“How did this circle back to the Abyss again?”

Lyn stared at Divine Snow Sakura in surprise. He hadn’t expected this to involve those guys at all.

To Lyn, his ties to the Abyss had ended when that man—burned to ashes by Xing Luo—died. He wasn’t stupid. When lying low was crucial, why would he cooperate with the Abyss and invite trouble?

“You truly know nothing?” Divine Snow Sakura eyed Lyn, equally surprised. Earlier, she’d watched his eyes closely while speaking, hunting for any flicker of change. But after knowing him so long, she sensed his shock was genuine this time.

“Of course. Have I ever lied to you?” Lyn spread his hands.

“Hearing that from you—doesn’t your conscience ache?” Divine Snow Sakura said flatly.

Lyn dodged the question, swiftly changing topic. “About that insect you mentioned—what did it look like?”

“When we found it, the insect was already a corpse, preserved by the Church. I only have a recording.” Divine Snow Sakura tossed him a crystal. Lyn activated it. Xing Luo leaned in curiously beside him. The projection showed a pitch-black, shriveled corpse—bizarrely abstract. Even dead, it swirled with dark mist, thick with Abyssal energy.

Unable to identify its origin, Lyn pocketed the crystal silently, hoping for future clues.

“If you don’t know how the Abyss targeted you, stay put for now. Don’t wander recklessly.” Divine Snow Sakura crossed her arms, pausing. “But don’t worry too much. You might’ve been randomly targeted. Abyssal Followers are active lately, dragging important figures into their schemes. As Belmond’s bloodline and that person’s brother, it’s no surprise they watch you.”

“So what happened? Did the last Demon Purge Order yield anything?” Lyn pressed, curiosity growing at her serious tone.

“These are secrets—I know little. Only this: the Abyss schemed for years, even decades. Their sudden strike caught the Church off guard, stealing vital assets.”

“The Purge captured many, uncovering hidden networks. The Imperial Capital’s outskirts are sealed—they can’t escape yet. But they might keep causing chaos inside.”

Divine Snow Sakura’s tone was casual, but Lyn felt the danger beneath. Leaking such news would shake the empire. Yet the Imperial Capital seemed peaceful. Without her, he’d never guess its depths.

“With Abyss infiltration this deep, what’s your Church doing? Well, not you.” Lyn frowned.

Divine Snow Sakura shot him a look. “Abyssal power hides well. Even the Pope can’t monitor the whole city constantly with divine power or artifacts.”

“If they avoid using power or sacrificial rituals, blending with ordinary people, they’re nearly invisible. Only mass purges like the Demon Purge Order can flush them out—and even that fails now.”

“The core issue? One of the Eight Holy Thrones defected. He had deep ties to the Church… and that family. He knows our secrets too well. He modified Abyssal tech, making them far stealthier.”

“In short: stay in the Holy Eton Academy. You’ve reached Fourth Rank and must prepare for the Dawnstar Trial. It’s absolutely safe there.”

“Absolutely safe?” Lyn shrugged. Only his own strength guaranteed safety. He met her gaze. “What about you? Chasing those monsters daily—aren’t you scared? Even Holy Domain power won’t save you from them.”

“Are you worried about me?” Divine Snow Sakura’s rosy lips curled slightly, eyes teasing.

“Even a dog I raised for years—I’d mourn if it died suddenly…”

“???”

Before her gaze chilled, Lyn added, “Let alone my childhood friend. I’d hate inheriting a revenge plot for you.”

“You do have some conscience.” She glanced away faintly. “I’m a Provisional Sanctuary Executor—the Church protects me. The Shinsnow Clan backs me too. Those who hate me still can’t afford my death here.”

“One more thing: two high-risk Abyssal Followers roam the Imperial Capital. Distinctive features. They’ve killed many, including Holy Domain talents. You’re unlikely to be targeted, but avoid them if seen.” She handed him an intelligence scroll.

Lyn unrolled it. A towering cloaked figure stood beside a petite one—faces hidden.

“This is the intel?” Lyn deadpanned, glancing at Xing Luo. If he were taller, they’d resemble that pair.

“Witnesses die. But they always appear as this duo before killings. Just be cautious.”

“In the Imperial Capital—especially at night—if you spot such figures, avoid them or alert me. I’ll send backup.”

Lyn nodded helplessly, stowing the scroll. Before he spoke, Divine Snow Sakura added calmly, “If you’re free later, do me a favor.”

“What?”

“Chase away a fly.” Her eyes flicked toward the café window.

Lyn followed her gaze.