The golden radiance that had recently permeated the sect grounds, though unseen by most, had left a palpable shift in the air. A new gravity, a deeper sense of destiny, now clung to the revitalized Falling Leaf Sect. Li Xuan, now a formidable Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 3) cultivator, felt the profound surge of power within him. His deeper well of Qi and heightened spiritual perception made the world impossibly sharper, more vibrant, every wisp of ambient Qi discernible. His 800 Sect Points and 350 Gold Coins were a solid foundation, ready for the greater trials that awaited a truly recognized power.
His first act as the leader of a burgeoning Minor Sect was to assemble his most capable cultivators. He gathered his core disciples – Kael, Elara, Ren, Roric, and Lyra, all now formidable Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5) cultivators, their combined strength a clear testament to the sect's unique training. Standing calmly beside them, her aura steady and composed, was Qing'er. Her cultivation had steadily advanced, her internal Qi cycles now refined and potent, reaching Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 2 - 7% progress). She was the cornerstone of internal management and training, her calm demeanor and enhanced power a crucial pillar for the sect's ever-growing numbers.
"Disciples!" Li Xuan's voice resonated with a new depth of authority that commanded instant attention. "The time has come for the Falling Leaf Sect to truly step onto the stage of the cultivation world. We have grown internally, our strength undeniable among ourselves. But for our sect to be recognized, to claim our place among the established powers, we must prove our worth to the regional cultivation alliance. There is a trial set before us."
He continued, his gaze unwavering, sweeping over each of his loyal followers. "The Ironwood Mire is a blight upon this region. Its oppressive mists and treacherous terrain have long made it impassable, and deep within its depths, a monstrous beast known as the Swamp Hydra has ascended, preying on any who dare to venture near. This creature poses a grave threat to local settlements and obstructs vital trade routes."
"Our trial," Li Xuan declared, his voice firm, "is to clear the Ironwood Mire. To defeat the Swamp Hydra, and to establish a safe passage through that cursed wetland for all regional travelers and merchants. Succeed, and the Falling Leaf Sect will be formally recognized by the Northern Plains Cultivation Alliance, earning us the respect and influence that comes with true Minor Sect status."
A collective ripple of tension and determination went through the assembled cultivators. The Ironwood Mire was a name whispered with dread across the Northern Plains – a notorious, suffocating wetland, infamous for its ancient perils and treacherous isolation. And a Swamp Hydra (Qi Condensation Realm - Stage 1, Newly Ascended) was no mere beast. It was a formidable regional threat, a territorial monster that preyed on unwary travelers and kept the mire a desolate, impassable barrier. This was a clear, unambiguous test of their combined might, a proving ground for their newly acquired rank.
"This is our opportunity," Li Xuan reiterated, his gaze burning with conviction. "To prove the strength of the Falling Leaf Sect, to carve our name into the annals of this region, and to open up a new, vital artery for trade and prosperity."
His immediate focus shifted to intensive preparations. He had already revealed the Soaring Wind Fist to his core disciples, and now their training accelerated with fierce urgency. "This is a new martial art, a powerful complement to our Falling Leaf Blade Art. It will provide raw, overwhelming power, ideal for breaking through defenses and delivering decisive strikes."
He spent the next few days personally instructing Kael, Elara, Ren, Roric, and Lyra in the initial forms of the Soaring Wind Fist. Their Body Tempering Stage 5 cultivation allowed them to grasp the basics quickly, their Qi already potent enough to begin manifesting subtle 'Gale Force' effects. They practiced relentlessly, focusing on the explosive power, the swift evasive maneuvers, and the unique momentum-building trait of the fist art. While their 'Phantom Edge' made them elusive and difficult to pin down, the 'Gale Force' promised to deliver devastating, momentum-fueled blows capable of shattering defenses. Qing'er, with her own Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 2) mastery, observed their progress, occasionally offering sharp, insightful corrections, her own Qi movements a silent, powerful demonstration of controlled application. She had even begun to dabble in the higher-level applications of the Soaring Wind Fist, finding its principles resonated deeply with her precise Qi control, imagining its devastating potential when combined with her own formidable Qi.
Meanwhile, Qing'er efficiently managed the sect's growing resources and internal affairs. Her heightened cultivation allowed her to oversee tasks with greater clarity and efficiency. She oversaw the distribution of food and the accelerated cultivation of the newer disciples in the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber. Her spiritual energy felt richer, her understanding of Qi deepening with each passing day. Li Xuan also utilized a portion of his ample Gold Coins to purchase higher-grade raw materials – durable stone, specialized timber, and refined metal – along with more robust tools for the rapid construction of the Basic Sect Defenses. The blueprint detailed robust walls, a sturdy gate, and strategically placed guard towers. This infrastructure was vital for protecting their expanding sect grounds, a necessary project as their fame and recognition grew. He tasked Gareth and Finn, both now firmly at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 1) and demonstrating good practical sense, with supervising the construction, their organizational skills proving as valuable as their growing cultivation.
As the day for their expedition approached, Li Xuan gathered his entire sect on the training ground. He had assembled his primary combat force: himself, Qing'er, Kael, Elara, Ren, Roric, and Lyra. The remaining disciples would stay behind, diligently maintaining the sect's operations, continuing their rigorous cultivation in the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber, and contributing to the defense construction.
"The Ironwood Mire challenge is no mere hunt," Li Xuan addressed them, his voice echoing with profound conviction, his gaze sweeping over each of his loyal followers. "It is a test of our unity, our skill, and our resolve. When we return, the Falling Leaf Sect will be a name spoken with reverence across these Northern Plains. Go now, and prepare. We depart at dawn!"
He looked at Qing'er, then at his five core disciples, their eyes burning with unwavering readiness. He noted Qing'er's calm confidence, her Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 2) aura a steady, powerful anchor. He saw Kael's unwavering loyalty, Elara's keen intellect, Ren's burgeoning leadership, Roric's solid determination, and Lyra's fierce resolve. They were ready. The Falling Leaf Blade Art and the newly acquired Soaring Wind Fist were honed to a razor's edge. Their combined strength, unique methods, and accelerated growth would be the key to their success. The time had come for the Falling Leaf Sect to prove its worth.