Poor little Qingque, dragging Stelle and the others to work on the Matrix of Prescience Ultima's array base, preparing for Kafka's interrogation.
Meanwhile, before the Stellaron's eruption, in a sealed chamber within the Alchemy Commission's cavern, the atmosphere was heavy.
Under the immersive recording of a Jade Abacus of Allying Oath, the higher-ups of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, including their leader, watched certain scenes in silence.
Until—
The moment when the recorder ruthlessly poisoned their own comrades.
"Leader, this…"
"Keep watching."
Four spies planted in the Divination Commission were dead within ten seconds. The scene shifted to the Matrix of Prescience Ultima.
With multiple perspectives, the recorder's movements were clear—evading traps and restrictions with precision.
Then, the recorder sabotaged all three array bases of the Matrix of Prescience Ultima, bringing it to a complete halt.
Yellow Peony asked, "Purple Moonflower, where did you find this person?"
Purple Moonflower replied, "Thanks to Green Hibiscus's keen eye, we recruited such a talent for the organization."
He didn't take all the credit, gesturing to Green Hibiscus behind him.
"Keen eye?"
Yellow Peony sneered.
"This White Owl killed their peers without a hint of hesitation. Their ruthlessness sends chills down even my spine."
"Today, they kill fellow operatives. Tomorrow, when they climb to our level, who's to say we won't be next?"
"I'd say we've let a wolf into our fold."
Behind Purple Moonflower, Green Hibiscus's heart skipped a beat, recalling that unforgettable face.
How could he not see it now? White Owl wasn't the naive fool he'd seemed at first.
They had played along, turning the tables on him.
Recalling the inexplicable deaths of Green Willow and the other three, Green Hibiscus swallowed hard.
It was obvious…
If White Owl had wanted to kill him back then, he'd have been dead countless times over.
Yellow Peony put on a concerned expression, advising, "Leader, such a ruthless person must not be allowed into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Once their wings grow strong, who knows what they'll do?"
"Hah, are you just scared for your own position?"
"Nonsense!"
"Nonsense? You've been in charge of assassinating Jing Yuan, and you've accomplished nothing."
Across from Yellow Peony, Indigo Begonia retorted with a cold smile.
"Aren't you just afraid this person's rapid rise might take your place?"
"Talking so self-righteously—why don't you reflect on whether you've even been trying?"
"You—twisting words! Those are two different matters. Tell me, how can you guarantee White Owl's loyalty?"
"What, you doubt the Leader's ability to control a mere White Owl?"
"Don't change the subject. You know that's not what I meant."
The two bickered fiercely, making Purple Moonflower frown.
"Enough, both of you. I gave White Owl the Dragoncoil Elixir. As long as they consume the resulting pill, Yellow Peony, your worries are baseless."
"Besides, Green Willow and the others were, frankly, utterly foolish. White Owl's actions weren't wrong."
"Sending them to infiltrate the Divination Commission was my mistake."
"Expecting them to achieve anything great? They were outdone by White Owl, who just joined the Divination Commission."
"Such idiots would've been caught by the hounds sooner or later. Killing them was no loss."
"Even if Green Willow and the others were incompetent, it wasn't White Owl's place to deal with them. On what grounds?" Yellow Peony demanded.
Purple Moonflower replied, "Are you a fool too? If we selectively edit the Jade Abacus's footage, what does White Owl's actions look like to the Divination Commission?"
The realization hit the room like a bolt of lightning.
Right!
It's the perfect setup for exposing spies within the Divination Commission—a major achievement!
With this carefully orchestrated act of sacrifice, plus the identity of a Jade Palace diviner aiding the Luofu, gaining Fu Xuan's trust would be a piece of cake.
As for divining White Owl's loyalty?
With the Stellaron eruption throwing the Divination Commission into chaos, where would they find the resources to scrutinize them?
White Owl's successful sabotage of the three array bases was the best proof.
"Everyone here is clever enough to see the truth. We'll know for sure once White Owl arrives at the Alchemy Commission," Purple Moonflower added, glancing at Yellow Peony.
"As for the Dragoncoil Elixir, once White Owl consumes it, the Leader can trigger their Abyssal Corruption, revealing their Verdant Aspect."
"To maintain their original appearance and avoid detection, they'll need to regularly take the Dustform Pill."
"The final ingredient for the Dustform Pill is known only to the Leader."
"As long as White Owl isn't brain-dead, there's no need to worry about betrayal."
"If they haven't taken the Dragoncoil Elixir… well, I don't need to tell you what to do next."
Hearing this, the Leader nodded in satisfaction, gesturing for silence.
"Purple Moonflower, where is White Owl now?"
"I've sent someone to meet them. They should be here soon," Purple Moonflower replied.
"You go too, and take this Dustform Pill." The Leader tossed a small vial.
"Understood, Leader."
Purple Moonflower respectfully accepted it, signaling their operatives to follow.
Once the group left the chamber, the Leader surveyed the remaining members.
"If White Owl hasn't taken the Dragoncoil Elixir, we won't be able to trigger their Verdant Aspect."
"That would mean they harbor disloyalty. In that case, the Dustform Pill will come in handy."
"Now, are you all reassured?"
The group bowed their heads in respect.
"Leader, your wisdom is unparalleled!"
The Leader nodded, shifting topics. "How are preparations with the Ambrosial Arbor?"
"The Stellaron is ready. We can revive the Sanctus Medicus Miracle at your command."
"Excellent. Gather all prepared operatives from the roster and move out with me!"
"Yes, sir!"
No one noticed that the Jade Abacus, handed to Purple Moonflower by Leon, had been tampered with…
…
On a secret route to the Alchemy Commission, a starskiff zoomed past.
Inside, Leon's eyes glinted with an eerie, inscrutable light as he sneered inwardly.
Trying to play dirty with me? Who's scheming against whom?
The young ones were far out of their league—old ginger's always spicier.
With a punch, he knocked the frenzied plague mask off his shoulder and pulled out a fox mask to wear.
In an instant, the mask vanished.
A faint fragrance from the original owner's hair lingered on it.
Leon didn't enjoy using others' exclusive items, but—
"No choice. You know how it is, Aha. I'm indulging you."
"Mmm~~ Aha feels the warm glow of darling's light shining through. Truly, where others can't reach, giegie can~~"
Leon ignored Aha, waiting for the starskiff to reach its destination.
Once it stopped, he followed the guide off the skiff, weaving through turns until they reached the entrance of a secret passage.
"This is the place. In about three minutes, someone will come to meet you."
"Thanks for the escort, brother."
"Just doing my duty."
"But, brother, could you escort me one more step…"
"Huh? We're already here. Where else do you need to go?"
Leon's eyes gleamed darkly as he struck, piercing the guide's core.
His body rapidly shifted toward an Abyssal Corruption form—the Verdant Aspect.
"Of course… to pave an easier path to earning the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus's trust…"
"Sorry, but today, only I get to enter the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus…"