The Falling Leaf Sect hummed with a renewed vigor. The sounds of construction were almost constant, a testament to the combined efforts of Li Xuan, his disciples, and the sheer efficiency of the Basic Wood Axe. The timber-framed structure of the Basic Living Quarters grew steadily from the cleared ground behind the vault. Li Xuan, armed with the Basic Sect Construction Manual, meticulously directed Kael, Finn, and Gareth. He showed them how to cut precise joints, raise sturdy beams, and weave thick timber walls, imparting vital practical skills alongside their physical labor. The disciples worked with tireless dedication, their bodies hardening with each swing of the axe and every heavy beam lifted.
Meanwhile, within the vault, the Scriptorium had become a vibrant hub of cultivation and martial arts training. Qing'er, her Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1 - 15% progress) aura a calming presence, continued to guide Elara, Roric, and Lyra through their Qi Gathering. Elara, with her natural talent, had achieved Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1), a faint internal shimmer now accompanying her movements. Roric and Lyra, though still in Body Tempering Realm (Stage 0), were making tangible progress, their meridians slowly strengthening under the guidance of the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual.
But the most exhilarating progress was in their martial arts. Under Li Xuan's direct tutelage, and with Qing'er's assistance, the disciples began to grasp the intricate movements of the Falling Leaf Blade Art. Li Xuan demonstrated the forms, his own movements swift and precise, the 'Phantom Edge' trait of the blade art leaving faint, shimmering afterimages that baffled the eye. Kael, with his natural strength and growing Qi, was the first to consistently manifest the basic 'Phantom Edge' effect, his wooden practice blade leaving a fleeting blur in its wake. Elara, quick and agile, also began to show flashes of the effect, her strikes gaining a subtle, disorienting quality. The potential of the art to disarm and confuse opponents of similar cultivation was becoming evident.
Li Xuan's Sect Points stood at a healthy 25, after the purchases of the Basic Water Purification Kit and the Falling Leaf Blade Art. He walked through the construction site, assessing progress. The Basic Living Quarters were nearing completion, providing a much-needed improvement over the cramped conditions within the vault. The disciples' morale was noticeably higher, their faces reflecting pride in their shared effort.
"Sect Leader," Kael called out, wiping sweat from his brow, "the walls for the living quarters are sturdy! We'll have the roof beams up by tomorrow!"
"Excellent, Kael," Li Xuan replied, surveying the growing structure. "Remember to reinforce the corner joints as the manual instructs. Durability is key."
He then focused on the next phase of development. The Basic Sect Construction Manual laid out designs for more advanced facilities. A dedicated Basic Training Ground would be essential for honing the disciples' martial arts and cultivation. And proper Basic Storage was critical for managing the growing influx of processed meat, pelts, and gathered materials.
To fuel these projects and to continue pushing his disciples' cultivation, Li Xuan knew he needed more Sect Points. He also needed to stock up on higher-tier beast parts for more valuable trade or potential crafting.
He decided it was time for another strategic hunting expedition. This time, he'd take Kael and Elara again. Their previous outing had shown them the reality of combat against Qi-cultivated beasts, and they were eager to learn more. Their growing Qi cultivation also meant they could observe and even assist in minor ways, making the expeditions more efficient.
"Kael, Elara," Li Xuan announced later that afternoon, "prepare yourselves. We will venture deeper into the Whisperwood Thicket. Our sect requires more valuable resources, and you require more combat experience."
Their eyes gleamed with anticipation. They quickly gathered their practice blades and basic provisions, ready for the challenge. As they left the bustling sect grounds, Li Xuan looked back at the rising walls of the living quarters and the determined faces of his cultivating disciples. The Falling Leaf Sect was no longer just a name; it was a physical presence, rapidly becoming a true home for cultivators, forged by shared effort and unique skills.