The forest canopy thinned as Lin Yulan and Lian Yaling stepped into the open plains leading back to the village. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the dirt path, its golden light playing on the scattered leaves at their feet. The scent of pine and damp earth clung to their robes, mingling with the faint metallic tang of dried blood. Lian Yaling's body ached from the trials of the day, but his heart brimmed with pride.
Lin Yulan glanced at her disciple, her expression composed but her tone steady. "You performed well, Yaling. From now on, you're allowed to hunt spirit beasts around the outskirts of the village. It will serve as both training and a source of income."
The weight of her words struck Lian Yaling like a hammer. This wasn't merely permission it was recognition. His back straightened as he met her gaze, a determined light in his eyes. "Thank you, Master. I will do my best."
They continued walking, the village slowly coming into view. Its humble thatched roofs and wooden structures seemed bathed in warmth under the setting sun. The dirt paths winding through the cluster of homes were alive with the murmur of daily life: the laughter of children, the chatter of families, and the distant sounds of livestock.
As they approached, Lin Yulan spoke again, her voice calm yet deliberate. "When you hunt, collect the corpses of the beasts you kill. Their flesh can serve as food, but their parts fangs, claws, hides are even more valuable. Alchemists often buy these materials to craft body-cultivating elixirs and pills. We'll gather as much as we can over the next few weeks and take it to the city to sell. The funds will be essential for future supplies."
Lian Yaling nodded, already mentally strategizing his next steps. "Yes, Master."
As they entered the village, the earthy scent of cooking fires filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of roasted grain. Lin Yulan gestured toward their modest home. "Go and start preparing dinner. I'll join you shortly."
Lian Yaling bowed respectfully. "Of course, Master."
He hurried toward the house, setting down his belongings and beginning the task of building a fire. The rhythmic crackle of kindling soon filled the air, the glow of flames casting flickering shadows across the room as he prepared a simple yet hearty meal.
Inside her home, Lin Yulan shut the door behind her, letting out a quiet sigh. The trials had tested her patience and strength—not because of her disciple's failures, but due to the silent battles she'd fought on his behalf. Tier 2 and Tier 3 spirit beasts had been lurking, threats far beyond Lian Yaling's current abilities. Her swift intervention had ensured his survival while keeping her presence discreet.
"System," she commanded, and the familiar interface shimmered into view, its soft glow illuminating the dim room.
**"Current Points: 3,050."**
Lin Yulan's lips curved into a faint smile. Her accumulated points were a testament to the dangers she had quietly eliminated. Navigating the system's options, she scrolled through the available pills, her discerning gaze assessing each one. Her eyes settled on a specific entry:
- **Root Transformation Pill**: Enhances the quality of the user's spiritual root by one level, improving qi absorption and cultivation potential. Cost: **1,500 points per pill.**
Her smile deepened. This pill was a rare treasure, capable of significantly advancing cultivation for anyone lucky enough to consume it. Without hesitation, she confirmed the purchase, two glowing vials materializing in her palm. Each pill, the size of a pearl, exuded a faint, earthy fragrance that promised transformation.
"This will be his reward for completing the trial," she murmured. "One for him and one for me."
By the time Lin Yulan emerged from her home, refreshed and composed, the aroma of roasting meat greeted her. Lian Yaling knelt by the fire, carefully turning skewers of marinated rabbit. His movements were steady, his focus evident in the careful way he adjusted the skewers to avoid burning.
"Good work," she said, her tone neutral but laced with approval.
Lian Yaling looked up, a small, genuine smile lighting his face. "Thank you, Master. Dinner will be ready soon."
Lin Yulan seated herself near the fire, observing her disciple in silence. For all his inexperience, Lian Yaling had shown remarkable growth. His determination had carried him through the trial, and his potential was beginning to take shape.
When the meal was finished, the two ate in companionable silence, the crackling fire providing a soothing backdrop.
As they finished, Lin Yulan reached into her sleeve, retrieving one of the glowing vials. The faint luminescence caught Lian Yaling's attention, his eyes widening as she held it out to him.
"Lian Yaling," she said, her voice carrying the weight of significance.
He straightened instinctively, his gaze fixed on the vial.
"This is a **Root Transformation Pill**. It will enhance the quality of your spiritual root, improving your qi absorption and cultivation potential. Such an opportunity is rare."
Lian Yaling's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the vial, his voice a mixture of awe and gratitude. "Master… I don't know how to thank you."
Lin Yulan's gaze softened. "You've earned it. This is your reward for completing the trial. But remember this is just the beginning. Your journey will demand more effort and resolve with every step."
Lian Yaling bowed deeply, his voice steady with conviction. "I will not disappoint you, Master."
Lin Yulan nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. She tucked the second pill into her robe, her thoughts already on the challenges ahead. The road would be long and fraught with trials, but with dedication, they would carve their mark in this unforgiving world.
As the fire burned low, its embers casting a warm glow across the room, master and disciple sat in quiet reflection, ready to face whatever the future held.