The air within the Falling Leaf Sect was thick with anticipation, a palpable hum of disciplined power. With the Regional Tournament mere weeks away, every moment was dedicated to honing blade and spirit. Master Jian's forge, a beacon of industrious creation, roared ceaselessly, each resonating clang of his hammer weaving itself into the very fabric of the sect's growing power. He had already equipped the seven core disciples with their custom-forged, Qi-infused weapons, and was now meticulously crafting more for the most promising of the newer recruits, ensuring every blade and staff resonated with spiritual energy.
Li Xuan, whose cultivation had now advanced to Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 4 - 65% progress), felt the ceaseless, profound boost from the Sect Leader's Heartstone. His spiritual Qi flowed with an almost liquid grace, accumulating at an astonishing rate. His newly awakened Insight Eye was a constant, active tool, allowing him to perceive the hidden numerical realities of power. During training, he subtly activated it, seeing the minute shifts in his disciples' Qi density, the precise numerical values of their Strength, Agility, and Defense, and even the fleeting windows of vulnerability in their forms. This allowed him to refine their techniques and strategies with uncanny precision, seeing weaknesses and strengths that were invisible to others. Li Xuan's own stats now measured: Strength: 950, Agility: 980, Defense: 960, Qi Density: High.
Qing'er, too, had pushed herself, her Qi Condensation Realm (Stage 3 - 50% progress) now radiating a confident, stable aura. Her control over Qi was becoming increasingly masterful, her strategic mind working in tandem with Li Xuan's, anticipating challenges and optimizing their resources. Her stats were solid: Strength: 750, Agility: 780, Defense: 730, Qi Density: Medium-High.
The core disciples, meanwhile, driven by their competitive zeal and the potent effects of the Qi Gathering Elixirs, were poised on the precipice of significant breakthroughs.
Kael, his powerful form now radiating a nascent Qi Condensation aura, stood at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 99% progress). He was a hair's breadth away from ascending, his every movement with his Qi-infused greatsword showcasing overwhelming force. Through Li Xuan's Insight Eye, Kael's Strength measured approximately 480, his Agility 400, and Defense 450.
Elara, nimble and elusive, also stood at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 98% progress), her dual daggers carving deadly arcs, her focus absolute as she pushed for the final surge. Her Agility was an impressive 500, with Strength 420 and Defense 380.
Ren, whose strategic prowess was matched only by his formidable will, was at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 95% progress). His broadsword flowed like an extension of his thoughts, his combat style becoming increasingly unpredictable. His Strength was around 450, Agility 430, and Defense 420.
Roric, the epitome of steadfast resolve, stood at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 90% progress), his heavy axe strikes imbued with an unyielding impact, a testament to sheer endurance. His stats showed a solid Strength 460, Agility 390, and Defense 470.
Lyra, fierce and nimble, had reached Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 86% progress), her flexible chain whip singing with Qi, each crack echoing with latent power. She boasted Agility 460, Strength 400, and Defense 370.
The twins, Gareth and Finn, now fully integrated into the core leadership, continued to impress. Gareth was at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 82% progress) and Finn at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 5 - 78% progress). Their synchronized attacks with their paired shortswords were a fluid dance of overwhelming force and cunning misdirection, their combined Qi forming a tangible pressure that few could withstand. Gareth's stats were typically Strength 420, Agility 430, Defense 390, while Finn's were similar: Strength 410, Agility 440, Defense 380.
For the Regional Tournament, Li Xuan had decided on a formidable contingent of ten disciples, in addition to himself and Qing'er, bringing their total delegation to twelve. This allowed for strategic depth and ensured their presence would be felt in both individual and team competitions. Beyond his seven core disciples, he carefully selected three more rising talents from the rapidly growing pool of new recruits who had shown exceptional promise and rapid growth within the sect's accelerated environment.
First among these was Liam, a young man of striking agility and a natural affinity for the spear, currently at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 4 - 70% progress). His movements were fluid, almost poetic, each thrust of his practice spear imbued with surprising power. His observed stats were Strength 280, Agility 300, Defense 250. Next was Seraphina, a quiet but intensely powerful young woman who had already reached Body Tempering Realm (Stage 4 - 65% progress), displaying an innate talent for Qi manipulation. She often created potent, localized bursts of energy during drills, indicating a promising future in offensive spellcasting. Her stats showed Strength 270, Agility 260, Qi Density 320. Finally, Tobin, a stocky and resolute youth at Body Tempering Realm (Stage 3 - 90% progress), whose defensive capabilities were remarkable. He possessed a natural fortitude and a steady, immovable stance, making him an ideal shield in any formation. His Defense was an impressive 350, with Strength 250 and Agility 200.
These three, though not yet at the pinnacle of Body Tempering Stage 5, represented the vibrant potential of the sect's next generation. They too had been granted regular access to the Enhanced Cultivation Chamber and had already utilized their first Qi Gathering Elixirs, their progress astonishing in such a short time.
Knowing the physical and spiritual demands of the tournament, Li Xuan realized that a sustained supply of Qi Gathering Elixirs was crucial for his entire tournament team. He privately accessed the System Store. His previous balance of 100 Sect Points had, remarkably, seen a significant surge in recent weeks. The continuous influx of new, fee-paying recruits, the substantial boost from achieving Minor Sect status, and the recent completion of the Basic Sect Defenses—all factors that provided passive income to the sect's resource pool. Furthermore, the System had notified him of several minor, low-effort Sect Missions that had been passively completed by the diligent general disciples, adding to the points. He now commanded a healthy 800 Sect Points.
"Purchase 12 Qi Gathering Elixirs," he commanded internally. At 50 Sect Points per elixir, the total cost was 600 Sect Points. This left him with 200 Sect Points remaining, a healthy reserve that still necessitated careful future management but ensured his chosen warriors would have the necessary boost. The vials materialized in his spatial ring, their soft glow a promise of accelerated power. He distributed them amongst his chosen tournament team, their eyes lighting up with eager gratitude, knowing the profound value of such a recurring resource.
With the team solidified and equipped, Li Xuan called a final, crucial meeting before their departure. "Master Jian," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "during our absence, the Falling Leaf Sect will be under your direct and sole oversight. Your unparalleled knowledge of the forge is paramount, and your guidance crucial for the sect's continued internal development and resource management. I trust you to maintain discipline and ensure the smooth operation of our facilities, including the continued training of the general disciples. Any major decisions regarding sect expansion or external alliances will await my return."
Master Jian, wiping a smudge of grease from his cheek, merely grunted in his usual fashion, but the subtle nod and the steady gaze in his molten-iron eyes conveyed his understanding and acceptance. He respected competence, and Li Xuan had proven his. Master Jian's primary focus remained the forge, and being solely in charge meant he had even more autonomy to pursue his craft.
The final training drills for the tournament team were intense, pushing each participant to their physical and spiritual limits. Li Xuan pushed them relentlessly, his Insight Eye constantly active. During sparring sessions, he'd analyze Kael's Strength (480), noting a slight hesitation in his swing at one point, or Elara's Agility (500), pinpointing the precise dip in her Qi flow when transitioning from offense to defense. He saw Ren's Qi Density (910), correcting a subtle imbalance in Tobin's Defense (350) when faced with flanking maneuvers. He immediately corrected them, the adjustments yielding instant, visible improvements in their combat efficiency. Li Xuan, with his own stats at Strength: 950, Agility: 980, Defense: 960, Qi Density: High, was a powerful sparring partner, able to pressure them and exploit their weaknesses with unparalleled precision. He also identified optimal pairings and team compositions based on their strengths and weaknesses, such as Kael's raw power with Elara's piercing speed, Ren's strategic thinking with Roric's immovable defense, and the twins' devastating synchronized attacks. He even coached Liam on how to exploit minute gaps in an opponent's Qi circulation, something he could only perceive with his Insight Eye.
"Remember," Li Xuan told them, his voice firm and unwavering, "the tournament is not just about individual skill. It is about synergy, about trust, about fighting as one cohesive unit. Your Qi-infused weapons are extensions of yourselves. Wield them as such, and let the Falling Leaf Blade Art and the Soaring Wind Fist echo across the tournament grounds."
The culmination of their training was a combined technique, a powerful whirlwind of steel and Qi, where Kael and Elara led a frontal assault, Ren and Roric guarded their flanks, Lyra provided ranged support, and the twins wove through the chaos, exploiting openings. Liam, Seraphina, and Tobin, the promising trio, seamlessly integrated into the formation, their own nascent talents adding layers of support and defense. It was a terrifying display of coordinated power, a testament to months of relentless training.
Finally, the day of departure arrived. The entire sect gathered at the main gates, a sea of faces filled with pride, hope, and not a little apprehension. The tournament team stood ready, a disciplined, well-armed contingent. Li Xuan, Qing'er, the seven core disciples, and the three promising new talents, all stood tall, their new Qi-infused weapons gleaming under the morning sun, their Qi subtly resonating.
As they began their procession towards Brightwood, the sight was magnificent. The Falling Leaf Sect's banner, depicting a single leaf falling through a whirlwind, snapped proudly in the breeze. Their disciplined ranks, their potent aura, and the palpable confidence radiating from their ranks drew immediate attention. From the distant common roads, farmers paused their work, pointing in awe. From hidden groves and rocky outcrops, covert cultivators, spies from rival sects, observed their departure with narrowed eyes, their assessment of the Falling Leaf Sect's true strength rapidly escalating.
The journey was swift and efficient. They travelled on well-maintained roads, their passage a spectacle. As they neared Brightwood, the city's towering spires, usually serene, now seemed to hum with an unparalleled energy. The air itself vibrated with the presence of countless cultivators.
Brightwood itself was a sprawling metropolis, far grander than any city Li Xuan had yet visited. It was a nexus of cultivation, a melting pot of sects, clans, and rogue cultivators. But now, it was transformed into a grand arena. Banners of prestigious sects fluttered from every building, and the streets teemed with cultivators of all realms, their auras ranging from subtle to overpowering. The sheer scale of the gathering was breathtaking, a vivid tapestry of the Northern Plains' martial world. The Falling Leaf Sect, despite its growing reputation, was still relatively unknown on this grand stage.
Li Xuan's gaze swept over the city, his Insight Eye subtly active, perceiving the ebb and flow of Qi, the raw power residing within the assembled masses. He saw glimpses of cultivators at Qi Condensation Stage 5, even some at Foundation Establishment Realm, their Qi densities immense, their attributes far surpassing anything he had previously encountered, far exceeding what his current Insight Eye could fully quantify. He knew his Insight Eye would be crucial here, allowing him to subtly gauge their competition without revealing their own secrets.
The tournament had truly begun, long before the first clash of blades. The Falling Leaf Sect had arrived, a nascent power ready to challenge the established order.