Chapter 54 – Oaths of Alliance, Shadows of Loss
The Sect Alliance Declares Unity
At Ironwood Sect's fortress, the great council reached its climax. After days of argument and hesitation, the remaining orthodox sects rose one by one, pledging their banners. The hall shook with voices as the Orthodox Coalition was declared.
The Cloudsky Sect Master, strengthened by the medicine Yu Meiling had brought, stood tall despite his lingering weakness. His words were steady:
"We will not cower in isolation. From this day forth, we march under a single banner. Let the demonic sects learn that their flames cannot consume the world while we yet breathe."
Yu Meiling of the Flower Pavilion Sect placed her hand upon the council table. "The Pavilion lends its petals to this cause. May our blossoms become steel."
The declaration rang through the hall. Old grudges still simmered beneath the surface, but for now, unity had been forged.
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In the Mire – The Orchid Claimed
Far away, Lin Xuan's group stood heavy-hearted in the swamp. The waters were silent, yet their grief lingered sharp as any blade. Together, they approached the Ghost Orchid, petals glowing faintly in the mire's heart.
Lin Xuan lifted it gently, storing it in the Celestial Cauldron. The second ingredient was theirs—but the price was carved into their hearts.
That night, camped at the swamp's edge, they sat in silence. Finally, Wen broke it. "We move forward, or his death means nothing."
Mu nodded firmly, eyes still wet. Bai Liang clenched his fist. Lin Xuan simply said, "Then we move."
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Cultivation in Mourning
The group remained at the swamp's edge for several days to recover. Lin brought forth the Celestial Cauldron once more, refining pills from upgraded herbs scavenged along the way.
Bai Liang advanced to the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, his saber aura burning brighter.
Mu stabilized her flames, advancing a full stage, her phoenix fire now carrying faint traces of spiritual will.
Wen refined his new sword intent, his strikes sharper and imbued with killing calm.
Lin Xuan himself deepened his foundation, compressing his liquid qi further until he stood at the third level of Foundation Establishment, his arts nearing perfection.
They cultivated not with joy, but with grim resolve—their comrade's death fueling their determination.
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Next on the Map
When the compass was checked, the next target pulsed faintly to the east, beyond winding valleys and caravan roads that skirted closer to Cloudsky territory.
"We'll pass within sight of home," Wen said, tracing the route. "If we return to the sect briefly, it won't delay us long."
Lin Xuan considered. The sect's resources could fuel another round of growth. The Sect Master would need updates. And after two ingredients secured, their burden was heavier than ever.
"Then we stop," Lin decided. "Only briefly. We give the Sect Master what we've gathered, then move on. Our task isn't finished until we have everything."
The others agreed, relief flickering in their weary eyes.
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Closing
As they prepared to break camp, Bai Liang murmured, "Do you think the alliance will truly hold?"
Lin Xuan stared eastward, where both the sect and their enemies lay. "If it doesn't, then we'll hold it ourselves."
The Orchid glowed faintly in his pack, and above, the marsh mist thinned as if the heavens themselves bore witness.