The morning after his clash with Zhao Chen brought a sense of clarity to Ling Fei's mind. Though his body still ached from the cuts and bruises he had sustained, his resolve was stronger than ever. He now understood that the cultivation world was as perilous as it was rewarding, and every moment of training could mean the difference between life and death.
> [Daily Sign-In Reward Available: Sign in now to claim your reward.]
Ling Fei opened the system interface, the familiar golden text appearing in his vision.
> [Congratulations! You have signed in.]
Reward: 1 Basic Qi Recovery Pill.
He held the small jade bottle that materialized in his hand, containing a single green pill. The system's description explained its value.
> [Basic Qi Recovery Pill: Restores 30% of your Qi reserves instantly. Ideal for emergencies.]
"Not bad," Ling Fei muttered. "This could come in handy."
---
A Lesson in Adaptability
At the training grounds, Shen Tao was already waiting, his hands clasped behind his back. His calm demeanor contrasted with the stern expression on his face.
"You've been through a fight," Shen Tao said without preamble, his sharp gaze sweeping over Ling Fei.
Ling Fei nodded, recounting his encounter with Zhao Chen. Shen Tao listened without interruption, his eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of the Qi Resonance Pendant.
"You handled yourself well," Shen Tao said once Ling Fei finished. "But you relied too heavily on luck and the system's aid. Cultivation is about preparation and control. You cannot expect external forces to save you every time."
Ling Fei clenched his fists. "I know. That's why I'm here. I need to improve."
Shen Tao gestured to the boulder in the clearing. "Then show me. Continue your training with the Iron Fist Strike. But this time, I want you to focus on precision and efficiency. A single powerful strike can achieve more than a hundred weak ones."
---
Ling Fei took his stance, his Qi flowing through his body as he prepared to strike. Shen Tao's words echoed in his mind: "Focus your intent. Channel your Qi to a single point."
His first strike landed with a resounding impact, a faint crack appearing on the boulder's surface.
"Better," Shen Tao said. "But you're still wasting energy. Control your Qi output."
Ling Fei adjusted his breathing, concentrating harder. His next strike was more deliberate, his Qi focused into his fist. The crack in the boulder widened slightly.
> [Enhanced Strike Registered: 76/100.]
Hours passed as Ling Fei repeated the process, each strike more refined than the last. Sweat poured down his face, but he pushed through the fatigue, determined to reach the next level.
---
As the sun reached its zenith, Shen Tao called for a pause. He handed Ling Fei a small wooden token inscribed with unfamiliar symbols.
"This is a Qi Stabilization Token," Shen Tao explained. "It will help you maintain balance as you channel Qi. Use it during your practice."
Ling Fei accepted the token gratefully. He placed it in his palm and immediately felt a calming effect spread through his body. When he resumed his strikes, the difference was noticeable. Each punch felt more controlled, the flow of Qi smoother and more efficient.
> [Enhanced Strike Registered: 90/100.]
---
Just as Ling Fei was nearing the end of his training, the sound of rustling leaves drew his attention. Two figures emerged from the forest—a young woman and an elderly man, both clad in flowing robes that marked them as cultivators.
The woman's sharp eyes locked onto Ling Fei, her expression a mix of curiosity and disdain.
"Master Shen Tao," she said, bowing respectfully to Shen Tao. "We didn't expect to find you here."
Shen Tao inclined his head slightly. "Lin Mei. Elder Wu. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"We're here on behalf of the Eastern Sect," Lin Mei said. "Our scouts have reported unusual activity in this area—rogue cultivators and wild beasts. We were sent to investigate."
Shen Tao's expression darkened. "I see. The forest has been restless lately. I've noticed traces of demonic Qi nearby."
Ling Fei tensed at the mention of demonic Qi, his mind flashing back to Zhao Chen. Could there be a connection?
Lin Mei's gaze shifted to Ling Fei. "And who is this?"
"A disciple of mine," Shen Tao said simply. "He's still in the early stages of cultivation, but he shows promise."
Lin Mei raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "I hope you're not wasting your time, Master Shen Tao. The path of cultivation isn't for the weak."
Ling Fei clenched his jaw but held his tongue. He knew he had much to prove.
---
As the visitors departed, Shen Tao sensed something from Ling Fei's gloomy expression. "Don't let their words bother you. Strength is earned, not inherited. Now, finish what you started."
Ling Fei nodded, his determination reignited. He focused all his remaining energy into a final series of strikes, each one sharper and more precise than the last.
When he delivered the hundredth strike, the boulder cracked open with a thunderous sound, splitting into two halves.
> [Quest Completed: Strengthen Your Core – Successfully perform 100 enhanced strikes.]
Rewards: +30 Sign-In Points, +1 Intermediate Technique Scroll.
Ling Fei collapsed to the ground, his chest heaving with exhaustion. But the satisfaction of completing the task made every ache worthwhile.
Shen Tao nodded in approval. "You've taken your first real step on the path of cultivation. But remember, Ling Fei—this is only the beginning."
As the golden light of the setting sun bathed the clearing, Ling Fei stared at the cracked boulder, a symbol of his progress. His journey was far from over, but for the first time, he felt truly prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.