"Come on, Junior Brother," Liu Yuyan said warmly. "Circulate the Spirit Sword Qi Art. I’ll help you correct any inconsistencies."
Tian Lei nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and gratitude. He closed his eyes and began circulating the Qi as outlined in his manual given by the sect. Spiritual energy around him started to flow, moving through his meridians in intricate patterns.
As he focused, Liu Yuyan channeled her cultivation energy through her palms into his body, helping him stabilize the Qi’s movement. Her experience and advanced cultivation realm allowed her to detect subtle mistakes in his technique and guide him toward a more efficient flow.
"You’re doing well," she said softly. "But here, the Qi is getting stuck. Relax and focus on letting it flow naturally."
Following her guidance, Tian Lei adjusted his circulation. He immediately noticed a difference as his Qi moved more smoothly through his meridians. The process repeated several times, with Yuyan patiently helping him fine-tune his control.
he felt his mastery of the Spirit Sword Qi Art reached next level reaching the High level, now his speed will increase and he will breakthrough next realms faster.
By the end of the session, his Qi circulation felt more balanced and potent than ever before. Opening his eyes, he turned to Liu Yuyan and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Senior Sister. I’ve learned a lot."
She smiled, waving off his formal gesture. "You have potential, Junior Brother. You just need a little help to bring it out. Keep practicing, and you’ll reach new heights."
Tian Lei nodded earnestly, his gratitude evident. After circulating Qi as she had instructed, he felt a small yet noticeable improvement. While minor, it could save him months of hard work.
"Okay, Junior Brother," Liu Yuyan said with a smile, "would you like to join me on a quest?"
Tian Lei blinked in surprise. "Can I?" he asked cautiously, his tone filled with curiosity and a hint of excitement.
"Of course," Yuyan nodded. "But we’ll need more people for this mission. Wait here for a bit while I gather the others."
Without waiting for his response, she left the room to assemble a team. Tian Lei remained seated, wondering what kind of quest it might be and how he could contribute.
After some time, Yuyan returned with five other disciples following her. They all looked competent, exuding the air of cultivators who had faced their share of challenges.
"This is our team," Yuyan said confidently, introducing them one by one:
Zhang Wei, a tall and sturdy young man.
Chen Hao, a lean, sharp-eyed disciple with a keen sense of observation.
Lin Yue, a quiet girl with an icy demeanor, her cold gaze hinting at her serious nature.
Mei Lian, a cheerful and bubbly girl whose infectious energy contrasted sharply with Lin Yue.
"Now that everyone is here, let’s get ready," Yuyan said with determination. "This quest involves clearing out bandits near a mountain village. They’ve been harassing the mortals using their Body Forging cultivation realm."
She paused to ensure everyone understood the seriousness of the mission. "Our task is to eliminate them. The reward for completing this quest is 250 low-grade spirit stones."
Spirit stones were valuable resources for cultivators, serving as currency and a means of enhancing cultivation. For outer sect disciples, such a reward was highly motivating.
"Alright, let’s move out!" Yuyan commanded, leading the team.
The group made their way to the sect’s stables, where they prepared for the journey. Each member mounted a Grade-One Spirit Beast—a reliable and swift mode of transportation for cultivators. Despite their low grade, these beasts were far superior to ordinary horses, capable of traveling long distances without tiring.
As the group rode toward their destination, Tian Lei couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. This was his first time venturing out on a mission with other disciples, up until now, he is only doing in sect task, this is his first time he came out of the sect.
Tian Lei had originally planned to avoid venturing outside the sect until he reached at least the Qi Refining realm. He wanted to play it safe, knowing how dangerous the outside world could be for someone of his current strength. However, he was acutely aware of what might happen if he refused Yuyan’s invitation. She might see him as a coward and stop guiding him altogether.
The thought troubled him. In just a few minutes of her guidance, his understanding of the Spirit Sword Qi Art had improved significantly—enough to save him months of hard work. If he could learn more under her mentorship, it would accelerate his cultivation advancement considerably.
With that in mind, Tian Lei decided to take the risk. It wasn’t just about the mission—it was about the chance to strengthen himself and earn more of Yuyan’s guidance.
With Yuyan at the helm, the group traveled efficiently. In just half a day, they reached their destination—a small, rustic settlement nestled in a valley.
"This is the Red Flower Village," Yuyan said, scanning the modest homes and farmland. Her gaze shifted to the looming mountain peak in the distance. "That must be the bandits’ hideout."
The villagers, noticing the cultivators’ arrival, paused their activities. Some approached cautiously, their expressions a mix of hope and desperation.
An elderly man, likely the village chief, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Thank you, noble cultivators, for coming to our aid. The bandits have stolen our crops and livestock. Worse, they’ve taken some of our young men and women. We beg you to rid us of this plague."
Yuyan dismounted gracefully and offered a reassuring smile. "We’ll handle it. Stay in your homes and remain cautious. We’ll make sure the bandits don’t trouble you again."
The team dismounted and tied their Spirit Beasts near the village entrance. Yuyan gave a quick briefing.
"The bandits are Body Forging cultivators, which means they’re stronger than normal mortals but lack advanced skills. Stay alert—there may be traps or hidden guards."
She looked at her team, her eyes steady. "We’ll approach quietly and observe their base before deciding on the best course of action. Let’s move."
The group left their mounts secured and began the trek up the mountain. Moving silently, they kept their senses sharp, scanning the dense foliage and rocky terrain for any signs of movement or danger.