The village had become our sanctuary—a place to regroup and rebuild. The air was heavy with the smell of dirt and charred wood, but it carried the faintest trace of hope. Freed captives moved about, repairing what they could, salvaging tools, and reclaiming what little semblance of normalcy this place could offer. But as I stood near the central well, Illusion resting against my side, I knew survival alone wasn’t enough. If this village was to become more than a temporary haven, we needed strength.
Cultivation required resources, and resources weren’t going to fall into our laps.
“Mira,” I murmured, keeping my voice low, “what kind of resources do we need to advance?”
[It depends on the practitioner, Jayson,] she replied. [For the Path of the Mind, herbs that enhance spiritual focus and mental clarity are essential. Additionally, crystals or artifacts that amplify your ability to manipulate Chi will be invaluable. Your allies will require different resources based on their unique Paths.]
I nodded, already weighing the possibilities. “What do Wang Jian, Ming Lian, and Bao need?”
[Wang Jian focuses on physical strength and martial prowess. Body-refining minerals or strength-enhancing elixirs would suit him best. Ming Lian relies on spiritual connection and balance, so soul-nourishing artifacts will aid his growth. Bao, with his adaptive combat style, will benefit from general-purpose energy cores or versatility-enhancing resources.]
The implications were clear: we weren’t just fighters. We were cultivators, and we needed to invest in our growth. Survival alone wasn’t enough—we needed to thrive.
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Later that morning, I called Wang Jian, Ming Lian, and Bao together near the watchtower. Each of them bore the marks of battle in their stances: confidence tempered with caution.
“We’ve done well securing the village,” I began, meeting each of their gazes in turn. “But this is just the start. If we’re going to defend this place and keep ourselves alive, we need to grow stronger. That means cultivation resources.”
Ming Lian crossed his arms, his calm, analytical demeanor as steady as always. “Resources like herbs and artifacts?”
“Exactly,” I said. “The forest nearby is a good place to start. Mira says it might have some basic medicinal plants and materials. But for anything more powerful, we’ll need to venture further—into areas with high Chi concentrations. Those places won’t just be dangerous; they’ll be crawling with beasts.”
Bao’s grin widened. “Danger’s where the fun is, right?”
I shot him a sharp look. “Fun isn’t the point. These beasts won’t hesitate to kill us if we’re not careful. We need to move smart.”
Wang Jian rested his spear across his shoulders, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. “So, what’s the plan?”
“We start with the forest,” I said. “Gather the basics, see what we can handle, and prepare for bigger challenges.”
The three of them nodded, their expressions resolute. This wasn’t just about me anymore—this was a team effort.
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The forest was dense, the canopy above blotting out much of the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and greenery, a constant reminder of how alive—and dangerous—this place was. I kept Illusion drawn, its dark blade humming faintly in my hand as we moved cautiously through the underbrush.
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Mira’s voice guided us. [You are entering an area with moderate Chi concentration. Plants here are likely to have some medicinal properties. However, be aware that such concentrations often attract beasts.]
I activated Enhanced Awareness, letting the subtle ripple of energy sharpen my senses. The rustle of leaves, the creak of branches, even the faint scurry of small animals—all of it came into focus.
“There,” I said, pointing to a cluster of low-lying plants with vibrant blue leaves. “That’s one of them.”
Ming Lian stepped forward, crouching to inspect the plants. His hands moved deftly, plucking several leaves and placing them into a pouch. “These are clarity herbs,” he said. “They’ll enhance focus when refined properly.”
We continued deeper into the forest, the Chi thickening around us. It wasn’t oppressive, but it was a tangible weight, pressing against my senses. Every step felt more deliberate, the air humming with potential energy.
“We’re being watched,” Wang Jian muttered, his spear shifting slightly in his grip.
I nodded, activating Distraction Field. The ripple of energy spread outward, cloaking my presence and making it harder for whatever was tracking us to pinpoint my position. “Stay sharp,” I said. “It’s close.”
The beast revealed itself moments later. A Chi panther, its shimmering fur blending seamlessly with the shadows, emerged from the underbrush. Its glowing eyes locked onto us, its body tense and coiled like a spring ready to snap.
“Chi panther,” Ming Lian said softly, his voice steady. “Fast, agile, and lethal.”
“And smart,” Bao added, his grip tightening on his blade.
The panther growled low, a rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine. I stepped forward, activating Blade Arts as I raised Illusion. The shadows trailing the blade twisted and multiplied, forming phantom edges that moved with me. The panther hesitated, its gaze flicking between the real blade and the illusions.
It lunged.
I sidestepped, my heightened awareness predicting its trajectory. My blade struck its side, the phantoms following in rapid succession. The panther snarled in pain, its claws lashing out in retaliation. I ducked, the air whistling as the strike passed just above my head.
Wang Jian seized the opening, his spear driving into the beast’s flank with precision. Ming Lian followed with a sweeping strike, his movements controlled and deliberate. Bao’s attacks were wild but effective, forcing the panther to divide its focus.
Each time the beast moved, I adjusted, letting my illusions confuse it further. By the time it fell, it was surrounded by flickering shadows—phantoms that had no substance but had shifted the tide of the battle.
When the panther’s body dissolved into a soft glow, Mira’s voice returned. [Beast essence detected. Reaping now.]
A pulse of energy flowed into me, settling deep in my core. I sheathed Illusion, breathing heavily as I turned to the others. “Good work,” I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline. “Let’s keep moving.”
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By the time we returned to the village, our packs were filled with herbs, crystals, and fragments of beast essence. The captives greeted us with awe and gratitude, their hope rekindled at the sight of our haul. This wasn’t just survival—it was progress.
Ming Lian immediately began sorting the resources, his sharp mind identifying which herbs could be refined into elixirs. Wang Jian and Bao worked on reinforcing the village’s defenses, their confidence growing with each passing success.
As night fell, I found myself alone near the central well, staring at the stars. The sky above was a sharp contrast to the challenges ahead—a fleeting glimpse of peace in a world full of danger.
Mira’s voice broke the quiet. [You’ve made significant progress, Jayson. The resources you’ve gathered will aid not just your cultivation but that of your team. You are building something strong.]
“This village is more than just a base,” I said softly. “It’s a foundation.”
[And you are its cornerstone,] she replied. [But remember, strength lies not only in your abilities but in the people who stand beside you. Cultivate them as you cultivate yourself.]
Her words stayed with me as I stood, gripping the hilt of Illusion. The Path of the Mind had shown me the power of perception and control, but it was the bonds I was forging here that would make that power unshakable.
This was just the beginning.