Under the warm afternoon sun, Zhang Liwei and Zhou Yu found themselves amidst a line of fellow disciples, all eagerly awaiting their turn at the Circle Leader's Office. The anticipation of receiving their first sect allowance added a tangible sense of excitement to the air. Feng Hao had momentarily parted ways with them, with plans to reunite at the library.
When it was finally their turn, they entered the office, no Circle Leader in sight. They approached the senior disciple managing the resources.
"Your tokens, please," the senior disciple requested. Upon receiving them, he began, "As first-graders, you're entitled to 10 Inferior-grade Spirit Stones and 10 sect contribution points each lunar cycle."
Zhou Yu leaned in, curiosity lighting her features. "How valuable is this, do you think?"
Zhang Liwei, with a thoughtful look, replied in a hushed tone, "For us just starting out, it's pretty generous. As for the contribution points, their exact significance is still a bit of a mystery to me."
The senior disciple handed back their tokens, now updated with the contribution points. "Here you are. Make sure to return the tokens for updates next month," he advised as he handed them their allowances.
"Thank you," they both said, pocketing their tokens and the Spirit Stones before heading out.
Leaving the office behind, they made their way to the library, the heart of knowledge and cultivation within the sect. The sight of a long queue in front of the library was not unexpected, given the value and rarity of cultivation texts in the world outside. These texts were more than just books; they were keys to unlocking the vast potential within each cultivator, guides on the path to mastery and understanding of the Dao.
Waiting in line for the library, Zhou Yu shared her concerns with Zhang Liwei, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Since we left the Qi Refinement Pavilion, my cultivation's been painfully slow. Inside, it felt like my Dantian was constantly growing. Now, it's like I'm barely advancing."
Zhang Liwei responded with an understanding nod. "The pavilion is designed to aid our cultivation, providing an environment where Qi is exceptionally concentrated. It's natural to feel a difference once you step out. The entire Wuyi Mountains, though rich in Qi compared to many places, can't match the pavilion's intensity."
Curious, Zhou Yu asked, "Is the Qi here denser than other places?"
"It is," Zhang Liwei agreed. "Before joining the sect, I trained at a place called the Amethyst Heart Mountain. The Qi there was denser than in many areas, but still not as rich as here in the Wuyi Mountains, let alone the pavilion." He hoped to convey how fortunate she was to have trained in such a Qi-rich environment, emphasizing the pavilion's extraordinary nature.
Zhou Yu considered aloud, "Then, should I seek more chances to train in the pavilion for faster progression?"
"Not exactly," Zhang Liwei clarified. "Cultivation isn't just about accelerating your Qi growth. There's a balance to be maintained between your body, mind, spirit, and Qi. My master taught me that focusing too much on one aspect leads to imbalance, hindering overall cultivation progress. It's about harmonious development across all areas."
Zhang Liwei's words to Zhou Yu were more than just advice; they were a reflection of the wisdom he had garnered on his own journey. He emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to cultivation, highlighting that true progress encompassed not just the growth of one's Dantian but the simultaneous development of body, mind, spirit, and Qi. This perspective was a reminder that the path of cultivation was multifaceted, demanding patience and a balanced focus to avoid the pitfalls of a shaky foundation.
Zhou Yu absorbed Zhang Liwei's insights with a deep sense of understanding. Her recent initiation into the world of cultivation had been overwhelming, but the concept of building a stable foundation through balanced development resonated with her. It mirrored the guidance offered by senior disciples within the Qi Refinement Pavilion, further reinforcing the lesson.
"Thank you for your advice," Zhou Yu said gratefully to Zhang Liwei, her eyes reflecting a new understanding. Just then, Feng Hao joined them, looking slightly apologetic. "Sorry for making you wait. The martial division was swamped today," he explained.
Zhang Liwei nodded, dismissing the concern with a smile. "It's fine, Feng Hao. We just got here ourselves."
As they entered the library, the trio was immediately struck by the grandeur of its four-story structure, with an open center that allowed sunlight to flood the interior, illuminating the vast array of bookshelves that spiraled upwards. "This place is incredible," Zhou Yu whispered in awe, her eyes tracing the staircases that linked one floor to the next, each laden with countless tomes.
Approaching the senior disciple at the reception, Feng Hao announced their intention. "We're here to pick our basic techniques."
Handing them each a booklet, the senior disciple explained, "You'll find the techniques listed by elemental category. Choose two that align with your cultivation path."
Zhang Liwei flipped through the pages of the booklet with deliberate care. Each technique was a potential key to unlocking new aspects of his cultivation, and he felt the weight of this decision keenly. "I need to make this choice count," he murmured to himself, aware that access to the library's treasures might not come again soon.
His contemplation was not just about selecting techniques; it was a strategic decision on how best to complement his existing skills and address the gaps in his arsenal.
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He paused, considering his current arsenal. "My attack and defense are solid, thanks to the staff's enhancements," he reflected. The techniques he had mastered were basic in their original form, yet under the staff's enigmatic influence, they had transformed, becoming significantly more powerful. It was a boon that had dramatically shifted his approach to combat, but the staff's silence since their first encounter remained a puzzle he was determined to solve.
With the profound Great Earth Breathing Cycle as his foundational Qi Cultivation Method, Liwei felt no need for additional Qi Cultivation techniques. This method, discovered among ancient bone slips in an underground city, promised to elevate his cultivation to new heights. Thus, his focus shifted to enhancing his arsenal with movement and utility techniques to complement his journey.
Acknowledging the limitations in his speed, Zhang Liwei reminisced about his time in Celestial Bloom City where he had adopted the Earth Submersion Art. While it added an element of surprise and escape to his skill set, it didn't fundamentally solve his speed constraints. Aware that cultivators of Fire and Water Qi enjoyed natural advantages in speed—Water Qi cultivators with their fluidity and Fire Qi ones with their burst of speed—he pondered his options.
Revisiting the booklet, he carefully reviewed the movement techniques. His attention settled on the "Stone Soaring Step," a technique that promised the momentum of a launched stone, offering a significant boost in speed in a linear path. Though it lacked flexibility in direction, the technique matched his needs for quick advance or retreat. He considered its potential as an offensive move too, leveraging the innate toughness of Earth Qi cultivators to turn their body into a projectile. "In essence, I could be as unyielding as a hurled rock," he thought, intrigued by the prospect of embodying such force.
With the movement technique decided, Zhang Liwei then delved into the realm of utility techniques. He faced a more complex decision without a clear objective guiding his choice. He carefully examined the descriptions of each technique listed, contemplating their potential applications and the unique benefits they might bring to his cultivation journey.
Two techniques stood out: the 'Earth Bind Entanglement,' capable of immobilizing opponents by ensnaring their feet with tendrils of earth, enhancing his combat tactics significantly. He remembered illusory Master Yan utilizing a similar technique during the staff trial, effectively trapping demonic apes and creating openings for attacks. The tactical value of such a technique in combat was undeniable.
The second option, 'Earth Resonance Probe,' intrigued him for different reasons. It allowed a cultivator to emit Qi vibrations from their palms to explore beneath the earth's surface, revealing hidden deposits of minerals or pockets of energy. Though not directly applicable in battle, the potential for discovery and strategic advantage it presented was compelling.
After thoughtful consideration, Zhang Liwei felt a stronger pull towards the 'Earth Resonance Probe.' The allure of uncovering secrets hidden beneath the earth, possibly even understanding more about the energies that coursed through the lands, felt like an unmissable opportunity. "The 'Earth Bind Entanglement' is powerful, but the 'Earth Resonance Probe' offers a different kind of strength," he concluded internally. "Knowledge and the ability to uncover what's hidden could be invaluable."
Deciding to prioritize the probe technique, he made a mental note to revisit the binding technique should he gather enough contribution points in the future.
Zhang Liwei glanced towards his friends, catching Feng Hao's eye. A silent exchange of determination passed between them as they waited for Zhou Yu. Soon enough, Zhou Yu's contemplative gaze lifted, signaling she too had reached a decision.
The trio moved through the library with a clear intent, heading towards the specialized sections. Zhang Liwei approached the shelves dedicated to Earth techniques and carefully selected 'Stone Soaring Step' and 'Earth Resonance Probe' from the collection.
Books in hand, they presented themselves to the senior disciple responsible for book loans. "These are the techniques we've chosen," Zhang Liwei stated confidently.
The senior disciple carefully noted their selections, then added, "All recorded. You may keep these texts for three months." His expression then grew stern as he imparted a crucial sect rule, "Be aware, it is strictly prohibited to make personal copies of these texts. Violators face severe consequences, including expulsion or meridian sealing, which would revert you to a mundane state, unable to use Qi. In extreme cases, it could even result in the death penalty. This policy is enforced throughout all sect libraries. It's essential that you respect and comply with these regulations to maintain the privilege of accessing our resources."
The gravity of the senior disciple's warning visibly impacted Zhang Liwei, Feng Hao, and Zhou Yu. Their expressions turned serious, reflecting the severity of the potential consequences. Each of them nodded solemnly in understanding.
Zhang Liwei responded first, his voice firm, "We understand the importance and will adhere strictly to the rules."
Feng Hao added, "We'll make sure to return the books in three months without fail."
Zhou Yu, equally solemn, concluded, "We appreciate the trust the sect has placed in us, and we won’t take it lightly."
After leaving the library, Zhang Liwei, Feng Hao, and Zhou Yu made their way to the bustling exchange area. They meandered through aisles teeming with a variety of items offered by fellow disciples—pills they had refined, treasures discovered on missions, and items no longer needed or suitable for their cultivation paths. The scene was lively, reminiscent of a marketplace, with disciples negotiating, inquiring about the specifics of items, and occasionally, disputes flaring over deals gone awry.
As they watched the bustling exchange, the tri noticed that Spirit Stones were the primary currency among the disciples. They discovered that contribution points, unlike Spirit Stones, were non-transferable and only usable for accessing exclusive sect facilities like the Qi Refinement Pavilion. Despite realizing their limited amount of Spirit Stones might not allow for many transactions, the trio found the vibrant marketplace and its myriad treasures thrilling to explore.
Their exploration led them to rest under a large tree, the day winding down. Feng Hao looked at his friends, "Starting tomorrow, we'll be caught up in our divisions. Might not see each other as much."
Zhang Liwei reassured him, "We'll find time. This isn't goodbye."
Feng Hao grinned, his enthusiasm undimmed, "Right. Just imagine us, teaming up for missions. The adventures we'll have."
Zhou Yu chimed in, her excitement evident, "That's going to be amazing. I look forward to it."
Their shared laughter filled the air as the sun began to set. "We'll make it happen," Zhang Liwei promised, getting to his feet.
Feng Hao, about to depart, paused and looked back at them, "Until then, take care." He began to walk away.
Zhang Liwei and Zhou Yu raised their hands, waving after Feng Hao, "See you soon!" they called out in unison, watching him until he blended into the crowd.
The day had been a milestone, a series of choices and discoveries that affirmed their commitment to the cultivation path and to each other. As night descended, Zhang Liwei and Zhou Yu, their spirits buoyed by the day's events, returned to their quarters, their hearts and minds ablaze with the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.