Knowledge, and the Axe's Edge (Revised)
The morning after Li Xuan's return, the Hamlet of Clear Stream buzzed with an energy it hadn't known in years. Whispers of "the cultivator from the Falling Leaf Sect" and "his power" rippled through the ramshackle homes. Elder Jiao, his weathered face etched with the usual hardship but now brightened by a flicker of genuine hope, assembled the villagers. Li Xuan stood before them, his presence emanating the calm yet potent aura of his newly solidified Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1). He didn't actively project his power, but the subtle spiritual pressure radiating from him was palpable, a testament to his cultivation leap. It commanded attention, subtly inspiring a mix of awe and a healthy dose of fear.
"Villagers of Clear Stream," Elder Jiao announced, his voice carrying surprising authority. "Sect Leader Li Xuan has returned, and his offer stands. A path to strength, a path to purpose, for those willing to walk it." He looked at the younger members of the hamlet, his gaze lingering on those who harbored dreams beyond the endless toil of the fields.
One by one, more youths began to step forward. Not just Kael, who stood proudly beside Li Xuan, but others who had watched him fell the Shadow Boars, or heard the tales of his power. A sturdy young woman named Elara, with fierce, determined eyes, who had secretly longed for a life of adventure. A quiet but diligent boy named Roric, whose hands were already calloused from farm work, but whose mind craved knowledge. Twin brothers, Finn and Gareth, restless and energetic, looking for a way to channel their youthful exuberance. And a nervous but earnest girl named Lyra, whose sickly constitution belied a hidden tenacity.
By the time the sun was high, Li Xuan had a total of six new recruits, including Kael. He internally checked the System.
[Disciple Recruited: Kael. Potential: Moderate (Cultivation Talent: C)]
[Disciple Recruited: Elara. Potential: Moderate (Cultivation Talent: C+)]
[Disciple Recruited: Roric. Potential: Moderate (Cultivation Talent: B-)]
[Disciple Recruited: Finn. Potential: Moderate (Cultivation Talent: C)]
[Disciple Recruited: Gareth. Potential: Moderate (Cultivation Talent: C)]
[Disciple Recruited: Lyra. Potential: Moderate (Cultivation Talent: C-)]
[New Objective: Recruit 5 Disciples Complete!]
[Reward: 25 Sect Points, Basic Sect Construction Manual (Common Grade) acquired!]
A triumphant chime echoed solely in Li Xuan's mind. Twenty-five Sect Points! This was monumental! His internal balance now surged to 52 Sect Points (27 from previous balance + 25 from this objective). He now had more than enough points for Qing'er's breakthrough pill, and even the axe! And with more disciples, the "Establish a Basic Sect Income Source" objective felt much more stable. The sect was truly starting to take shape.
He mentally willed the newly acquired Basic Sect Construction Manual to manifest. With a subtle shimmer, a thick, leather-bound book with sturdy, almost ancient-looking pages, appeared in his Sect Inventory. Its cover displayed intricate diagrams of rudimentary structures and building techniques, alongside explanations for utilizing Qi in construction. This was far better than mental projections; this was a tangible foundation for knowledge.
"Welcome, disciples," Li Xuan said, his voice carrying the weight of his new cultivation. He looked at each of their eager, slightly apprehensive faces. "You have chosen a challenging but rewarding path. From this day forth, your lives are dedicated to the Falling Leaf Sect. You will learn, you will grow, and you will become strong. But first, you will learn the meaning of hard work and loyalty."
He then laid out their initial tasks. "Our sect is ancient, but it has fallen into disrepair. Our first duty is to restore our home. Kael, Finn, and Gareth, you will assist in clearing the outer courtyard of debris and beginning the repair of the main gate. Roric, Elara, and Lyra, you will help Qing'er with the farm, expanding the cultivated land, and gathering basic building materials like loose stone and suitable timber from the nearby forest."
He demonstrated how to safely handle basic tools, how to distinguish sound timber, and how to work as a team. He didn't just give orders; he showed them, occasionally using a subtle hint of Qi to demonstrate efficiency, like effortlessly lifting a heavy stone, a small display that kept their awe levels high and their questions at bay.
"Before you begin your labor," Li Xuan continued, "know that the Falling Leaf Sect is also a place of profound knowledge. The path of cultivation is open to all who are dedicated." He willed the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual – now a small, unassuming paperback book with simplified diagrams and clear instructions – to appear in his hand. "This is the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual. It contains the fundamental principles of cultivation, how to draw Qi into your Dantian, and how to strengthen your body."
He led them to a quieter, cleaner corner of the vault, which he mentally designated as the sect's nascent "Scriptorium" or "Library." It was little more than a cleared space near a sturdy wall, but it was a beginning. "Here, in our sect's library, you will find this manual, and others as we acquire them. You are to study this manual diligently. Memorize its principles. Understand its concepts. I will guide you, and Qing'er will assist, but your progress begins with your own study."
He placed the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual onto a small, flat stone he'd designated as a reading stand. "Begin your study now. We will dedicate a portion of each day to cultivation training. You may approach me or Qing'er with your questions after you have made an earnest effort to understand the text."
As the new disciples eagerly gathered around the manual, their faces alight with a mixture of curiosity and determination, Qing'er, already a seasoned cultivator at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2 - 90% progress), took charge of the remaining tasks. She moved with an easy grace, demonstrating efficient digging techniques and showing them how to identify valuable herbs Li Xuan had described. Her burgeoning Qi, though still subtle, was evident in her movements, inspiring the new recruits with a tangible example of what cultivation could achieve.
Li Xuan watched them, a profound sense of satisfaction blossoming in his chest. The sect was no longer just a ruin. It was becoming a bustling hub of activity, filled with the sounds of shovels striking earth, timber being dragged, and eager voices discussing the mysteries of Qi. This was the "lively feel" he had envisioned.
After ensuring the new disciples were settling into their tasks and their initial studies, Li Xuan's mind turned to the immediate needs of the sect. He checked his Sect Points again: 52 points. The Basic Wood Axe was 20 points. And Qing'er's Qi Condensation Breakthrough Pill was 50 points. The choice was clear.
His own breakthrough had been invaluable. Qing'er's would be just as vital. She was a prodigy, and propelling her to the Qi Condensation Realm would not only strengthen their core but also serve as a powerful example to the new disciples. With 52 points, he could afford Qing'er's pill, and then acquire the axe with the remaining points.
"System," Li Xuan thought, his decision firm. "Purchase Qi Condensation Breakthrough Pill for Disciple Qing'er."
[Confirm purchase: Qi Condensation Breakthrough Pill (50 Sect Points)?]
[Current Sect Points: 52. Remaining Sect Points: 2.]
"Confirm," Li Xuan mentally affirmed.
A duplicate of the jade-green pill he had consumed materialized in his hand. He walked over to Qing'er, who was overseeing the clearing of new farmland with Elara and Roric.
"Qing'er," he said, holding out the pill. "You have shown incredible dedication and talent. You have surpassed all my expectations. This is a special cultivation pill. Consume it. It will help you achieve a breakthrough, pushing you to the next realm. Find a quiet place and focus."
Qing'er's eyes widened, recognizing the unique radiance of the pill. She looked at him with a mixture of surprise and profound gratitude. "Sect Leader Li Xuan! This is... thank you!" She took the pill, her hands trembling slightly, and sat cross-legged in a secluded spot, consuming it without hesitation. The surrounding disciples, watching the exchange, murmured in awe.
As Qing'er entered her own meditative state, the subtle ripple of Qi disturbance emanating from her, Li Xuan turned his attention back to supervising the new disciples. He noticed the piles of timber and stone slowly growing outside the main gate. The outer courtyard was beginning to look less like a forgotten ruin and more like a work-in-progress.
He mentally assessed the current state of their resources and upcoming tasks. He had 2 Sect Points remaining. He still needed that axe to truly accelerate construction. He planned to lead a targeted expedition into the Whisperwood Thicket himself soon, focusing on stronger beasts to rapidly accumulate points. With his Qi Condensation strength, he felt confident in tackling Body Tempering Stage 2 beasts, which would yield even more points, allowing him to easily purchase the axe and save for future needs.
The Falling Leaf Sect, once a solitary pursuit, was now a small, vibrant community. The sounds of active labor, the earnest murmurs of new cultivators studying ancient texts from the newly designated library, and the faint, rhythmic breathing of Qing'er entering her breakthrough filled the air. Li Xuan, the Accidental Sect Leader, watched them, a true leader finally emerging from the shadows. The future, though still uncertain, now felt within reach.