The Falling Leaf Sect was a crucible, simmering with ambition and forged in the heat of continuous growth. Master Jian's forge, a perpetual symphony of clanging steel and roaring fire, churned out more Qi-infused weapons, each blade and staff a masterpiece resonating with spiritual energy. The core disciples, now fully equipped with their custom-forged armaments, pushed their training to new, breathtaking heights. The Qi Gathering Elixirs had been a profound boon, significantly accelerating their accumulation of Qi within the Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5).
Kael, ever the vanguard, was now at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 98% progress), his every movement a testament to power and control, almost knocking on the door of Qi Condensation.
Elara, swift and decisive, matched his intensity at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 95% progress), her blade a blur of precision and deadly grace.
Ren, whose strategic mind was as sharp as his newly forged sword, stood at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 90% progress), his combat style becoming increasingly adaptable.
Roric, a pillar of unwavering determination, found himself at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 83% progress), his strikes imbued with rock-solid force.
Lyra, surprising everyone with her ferocious tenacity, was at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 77% progress), her cultivation surging with newfound momentum.
The twins, Gareth and Finn, continued to impress, Gareth at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 73% progress) and Finn at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 70% progress). Their synchronized attacks with their paired daggers were becoming a terrifying spectacle, their Qi flowing in perfect harmony.
The competitive spirit among them was a blazing fire, each disciple pushing the other, their individual percentages a silent measure of their effort and talent. Their martial arts, the Falling Leaf Blade Art and Soaring Wind Fist, were honed to perfection, every technique refined, every combination practiced until it became second nature. Li Xuan, witnessing their dedicated training, felt a profound satisfaction.
Beyond the core, the sect continued its rapid expansion. The news of the Falling Leaf Sect's recent elevation to Minor Sect status, its unique cultivation methods, and the sheer power of its newly forged weapons had spread like wildfire. Aspirant cultivators, ranging from disillusioned wanderers to ambitious young talents from small villages, flocked to the sect's gates daily.
Li Xuan, with Qing'er's meticulous organizational skills, implemented a rigorous screening process. Only those with discernible talent, a strong will, and a genuine desire to cultivate were allowed entry. The new disciples, once accepted, were immediately placed into a tiered training program. The most promising among them were assigned to special groups under the direct supervision of the more senior (non-core) disciples. Finn, in particular, with his leadership qualities, was tasked with guiding one of these groups, imparting the basics of the Falling Leaf Blade Art and the importance of discipline. The sheer volume of new recruits, however, meant the original Enhanced Cultivation Chamber was quickly reaching its limits, making Li Xuan's contemplation of the Basic Cultivation Chamber expansion all the more pressing.
While the sect thrived and his disciples flourished, Li Xuan felt a subtle urging to further distance his own cultivation from that of his burgeoning elites. While Qing'er at Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 3 - 25% progress) was exceptional, and Kael was on the verge of breaking through, Li Xuan needed to maintain a clear lead, not just in knowledge, but in raw power. He was the Sect Leader, the ultimate protector, and his strength had to be absolute.
He privately accessed the System Store, his mind already anticipating the specific kind of item he sought. He scrolled through categories of cultivation aids, arrays, and rare materials, filtering specifically for unique items that could only be utilized by a Sect Leader. His gaze landed on a shimmering, ethereal gem: the Sect Leader's Heartstone (Uncommon Grade).
Its description was alluring: "A unique spiritual artifact attuned to the spiritual nexus of a sect. When integrated with the Sect Leader, it passively draws and refines ambient Qi, significantly boosting the Sect Leader's personal cultivation speed." The price, however, was steep: 300 Sect Points. This would leave him with only 100 Sect Points remaining, a significant investment, but the promised continuous boost was invaluable for his long-term growth and maintaining his position as the sect's strongest pillar.
Without hesitation, Li Xuan made the purchase. "Purchase 1 Sect Leader's Heartstone," he commanded internally. The 300 Sect Points vanished, and a small, perfectly smooth, obsidian-like stone, radiating a faint, warm glow, materialized in his spatial ring. His 350 Gold Coins remained untouched.
He immediately retreated to the quiet solitude of his personal cultivation room. He carefully placed the Sect Leader's Heartstone against his chest, over his dantian. As he focused his spiritual sense, the stone seemed to melt into his very being, its warmth spreading throughout his meridians. An immediate and profound change washed over him. He felt as if he had been submerged in a lake of pure Qi, every pore of his body greedily absorbing the spiritual energy around him at an astonishing rate. His Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 4 - 20% progress) surged forward, rapidly climbing towards 40% progress within hours. This wasn't a temporary burst like the elixirs; it was a continuous, passive acceleration that would ensure his cultivation would always be a step ahead.
But the Sect Leader's Heartstone held another secret. As it fully integrated into Li Xuan's spiritual core, a sharp, almost painful jolt flared behind his eyes. A new sensation bloomed in his mind, a clarity that was both startling and profound. It was as if a veil had been lifted. He focused on a simple training dummy in his room, and suddenly, he saw it not just as wood and straw, but as a compilation of underlying data.
A translucent panel, visible only to him, flickered into existence:
[Training Dummy]
Strength: 10
Agility: 5
Defense: 15
Qi Density: 0
He quickly turned his gaze to his own hand.
[Li Xuan]
Strength: 950 (Qi Condensation Realm Stage 4)
Agility: 980
Defense: 960
Qi Density: High
This was it. The Insight Eye. It was a new ability, a spiritual perception that allowed him to glimpse the fundamental attributes of others. He instinctively knew its limitations: it wouldn't work on cultivators vastly superior to himself, their power too overwhelming to be quantified. But for opponents around his level or weaker, it would be an invaluable tactical asset, a silent weapon to gauge their capabilities before a single blow was struck. This ability would be absolutely crucial in the upcoming tournament.
A day later, as Li Xuan observed his disciples, he felt a deeper sense of urgency for the upcoming Regional Tournament. The official announcement had confirmed the grand scale of the event, its location in the bustling city of Brightwood, and the array of powerful sects participating. Ren and Qing'er were already coordinating efforts to gather more intelligence on their potential opponents, dissecting their known techniques, and identifying any weaknesses.
"We need to secure our transport to Brightwood," Li Xuan instructed Qing'er. "And arrange for provisions and lodging for our entire contingent. We must project an image of prosperity and strength, even before the battles begin."
The core disciples, now truly the spearhead of the sect, were immersed in specialized training. They practiced group formations, coordinated attacks, and defensive maneuvers unique to their integrated styles. The competitive fire between them burned brighter than ever, fueled by the Qi Gathering Elixirs and the shared goal of victory. Kael and Elara, in particular, pushed each other relentlessly, their combat synergy becoming frighteningly effective.
The Qi-Infused Ironwood Blades hummed faintly at their sides, extensions of their very will. Master Jian, a silent but ever-present guardian of their progress, continued his tireless work in the forge, preparing more Qi-attuned weapons for the growing ranks of elite disciples. The heartbeat of the forge, the disciplined shouts from the training grounds, and the constant flow of new, hopeful recruits through the sect gates all coalesced into a single, powerful message: The Falling Leaf Sect was no longer merely surviving; it was rising. And the Northern Plains would soon bear witness to its ascent.