Clear Sky Sect

As she looked at the newly risen morning sun beyond the window and the scattered lights still visible in the direction of the imperial palace, belonging to the emperor's chambers, Qian Renxue's gaze gradually turned cold, like a frozen lake.

This could not continue.

She had to speed things up.

Xue Ye's existence had become the greatest obstacle in her plan.

It seemed the dose of whatever she had slipped into his food had been too light.

Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes slightly. A trace of cold determination utterly at odds with her current identity as Xue Qinghe flashed through those eyes disguised as black.

It was time to increase the dosage.

Clear Sky Sect.

Its contact with outside information and the delivery of external resources relied almost entirely on the one-way channel that was Tang Yuehua.

Though this secluded sect kept itself closed off, it was not completely isolated from the world. The supplies Tang Yuehua sent through designated channels every month were an important source for sustaining the sect's operations and keeping abreast of outside developments.

That day, an elder in charge of receiving and inventorying supplies frowned tightly as he looked over that month's delivery, his grizzled beard bristling.

He picked up the list and checked it again against the sorted medicinal herbs, metals, Gold Soul Coins, and daily necessities laid out on the ground. His expression darkened.

"The numbers are wrong!" His voice carried obvious displeasure as he looked up at Tang Zhong, who stood quietly to one side.

"Why is it fifteen percent less than last month? Did something go wrong on the way?"

Tang Zhong lowered his head. His calm voice betrayed no emotion. "Reporting to Fifth Elder, all deliveries and inventories were handled according to Miss Yuehua's arrangements. There were no issues."