Month Four, Day Fifteen
The interrogation chamber beneath Celestial Dawn's administrative complex existed in a state of enforced mundanity—plain stone walls, simple furniture, formations designed to prevent escape rather than intimidate. Patriarch Cloud Heaven believed effective interrogation came from psychological pressure, not theatrical displays of power.
Lin Feng observed through one-way spiritual formation as Azure Sky's interrogation specialist worked on the captured assassin from his chamber—the one Han Shu had prevented from committing suicide. The specialist, a woman called Master Chen, employed techniques that were simultaneously subtle and relentless.
"You understand your situation," Master Chen said, her tone professionally neutral. "The Broker abandoned you. Your partner self-destructed rather than face capture. You're alone, facing execution for attempted assassination of core disciple, with no rescue coming."
The captured assassin—a young man who'd posed as outer disciple—maintained stubborn silence, spiritual energy locked down by multiple suppression formations.
"Silence is strategy that works when you have leverage," Master Chen continued. "You have no leverage. We already know about The Broker's operation structure from previous intelligence. We know about the funding sources from demonic remnants. We know about the coordination timeline. What we want from you isn't information we lack—it's confirmation of what we suspect and details that help us dismantle the network completely."
Still silence.
Master Chen shifted tactics. "Let me explain your actual options. Option one: continue silence, face execution in approximately two weeks after trial formalities conclude. Option two: provide intelligence about Broker's network, receive reduced sentence and possible placement in sect labor program instead of execution. Option three: provide comprehensive intelligence leading to Broker's capture, receive commutation to exile rather than imprisonment."
The assassin's expression flickered—brief uncertainty quickly suppressed.
"You're calculating probabilities," Master Chen observed. "Wondering if we're truthful about sentence reduction. Wondering if The Broker might still extract you. Wondering if cooperation is betrayal or survival pragmatism."
She leaned forward slightly. "Here's what you should understand: The Broker has ninety percent success rate because he abandons the ten percent that fail. You're in that ten percent now. He's already written you off as operational loss. Your loyalty to him is misplaced—he has no loyalty to you."
Lin Feng watched the assassin's micro-expressions through the one-way formation, his three-stream consciousness analyzing behavioral patterns despite reduced capacity. The young man was professionally trained, but Master Chen's psychological pressure was finding cracks in his resistance.
Beside Lin Feng, Patriarch Cloud Heaven observed with similar analytical focus. "Master Chen is exceptionally skilled. She'll break him within three hours."
"What happens to him afterward?" Lin Feng asked.
"Depends on intelligence quality he provides. If comprehensive and actionable, exile is genuine option—we benefit more from dismantling Broker's network than from one execution. If minimal or deceptive, execution proceeds as stated."
"And the other two captured infiltrators?"
"Being interrogated separately by Azure Sky specialists. We're cross-referencing testimony to identify deception and build complete picture of Broker's operation." Cloud Heaven's expression showed satisfaction. "Three separate sources means we can verify accuracy through triangulation."
They watched as Master Chen continued methodical pressure, gradually escalating psychological stress while offering consistent pathway to reduced consequences. The technique was effective precisely because it was genuine—she wasn't bluffing about sentence reduction possibilities.
After ninety minutes, the assassin broke.
"I want written guarantee," he said, voice hoarse from maintained silence. "Exile instead of execution, documented by sect seal."
"Contingent on intelligence quality and verification," Master Chen replied immediately. "Provide comprehensive information about Broker's network, operational structure, funding sources, and current locations of remaining operatives. We verify against other sources. If accurate and complete, exile is guaranteed."
The assassin's resistance collapsed like formation under overwhelming pressure. "The Broker has twelve operatives positioned across Eastern Continent. Four were assigned to Celestial Dawn operation—two eliminated, two captured. Remaining eight are distributed among other contracts."
"Names and locations," Master Chen prompted, producing jade slip to record testimony.
Over the next two hours, the assassin provided detailed intelligence about Broker's network: operational structures, communication protocols, funding mechanisms, known safe houses, and—most valuable—The Broker's current location managing operations from independent territory near continental center.
Lin Feng's consciousness streams processed the intelligence as it emerged, identifying tactical opportunities and strategic implications. By the time interrogation concluded, they had comprehensive picture of professional assassination network that had operated successfully for fifteen years.
"Impressive intelligence gathering," Cloud Heaven assessed as they left observation position. "Combined with interrogations of other two infiltrators, we now have actionable information to dismantle Broker's entire operation."
"Will you share this with Azure Sky?" Lin Feng asked.
"Already coordinating. Zhang Tian is organizing multi-sect operation to eliminate Broker's network simultaneously across multiple locations." The Patriarch's expression turned calculating. "Removing professional assassination coordinator benefits all major sects—everyone has enemies who might hire Broker eventually. This creates opportunity for cooperative operation that strengthens alliances while eliminating mutual threat."
Lin Feng recognized the sophisticated political maneuvering. Cloud Heaven was transforming defensive success into diplomatic opportunity, using shared threat to reinforce alliance relationships.
"When does the operation launch?" he asked.
"Preliminary timeline suggests two weeks for coordination, then simultaneous strikes across eight locations. Azure Sky is taking operational lead, with Frozen Sky, Celestial Dawn, and four other sects providing support." Cloud Heaven paused. "They'll want your participation given your history with Broker's operation."
"I'm still recovering from consciousness infrastructure damage."
"Which is why I recommend declining direct combat role but offering tactical consultation. Your analytical capabilities are valuable even at reduced capacity, and participation demonstrates commitment to alliance cooperation."
The suggestion aligned with Lin Feng's own tactical assessment. He couldn't contribute effectively in direct combat at reduced capacity, but his consciousness division and spatial perception still offered analytical advantages.
"Tactical consultation role is acceptable," he confirmed.
Month Four, Day Seventeen
The alliance coordination meeting assembled representatives from six sects in Celestial Dawn's diplomatic chamber. Zhang Tian led for Azure Sky, Patriarch Bingfeng attended personally for Frozen Sky, and four other sect leaders or senior elders represented their respective factions.
Lin Feng sat in advisory position beside Patriarch Cloud Heaven, his three-stream consciousness processing the complex multi-faction dynamics. This was his first exposure to high-level inter-sect coordination, and the sophisticated political maneuvering was educational.
"Intelligence from captured infiltrators has been verified across multiple sources," Zhang Tian reported, spiritual formation projecting continental map with marked locations. "Eight confirmed Broker safe houses, twelve operatives, and central coordination facility where Broker himself operates."
He gestured, and tactical overlays appeared. "Proposed operation: simultaneous strikes on all nine locations—eight safe houses plus central facility. Timing coordinated to prevent warning spreading through network. Each location assigned to specific sect based on geographic proximity and tactical capabilities."
"What's the operational timeline?" Patriarch Bingfeng asked, her Cloud Transformation Level 8 presence commanding immediate attention despite neutral question.
"Coordination requires fourteen days for positioning forces and finalizing tactical plans. Strike date: twenty-eight days from initial infiltration attempt, assuming no intelligence compromise before then."
"Risk of intelligence leak?" asked Elder Sun from Crimson Cloud Sect.
"Moderate," Zhang Tian admitted. "We're maintaining operational security, but coordinating six sects means more people aware of planning. Broker has demonstrated sophisticated intelligence capabilities—we must assume he'll detect preparation eventually."
"Which argues for accelerated timeline," Patriarch Bingfeng noted.
"Balanced against risk of inadequate preparation causing operational failure," Zhang Tian countered. "Fourteen days is minimum required for proper coordination. Any faster compromises success probability unacceptably."
Lin Feng's consciousness streams analyzed the tactical debate. Zhang Tian and Bingfeng were simultaneously cooperating and posturing—establishing their respective sects' positions while working toward shared objective. The other four sect representatives watched carefully, calculating their own interests.
"What role does Celestial Dawn play?" Cloud Heaven asked.
"Primary responsibility for Eastern Mountains safe house—closest to your territory, contains two confirmed operatives. Estimated difficulty: moderate. You'd deploy twenty cultivators, secure facility, capture or eliminate operatives, seize intelligence materials."
Zhang Tian shifted focus to Lin Feng directly. "We request your participation in tactical advisory capacity. Your spatial perception and analytical capabilities would enhance operational coordination significantly."
Every representative's attention focused on Lin Feng—evaluating the young cultivator who'd become continental-level concern despite being only twenty years old and Divine Domain Level 7.
"I'm currently recovering from consciousness infrastructure damage sustained during initial infiltration defense," Lin Feng replied carefully, aware that every word was being analyzed for political implications. "Direct combat participation would be inadvisable. However, tactical consultation and spatial reconnaissance are within my reduced capabilities."
"Acceptable," Zhang Tian said. "You'd be positioned at operational command center, providing real-time tactical analysis and coordination support rather than field deployment."
"That role is acceptable," Lin Feng confirmed.
The meeting continued for three more hours, working through tactical details, resource allocation, communication protocols, and contingency planning. Lin Feng contributed analytical insights where appropriate, his three-stream consciousness processing complex operational information despite limitations.
By the end, comprehensive operation plan existed: six sects deploying total of one hundred and forty cultivators across nine simultaneous strikes, coordinated through Azure Sky's communication network, with execution planned for exactly fourteen days hence.
As representatives departed, Patriarch Bingfeng approached Lin Feng directly—the first time she'd spoken to him privately since the core disciple ceremony.
"You've impressed the Ice Matriarch," she said without preamble, referring to herself in third person with characteristic formality. "Defending against professional assassination network while recovering from previous injuries demonstrates capability and resilience."
"Thank you, Patriarch Bingfeng," Lin Feng replied, maintaining respectful distance despite being her daughter's dao companion.
"Qingxue reports you're on schedule for sect founding despite recent complications. The Ice Matriarch approves. Frozen Sky's support remains committed." Her expression—normally severe—softened almost imperceptibly. "You're good for my daughter. She's shown more genuine enthusiasm and strategic focus since becoming your dao companion than in previous five years combined."
Through his bond with Qingxue, Lin Feng felt her mortification at her mother's directness. Apparently she was monitoring the conversation through their connection.
"She's equally good for me," Lin Feng said honestly. "Our partnership makes both of us more effective than we'd be individually."
"As it should be. Dao companion bonds that don't provide mutual enhancement are wasted potential." Bingfeng's tone returned to formal authority. "Continue your recovery. Prepare for operational support role. Make the Inverse Void Dao sect worthy of the backing we're providing."
"I will," Lin Feng promised.
After she departed, Qingxue emerged from adjacent chamber where she'd apparently been coordinating with Frozen Sky representatives.
"My mother likes you," she said, expression caught between amusement and embarrassment. "She doesn't usually speak that directly to people below Cloud Transformation level."
"Should I be honored or concerned?" Lin Feng asked.
"Both. Her approval means enhanced political support. Her directness means she's evaluating you as potential sect leader rather than just my dao companion." Qingxue's expression turned more serious. "The multi-sect operation is significant opportunity. Success strengthens alliance relationships considerably. Failure would damage credibility and strain cooperation."
"No pressure, then," Lin Feng said dryly.
"Enormous pressure. But you've handled enormous pressure successfully multiple times already." She took his hand, their dao companion bond reinforcing connection. "Fourteen days until operation. How's consciousness recovery progressing?"
"Three-stream capacity is stable. Spatial perception is improving—currently twenty-five meters, should reach thirty meters by operation date. Spiritual energy reserves are approaching eighty percent of normal." He divided his consciousness briefly to self-assess. "Not optimal, but functional for tactical advisory role."
"Good enough for now. Let's focus on continued recovery and operational preparation."
Month Four, Day Twenty
The documentation work continued during recovery period, providing productive focus while consciousness infrastructure healed. Lin Feng had completed the Basic Techniques section of Inverse Void Dao curriculum—another twenty-five thousand words covering fundamental void manipulation methods, spatial awareness development, and introductory formation construction.
Qingxue reviewed the latest draft while they sat in their meditation chamber, her editorial precision identifying gaps and unclear explanations with practiced efficiency.
"This section on spatial formation fundamentals is excellent," she commented. "Clear progression from theory to practice, appropriate safety warnings, realistic timeline expectations. But you're still assuming too much foundational knowledge in the consciousness awareness section."
"What specifically?" Lin Feng asked, his three streams coordinating writing, self-editing, and processing feedback simultaneously.
"You describe consciousness division as 'natural extension of focused awareness' without explaining what focused awareness means for someone who's never practiced it. Remember, most cultivators have never experienced consciousness division—you need to build from absolute basics."
Lin Feng reviewed the flagged section, recognizing her point. His expertise made certain techniques seem obvious that were actually quite sophisticated.
"I'll add foundational material on basic awareness meditation before introducing division concepts," he confirmed, making annotations.
"Better. Also, the safety warnings about attempting consciousness division too early need emphasis. You mention it's dangerous, but the consequences aren't spelled out clearly enough."
"What level of detail?"
"Specific: attempting consciousness division before establishing stable unified awareness can cause mental fragmentation, cultivation deviation, or permanent consciousness damage requiring months of remedial treatment. Make it scary enough that overconfident disciples won't attempt advanced techniques prematurely."
Lin Feng added explicit warnings with detailed consequence descriptions. The curriculum was meant to enable learning, not cause injuries through inadequate safety information.
They worked for three hours, refining the Basic Techniques section until it met Qingxue's rigorous editorial standards. When finished, they had comprehensive documentation covering the first two major sections of Inverse Void Dao instruction.
"We're approximately thirty-five percent complete on full curriculum," Qingxue calculated. "On revised timeline, we should finish by month eleven—one month ahead of deadline. That's good buffer for unexpected complications."
"Complications are guaranteed," Lin Feng noted. "Question is whether they're manageable complications or catastrophic ones."
"Optimistic outlook."
"Realistic outlook. Eighteen-month timeline attempting something unprecedented means complications are statistical certainty. We just prepare for them systematically."
Through their dao companion bond, he felt Qingxue's appreciation for his pragmatic framing. They'd both learned to think in terms of managed risk rather than eliminated risk—the Inverse Void Dao's emphasis on accepting contradiction rather than forcing false certainty.
Xiao Ling entered carrying administrative documentation, her expression showing the controlled urgency that meant important developments.
"Resource update," she announced. "Alliance stipends, mission payments, and formation documentation sales have generated sixty-eight thousand spiritual stones total over past four months. Combined with initial reserves, we have one hundred and twenty-one thousand stones available."
"Ahead of target," Qingxue observed.
"Significantly ahead. Which creates opportunity for strategic investment." Xiao Ling produced detailed financial projections. "I recommend allocating thirty thousand stones to advance purchase of sect construction materials—prices are favorable now and likely to increase as we approach founding date."
Lin Feng's consciousness streams analyzed the proposal. Advance purchases locked in favorable pricing but reduced liquid reserves for unexpected expenses.
"Risk assessment?" he asked.
"Low. We have sufficient reserve cushion to handle normal contingencies even after allocation. The pricing advantage saves approximately fifteen percent compared to purchasing at founding date—that's four thousand five hundred stones."
"Material types?" Qingxue asked.
"Formation components, spiritual arrays, construction materials for basic facilities. Everything verified through Azure Sky's procurement network to ensure quality and prevent infiltration of compromised materials."
The thoroughness of Xiao Ling's planning continued to impress. She'd identified opportunity, calculated risks, developed sourcing strategy, and prepared presentation—all without prompting.
"Approved," Lin Feng confirmed. "Proceed with material acquisition. What else?"
"Diplomatic correspondence from Starfall Valley. Master Jiang wants to schedule dimensional engineering seminar for month five, day ten. Two-day intensive theoretical exchange with three of their specialists."
"Schedule conflict with multi-sect operation?" Qingxue asked.
"Operation is month five, day three through five. Seminar is day ten—five days after operation conclusion. Should be sufficient recovery time if operation proceeds smoothly."
"Acceptable," Lin Feng confirmed. "Accept the seminar invitation. Dimensional engineering collaboration is high priority."
"Done. Final item: Crimson Cloud Sect submitted formal alliance proposal with detailed terms. They're offering combat training exchange, intelligence sharing, and mutual defense provisions. Payment requirement is relatively modest—quarterly strategic consultation on cultivation methodology."
Lin Feng and Qingxue exchanged glances, their dao companion bond facilitating rapid non-verbal communication about evaluation.
"Strategic consultation on cultivation methodology means they want access to Inverse Void Dao insights," Qingxue observed.
"Which we were planning to share eventually through sect founding anyway," Lin Feng countered. "Formalizing it through alliance provides political benefit and establishes precedent for knowledge exchange rather than one-way extraction."
"Agreed. Accept the alliance proposal with provisions that cultivation methodology consultation remains our discretion—we share what we choose to share rather than obligation to reveal everything."
"I'll draft response with those terms," Xiao Ling confirmed, making notes. "Anything else requiring immediate attention?"
"Status check on consciousness recovery timeline," Lin Feng requested.
Xiao Ling consulted her comprehensive organizational documentation. "You're currently day six of week three in recovery schedule. Grand Elder Bingxin's next assessment is day twenty-two—two days from now. Projected full recovery is day twenty-eight, which aligns perfectly with multi-sect operation date."
"Assuming recovery continues progressing normally," Qingxue added.
"Assuming that, yes. If complications develop, timeline extends accordingly." Xiao Ling's expression showed professional concern. "You've been adhering to recovery protocols adequately, though you've attempted consciousness division beyond approved limits seventeen times this week."
"That's down from thirty-two attempts last week," Lin Feng defended.
"Still above recommended zero attempts beyond approved exercises," Xiao Ling countered. "I'm coordinating with Qingxue to establish enforcement protocols if you continue testing limits prematurely."
Through his dao companion bond, Lin Feng felt Qingxue's amusement mixed with determination to keep him following recovery schedule.
"Ganging up on me for my own good again," he muttered.
"Systematically ensuring you make decisions aligned with long-term capability preservation," Xiao Ling corrected with administrative precision. "Which is functionally identical but sounds more professional."
"I'll adhere to recovery protocols more carefully," Lin Feng conceded.
"Excellent. I'll note that commitment in organizational records and monitor compliance." Xiao Ling's expression softened slightly. "We need you at full capability for sect founding. Three weeks of patient recovery is worth preserving nine-stream consciousness division permanently."
After she departed, Qingxue observed: "She's remarkably effective at managing both of us."
"Professional administration is force multiplier," Lin Feng agreed. "Best decision we made was bringing her into formal coordination role."
"Agreed. Now, back to documentation work—we have three more hours before evening cultivation session."
They returned to systematic refinement of Inverse Void Dao curriculum, the patient work of building institutional knowledge that would eventually support sect founding and disciple instruction.
Month Four, Day Twenty-Two
Grand Elder Bingxin's assessment chamber existed in Frozen Sky Sect's inner sanctum, formations designed specifically for detailed consciousness infrastructure evaluation. Lin Feng sat in meditation position while she probed his recovery progress with spiritual energy precision that made conventional healing seem crude.
"Remarkable progress," she assessed after thirty minutes of examination. "Consciousness infrastructure has healed completely from combat damage. All nine streams are functional again at full capacity."
Relief washed through Lin Feng's awareness—he'd been operating at reduced capacity for three weeks, and the restoration of full consciousness division felt like recovering missing limbs.
"Can I resume normal training?" he asked.
"Yes, with graduated return to intensive operations. Today: attempt nine-stream division for one hour only. Tomorrow: increase to three hours. Day after: full capacity training if no complications develop." Bingxin's expression showed satisfaction. "You've been patient with recovery process. That discipline preserved your capabilities completely rather than creating chronic weakness through premature stress."
"Thank you for the systematic treatment," Lin Feng said genuinely. "And for coordinating with Qingxue and Xiao Ling to keep me following protocols when I was tempted to accelerate recovery."
"Coordinated enforcement was necessary," Bingxin agreed with slight smile. "You have tendency toward tactical optimization that sometimes overlooks long-term capability preservation. Partnership and professional administration help balance that tendency."
She produced jade slip containing advanced consciousness techniques. "Now that you're recovered, I'm providing next stage of training—eleven-stream consciousness division. The techniques here will take months to master, but you should begin foundation work immediately."
Lin Feng accepted the slip, his fully-restored consciousness immediately engaging with the new challenge. Eleven streams meant even greater parallel processing capacity and tactical awareness.
"Estimated timeline for eleven-stream proficiency?" he asked.
"Six months for stable operation, twelve months for combat-ready deployment. You'll progress faster than typical practitioners due to perfect meridians and existing nine-stream mastery, but there are no shortcuts in consciousness infrastructure development."
"Understood. I'll begin foundation work while maintaining current nine-stream capabilities."
"Good. The multi-sect operation is in six days. You're cleared for full tactical advisory participation—your consciousness capabilities are completely restored." Bingxin's tone turned more serious. "Use them wisely. The Broker is professional who's survived fifteen years through careful planning and tactical excellence. Don't underestimate him despite his operation's recent failure."
"Acknowledged. Ninety percent success rate means he's genuinely dangerous, not just fortunate."
Lin Feng left the assessment chamber with full consciousness capacity restored, spatial perception returned to normal thirty-five meter range, and spiritual energy reserves completely replenished. The three-week recovery period had been frustrating but necessary.
Now he was fully operational again.
Just in time for multi-sect operation against professional assassination network.
Six days until coordinated strikes across nine locations.
Six days to prepare for confrontation with The Broker—Sovereign Monarch Level 2 specialist who'd operated successfully for fifteen years and wouldn't go down easily.
The countdown had begun.
End of Chapter 81