Leaving aside Lin Sheng's considerable gains, the repercussions of the Origin Anomaly's disappearance did not subside with the dispersing clouds. Instead, like a pebble dropped into a deep pool, they stirred hidden currents throughout Sun Radiance City's highest circles.
High above the city's northern district, a floating island cast entirely from dark-gold Star-Pattern Steel hung silently over a sea of clouds.
The council hall at the island's heart was dimly lit. Dark jade steps descended from the principal seat, where Seventh Council Speaker Ao Feng sat, rubbing an ancient jade thumb ring. His aura was as deep and still as an abyss. Several trusted subordinates in black stood below the steps, their auras restrained. Every one of them was a peak Demigod.
"Have you found the source of those Meltform Origin fluctuations?"
Ao Feng's voice was quiet, yet carried the weight of long-held authority, sending faint echoes through the empty hall.
The leading subordinate immediately bowed, his tone grave. "My lord, I mobilized everyone under my command to search the entire city. But the phenomenon appeared too abruptly and vanished in an instant, leaving no trace of its aura. We have yet to uncover any definite leads. All we can confirm is that it originated somewhere in the Inner City."
"Keep searching." Ao Feng raised his eyes, his gaze icy. "If necessary, exercise the floating island's authority to conduct a full-area scan. Even if you have to dig three feet underground, find that wisp of Origin Qi."
"Yes, my lord." The subordinate acknowledged the order, but hesitation crossed his face. "However, my lord, today's disturbance was so great that the other Council Speakers must be investigating in secret as well. Exercising the floating island's authority may invite criticism, and it might not actually uncover anything..."
"Criticism?" Ao Feng snorted, flicking