Lin Yulan sat in the quiet solitude of her home, the soft glow of dawn spilling through the window. The system interface hovered before her, casting a faint light in the dim room.
**"Points available: 3,400,"** it displayed in crisp text.
Her lips curled into a faint smile. The past several days had been grueling yet rewarding. While Lian Yaling immersed himself in refining his blood qi, she had delved deep into the wilderness. Battling spirit beasts and gathering their cores had not only sharpened her own skills but also granted her the points she now planned to invest in her disciple's growth.
Lian Yaling had made his first major breakthrough, entering the Qi Refining Realm. This marked a pivotal stage in his cultivation, one that required more than foundational techniques. It was time to equip him with combat skills both offensive and defensive—to prepare him for the trials ahead.
"System, show me movement techniques," she commanded.
The interface shifted, revealing a cascade of glowing options, each accompanied by a description and point cost. Her sharp eyes scanned the list until she found what she sought:
- **Light Step**: A foundational movement technique emphasizing speed and agility. Ideal for beginners, this skill allows the user to move swiftly and evade attacks with minimal energy expenditure. Cost: **500 points.**
Lin Yulan nodded. This technique, though simple, would provide Lian Yaling with the agility and balance essential for survival. She confirmed the purchase with a swipe of her hand.
Next, she browsed offensive techniques. Lian Yaling lacked combat experience, so she needed something practical yet appropriate for his cultivation level. Her gaze settled on:
- **Light Wind Palm**: A Qi Refining Realm offensive skill focusing on precision and fluidity. Proper qi circulation allows the user to release bursts of energy through palm strikes, mimicking the cutting force of wind. Cost: **250 points.**
Satisfied with her selections, Lin Yulan finalized the purchases. Her remaining balance now at **2,650 points**, she leaned back, the faintest hint of anticipation flickering in her eyes. These skills would form the foundation of Lian Yaling's combat repertoire, but their true worth would only be proven through practice and trial.
The next morning, Lin Yulan arrived at the training field. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and pine. Lian Yaling stood waiting, his posture straight and respectful, though the excitement in his eyes betrayed his composed demeanor.
From her storage ring, Lin Yulan retrieved two scrolls, their surfaces shimmering faintly with intricate runes. She held them out.
"These are for you," she said. "One is a movement technique called **Light Step**, and the other is an offensive skill called **Light Wind Palm**. Study them carefully."
Lian Yaling stepped forward, accepting the scrolls with a deep bow. "Thank you, Master. I will study them diligently."
Lin Yulan nodded, her expression softening. "These techniques will complement the foundational skills you've already learned. Dedicate the next month to mastering them. Focus on precision and understanding, not just power. At the end of the month, I will take you into the mountains for your first trial a test of your courage, skill, and resolve."
The mention of a trial made Lian Yaling's heart race. Bowing once more, he replied with conviction, "I will not let you down, Master."
The next four weeks were a blur of relentless training.
The **Light Step** technique seemed deceptively simple, but its true challenge lay in its demand for flawless qi control. Lian Yaling stumbled often during his first attempts, his balance wavering as he struggled to synchronize his movements with the flow of qi. Each misstep sent him sprawling across the uneven ground.
But failure only strengthened his determination. By the second week, his movements grew fluid. He found a rhythm between his breath and steps, allowing him to glide across the training field with ease. By the end of the fourth week, Lian Yaling could dart through the forest's rugged terrain like a whisper, his agility and control vastly improved.
The **Light Wind Palm**, meanwhile, tested his patience in a different way. The skill required him to channel qi into his palms, compressing and releasing it in controlled bursts. At first, his strikes were weak, the energy dissipating before it could take form.
"Relax," Lin Yulan advised one morning, her tone calm but firm. "Stop forcing the energy. Let it flow naturally, like a stream finding its course."
Taking her words to heart, Lian Yaling adjusted his breathing and stance. Gradually, the pale green energy began to coalesce around his palms, swirling with purpose. By the end of the month, his strikes could generate gusts strong enough to shear through small branches.
The day of the trial dawned with a golden light filtering through the trees. Lin Yulan stood at the edge of the forest, her arms crossed as she regarded her disciple.
"You've made significant progress," she said, her tone measured. "But training in the safety of this field is not enough. Today, you will face real danger."
Lian Yaling straightened, excitement tempered by nerves. "I understand, Master."
Lin Yulan gestured to the forest beyond. "Your task is to defeat three Tier 1 spirit beasts on your own. I will intervene only if your life is at risk. This is a test of your skills, courage, and adaptability. Do you accept?"
Lian Yaling bowed deeply, his voice steady. "I do."
Without another word, Lin Yulan led him into the dense forest. The towering trees loomed above, their thick branches casting dappled shadows on the mossy ground. The air was heavy with spiritual energy, every rustle and distant growl setting Lian Yaling's senses on edge.
The first opponent appeared quickly a Shadowfang Wolf, its sleek black fur bristling as it stepped into the clearing. Its golden eyes gleamed with predatory intent as it let out a low growl.
Lin Yulan stepped back, her gaze steady. "Your first opponent," she said simply.
Lian Yaling took a deep breath, his nerves settling into a focused calm. Summoning his qi, he activated **Light Step**, dodging the wolf's initial lunge with a swift sidestep. The wolf snarled, pivoting to attack again, but this time, Lian Yaling met it head-on.
Channeling energy into his palm, he unleashed a **Light Wind Palm**, the burst of pale green energy striking the wolf squarely in its side. The force sent it tumbling, but it quickly recovered, baring its fangs for another charge.
The battle was fierce, each exchange pushing Lian Yaling to the limits of his training. But with determination and precise execution of his techniques, he emerged victorious. The wolf collapsed to the ground, defeated.
Lin Yulan watched from the sidelines, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Well done. But there are still two more to go."
The day continued, each encounter testing Lian Yaling's skill and resolve. By the time he defeated his third beast a Razorclaw Panther his body ached with exhaustion, but his spirit burned with pride.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the two returned to the training field. Lin Yulan turned to her disciple, her gaze steady but approving.
"You've done well, but this is only the beginning," she said. "True strength comes from perseverance. Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we continue."
Lian Yaling bowed deeply, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Master. I will not waste this chance."
As the stars emerged, Lin Yulan and Lian Yaling prepared for the path ahead—a journey fraught with peril but also brimming with boundless potential.