A Song For The Ages

The air was cool and dry as Feiyin and Mu descended the winding mountain path leading from the Molten Cave. The sun dipped low beyond the peaks, casting the stone steps in long golden rays. After several hours within the cave, saturated in dense world essence and the sharp scent of minerals, the open breeze was a relief.

"This really feels like cheating," Mu murmured, rolling his shoulders with satisfaction.

Feiyin chuckled, wiping a hand across his brow. "It's worth it."

Their satisfaction, however, was short-lived. A group of disciples stood ahead, blocking the narrow trail. Red and gold streaks ran across their robes, their expressions somewhere between amusement and hostility. Seven in total, four third-class and three second-class disciples, stood with casual menace.

The one at the front, a tall red-skinned demon with glowing amber eyes and blackened claws, stepped forward. His lip curled into a smirk as he appraised Feiyin and Mu. "You two really made a name for yourselves, didn't you? That pill you're pushing around... it's gotten our attention. You would do well to hand over its recipe"

Feiyin stopped a few paces from them, calm as ever. Mu remained a step behind, silent and unreadable.

"Cai Feiyin, third-class outer disciple," Feiyin introduced himself evenly, raising his token for the red-skinned demon to see. "Backed by Deacon Yun."

The red demon snorted. "You're not the only one with a backer. I'm sure Deacon Yun won't mind sharing if we pass her a portion of the profits."

Feiyin's smile didn't waver, but his eyes sharpened. "Tell me, are you here with the full authority of your Ember Coil? I heard your faction has six second-class disciples. Yet I see only three here. Can you really take responsibility for this decision?"

The jab hit home. A flash of anger passed across the demon's face, his claws twitching. "Enough games! Hand over the recipe and maybe we'll let you keep your hands. You know how the sect treats trash with no use."

Mu raised a brow, glancing sideways at Feiyin. "You were the one complaining that all you did lately was refine pills. Isn't this what you wanted?"

Feiyin gasped theatrically. "Mu is teasing me? The heavens have truly shifted."

Mu shrugged, amused. "Just telling the truth."

The light-hearted banter made the red demon's fury explode. "Attack them! Break their limbs if you must. As long as their mouths still work, we can get the recipe."

The Ember Coil faction disciples surged forward.

With a flick of his wrists, Mu pulled a cluster of glimmering needles into his fingers. Feiyin clenched his fists, the joints cracking.

"No saber?" Mu asked.

Feiyin smirked. "I want to let loose."

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The clash was instant. Mu moved like smoke, his needles launching in precise arcs. Each strike hit joints or pressure points, paralyzing limbs and dropping disciples like puppets with cut strings. His movements were effortless, the result of relentless training and poison mastery.

Feiyin danced among his enemies, his strikes deceptively light. But with each impact, a resounding crack echoed as his strength burst forth. Elbows to the ribs, palms to the chest, a backhand across the jaw, each move sent his opponents sprawling.

Within moments, five were unconscious, while Mu was poisoning the other second-class disciple.

Only the red-skinned demon remained, stepping forward, his aura flaring as he pulled essence qi into his hands. From a distance, he launched clawed strikes, twisting lines of energy arcing through the air.

Feiyin didn't flinch. He stepped into the barrage, raising his hand and letting his palm glow faintly with Saber intent. The essence qi parted around him, slashed cleanly away before they touched his body.

"You wanted to cut off my limbs?" Feiyin asked, each step slow and deliberate.

Panic began to spread in the demon's eyes. His attacks grew erratic. Feiyin struck.

A single step forward. A twist. A closed fist into the solar plexus.

The demon's breath left him in a choked gasp. He crumpled to the ground.

Mu approached and calmly inserted a needle into the demon's neck. "He won't be going anywhere."

Feiyin crouched, brushing dust from his robes. "Now then... shall we talk?"

The demon hissed, but the poison paralyzed his limbs. "You... you think you can intimidate me?"

Feiyin smiled, all teeth. "I'm offering you a second chance. Speak."

Beaten, the demon relented. "I... I was competing to lead Ember Coil. The old leader left after becoming an inner disciple, and now there's chaos. Another second-class disciple and I are the strongest candidates. I thought, if I could take your recipe and claim it... it would solidify my position."

Mu crouched beside him. "So you thought extortion was your path to power?"

The demon looked away, defeated but defiant.

Feiyin stood and dusted his hands, then looked down at the red-skinned demon, whose eyes still burned with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"Before anything else," Feiyin said, still smiling, "What's your name?"

The demon scowled but answered through clenched teeth. "Vaerk."

Feiyin nodded. "Alright, Vaerk. Let me ask you a different question. Would you like to become the official leader of Ember Coil?"

Vaerk blinked. "What?"

Feiyin's eyes gleamed with that same calm certainty. "Under our banner. You continue your rise, we get cooperation. The recipe stays with us, but we supply you. In return, you open up access to locations like the Molten Cave."

Vaerk narrowed his eyes. "Why would I become your puppet? If I want power, I'll take it, not borrow it."

Feiyin chuckled lightly. "We don't need puppets. We want allies. You want leadership? Fine. But you need something to secure it with. This deal gives you that without any risk. We give you supply, prestige, and influence, your rival will have none of that."

Mu stepped in, his tone relaxed. "And it's not like you're winning any hearts after what just happened. But walk away with a deal? You'll be seen as someone with foresight, someone who forged an alliance that benefits the faction."

Vaerk stayed silent for a long moment, weighing his options. The taste of defeat still stung, but the logic in their words was undeniable.

"What happens if you go back on your word?" he asked cautiously.

Feiyin smiled. "Then we lose the credibility we're building. Our entire approach hinges on trust and benefit. Besides, it's not like we're giving you anything that could be used against us. You get the product, we keep the method."

Vaerk let out a bitter laugh. "You really are snakes."

Feiyin shrugged with an easy smile. "I like snakes. But we prefer the term 'merchant.' Still, to each their own."