With Lin Mu having picked his task, the others also began to divide the work among themselves.
"I'll go through the Golden Scales Union's merchant archives," Meng Bai added. "If they've purchased strange items or rare materials, there might be a paper trail."
Little Shrubby thumped his tail twice. "I'll sniff around for their scent."
They all turned to look at him.
"Be careful and tell me once you find something," Lin Mu replied.
Little Shrubby nodded once, accepting.
Daoist Chu exhaled. "Alright then. Tomorrow, we start phase two. We gather everything we can, piece by piece."
"And once we know enough," Lin Mu said, his eyes sharp with resolve, "we bring the light to their shadows."
Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city. But inside their quiet room, a fire had been lit—not one of warmth, but of intent.
The hunt had begun.
The next day arrived quickly, and Lin Mu got up bright and early.
