Brightwood was a whirlwind of sights and sounds, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the Falling Leaf Sect. Li Xuan, with Kael and Elara in tow, spent the next few days not just selling the remainder of their high-value beast materials, but actively assessing the town. They visited various merchant houses, comparing prices and subtly gauging the local power dynamics. Their reputation, slowly building from their initial, impressive sale, made subsequent transactions smoother, bringing their total Gold Coins to a comfortable 280.
But gold was only half the objective. The true prize lay in recruitment. Li Xuan observed the younger generation, the eager faces drawn to cultivation schools, the restless youths who longed for a life beyond manual labor. He noted the occasional frustrated aspiring cultivator, turned away by arrogant sect recruiters or deemed too untalented by established families. These were his targets.
He didn't make a grand display. Instead, he relied on the subtle, undeniable proof of his sect's methods. During their walkabouts, he'd have Kael and Elara discreetly practice sections of the Falling Leaf Blade Art in less crowded areas. The 'Phantom Edge' effect, even in its nascent form, was enough to catch the eye of discerning individuals. Li Xuan himself, carrying the quiet, potent aura of a Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) cultivator, would occasionally answer questions from curious onlookers, his words calm, confident, and imbued with genuine sincerity about the Falling Leaf Sect's path.
One afternoon, a small group of youths, their cultivation robes simple and unadorned, approached them. They had witnessed Elara's fluid movements and Kael's precise 'Phantom Edge' during a demonstration. Their leader, a determined-looking young man named Ren, bowed respectfully.
"Forgive our intrusion, esteemed cultivator," Ren began, "but your disciples' martial art... it's unlike anything we've seen. So swift, so deceptive. Is this truly the art of the Falling Leaf Sect?"
"It is," Li Xuan affirmed, his gaze steady. "The Falling Leaf Blade Art emphasizes precision, agility, and utilizing minimal Qi for maximum effect. It allows our disciples to truly excel, even against those of higher cultivation, by striking where they least expect it."
He spoke of the sect's unique approach, of rapid growth through diligent practice, and the meritocratic path open to all. He didn't promise power without effort, but he offered genuine opportunity. Kael and Elara stood as living proof, their rapid progress clear for all to see.
Over the next few days, several more young men and women, drawn by the unique martial art and the genuine demeanor of Li Xuan and his disciples, cautiously approached. Not all were exceptional in talent, but all possessed a deep yearning for cultivation and a willingness to work.
By the time Li Xuan deemed their recruitment efforts sufficient, he had gathered eight new disciples (including Ren). The System's familiar chime echoed in his mind, confirming each new addition. He now had 14 loyal disciples in total, bringing him significantly closer to the 20 loyal disciples requirement for a Minor Sect.
With their numbers bolstered and their coffers filled, it was time to spend. Li Xuan didn't splurge on luxuries. Instead, he prioritized practical necessities for the sect's immediate growth and comfort. He used a portion of his Gold Coins to purchase:
Higher-quality mining picks and shovels: To accelerate the gathering of stone and minerals around the sect (20 Gold Coins).
Durable hunting traps: To ensure a more consistent passive income of mundane beast meat and pelts (15 Gold Coins).
Basic carpentry tools: Hammers, saws, chisels, to aid in the construction of future facilities beyond what the Basic Wood Axe alone could manage (30 Gold Coins).
Comfortable sleeping mats and basic cooking utensils: To further improve the living quarters and streamline daily life for the growing number of disciples (25 Gold Coins).
This left him with 190 Gold Coins. Every purchase was an investment in the sect's self-sufficiency and the comfort of his disciples.
The return journey to the Falling Leaf Sect was jubilant. The new disciples, though weary, were filled with a mixture of excitement and awe. They listened intently as Kael and Elara shared tales of the sect's transformation, of the emerging buildings, and the powerful cultivation methods.
Back in the familiar confines of the sect, Li Xuan immediately integrated the new recruits. He assigned them initial tasks, starting with basic physical conditioning and rigorous study of the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual in the Scriptorium, under Qing'er's guidance. The existing disciples, now acting as mentors, proudly demonstrated their growing proficiency with the Falling Leaf Blade Art.
Li Xuan reviewed his resources: 190 Sect Points and 190 Gold Coins. He also had 14 disciples, all diligently pursuing cultivation. The foundation was set, the path clearer than ever. He still needed to advance his own cultivation significantly, and push his core disciples to Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5). But he now had the means to accelerate these processes. He knew the System also offered unique cultivation-boosting facilities. While still costly, the thought of acquiring one, something that could propel his disciples' growth even faster, now felt like a tangible goal.