CHAPTER 87 — A Pillar Rises, A World Trembles
The glow from the Sect Master's restored cultivation slowly faded, leaving behind a renewed titan of power. His aura—once dim and cracked—now surged with the steady brilliance of a peak Nascent Soul expert.
The disciples, elders, and even visiting alchemists stood frozen in awe.
Cloudsky Sect had been on the brink of destruction.
Now, hope had returned in the form of a single pill—
and the disciple who made it possible.
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1. Lin Xuan's New Standing
The Cloudsky Sect Master stepped into the center of the hall, his back straight, his presence radiant.
"Let it be known," he declared, his voice thundering through the building, "that Lin Xuan is no longer merely a disciple of Cloudsky Sect."
Gasps swept through the room.
Even Bai's ears perked up.
The Sect Master continued:
"From this day forward—
Lin Xuan is an Honorary Grand Elder of Cloudsky Sect."
Silence.
Then—
An uproar.
"Grand Elder?!"
"He's not even in Nascent Soul!"
"He's younger than most inner disciples!"
"But… after everything he's done…"
The Flower Pavilion Sect Master smiled softly.
"An appropriate title."
Elder Wu and Elder Shan—who had once doubted Lin—bowed deeply.
"We accept the Sect Master's decree."
Lin stood still for a moment, stunned.
He had expected gratitude.
Maybe recognition.
But Grand Elder?
The Sect Master placed a steady hand on Lin's shoulder.
"You saved Cloudsky Sect.
You restored my life.
And you returned with a dragon, a saint, and allies stronger than entire sects."
His eyes softened.
"You have earned this honor a hundred times over."
Lin bowed deeply.
"I will not fail your trust."
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2. The World Reacts — Shockwaves Across the Continent
Rumors spread faster than fire on dry grass.
Messages flew from sect to sect on spirit talismans.
Within hours, the world boiled.
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At the Southern Flame Sect
"Cloudsky Sect… produced a Grand Elder who is younger than fifty?"
"No. Younger than twenty."
"WHAT?!"
---
At the Iron-Sky Clan
"He returned from the trials with a DRAGON?"
"A true dragon. The roar was heard through entire provinces."
"…This is going to change everything."
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At the Demonic Alliance Headquarters
The four surviving demonic Nascent Soul Elders knelt before their masked leader.
"We failed… the commander was slain."
A chilling silence followed.
Then a cold, guttural voice spoke:
"Lin Xuan survives.
And Cloudsky Sect did not fall."
The masked leader's killing intent darkened the hall.
"Then we move to the next phase."
The demonic elders trembled.
"Next phase…?"
The leader whispered:
"Erase Cloudsky Sect from the map.
Even if it costs us a thousand lives."
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3. Within Cloudsky Sect — The Dragon Stabilizes
Inside Lin's inner world, Bai Wanglong lay coiled at the base of the Titan Sapling, glowing softly with divine light.
Aurora hovered above him.
"The dragon's foundation is stabilizing. His form is still juvenile, but his bloodline purity…" She swallowed. "It might exceed that of saint beasts."
Saint Shengyuan nodded in admiration.
"A newborn with the aura of a saint… The heavens have blessed your world, Lin Xuan."
The Spirit Mother gently touched the sapling.
"Your world grows stronger with every minute."
Lin sensed it.
Time dilation:
7:1 was now becoming 8:1.
Qi density was increasing.
The sapling's roots were expanding deeper.
Primitive beast species were evolving at an absurd rate.
Lin closed his eyes.
"I need to stabilize the world before it evolves again. If it grows too fast, I may lose control."
Aurora nodded.
"I'll guide the world's growth. But Lin—your actions are echoing into the heavens. Someone will notice."
Lin opened his eyes.
"I know."
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4. A Strategic Meeting — Planning the Counterattack
Later that day, the Sect Master summoned all elders, including Lin, to the war council hall.
He sat at the head of the table—alive, radiant, commanding.
At his left sat the Flower Pavilion Sect Master.
At his right—Lin Xuan, wearing a new elder's robe with a golden trim.
The room buzzed with tension.
Elder Shan opened the meeting.
"We have confirmation: the demonic alliance is preparing a second attack—larger than the first."
Elder Wu added grimly:
"This one will be… total annihilation."
The Sect Master turned to Lin.
"Your thoughts?"
Lin folded his arms.
"Cloudsky Sect cannot wait for the attack.
We must strike first."
Gasps.
The Flower Pavilion Sect Master tilted her head.
"A bold strategy."
Lin continued:
"The demonic alliance believes Cloudsky is weakened.
But they don't know the Sect Master has recovered.
They don't know the dragon has awakened.
And they don't know half the sect is safe within my world."
Elder Wen spoke cautiously.
"Are you suggesting… we launch a counteroffensive?"
Lin nodded.
"Yes.
If we attack first, we control the battlefield.
We determine the pace of the war."
The Sect Master smiled faintly.
"You remind me of myself… when I was young."
Elder Shan cleared his throat.
"Then what is your plan?"
Lin pointed to the map.
"We will split into three divisions."
Division One: The Dragon Vanguard
Led by Bai Wanglong and Lin's elite team.
Their job: strike fear and devastation into enemy ranks.
Division Two: Cloudsky Assault Force
Led by the Sect Master and two Nascent Soul Elders.
Their job: target the demonic alliance's command center.
Division Three: Covert Strike Team
Led by Saint Shengyuan and top assassins.
Their job: destroy the demonic alliance's summoners and ritualists.
Elder Wu whispered:
"This is… a complete war plan."
Elder Shan trembled.
"This could work."
The Sect Master looked at Lin with pride.
"You truly are a pillar of our sect."
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5. A Warning From the Flower Pavilion Sect Master
After the meeting, she approached Lin privately.
"You know," she said softly, "power gathers attention—not just from enemies."
Lin frowned.
"What do you mean?"
She looked him dead in the eyes.
"True dragons… saints… evolving worlds… Fate threads coil around you like a storm. If you continue on this path, the great sects and ancient clans will no longer ignore you."
Lin exhaled slowly.
"I'll deal with them when they come."
She smiled.
"I admire your confidence. But remember…
some enemies don't attack with swords."
She touched her heart.
"They attack here."
Before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving Lin with a chill he couldn't fully explain.
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6. Night Falls — But War Does Not Sleep
Lin returned to his courtyard to prepare for the coming battles.
Bai coiled nearby in his smaller form.
Mu and Wen sorted talismans and potions.
Shengyuan meditated beneath a pine tree, sword across his lap.
Cloudsky Sect had survived the day.
But tomorrow…
They would march to war.
Lin stood at the edge of the cliff facing the moon.
His eyes glowed with mixed resolve and fury.
"They wanted to destroy Cloudsky Sect."
Bai's voice rumbled behind him.
"Then we shall destroy them instead."
Lin nodded.
"Tomorrow we begin."
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