Lin Mu paused for a moment before thinking of something and continuing. "There's no way such a large beast could be transported easily through the dynasty. They must have had assistance... perhaps even from someone within the court."

Daoist Chu gave a slow nod. "Understood."

Elyon grinned faintly, though there was no humor in his expression. "I'll start contacting my sources right away. There are still a few informants in the southern trade cities who owe me favors. If anyone remembers the details, they will."

As the two men began their preparations, Lin Mu stood by the window, gazing at the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains. The world outside looked peaceful, but he could feel the chill of what lay beneath.

The Ice Drakes had long memories, and if the Ephemera Sect had truly violated their ancient pact, then the storm that was coming would not just be one of frost and snow... it would be a tempest of vengeance.

Over the next several days, the group worked tirelessly to gather as much information as possible.

The matter of the Ice Drakes and their possible connection to the Greater Ice Elemental weighed heavily on all of them. Lin Mu, Daoist Chu, Monk Hushu, Elyon, and Grand Elder Huo each took separate avenues of inquiry, using their personal networks and influence to dig deeper into the events surrounding the Darkhan Dynasty's mysterious dealings.

During this time, Elyon made the greatest progress.

The wolfkin's contacts stretched across the underbelly of the Dynasty's many provinces, from information brokers in the Cloudshadow Markets to retired courtiers who owed him old favors.

After three days of relentless inquiry, he finally arrived at Pale Dusk City with the results.

He appeared before Lin Mu in the quiet study chamber they were using, his expression grim but focused. Lin Mu looked up from a set of jade slips he had been reading, noting the faint exhaustion in Elyon's posture.

"So, what did you find?" Lin Mu asked simply, setting aside the slips.

Elyon took a slow breath and began, "There had been turmoil within the Imperial Court of the Darkhan Dynasty back then. Not open rebellion or conflict, but enough internal disorder to cause a stir among the ministries. My sources tell me the court officials have been playing a dangerous game of blame and denial ever since the Ice Drake incident"

Lin Mu frowned. "Go on."

Elyon nodded and continued, his tone carrying the weight of information that had passed through too many mouths before reaching him.

"It seems that when the Ice Drakes discovered the abduction of one of their kin, they sent emissaries to the Imperial Court immediately. You already know that part. But what I have now learned is that the Court was completely unprepared.

No one knew who was behind the attack, and no trace of the culprits could be found. The Emperor was furious, but also deeply afraid. He understood that the Ice Drakes could not be appeased by mere words or empty promises. If they felt betrayed, their wrath would be unstoppable."

Monk Hushu, who had been meditating silently in the corner, opened his eyes and said quietly, "A single Ice Drake is said to be able to devastate an entire mountain range. If even a few of them attacked the imperial cities, the Dynasty would fall into chaos."

"Exactly," Elyon said, nodding at the monk. "The Emperor apparently shared that very fear. My source said that he became restless and anxious, holding emergency sessions with the grand ministers for days on end.

Some claimed the Emperor stopped sleeping entirely for nearly a month. He kept repeating the same concern: that if the Ice Drakes withdrew their pact, the Dynasty would face ruin. Their border defenses rely partly on the Drakes' deterrence.

Without them, even minor powers might dare to invade or stir unrest. Even if other powers didn't try that, just the beast living in that region alone would be problem. Without the Ice Drakes keeping their population in check, there might very well be beast tides that could devastate the settlements around that area."

Daoist Chu crossed his arms, the sharp light in his eyes showing that he understood the deeper implications. "That would also mean a loss of prestige. The Darkhan Dynasty's stability has always depended on its image as a realm protected by powerful immortal allies. If word spread that they angered the Ice Drakes, other nations would see weakness."

Elyon gave a grim nod. "Yes. The Emperor feared that very outcome. But without knowing who had taken the Ice Drake, the ministers began to turn on each other. Some accused the Ministry of Internal Security for failing to monitor illegal beast hunts.

Others blamed the Treasury for not funding enough patrols in the Glacial Ranges. The Ministry of the Internal Affairs accused the Ministry of War of secretly experimenting with Ice Drake bloodlines for cultivation purposes. It became a mess of accusations and infighting"

Lin Mu sat silently, digesting every word. He could picture the chaos spreading like a contagion through the marble halls of the Imperial Court. Such fear and confusion could easily make wise men act like fools.

Elyon continued, "Eventually, when no clear culprit could be found, the Emperor gave an order. He commanded that all known beast poachers, criminal cultivators, and any suspected immortals with the ability to hunt great beasts be captured and executed.

They hoped this would serve as a symbolic gesture to appease the Ice Drakes. Many innocents were caught up in that purge. My sources say the prisons overflowed with people before the day was over."

Grand Elder Huo exhaled heavily. "So that is what it came to. A purge for the sake of saving face."

Lin Mu's eyes darkened. "And did it work?"

Elyon hesitated, then shook his head. "Not immediately. Even after the purge, the Ice Drakes were not satisfied. Their emissaries demanded compensation: treasures and resources of great value to their race as was stated in their

treaty."