After everyone calmed down and took a short break, they took out their respective bottles of water from their spatial rings.
After taking a few gulps of water, the young geniuses refreshed their mindsets and got themselves ready for the upcoming month.
Training diligently wasn't a stranger to them. Diligence was their bosom buddy when they first embarked on the cultivation path, but what exactly happened for them to lose track of themselves.
They were still cultivating every single day, but the drive and passion they once held towards cultivation were gone.
"Sect Master Ace, I think that everyone is ready to continue with the physical training. Please commence the next exercise."
Grace, being the representative leader of everyone else besides those of the Nirvana Sect, spoke on everyone's behalf after getting their approval.
As a leader, while it was a must to be decisive and take matters into her own hands at times, it was also important to consult those in her team, even if they're only temporary members, they still deserve the mutual respect that the others have.
"Thanks for helping me to get everyone's approval."
Ace said towards Grace before gathering the others towards a nearby location surrounded by tall trees vying for sunlight, the thick cover of lives sheltering them from the morning rays which they were embracing.
On the trees were circular hitboxes, which were similar to those used for archery, but there was a difference compared to the standard board.
Only the center area of the board was left, which meant that the hitbox for the geniuses to hit wouldn't be as easy as they had expected.
As for the projectiles that these geniuses were going to be using, they would have to make use of whatever they could find here in this forest, within the area marked by Ace with another redlining that extends outward.
After Ace explained what the geniuses were supposed to do for physical training, and once again reiterating that spirit energy usage is forbidden, questions rained upon him as expected.
Without losing his temperament or patience, Ace answered each of the questions in detail, to not cause any confusion which might arise later on.
Just like this, the geniuses started to spread out and seek the projectile they think suits them best.
Some decided to make use of tree branches, which they were clueless about how to sharpen without spirit energy.
Some decided to make use of nature, gathering the resource which was infinite in amount here. The leaves, which were sharp at the edge when thrown with the correct speed and force, would be strong enough to pierce through the boards as well.
Some decided to be creative and make use of their creativity. By combining different materials and resources, they were able to create weapons unique to themselves.
There was one youth who stood out from the others. While others were busy trying to form the projectile that suited themselves best, this youth was already one step ahead of the others.
This youth was making use of his physical body to create wind projectiles, which were formed by a snap of his fingers.
The wind energy was gentle, but it would take on an invisible shape, before firing towards the board it was supposed to hit.
The board which was made of durable wood from the trees around here, were able to withstand the threatening force of the wind projectile, as it returned to its original position, after swinging back and forth for some time.
The youth who had been confident just a moment ago could only stare at his failure in disappointment.
Clenching his fists, the youth repeated the same process, searching for ways to increase the strength of his wind projectile.
Even though it was possible to stick with the same method he had created, and strengthened it in the future when his physical body was stronger, he would be restricting the full potential of this attack method.
Not to mention that his opponents wouldn't see this coming, since they wouldn't sense the slightest disturbance of spirit energy from him.
"You should try to make full use of your body, not just your fingers."
Ace advised as he walked towards this youth.
"Sect Master Ace, I understand what you're trying to point out here, but doing that would mean slowing down my progress."
Ace pondered for a moment before coming up with a solution towards this youth's problem.
"For now, just focus on learning how to control your own body and derive more potential within your body. The better you can control it, the more strength will be under your command."
Ace opined as he snapped his fingers, creating a wind projectile, which manifested into a form which was visible to the naked eye.
It was an arrow, sharp at the tip with energy surrounding it. As it pierced through the air, it also pierced through the board before coming to a stop after piercing through countless trees.
The projectile was nowhere to be seen. It was already out of their vision because of the long distance if travelled in such a short time.
"No way that just happened?"
The youth uttered subconsciously before covering his mouth in shock.
"Sect Master Ace, that's not what I meant. I was trying to…"
"I understand. Just remember my words of advice, if you continue to take things your own way, what awaits you is a bottleneck which can contain you for the rest of your life."
Ace chuckled before taking his leave.
The youth was perplexed as to what Ace could possibly mean by that, but that doesn't mean he was being doubtful.
By the time it was afternoon, all of them had already accomplished their mission of piercing through the boards with the projectiles they created, except for the youth who was still doing what Ace got him to.
Ace got Alexander to lead everyone back to the fortress and continue with their own cultivation, and informed him that the evening and night was their free time, before leaving the group to Alexander.
In the meantime, he travelled towards the east.
"System mission has been generated."
Mission details: Tame the seven demon beasts that rule this dimension.
Note: The seven demon beasts will be represented by a yellow color dot on the system map.
Note 2: If any of the seven demon beasts are slain, the mission will be deemed as a fail and a penalty will be incurred.
Rewards: 1000 system points, access to the intermediate system shop with rewards suitable to cultivators of the Four Domains.
Penalty: The host's cultivation speed will be reduced by 99% for the rest of your life.
These are some harsh mission requirements alright. Ace sighed to himself, but still traveled in the direction which would lead him to the nearest demon beast which was in full control here.
Using the sect communication system, Ace then linked a new communication to Alexander.
"Alexander, are you able to hear my voice? If you do, just have the intention to speak to me, and your voice will be transmitted back."
Alexander, who was about to settle down for cultivation, opened his eyes when he heard Ace's voice, but after processing the full message in his mind, he then left the crowd and returned to his own room in the fortress.
No one noticed him, because he was the last person to settle down whereas the others focused on their cultivation.
The young geniuses were surprised by their own cultivation speed, which had increased tremendously as compared to the past.
It was also at this point that they were convinced by Ace. That young man might be even younger than the, yet the leadership traits and maturity he possessed were of those that they only see in their elders.
Ace was more than just a step ahead of them.
If a comparison had to be made, it would only be an insult to Ace who they could never measure up to.
"Sect Master, why did you contact me suddenly? If you have any instructions, just let me know and I'll do my utmost best to fulfill them."
Ace, who was focused on flying on his sword, always plummeted to the ground, when he heard the system's sudden notification.
But after stabilizing himself moments later, Ace replied to the message.
"Yes, I need you to…"