The chaos in the main courtyard had barely started when the Family Head turned and headed straight for the restricted rear mountain without saying a word to anyone. His two most trusted attendants followed right behind him, both of them late-stage Card Dominion cultivators who'd been with him for decades. Their faces were tight, eyes scanning every shadow like they expected trouble.
Lin Feng watched them go from the edge of the crowd, keeping his expression blank. Su Ling stood beside him, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder, still wearing that soft, motherly smile.
The Head didn't look back once.
He led them up the winding mountain path until they reached the massive stone gate carved with ancient card runes. The protective array was supposed to be glowing, but the moment the Head placed his palm on the gate, the light flickered and died out completely.
The gate rumbled open.
Inside, the vault was a huge underground chamber lined with glowing pedestals. Most of them held lesser treasures — spirit herbs, low-grade weapons, rare manuals. But right in the center was the most important pedestal of all.
It was empty.
The Origin Crystal was gone.
The Head stood there without moving for a long moment, just staring at the empty spot. His two attendants stepped forward, their faces going pale.
Elder Duan knelt down and examined the broken pieces of the array on the ground.
"Family Head," he said quietly, voice heavy, "the array was disabled from the inside. Whoever did this knew the exact sequence and had high-level access. This wasn't some outsider sneaking in."
Elder Wei, the stern woman beside him, scanned the chamber with narrowed eyes.
"No foreign mana residue. No signs of a fight. The thief was careful... and strong enough to get past our best defenses without setting off the alarm until this morning."
The Head's hands clenched tightly behind his back.
His voice came out low and dangerous.
"Find the culprit."
Elder Duan stood up slowly, brushing dust from his robes.
"There's something strange about this, my lord," he said carefully. "The way the array was taken apart... it feels familiar. Like it was done by someone who's studied our clan's techniques for a very long time."
Elder Wei nodded in agreement.
"Someone from inside the clan. Someone with deep knowledge of the vault. And with Lady Mei Lin disappearing on the same night... these two things are clearly connected."
The Head's eyes grew even colder.
He turned away from the empty pedestal.
"Bring Lin Feng to me," he said. "Right now."
Back in the main courtyard, the tension was so thick you could barely breathe.
Lin Feng stood quietly beside his mother, Su Ling. She was still smiling that gentle, motherly smile, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder like she was offering comfort.
The two elders returned with grim faces.
Elder Duan stepped forward and bowed to the Head, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear.
"My lord, the Origin Crystal is gone. The vault was breached from the inside. The thief knew our defenses perfectly."
A wave of shocked whispers swept through the crowd.
Lin Hao stepped forward immediately, pointing straight at Lin Feng.
"It has to be him! That mongrel! He's been acting strange ever since the ritual. Fifteen cards? Real fire? And now both Lady Mei Lin and the crystal disappear on the same night? He's behind this!"
Lin Wei nodded furiously beside him.
"He's always been jealous of us! He probably stole it to make up for his worthless bloodline!"
The murmurs grew louder. More and more eyes turned toward Lin Feng with suspicion and fear.
Su Ling's gentle smile didn't change at all. She gave Lin Feng's shoulder a soft, reassuring squeeze.
" Feng'er would never do something like that," she said softly, her voice carrying just far enough. "My son is not a thief."
Her words were kind and calm, but they made several people shift uncomfortably.
The Head looked at Su Ling for a brief moment, then turned his cold gaze back to Lin Feng.
"You will stay here," he said. "Until we find answers."
Lin Feng bowed slightly, keeping his voice respectful.
"As you command, Family Head."
As the crowd started breaking into search parties, Su Ling gently took Lin Feng's arm.
"Come with me, Feng'er," she said with that same warm smile. "Let's go back to my courtyard. You look like you could use some tea."
Back in Su Ling's small, clean courtyard, the noise from the main compound felt far away.
Su Ling closed the door behind them and turned to face her son. Her beautiful face still held that gentle, motherly smile, but her eyes had a knowing glint that made the air feel heavier.
She walked over and lightly adjusted his collar, her touch soft and caring.
"You are very sneaky, Feng'er," she said softly, smiling gently as she looked up at him.
Lin Feng felt a chill run down his spine — cold and sudden, like someone had just noticed him in the dark.
But he quickly pushed it down and composed himself.
He met her gaze with calm red eyes.
"Mother," he said quietly, "I don't know what you mean."
Su Ling's smile widened just a little — warm, understanding, and somehow more dangerous than any open threat.
She patted his chest lightly, right over the spot where the Sealing Card rested.
"Of course you don't," she whispered. "My clever boy."
She turned away gracefully, still smiling that gentle, disarming smile.
"Would you like some tea?"
Lin Feng stood there for a moment, watching her move toward the kettle with effortless elegance.
The chill lingered in his chest.