Xian Tiandi nodded. "I found evidence of formations controlling the spirit beasts. Someone is manipulating them remotely across a wide area."
Mei's expression became serious immediately. "How many formations?"
"Five that I could identify. Arranged in a network pattern."
"Five." Mei processed this quickly. "That's not a small operation. That's infrastructure. Long-term planning." She paused. "Four Spirits Sect?"
The question caught him slightly off guard. "You suspect them specifically?"
"I know it's them." Mei's voice carried an edge now. She gestured toward a flat rock. "Sit. I'll explain."
They both sat. Mei pulled a small piece of torn cloth from her spatial ring and held it up. Even in the moonlight, Xian Tiandi could see the faint purple spiritual energy clinging to the fabric.
