The next morning, the outer disciples gathered in the courtyard for another of Elder Cai's grueling training sessions. Wei Liang, Zhang Fei, and Han Xun stood together at the back, their determination quietly growing as they worked to strengthen themselves.
Elder Cai stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "You've all been working hard, but many of you still lack the fundamentals required to break past the Qi Gathering Realm. If you ever hope to progress, you must master these techniques—not just understand them."
Elder Lin joined him, her calm demeanor a counterbalance to Cai's harsh tone. "Today, we will focus on control. It is one thing to possess Qi, but to use it effectively in combat and refinement requires a level of mastery few of you have achieved."
---
Refinement of Control
The training began with Qi circulation exercises. Each disciple sat cross-legged, their hands resting on their knees as they channeled energy through their meridians. The goal was to stabilize the flow and refine it into a steady rhythm, one that could be called upon at a moment's notice.
Wei Liang focused intently, guiding his shadow-enhanced Qi through his body. The Lunar-Eye Lens had helped him identify weak points in his circulation before, but now he worked to smooth those flows without relying on the artifact.
The System chimed softly.
[Progress: Qi Circulation Stability Increased. Current Layer: Seventh, 22%. Efficiency Improved.]
"Good," Elder Lin said, stopping beside Wei Liang. "Your control has improved, but do not rush. Stability is key to advancing further."
"Yes, Elder," Wei Liang replied, keeping his focus.
Nearby, Han Xun groaned, his face scrunched in concentration. "How do you make this look so easy, Wei? I feel like my Qi is trying to tie itself in knots."
"Relax," Zhang Fei said without opening her eyes. "You're trying to force it. Let it flow naturally."
Han Xun muttered something under his breath but adjusted his posture, his breathing slowing.
---
A New Test
As the sun climbed higher, Elder Cai clapped his hands, signaling the end of the exercise. "Enough meditation! Time to apply what you've learned."
The disciples rose, stretching and preparing for the next phase of training. Elder Lin stepped forward, her jade-green robes flowing lightly in the breeze.
"For this exercise," she said, "you will spar with an opponent while maintaining precise control of your Qi. Overloading or underutilizing your energy will disqualify you. Remember: balance is the foundation of all cultivation."
Wei Liang was paired with a wiry disciple named Chen Yi, known for his quick footwork and sharp strikes. As they squared off, Wei Liang activated the Lunar-Eye Lens, allowing him to analyze Chen Yi's movements and Qi flows.
The match began, and Chen Yi immediately closed the distance, his strikes quick and precise. Wei Liang parried, his sword moving in fluid arcs to deflect the blows. Each time Chen Yi struck, Wei Liang adjusted his Qi, keeping his energy steady and focused.
"Good," Elder Lin called from the side. "Keep your flow balanced, Wei Liang. Do not let your emotions disrupt your rhythm."
Chen Yi's movements grew faster, his strikes becoming more aggressive. Wei Liang countered with a feint, stepping aside and landing a light strike on Chen Yi's shoulder. The blow wasn't strong, but it disrupted Chen Yi's balance, forcing him to retreat.
The match ended shortly after, with Wei Liang earning a nod of approval from Elder Lin.
---
Lin Ziyan's Shadow
Across the courtyard, Lin Ziyan sparred with another disciple, his movements as precise and powerful as ever. Each strike of his blade seemed effortless, his control over his Qi near flawless.
"He's so far ahead of us," Han Xun muttered, watching from the sidelines. "It's like he's not even trying."
"He is trying," Zhang Fei said, her tone sharp. "You don't get that good by slacking off. But talent like his doesn't last forever if he doesn't respect it."
Wei Liang glanced at Lin Ziyan, activating the Lunar-Eye Lens briefly. The cracks in Lin Ziyan's Qi flow were still there, faint but persistent. Each powerful strike strained his meridians, widening those fractures ever so slightly.
"He's strong now," Wei Liang said quietly. "But strength without stability is like building on sand. One day, it'll collapse."
Han Xun frowned. "You think we can catch up to him?"
Wei Liang nodded. "We will. One step at a time."
---
That evening, the three of them gathered outside the dormitories, watching the stars emerge in the night sky. For once, the air was calm, and the weight of training seemed to lift, if only briefly.
"I miss the quiet," Han Xun said, leaning back against a tree. "Back home, the hardest thing I dealt with was fixing broken carts. Now it's fighting spirit beasts and trying not to get crushed by Lin Ziyan's ego."
Zhang Fei chuckled softly. "It's not all bad. You've gotten stronger, haven't you?"
"Yeah, I guess," Han Xun admitted. "But sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. All this training, all this struggle… what's the point if someone like Lin Ziyan is always miles ahead?"
Wei Liang looked up at the stars, his thoughts drifting. "It's not about him. It's about us. Every layer we climb, every step we take, makes us stronger—not just in cultivation, but as people."
Zhang Fei nodded. "And one day, when we stand on equal footing with Lin Ziyan or anyone else, we'll know we earned it."
Han Xun grinned. "You two are too serious. But fine—I'll keep at it. Someone has to keep you grounded."
Wei Liang smiled faintly, their camaraderie giving him strength. The road ahead was long, but they weren't walking it alone.
---
Over the next week, Wei Liang continued refining his skills, focusing on balance and control. Each day brought new challenges, but also small victories. His Qi flows grew steadier, his movements more precise, and the gap between him and Lin Ziyan felt just a little smaller.
The System chimed softly as he finished a late-night meditation session.
[Progress: Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm, 56%.]
Wei Liang opened his eyes, his breathing steady. He wasn't in a rush to reach the ninth layer. He knew the value of patience, of building a strong foundation.
For now, the investigation into the sect's secrets and the tension with Elder Yan could wait. Wei Liang's focus was clear: grow stronger, step by step, until the gap between him and his rivals was gone.
Strength wasn't about rushing ahead—it was about enduring, refining, and persevering. And Wei Liang was ready for the climb.