Chapter 55 – Return to Cloudsky
Arrival
Lin Xuan's group returned to Cloudsky Sect, weary but unbroken. The peaks were sharper, patrols doubled, disciples sterner than before. War's shadow lingered over every courtyard.
They were led straight into the Sect Master's Hall, where the elders waited.
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Presentation of Spoils
Lin Xuan stepped forward and presented the gathered treasures:
The Heart Orchid from the first forbidden zone.
The Ghost Orchid from the Mire of Broken Souls.
Two rare ingredients gifted by Red Phoenix: Starlight Ginseng and Frozen Marrow Jade.
A single treasure chosen from Red Phoenix's vault, ransom for the captured guards.
Finally, Lin withdrew a sealed letter bearing the phoenix crest. "From Feng Haoran, Auction Lord of Red Phoenix. It confirms their alliance with Cloudsky Sword Sect."
The Sect Master's hand tightened on the letter. He bowed his head slightly. "This is no small thing. Red Phoenix rarely binds itself to anyone. You have secured more than ingredients—you have secured an ally of wealth and reach."
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Elders' Reactions
The council rippled with whispers.
Some elders murmured approval, awed by the scope of Lin's achievements.
Others exchanged uneasy looks, their voices sharp. "So much fortune in so little time… is it luck? Or something else entirely?"
One elder muttered, "And what price will Red Phoenix demand when the debt comes due?"
The Sect Master silenced them with a firm gesture. "Do not poison victory with doubt. They have carried burdens that none of you have. Let them breathe."
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Cultivation Growth
The disciples were rewarded with time in the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion and cultivation resources.
Bai Liang broke through to the sixth level of Foundation Establishment, his saber aura now weighty as mountains.
Mu refined a new flame art from the Pavilion, her phoenix fire blooming like a lotus of destruction.
Wen advanced to the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, his sword intent quieter but edged with lethal precision.
Lin Xuan, compressing his qi with upgraded pills, reached the fourth level of Foundation Establishment. His battle arts approached artistic conception, flowing seamlessly like nature itself.
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Private Counsel
Later, Danfeng sought Lin in private.
"You've risen higher, faster, than any disciple I've seen," he said. "It makes you a beacon—but also a target. Be careful. Fortune draws wolves as well as allies."
Lin bowed. "I understand, Master."
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Departure Looms
Before their next departure, the Sect Master handed Lin a jade-sealed scroll.
"This will open doors among our allies. Carry it as proof of Cloudsky's hand in all that you do. Bring me the remaining ingredients, and together we may defy the darkness pressing in."
Lin bowed deeply. "We will not fail."
The group prepared to set off once more, their burdens heavier than ever—but their resolve sharper than steel.