The crisp morning air carried the scent of fresh-cut timber and damp earth, a stark contrast to the stagnant odor that once clung to the ancient ruin. The Basic Living Quarters stood proudly, a testament to the combined efforts of Li Xuan and his eager disciples. Its sturdy timber frame, meticulously joined and weatherproofed, offered a simple but comfortable haven. Inside, makeshift sleeping mats and a communal eating area had been arranged. The disciples, their faces beaming with pride and relief, wasted no time moving their meager belongings into their new home. The sense of shared accomplishment, of having truly built something with their own hands, solidified their bond to the Falling Leaf Sect.
Li Xuan watched them, a deep sense of satisfaction warming him. This wasn't just a building; it was a visible symbol of their progress, a tangible foundation for their future. He had started with nothing but a ruin and a System, and now, he had a growing community and a place they could call home.
Their cultivation, too, was blossoming. In the Scriptorium, under Qing'er's patient guidance, Elara had fully entered Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1 - 5% progress), her internal Qi circulation a steady hum. Roric and Lyra, though still in Body Tempering Realm (Stage 0), were on the cusp of their own breakthroughs, their control over ambient Qi growing daily.
But it was on the newly established, albeit rudimentary, Training Ground that the most exciting progress was evident. The disciples, now armed with wooden practice blades, moved through the forms of the Falling Leaf Blade Art. Kael, quick and strong, had begun to consistently manifest the 'Phantom Edge' effect, his blade leaving fleeting afterimages that truly made his strikes unpredictable. Elara, agile and focused, was close behind, her movements fluid and deceptively simple. Even Finn and Gareth, initially a bit clumsy, were starting to find their rhythm, their enthusiasm infectious. The unique martial art was already living up to its promise, giving them an edge that would surprise any conventional cultivator of their stage.
Li Xuan's Sect Points stood at 25. He needed to replenish them, and quickly, to fund the next crucial phase of development. The Basic Training Ground and Basic Storage facilities were paramount. They needed dedicated spaces to hone their skills and manage their growing resources.
"Disciples!" Li Xuan called out, gathering them on the training ground. "Your efforts have built us a home, and your dedication to the blade art makes our sect formidable. But the forest still holds many resources we need. Our sect must grow stronger, and I require more valuable materials. Kael, Elara, your progress has been exceptional. You will accompany me again. This will be another vital lesson."
Kael and Elara's eyes lit up. They understood the gravity of these expeditions, but the chance to learn from Li Xuan's combat prowess was invaluable. They grabbed their practice blades and followed Li Xuan into the Whisperwood Thicket, leaving the others to their training under Qing'er's capable supervision.
This time, Li Xuan led them directly to the deeper, more dangerous parts of the thicket. He deliberately sought out the Qi signatures of stronger beasts, those that would yield more substantial Sect Points and more valuable parts. He encountered a Thornback Boar (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 3, Mid Tier), its hide covered in sharp, bone-like spikes, and later, a territorial Grizzled Earth Bear (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 3, High Tier), its roar shaking the very trees.
The fights were intense, pushing Li Xuan's Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) strength to its limits, but he emerged victorious each time. His Falling Leaf Spirit Sword, imbued with his powerful Qi, cut through defenses and found vital points with precision. Kael and Elara watched in silent awe, witnessing the raw power and tactical mastery required to defeat such formidable foes. The 'Phantom Edge' of Li Xuan's blade was a dizzying blur, disorienting the beasts and setting them up for decisive blows.
[Beast Defeated: Thornback Boar (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 3)]
[Sect Points Gained: 60.]
[Beast Defeated: Grizzled Earth Bear (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 3)]
[Sect Points Gained: 80.]
By the time they returned to the sect, Li Xuan's Sect Points had skyrocketed.
[Current Sect Points: 25 (previous) + 60 + 80 = 165.]
One hundred and sixty-five Sect Points! This was an enormous boost. He now had ample funds to purchase the critical infrastructure needed for the next phase of the sect's development. The value of the hides and meat from these higher-tier beasts would also further solidify their trade relationship with the Hamlet of Clear Stream, ensuring a steady, if humble, flow of basic necessities like grains and simple building materials. The Hamlet's elders, seeing the continued success of the sect and the prosperity it indirectly brought, were increasingly loyal.
That evening, as the disciples settled into their new living quarters, a quiet sense of community filled the air. Li Xuan reviewed the Sect Rank Upgrade Requirements again.
Sect Leader Cultivation: Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 3) - Still needs to advance his own cultivation.
Core Disciples: At least 5 disciples at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5) or higher. - His disciples were now actively cultivating, but a long way from Stage 5.
Total Disciples: At least 20 loyal disciples. - He had 6, a significant jump, but still a ways to go.
Sect Facilities: Basic Training Grounds, Dedicated Cultivation Chamber, Basic Storage, Basic Living Quarters (all Common Grade or higher). - Living Quarters were done. Now to plan for Training Grounds and Storage.
The path to a Minor Sect was daunting, but Li Xuan now had the resources and, more importantly, the strategic direction. The Falling Leaf Blade Art gave his disciples a unique advantage, allowing them to punch above their weight. Now, he needed to give them the facilities to fully develop their potential. The dream of even more unique, System-provided cultivation-boosting facilities shimmered faintly in his mind, a reward for future endeavors.