The next few days settled into a focused rhythm of production within the crumbling walls of the Falling Leaf Sect. Li Xuan, now with the added vigor of Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2), found his tasks significantly less arduous. The hoe felt lighter, the axe (which he still desperately needed) seemed closer within reach, and the sheer effort of existing in this harsh world was eased by his steadily circulating Qi. He was at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2 - 5% progress), diligently cultivating, and Qing'er, ever the prodigy, had swiftly reached Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2 - 80% progress).
Their first priority was to continue processing the meat. Li Xuan, using his Basic Cooking Pot and Basic Fire Starting Kit, turned the remaining raw badger and rabbit meat into cooked, somewhat palatable portions. He wasn't aiming for gourmet; he was aiming for sustenance and the completion of objectives.
As he finished preparing the last batch, the familiar chime, internal only to him, sounded.
[Objective: Gather 10 kg of Processed Wild Game Meat Complete!]
[Reward: 10 Sect Points, Basic Tanning Manual (Common Grade) acquired!]
A wave of satisfaction washed over Li Xuan. Ten more Sect Points! His internal balance now stood at 22 Sect Points (12 from previous balance + 10 from this objective). Still not enough for the Qi Condensation Breakthrough Pill (50 points), but it was significant progress. More importantly, he now had the Basic Tanning Manual.
"Alright, Qing'er," Li Xuan announced, a new energy in his voice. "We've got plenty of food now. Our next step is to make something useful out of these." He gestured towards the badger hide and rabbit furs in his Sect Inventory.
He willed the untanned hides to appear. The badger hide was stiff and coarse, the rabbit furs softer but equally raw. Following the precise instructions from the Basic Tanning Manual now imprinted in his mind, Li Xuan set about the messy, laborious process of tanning. He needed to scrape off residual flesh, soak the hides in a rudimentary solution made from tree bark (which he had gathered earlier from the forest), and then stretch and work them until they were pliable. It was smelly work, but the manual promised durable results.
While he worked on the hides, Qing'er was dispatched to gather specific herbs and plants from the forest, guided by his verbal descriptions. The Basic Farming & Gathering Manual also contained basic knowledge of herbalism, hinting at rudimentary medicinal applications. Li Xuan had no intention of becoming a full-fledged herbalist yet, but having a few common remedies could be invaluable.
He also had another objective in mind. He mentally checked the System.
[Objective: Establish a Basic Sect Income Source.]
Reward: 20 Sect Points, Sect Reputation increased to 'Known'.
This was the big one. Twenty points would put him at 42 (22 + 20). Still short of the breakthrough pill, but within striking distance, and that "Sect Reputation" boost sounded important. And the goal was "income source," not just "trade a few goods."
By late afternoon, Li Xuan had managed to process the rabbit furs into soft, somewhat usable pelts, and the badger hide was well on its way to being a tough, leathery material. They weren't perfect, but they were significantly better than raw hides. These could be his first trade goods.
"These furs," Li Xuan said, holding up a soft rabbit pelt, "can be valuable. And this badger hide, once finished, will be very tough. People in villages might want these for warmth or protection."
Qing'er, returning with a small pouch of identified herbs, nodded. "They look nice, Sect Leader Li Xuan."
Li Xuan looked at his crude map, the distant smoke plume, and then at the small collection of tanned furs and herbs. He felt a surge of apprehension mixed with determination. He had processed meat, planted seeds, and now created his first potential trade goods. He was ready for the next step.
"Tomorrow," Li Xuan announced, his voice firm, "we go on a reconnaissance mission. We approach that smoke carefully. We need to find out what's there, what they need, and how we can establish a connection." He couldn't risk the entire sect (which was just two of them) just yet, but he couldn't wait forever either.
He would take the lead. Qing'er, with her smaller stature and surprising stealth, would observe from a distance, hidden but ready to alert him. He would bring his Falling Leaf Spirit Sword, which he now wielded with greater confidence thanks to his breakthrough, and a few of the processed furs. It was time to venture out, not just for survival, but for the future of the Falling Leaf Sect.