Han Feng's Army at the Gates

Xiao Yi Xian sat across from him. She did not eat much herself, instead constantly adding food to Zi Yan's and Qing Lin's bowls.

Halfway through the meal, Xiao Yi Xian set down her chopsticks and brought something up.

"While you were in seclusion, there have been quite a few changes at the academy."

Lu Heng picked up some pickled bamboo shoots and looked up at her.

"When Qing Lin and I went to the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower these past few days, there were two extra Enforcement Team patrols outside the tower. There never used to be any."

Qing Lin nodded along and took over. "Not just the Qi Refining Tower. The passage between the Inner Academy and Outer Academy has more guards too. They check tokens for everyone going in and out. It's much stricter than before."

Xiao Yi Xian continued, "There's one more thing. The Great Elder issued a notice two days ago, recalling all disciples who were out on missions. He said no new missions would be accepted for the time being, and those already out were to return as soon as possible."

Lu Heng slowly chewed the pickled bamboo shoots and swallowed them.

Before entering seclusion, Su Qian had come to see him about Han Feng gathering troops in Maple City. At the time, Su Qian had told him to ignore what was happening outside and focus on his breakthrough.

Now that he had broken through, he could no longer pretend not to see what was going on outside.

"Anything else?"

Xiao Yi Xian thought for a moment.

"Wu Tianlang from the Enforcement Team has been making rounds in the Inner Academy these past few days. He and his men have redeployed defenses around several key locations. One evening, I passed by him and