Chapter 42: The Crimson Network
The Dawnriver slums stretched like a labyrinth of despair, its narrow alleys choked with the sour stench of unwashed streets and the faint hum of desperation, the midday sun barely penetrating the overhanging rooftops. Lin Xuan moved through the crowds with a purposeful stride, his crimson eyes scanning the faces of the downtrodden—orphans with hollow gazes, outcasts with scars etched into their souls, and rogue cultivators clutching tattered satchels. The weight of his 5th Layer Qi Transformation grounded him, the Celestial Unity Crest on his back a quiet pulse as he sought to expand the Soul Lamp Hall. "We need strength from every corner," he murmured, his voice carrying a gentle resolve as he approached a group huddled near a crumbling wall.
He demonstrated Starlit Void Fist, the celestial energy flaring with a soft glow as it shattered a makeshift target, the impact drawing gasps from the onlookers. "Join us, and I'll teach you this power," he said, his tone warm yet firm, offering spirit stones and the basics of Crimson Blood Crystallization Art. The recruits—five wary souls—exchanged glances before nodding, their loyalty earned with a promise of purpose. Liu Yue, now at the 2nd Layer Qi Transformation, stepped forward, her Icy Skin mist curling around her as she organized the new members. "Let's get you trained properly," she said with a reassuring smile, her moonlight eyes glinting with determination, her snowflake mark a subtle glow.
Liu Yang, his 8th Layer Body Refining qi a steady anchor, guarded the perimeter with blood-thread seals, the crimson lines weaving a protective net around their gathering. His young face was set with focus, his blood-forged glaive gleaming as he muttered, "No one's sneaking past me, Senior Brother." The slums buzzed with their activity, a network taking root amidst the grime. Meanwhile, in the Ji Clan palace, Ji Yunjing, at the peak of the 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, pored over reports with a furrowed brow. "The Xun Clan's tampering with transport nodes—this could cripple our supply lines," he said, his voice tight with concern, turning to Elder Gao Feng for counsel.
In a hidden cave near the slums, Bai Ningxue worked with Veilmoon Sect cultivators, her 5th Layer Qi Transformation aura steady as she forged sealing arrays, her Thousand Lotus Seal Art shimmering with delicate precision. "These should hold against any probes," she said, wiping sweat from her brow, her spirited laugh breaking the tension. Lin Xuan joined her, planting Hei Clan agents with encrypted messages, his crimson eyes narrowing as he sensed betrayals from the Wudu and Crimson Claw clans. "They're playing both sides," he said grimly, his mind racing with countermeasures. On the northern border, the Shadowfang Sect's scouts probed Dawnriver's defenses, their dark qi a looming threat. "We need to stay one step ahead," Lin Xuan told Liu Yue, her nod a silent agreement as the cave's damp air echoed with their plans.