Chapter 11: A Month Past
A month had passed since Da Cai arrived at the Red Valley Sect. According to sect records, geniuses like Xu Xianliang from the Xu Clan could complete Skin Refinement in just 10 days, while those with level six spiritual roots typically took 15 days. For others, the process ranged from one to two months. Based on Da Cai's own aptitude, he expected to take two months, but the mysterious white space had accelerated his progress. He achieved completion in just one month in real-world time.
Today, Da Cai found himself at the outer perimeter of the sect's mountain, logging trees as part of his training. The task, though grueling, was meant to strengthen the body. Using the Flowing Stream Method while working, he focused on circulating spiritual Qi through his muscles, preparing them for the next stage of cultivation.
He worked alongside a group of five outer disciples, all new recruits like him. Despite their differences, the group had formed a harmonious bond over shared struggles and aspirations.
Lian Hua: The only girl in the group, she was quick-witted and resourceful. Her sharp tongue often masked her deep sense of responsibility and care for her friends.
Ren Zhen: A burly youth with an easygoing demeanor. Though he appeared lazy, his strength and loyalty made him a dependable companion.
Feng Yi: The quietest of the group, his reserved nature hid an analytical mind. He often came up with solutions when the group faced challenges.
Shi Lang: A jokester who lightened the mood during tough times. His cheerful nature kept the group's spirits high.
Da Cai: The most determined of the group, his resilience and discipline inspired the others to push themselves harder.
As they worked, murmurs about Xu Xianliang's fortune floated through the group.
"Did you hear? Xu Xianliang became a direct disciple of an inner elder," Feng Yi said, his voice low but audible enough to reach the group.
Shi Lang groaned. "Lucky guy. I've heard he gets almost twenty times the resources we do. Can you imagine that? Twenty times!"
Ren Zhen sighed, wiping sweat from his brow. "The sect is divided into Outer, Inner, and Supreme Elders. All of them are in the Golden Core Realm, but the higher the position, the stronger their cultivation. And don't even get me started on the Supreme Elders."
Lian Hua, ever the practical one, added, "There are only three Supreme Elders. One focuses on the way of the sword. They say he rose through the ranks during the Demonic Calamity, killing five demons with the same cultivation level as him. His strength is said to be unfathomable."
"And the other two?" Da Cai asked, intrigued.
"No one really knows," Lian Hua replied. "They're shrouded in mystery. And what about the Sect Master? Imagine his power. He must be on a level we can't even comprehend."
Shi Lang chuckled. "Maybe if I become a Supreme Elder's disciple, I'll get to find out."
The group laughed, but the conversation left Da Cai deep in thought. Xu Xianliang's fortune might be enviable, but Da Cai was determined to forge his own path, no matter how difficult.
That night, Da Cai could be found in the training grounds, practicing diligently. Standing in a horse stance, he punched the air repeatedly, each strike synchronized with the circulation of the Flowing Stream Method. Sweat dripped from his brow as he pushed his body to its limits, his mind focused on the next step in his cultivation journey.