"They were prepared," Lin Mu said darkly. "Someone among the Ephemera Sect sacrificed themselves or planted a hidden agent."
Elyon's expression was unreadable, but his aura rippled with anger. "If the nest falls, the Ice Drake line could be crippled."
Lin Mu felt torn. Every instinct screamed at him to rush south and save the Elder, but if the main nest was attacked, the future of the Ice Drakes would be lost. The weight of two impossible choices pressed on him like a mountain.
The Elder's strained voice came again, weaker this time. "Go to the nest. The young must be protected. We can endure this for now. Save them."
Cattaleya immediately spoke through the talisman. "Lin Mu, go. We'll head to the Elder. Monk Hushu can try to suppress the poison. If it's a spiritual toxin, his purifying techniques might help."
