Jihoon's return to the sanctuary was marked by immediate action. A subtle unease had taken root among the disciples. He sensed the discontent and, with Daehyun's help, devised a plan to flush out the spy.
That evening, Jihoon stood before the disciples. "I know the enemy hides among us," he declared. "But we will not stoop to suspicion and paranoia. Instead, we will use magic to uncover the truth."
Jihoon activated a spell tied to the Nexus, its radiant energy washing over the crowd. One figure recoiled, a faint shadow aura flickering around him. The spy was exposed, and Jihoon's calm demeanor hardened.
"Who sent you?" Jihoon asked, his voice cold.
The spy smirked. "The martial sects will burn this sanctuary to the ground. You cannot stop them."
Jihoon immobilized the spy with a binding spell, turning to his disciples. "Let this be a lesson: our strength is not just in magic but in trust. Division is what they want. Unity is how we prevail."
Seojun, watching from the shadows, felt a pang of shame.