A wry smile tugged at Elder Xuan's lips. "I wouldn't dream of it, Bai Yu," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "The Main Sect can be a daunting place, but I have faith in your potential. Cultivate hard, hone your skills, and remember, the path to greatness is paved with dedication and perseverance." With a final nod, Elder Xuan's figure shimmered and vanished, leaving Bai Yu alone in his new countryyard.
Undeterred by the sudden solitude, a determined glint sparked in Bai Yu's eyes. He wasted no time. He settled himself in a meditative pose.Three days bled into one another as Bai Yu sat in unwavering focus. He cultivated relentlessly, pushing his aura to its limits.
Finally, on the dawn of the fourth day, he cracked open his eyes. Sunlight streamed through the windows of his countryyard, bathing him in a warm glow. A satisfied smile curved his lips."Just a little further," he murmured, the feeling of his surging power thrumming through his veins. "Just a touch more and I'll reach Late Bone Forging."
The urge to test his newfound strength pulsed through him. With a spring in his step, Bai Yu emerged from his countryyard. The once-daunting Main Sect plaza now seemed filled with possibilities. He stretched, his muscles crackling with renewed energy. It was time to explore.
The crisp morning air invigorated Bai Yu as he strode purposefully through the bustling plaza. He reveled in the atmosphere, a vibrant tapestry woven from the purposeful movements of cultivators, the clinking of swords against practice dummies, and the excited chatter that swirled around him.
Following his nose, he soon found himself drawn to a quaint restaurant nestled amidst towering buildings. Inside, the air hummed with conversation, a low murmur punctuated by bursts of laughter. This was clearly a haven for disciples of the Azure Sword Sect.Taking a seat at a vacant table, Bai Yu scanned the menu, his mouth watering at the exotic dishes listed. He placed his order with a friendly waitress, then settled back to soak in the atmosphere.
As he sipped on a cup of fragrant tea, snippets of conversation drifted into his ears."Senior Brother Qu Chen? Can you believe it? He's a core disciple now!" a young man exclaimed, his voice brimming with awe."Xiantian realm," another sighed, a touch of envy lacing his tone. "That's the dream, isn't it? Core disciples get showered with rewards, not to mention their own personal mountain peak and a faction to lead."Bai Yu's ears perked up. Core disciple. Mountain peak. Faction. These were new concepts, intriguing glimpses into the upper echelons of the Azure Sword Sect.