The morning light filtered into the ancient vault, illuminating a scene of bustling new life. The rhythmic sounds of manual labor – scraping stone, pulling debris, and the focused murmurs of new cultivators – filled the air. Qing'er, her Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1 - 5% progress) aura a serene, vibrant green, moved among Elara, Roric, and Lyra in the Scriptorium. Her guidance, enhanced by her own recent breakthrough, was making the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual clearer for the eager disciples. Elara was already showing promise in drawing faint Qi, Roric absorbed every detail, and Lyra, though physically delicate, displayed a fierce tenacity in her study.
Kael, Finn, and Gareth, meanwhile, worked diligently in the outer courtyard, making slow but steady progress clearing rubble and reinforcing the main gate with makeshift timber. Li Xuan observed them, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. His sect was growing, but the physical reconstruction remained a challenge. He sorely missed a proper tool. His Sect Points stood at a meager 2, a stark reminder of the large investments he'd made in personal power. The Basic Wood Axe, at 20 points, still felt just out of reach.
He needed to earn those points. Quickly. But first, a more pressing long-term question gnawed at him. The System had mentioned "Sect Rank" before. What did it take to truly elevate the Falling Leaf Sect beyond its current "Unranked" status?
He mentally accessed the System interface, specifically seeking information on "Sect Ranks."
[Sect Rank: Unranked (Current)]
[Sect Reputation: Known]
[Sect Rank Upgrade Requirements]
To achieve Rank 1 (Minor Sect):
Sect Leader Cultivation: Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 3)
Core Disciples: At least 5 disciples at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5) or higher.
Total Disciples: At least 20 loyal disciples.
Sect Funds: 500 Gold Coins (or equivalent in valuable resources).
Sect Territory: Establish clear control over a territory of at least 5 square kilometers.
Sect Facilities: Basic Training Grounds, Dedicated Cultivation Chamber, Basic Storage, Basic Living Quarters (all Common Grade or higher).
Sect Reputation: Well-Known.
Objective Completion: Complete 3 'Major' Sect Objectives.
Li Xuan's eyes widened as he scrolled through the requirements. Qi Condensation Stage 3 for himself, 5 disciples at Body Tempering Stage 5, a total of 20 disciples, funds, territory, multiple facilities... This was a monumental task, far more complex than simply gathering points for pills and tools. It was a complete shift in scale. He was currently at Qi Condensation Stage 1, his core disciples were just beginning Body Tempering, and he had only six disciples in total.
The task of becoming a 'Minor Sect' was daunting, but it also provided a clear roadmap. He now knew what he needed to aim for. The number of disciples was critical, as were their cultivation levels. This reinforced his immediate strategy: rapidly increase his own strength, boost Qing'er's and the new disciples' cultivation, and accumulate more Sect Points for vital purchases.
"Alright, System," Li Xuan thought, "I need that axe now. Show me the path to those low-level beasts."
He called Kael and Elara. "Kael, Elara, come. You will accompany me on a quick expedition into the closer parts of the forest. We need immediate resources. This will also be an opportunity for you to observe and learn." Their eyes lit up, eager for the chance to step beyond manual labor.
They headed into the familiar, less dangerous parts of the forest. Li Xuan moved with newfound efficiency, his Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) strength making him incredibly swift. He systematically located and dispatched smaller, non-cultivated beasts, prioritizing speed and point accumulation.
[Beast Defeated: Wild Rabbit (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 0)]
[Sect Points Gained: 1.]
[Beast Defeated: Forest Squirrel (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 0)]
[Sect Points Gained: 1.]
...and so on...
In a quick, focused hour, Li Xuan netted a variety of small game.
[Sect Points Gained: 18 (from various small beasts and found herbs).]
[Current Sect Points: 2 (previous) + 18 (gained) = 20.]
"Finally," Li Xuan thought, a surge of triumph. He had precisely 20 Sect Points.
"System," he mentally commanded, "Purchase Basic Wood Axe."
[Confirm purchase: Basic Wood Axe (20 Sect Points)?]
[Current Sect Points: 20. Remaining Sect Points: 0.]
"Confirm," Li Xuan affirmed.
With a subtle shimmer, 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.
"This is it," Li Xuan said to Kael and Elara, holding up the axe. "With this, our work will become far more efficient."
They returned to the sect, Li Xuan eager to put the axe to use. He immediately put it into Kael's experienced hands, demonstrating its 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.
"Alright, disciples!" Li Xuan called out, his voice imbued with renewed vigor. "Your efforts are commendable. The gate is taking shape. Our next major undertaking will be the construction of proper living quarters for all of us, and a dedicated training ground! With this axe, our timber gathering will accelerate!"
He then decided it was time for another, more strategic hunt. He needed to accumulate substantial Sect Points for the larger facilities and future growth, and to test his Qi Condensation Realm strength against true Qi-cultivated beasts.
"Kael, Elara," Li Xuan said, "you will accompany me again. This time, we venture deeper. This will be an opportunity to observe higher-level combat and gain more experience in the wild."
They found themselves once again amidst the ancient, shadowy trees of the Whisperwood Thicket. Li Xuan deliberately sought out the distinct Qi signatures of Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2) beasts. His Falling Leaf Spirit Sword felt like an extension of his will, his Qi Condensation Realm strength making his movements swift and powerful.
It wasn't long before they found what they were looking for. A low, guttural snarl rippled through the trees, heavier and more resonant than a mere Stage 1 beast. A pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the undergrowth, followed by a sleek, muscular form. It was a Crimson Fang Wolf, its fur the color of dried blood, its fangs elongated and razor-sharp, its aura noticeably stronger than the Shadow Boars.
Internal System Scan: Crimson Fang Wolf (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 2, Low Tier)
Threat Level: High. Potential Sect Points: 30-40.
"Stay back, and observe," Li Xuan commanded Kael and Elara, his voice low and firm. He didn't want them to intervene, but to learn from the sight of a cultivator fighting a true Qi beast.
The Crimson Fang Wolf lunged, a blur of red fury. Li Xuan met it head-on, no longer needing to rely solely on evasion. His Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) strength allowed him to infuse his Falling Leaf Spirit Sword with a greater flow of Qi. The blade glowed faintly as he parried the wolf's savage bite, the clash of steel on fang sending sparks flying. He felt the impact reverberate through his arm, but his body, now reinforced by Qi, easily absorbed the shock.
He moved with a deadly grace, a series of calculated strikes aimed at the wolf's vital points. The wolf was fast, but Li Xuan was faster. He dodged a sweeping claw, then countered with a swift, precise thrust that found its mark in the wolf's shoulder. The beast howled in pain, stumbling back. Li Xuan pressed his advantage, ending the fight with a final, decisive blow. The crimson aura around the wolf flickered, then dissipated as it collapsed.
[Beast Defeated: Crimson Fang Wolf (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 2)]
[Sect Points Gained: 35.]
A triumphant surge of energy coursed through Li Xuan. Thirty-five points! His Sect Points now stood at 35 (0 + 35). This was the pace he needed. He quickly processed the wolf, noting the high quality of its pelt and meat, as well as its remarkably sharp fangs – potential for crafting.
Kael and Elara stared, wide-eyed, at the felled beast. Their expressions were a mixture of fear, awe, and an unshakeable determination. This was the true power of cultivation, laid bare before them. This was what they aspired to.
"You see," Li Xuan said, sheathing his sword, "with strength comes capability. This beast will provide our sect with much-needed resources. Its meat, its hide, even its fangs are valuable." He allowed them to help with the butchering, explaining the different uses for each part, not just for survival but for potential trade and crafting.
They continued deeper, Li Xuan strategically seeking out more Stage 2 beasts. He encountered and defeated another Crimson Fang Wolf (+30 Sect Points) and a lumbering Stonehide Bear (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 2, Mid Tier) (+45 Sect Points), each battle serving as a powerful lesson for his observing disciples. By late afternoon, Li Xuan's Sect Points had skyrocketed.
[Sect Points Gained: 30 (2nd Wolf) + 45 (Stonehide Bear) = 75.]
[Current Sect Points: 35 + 75 = 110.]
One hundred and ten Sect Points! This was incredible progress. He had enough to purchase the Basic Wood Axe he desperately needed, and still have a substantial amount left over for future purchases, including potentially a Basic Water Purification Kit (5 points) or saving for other facilities to begin the long climb to a Minor Sect.
As they made their way back to the sect, laden with valuable pelts, meat, and the occasional Qi-infused beast part, Li Xuan's mind buzzed with plans. He had a clear goal for sect expansion, a growing team of motivated disciples, and the means to acquire crucial tools. The road to Rank 1 was long, but Li Xuan now had a map, and his sect was finally moving.