The twin constructions of the Basic Training Ground and the Basic Storage facility dominated the landscape of the Falling Leaf Sect. Under Li Xuan's rigorous direction and the tireless swings of the Basic Wood Axe, the structures rose with impressive speed. The training ground, a level expanse of packed earth surrounded by simple wooden sparring posts and targets, already saw constant use. The storage facility, a sturdy, dry building adjacent to the vault, was rapidly filling with processed hides, dried meat, and gathered timber, testament to the sect's growing output. His Sect Points stood at a respectable 115, a solid reserve for future needs.
Li Xuan observed his disciples during their morning drills. Elara and Kael, both firmly in Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1), moved with increasing fluidity, their Falling Leaf Blade Art techniques leaving subtle, shimmering 'Phantom Edges' that disoriented their sparring partners. Roric and Lyra, now also both at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1), were diligently mastering their Qi circulation and the basic forms of the blade art. Even Finn and Gareth, their youthful exuberance now channeled by discipline, were making steady progress, their movements becoming more precise. Qing'er, effortlessly powerful at Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1), provided corrections and demonstrations, her own mastery of the blade art growing with each practice session. The sect was a living, breathing entity, its pulse quickening with every disciple's growth.
Despite the satisfaction, a new, pressing challenge loomed in Li Xuan's mind: Gold Coins. The current barter system with the Hamlet of Clear Stream, while stable and providing basic necessities, wouldn't cut it for the grander ambitions outlined in the Sect Rank Upgrade Requirements. Large-scale material purchases, rare scrolls, or even the eventual activation of those unique cultivation-boosting facilities from the System would demand actual currency. He needed a dedicated, reliable source of income.
He mentally reviewed the System Store, not for items to buy, but for new profit models. He needed something sustainable. Traditional cultivation sects often relied on selling rare elixirs, powerful artifacts, or acting as mercenaries. Li Xuan had beast materials, and some basic herbal knowledge. Perhaps, he could leverage that.
An idea sparked in his mind. The Shadow Boar tusks, the Crimson Fang Wolf pelts, the Stonehide Bear claws – these were high-value materials. Instead of just trading them for mundane supplies, he could process them into more refined goods, or even basic low-grade spiritual artifacts, and sell them in larger towns or cities. This would require venturing further out, beyond the Hamlet of Clear Stream, into the more populated regions.
But before he could establish a lucrative trade route, he needed more numbers. The requirement of 20 loyal disciples for a Minor Sect weighed heavily. He currently had six. Recruiting fourteen more, quickly, would be a challenge. He couldn't simply rely on a desperate hamlet. He needed to make the Falling Leaf Sect truly known, to attract those seeking a true path to cultivation, not just a refuge.
"Qing'er," Li Xuan stated, gathering her attention after the morning training, "our sect is growing strong, but to reach the next stage, we need more hands, more cultivators. We need to become more visible, more desirable. And we need to find a way to generate real gold coins."
Qing'er listened intently, her brow furrowing slightly at the mention of gold. "Sect Leader, the nearest market town of any significant size is Brightwood, a week's travel to the east. It's larger than Clear Stream, with more merchants and travelers. But it's also more dangerous. Bandits, wild beasts... and other, established powers."
"Brightwood," Li Xuan mused. "That sounds like our next target. It's where our true value lies, where we can convert our unique resources into coin. But we can't appear as a struggling, two-man sect. We need to project strength and opportunity."
A plan began to form in his mind. He would lead another, larger expedition. This time, its primary goal wouldn't just be to earn Sect Points, but to gather an impressive haul of high-tier beast materials. He would then, with a well-trained, if small, contingent of disciples, venture to Brightwood. There, he would not only sell their wares but also subtly display the Falling Leaf Sect's unique martial prowess and the rapid growth of its disciples, perhaps through a public demonstration or by simply being visibly powerful. This could attract new, ambitious recruits.
"For now," Li Xuan concluded, "continue focusing on your cultivation and the Falling Leaf Blade Art. We need every disciple strong and skilled. Our next major hunt will be grander, and our next destination, Brightwood." He looked out towards the path leading away from the sect, into the wider world. The path to a Minor Sect, and beyond, was paved with gold and powerful cultivators.