Li Xuan's return to the Hamlet of Clear Stream was a stark contrast to his cautious arrival the previous day. The villagers, already impressed by Jian's tale of the Shadow Boars, now openly stared at Li Xuan. They couldn't pinpoint the change, but his aura, now infused with the subtle power of Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1), was undeniably different. He moved with a new gravitas, a silent confidence that spoke volumes. Elder Jiao, his weathered face etched with a mixture of wonder and hope, met him at the edge of the hamlet.
"Sect Leader Li Xuan," Elder Jiao greeted, his voice softer, more deferential than before. "Jian has told us much. He speaks of your immense power, of beasts of the Qi Realm felled by your blade. And he speaks of the bounty you have brought." He gestured to the pile of boar meat and the small bundles of valuable herbs Li Xuan had left in his care.
Li Xuan gave a slight nod. "The forest yields its secrets to those with the right methods, Elder. These Shadow Boars were indeed a challenge, but their meat and hides are valuable, and these herbs are potent. They are gifts from the land, for those who know how to claim them." He subtly activated a small amount of Qi, letting it emanate faintly, enough for the Elder, perhaps even others with nascent senses, to feel its presence. He knew this silent display was far more persuasive than any words.
Elder Jiao's eyes widened, confirming he felt the subtle pressure. He then looked at the assembled villagers, their faces now mirroring his awe. This was no longer just a desperate stranger with a bold claim; this was a cultivator of tangible power.
"We have discussed your offer, Sect Leader," Elder Jiao finally said, his voice laced with a newfound seriousness. "The prospect of cultivation, of learning true strength... it is a dream for many in our village. A desperate one, in these harsh times." He gestured to the thin children, the worn faces of the adults. "We have little to offer in return, beyond our humble produce and what labor we can spare."
"As I said, Elder," Li Xuan replied, maintaining an air of calm authority. "The Falling Leaf Sect provides the path. Dedication is the only currency we truly demand. However, a sect also needs resources to grow. Your village, with its resilience and knowledge of this land, has much to offer. We can establish a mutually beneficial relationship."
He then laid out his proposal, drawing upon his insights from the System's "Establish Basic Sect Income Source" objective, but translating it into terms the villagers would understand. "My sect has developed methods to process wild game and medicinal herbs more efficiently than common folk. We can provide your village with a reliable source of processed meat and valuable furs for warmth or trade in larger towns. In return, we would require a steady supply of common grains and specific building materials that your village can produce or gather, such as timber and stone. A portion of your skilled labor, if you have any, would also be invaluable in assisting with the initial repairs of the sect's structures. This would be a long-term agreement, a partnership, ensuring mutual prosperity."
Elder Jiao listened intently, his expression shifting from skepticism to deep consideration. The idea of consistent food, the relief of warmer furs, and the prospect of trading surplus for goods they sorely lacked in larger settlements was a powerful incentive. But the notion of their youth being trained in cultivation? That was almost too good to be true.
"A partnership," Elder Jiao repeated, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "This sounds... like a path forward for our village, Sect Leader. But what of the young ones you spoke of? Those who would train with you?"
Li Xuan saw his opening. "Those with strong bodies, sharp minds, and courageous spirits will be invited to join the Falling Leaf Sect as outer disciples. They will receive training in cultivation, learning to harness the Qi of heaven and earth. They will gain strength, discipline, and the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones. In time, they may even achieve what I have achieved." He let his enhanced aura subtly expand for a moment, a silent, powerful invitation. "They will have food, shelter, and purpose. In return, they will dedicate themselves to the sect's prosperity, assisting in its reconstruction and defense. It is a path to a life beyond mere subsistence, a path to true power and belonging."
A hush fell over the hamlet. Then, a hesitant voice from the small crowd spoke. "Sect Leader Li Xuan... my son, he is strong. He dreams of a life beyond the fields, but we have no coin for mercenaries, no connections to grand sects." A woman, her face worn, stepped forward, pulling a sturdy young man, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, slightly forward.
Li Xuan fixed his gaze on the boy. He seemed healthy, determined, if a little rough around the edges. Exactly what he needed.
[New Potential Disciple Detected: Name - Kael. Age - 16. Potential - Moderate (Cultivation Talent: C). Strengths: Strong, Loyal. Weaknesses: Untrained, Impatient.]
Internal System Check: Kael meets criteria for Outer Disciple recruitment. Recruiting Kael will provide 5 Sect Points.
"He has spirit," Li Xuan declared, his voice resonating with newfound authority. "If he is willing to dedicate himself fully to the sect's teachings and its goals, he will be welcome."
Elder Jiao saw the unspoken affirmation. He looked at Kael, then at Li Xuan, then back at his struggling village. "This is a great matter, Sect Leader Li Xuan," he stated, his voice heavy with responsibility. "Our survival depends on this. We accept your proposal. We will gather what timber and stone we can spare, and send our young to assist with the sect's repairs and to learn your ways." He paused, a new light in his eyes. "Kael will be the first. And others may follow, once they see the truth of your words."
A faint, but distinct, chime sounded in Li Xuan's mind.
[Objective: Establish a Basic Sect Income Source Complete!]
[Reward: 20 Sect Points, Sect Reputation increased to 'Known'.]
Li Xuan felt a surge of exhilaration. Twenty points! This was huge! His internal balance now stood at 27 Sect Points (7 from before + 20 from this objective). And 'Sect Reputation: Known' – that would be vital for attracting more disciples and future trade.
"Excellent, Elder Jiao," Li Xuan said, a genuine smile forming. "The Falling Leaf Sect will honor its word. Your village's prosperity will be linked to ours." He then turned to Kael. "Kael, are you ready to embark on a new path? To leave behind your old life and forge a new destiny of strength and purpose?"
Kael, eyes shining with a mixture of fear and excitement, nodded vigorously. "Yes, Sect Leader! I am ready!"
Li Xuan spent the rest of the day in the hamlet, finalizing the terms of their basic trade agreement. The villagers would periodically deliver basic raw materials like timber, cut stone, and common grains to a designated drop-off point near the sect's outer gate. In return, Li Xuan would provide processed meat, tanned furs, and (once he got the necessary manuals) perhaps even basic medicinal salves or simple tools crafted from wild iron ore he might find. This established his first, crucial income stream, albeit in kind, rather than pure coin.
He also designated a few areas in the heavily overgrown sect grounds that needed immediate attention: the collapsed section of the outer wall, the precarious main entrance, and the treacherous debris in the outer courtyard. With the incoming timber and stone, and Kael's labor, he could begin the painstaking process of repair.
As dusk settled, Li Xuan led Kael back towards the Falling Leaf Sect, the young man's heart thrumming with nervous excitement and anticipation. Qing'er greeted them, her eyes widening slightly at the new face, but accepting Li Xuan's quiet explanation of Kael joining the sect.
That night, in the vault, after a meal of hearty boar stew, Li Xuan mentally reviewed his progress.
[Current Sect Points: 27.]
[Sect Reputation: Known.]
He had established a basic income source, albeit through barter. He had recruited a new disciple. And most importantly, he was now a Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) cultivator. The weight of his Spirit Sword felt different, more connected. The potential of the sect felt vast, no longer a distant dream but a tangible, if still difficult, reality. The comedic "Accidental Sect Leader" was beginning to shed his old skin, growing into the role.
Now he had manpower, a trade route, and a reputation to build upon. The Falling Leaf Sect was no longer just Li Xuan and Qing'er; it was starting to become a true home for cultivators.