The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows across the stone paths of the outer sect, and the sect bustled with activity. Xing Wuye walked alongside Liu Chen, who had taken him under his wing since their first meeting. As they navigated through the busy walkways, Liu Chen continued his tour, stopping now and then to point out places of importance within the sect.
"Now, we've seen the training grounds, the Thousand Myriad Pavilions, and the formation that encircles the inner sect," Liu Chen said, his tone light and conversational. "But there's one more place you have to see—especially if you plan to stay in the outer sect for a while. Let me show you the Pill Refinement Hall."
They approached a large, grand structure built in harmony with the natural surroundings. The hall was impressive, with wide courtyards and corridors that extended deep into the heart of the sect. The roof was adorned with carvings of phoenixes and dragons, symbols of alchemy and power, while smoke from refining furnaces billowed from chimneys in the back.
"The Pill Refinement Hall spans both the outer and inner sect," Liu Chen explained as they stepped through the entrance. "This part, where we are now, is where the outer sect disciples work on refining basic pills. It's mostly medicinal pills and foundational potions for early-stage cultivation."
Wuye looked around curiously, seeing rows of outer sect disciples focused on their cauldrons, carefully measuring herbs and chanting incantations to guide the process of refinement. The hall had a faint herbal scent, the smell of countless rare and precious ingredients mixing together in the air.
Liu Chen continued, "The inner section of the hall, though, is reserved for the inner disciples. They refine much more advanced pills—things like Qi condensation pills, body refinement boosters, and even elixirs for breakthrough attempts."
Wuye noticed that while the outer sect disciples seemed to handle their work with care, there was an undeniable gap between them and the few inner sect disciples he glimpsed through a dividing archway. The inner disciples moved with a grace and confidence that came from years of practice.
"Not just anyone can refine pills," Liu Chen said, reading Wuye's expression. "Only disciples with a natural talent for pill making are chosen. It requires not just knowledge of the herbs and ingredients but also the ability to manipulate qi with precise control. It's a delicate art."
"So, I guess that means I won't be learning how to refine pills anytime soon," Wuye said with a slight chuckle.
Liu Chen grinned. "Maybe not. But hey, if you ever need help with refining, I can ask my senior for assistance. He's an Aspirant disciple, skilled in pill refinement, and the one who took me in as an honorary disciple. I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping you out, especially if you've got the herbs or ingredients for a good recipe."
Wuye smiled, feeling grateful for the offer. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Brother Liu."
After their conversation, the two of them continued their tour, but eventually, the time came for them to part ways. Liu Chen had to return to his duties, leaving Wuye to his own devices. The day was still young, and Wuye felt a growing desire to explore more of the sect's surroundings, especially the natural areas outside the main structures.
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Wandering alone, Wuye made his way out of the sect's main grounds and into the surrounding forest. The air was cooler here, with the scent of pine trees and fresh mountain water filling his lungs. Birds chirped overhead, and the sound of rustling leaves in the wind created a peaceful ambiance.
He moved deeper into the forest, marveling at the serene beauty of the place. Soon, he came upon a lake, its surface reflecting the towering peaks of the five mountains that surrounded the sect. The lake was crystal clear, with schools of fish darting beneath its surface, and it looked as though the water stretched out from one of the great waterfalls cascading down from the mountains above.
As Wuye stood by the edge of the lake, he felt something—a stirring in the air. There was a faint but unmistakable energy flowing through this place. His curiosity piqued, Wuye closed his eyes and let his senses guide him. He could feel the energy stronger now, like a pulse in the earth, leading him towards the far side of the lake.
He followed the feeling, walking around the lake's edge until he found a smaller waterfall that fed into it. The water here poured down from a rocky outcropping, creating a constant stream that splashed into the pool below. But it wasn't just the sight of the waterfall that caught Wuye's attention; it was the energy radiating from it. The qi here was vigorous and pure, almost tangible in the air.
Without hesitation, Wuye made a decision. He stripped off his outer robe, leaving his chest bare, and waded into the cool waters of the pool below the waterfall. He could feel the rush of energy all around him, the qi from the water infusing his body. It was invigorating.
He stepped beneath the small waterfall, letting the water cascade over him, and sat down in the lotus position. The pounding of the water against his body only seemed to enhance the sensation, as if the waterfall itself was helping him cleanse his mind and body. His muscles relaxed, and he began to circulate his qi through his meridians.
Sitting there, beneath the waterfall, Wuye realized that this was an excellent spot for cultivation. The natural energy of the place made it easier to focus and channel his qi, and he could feel it flowing more smoothly than ever before. This could be the perfect place to meditate on the sutra after his physical training regimen.
As he sat there, his eyes closed, he allowed his mind to drift, focusing on the flow of his energy. The sound of the water, the sensation of the qi, the pulse of the earth beneath him—it all blended together, creating a deep sense of connection. He was one with the environment, one with the qi that flowed through it and within him.
He stayed like this for some time, letting his body and mind adjust to the new sensation. The energy here was abundant, almost overflowing, and it felt like the perfect complement to his practice.
Eventually, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues over the mountains, Wuye emerged from his meditative state. He stood up, feeling stronger, more attuned to his surroundings. The qi in his body felt more vibrant, more alive. He smiled to himself as he put his robe back on, knowing that this place would become a crucial part of his daily routine.
With a final glance at the peaceful waterfall, Wuye made his way back toward the sect, eager to continue his training and see how much further he could push himself.