"As the first light of dawn filters through the entrance of his cave, Li Wei embarks on his daily routine. He methodically mixes water with the fine essence powder stored in his pouches, creating a potent liquid. Each mouthful is consumed with urgency and focus, knowing that a breakthrough is tantalisingly close.
Li Wei closes his eyes with each gulp, feeling the essence course through his body. He absorbs it, allowing the energy to spread and integrate into his being. He repeats this process several times, deepening his cultivation.
The cave is silent except for the sound of his steady breathing and the occasional rustle of a pouch as he reaches for more essence powder. The outside world seems distant as Li Wei's entire being concentrates on the task.
His movements are precise. He is acutely aware of every sensation, from the texture of the essence mixture on his tongue to the warmth that spreads from his core with each absorption. The anticipation of a breakthrough adds intensity to his actions.
Li Wei's mind is singularly focused. Thoughts of the outside world and the recent trades are momentarily pushed aside. What matters now is cultivation, the imminent breakthrough, and nearing the 8th level.
Despite the repetitive nature of his actions, there's an undercurrent of excitement. The breakthrough feels closer with each passing moment.
Sensing someone's approach, Li Wei remains committed to absorbing the last bit of Qi from his bowl. Li Wei muses, "Must be another one of these low-level disciples looking for a trade." He's determined not to let the visitor interrupt his cultivation. "I'll finish this up first, then see what they want. I just hope this idiot doesn't trigger the intrusion talisman," he thinks.
Li Wei hears a voice calling out from the entrance of his cave. "Brother, brother!" the disciple shouts, his voice echoing in the still morning air. Li Wei ignores the call.
Thankfully, the visitor waits outside, giving Li Wei the space to complete his Qi absorption.
After absorbing the last bit of Qi, Li Wei leisurely gets up to see who's at the cave entrance. The new arrival, less polite than previous visitors, stands there with a brash demeanour. He's a rugged-looking disciple, his clothes slightly worn and his posture assertive.
"Are you the one selling bone pills?" he asks directly, his tone lacking the cautious respect of the one before.
Li Wei sizes him up, noticing the impatient twitch of the disciple's fingers. "Possibly, why do you ask?" Li Wei responds cautiously, not revealing too much.
The disciple, undeterred by Li Wei's evasiveness, probes further. "What's your cultivation level? I don't want to be trading with someone too low."
Li Wei smirks slightly, "I'd rather not divulge that. Attracting a big fish to my humble home isn't in my plans." He keeps his tone light, yet his gaze remains sharp and observant. The disciple seems to consider this, his expression a mix of curiosity and calculation. Li Wei waits, ready to steer the conversation to his advantage.
Li Wei pauses, his focus momentarily shifting from his practice. The disciple, clutching a small pouch, extends it towards Li Wei. "These are rare herbs," he explains, "known for their potent Qi-enhancing properties."
The disciple eagerly presents a pouch to Li Wei, each herb carefully separated. "This is Zephyr Leaf, known for its lightness and aiding in Qi circulation," Li Wei understands, showing a delicate, feather-like herb. Then, he sees the Dragon's Breath Root, which Li Wei instantly recognises as a common laxative. Internally, Li Wei can't help but feel a mixture of amusement and annoyance. "A laxative, really?" he thinks to himself.
'Does this fool think I wouldn't know? A laxative being passed off as something valuable?' he muses, keeping his expression neutral. 'Clearly, he's underestimated me or is unaware of my background at the Pill Hall.'
"The last guy knew I worked at the pill hall and sought me out for Verdant Moonleaf. He must have mentioned me to this guy. Why doesn't he realise I'd be familiar with herbs? Well, it's best not to delve too deep into the minds of idiots."
Li Wei decides to play with him. "What guarantees their effectiveness?" he probes, his gaze never leaving the disciple's face.
Sensing Li Wei's hesitancy, the disciple quickly adds, "They come from a remote region known for its potent flora.."
"I'll trade for one pill," Li Wei states.
"Come on, at least give me five!"
"One pill, no more no less," Li Wei states firmly.
The disciple frowns, clearly unhappy. "Fine, I'll take it." he concedes begrudgingly.
Li Wei watches him closely, noting the gears turning in the disciples head as he seems to assess Li Wei's cultivation level, debating internally whether to risk an attack. Li Wei remains poised, ready to react if needed.
Observing the disciple, Li Wei thinks, "This idiot is weighing his options, trying to gauge my level. Does he think he can take me on? His eyes give him away; he's unsure whether to attack or back off. Just another dog underestimating me. But that's fine; let him underestimate."
Li Wei remains unmoved as he hands over a single-bone pill from his robe. The disciple, still grumbling, accepts the pill and storms off, his dissatisfaction evident.
Li Wei watches as the disciple walks away, his thoughts turning inward. "So, he was both an idiot and a coward. Well, whatever. It's better this way, not drawing attention by killing someone. I don't need people knowing my level. It's more advantageous to remain a mystery, let them guess and stay wary. This way, I can keep focusing on my cultivation without unnecessary interruptions. But I must stay vigilant; who knows what other kinds of fools might come knocking next?".
Li Wei returns to his cultivation with the new herbs as the disciple leaves. His mind, however, is not entirely at ease. The trade, beneficial as it may seem, has made him more aware of his growing reputation and the potential risks it brings.
"The manuals can wait. Right now, absorbing essence is key. I need to strengthen myself for the breakthrough."
Li Wei spends his day consumed by the rigours of cultivation, relentlessly pursuing a breakthrough. He mixes water with essence powder, methodically ingesting and absorbing it, only to find the much-anticipated breakthrough stubbornly out of reach. With each successive pouch of essence powder, his frustration grows, the realisation dawning that this endeavour is depleting more of his resources than he had anticipated. Despite the growing sense of impatience and the drain on his reserves, Li Wei's determination doesn't falter. He can sense the breakthrough lingering at the edge of his grasp, tantalisingly close. His focus remains unbroken, his resolve fueled by the unwavering goal of advancing to the next level. Every sip of the essence-infused water, every moment spent channelling Qi, brings him incrementally closer to his goal, and he refuses to relent, driven by the promise of attaining greater power and mastery.
"I've exhausted so many pouches already. This breakthrough is proving more challenging than I anticipated," he reflects. His mind wanders to the disciples who've been approaching him. "This notoriety... it's attracting eyes, possibly unwanted ones. I need to be cautious, yet I can't let fear dictate my actions. The pursuit of power is fraught with risks, but the rewards... they're worth it. I must stay focused, and use every resource at my disposal wisely. The breakthrough is close, I can feel it. Just a bit more effort, and I'll reach that next level."
Li Wei contemplates his situation, a hint of satisfaction mingling with his strategic thoughts. "I'm in an area for low-level Qi cultivators, where no one should be above level 5. Those higher in level move up the mountain," he muses. "But staying here has its advantages. Amongst these... less capable cultivators, there are opportunities. They may be 'trash' in the eyes of the higher-ups, but to me, they're a source of potential. Trading with them, manipulating the dynamics here... it's all a path to power. And in this environment, I can maintain a certain level of control and anonymity, which is crucial for now."
As dusk falls, Li Wei sits in his cave, deeply immersed in his cultivation practice. Despite his fatigue, he remains determined, fueled by the anticipation of a breakthrough. The essence pouches beside him are a testament to his relentless efforts. He carefully measures another dose, mixing it with water. The ritual is familiar, almost meditative. He drinks the mixture, feeling the familiar warmth of Qi spreading through his body. He closes his eyes, focusing inward, channelling the Qi with precision. His breathing is steady, a rhythm against the quiet of the cave. Outside, the natural world fades to nighttime stillness, but inside the cave, Li Wei's cultivation burns bright, a beacon of his unwavering pursuit of advancement. Each absorption cycle brings him closer to his goal, the elusive breakthrough on the horizon. He acknowledges the physical strain, but his spirit is steadfast.
"The effort I've put in, it's immense. But I'm so close now," he thinks, his mind a whirl of anticipation and strategy. He acknowledges the challenges and his unwavering dedication. "This breakthrough will elevate my status and change my standing in the sect." Despite the fatigue weighing on him, his determination doesn't waver. "I must keep pushing, the 8th level is within reach." As the night deepens, he prepares to sleep, his thoughts still circling the crucial breakthrough. "Tomorrow, I'll break through with renewed strength," he resolves, drifting off into a restful yet anticipatory sleep.