Jian Yu and Li Wei woke at dawn, the forest surrounding their camp alive with the sounds of waking wildlife. With their immediate needs met, Jian Yu knew it was time to begin training in earnest. The Royal Ascension System had provided an Intermediate Cultivation Technique, and mastering it would be their first step towards true strength.
"Li Wei," Jian Yu called, her voice firm but encouraging. "Today, we start our training. This technique will enhance our combat abilities and energy control. It won't be easy, but together, we can master it."
Li Wei nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I'm ready, Jian Yu."
They sat by the stream, where the air was fresh and the flowing water seemed to amplify the natural energy around them. Jian Yu accessed the Royal Ascension System, bringing up the details of the technique.
Intermediate Cultivation Technique: Flowing Qi Combat Arts
Description: A set of techniques designed to enhance physical combat abilities by synchronizing with the natural flow of Qi. Increases agility, strength, and energy control.
Jian Yu demonstrated the first set of movements, a series of fluid strikes and defensive maneuvers that harnessed the Qi around them. She moved with grace and precision, the Ancestral Sword an extension of her will. Li Wei watched intently, then mirrored her movements, his form rough but full of potential.
"Focus on the flow of your Qi," Jian Yu instructed. "Let it guide your movements, and you'll find strength and speed you didn't know you had."
They trained tirelessly throughout the morning, Jian Yu correcting Li Wei's stance and movements, while also refining her own understanding of the technique. By midday, both were exhausted but made significant progress. The bond of trust between them grew stronger with each shared effort.
As the sun reached its zenith, Jian Yu called for a break. They sat by the stream, drinking its cool, refreshing water. "You're doing well, Li Wei," Jian Yu said, a smile playing on her lips. "Your determination is your greatest strength."
Li Wei flushed with pride. "I owe it all to your guidance, Jian Yu. I never thought I could learn such powerful techniques."
Suddenly, Jian Yu's senses heightened. She felt a disturbance in the natural energy around them—a presence approaching rapidly. She stood, signaling Li Wei to be alert. Moments later, a figure burst through the foliage, stumbling and bloodied.
"Help… please…" the figure gasped, collapsing at their feet. Jian Yu and Li Wei hurried to the stranger's side. He was a young man, dressed in tattered robes, with a desperate look in his eyes.
"Who are you?" Jian Yu asked, checking his injuries. "What happened?"
"I'm Feng Yi," he panted, wincing in pain. "I was ambushed by bandits. They're not far behind…"
Before he could finish, the sound of approaching footsteps and rough voices reached their ears. Jian Yu and Li Wei exchanged a quick glance. They had to act fast.
"Li Wei, help me move him," Jian Yu ordered. They dragged Feng Yi to a more concealed spot behind some thick bushes. Jian Yu unsheathed the Ancestral Sword, its runes glowing faintly. "Stay hidden and protect Feng Yi," she instructed Li Wei. "I'll handle the bandits."
Li Wei nodded, his face set with determination. Jian Yu stepped out into the open, ready to face the approaching threat.
Three bandits emerged from the trees, their eyes scanning the area hungrily. The leader, a burly man with a scar across his face, spotted Jian Yu and sneered. "Well, what do we have here? Another hero trying to protect the weak?"
"Leave now, and you won't get hurt," Jian Yu warned, her grip on the sword tightening.
The bandits laughed, drawing their weapons. "I think we'll take our chances," the leader growled, advancing on her.
Jian Yu moved with practiced precision. She blocked the leader's strike, her sword deflecting his blade effortlessly. With a swift counter, she disarmed him, her movements a blur. The other bandits hesitated, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.
"Last warning," Jian Yu said, her voice cold and commanding. "Leave."
One of the bandits turned to flee, but the leader snarled, lunging at Jian Yu again. This time, she didn't hold back. With a powerful strike, she knocked him to the ground, her sword at his throat.
"Run," she commanded the remaining bandits. They didn't need to be told twice, disappearing into the forest as fast as their legs could carry them.
Jian Yu sheathed her sword and returned to Li Wei and Feng Yi. "It's safe now," she said, helping Feng Yi to his feet. "Let's get you patched up."
Back at their camp, Jian Yu treated Feng Yi's wounds with herbs and bandages. "Thank you," he said, gratitude shining in his eyes. "I owe you my life."
"Why were the bandits after you?" Li Wei asked, curiosity piqued.
Feng Yi's expression darkened. "They've been terrorizing villages and travelers for months. I tried to stand up to them, but I was overwhelmed."
Jian Yu exchanged a glance with Li Wei. "We're on a journey to reclaim my family's honor and build a safe haven for those in need," she explained. "We could use someone like you—brave and determined."
Feng Yi looked surprised but thoughtful. "I've lost everything to those bandits," he said slowly. "If I can help you and find a new purpose… then yes, I'll join you."
New Ally Acquired: Feng Yi
Experience Points: 1400/2000
Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation Stage 2 (Progress: 70%)
With a new ally by their side, Jian Yu felt their group's strength growing. Each addition brought them closer to their goals. The journey ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but with Li Wei and Feng Yi, Jian Yu felt more confident than ever.
As they sat around the fire that night, discussing their plans and sharing stories, Jian Yu realized that her path was not just about reclaiming her family's honor. It was about building a new future, with allies who believed in her and the cause they fought for.
The Nine-Day Queen was no longer alone. She had begun to gather her forces, and together, they would carve their own destiny in the world of Tianxia.