After Su Mubai left the Council Hall, Chen Ming did not leave immediately.
He stood alone before the enormous Sea Chart, his gaze fixed on Shattered Star Reef. His fingers tapped unconsciously against the table, producing a steady, rhythmic knocking. His mind was racing.
Su Mubai had brought him far too much information.
Netherworld Hall. The Netherworld Venerable. The seal at Shattered Star Reef. The Netherworld Patriarch's legacy.
These pieces of information were like puzzle pieces, gradually coming together into a complete picture in his mind. But he knew that picture still lacked its most crucial piece-how he should respond.
His current situation could be described as hearing enemy songs on every side.
Outside, Tianxing City watched like a hungry tiger, ready at any moment to tear up the Star Palace's ruling and come sweeping back. Netherworld Hall was also operating in the shadows, its sights set squarely on Shattered Star Reef, and Divine Wind Island happened to lie on the only route there. Whichever side struck first, Divine Wind Island would bear the brunt.
Within, although he had just rooted out Su Mubai as a traitor, who could guarantee there was not a second or third traitor on Divine Wind Island? If the Netherworld Venerable could plant spies on Jade Wave Island, he could naturally plant them on Divine Wind Island too. Were the few people Chen Ming trusted now truly all worthy of that trust?
Chen Ming rubbed his temples, feeling a profound weariness.
But he quickly suppressed it. He was the Island Master of Divine Wind Island, the pillar everyone relied on. He could grow tired, but he could not fall.
He turned and walked out of the Council Hall. Outside, the sunshine was bright and the sea breeze gentle. He drew a deep breath of the