The scent of damp earth and newly worked stone now mingled with the faint, invigorating tang of Qi in the air around the Falling Leaf Sect. Li Xuan, his Sect Points standing at a robust 165, wasted no time. The Basic Living Quarters were a success, providing a comfortable home for his growing flock. Now, it was time to build the infrastructure that would truly enable their growth.
"System," Li Xuan thought, "Purchase Basic Training Ground schematic."
[Confirm purchase: Basic Training Ground Schematic (30 Sect Points)?]
[Current Sect Points: 165. Remaining Sect Points: 135.]
"Confirm."
Next, he needed secure storage.
"System," he continued, "Purchase Basic Storage schematic."
[Confirm purchase: Basic Storage Schematic (20 Sect Points)?]
[Current Sect Points: 135. Remaining Sect Points: 115.]
"Confirm."
Two more physical scrolls materialized in his inventory, just like the construction manual. These detailed the efficient layout and construction methods for a sturdy training ground and a secure storage facility. With the Basic Wood Axe already proving its worth, construction would be swift.
Li Xuan gathered his disciples. "Our home is built," he announced, gesturing to the new living quarters, "and now, we build the foundations of our strength and prosperity! Kael, Finn, Gareth, you will take lead on the Basic Training Ground. Elara, Roric, Lyra, you will assist me with the Basic Storage structure. Qing'er will continue to oversee everyone's cultivation and guide the blade art practice."
The disciples, their bodies already leaner and stronger from their labor and initial cultivation, cheered with enthusiasm. They understood that each new building was a step towards their own growth and the sect's prominence.
Under Qing'er's patient yet firm guidance, and with Li Xuan's rigorous oversight, the disciples' cultivation accelerated at a truly impressive rate. The Lesser Qi Gathering Manual was diligently studied in the Scriptorium, its principles becoming second nature.
Elara, already at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1), was now pushing towards Stage 2. Her focused meditation sessions allowed her to absorb ambient Qi with remarkable efficiency.
Kael, propelled by his dedication and strong physique, also achieved Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1), his internal Qi circulation becoming noticeably smoother.
Roric, methodical and persistent, felt the first true inklings of Qi within his Dantian, on the verge of his own breakthrough to Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1).
Even Lyra, though still lagging slightly due to her constitution, showed consistent progress, the subtle flow of Qi strengthening her delicate frame. Finn and Gareth, too, were steadily progressing, their raw energy now beginning to be channeled by Qi.
Their progress in the Falling Leaf Blade Art was even more striking. Under Li Xuan's direct tutelage on the rapidly emerging Training Ground, the disciples drilled relentlessly. Kael and Elara were now consistently manifesting the 'Phantom Edge' effect, their wooden practice blades blurring and confusing the eye. Their movements, once clumsy, were becoming fluid and unpredictable, a testament to the art's unique advantages. Li Xuan often sparred with them using his own Falling Leaf Spirit Sword, using his Qi Condensation Realm strength to push them, forcing them to react to true power. He would subtly infuse his sword with Qi, letting them feel the pressure of an opponent's aura, preparing them for real combat.
Li Xuan's Growth and New Plans
As the sect flourished, Li Xuan didn't neglect his own cultivation. He spent his nights meditating, refining his Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) power, slowly but surely accumulating Qi to push towards Stage 2. The sheer volume of Qi needed for each subsequent stage was immense, a clear indicator of the widening gap between cultivation realms. He knew reaching Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 3) for the Minor Sect rank requirement would be a long journey.
Meanwhile, the trade relationship with the Hamlet of Clear Stream remained strong. The regular supply of processed meat, high-quality pelts, and medicinal herbs from Li Xuan's hunts provided a vital lifeline for the villagers, who in turn delivered consistent amounts of grains, rough timber, and raw stone. This stable, mutually beneficial arrangement solidified the sect's basic income source.
Looking at his 115 Sect Points, Li Xuan knew his priority was on the basic facilities. He also needed to consider future disciple recruitment. The current six were exceptional, but to reach the "20 loyal disciples" requirement for the Minor Sect rank, he would need to expand. This would likely require the sect to gain even more notoriety, perhaps through successful ventures or by establishing a clearer presence in the wider world. For now, the focus was on building the foundations.