Chapter 20: Back Into the Light
The journey back to the Cloudsky Sword Sect took two days.
Lin Xuan traveled without haste, his path meandering through quiet forest trails instead of main roads. The fewer eyes that saw him return, the better.
By the time the outer gates came into view, his armor had been cleaned and repaired, and his expression was the picture of calm composure — no hint that he had triggered a celestial pill tribulation and slaughtered dozens of hunters.
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The Whispered Storm
Inside the sect, rumors ran like wildfire. Disciples whispered about a lightning storm far beyond the outer hunting grounds, about the charred corpses found afterward.
Some claimed a rogue alchemist had detonated a cauldron. Others swore it was the work of a wandering expert testing a new weapon.
Only a few guessed the truth — and none could prove it.
Far away, in the high halls of the alchemy peak, Qiu Wansheng leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his lips.
"So you've stepped into Foundation Establishment already," he murmured. "Brash… but interesting. We'll see how well you do once I begin pulling the threads around you."
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A Master's Eye
When Lin Xuan stepped into the alchemy courtyard, Elder Danfeng was already waiting. His eyes scanned Lin Xuan once, lingering for just a moment on the denser qi swirling around him.
"You've broken through," the elder said simply.
Lin Xuan inclined his head. "I found… an opportunity."
Danfeng's gaze sharpened, but he didn't press. Instead, his lips twitched in a rare, approving smile. "Good. You're progressing faster than I expected. Keep it that way."
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The Resource Hall
A new month meant every disciple could claim their sect stipend, but this was Lin Xuan's first time doing so as a direct disciple.
The Resource Hall was busy, rows of counters staffed by attendants. Lin Xuan presented his jade disciple token at the front desk.
The attendant scanned it — then did a double-take. "Direct disciple of Elder Danfeng? Please wait a moment."
A moment later, a jade tray was set before him:
50 Qi Gathering Pills – high grade.
20 Spirit Stones – mid grade.
1 contribution token – usable for requesting special resources or pavilion access.
Choice voucher – redeemable for one manual or treasure within direct disciple limits.
The murmurs around him were immediate. Outer disciples got barely a tenth of this. Even most inner disciples couldn't claim a contribution token each month.
Lin Xuan thanked the attendant, collected his stipend, and left without lingering. He could feel eyes following him, weighing the benefits that came with his new rank.
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Planning Ahead
Back in his courtyard, Lin Xuan stored most of the resources in the Evervault, setting aside a few pills for regular use.
The contribution token he rolled between his fingers. He could trade it for rare herbs, a specialized weapon, or access to higher-level cultivation chambers.
And then there was the choice voucher.
Used wisely, it could be worth more than everything else combined.
For now, he would wait. Choosing in haste could mean wasting a chance he might not get again for months.
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The Watchers in the Dark
That night, as he meditated, a faint flicker of spiritual sense brushed against his courtyard's defensive formation — probing, then retreating.
He didn't rise, didn't react.
They're still watching. Whether it's Qiu Wansheng or someone else, they're patient enough to wait for the right opening.
Patience… he could match that.