The Mind of the Empyrean

As the panicked Elder Jin activated the serpent talisman, a pulse of dark, secretive energy shot out from it, not towards the distant capital, but arcing over the nearby mountains. In the shadows, Jian Feng's own formation disk, newly inscribed, came to life. A single, shimmering thread of light appeared on its surface, tracing the path of the signal.

The thread didn't lead far. It pointed to a secluded valley just beyond the northern ridge of the clan's territory—a place officially designated as uninhabited land. Jian Feng's mind instantly cross-referenced this location with the information he had gathered from the miners. There was only one point of interest there: a small, recently established monastery that had been winning the hearts of the local populace. The Monastery of the Serene Soul.

He now had a destination for the dark energy. The link between the mine's supervisors and this supposedly benevolent sanctuary was confirmed.

Jian Feng returned to his quarters before the first rays of dawn, his brief excursion completely unnoticed. The next day, he resumed his official duties, but with a new line of inquiry. He left the dusty ledgers behind and spent the day walking through the settlement, speaking directly with the miners. He maintained his guise as a concerned but slightly naive Young Lord, asking about their health, their families, and their troubles.

The "exhaustion sickness" was a common complaint, a deep weariness that no amount of rest could cure. When he asked where they turned for solace, the same name came up repeatedly.

"The Monastery of the Serene Soul," a grizzled old miner told him, his voice filled with reverence. "Abbot Kasyapa… he is a living saint. He asks for nothing, yet he gives us blessings and medicine that soothe the ache in our bones. My own brother was afflicted terribly by the sickness. He went to the monastery for care two months ago. I have not seen him since, but I know he has finally found peace from his suffering."

The story was the same everywhere. The sick and the desperate would make a pilgrimage to the monastery, seeking healing and peace.

The next morning, Jian Feng informed Elders Jin and Bao of his new intention. "The well-being of the clan's people is paramount," he announced with feigned earnestness. "I am deeply concerned by this sickness. I wish to visit this monastery and thank the good Abbot for his compassionate work on behalf of our clan."

A flicker of panic crossed Elder Jin's face, while Elder Bao's expression grew infinitesimally tighter. They could not refuse. To do so would be a massive breach of protocol. With forced smiles, they agreed to escort their Young Lord.

The Monastery of the Serene Soul was nestled in a picturesque, sun-drenched valley. It was an oasis of tranquility, with clean, white-washed walls, perfectly manicured gardens, and the gentle sound of wind chimes. The monks who greeted them were polite and serene. The entire place radiated an aura of profound peace.

It was a masterfully crafted illusion. Beneath the surface, Jian Feng's Star-Chart perceived the truth. The entire monastery was built upon a grand formation that placated the senses and masked the same sick, parasitic energy that permeated the mine.

They were led to the central courtyard to meet the Abbot himself. Abbot Kasyapa was a man in his middle years, with a shaved head, a benevolent, wrinkle-lined face, and eyes that seemed to hold deep compassion and wisdom. He exuded an aura of profound holiness.

"Young Lord," the Abbot said, his voice warm and soothing as he gave a deep bow. "Welcome. It is a humble honor to receive a member of the main family. Our only wish here is to ease the suffering of the miners your noble clan employs."

As he spoke his words of grace, Jian Feng analyzed his being. The Abbot's holy aura was a sham, a cloak of light concealing a core of absolute darkness. It was the exact same corrupted energy signature he had sensed in Elder Bao and at the gate of Sector 07, only a hundred times more potent.

"Your compassion is a credit to the realm, Abbot," Jian Feng replied smoothly. "I was hoping I might see the infirmary. I wish to pay my respects to the clan members who are under your care."

The Abbot's smile didn't falter, but a cold, calculating light flickered deep within his eyes for a fraction of a second. "Of course. This way."

He led them to a long, quiet building. Inside, a dozen miners lay resting in simple beds. They appeared to be sleeping peacefully. But Jian Feng's perception saw the horrifying reality. Beneath the floorboards of each bed, a series of tiny, almost invisible runes were glowing faintly. They were latched onto the sleeping miners, slowly and gently siphoning their remaining life force and spiritual energy.

The men weren't being healed. They were being harvested.

The entire system became terrifyingly clear. The Flesh-Vessel Array in Sector 07 stole the essence from the inanimate jade, creating a toxic environment that sickened the miners. The sickened miners, their own vitality weakened, would then seek "healing" at the monastery, where they became the second stage of the harvest. The mine and the monastery were two parts of a single, horrific, two-stage farm, designed to extract every last drop of energy—both mineral and biological—from the Western Spur.

Jian Feng kept a look of polite concern on his face. "They seem to be at peace. Your methods are truly miraculous, Abbot."

"We do what we can," Abbot Kasyapa replied, his benevolent mask perfect.

As Jian Feng turned to leave, he knew the investigation phase was over. He had the what, the who, the how, and the where. He was standing in the den of the serpent, speaking to its charming, human face. The only question that remained was why. What was the purpose of this vast, stolen energy? And how could he possibly dismantle this entire conspiracy without causing a panic among the hundreds of faithful miners who believed the man before him was a living saint?