Lin Tian replaced the ledger. His mind was racing. Xu Wen had connections. He heard things. If the rumor was in the air, Xu Wen would know.
He left the library, ignoring the gatekeeper's stare, and made his way to the small, secluded garden at the edge of the outer quarters. It was where they'd spoken before.
Xu Wen was already there, leaning against a bare, frost-laced tree. He looked tired.
"It's true, then," Lin Tian said, stopping a few feet away.
"The rumor started dripping from the inner peaks last night," Xu Wen said, not looking at him.
"Quietly. Among the senior disciples. They're saying the Ice Phoenix needs a proper cage. That the little experiment with the outer disciple has run its course. Mu Chen's name is being whispered as the new keeper."
"It's not a rumor. She confirmed it."
Xu Wen finally looked at him, his eyebrows rising. "She contacted you? That's… impressive. And dangerous."
"Three days," Lin Tian said. "What can be done in three days?"
