Inside the Sacred Source Tower's medical chamber, Ning Xiaochuan lay on a specially made white jade bed. Red Markings spread across his chest like a spiderweb, forming an eerie contrast with the golden Sacred Source Markings. Bai Ling lay beside the bed, her small hand tightly gripping her father's finger, her golden eyes full of worry.
"Still unable to remove it completely?" Su Linger asked Star Radiance, who was examining him. Her voice was drawn tight as a bowstring.
The old priest shook his head. The Crystal Ball atop his staff reflected the energy flow within Ning Xiaochuan's body—the Red Threads had already penetrated his internal organs, forming a delicate balance with the Sacred Source Power. The slightest mistake could trigger a violent clash.
"This form of life has never been seen before," Star Radiance sighed. "It is neither origin qi nor matter. It is more like... the manifestation of some primordial bloodline."
Ning Xiaochuan tried to sit up, only to be forced back onto the bed by intense pain in his chest. "At least it is quiet for now. How is Qingyun City?"
"It has stabilized for the time being." Su Linger helped him adjust his pillow. "The old city lord Ning organized people to clear away the remaining Red Tumors, and the controlled residents have recovered as well. But..."
She unfolded a map marked with more than a dozen Red Dots. "Similar reports are coming in from all over. The farthest have already reached the outskirts of the Ice Soul Sect."
Bai Ling suddenly spoke. "What is the 'Bloodline Mother' that Black Robe Sorcerer mentioned?"
The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew over from the windowsill and landed at the foot of the bed, letting out a low "goo roo." Star Radiance looked thoughtful. "According to the Ancient Tomes of