"We need to move quickly," the Phoenix Maiden said as she and Liu Yun walked through a hidden passage beneath the imperial palace. "The Council will send more Administrators within days."
Liu Yun studied his companion with curiosity. "You know my name, but I don't know yours."
She smiled, the torchlight catching the copper highlights in her red hair. "Lin Fei. Daughter of the fallen Phoenix Sect."
"Fallen?" Liu Yun frowned. "I thought the Phoenix Sect was just a legend."
"That's what the Protocol wanted everyone to believe," Lin Fei explained. "My ancestors refused to accept the restrictions. The Council wiped them out—almost. A few escaped and went into hiding."
They emerged into a secret chamber where Emperor Yun Tian and Commissioner Zhao Lin were waiting with the Imperial Jade Seal.
"Impressive display," the Emperor said. "But you've accelerated the Council's plans. My spies report they're mobilizing forces from all regions."
Commissioner Zhao Lin unrolled a map on the table. "We've identified possible locations for two more bloodlines based on unusual energy signatures detected over the past year."
The Imperial Jade Seal floated above the map, highlighting two areas with golden light. "Covenant energies confirmed in the Western Mountains and Southern Marshlands."
Lin Fei pointed to the mountains. "That would be the Earth Vein Sect descendant. Their techniques focused on stability and defense."
"And the marshes?" Liu Yun asked.
"Likely the Water Harmony Clan," the Emperor answered. "Known for healing arts and poison mastery."
Liu Yun studied the map closely. "These locations aren't accidental. They form a pattern around the imperial city."
Commissioner Zhao Lin nodded. "We noticed that too. When connected, they form an ancient formation symbol."
"The Seven-Star Restoration Formation," Lin Fei confirmed. "Designed to reset the Protocol when all seven bloodlines activate their covenant powers simultaneously."
The Emperor's expression darkened. "But we still don't know the locations of the final two bloodlines."
The Seal pulsed with light. "Covenant analysis suggests one bloodline may exist within the Protocol Administration itself."
Everyone fell silent as they absorbed this revelation.
"A spy among the enemy," Liu Yun mused. "That could be invaluable."
"Or a trap," Commissioner Zhao cautioned. "We can't assume they would help us."
Lin Fei shook her head. "The bloodline compulsion is strong. If they're aware of their heritage, they'll be drawn to assist when the time comes."
The Emperor tapped the map decisively. "We need to split up. Liu Yun, you and Lin Fei should journey to the Ancient Trials in the Western Mountains. Not only might you find another ally there, but you'll also have the opportunity to master the sixth technique."
Liu Yun nodded. "What about the Southern Marshlands?"
"I'll dispatch a trusted envoy," the Emperor said. "Commissioner Zhao will coordinate from the capital and continue searching for the remaining bloodlines."
The Imperial Jade Seal floated to Liu Yun. "I must accompany the covenant bearer. My guidance will be essential for the trials."
Commissioner Zhao looked concerned. "Your Majesty, without the Seal, your authority may be questioned by the court."
The Emperor smiled grimly. "Let them question. It's time they learned to follow their Emperor, not just a symbol."
They spent the next hour planning the details of their journey. Liu Yun would travel disguised as a wandering cultivator, while Lin Fei would pose as a merchant's daughter. The Imperial Guards would create diversions to mislead any Protocol spies watching the palace.
As dawn approached, they prepared to depart. The Emperor took Liu Yun aside for a private word.
"There's something else you should know," he said quietly. "The ancestral records suggest that the Sword Sovereign title comes with a price."
Liu Yun met his gaze steadily. "What kind of price?"
"The previous Sword Sovereign gave his life to establish the covenant. The techniques you master don't just break restrictions—they transfer those restrictions into your own body."
Liu Yun felt a chill despite his cultivation's heat regulation. "So each technique I master..."
"Brings you closer to becoming the vessel that contains the Protocol's restrictions," the Emperor confirmed. "If all seven bloodlines succeed, you may have to sacrifice yourself to complete the reset."
Liu Yun absorbed this in silence before finally speaking. "Did my father know this?"
"Yes," the Emperor admitted. "It's why he tried to prevent you from learning the techniques. He sought another way."
Liu Yun's hand tightened around his sword hilt. "Then I'll honor his search by finding that other way. But I won't stop mastering the techniques."
The Emperor clasped his shoulder. "Your determination honors your ancestors."
When they rejoined the others, Lin Fei gave Liu Yun a curious look but didn't pry. They finalized their preparations and moved toward separate exits.
"We'll reconvene in thirty days," the Emperor instructed. "By then, we should have contacted at least four of the seven bloodlines."
Commissioner Zhao bowed. "I'll ensure our communication network remains secure."
As Liu Yun and Lin Fei prepared to depart through a secret tunnel, the Imperial Jade Seal floated between them, pulsing with golden light.
"Protocol disturbance detected," it announced. "Multiple Administrator forces converging on the capital. Estimated arrival: six hours."
The Emperor's expression hardened. "They're moving faster than anticipated. You must leave immediately."
Liu Yun gripped his sword. "We should stay and help defend—"
"No," the Emperor cut him off. "The future of cultivation itself depends on your mission. We will handle the Administrators."
Lin Fei pulled Liu Yun toward the tunnel. "He's right. Our path lies elsewhere."
With a reluctant nod, Liu Yun followed her into the darkness. Behind them, the Imperial Palace prepared for siege as the first battle in the war against the Protocol was about to begin.