Morning broke over the quiet village, casting long rays of sunlight through the thin veil of mist clinging to the earth. Inside her modest cultivation chamber, Lin Yulan sat cross-legged, her breathing steady and her body surrounded by a faint golden aura. For the past week, she had poured her focus into advancing her cultivation, and now the fruits of her labor were evident.
A powerful surge of energy rippled through her as she shattered the barrier holding her back, stepping decisively into the **third stage of the Core Formation Realm**. The sensation was one of clarity and strength, her dantian brimming with refined qi.
As the energy settled, she opened her eyes, their sharpness betraying the satisfaction she felt. She stood and stretched, her movements fluid and precise, a testament to the balance she had achieved between body and spirit.
"This is only the beginning," she murmured to herself. Though pleased with her progress, Lin Yulan's mind shifted to more immediate concerns. Their supplies were dwindling, and the time had come to sell the collection of monster corpses they had accumulated over the past weeks.
Outside, Lian Yaling was immersed in his training. The morning air was cool against his skin as he darted across the village training ground, his movements a blur as he practiced **Light Step**. Each step carried him forward with increasing speed, his footfalls growing lighter and more precise with every pass. His brow glistened with sweat, but he pushed himself onward, determination etched into his features.
Lin Yulan approached silently, her hands clasped behind her back as she observed her disciple's progress. She noted the fluidity of his movements and the focus in his eyes, a small glimmer of approval crossing her face.
"Lian Yaling," she called out, her voice cutting through the morning stillness.
He came to an abrupt halt, turning to bow deeply. "Master."
Lin Yulan regarded him for a moment before speaking. "Our supplies are running low. We've collected enough monster corpses to make a worthwhile trip to the city. It's time to sell them and restock our necessities."
Lian Yaling's face lit up with curiosity. "Master, which city are we going to?"
Her expression softened as she considered his question. She had intended to head to a nearby trading hub, but Lian Yaling's situation gave her pause. He had left his family behind in **Qucheng City** when he chose to follow the path of cultivation. Though he rarely spoke of them, she knew the ties of family were not easily severed.
"Do you wish to visit your family in Qucheng City?" she asked, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. "Or should we go elsewhere?"
The question caught Lian Yaling off guard. His master, typically reserved and pragmatic, had gone out of her way to consider his feelings. Gratitude swelled within him, and he bowed deeply, his voice filled with emotion.
"Master, I would be honored to visit Qucheng City. It will give me a chance to see my mother and sister and let them know I am doing well. I also wish to tell them I've found a master."
Lin Yulan nodded, her gaze steady. "Very well. Prepare yourself. We leave in an hour."
"Yes, Master." Lian Yaling bowed again, a smile breaking across his face as he hurried to his home to gather his belongings.
The journey began as the sun rose higher in the sky, painting the landscape in warm hues. The dirt path wound through rolling hills and dense forests, the occasional bird call or rustling leaves breaking the tranquil silence. Lin Yulan and Lian Yaling walked at a steady pace, their eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.
The peace of the journey was interrupted as they entered a dense thicket. A guttural growl emanated from the shadows, and moments later, a **Razorback Boar** emerged, its massive frame bristling with coarse fur and sharp tusks.
"Stay back," Lin Yulan ordered, stepping forward as the boar charged.
Her hand shot out, a burst of cold blue qi enveloping her hand. With a single fluid motion, she sent an ice blade flying toward the boar at an extremely fast speed. It struck the boar, sending it crashing into a nearby tree, a thin layer of frost coating the side where the ice blade landed.
Lian Yaling moved to help her collect the core, but Lin Yulan raised a hand to stop him.
"You handle the next one," she said, her tone firm. "It's time to test your progress."
They continued deeper into the forest, encountering two **Shadowfang Wolves** prowling near a shallow stream. Lin Yulan stepped aside, her gaze fixed on Lian Yaling.
"These are your opponents. Show me what you've learned."
Lian Yaling's heart pounded in his chest, but he steadied his breathing and activated **Light Step**, his body becoming a blur as he closed the distance between himself and the first wolf. The beast lunged at him, fangs bared, but he dodged with precision, his movements fluid and controlled.
Channeling his qi, he unleashed a **Light Wind Palm**, the energy striking the wolf's side with enough force to send it tumbling. The second wolf darted toward him from the flank, but Lian Yaling spun on his heel, narrowly avoiding its claws.
"Calm your movements," Lin Yulan instructed from the sidelines. "Don't let them dictate the pace of the fight."
Her words grounded him, and he adjusted his stance. As the first wolf recovered and charged again, Lian Yaling sidestepped and delivered another strike, this time aiming for the beast's neck. The wolf collapsed, its body twitching before going still.
The second wolf hesitated, sensing its packmate's demise. Lian Yaling seized the opportunity, closing the distance with a burst of speed. He struck with precision, his palm glowing with pale green energy as it connected with the wolf's head. The creature fell limp at his feet.
Lian Yaling exhaled heavily, his chest heaving from the exertion. He turned to his master, who nodded in approval.
"Good," Lin Yulan said. "You're learning. Now, harvest the cores."
The journey continued, with master and disciple encountering several more monsters ranging from **Tier 1 to Tier 2**. Lian Yaling took on the weaker beasts with growing confidence, while Lin Yulan dealt with the more formidable foes with practiced ease. Each victory added to their collection, their storage rings filling with corpses and cores.
As the day wore on, the towering walls of **Qucheng City** came into view. The city gates bustled with activity, merchants guiding their wagons and travelers passing through under the watchful eyes of armed guards.
Lin Yulan and Lian Yaling approached the gates, their robes dusted with the evidence of their journey. A guard stepped forward, his hand outstretched.
"Two silver coins for entry," he said gruffly.
Without hesitation, Lin Yulan retrieved the payment from her storage ring and handed it to the guard. The heavy iron gates creaked open, revealing the lively streets beyond.
Inside, the city was a hive of activity. Vendors shouted about their wares, the aroma of grilled skewers and fresh bread wafted through the air, and the clatter of horse drawn carts added to the symphony of urban life.
Lin Yulan turned to her disciple. "Once we've sold the monster corpses, you may visit your family. We'll meet back here by sunset."
Lian Yaling bowed deeply, his voice steady but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Master."