Trading Firm stands on business; we have always avoided direct participation in fighting and killing. However, as an ally, we will naturally provide support within our capabilities."

He extended two fingers: "First, the trading firm will immediately utilize all channels to fully collect information on spirit items like 'Void Gazer Stone' and 'Void Realm Crystal' throughout the Southern Region and surrounding areas. Once there is any clue or purchasing opportunity, the Lin Family will have the highest priority. Second, to deal with potential retaliation from the Shadow Moon Pavilion, the trading firm can provide funds and personnel to assist in reinforcing the defensive Formations of Qingxuan City as well as the important strongholds of the Iron Sword Sect and the Zhu Family, to prevent trouble from within."

He paused, seemingly remembering something, and added: "Speaking of which, there is an unverified, marginal piece of news. About thirty years ago, a 'Void Realm Crystal' the size of a fingernail briefly appeared on the Southern Region black market. It caused quite a stir at the time and was eventually purchased by a mysterious buyer at an exorbitant price. The buyer's identity remains a mystery to this day, but it is said that the middleman who handled the transaction has some unclear connections with 'Heishui Workshop'."

"Heishui Workshop..." Qin Ruowei silently repeated this name, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.

That was the most chaotic and notorious underground trading market in the Southern Region.

After listening to the opinions of all parties, Qin Ruowei already had a plan in mind.

She knew that expecting allies to risk their lives at this moment for Lin Chen's injuries and an unknown dangerous location was unrealistic.

She spoke calmly, proposing a compromise plan: "The Lin Family thanks everyone for their honesty. My husband gave instructions before entering secluded meditation that since the Alliance has just been established, stability should be the priority. The Lin Family will not force any Family to send their main forces to fight to the death with the Shadow Moon Pavilion."

"I propose adopting a 'tiered cooperation' model."

"The first tier is mutual assistance in intelligence and resources. Starting from today, the three families will share all intelligence regarding the Shadow Moon Pavilion and Mist Valley, as well as clues for spirit items needed for treatment, keeping each other informed."

"The second tier is peripheral collaborative defense. We do not need to rush into the valley, but we cannot simply hand it over. The three families can take turns dispatching personnel to choose suitable locations on the periphery of the valley to establish joint observation posts and warning lines, with the main purpose of monitoring the large-scale movements of the Shadow Moon Pavilion."

"The third tier is subsequent action. Once the situation inside the valley stabilizes, or the Shadow Moon Pavilion makes a clear major move, or my husband's injuries take a turn for the better, we will then discuss whether to organize a true elite squad to explore deeper."

This plan gave the Iron Sword Sect a way out, adopted the Zhu Family's proposal, and maximized the help Manager Han could provide; it could be said to have balanced everyone's concerns and positions.

Deacon Li Feng and Family Head Zhu Mingyuan exchanged a glance, both seeing approval in the other's eyes.

"Lady Qin's method is excellent, truly prudent and statesmanlike." Deacon Li Feng nodded first. "My Iron Sword Sect has no objections."

"The Zhu Family seconds this." Family Head Zhu Mingyuan also readily agreed.

Manager Han even clapped his hands and laughed: "This is very good. It allows for mutual support without having to put all our eggs in one basket; it is a foolproof strategy."

A preliminary consensus was reached, and the tense atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.

During a break in the meeting, Family Head Zhu Mingyuan used the excuse of offering tea to stand up with his daughter, Zhu Waner, and said to Qin Ruowei: "Lady Qin, I heard that Clan Head Lin is recuperating. I wonder if it would be convenient for my daughter and me to visit him? Just to express our concern."

Qin Ruowei glanced at Zhu Waner, who was standing quietly to the side. After a moment of thought, she nodded and agreed: "The Clan Head is in the inner courtyard Meditation Room. Family Head Zhu is very thoughtful. Please follow me."

In the inner courtyard Meditation Room, the fragrance of medicine became increasingly rich.

Lin Chen was half-leaning on the couch, his face still pale, but his breathing had steadied significantly.

His right arm was tightly wrapped in a special bandage mixed with silver threads and various herbal fibers, making it impossible to see the specific condition.

Family Head Zhu Mingyuan brought Zhu Waner in and bowed in salute: "Clan Head Lin, I heard that you were injured for the sake of justice in our Southern Region. I have come specifically to visit, and I hope you will recuperate well."

"Family Head Zhu is too kind." Lin Chen managed to return the salute, his voice somewhat weak.

His gaze fell upon Zhu Waner, who was behind Family Head Zhu Mingyuan.

The young girl was dressed in a simple and elegant dress today; she wore no makeup, yet appeared all the more beautiful and refined.

She met Lin Chen's gaze, curtsied slightly, and then spoke softly, her voice like a clear spring in a mountain stream: "Senior Lin."

Her gaze lingered briefly on Lin Chen's bandaged right arm, and a flash of thought crossed her clear eyes before she added: "Is Senior's injury related to the power of spatial disorder?"

Without waiting for Lin Chen to answer, she continued on her own, as if simply discussing an academic problem: "This Junior has recently been studying a remnant volume of ancient Talismans from my Family's Legacy, the content of which is quite obscure. It mentions several types of Talisman structures used to 'Seal tiny spatial fissures' or 'stabilize fragile spirit pattern nodes'."

As she spoke, she took a plain white scroll from her Storage Pouch and offered it with both hands.

The scroll was not some precious original, but her own transcription, written in a neat and elegant hand.

"This contains some of my own deductions and records, and does not involve the core Legacy of my Family. My cultivation is low and my knowledge shallow, but I just thought... perhaps these Talisman Dao ideas regarding 'Sealing' and 'stabilizing' could... perhaps be of some small reference for treating the intrusion of foreign energy."

Lin Chen's heart stirred.

What he needed most right now was to "stabilize" and "Seal" that erosive power rampaging within his body.

He took the scroll and slowly unrolled it.

On the paper were drawn complex and exquisite Talisman structures, with annotations written by Zhu Waner in small vermilion regular script on the side.

Lin Chen's gaze swept over it quickly. When he saw one section about how to connect several basic Talismans to form a miniature "stabilization field" structure, his pupils suddenly constricted.

The connection method of this Talisman, and its internal Qi flow trajectory, was actually seven or eight parts similar to the Qi flow trajectory he had sensed that day in the mist when the stone ring on his thumb spontaneously smoothed over that tiny spatial fissure!

In an instant, countless inspirations exploded in Lin Chen's mind.

He had always limited his thinking to how to "dispel" or "treat" it, but had ignored another possibility—if it could not be dispelled, then "Seal" it up!

Use Talismans to build a miniature cage inside his own body to temporarily imprison and stabilize that erosive power!

"Miss Zhu, you are very thoughtful." Lin Chen raised his head, and his gaze towards Zhu Waner held an extra measure of sincere solemnity and gratitude. "This gift of yours is, for me, perhaps more precious than any Spirit Pill. These Talisman ideas could indeed... no, they will definitely provide great inspiration."

Seeing that her contribution had actually helped, a faint blush appeared on Zhu Waner's fair cheeks, and she quickly lowered her head: "Senior is too kind; as long as it helps, that is enough."

Family Head Zhu Mingyuan watched this scene, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

Half an hour later, in the conference hall.

A concise "Southern Region Alliance Mutual Assistance Charter" was placed on the table, and the four people—Qin Ruowei, Deacon Li Feng, Family Head Zhu Mingyuan, and Manager Han—sequentially imprinted their Divine Soul marks upon it.

The Alliance was thus officially established.

The Alliance meeting concluded, and the various parties bid farewell and left one after another.

Inside the Lin Mansion, tranquility was restored once again.

However, not long after everyone had dispersed, Liu Yuan, who had been hiding in the shadows all along, appeared silently behind Qin Ruowei.

"Madam," he reported in a low voice, "The secret sentries outside the mansion have sent word. After Deacon Li Feng of the Iron Sword Sect left, the Elder behind him had a brief eye contact with an old man selling herbs at the street corner. The two did not speak. But after he left, the old man immediately packed up his stall and turned into a small alley; his movement technique was agile, and he is definitely no ordinary peddler."

"The Zhu Family father and daughter's carriage route is normal, with no one following. Manager Han returned directly to the Wantong Trading Firm."

Qin Ruowei relayed the news word for word to Lin Chen in the Meditation Room.

Lin Chen leaned on the couch, holding the Talisman sketch gifted by Zhu Waner in one hand, and gently stroking the strange power still slowly eroding his body with the other, his eyes slightly closed.

After a long time, he slowly opened his mouth, his voice calm and ripple-free: "The Alliance is formed, but people's hearts are different. The Iron Sword Sect is not to be relied upon."

He opened his eyes, his gaze as deep as the night: "Do not pay them any mind for now. Concentrate all our strength to investigate 'Heishui Workshop' and the 'Void Realm Crystal'. My injuries and the secret of that valley cannot wait any longer."

The night grew deeper, and Qingxuan City slept in silence.

No one knew that on the distant Southern Region border, above the ruins of a battlefield that had just experienced a tragic slaughter and was littered with corpses, a figure dressed in black robes, wearing a pure white mask with no sorrow or joy on its face, was standing quietly.

The evening wind blew past, whipping up his black robe corners, making them snap loudly.

He slowly raised one hand, palm facing upwards.

The other hand, with fingers joined like a blade, lightly slashed across the palm of the raised hand.