CHAPTER 67 — Storm Over Cloudsky Sect
The closer Lin Xuan and his group drew to the Cloudsky Sect, the heavier the atmosphere became—like the world itself was holding its breath. Dark clouds hung unnaturally low over the mountain range, and the air thickened with the scent of old blood and lingering resentments.
Spectral winds whispered through the trees.
Wen shivered. "This doesn't feel right."
Mu clenched her cauldron tighter. "Too quiet."
Bai rolled his shoulders and kept one hand on his spear. "If trouble comes, we fight our way through."
Lin didn't speak.
His star core pulsed, each beat sending ripples through the qi around him. He could sense killing intent far beyond the tree line, faint but unmistakable.
The demonic sects were still hunting.
And Cloudsky Sect… was far from safe.
---
Approaching the Mountain Gate
By the time they reached the lower valley path leading toward the sect gates, they found disciples stationed with defensive formations already activated—walls of shimmering blue light shielding the entrance.
The young guard captain spotted them and rushed forward.
"Senior Brother Lin Xuan! Senior Sister Mu! Senior Brother Bai! Senior Brother Wen!" His relief was palpable. "You're all alive—thank the heavens!"
Mu frowned. "Why wouldn't we be?"
The guard swallowed.
"You haven't heard?"
Lin narrowed his eyes. "Heard what?"
The guard took a shaky breath.
"The Demonic Sect ambushed three Cloudsky patrol teams. One of the elders' direct disciples died. And… and they've been sighted in the region in unprecedented numbers."
Bai's grip tightened on his spear.
"They're getting bolder."
Wen exhaled sharply. "Or desperate."
Lin's voice remained controlled but cold.
"They came for someone. They didn't find him. Now they're lashing out."
He didn't say the rest aloud.
They came for him.
And now the sect was paying the price.
---
Inside the Sect – An Uneasy Calm
Passing through the barrier, Lin and the others entered a bustling war camp atmosphere. Inner and outer disciples moved in hurried step, gathering weapons, reinforcing defenses, and delivering urgent messages. The normally peaceful Cloudsky courtyards had been reshaped with barricades, patrol teams, and defensive arrays etched into stone.
Shen, the alchemy elder's nephew, waved wildly from across the courtyard.
"You're back! You're finally back!"
Mu waved him over. "What's going on?"
Shen lowered his voice. "There's going to be a sect-wide meeting. The Sect Master has summoned every elder."
Bai whistled. "That serious?"
Shen nodded grimly.
"They're talking about forming alliances. Martial pacts. Even…"
He hesitated.
"Even what?" Wen urged.
Shen swallowed.
"Even merging sects."
The entire group stiffened.
Merging sects was a last-resort—meaning the Cloudsky Sect believed its survival was at risk.
Lin's heart sank a little.
The demonic pressure had escalated beyond even what he expected.
---
Returning to Danfeng Peak
Elder Danfeng was waiting at the top of the peak, arms folded and expression stormy—until he saw Lin.
Relief softened his face.
"You reckless brat. You worried this old man half to death."
Lin bowed deeply.
"Disciple has returned."
Bai, Mu, Wen all bowed as well.
Danfeng's eyes flicked over the group.
"You've grown stronger. All of you. But strength alone won't be enough for what comes next."
He looked at Lin with particular weight.
Lin understood the unspoken message.
---
The Sect Master Summons
A bell rang across the mountaintops—deep, ancient, resonant.
The Sect Master's summon.
Disciples froze in their tracks. Elders appeared on wind gusts. Formations across the sect activated with a soft hum.
Danfeng gestured.
"Come. You four have a seat in this meeting."
They followed him to the Cloudsky Grand Hall—an enormous chamber carved into the mountain itself, lit with floating lanterns and lined with statues of past sect masters.
All the surviving elders were present.
The Sect Master entered last—pale, weakened, but still radiating the dignity of a man who once shook the continent.
He took his seat.
"Begin."
---
The Report From the Allied Sects
The Flower Pavilion Sect Master stepped forward, bowing politely before speaking:
"Three sects have been entirely wiped out by demonic hands. Seven sects suffered multiple elder casualties. The Bloodshroud Demonic Sect and the Hollow Abyss Sect have formed a unified offensive front."
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
Danfeng cursed under his breath.
"That's far worse than anticipated."
Another elder spoke.
"Why now?"
The Flower Pavilion Sect Master's expression hardened.
"Because someone refined a Celestial-grade pill."
Instant silence.
Lin's pulse stilled.
No one looked at him.
But he felt the weight of suspicion pass through the room like shadows.
Danfeng subtly angled himself forward, blocking whatever glances might seek Lin.
The Sect Master closed his eyes.
"So the rumors spread faster than expected."
Lin bowed.
"Sect Master… they do not know it was I."
The Sect Master studied him carefully.
"Perhaps not. But the demonic sects believe the pill came from Cloudsky. They will not rest until they kill every alchemist we have… and every rising talent."
Bai, Mu, and Wen tensed.
Danfeng frowned.
"Then we must prepare for war."
---
Lin's Contribution — Presenting the Ingredients
When asked about progress, Lin stepped forward.
"Sect Master, we gathered all but one herb needed for your recovery pill."
Gasps filled the hall.
Mu added proudly, "We brought back rare herbs thought extinct."
Wen grinned. "And destroyed more than a few enemies along the way."
Bai nodded. "We'll get the last ingredient too."
The Sect Master gave a faint, tired smile.
"You have all done well. Cloudsky Sect owes you a debt."
---
The Demonic Sect Moves Again
Before any further plans could be made—
A messenger disciple burst into the hall, panting, face pale.
"R-report! A large demonic force has been sighted moving through the southern forest!"
Lin's eyes sharpened.
Danfeng rose.
"So soon?"
The Sect Master stood with difficulty.
"Prepare all defenses. All disciples return to their peaks. Elders, with me."
The meeting shattered into action.
---
A New Rumor Spreads Across the Land
As Lin and his group hurried out, the messenger hesitated.
"S-senior brother Lin…"
Lin turned. "Yes?"
"I… I heard something… from the city before returning."
He swallowed nervously.
"They're saying the golden core prodigy who fought a Nascent Soul elder… the one with the dragon… the one who defied heaven's lightning…"
Whispers of awe escaped nearby disciples.
"They're saying… he's from Cloudsky.
Some say… his name is Lin."
Lin stiffened.
Bai smirked.
"Well. That didn't take long."
Mu sighed.
"Prepare for more trouble."
Wen rolled his shoulders.
"I welcome it."
Lin exhaled slowly.
Trouble was coming.
War was coming.
But now…
He had the strength to meet it.
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