The days had passed swiftly after Li Tian's encounter with Liu Mei, and life in the Li estate had settled into a comfortable routine. However, the sense of impending conflict was ever-present, like a storm gathering just beyond the horizon. Li Tian could feel it in the air, an electric tension that sparked his instincts.
The sect gathering was approaching—an event far grander than the Rising Star Tournament. It wasn't just about showing off talent; this time, powerful sects and ancient clans would be watching. Li Tian's father, Li Feng, had spoken of the gathering briefly, emphasizing its importance. Winning wasn't everything, but making an impression was essential.
Li Tian's mornings were spent cultivating with Li Xue, who had become a diligent and skilled partner in his training. Each sparring session was intense, their movements synchronized, but it was clear that Li Xue was pushing herself harder than ever. Li Tian couldn't help but notice how focused she had become, her desire to keep up with him burning fiercely.
One morning, after an especially grueling training session, Li Tian found himself leaning against a tree in the estate's courtyard, catching his breath. Li Xue was beside him, panting lightly, a sheen of sweat glistening on her skin. She glanced over at him, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"You've gotten stronger again," she remarked, wiping her brow. "At this rate, I won't be able to keep up with you."
Li Tian chuckled. "You're not doing too bad yourself, Xue'er. You've improved a lot."
Her smile widened, but there was a glint of determination in her eyes. "Still, I won't be satisfied until I'm strong enough to stand beside you… not just as your sister, but as someone you can rely on."
Li Tian looked at her, sensing the weight behind her words. He knew she wasn't just talking about martial prowess. The night they shared, her confession, and the bond that had deepened between them had changed things. He couldn't deny her strength—both in heart and body.
"I already rely on you," he said, his voice softer than usual. "But if you want to grow stronger, I'll keep pushing you."
Li Xue beamed at his words, the lingering tension between them slowly dissipating. She rose to her feet, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, I guess I should thank you for not going easy on me."
Before Li Tian could respond, the system's familiar voice chimed in.
[Task completed: Cultivate with Li Xue for three days. Reward: 15,000 cultivation points.]
Li Tian smiled inwardly at the system's efficiency. The rewards were stacking up, and he could feel his strength growing, but it wasn't just about the power. The challenges ahead would test him in ways that brute strength alone wouldn't solve.
He closed his eyes for a moment, recalling his father's words about the gathering.
"Many sects and clans will be present. They're always looking for potential disciples or alliances. This could be an opportunity for you, but it's also a dangerous place. Don't underestimate the politics involved."
Li Feng's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that the sect gathering wasn't just a place for combat—it was a stage where alliances could be formed, and enemies made.
As Li Tian prepared to leave the courtyard, a new system notification appeared.
[Task issued: Prepare for the upcoming sect gathering. Show dominance and prove your worth in front of the prominent sects. Reward: 50,000 cultivation points.]
A smirk formed on his lips. This gathering would be far more than just a showcase of talent. He would use it to his advantage, not just to prove his worth but to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with.
That evening, Li Tian found himself once again in Xu Fang's chamber. Their relationship had grown more intimate with each passing day, the passion between them intensifying. Xu Fang had become a constant presence in his life, providing both comfort and pleasure. As he entered her room, she was already waiting for him, reclining on a plush chaise, her robe draped loosely over her shoulders.
"Tian," she greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "You seem deep in thought."
Li Tian moved toward her, sitting beside her on the edge of the chaise. "Just thinking about the gathering."
Xu Fang raised an eyebrow, her hand coming to rest on his arm. "Worried?"
Li Tian shook his head, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Not worried. Just… preparing."
Her gaze softened as she leaned into him, her fingers tracing small circles on his arm. "I know you'll do well. You've never let anything stop you."
Li Tian wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. "I won't. But there's more to this gathering than just showing off. I need to make sure we're ready for whatever comes after."
Xu Fang nodded, understanding the weight of his words. She had always admired his ambition, but there was something different about him now—something deeper, more determined.
"And Zheng Wei?" she asked, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity. "She'll be there, won't she?"
Li Tian's smile faded slightly. "She will. But you know where my heart lies, Xu Fang."
Xu Fang smiled softly, her eyes warm with affection. "I know. But I can't help being a little jealous."
Li Tian chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to her lips. "There's no need to be. I'll always have time for you."
As the night wore on, they lost themselves in each other's embrace, the connection between them growing even stronger.
The next morning, Li Tian awoke with a sense of clarity. The sect gathering was approaching fast, and he had no time to waste. He dressed quickly, leaving Xu Fang's chamber just as the sun began to rise.
He made his way to the training grounds, where he found Li Xue already waiting for him. She looked up as he approached, a determined glint in her eyes.
"Ready to go again?" she asked, her tone light but challenging.
Li Tian grinned. "Always."
As they trained, the system continued to guide him, offering subtle suggestions and tasks to further hone his skills. His movements were faster, his strikes more precise, and he could feel the power building within him.
[Analysis: Li Xue has reached 75% synchronization with Li Tian's movements. Recommendation: Increase intensity to push her limits.]
Li Tian followed the system's advice, increasing the pace of their sparring. Li Xue matched him move for move, her determination evident in every strike.
When they finally paused for a break, Li Xue looked at him, breathing heavily but smiling. "You're really not holding back today."
Li Tian chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I promised I'd push you, didn't I?"
She laughed, the sound light and full of affection. "I guess I should've expected that."
As they rested, Li Tian's mind wandered back to the upcoming gathering. The challenges ahead would be unlike anything he had faced before, but he was ready. And with the system guiding him, he knew he had the edge he needed to succeed.