Chapter 50 – Councils in Shadow and Light
The Orthodox Gathering
The great hall of the Ironwood Sect crackled with tense qi as the surviving orthodox sect leaders assembled. Banners of sword, flame, and flower hung heavy against the walls, each representing a faction scarred by recent attacks.
The Cloudsky Sect Master, still pale and leaning slightly on his staff, addressed the gathering:
"The demonic sects strike without restraint. Alone, we are targets. Together, we may endure. I propose a coalition—not only to shield our disciples but to strike back."
Murmurs rippled. The masters of weakened sects agreed readily, desperation etched in their faces. Stronger factions hesitated, wary of binding themselves to others. Politics pressed against unity, but fear pressed harder.
---
An Unexpected Guest
A ripple ran through the hall as the Sect Master of the Flower Pavilion Sect, Lady Yu Meiling, entered. Graceful yet commanding, her robes shimmered with the colors of blooming lotus. Her history with Cloudsky's leader was an open secret, though long buried under the years.
She stepped forward, bowing lightly. "I came when I heard of your condition." From her sleeve, she revealed a vial of shimmering jade-green medicine. "This will not heal you, but it will slow the decay. It will grant your disciples more time to find what you need."
The Cloudsky Sect Master accepted the vial with solemn gratitude. "You have my thanks, old friend."
Yu Meiling's gaze softened briefly. "Allow us to send disciples to aid in your search. The burden is too great for one group alone."
But he shook his head firmly. "It is too dangerous. We cannot scatter our strength. If more of our young pillars fall, then even success will taste of ruin."
---
The Demonic Council
Far away, in a cavern wreathed in blood mist, the demonic sects gathered. Torches of black flame burned along jagged walls, and the air stank of iron.
Mo Tianyin's successor, his body still marked by scars of the Sect Leader's strike, spat onto the ground. "We failed to crush Cloudsky when the iron was hot. They regroup, and now they dare speak of alliance."
A woman in blood-scarlet silks laughed cruelly, her eyes slit like a serpent's. "Then we strike harder. If the orthodox dogs gather, we scatter them before they unite. Assassins for their disciples. Poison for their elders. Break their bones before they stand."
An ancient voice from the shadows rumbled, the true master behind their gathering. "Let them form their coalition. It matters not. For every sect that rises, two shall fall. We will bleed them until hope itself turns hollow."
Their laughter echoed, low and hungry.
---
On the Road with Lin's Group
In a roadside inn, Lin Xuan's group listened quietly as merchants gossiped about sects destroyed, alliances forming, and assassins stalking disciples in the wilds.
When the room fell quiet, Bai Liang muttered, "So it's true. They're wiping sects out one by one."
Mu's face was tight, fingers clutching her cauldron. "And if they know we're carrying ingredients, they'll come for us."
Wen's gaze swept the shadows. "Then we act as if death waits in every alley. Trust no one."
Lin Xuan nodded slowly. "The sects may rise together, but out here, it's just us. We move carefully, or we won't live to see the alliance forged."
The table fell silent. Their food grew cold. Beyond the walls of the inn, the world turned darker with every mile.