They ran through rapidly narrowing tunnels, the mountain itself seeming to clear their path while hindering pursuit. Liu Yun could hear the distant sounds of Protocol enforcement units attempting to break through the stone barriers that had formed behind them.
"That won't hold them for long," Jiang Tao said between labored breaths. Blood still trickled from the cut on his forehead, but his eyes remained sharp and focused. "Administrators have equipment to counter Earth Vein techniques. We've bought minutes, not hours."
Liu Yun nodded, the Earth Shattering Sword now a comforting weight at his side, fully reconnected to the mountain's presence. "Which way to the Southern Marshlands?"
Jiang Tao gestured toward a downward-sloping passage. "We need to go deeper before we can emerge. The Protocol monitors all surface routes."
The path pitched steeply downward, forcing them to half-climb, half-slide into the mountain's depths. The air grew noticeably warmer, carrying the mineral scent of underground springs. Luminous crystals embedded in the walls provided dim illumination, reacting to Jiang Tao's presence by brightening as they passed.
"These tunnels weren't originally created by the Earth Vein bloodline," Jiang Tao explained as they descended. "They're far older—natural pathways formed by water and time, later expanded by the first cultivators who sought sanctuary from the world above."
Liu Yun ran his fingers along strange, weathered carvings on the tunnel walls—symbols unlike any cultivation script he had encountered before. "What are these markings?"
"Records from before the Protocol," Jiang Tao replied. "Perhaps even from before the calamity that led to its creation. My father spent years attempting to decipher them."
A distant rumble echoed through the stone around them. Liu Yun placed his palm against the wall, extending his senses through the mountain. "They've broken through the first barrier and split into three groups again. They're attempting to triangulate our position."
Jiang Tao's expression tightened. "They're more persistent than usual. Something about our covenant gathering has them truly alarmed."
"The Seal mentioned the Protocol parameters have been modified," Liu Yun recalled. "Perhaps the Administrators fear what a reset would reveal about those changes."
"Power rarely surrenders itself willingly," Jiang Tao agreed as they continued their descent. "The longer the Protocol has existed, the more its guardians have invested in maintaining it—and themselves."
The tunnel opened suddenly into a vast underground chamber that took Liu Yun's breath away. A subterranean lake stretched before them, its black surface perfectly still and reflective as a mirror. The ceiling soared upward, dotted with thousands of luminous crystals that resembled a starry night sky. At the lake's center rose a small island connected to the shore by a narrow stone bridge.
"The Heart of the Mountain," Jiang Tao said reverently. "Few outside the Earth Vein bloodline have ever seen this place."
Liu Yun approached the water's edge, staring at his reflection in the obsidian surface. The Earth Shattering Sword's reflection seemed to pulse with its own light. "What is this place?"
"A nexus point where the mountain's essence is at its strongest," Jiang Tao explained. "And our path forward. The underwater tunnels connect directly to similar systems beneath the Southern Marshlands."
Liu Yun looked dubiously at the black water. "We need to swim?"
Jiang Tao smiled. "Not exactly."
He approached the lake and performed a complex hand formation. Green energy spiraled from his fingers into the water, which began to glow in response. Slowly, the surface parted, revealing a stone staircase descending into darkness.
"The Water Weavers and Earth Vein bloodlines were close allies before the Protocol," Jiang Tao explained. "This passage was created for times of need—like now."
Another rumble shook the chamber, small stones breaking loose from the ceiling to splash into the lake. Liu Yun turned, sensing the approach of their pursuers.
"They're converging on this chamber," he warned. "All six Administrators now."
Jiang Tao looked troubled. "They shouldn't have found us so quickly. Someone must be tracking us specifically."
The Earth Shattering Sword pulsed at Liu Yun's side, drawing his attention. He unsheathed it, studying the blade in the crystal light. Near the hilt, a previously unseen character now glowed faintly against the metal.
"There's a mark on the sword," he said, showing Jiang Tao. "It wasn't there before."
Jiang Tao examined it, his expression darkening. "A Protocol tracking sigil. It must have been embedded in the trial chamber—activated when you claimed the sword."
"So I've been leading them to us all along," Liu Yun realized with growing anger. "Can we remove it?"
"Not without damaging the sword itself," Jiang Tao replied. "The sigil is bonded to the metal."
The chamber shook again, more violently this time. Cracks appeared in the walls as the Administrators' approach destabilized the cavern's ancient structure.
"They're using sonic disruption," Jiang Tao said grimly. "Trying to collapse the chamber rather than follow us directly."
Liu Yun made a swift decision. "You need to go. Find Lin Fei and continue to the Water Weavers."
Jiang Tao shook his head. "We stand a better chance together."
"The sword is compromised," Liu Yun countered. "As long as I have it, they'll track us. But if we separate..." He left the implication hanging.
"You're suggesting a diversion," Jiang Tao realized. "Draw them away while I continue the mission."
Liu Yun nodded, his resolve hardening. "The covenant is more important than any single bloodline. If I can lead the Administrators away from the Southern Marshlands, it gives you and Lin Fei a better chance to complete the gathering."
Another violent tremor shook the chamber. The stone bridge to the central island cracked ominously.
"There's another way out," Jiang Tao said after a moment of internal struggle. "An old emergency exit that leads to the eastern slopes. If you take that route, you might be able to lose them in the forests beyond."
Liu Yun gripped Jiang Tao's shoulder. "I'll find you both when I can. The jade token I gave Lin Fei works both ways."
Jiang Tao clasped Liu Yun's arm in return, a warrior's farewell. "The Earth Vein remembers its friends. When you need us most, the mountains will answer."
As the sounds of pursuit grew closer, they separated—Jiang Tao descending the stone staircase into the underwater passage while Liu Yun, sword in hand, turned to face the tunnel from which the Administrators would soon emerge.