Chapter 56 – Roads of Rumor, Halls of Debate
On the Road Once More
Lin Xuan's group departed Cloudsky at dawn, the mountains behind them shrouded in mist. Their packs carried the orchids and rare ingredients they had secured, while the Sect Master's jade-sealed scroll rested at Lin's side. It was both a key and a burden—their proof of Cloudsky's will in dealings beyond their home.
The roads were busier now, heavy with merchant caravans and wandering cultivators. At inns and roadside markets, whispers clung to the air:
"Cloudsky Sect secured an alliance with Red Phoenix Auction House."
"Two ingredients already gathered? Impossible, unless fortune itself walks with them."
"Be careful. Fortune attracts knives."
Mu kept her head low as she listened, while Wen murmured, "Every step we take, eyes follow. The sect's rise isn't going unnoticed."
---
The Sect Alliance Council
Back in Ironwood's grand hall, the orthodox coalition debated fiercely.
Ironwood's patriarch argued, "Cloudsky has grown too quickly. Two ingredients, Red Phoenix at their side—if they become too strong, will they lead the alliance… or dominate it?"
A smaller sect master, voice tight with fear, countered, "What does it matter who leads, if they survive where others fall? Better Cloudsky's strength than our graves."
Yu Meiling of Flower Pavilion Sect silenced the murmurs with calm steel. "Cloudsky has done what none of you dared. Would you question them for succeeding, when the rest of you bicker?"
The Sect Master of Cloudsky, seated quietly, did not rise to defend himself. His silence was answer enough: let their doubts fester if they wished—actions would prove more than words.
---
Traveling Discourse
On the road, the disciples wrestled with the same politics.
Bai Liang spat after overhearing a merchant doubt their achievements. "They doubt us even as we bleed."
Mu's voice was softer. "It's natural. Power upsets balance. If Cloudsky rises, others fear they'll fall."
Wen glanced at Lin. "And you? What do you think?"
Lin's eyes were cold, steady on the horizon. "Let them doubt. The more they underestimate us, the sharper the blade when it falls."
---
In the Shadows
Far away, within a cavern drenched in black mist, demonic sect leaders laughed over the same rumors.
"So Cloudsky allies with Red Phoenix," one hissed.
Another smirked. "Then we need only corrupt the auction house's trust. Wealth bends easily under pressure."
The elder in the shadows rumbled, "Do not rush. Let the orthodox gather. When they are most proud of their alliance, we will cut its heart out."
The blood torches flickered as assassins were dispatched into the night.
---
Closing
The disciples pressed onward, every inn whispering their names, every shadow watching. Above, banners of the orthodox coalition were being raised. And far away, in demonic halls, blades were being sharpened.
The storm had not passed—it was only beginning to gather.