A profound stillness fell over the ancient vault as Qing'er entered her breakthrough. The new disciples, working diligently in the outer courtyard, could still sense the unusual calm, a stillness that made the air feel thick and resonant. Li Xuan, ever watchful, ensured her privacy, guiding the others away from the corner where she meditated. Her slight frame was almost swallowed by the shadows, yet a subtle green light began to emanate from her, bathing the immediate area in a verdant glow. This was her Verdant Qi, unique and vibrant, a sign of her exceptional talent.
Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity. Li Xuan, now a veteran of two breakthroughs, recognized the signs: the fluctuating Qi, the occasional shudder of her body as her meridians expanded, the profound concentration. He felt a surge of pride. Qing'er was not just a disciple; she was a genuine prodigy, her innate connection to the natural world translating into a swift and potent cultivation.
Then, with a gentle ripple, the green light intensified, then settled into a steady, vibrant hum. The air around her shifted, becoming palpably rich with spiritual energy. Qing'er stirred, her eyes slowly opening. They shimmered with a new depth, reflecting the green essence of her unique Qi. A serene smile touched her lips, a stark contrast to her usual quiet demeanor.
A clear, joyous chime rang in Li Xuan's mind, a sound only he could hear.
[Disciple Qing'er Cultivation Breakthrough Achieved! Qing'er has entered the Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1)!]
Qing'er rose, her movements fluid and effortless, imbued with the newfound power of the Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1 - 0% progress). She walked towards Li Xuan, her eyes shining. "Sect Leader," she whispered, her voice infused with a quiet power. "I feel... boundless. The world is so much clearer. Thank you. Thank you for this path."
Li Xuan nodded, a genuine smile on his face. "You earned it, Qing'er. Your talent is exceptional. Now, the Falling Leaf Sect has two cultivators in the Qi Condensation Realm. Our future is brighter than ever."
He then reached into his Sect Inventory. He had 2 Sect Points remaining. He desperately needed the Basic Wood Axe to accelerate repairs. A quick check of his resources showed him a few more Starflower Blooms he hadn't identified earlier in the vault. He willed the system to identify them.
[Item: Starflower Bloom x 2. (Value: Moderate. Can be processed for 1 Sect Point each).]
"Excellent," Li Xuan thought. He immediately processed them.
[Sect Points Gained: 2.]
His balance now stood at 4 Sect Points. Still short of the axe's 20 points. He mentally reviewed his options. He needed to make a quick run for more points.
"Qing'er," Li Xuan said, "you have just broken through. Take some time to consolidate your Qi. Begin guiding the new disciples through the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual in the Scriptorium. Show them the breathing techniques, help them understand the flow of Qi. I need to make a quick trip into the forest. We need more materials for the sect."
Qing'er nodded, her newly heightened senses already extending towards the bustling activity of the new disciples. She understood the need for resources. "I will ensure they begin their training, Sect Leader."
Li Xuan then briefly addressed the new disciples, who were taking a short break from clearing rubble. "Disciples! Qing'er has just achieved a breakthrough to the Qi Condensation Realm! This is proof that with dedication and effort, the Falling Leaf Sect's methods can lead you to true power. Learn from her, learn from the manuals. Your turn will come." A murmur of excited chatter and awe rippled through the group.
Li Xuan then slipped out of the sect, making directly for the nearest part of the forest, the area closest to the vault where he'd originally hunted the small game. He wasn't looking for major challenges this time, just quick points. Within moments, he encountered a small group of Wild Rabbits. He dispatched them with effortless strikes, his Qi Condensation strength making them utterly trivial.
[Beast Defeated: Wild Rabbit (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 0)]
[Sect Points Gained: 1 per rabbit. Total: 6.]
His Sect Points soared to 10 (4 + 6). Almost there. He continued, quickly dispatching a few more Forest Squirrels and a lone Wild Fox.
[Beast Defeated: Forest Squirrel (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 0)]
[Sect Points Gained: 1 per squirrel. Total: 2.]
[Beast Defeated: Wild Fox (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 0)]
[Sect Points Gained: 3.]
His Sect Point balance now proudly stood at 15. He was close, but he needed to be efficient. He spotted a slightly larger Forest Wolf, its eyes gleaming with hunger. It was still a common beast, but a bit tougher than the rabbits.
[Beast Defeated: Forest Wolf (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 0, Higher Tier)]
[Sect Points Gained: 5.]
"Finally!" Li Xuan thought. His Sect Points hit 20. The exact amount for the Basic Wood Axe! He immediately willed the purchase.
[Confirm purchase: Basic Wood Axe (20 Sect Points)?]
[Current Sect Points: 20. Remaining Sect Points: 0.]
"Confirm," Li Xuan thought with immense satisfaction.
A sturdy, iron-headed axe with a smooth, well-balanced wooden handle materialized in his hand. It felt solid, perfectly weighted, and incredibly sharp. This wasn't a crude village tool; this was a properly crafted, durable instrument. Its presence alone seemed to hum with subtle energy.
Li Xuan returned to the sect, the new axe resting comfortably on his shoulder. He found the new disciples diligently studying the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual in the designated Scriptorium, their brows furrowed in concentration. Kael was carefully tracing a diagram of meridian pathways, while Elara was already demonstrating a breathing technique she'd read about. Qing'er, radiating a newfound calm power, moved amongst them, answering questions and subtly correcting postures. The sight filled Li Xuan with profound satisfaction. The core of his sect was growing, not just in numbers, but in cultivation and knowledge.
"Disciples," Li Xuan announced, his voice carrying clearly. He lifted the axe. "This is a tool that will greatly aid our reconstruction. With this, we will begin making significant progress on our sect's rebirth."
He then demonstrated the axe's sharpness by effortlessly felling a thick, dead tree that had long obstructed a pathway in the outer courtyard. The axe sliced through the wood with remarkable ease, far more efficiently than any common tool. The disciples' eyes widened in awe, their murmurs of excitement proving the axe's immediate impact on morale.
He then explained how to properly wield the axe, how to safely fell trees, and how to prepare timber for construction, drawing from the Basic Sect Construction Manual he now possessed. "Kael, Finn, Gareth," he instructed, "you will now work on clearing more timber. Use this axe, but be mindful and careful. Roric, Elara, Lyra, continue with the stone gathering and farm expansion. Qing'er, continue guiding their cultivation. We will make this sect shine once more!"
The sounds of chopping, hauling, and earnest discussion about Qi cultivation filled the air. The Falling Leaf Sect, once a silent ruin, was now a vibrant, growing hub of activity. With two cultivators in the Qi Condensation Realm, several eager disciples, and the fundamental tools and knowledge to rebuild, Li Xuan knew that their ascent had truly begun. He still had 0 Sect Points but that was a minor setback for now. He had the axe, and the sect was moving forward.