The Celestial Sword Sect's Sword Saint, Bai Xueqing, felt the Blood Pact Ritual's energy waning. Soon, the disguise that had allowed her and her disciples to infiltrate the Crimson Sky Sect would fade. She caught the eye of her second-in-command, Zhao Ying, and gave an imperceptible nod. It was time to move.
As the third round of demonstrations began in the main courtyard, Bai Xueqing slipped away, her movements fluid and unnoticed amidst the crowd. Her target: Wei Zihao, the traitor who had stolen the Celestial Sword Sect's most guarded secrets.
Across the courtyard, Lin Fei's eyes narrowed slightly. He had noticed Bai Xueqing's departure, though few others would have caught the subtle shift in spiritual energy that marked her passage. He gave a slight hand signal to Lin Yan, who nodded and began to move into position.