The stasis barrier shimmered around the afflicted disciple, casting eerie blue reflections on the jade-leafed trees around them. Lin Xue adjusted the perimeter glyphs while Rayen examined a second patch of soil that practically pulsed with low-level Qi.
"See this?" he said, pointing at a cluster of half-fused spirit roots sprouting from a single stalk. "They're all hybridized. This wasn't natural. It's like someone spliced them into a single alchemical organism."
:: Confirmation: Qi lattice fusion detected. Genetic origin unknown. Alchemical volatility increasing. Suggest containment and sample extraction within next 1.2 hours. ::
Rayen nodded grimly. "We don't have much time before it mutates again."
Lin Xue set a containment capsule into the soil and whispered a freezing incantation. The roots shuddered, resisting the encasement.
She grit her teeth. "It's reacting. Sentient alchemy—it knows it's under threat."
Rayen triggered a small Etherweave ring and overlaid a stasis mesh, pinning the growth in place. Together, they sealed the sample in a reinforced containment orb.
"Sample secured," Lin said, exhaling. "Now what?"
"Now," Rayen said, "we trace it to the source."
Back in Lab 7B, Elder Fan joined them for the analysis. She didn't sit. Instead, she paced slowly around the perimeter, watching the crystal float in its suspended display.
"Preliminary scan shows high concentrations of forced harmonics," Rayen said. "It's mimicking the Philosopher's Core signature—but twisted. Instead of harmonizing, it subverts Qi. Makes it… obedient."
Lin Xue frowned. "A corrupted imitation?"
Fan's gaze sharpened. "Only one sect had access to your presentation schematics before they were officially released."
Rayen's expression darkened. "The Violet Sun Hall."
:: Correlation confirmed. Unauthorized extraction attempt recorded via scrying sigil embedded during Symposium. Suggested response: tactical confrontation. ::
Fan spoke slowly. "I can't accuse a major sect on evidence gathered unofficially. But you can. If you find undeniable proof."
Rayen nodded. "Then we'll go there ourselves."
Lin crossed her arms. "A diplomatic visit, or a raid?"
Rayen smirked. "Why not both?"
The next morning, Rayen and Lin Xue departed under the guise of a joint research invitation. The Azure Serpent Sect provided an official envoy scroll and a sealed packet of "curiosity trade," allowing them to carry unstable samples under truce law.
The Violet Sun Hall stood high on spiraled mountains veined with golden ore. Its towers gleamed with mirrored metalwork, and its disciples wore elegant robes that shimmered in two tones depending on the angle.
Their delegation was received with cool politeness. A middle-aged cultivator named Elder He Yun greeted them, a tight smile on her face.
"We were intrigued to hear your sect wished to discuss collaboration."
Rayen smiled back. "We're always open to sharing discoveries—with the right mutual respect."
He Yun led them to a side chamber lined with alchemical relics. Lin Xue subtly activated her Qi-detection lens. Rayen took note of everything—the exact pitch of the ambient hum, the energy signature in the walls, the subtle glyphs etched under the table.
One of them matched the modified harmonic imprint from the corrupted roots.
He passed Lin a note under the table: Glyph match. Confirmed theft.
She replied with a small nod and reached into her satchel.
"Speaking of discoveries," Lin said, placing the sealed orb on the table, "we brought a sample we think your sect may be very familiar with."
He Yun's eyes twitched, just for a moment. Then she composed herself. "We… wouldn't know. Many such substances exist."
Rayen activated the containment orb. The roots pulsed, reacting to the glyphs embedded in the room. They reached hungrily toward the wall.
He Yun's expression cracked.
Rayen leaned forward. "You didn't just steal our formula. You weaponized it."
Lin stood. "This is a declaration. Not of war. Of accountability. Either we take this to the Grand Council, or you hand over whoever engineered the corrupted derivative."
He Yun's silence was enough.
But the faint crackle of defensive runes lighting up behind her said more.
Rayen sighed. "So much for diplomacy."