Chapter 105: Shadows in the Sanctuary – The Spy Among Us

Chen stood at the threshold of his private training chamber, the faint scent of incense lingering in the air—a blend Lanmei always used. But now, it didn't soothe him. His heartbeat thudded steadily, louder than it should be. The moment Lysaria's power had surged through him, a sliver of awareness had awoken—something sharp, ancient, and clear-eyed. It whispered that not all eyes watching him were loving.

And now… he knew.

There was a spy here.

"System," he said aloud, his voice low. "Track anomalous soul signatures within ten meters."

[Scanning… Soul Signature Detected: Masked. Divine Court Affiliation: Hidden.]

Chen's breath caught. Not just a spy—but one capable of hiding their divine resonance.

"Location?" he whispered.

[Standing within your sanctuary. Observation mode: Passive. Emotional resonance suggests conflict… not hostility.]

He turned slowly, gaze narrowing. "Reveal yourself."

From the shadows near the back wall—where the silken veils of the temple fluttered—someone stepped out. A woman. Young, or so she appeared, her silver-blonde hair shimmering faintly under the soulflame lanterns. Her eyes were not mortal. Nor were they divine in the way Chen was familiar with.

"I didn't come to harm you," she said. "I came to stop them from doing worse."

Chen raised his hand, soulflame coiling around his fingers, but paused. "Which court sent you?"

She hesitated. Then bowed her head. "I was born of the Court of Chains. But I no longer serve their purpose. My name is—was—Sarina. I was placed here to watch your evolution. But… I think I want to help you now."

Chen didn't lower his hand. "Why?"

"Because the gods fear you, Chen Ming. And because not all of us believe in their war." Her gaze softened. "You changed when you awakened Lysaria. The balance shifted. I felt it. I see it in your lovers. You… you're not like the others."

Silence hung between them like a blade.

Then Ye Yue's voice echoed from the corridor, followed by Lanmei's. They were approaching.

"Tell me one thing," Chen said. "Why shouldn't I let them tear you apart the moment they arrive?"

"Because I can give you access to the Court of Chains' hidden archive. And because," she stepped closer, unflinching, "if you don't take allies from within the system, you'll never tear it down."

Chen's expression remained unreadable.

Behind him, the sanctuary doors opened.