Mount Tai, Yaoguang Realm.
Su Miao sat on the White Jade Lotus Chair, holding a Jade Slip in her hand, a faint crease between her brows.
A map of the Earth Immortal Realm lay spread across the desk, its mountains, rivers, and cities densely marked. Red circles and black crosses covered more than half its surface.
The cinnabar brush rested on its rack, the red ink at its tip long dry and hardened into a small crust.
Iron Abacus stood below, holding an account book as he reported this month's income and expenses. His small, thin body leaned slightly forward, and the deep wrinkles on his face were bunched together. Every number he read seemed to cut a piece of flesh from him.
"...Last month, the Western Branch Sect turned in Spiritual Materials worth 470 million Contribution Points. Expenditures amounted to 320 million, leaving a balance of 150 million.
"As for the Main Altar—"
"Stop."
Su Miao cut him off. Iron Abacus immediately fell silent and stood straight with the account book in his hands.
A Communication Jade Talisman on the desk was vibrating violently.
Su Miao reached out, picked up the Jade Talisman, and sent Spiritual Qi into it.
"Speak."
Xuandu's voice came from the other end.
"Sect Master, there is new information from the Earth Immortal Realm."
Su Miao's fingers tightened around the Jade Talisman. Her back left the chair, and she leaned forward.
"Go on."
"Among the Disciples who reincarnated, someone has recovered his memories ahead of time."
The Jade Slip in Su Miao's hand fell onto the desk with a snap. It rolled twice and knocked over the brush rack. The cinnabar brush hit the floor, splattering several dark-red droplets.
She did not bother picking it up. Leaning forward, she braced her elbows against the edge