The very air within the Falling Leaf Sect crackled with newfound energy. The Basic Training Ground was now a constantly active space, its packed earth bearing the scuffs of diligent practice. The Basic Storage facility hummed with efficient organization, its shelves laden with raw and processed materials. But the true heart of this accelerated growth lay within the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber. Stepping into its confines was like plunging into a pool of concentrated Qi; the air felt thick, invigorating, and every breath seemed to draw spiritual energy directly into the disciples' meridians.
The chamber's effect was undeniable. Disciple cultivation, already impressive, now surged.
Elara and Kael, fueled by the chamber's enhanced Qi absorption, rapidly advanced. Elara achieved Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2 - 10% progress), her Qi now flowing with palpable strength. Kael, with his robust physique, swiftly followed, reaching Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2 - 5% progress).
Roric and Lyra, now firmly at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1 - 50% progress), were closing in on their next breakthrough, their meditative sessions yielding significant gains.
Even the newest recruits, who had only just achieved Body Tempering Realm (Stage 0) weeks prior, were now feeling the subtle pull of Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1), their first true breakthroughs becoming imminent.
Their progress in the Falling Leaf Blade Art mirrored their cultivation. On the training ground, the 'Phantom Edge' effect became more consistent, less a flicker and more a deliberate blurring of their blades. Li Xuan, his own Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1 - 40% progress) steadily deepening, continued to personally oversee their sparring. He frequently used his Falling Leaf Spirit Sword to push them, forcing them to react to the speed and power of a true Qi Condensation expert. He demonstrated how even minute shifts in weight and the subtle manipulation of Qi could make the difference in a fight, solidifying the unique advantage the Falling Leaf Blade Art offered.
Despite the sect's thriving internal development, Li Xuan remained keenly aware of the remaining requirements for Minor Sect status. He had 14 disciples and needed 20. He also needed to push his core disciples to Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5). This meant more recruits and a continued focus on their accelerated growth. His Sect Points stood at 40, and his Gold Coins at 190, healthy but not excessive.
"Our growth here is magnificent," Li Xuan addressed Kael and Elara one morning after their training, "but we need more. More resources, and more cultivators to join our path. We will embark on another expedition, deeper into the Whisperwood Thicket."
This wasn't just a hunt; it was a carefully planned resource acquisition mission. Li Xuan specifically sought out higher-tier beasts known for valuable parts and generous Sect Point yields. He targeted Body Tempering Realm (Stage 3) and even Stage 4 beasts, pushing his own limits to ensure he could defeat them efficiently. His goals were clear: replenish his Gold Coins by gathering prime trade materials, and boost his Sect Points to prepare for future upgrades or contingencies.
The expeditions were grueling but fruitful. Li Xuan, with Kael and Elara assisting with tracking and observing, engaged in several intense battles. He felled a colossal Ironhide Rhinoceros (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 4, Mid Tier), its tough hide and horn a treasure trove of materials. He also located and defeated a cunning Shadow Stalker Panther (Body Tempering Realm - Stage 3, High Tier), its incredibly valuable pelt promising a significant return in Brightwood.
By the time they returned, Li Xuan's reserves had soared.
Sect Points: 40 (previous) + 70 (Rhino) + 60 (Panther) + other smaller gains = 200 Sect Points.
Gold Coins: Li Xuan processed and carefully packaged the new high-value materials. He wouldn't sell them immediately, but he knew they represented a potential 300-400 Gold Coins on his next trip to Brightwood.
With 200 Sect Points and a substantial potential for Gold Coins, Li Xuan turned his mind to the next crucial step: recruitment. Brightwood had been a success, but he needed more. He considered dispatching Kael and Elara, perhaps with a smaller contingent of new recruits, to nearby hamlets or even small towns beyond Brightwood, advertising the sect's unique Falling Leaf Blade Art and the proven accelerated cultivation provided by the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber. The fame of the Falling Leaf Sect needed to spread, not just for the sake of reputation, but to attract the remaining disciples needed to reach the Minor Sect rank.
The future of the Falling Leaf Sect was no longer an abstract dream; it was a meticulously planned progression, one step at a time, towards undeniable power and recognition.