"Is this... the Su Family's secret code?" He recalled Meng Qi mentioning that ancient clans often used patterns on artifacts to convey information.
The symbols formed a circle, with the Guixu Well at its center and seven star points around it, each pointing toward a different area of the merchant guild.
As noon approached, Lin Taichu finished refining the Spirit Gathering Nails and deliberately lingered near the Grade A Area.
He saw a one-eyed Old Man repairing a spirit artifact in the corner. It was the very Old Man from the initial trial. Half a jade pendant hung from his waist, bearing the same lines as Su Sangeng's Heart-Protecting Talisman.
"Senior," Lin Taichu stepped forward, pretending to seek advice, "my Spirit Gathering Nails always lack sufficient heat. Could you offer me some guidance?"
The Old Man raised his head, a trace of vigilance flashing through his eyes. Lin Taichu quietly revealed the Su-character token for an instant before swiftly putting it away. The Old Man's pupils shrank slightly as he said in a low voice, "Follow me."
Lin Taichu followed the one-eyed Old Man into a secluded alley.
The Old Man struck the mottled stone wall seven times in succession. A Crack split open across the wall, revealing stone steps leading downward.
The two descended the stairs. Every three steps, a glowing stone was embedded in the damp walls, its faint blue light illuminating the peeling Su Family totems.
"My name is Su Shi. I am Su Sangeng's clan uncle."
The Old Man took out half a jade pendant from his robes and touched it to the fragment of the Heart-Protecting Talisman Meng Qi had given Lin Taichu. Pale violet spiritual light instantly burst forth. "When the Su Family suffered calamity three hundred years ago, I survived only because I