The younger generation settled into a routine.

Three hours before sunrise, they sneakily gathered halfway down the mountain. There, they were immediately set into physical training. Lifting boulders which weighed half a ton above their heads, carrying them up a slope, only for Dalian to push the stone back down and make them do it over again.

Afterwards, they were made to punch a stone wall which had been carved into the mountain. Even when their knuckles became bloodied, they were still commanded to continue. Pain wracked their hands, and still they had to figure out a way to mentally continue.

Even when all that had been done, it wasn’t over yet. Whilst their bodies were still exhausted, they were made to fight each other. To see each other as their most hated enemies. Dalian made them destroy each other.

It wasn’t fighting technique which Dalian nourished, rather a ferocity. The desire to kill the enemy at the cost of one’s own life. Even when they felt like they couldn’t move a muscle.

In fact, he had to make them fatigued before they fought. Or else they really would’ve ended up dead. That was how far they had already come since opening the qi gate. Truthfully, the ‘physical training’ part of the session wasn’t doing them much physical benefit. But it still helped tremendously.

Specifically, it was their mentality which was being developed. All of them had lived easy lives so far. Definitely those who were nobles, but even the farmers among them. Compared to going against real enemies. They had no experience.

As for himself, well, he was right there alongside them. On top of his duties of pushing their boulders down the hill; he had given himself the duty of lifting his own above his head. When they punched the mountain, he joined them. And during the fighting; that was his favourite part.

After they had all completely spent themselves both physically and mentally, Dalian whipped out the small black aura spreader and made everyone gather closely. Inserting his aura, and circulating his qi around his body, made the area suffused with healing energy. Although not as potent as a direct healing session, everyone gradually recovered over the next hour.

As the group dispersed to pursue their own activities, whether that be cultivation, or focusing on their techniques; Dalian stayed behind. Earlier in their training, he had felt a strong qi prodding him, and he knew it could only be one man.

Like he expected, the moment he was left alone; from the heavens, a man in luxurious blue robes floated down. Dalian lowered his head slightly to show respect, until he arrived on the ground, where he matched his gaze.

“I see you’ve been busy.” Alano said.

“My apologies, I should’ve returned to the mountain immediately. When I saw what was happening here I knew I couldn’t let it continue.” Dalian replied.

“Training your lessers is an honourable cause. Of course, that’s not what you are doing here. Having advanced the same distance towards immortality, they are your equals. To be able to teach someone anything, it is a prerequisite that you know more than them; otherwise it is simply a case of a deaf man teaching a child how to speak.

“Do you consider yourself qualified to teach these youths?” Alano asked.

Dalian was silent as he thought, before responding. “I don’t consider what I’m doing to need qualifications. They have become weak from the constant abuse, and their goal has become unclear. I have been able to maintain my original heart, due to your guidance; but they have been left to rot. I feel as though I’m simply returning them to their original mentality.”

“You don’t understand the mentality needed in this world. You have never even met an evil cultivator. If you want to lead your generation in this way, those two who came to the healing hall would be a better fit. This toiling is nothing compared to what you will come across in your travels. Those who can’t endure this will never reach immortality.”

“So you would rather they become cowards who take advantage of the weak to better themselves. That’s what I see as the result of this method.” Dalian shot back

Alano was hesitant. “It is true that those who remain in the outer sect are the dregs, but it is wrong to say that they are the result. Those who benefited have already risen to the inner sect.”

“Then you are fine with abandoning the majority if it strengthens the few?” Dalian asked.

“Yes.” Alano replied.

“I can’t agree.”

“It matters not whether you agree. Come, it is time to abandon this fool’s errand. Return to your proper cultivation under my guidance.”

“No.” Dalian said. This was the first time he properly went against Alano’s command.

“No?”

“I won’t return to cultivation, leaving things as they are. If I can’t do this, then I will abandon my pursuit of immortality and the sect will lose my spirit root forever.”

Alano was silent, pursing his lips. “Very well. I will grant you a month to make a change in these youths. Anymore and your cultivation will be irreversibly impacted. Along with that, I will send word to the senior generation that they needn’t pull their punches because of your status, when they find out.”

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Dalian lowered his head. “Thank you, honoured elder.”

Alano sighed. “I was going to give this as a reward for returning to the mountain, but I suppose I will have to give it anyway.” He said, handing Dalian a sheet of paper which exuded life qi.

“The offensive technique, as promised. Now you must realise, under no circumstances are you permitted to use this against members of the sect. The only targets are our enemies, and beasts.”

Dalian trembled, “I understand.”

“Good. I will know if you go against my word in your crusade against the senior generation. Now, I shall be off.”

He began to make some hand signs, so that he could fly away.

“Wait.” Dalian said.

Pausing, Alano looked at him.

“How is Mersault doing?”

“I don’t know. He has been secluded on Grand Elder Hazel’s mountain since he entered the sect. But, given his talent, I imagine he has already opened his second gate.” He replied, and gave Dalian a moment. “Any more questions?”

Dalian shook his head. “Not a question, but a promise. Every disciple of my generation will advance to the inner sect. I will show you that the sect’s current ways are wrong.”

Alano laughed. “I’m looking forward to it.”

—-

In the middle of the outer sect, a dilapidated stall was set up. Built from wooden planks, it was a simple table with a chair behind, upon which sat Dalian. Hanging off the front was a sign which read, with shoddy writing, ‘The great healer Dalian has come to offer his services! 5 contribution points per person!’

Dotted to the side was Ferjuz, Johan, and Tybalt. The first two emanated a mood of serenity, whilst Tybalt stood looking very gruff, and mean.

Since it was the morning, it was quiet, save for a few elderly disciples who looked curiously at the four. One old woman came up to them, wanting to know more.

“Boys, why are you doing this?” she asked kindly. “People can just go to the healing hall for free.”

Ferjuz smiled. “I can understand your confusion. Let me clarify. At first glance it might seem like we’re filling a niche that has already been occupied, but that’s far from the case.

“The healing hall helps those who have serious injuries. Things like broken bones, or serious infections. We focus on more minor ailments that they won’t accept.”

She still looked puzzled. “What kind of small malady would a cultivator not be able to heal on their own.”

“Just wait and see, you’ll soon understand.” Ferjuz replied.

As he predicted, a few minutes later, the thundering sound of shouts and stomping came echoing around the corner. Shortly following was the entire senior generation, looking very sweaty and uncomfortable.

At the front of their pack was the group of three which had beaten them up previously. “Where’s that life root bastard!”

They stopped and scanned the area, eventually seeing Dalian’s stall. They rushed over.

“Heal us right now!” one of them, Homer, shouted.

The three standing had excited expressions now. But Dalian merely looked them in the eyes and pointed at the sign.

“Five contribution points?” You must be out of your mind! It’s your fault we even need healing!”

Dalian put on a bewildered expression. “Whatever do you mean? I haven’t done anything.”

“Of course you’ve done something! Before you came to the outer sect, those disciples from your generation never would’ve tried something like this.”

Dalian sighed, “Look, if my prices are too high for you, there is always the healing hall.”

“We’ve already been to the healing hall, and they won’t treat us because it isn’t serious enough!”

Ferjuz and the others could barely hold their laughter in as they watched the senior generation wriggle around in place. Whilst they were enjoying the situation, the old woman had only become more flummoxed.

“Just what is going on here?” she asked.

Homer turned and cried out. “The newest disciples tricked us!”

“Calm down dear. How did they trick you?”

“They switched their qi gathering pills out with laxative pills!”

The woman took a moment to put two and two together, before she began laughing uproariously.

“The sect’s food is very difficult to digest for us!” Ferjuz interjected. “We tried very hard to stop you from taking them, but you wouldn’t listen to reason!”

That set off the seniors, and they lifted their fists up as they clenched their buttocks together.

In response, Tybalt walked up to them, looming over them. “Fighting is not permitted in front of the shop. The great healer has a weak stomach and can’t stand violence.”

“This is his fault!” Someone shouted.

“Yeah, he should heal us for free, or we’ll beat all of you up!” Another yelled.

Tybalt responded calmly, “Can you even fight in that state?”

Johan spoke as well, “We can’t help you for free, or we would be operating at a loss. Healing is a very costly business.”

Homer was about to burst a blood vessel, but let out a loud roar instead. “You think you're so smart. Well, we won’t be ripped off for this. When we naturally heal, we’ll come and get payback for ten times this enmity.”

He turned around, and shouted at the others. “Come, let’s go!”

The senior generation pounded away, disappearing almost as quickly as they had arrived, though leaving a few pungent toots behind.

The old woman finally calmed down. “I’ve really seen it all now. You youngsters are so lively nowadays.”

Ferjuz laughed. “It’s what we do best.”

Now that the coast was clear, Tybalt wandered back to Dalian. “Why didn’t we just lower the price? We could’ve made quite a lot if we treated them for only one or two points.”

Johan spoke on his behalf. “Just be patient, brother, and see what Dalian has cooked up for us. When this is all over, we’ll all be eating well.”