The Cloud-Chasing Guards' silver armor traced cold streaks of light through the sea of clouds. Han Li and Zi Ling stood side by side at the rear of the group, watching the glazed roof tiles of the main peak ahead gleam gold in the sunlight. The guard captain leading them was surnamed Chen, his face as rigid as iron. Only as they traveled did he say quietly, "The Grand Elder has ordered all Branch Headquarters of the External Affairs Hall sealed off, and Deputy Hall Master Zhao's confidants have been temporarily detained. Since you two are the Twin Saints' direct disciples, this summons must concern something of great importance."
Zi Ling rubbed the Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flags tucked inside her sleeve with her fingertips and whispered, "Deputy Hall Master Zhao colluded with the remnants of the Blood Lotus Cult. He actually intended to use the polluted heart of the water source to refine a Bloodwater Grand Formation and control the water-aligned disciples... Had he succeeded, the very foundations of the Star Palace would have been shaken." Han Li's gaze darkened slightly. The Pure Water Source Heart in his palm gave off a gentle coolness—although its blood-red markings had faded, a trace of sinister chill remained, identical to the heart demon illusions he had encountered during the second assessment.
[System notification: The Pure Water Source Heart can strengthen your water spiritual root foundation. Integrating it into the Heavenly Water True Scripture cultivation system as soon as possible is recommended.]
Before long, the Cloud-Chasing Guards stopped outside the Council Hall on the main peak. Its doors were cast from thousand-year-old black iron, with four Bronze Star Official Statues standing on either side, their gazes blazing like torches. Captain Chen bowed as he pushed open the doors and called out, "The