Only an insider, someone who knew the secret treasure's location, the hidden array patterns, and the spirit spring's weakness, could steal the Blackwater Lotus Seed amid such chaos without anyone noticing, then escape flawlessly beneath the cover of external enemies without leaving a trace.
The moment this thought arose, every Orthodox cultivator present turned grave, their expressions icy.
The Orthodox Alliance of Qingchuan Prefecture was shaken upon receiving the news and immediately intervened in the investigation. All eyes focused on the Azure Water Pavilion. Suspicion of an insider blanketed the entire shattered sect, and the Azure Water Pavilion, once mourned for its heroic martyrdom, was instantly cast beneath a strange, sinister shadow.
The situation abruptly became baffling and unpredictable, with undercurrents surging beneath the surface.
The great battle had ended, and the storm had temporarily subsided, but the aftermath remained impossible to settle.
Countless Azure Water Pavilion disciples had suffered grievous wounds. Several elders had their meridians severed, evil poison invading their bodies, their Dao hearts damaged, and their cultivation on the verge of collapse. Ordinary pills and commonplace healing methods simply could not mend Vajra Realm injuries or eradicate the root of the evil poison.
In all of Qingchuan Prefecture, only the Heavenly Treasure Sect—renowned as the orthodox lineage of alchemy, skilled in strengthening foundations, nurturing vitality, repairing Dao injuries, and purging evil corruption—possessed supreme sacred-grade pill formulas capable of saving these dying, severely injured Azure Water Pavilion higher-ups.
The matter was urgent. The longer they delayed, the more likely the gravely injured elders' Dao hearts would shatter completely and the evil poison would take root beyond removal, leaving their cultivation permanently crippled and beyond all hope of recovery.
Shi Songquan made his decision at once and issued a sect order:
"Cheng Heng, receive your command!"
"This disciple is