The morning sun cast a warm glow over the open training field, the first rays of light touching the earth as Lin Yulan and Lian Yaling arrived. The field was vast, surrounded by towering trees whose leaves whispered in the breeze, creating an atmosphere that felt both serene and alive with energy. This was the perfect place to begin Lian Yaling's training—a place where he could connect with nature, and where his growth as a cultivator could begin in earnest.
Lin Yulan turned to her disciple, her expression calm yet resolute. Today marked the beginning of his cultivation journey, and it would be a day that set the tone for all the challenges ahead. She could sense his anticipation, but also the weight of the past he carried.
Reaching into her storage ring, Lin Yulan retrieved the Light of the Sacred Sword manual, its cover gleaming softly under the sun's rays, untouched and pristine. The manual was a tool for Lian Yaling's growth, a gift that would open the door to his potential.
"Lian Yaling," she began, her voice steady, "This is an Earth-level cultivation manual I've chosen for you. It focuses on cultivating the light element and developing sword intent. Study it thoroughly. When you've grasped the basics, we'll move on to practical training. Should you encounter difficulties or have any questions, don't hesitate to come to me. I will guide you."
Lian Yaling's eyes widened as he accepted the manual, holding it carefully with both hands. His heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Master," he said, his voice firm but full of emotion. "I will study this with all my heart and not disappoint you."
Lin Yulan nodded approvingly. "Good. Cultivation requires patience and perseverance. It is a slow and steady process. Don't rush. Progress will come with consistent effort."
Lian Yaling bowed deeply, acknowledging her words. With a new sense of determination burning in his chest, he sought out a shaded spot beneath a large tree. There, he settled down to study the manual, his eyes scanning the pages with deep focus. As he absorbed the intricate diagrams and detailed instructions, the promise of mastery seemed more real than ever before. He could feel a flicker of hope rising inside him—hope that, perhaps, he was not as talentless as the clan had made him believe.
Meanwhile, Lin Yulan took a moment to herself. She retrieved her own manual, *Dance of the Ice Blade*, and sat cross-legged in the shade. As she opened it, her eyes fell on the elegant sword movements outlined within the pages. These techniques were not just about ice, but about precision and grace—qualities she had worked tirelessly to perfect. The manual was a work of art, and its deep insights invigorated her cultivation.
The system had exceeded her expectations. Dance of the Ice Blade was far more than she had imagined refined, detailed, and, most importantly, aligned with her strengths. She could feel the power of the manual as her qi began to subtly shift into the ice-elemental qi it described. The process was gradual but powerful, and for the first time in a long while, Lin Yulan felt a renewed sense of confidence in her cultivation path.
But it wasn't just about her. Her thoughts shifted to Lian Yaling. He was studying intently, but she could sense the faint tension in his body, the quiet strain of someone carrying the weight of a painful past. She had seen the fire in his eyes, the burning desire to prove himself, but she also knew that such an intense drive could become a burden if left unchecked.
Just as Lin Yulan closed her manual and began to meditate, Lian Yaling's voice broke the silence. "Master," he called out hesitantly, his tone tinged with uncertainty.
Lin Yulan opened her eyes and stood gracefully, walking over to where he sat, crouching down to meet him. "What is it?" she asked, her voice warm and patient.
"I'm struggling to understand how the light element interacts with qi in this technique," he said, his finger resting on a specific part of the manual. "The explanation here… it's complicated."
Lin Yulan studied the page, her mind quickly aligning with his confusion. She nodded and gently explained, "This part describes how your qi will gradually transform into light-elemental qi. Think of it as a purification process. Your blood qi is the base. As you cultivate, it will slowly align with the light element, and this alignment will make your qi purer and stronger."
Lian Yaling's eyes brightened with understanding, the fog lifting from his mind. "Ah… I see now. Thank you, Master. That makes much more sense."
She smiled faintly, pleased with his progress. "Good. Take your time with it. Understanding comes first. Only once you grasp the concept can you apply it."
With his confusion cleared, Lian Yaling returned to his manual, his focus now sharpened. Lin Yulan turned back to her own cultivation, settling into her stance and channeling her qi. The transformation into ice-elemental qi was subtle yet profound, flowing smoothly through her meridians. The result was astonishing—her cultivation speed and effectiveness had increased, and she could feel herself growing stronger with every breath.
While Lin Yulan continued to refine her cultivation, Lian Yaling stood up from his spot, determined to begin the practical part of his training. He assumed a solid horse stance, grounding himself in the earth beneath him. He focused inward, trying to connect with his blood qi, feeling for the energy that was uniquely his. He had no idea how much time had passed as he concentrated deeply, sensing the ebb and flow of his qi, slowly awakening his inner strength.
Lin Yulan observed from a distance, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Though he was still inexperienced, she could see his determination the very thing that would carry him forward. There was something raw and untapped in him, a potential waiting to be unlocked.
The morning passed in peaceful training, with the sun climbing higher in the sky. Eventually, Lin Yulan called out, "That's enough for now, Lian Yaling. Rest and recover. Cultivation is not just about strength but balance."
Lian Yaling straightened, his muscles aching but his spirit unwavering. He wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. "Understood, Master."
"Good," Lin Yulan said. "Now, gather some firewood from the nearby forest. We'll need it to cook lunch. I'll hunt a spirit beast. You've begun your training, and it's important that you eat well."
Lian Yaling nodded eagerly and ran off into the forest. Lin Yulan's gaze followed him for a moment before turning toward the depths of the woods. She could sense the presence of spirit beasts nearby—her senses attuned to the slightest disturbances in the air.
Soon, she spotted a Tier 1 spirit deer grazing in a clearing. Without hesitation, she moved swiftly, her body flowing like water as she struck with pinpoint precision. The spirit deer collapsed silently, and Lin Yulan stored it in her ring, already planning the meal.
By the time Lian Yaling returned with a neat stack of firewood, Lin Yulan had already returned from the hunt. The air was filled with the savory aroma of roasting meat as they shared a simple but satisfying meal.
Afterward, they returned to the training field. Lin Yulan continued her explanations, her voice calm and steady as she explained the next step in Lian Yaling's cultivation.
"Awakening your blood qi is the first step," she said, her tone serious. "It is the foundation of everything that comes after. Focus on sensing the energy within your blood and guiding it through your meridians. But don't rush. Overexerting yourself can cause harm to your body or even damage your spiritual roots."
Lian Yaling nodded earnestly. "I understand, Master. I'll be careful."
Lin Yulan placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering him a smile. "Good. Once you reach the Qi Refining stage, we'll begin teaching you martial techniques. And we will venture into the mountains to hunt monsters. It will be dangerous, but it is part of your training."
Lian Yaling's eyes sharpened with curiosity. "What exactly are these monsters, Master?"
Lin Yulan's expression turned thoughtful. "In this region, most monsters are spirit beasts that failed to fully awaken their qi. Rather than advancing naturally, they became corrupted by the excess qi in their bodies. They are dangerous, but they also hold valuable resources for cultivators."
"I see," Lian Yaling replied, his voice now steely with determination. "I'll train hard to be ready for that day."
Lin Yulan's smile deepened. "Good. Your path will be long and hard, but with dedication, you will grow stronger. Trust in your efforts."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, master and disciple continued their training, both deeply immersed in their respective paths. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment, each shared experience, and with the promise of many more to come