Three days before the full moon, the atmosphere in the Sacred Source Tower was as tense as a drawn bowstring. Bai Ling stood on the observation platform at the top of the tower, her little hands gripping the railing as she gazed at the nearly invisible pale-red streak in the northern sky—it was the scar left by the Void Master's last assault on the seal, still not fully healed.
"Young Miss." Xing Hui appeared soundlessly behind her. "The investigation has yielded results."
Bai Ling turned around, her golden eyes faintly glowing in the twilight. "Who was it?"
The old man shook his head and handed her a sheet of parchment. "There is no conclusive evidence yet, but three people have behaved suspiciously over the past month."
Three names were listed on the paper: Haifeng, the Cloudwing Messenger of Sky City; Chaosheng, captain of the guard of the Abyss of the Deep Sea; and Qing Ye, head of medicinal herbs in the Sacred Source Land.
"Haifeng has repeatedly inquired in private about the exact time of the ritual. Chaosheng once secretly approached the Sacred Source Spring. As for Qing Ye..." Xing Hui hesitated. "She added something to the calming tea you often drink."
Bai Ling's pupils narrowed. "Poison?"
"No, only ordinary Calming Flower, but..." Xing Hui lowered his voice. "When it comes into contact with the Profound Ice Mirror, it produces a weak toxin. If it accumulates over time, it will affect one's control over source power."
Bai Ling understood at once—someone wanted her to make a mistake during the ritual! She instinctively touched the Gold Silver Threads around her wrist. They felt especially cold today.
"Where is Qing Ye now?"
"In the herb garden, gathering evening primrose." A sharp glint flashed through Xing Hui's eyes. "Shall we arrest her?"
After