The Falling Leaf Sect was a living, breathing entity, its heart beating in the steady rhythm of cultivation and construction. The Basic Training Ground echoed with the sharp whoosh of practice blades, and the Basic Storage facility, now fully organized, stood as a testament to diligent labor. Within the secluded Enhanced Cultivation Chamber, the air was thick with vital Qi, a tangible force that wrapped around the meditating disciples, propelling their growth at an astonishing rate. This chamber, Li Xuan ensured, remained their most guarded secret, its existence known only to those within the sect's walls. When speaking of their rapid advancements to outsiders, they attributed it to the sect's unique methods and the profound insights gleaned from the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual.
The results of these methods were undeniable. Elara and Kael, fueled by the chamber's unseen potency, had both confidently broken through to Body Tempering Realm (Stage 2), their Qi pools deepened, their movements more fluid. They were now actively refining their energy, preparing for the leap to Stage 3. Roric and Lyra, their determination unwavering, were close behind, both solidified at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1 - 70% progress), their Qi flowing with a noticeable strength. 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 as the chamber worked its silent magic.
On the training ground, the Falling Leaf Blade Art continued to evolve. The 'Phantom Edge' effect, once a subtle blurring, was becoming a consistent disorienting phenomenon. Kael and Elara, now demonstrating to the newer disciples, could execute sequences that left their sparring partners momentarily off-balance, their eyes struggling to track the true path of the blade. Li Xuan, his own Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1 - 50% progress) steadily deepening, frequently joined their sessions, his Falling Leaf Spirit Sword a blur of controlled power. He pushed them, forcing them to react to the raw speed and Qi-infused strikes of a true Qi Condensation expert, revealing deeper applications of the Blade Art's principles.
Despite this flourishing internal development, the looming requirement of 20 loyal disciples for Minor Sect status (he currently had 14) remained Li Xuan's primary external focus. He had 200 Sect Points and a potential 300-400 Gold Coins from the recent hunt's materials, a solid reserve, but numbers were key. He needed more. Brightwood had been a good start, but a more widespread, targeted approach was needed.
"Our growth here is magnificent," Li Xuan addressed Kael and Elara one crisp morning, their faces gleaming with sweat after a particularly intense training session. "But we need more. More cultivators to walk our path. You two, along with Ren, will lead an expedition." Ren, the sharp-witted leader of the Brightwood recruits, had shown exceptional diligence and a natural ability to connect with people.
Kael, Elara, and Ren straightened, their expressions serious. They understood the gravity of the mission. "Sect Leader," Kael responded, his voice firm, "where shall we go?"
Li Xuan unfurled a rough map he had acquired in Brightwood, tracing lines with a finger. "Brightwood was a success, but its immediate pool of talent might be limited now. We will target the towns and hamlets beyond it, along the trade routes that converge there. Spread the word of the Falling Leaf Sect. Do not speak of specific facilities, but of our unique methods that bring rapid growth, and the profound insights gleaned from the Lesser Qi Gathering Manual."
He continued, his gaze piercing. "Demonstrate the Falling Leaf Blade Art. Let them see the 'Phantom Edge,' the speed, the precision. Let them witness your own strength, your progress. Tell them of a sect that values discipline, personal growth, and self-reliance. Promise them not an easy life, but a path to true cultivation. Highlight the fact that we accept all who are willing to strive, not just those born with high talent."
He then laid out detailed instructions. They were to travel along established trade routes, visiting markets and public squares. They would offer assistance where needed – perhaps clearing minor bandit nests or dealing with low-level beasts that threatened hamlets – always subtly showcasing their unique skills. He provided them with a generous sum of Gold Coins from his reserves for provisions and any small, strategic purchases that might aid their mission, along with some of the processed beast meat and herbs to offer as gestures of goodwill or trade.
"Go," Li Xuan commanded, "and bring back those who truly seek the path. The future of the Falling Leaf Sect rests on your success."
The very next morning, Kael, Elara, and Ren, accompanied by four of the newer, more reliable recruits to further demonstrate their numbers and discipline, set off. Li Xuan, ever vigilant, returned to his own duties. He needed to ensure the sect's current operations ran smoothly. With the Basic Training Ground and Basic Storage now fully operational, he turned his attention to the ongoing cultivation of the remaining disciples. He personally guided their meditation sessions in the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber, ensuring maximum benefit from its concentrated Qi. He oversaw their continued practice of the Falling Leaf Blade Art, correcting forms and pushing their limits.
His own cultivation also intensified. He spent hours in the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber when it was not in use by his disciples, focusing on absorbing the dense Qi, pushing his own Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 1) closer to the critical Stage 2 breakthrough. He felt the familiar resistance, the need for a greater quantity of Qi to bridge the gap to the next minor stage, but the Chamber made the process significantly more efficient.
Four days later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, a larger group appeared on the path leading to the sect – Kael, Elara, and Ren, looking triumphant, followed by ten new recruits, their faces a mixture of weariness, excitement, and awe. They ranged in age from their late teens to early twenties, their eyes shining with ambition. These were not desperate souls from a struggling hamlet; these were individuals who had sought them out, drawn by the promise of rapid growth and unique power, their imaginations sparked by the subtle displays of the Blade Art.
Li Xuan counted them, a profound sense of accomplishment washing over him. With these ten, he now commanded a total of 24 loyal disciples. The System's chime, loud and clear, confirmed the milestone:
[Sect Objective Completed: Total Disciples (20 Loyal Disciples)]
[Reward: Sect Points +100]
His Sect Points surged to 300 (200 + 100). The gold coins in his pouch were slightly diminished from the recruitment expenses, but he still had 150 Gold Coins remaining. He was well past the "20 total disciples" requirement for a Minor Sect. The combination of the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber (even as a hidden advantage) and the Falling Leaf Blade Art had proven to be incredibly effective recruitment tools.
Li Xuan gathered all his disciples, old and new, on the training ground. Their numbers now created a noticeable presence, a small army of aspiring cultivators. "Welcome, new disciples!" he boomed, his voice resonating with authority and warmth. "You have chosen wisely. The Falling Leaf Sect offers a true path to cultivation, a path where dedication and effort are rewarded with strength and unique skill. Here, you will find a home, and a future. Your journey begins now!"
He looked over his now-sizable sect, a powerful force of cultivators, each one a testament to his vision. The next milestone, achieving Minor Sect status, felt closer than ever. He now had the numbers, the wealth, and the unique methods. The only remaining hurdle was his own cultivation, and pushing his core disciples to Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5).