Chapter 62: The Crimson Alliance
The Veilmoon Sect halls glowed with a renewed sense of purpose, the air filled with the soothing scent of sandalwood incense and the soft rustle of silk robes as Dawnriver and Veilmoon Sects gathered to forge a united front against Ironfang. The midday sun filtered through paper screens, casting a warm light over the polished floors, the hall humming with the murmur of negotiations and the clink of teacups. Lin Xuan stood at the center, his crimson eyes sharp with diplomatic intent, the power of his 9th Layer Qi Transformation a steady anchor. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed faintly, a quiet guide as he addressed Elder Gao Feng. "We need unity to survive—let's build it now," he said, his voice low but resolute.
He negotiated with Gao Feng, a wiry figure with a 3rd Layer Qi Transformation aura, his gray beard catching the light as he nodded. "Dawnriver's strength with Veilmoon's seals—agreed," Gao said, his tone gruff but cooperative, the alliance taking shape. Liu Yue, her 6th Layer Qi Transformation qi flowing with authority, trained allied forces in the courtyard, her snowflake mark glowing as she demonstrated Frost Phoenix Cry, freezing a training dummy with precision. "Work as a unit—strength in coordination!" she called, her moonlight eyes inspiring the recruits, her raven hair swaying. Liu Yang, his 3rd Layer Qi Gathering qi advancing to the 4th Layer through rigorous scouting, mapped enemy lines, his blood-forged glaive flashing as he returned. "Their defenses are tight, Senior Sister," he reported, his young face alight with focus.
Ji Yunjing, at the early 4th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, solidified his rule with Bai Clan support, his silk robes rustling as he pledged resources. "Dawnriver stands with you—our future depends on this," he declared, his voice carrying authority, the hall responding with bows. Bai Ningxue, her 8th Layer Qi Transformation aura a serene presence, sealed a Wudu poison cache with her Thousand Lotus Seal Art, her seals shimmering as she enhanced alliance trust. "This clears their threat—trust grows," she said, her spirited laugh brightening the room.
As the alliance formed, Ironfang's Duskwind Clan prepared a strike, their dark qi probing the hall's defenses. Lin Xuan's keen senses caught the shift, his voice alert. "They're coming—stay vigilant," he said to Liu Yue. She nodded, her breath steady but her resolve firm. "We'll hold, Senior Brother—the alliance is our shield," she replied, her hand brushing his arm. The halls echoed with the murmur of plans and the clink of steel, the crimson alliance a fortress against the looming threat.