Chapter 6: Flames of Sect Warfare
Returning from the Forgotten Ancestor's Ruins, Lin Feng's status in the Whispering Wind Sect rose sharply. The fragmented inheritance orb, now bonded to his dantian, pulsed with ancient wisdom. Layers of the Undying Dao gradually unfolded—a path emphasizing body as eternal foundation and qi as a boundless cycle, defying conventional realms.
His cultivation surged to Qi Gathering fifth layer, the orb purifying his meridians and easing regeneration pains. Mei Ling analyzed orb fragments alchemically, crafting enhanced elixirs. Her own realm edged toward Qi Gathering peak through shared insights with Lin.
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Whispers of their expedition's success spread, drawing envy. Lord Xuan, furious at Zhao Wei's failure, mobilized. Jade slips arrived, declaring the Iron Fist Sect's accusation: Whispering Wind harbored "demonic artifacts", demanding surrender of Lin and the orb.
> "We stand united against tyranny," Sect Master Yun proclaimed, voice firm. "The boy's potential is our future."
Border skirmishes and resource raids marked the beginning of war. Lin, appointed defense captain for his tournament prowess, led patrols.
In one clash, Iron Fist disciples ambushed a herb-gathering party. Lin arrived mid-battle. His Whispering Wind Palm scattered foes, arrows absorbed by his Undying Body. Capturing a scout revealed Xuan's plan: a full assault on the sect's main gate, leveraging overwhelming numbers.
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Preparation consumed days. Lin delved into the orb's techniques, unlocking the Eternal Regeneration Seal—a method to store qi for instant healing.
Mei Ling proposed dual cultivation:
> "Our constitutions align. Yin and yang in harmony could propel us to Foundation Establishment."
In a secluded chamber, preliminary sessions began. Qi intertwined without full intimacy, boosting mutual growth. Lin advanced to Qi Gathering sixth layer, Mei to the fifth.
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The assault came under a blood moon. Hundreds of Iron Fist disciples attacked with qi cannons and beast mounts. Lord Xuan's Core Formation aura pressed down, oppressive as a storm.
Whispering Wind's arrays activated—wind barriers deflecting projectiles. Lin commanded the front lines, clashing with elite enemies. A Foundation Establishment captain targeted him, sword qi slicing the air. Lin evaded, countering with fused arts—Iron Body durability meeting Wind Palm speed.
Mid-battle, Zhao Wei returned, empowered by Xuan's pills to Qi Gathering peak.
> "Die, cursed whelp!"
Their rematch was brutal. Zhao's iron fists collided with Lin's regenerating form. Wounds accumulated, but the Eternal Regeneration Seal activated, healing him in bursts. Drawing power from the orb, Lin innovated: Undying Wind Vortex—a spinning qi storm engulfing Zhao, shattering his core. Victorious, yet drained, Lin barely stood.
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The tide turned when Xuan intervened directly. His Core Formation pressure cracked Whispering Wind's barriers. Sect Master Yun confronted him.
> "You overstep, Xuan!"
A duel erupted—skies split with dao clashes, energy sweeping the battlefield. Lin supported from the periphery, wielding artifacts gained from the ruins to disrupt Xuan's minions.
Mei Ling's contribution was critical. Deploying area elixirs, she bolstered allies while weakening foes. When Xuan's strike pierced Yun's defenses, gravely wounding him, Lin intervened boldly. His Undying Body tanked a glancing blow that would have felled any ordinary disciple, buying time for a retreat.
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The battle ended in stalemate. Xuan withdrew, vowing return. Whispering Wind held—but at great cost: halls damaged, disciples lost. Lin, hailed as hero, reflected on the war's lessons.
> "Power alone isn't enough," he told Mei. "We need allies… greater strength."
Post-war, Lin focused on Foundation Establishment preparations, guided by the orb along a unique path: forging an Undying Foundation Pill from his bloodline essence. Dreams hinted at the Upper World, the Heavenly Fate Sovereign watching from afar.