"I surrender…" Mei Li's voice came out like a breath.
…
The silence that followed Mei Li's surrender was dense, laden with unanswered questions.
Everyone wondered how the newly arrived disciple, the supposed Innate Talent, was able to extract and shape the ancient blood of the fortress, the vital blood of the foundation of the Crimson Court, without triggering a single defensive formation.
The leader of the Shadow Branch whispered, his voice a blade's edge.
"The absorption and defense formations react to any unauthorized attempt to drain blood from the core. They should have reduced him to ashes."
The leader of the Diplomacy Branch, Meihong, still shaken but forcing her analytical mind to function, stared fixedly at Kyrian.
"Unless… unless the formations do not recognize him as a threat. As an intrusion."
Dong Zhen remained silent, but his sharp eyes pierced Kyrian as if trying to unravel a secret.
