Hearing Lin Mu's words, Grand Elder Huo spoke gravely, "If that is the case, they may have exhausted their supply. To continue their work, they would need to capture another powerful elemental beast... perhaps another Ice Drake."

Lin Mu's eyes darkened at the thought. "Then that is what they will do next. The Ephemera Sect will strike again. They have tasted success once, and they will not stop until their objective is complete. The question now is where and when."

Daoist Chu leaned forward. "If we know they are running out of materials, then their next move will likely target the same region as before, the South Western Glacial Ranges. The Ice Drakes will not be caught unaware this time, but that may not stop them from trying.

We also don't know if the Ephemera sect might use stronger experts, having become desperate since then."

Lin Mu gave a slow nod. "We must prepare. I will inform the Xian Sword Sect and the Silent Lotus Temple to ask the Darkhan Dynasty to increase their presence in the region. If the Ephemera Sect truly seeks another Ice Drake, then we may be able to catch them in the act."

The flicker of lantern light shimmered across the maps as silence settled once more. Each of them knew that the coming days would not bring peace. Somewhere, far to the south, the snow would soon stir again, and the howling winds would carry whispers of danger.

For now, all they could do was prepare because the next time the Ephemera Sect moved, it would not be through subtle manipulations or quiet thefts. It would be through blood and ice, and Lin Mu intended to be there when it happened.

The morning sun rose lazily over Pale Dusk City, casting a pale gold sheen upon the rooftops.

The aftermath of the blizzard and the battles that had ravaged the distant sothern forests had mostly faded, though the air still carried the faint, chilling scent of frost as it was now late autumn and winter would arrive in a month or So.

Inside their temporary base, Lin Mu stood before a large round table, his companions gathered around him.

Daoist Chu, Grand Elder Huo, Elyon, Monk Hushu, Cattaleya, and Meng Bai waited in silence, their expressions expectant. The faint hum of layered protective arrays surrounded the chamber, ensuring that their discussion would remain private.

Lin Mu looked at each of them in turn before speaking, his tone firm and resolute. "We now know what the Ephemera Sect's next move is likely to be," he began. "If their goal is to create more catalysts, they will have to go after the Ice Drakes again. That is inevitable. We cannot afford to sit here and wait for disaster to strike. We will go to the South Western Glacial Ranges ourselves."

The group exchanged glances.

The words carried the weight of purpose and urgency, and everyone understood what this meant. The South Western Glacial Ranges were not merely cold mountains. They were sacred territory to the Ice Drakes, descendants of dragons, and one of the few immortal beast clans that maintained peaceful coexistence with humankind.

Entering their lands without permission was a dangerous act, even for those with good intentions.

Lin Mu continued, "Even if the Ice Drakes have grown wary, we must meet them. We have to warn them about the real culprits behind the kidnapping and the catalysts. If we fail to do that, and the Ephemera Sect attacks again, the Ice Drakes will assume that humanity has betrayed them once more."

His eyes hardened, his tone lowering. "If that happens, they will not settle for compensation. They will take vengeance. Entire cities could freeze, and the Imperial Court itself might not survive their wrath."

Daoist Chu folded his arms thoughtfully. "You are right. It is not just about preventing another attack but also about preventing a war. If we can make contact with the Ice Drakes before the Ephemera Sect acts, we might even catch those schemers in the middle of their next plot. That could give us the proof we need to expose them entirely."

Lin Mu nodded. "Exactly. If we can get to them before the sect does, we might be able to uncover more than just their next move." He turned toward Grand Elder Huo, who had been listening in silence, his single eye gleaming with quiet. intelligence.

"Grand Elder," Lin Mu said. "I will head for the South Western Glacial Ranges personally. But there will be political resistance. I need you to handle the bureaucracy and whatever mess the Imperial Court tries to throw in our way." The old man's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "You leave the talking to me, Lin Mu. I have handled far worse than a few self-important officials. If the court attempts to block you, I will see to it that they regret it. And if they still refuse to listen, I will have the patriarch himself send them a reminder of where their loyalties should lie."

Elyon, who had been leaning against the wall, interjected, his tone pragmatic. "You know as well as I do, Lin Mu, that the Imperial Court is unlikely to approve any sudden visit to the Glacial Ranges. They will claim it violates the non-aggression treaty with the Ice Drakes. Even if you are trying to warn them, they will think you might provoke something."

Lin Mu's expression hardened, and his gaze sharpened like drawn steel. "I do

not care what the Imperial Court thinks," he said flatly. "They can clutch their pride and worry about their face all they want. I am not asking for permission. I

am going there, and that is final."

The room went quiet for a heartbeat.

Then, Grand Elder Huo chuckled under his breath. "Good," he said, his tone

approving.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Do what must be done. Leave the

political nonsense to me. If anyone dares question your actions, I'll remind them that while they sit comfortably behind their gilded walls, you're the one cleaning up the mess their silence caused."