The week leading up to the journey to Brightwood was a blur of focused activity. Li Xuan, with Kael and Elara in tow, embarked on several intensive hunting forays into the deeper Whisperwood Thicket. Their objective was clear: not just Sect Points, but a substantial haul of high-value beast materials. They systematically targeted Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2 and 3) beasts – the swift Crimson Fang Wolves, the spined Thornback Boars, and even a hulking Grizzled Earth Bear. Each encounter sharpened Kael and Elara's combat instincts, pushing their Falling Leaf Blade Art to new heights. Li Xuan, ever the vigilant teacher, demonstrated how to swiftly and cleanly dispatch their targets, ensuring the pelts remained unblemished and vital organs intact for maximum trade value. By the eve of their departure, the sect's storage was brimming, and Li Xuan's Sect Points had climbed to a solid 190.
The journey itself was an education. For seven arduous days, they pushed through dense forests, navigated winding rivers, and scaled rocky hills. Li Xuan, his Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1 - 25% progress) cultivation providing boundless stamina, led with an almost supernatural ease. Kael and Elara, though occasionally weary, drew strength from their Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1) cultivation and the rigorous conditioning of their blade art. They moved with a newfound resilience, their senses sharpening with each passing mile.
They encountered minor threats along the way. A small, desperate band of highway bandits emerged from the tree line, their crude weapons glinting menacingly. But their bravado quickly evaporated as Li Xuan stepped forward, his Qi Condensation aura subtly flaring. Kael and Elara, standing ready, their practice blades now feeling like extensions of their wills, displayed stances from the Falling Leaf Blade Art, their movements precise and intimidating. The bandits, recognizing cultivators far beyond their league, scattered without a fight. Later, a pack of Dire Wolves (Body Tempering Stage 0) dared to challenge them, only to be swiftly dispatched by Li Xuan's precise sword work and Kael's fluid, 'Phantom Edge' strikes. These skirmishes, though minor, solidified the disciples' confidence and provided invaluable real-world experience.
Finally, on the afternoon of the seventh day, the oppressive forest canopy receded, revealing a breathtaking vista. Below them, nestled in a wide, fertile valley, lay Brightwood. Smoke curled lazily from hundreds of chimneys, and the distant murmur of a thousand voices drifted up to them. Beyond its sturdy timber palisades, they could glimpse bustling market stalls, multi-storied buildings, and a vibrant energy utterly alien to the isolated hamlet they had left behind.
"This is Brightwood," Li Xuan stated, his voice quiet but resonant with anticipation. He adjusted the heavy packs filled with meticulously prepared beast materials. "Observe, learn, and be vigilant. We are here to establish our presence, to trade, and to show the world the rising strength of the Falling Leaf Sect."
Entering Brightwood was an assault on the senses. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices, roasted meats, sweat, and the faint, metallic tang of coin. Merchants hawked their wares, artisans hammered in their workshops, and a diverse crowd of commoners, laborers, and even a few cultivators milled about. Li Xuan led his disciples to the largest, most reputable-looking merchant house, its sign displaying a soaring hawk.
Inside, the merchant, a portly man with shrewd eyes named Master Torvin, initially cast a skeptical glance at their travel-stained appearance. But his eyes widened imperceptibly when Li Xuan laid out a meticulously prepared Crimson Fang Wolf pelt– its fur unblemished, its quality far surpassing what common hunters brought. He then presented a set of razor-sharp Thornback Boar tusks and a small, but potent, Grizzled Earth Bear gall bladder.
"These are... exceptional," Master Torvin admitted, his voice gaining a respectful edge. He immediately recognized the quality of Qi-cultivated beast materials. "Such beasts are rare in these parts. You must be quite the hunters."
"We are cultivators of the Falling Leaf Sect," Li Xuan stated, his voice calm but firm, subtly allowing a hint of his Qi Condensation aura to emanate. Kael and Elara, standing just behind him, maintained expressions of quiet discipline, their own growing Qi detectable to a discerning eye. They were clearly not common mercenaries.
Master Torvin's eyes flickered, recognizing the name "Falling Leaf Sect" even if it was "Known" but not "Well-Known." He also noted the unique, almost artistic, way Kael's hand rested on the hilt of his wooden practice blade, a subtle echo of the Falling Leaf Blade Art. He understood. This was more than just a sale; it was an introduction.
After some shrewd negotiation, Li Xuan sold a significant portion of their highest-grade materials. Master Torvin laid out a pile of glistening Gold Coins on the counter.
Gold Coins Gained: 150.
It was a satisfying clink, the true sound of external wealth. This was the sect's first significant influx of actual monetary currency, independent of the System's Sect Points.
"Master Torvin," Li Xuan said, scooping the coins into a leather pouch, "the Falling Leaf Sect is growing. We will have more such materials in the future. We seek a reliable trade partner."
Torvin smiled, his shrewd eyes now reflecting genuine interest. "Indeed, Sect Leader Li Xuan. The Hawk's Perch Merchant House always welcomes quality. We shall look forward to your future visits."
Leaving the merchant house, Li Xuan allowed Kael and Elara a moment to take in the bustling market. Their eyes darted from stall to stall, taking in the myriad goods, the strange faces, and the vibrant life of a true city. As they walked, Li Xuan subtly guided them, drawing attention to themselves by their confident bearing and the disciplined way they moved. He had them perform a few Falling Leaf Blade Art movements as they walked through a less crowded square, the 'Phantom Edge' effect subtly visible. A few onlookers, particularly those who seemed to carry a cultivation aura, stopped and watched, their expressions shifting from curiosity to intrigue. The seeds of reputation were being sown.
Li Xuan's mind buzzed with plans. He had 190 Sect Points and now 150 Gold Coins. The Gold Coins represented a crucial step towards the Minor Sect rank, allowing him to acquire external materials or even hire temporary laborers for construction. And the subtle display of their unique blade art was sure to attract the kind of ambitious, talented youth he needed to reach his 20 loyal disciples goal. The Falling Leaf Sect was no longer just a struggling ruin. It was a force gaining momentum, its unique style and growing wealth beginning to cast a long shadow.