The air in the City of Forges remained thick with tension. The Crimson Forge Sect was becoming a fortress, its disciples patrolling with grim determination, and the once-boisterous merchant caravans now moved with a nervous, hurried energy.
Li Yu and his group had accomplished their goals: Jian Xuan had a new sword, and they had a name for their enemy. But the final, crucial piece of the puzzle, the confirmation that would link all the disparate threads together, was still missing. They were waiting on Fengliu.
The wait ended on their third day back in the city. Li Yu was in his room, quietly contemplating the new soul technique, when his communication talisman vibrated with a long, steady pulse. It was Fengliu, and his report was ready.
Li Yu infused the talisman with his Koi Qi. "Fengliu," he said, his voice calm.
"Young Master," Fengliu's professional, unhurried voice came through, as clear as if he were in the next room. "My investigation of the Golden Tide Clan is complete. I can confirm, with absolute certainty, that the forging techniques and residual energy signatures present in their workshops match those of the conch artifact. They were the ones who made it."
Li Yu's eyes narrowed. This was the final confirmation.
"There is more," Fengliu continued. "The clan's resources are far too plentiful for the level of business they conduct openly. They have access to a vast and secret supply of wealth and rare materials that cannot be accounted for. They are being supported by a powerful, unknown external power."
"Your findings align with the information I sent you," Li Yu said, his voice low. He had kept Fengliu updated on their own discoveries as they happened, aiding his retainer's investigation from afar. "The connection is confirmed. The Golden Tide Clan is working with the Beast Revolution Faction."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the talisman as Fengliu processed this. "It also explains the other part of my report," he said, his voice now holding a grim undertone. "The beast attacks along the southern coastal cities have gotten worse in recent times. They are more coordinated, more targeted. They have been specifically hitting trade routes that compete with the Golden Tide Clan's interests. It is almost certainly the work of the Faction, clearing a path for their allies."
The picture was now complete, and it was a grim one. The Golden Tide Clan, in their ambition to dominate the southern coast, had made a deal with a dangerous, fanatical power.
"Your work is done there, Fengliu," Li Yu said. "The situation has escalated. It is time for us to regroup." He looked at a map of the southern coast that was spread out on his table. "Head to Coralspire Harbor. We will meet you there."
"Understood, Young Master." The connection ended.
Li Yu immediately gathered the others. He laid out Fengliu's report, its contents confirming everything they had suspected.
"The Golden Tide Clan and the Beast Revolution Faction are one and the same problem," he concluded. "This is no longer a simple investigation. They are actively trying to destabilize the entire southern region."
"So what's the plan, boss?" Xylia asked, her eyes glowing with a dangerous light. "Do we go knock on their door?"
"Not yet," Li Yu said, shaking his head. "They are a major clan, now backed by a powerful and widespread faction. To attack them directly would be to walk into their home territory blind. We need a proper base of operations, and we need to consolidate our information with our allies."
He tapped the map. "We are going to Coralspire Harbor. The Golden Shell Guild has a major base of operations there. Our friends, Elder Jing and Quan of the Jade Sea Pavilion, are also in the city. This threat affects all of us. It is time we consolidated our information."
The decision was made. Fat Pig immediately set about making the arrangements, sending a message to the Crimson Forge Sect to inform them of their departure and to Master Tie Feng to once again thank him for his work. An hour later, they stood in a secluded clearing outside the city.
Tempest materialized from the Koi Sanctuary with a shimmer of pearlescent light. The magnificent Skyshroud Leviathan let out a low, melodic call as it nudged Li Yu affectionately. It has been growing well inside the Koi Sanctuary. They boarded the great creature, and with a silent surge of power, it rose into the air, leaving the smoky, troubled City of Forges behind.
The journey down the coast was a breathtaking one. The landscape transformed from the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Crimson Forge's domain into a lush, vibrant tapestry of dense jungles and white-sand beaches bordering a turquoise sea. The air grew warmer, thick with the scent of salt and exotic flowers.
The trip was quick and uneventful. After a period of swift, silent flight, a massive port city came into view. This was Coralspire Harbor.
Tempest's arrival was expected. It descended not towards the main port, but towards a massive, fortified complex that served as the Golden Shell Guild's southern headquarters.
As they dismounted in the vast, private central courtyard, a familiar, cheerful figure was already there, his expression a mixture of warmth and deep concern. It was Kui.
"Wise Host! Welcome back!" he boomed, his gaze sweeping over the group. He nodded to Xylia and Fat Pig, and then his eyes landed on Jian Xuan. A shrewd, knowing smile touched his lips. "Brother Jian," he said with a cheerful.
He then turned his attention back to Li Yu, his expression becoming serious. "I received your updates. The situation is indeed grim."
"It is," Li Yu confirmed. "And it affects more than just us. The Jade Sea Pavilion's trade routes could also be under threat, even if they don't know the full story yet." He looked out from the courtyard. "Kui, we need to arrange a meeting with our friends. I need to speak with Elder Jing and Quan as soon as possible. There is something they all need to know."