Chapter 252: Primordial Essence

The dead of night had settled over the Zhao Provincial Palace, bringing a deceptive stillness to the tense air of Sky Jade City. Within the dimly lit study of the eastern pavilion, Lin Yuan sat at a heavy mahogany desk, his fingers tracing the rim of a cold teacup.

The heavy doors clicked shut as Bai Chen slipped into the room. The young man's eyes were bloodshot from a sheer lack of sleep, but they burned with a triumphant, manic energy.

"I have the confirmation, Brother-in-law," Bai Chen breathed, leaning over the desk, his voice a harsh whisper. "The Bai clan outer merchants finally cracked a loose tongue in the Feng Province's supply chain. It cost us a small mountain of spirit stones in bribes, but the intelligence is absolute. In the deepest, warded subterranean chamber of the Feng Provincial Palace, there are three hostages."

Lin Yuan did not blink. "Specify."