The talisman's glow went out in Lu Chen's palm.
He sat still for three breaths.
The spiritual radiance of the formations on the stone walls of the secret chamber fell across his face, carving his features into stark light and shadow.
Without hesitation.
He put away the cluster of Dragon Marrow Spirit Crystals and swept all the scattered pills and materials into his Sumeru Ring. Then he rose and pushed open the door.
As the stone door slid aside, it stirred a faint breeze that set the ever-burning lamps outside flickering.
Mo Qianqiu stood three zhang away, armored and with one hand resting on his sword hilt.
Behind him stood two Hidden Dragon Guards clad in black light armor, their faces concealed behind bronze Ghost Face masks—these were Emperor Xia's personal guards, who never emerged unless the military situation was truly urgent.
Lu Chen's gaze swept past the two Hidden Dragon Guards standing motionless as statues before settling on Mo Qianqiu's face.
"When did they arrive?"
"Half an hour ago." Mo Qianqiu said in a grave voice, "The Hidden Dragon Token delivered the order directly, bypassing every channel of the imperial court. Before entering seclusion, Your Grace instructed that you were not to be disturbed unless it was a matter of utmost urgency. But they—"
He turned his head slightly and did not continue.
Lu Chen understood.
The personal arrival of the Hidden Dragon Guards represented Emperor Xia's will. No matter that Mo Qianqiu was the Director of the Demon Suppression Division, no matter that he was an elder who looked after Lu Chen, he could not defy an imperial order and bar them from the door.
He had merely used that three-long, two-short coded signal to give Lu Chen some time to prepare.
"Thank you for your trouble," Lu