The next morning, Wei Liang stood among the outer disciples in the training courtyard once more. The first lesson in Qi Condensation had left him sore, but his progress gave him a flicker of pride. As the sun rose higher, casting golden light across the sect grounds, Elder Yan arrived, flanked by two other elders.
Wei Liang's curiosity sharpened. These were powerful figures, cultivators far beyond his understanding, yet they would now guide his cultivation.
Elder Yan, the stern figure who had overseen the initiation trials, began the morning's announcements. "Disciples, your time at the Jade Peak Sect will not be one of idleness. Hard work and discipline will define your success. To help you on this path, the elders have agreed to oversee your early training."
He gestured to the two individuals beside him. "Elder Lin and Elder Cai will assist you during this phase. Listen well, for their time is valuable, and their words may one day save your lives."
The first elder, Elder Lin, stepped forward. She was a striking woman in her mid-thirties, her jade-green robes flowing like water as she moved. Her eyes were sharp, assessing, and her long black hair was tied neatly in a braid. Despite her serene demeanor, there was a steeliness about her—a presence that made Wei Liang stand a little straighter.
"I am Elder Lin, a specialist in Qi refinement and spiritual root cultivation," she said, her voice calm but authoritative. "Those of you with weaker spiritual roots should seek my guidance. With proper discipline, even a poor foundation can be strengthened."
Wei Liang perked up at her words. He would need her help if he hoped to overcome the limits of his low-grade Earth Root.
Next, Elder Cai stepped forward. He was an older man with a grizzled beard and a weathered face that hinted at decades of battle. His robes were simpler than Elder Lin's, and the faint scars on his hands suggested a martial focus.
"I am Elder Cai," he said, his voice gravelly. "I train disciples in combat and physical fortitude. The path of cultivation is not only about Qi; your body must be a weapon as well. Those who lack strength will not survive in this world."
The way he eyed the disciples, as if assessing their worth in a fight, made Wei Liang uneasy. He instinctively clenched his fists, recalling the harrowing battle with the Silverfang Wolf the night before.
Elder Yan concluded the introductions. "You will rotate between their lessons in the coming weeks. But first, we will begin with a practical demonstration. Elder Cai, if you would."
---
Elder Cai led the disciples to an open field near the base of the mountain, where wooden dummies and training weapons were arranged in neat rows. The elder stood at the center, his posture relaxed but commanding.
"To survive as a cultivator, you must master the fundamentals of combat," he began. "Today, we will focus on weapon techniques. Each of you will choose a weapon, and I will assess your aptitude."
Wei Liang scanned the weapons laid out before them: swords, spears, sabers, and bows. He hesitated before picking up a simple iron sword. It felt solid in his hands, though heavier than he expected.
The other disciples made their selections, and Elder Cai began demonstrating basic stances and strikes. His movements were precise, fluid, and deceptively simple. "Watch carefully," he said. "Every movement must have purpose. In battle, hesitation means death."
Wei Liang mimicked the elder's stance, his sword trembling slightly in his grip. The other disciples practiced alongside him, some with natural ease, others fumbling awkwardly.
"Good!" Elder Cai barked at one disciple. "Your footwork is sharp."
When he reached Wei Liang, his sharp gaze lingered. "You," he said, pointing the sword at him. "Step forward."
Wei Liang gulped but obeyed, stepping into the elder's view.
"Show me your basic strikes," Elder Cai said, his voice steady but challenging.
Wei Liang nodded, gripping the sword tightly. He performed a series of strikes as best as he could remember from the demonstration. His movements were clumsy, his footing uneven, but he poured every ounce of effort into them.
When he finished, Elder Cai stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Your form is poor," he said bluntly, "but there's strength in your strikes. Raw potential."
Wei Liang bowed. "Thank you, Elder Cai. I will improve."
The elder nodded, his expression unreadable. "See that you do. Weakness has no place here."
---
That afternoon, the disciples returned to the courtyard for their first lesson with Elder Lin. She stood before them with a calm but commanding presence, her hands clasped neatly behind her back.
"Qi refinement is the cornerstone of cultivation," she began. "If your Qi is unstable, all else will collapse. Today, I will teach you the basics of circulating Qi through your meridians."
Elder Lin's instructions were meticulous, guiding the disciples step by step. Wei Liang sat cross-legged, his eyes closed as he focused on the flow of Qi within his body. The warmth in his dantian flickered uncertainly, like a fragile flame.
"Steady your breathing," Elder Lin said, her voice cutting through the silence. "Do not force the Qi. Let it flow naturally, like a river following its course."
Wei Liang adjusted his breathing, and the Qi began to move more smoothly. Slowly, it flowed through his meridians, tracing paths that the System highlighted in his mind.
[Qi Circulation Successful. Current Qi Stability: 80%.]
Wei Liang opened his eyes, a bead of sweat running down his temple. Elder Lin stood before him, her piercing gaze studying him.
"You are progressing quickly," she said. "But do not let that breed overconfidence. Cultivation is a lifelong journey, not a race."
"Yes, Elder," Wei Liang replied, bowing his head.
---
By the end of the day, Wei Liang was physically and mentally drained. As he trudged back to his quarters, he reflected on the two elders. Elder Cai was harsh but fair, his focus on strength and survival a stark reminder of the dangers that lay ahead. Elder Lin, meanwhile, offered a glimmer of hope—her teachings made him feel that, perhaps, even someone with a weak foundation could achieve greatness with enough effort.
The System chimed softly in his mind.
[Quest Progress: Path of Foundation Training—20% Complete.]
[Reward Upon Completion: Beginner Combat Skill Manual.]
Wei Liang smiled faintly. His journey had only just begun, but with guidance from the Jade Peak elders and the mysterious System, he felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.