Deputy Deacon Zhang observed Fei's startled reaction, stroking his sparse gray mustache with a chuckle.

  He clapped a hand on the young man's arm.

  Fei jolted as if electrocuted.

  Though Deputy Deacon Zhang's fingers were slender and knuckled, his grip held surprising strength.

  "Relax—the essence-sealing door keeps you safe." Zhang's tone grew contemplative. "These plant spirits are like people: survival of the fittest. They appear beautiful on the surface, but beneath? Undercurrents of peril."

  As he spoke, a cultivation physician materialized beyond the water curtain, standing respectfully at the threshold.

  He awaited permission before approaching.

  "Deputy Deacon, the withered spirit herbs have been removed, and seeds planted. Awaiting further instructions."

  Hearing this, Deputy Deacon Zhang strode to the pool's edge, rolling up his sleeves. He gazed into the water for a long moment.

  Their reflections danced on the surface. Nearby, Lulu Gan sipped boldly from the spring, then filled a beast-hide flask to the brim.

  "Just investigating!"

  Lulu noticed Zhang staring at her ripple in the water and tossed out the excuse nonchalantly.

  Her fluid motions betrayed that this wasn't her first time.

  Zhang merely sighed. For a prodigy like her, he felt only admiration—no rebuke.

  He'd intended to probe the source of the tainted medicine, but replanting took precedence.

  After a brief hesitation, he issued the command: "Channel the spring for irrigation."

  The physician captain relayed it loudly.

  Throughout the nursery, physicians formed orderly lines.

  Each positioned in their assigned section, summoning water essence.

  "This Spirit Spring water isn't used lightly," Zhang explained. "Every drop taken is one lost forever. Recovery cycles are excruciatingly long."

  As he channeled water essence breath, the scattered streams responded like obedient children, merging into the essence fields.

  The water essence fields drifted like floating clouds, manipulated by the physicians and passed across their zones, releasing a gentle misting rain that irrigated the soil.

  Assistant physicians incinerated the pulverized withered herbs with low-tier fire essence, reducing them to ash before burying them deep.

  Under the spring's nourishment, the soil soon loosened, and tiny green sprouts emerged one by one.

  Though Lulu appeared to admire the scene, Fei's earlier anomaly hadn't escaped her notice. She sensed her captain was concealing something.

  On the surface, Lulu investigated the spring water, sipping a few mouthfuls and filling another pouch.

  But her true focus remained on the conversation between Fei and Uncle Zhang.

  "Scouts," Deputy Deacon Zhang called again while directing the flow, "planning to wait indefinitely?"

  Fei hesitated. Waiting was his only choice.

  He dared not act rashly—if Yue Yang emerged altered, twisted—he'd have to intervene before she posed a threat.

  "We'll wait and see," he replied. "Physician Yang sent us here; she must know something. That essence burst earlier... probably a coincidence."

  "I'm guessing she wanted to reveal the true reason Regiment Leader Yi lost his mind."

  Zhang manipulated the spring water casually as he spoke. The Earth Mother's death linked to the regiment leader—this intel was vital to Fei.

  Yet Fei was unaware of the real cause. Hearing Zhang, he nodded solemnly.

  "Possible. But everyone says Regiment Leader Yi's breakdown stemmed from grief over the Thunder Hawk squad's loss—mental collapse."

  "That contributed, but it wasn't the primary factor. With Elder Bai's custom potions and premium spirit herbs, it wouldn't have been severe."

  "Then what was it? Please enlighten me, Uncle Zhang."

  "Last night, an Evil Cultivator's ice essence illusion seized his mind." Zhang's voice dropped. "That's what led to the Earth Mother's sacrifice. But Regiment Leader Yi is mid-stage essence envoy. Whoever drugged him... no ordinary foe."

  With that, Zhang channeled another surge of spring water, passing it to the physician behind him.

  Like a cloud, the spring water drifted past Fei, distorting Zhang's figure through it—expanding and contracting.

  "Such crucial information... aren't you afraid the deacons will reprimand you for sharing?"

  "No wall is airtight. If I were the culprit, I'd crave chaos—spread rumors, erode morale."

  Fei couldn't agree more.

  Evidently, Elder Bai's training had honed Zhang over the years.

  "Scout Fei Yuan," Zhang continued formally, "I have a request. Since you're waiting anyway, help scout for clues on the tainted medicine."

  Fei's serious tone left no room for doubt.

  At the mention of tainted medicine, Fei grasped it immediately—it concerned his mother; he had to investigate.

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  "You mean... the regiment leader absorbed tainted essence? Corrupted by evil essence?"

  Zhang nodded. "The medical division is understaffed. Assigning this to your scout team makes sense. I'll be upfront: regardless of the outcome, you'll have my gratitude."

  "And me?" Lulu interjected, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

  "You too. But keep it confidential!"

  Lulu shot Fei urgent glances. This was far more engaging than tediously waiting for Sister Yue—she wouldn't miss it.

  Fei didn't agree immediately; he weighed the mission's risks.

  Though it involved his mother, overreaching could cost his life.

  Yet refusing gnawed at his conscience. And waiting idly for Yue Yang—who knew how long?

  Assisting the medical division would also build his reputation—beneficial down the line.

  "If it's too much," Zhang added, "I can request Deacon Lan to dispatch others—"

  "No," Fei interrupted hastily. "I accept. One condition: the moment Physician Yue Yang emerges, inform me immediately. It concerns the children's safety."

  "Agreed. Once she exits as an essence wielder, she'll have duties—cooperate with you, share the regiment's burdens."

  Zhang glanced down; the spring pool had diminished by a noticeable fraction.

  Though it pained him, he refocused, channeling the spirit spring in silence once more.

  "Captain Fei—time's wasting; let's move!"

  Lulu seized the moment, capping her pouch and shoving Fei toward the Spirit Spring Cave exit.

  Back in the main nursery, physicians worked methodically—controlling cloud-like floating spring water, drizzling fine rain over their plots.

  The withered spirit herbs had been fully excised, and patches of vibrant green dotted the ground.

  Exhausted physicians with insufficient cultivation rotated seamlessly, the atmosphere harmonious and collaborative.

  "Iron Law baldies!"

  As Fei admired the scene, Lulu suddenly vanished in a blink, turning invisible.

  "I've got to hide for a bit—don't say you saw me!"

  Looking up, Fei spotted two shaved-head enforcers from Iron Law approaching, scanning the area.

  "Fei Yuan," the woman demanded curtly, "where's your assistant?"

  Fei sighed. No femininity, no courtesy.

  "I didn't chain her up. How should I know?"

  Seeing his stern expression, they knew scouts weren't pushovers. The pair ignored him and searched on their own.

  After a fruitless loop, they departed the herb nursery.

  "You can't hide forever, you know?"

  "I'm heading back to the Spirit Spring Cave for more 'investigation.' Iron Law won't dare enter there!"

  Lulu's voice echoed in the air before fading completely, her presence vanishing.

  Fei scanned the nursery again, his gaze landing on the two skinny apprentice physicians nearby. The cuts on their hands from earlier had already healed cleanly.

  “Didn’t Sister Yue Yang seem… terrifying just now?”

  “She didn’t feel like the usual Sister Yue Yang at all. That ice blade—it missed my eye by millimeters. Thank goodness she snapped out of it. Essence explosions are horrifying.”

  “Yeah. I heard the captain say uncontrolled explosions get you locked in the ice prison. Good thing she pulled it back.”

  The taller apprentice glanced up, caught Fei staring, and clammed up instantly. He turned back to wiping the shelves of bottles and jars, not daring to slack off.

  The younger one—about Timo Yang’s age—kept his eyes down, too timid to meet Fei’s gaze. He grabbed a mop taller than himself and started dragging it across the floor.

  Fei muttered under his breath, “Wonder how Timo’s holding up… If he doesn’t awaken, this place might be his future.”

  He knew the brutal truth: once a spirit root sealed shut, no amount of effort could push you to awakening peak. You’d spend your life under someone else’s protection.

  Of all the Watch Regiment’s divisions, only the medical department felt truly welcoming. Scrapes and bruises healed fast here. Step outside, though, and survival depended on merit and strength.

  Deep in the Iron Law interrogation cells, Timo Yang lay on the cold floor, mind racing through possibilities.

  After the meal, essence surged through him—energy to spare. He wanted to nap, but sleep wouldn’t come.

  Every detail from last night burned clear.

  He’d felt no trace of the ice essence illusion, even seeing multiple images of Sister Wan Lin.

  He knew he hadn’t been controlled. Facing Regiment Leader Yi’s attack, he’d actually turned the tables—taken control.

  When Aunt Guo was ambushed, raw fury had pulled his consciousness into the regiment leader’s mind. He’d sensed corrupted essence there.

  Could Regiment Leader Yi be a traitor?

  Timo shook his head violently. If he’d turned, he could have taken half the loyalists with him. The leader was far stronger than any Evil Cultivator—he’d never need their power.

  There had to be another reason.

  Besides Aunt Guo’s care for him and his sister, Regiment Leader Yi had always looked out for them.

  He’d prepared special spirit herb resources to force Timo’s awakening early. He’d even asked Feng Yi to watch over Yue Yang—and clearly hoped the two would end up together.

  But Feng Yi had been too proud. Fei was the steady one.

  Years of body training under Fei had kept the bullies away.

  If anyone belonged with Sister… Fei would protect her without reservation.

  Yet why was Yue Yang always so guarded?

  Timo sensed she carried secrets—something she hid even from him.

  He’d peeked at her old diary once. Inside was a letter from their father, warning explicitly: never break through with wind essence, or it would bring deadly calamity.

  Was that letter why she kept things from him?

  I won’t let anyone hurt you again. I’ve never forgotten that masked overseer. When I’m strong enough… I’ll crush him.

  Footsteps approached—heavy but measured.

  Light and quick. Probably the young bald enforcer who’d subdued Brother Zhao earlier.

  What was that guy’s ability? Timo had never seen anything like it.

  Full and energized, he could have joined Zhao’s endless workout—push-ups, sit-ups, nonstop since the meal.

  But after yesterday’s capture and near-death scare, all Timo wanted was his own fur bed at home and real sleep.

  “Timo Yang. The Elder wishes to see you.”

  The door opened. The young bald enforcer stepped in.

  At the word “Elder,” Timo shot upright. Gems and tools clinked in his bulging leather pouch. He froze.

  The Prophet Elder? Why me? He’s not going to eat my brain, is he?

  Camp rumors claimed the Elder punished naughty kids by slipping into their minds and devouring memories.

  “Brother… why does the Prophet Elder want to see me?”

  The young enforcer thought for a moment, then shook his head.

  “I’ve never met him either, in almost three years here.” Envy and pride mixed in his voice. “You’ll find out. Maybe he heard you’ve been naughty and wants a look inside your head.”

  Timo’s face soured like he’d swallowed vinegar. He glanced helplessly at Zhao—shirtless, still exercising furiously.

  “Hey, little baldy—stop scaring the kid!” Zhao called between flips and kicks. Energy poured out of him endlessly.

  “Wind Kid, don’t worry. The Prophet Elder handles discipline for the whole regiment. If you see him, put in a good word for me—I didn’t do anything. You saw it last night.”

  Even breathless, Zhao refused to stop. The surge felt like it would explode if he didn’t burn it off.

  To the Watch Regiment’s soldiers, the Prophet Elder embodied ancient order. His word carried weight; his wisdom was vast. He rarely met anyone.

  Even the regiment leader had seen him only a handful of times. Under Regiment Leader Yi, major trials had become rare.

  But Timo had his own view.

  By normal protocol, the Prophet Elder wouldn’t bother with an apprentice like him. Interrogations were left to the bald enforcers.

  Yue Yang had warned him: every division had its own rules—checks and balances. They stayed in their lanes.

  Yet since his arrest, no one from the regiment leader’s side had come. Old Gan hadn’t reappeared. The scout team was silent. Even his sister hadn’t visited.

  Something big was happening.

  Timo glanced at the waiting enforcer, lowered his head meekly, and followed without protest.

  Step by step—he’d see what came.

  Outside the cell, a squad of night watch soldiers marched through the interrogation hall, flanked by two Iron Law enforcers.

  They paused in the stone chamber, gazing around.

  Iron Law’s reputation was cold inhumanity—and it showed. Nothing but carved rock, as if the entire complex had been hollowed from the mountain itself. Primitive. Stark.

  The main hall felt suspended in the clouds. From the edge, the outer camp and bustling trade district looked tiny far below.

  In the distance, the protruding judgment platform ringed with stone statues overlooked a bottomless abyss.

  Fine rain drifted under heavy clouds that seemed close enough to touch.

  Cold wind rattled chains dangling from the rocks, metal scraping stone in eerie rhythm.

  “This damn lift needs fixing!” a hot-tempered night watchman grumbled, yanking off his helmet. He staggered to the open side, gulping fresh air.

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