As the Clark Sect disciples prepared to enter the Azure Dragon Whispering Caves, Madam Frost stood before them, her presence commanding and inspiring.
"Remember, this is not just a test of strength but of character. Let our sect's spirit shine within these caves. This is your once in a life time opportunity. use it well." she declared, her voice echoing with conviction.
With her motivational speech still resonating in their ears, the disciples, led by Ethan holding the 41th token, ventured into the cavernous entrance. The central passageway, carved along the backbone of the Azure Dragon, was flanked by natural caves on either side, each marked with a number corresponding to their allocated position.
As Ria walked forward, she couldn't help but overhear the snide remarks from the Dany Sect disciples. Their comments targeted her low cultivation level, some tinged with condescension, others with a misplaced sense of superiority. Despite this, Ria maintained a stoic demeanor, her expression unyielding.
Amid the jeers, the fat young man from the Arul Guild Clan, carrying his hefty two-handed sword, became a focal point for the Dany Sect's mockery. His broad frame struggled in the narrowing path, eliciting laughter from some of the onlookers.
Yet, anyone who dared to approach him retreated quickly, intimidated by the menacing swing of his sword as he marched forward, a mix of anger and determination in his eyes.
As the disciples settled into their respective caves, Madam Frost turned her attention to the disciples who hadn't qualified for the caves. "Focus on your weapon skills. It's not only cultivation that will grant you entry but also your mastery in combat," she advised, encouraging them to make the best of their time outside the caves.
Meanwhile, Eric, along with other servants, busied himself with setting up the camp. His tasks included pitching tents and organizing supplies, his movements efficient and powerful.
Several female servants approached him, requesting his assistance. Despite his altered, less appealing appearance due to the morphing, his underlying strength and skill were undeniable. As he worked, his muscular physique became more pronounced, his actions reflecting the prowess of a seasoned warrior.
One of the female servants whispered to another, "Have you seen how he moves? There's a grace in his strength, despite his looks."
Another replied, "It's like watching a skilled fighter. There's something about him that's... captivating."
Amidst the setup, the camp quickly took shape, transforming into a temporary home for the disciples and servants. Eric, though focused on his tasks, remained aware of the dynamics around him – the Dany Sect's arrogance, the mockery towards the Arul Guild Clan's young man, and the underestimation of Ria's abilities.
As night fell, the camp buzzed with activity. The disciples who filed to secure the spots in the caves discussed strategies and expectations, while those inside cultivated with renewed vigor, hoping to improve their chances of entry.
As darkness enveloped the Azure Dragon Whispering Caves, Eric made his way to the 13th cave, where Ria awaited his arrival. The night's activities buzzed around him, with servants darting in and out of the caves, attending to the various needs of their masters.
The atmosphere was a blend of diligence and anticipation, each disciple and servant playing their part in the intricate dance of cultivation life.
Upon reaching the 13th cave, Ria who is already anticipating his arrival, greeted Eric with a warm, acknowledging smile. He nodded in response, his eyes quickly scanning the cave's interior.
The presence of Dragon Essence, though faint, was unmistakable, enriching the air with potent Qi. In the corner of the cave, a Qi pool collected the dew drops of Qi, a vital resource for any cultivator.
Eric's gaze then shifted beyond their cave, his keen eyes observing the surrounding caverns. His attention was particularly drawn to the first cave at the head region, where he noticed a pool of essence. The value of such a resource was not lost on him; essence drops were crucial in practicing advanced cultivation techniques and sword manuals.
"Before we begin, take a moment to review the training manuals of the Snow Sect. They might offer valuable insights for your practice here."
Ria nodded, retrieving the manuals from her storage ring. As she immersed herself in the ancient texts, Eric set to work on a more intricate task – laying an essence gathering yantra.
He carefully selected a spot in the cave, central to the flow of Qi. With precise movements, he began to inscribe a complex pattern on the ground by using grade 7 spirit stones and essence gathering plates made of unique metal of Lionheart family, a geometric design that resonated with the energies of the cave. The yantra was an ancient tool, used to enhance and direct the flow of essence, making it more accessible for cultivation.
As Eric's fingers traced the intricate lines, the yantra began to glow faintly, its lines shimmering with a subtle light. The air around them seemed to vibrate, responding to the yantra's activation. He channeled a small amount of his own Qi into the design, catalyzing its effects.
As it activated, the essence within the cave began to converge towards it, creating a denser, more potent atmosphere for cultivation. The density almost matched with the first cave at the head position.
Ria, looking up from her manuals, watched in awe. The change in the cave's environment was palpable. "This is incredible," she whispered, feeling the surge of energy around them.
Eric gave a small smile, his focus still on the yantra. "This will help accelerate your training. The better the environment, the faster your progress."
As the yantra settled into a steady rhythm, the cave transformed into a haven of cultivation, with every breath they took filled with the enriched Qi. Ria, feeling rejuvenated and focused, returned her attention to the Snow Sect manuals, now even more eager to delve into her training.
Outside the cave, the night continued, with disciples and servants alike working towards their goals. Inside, Eric and Ria were poised at the brink of significant growth, their efforts amplified by the essence gathering yantra and the potent environment of the Azure Dragon Whispering Caves.
While Ria is asking questions different training manuals, Eric helped her to chose most suitable and powerful snow elemental sword manual for the upcoming competition.
Finally after racing through a hundred manuals, Ria's eyes landed on a manual with title Gentle snow.
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