The morning after my clash with Zhao Chen, a sense of clarity settled over me. Despite the lingering aches from the cuts and bruises I had sustained, my resolve was stronger than ever. I had learned a vital lesson: the cultivation world is as perilous as it is rewarding. Every moment of training could mean the difference between life and death.
A familiar notification flashed before my eyes.
> [Daily Sign-In Reward Available: Sign in now to claim your reward.]
I opened the system interface, the familiar golden text appearing.
> [Congratulations! You have signed in.] Reward: 1 Basic Qi Recovery Pill.
I held the small jade bottle that materialized in my hand, containing a single green pill. The system's description was clear.
> [Basic Qi Recovery Pill: Restores 30% of your Qi reserves instantly. Ideal for emergencies.]
"Not bad," I muttered. "This could come in handy."
---
Astonishingly, Shen Tao appeared just a moment later, hands clasped behind his back. His calm demeanor contrasted with the stern expression on his face.
"You've been through a fight," he said, his sharp gaze sweeping over me.
"...were you hiding nearby?"
"You handled yourself well," he nodded. "But you relied too heavily on luck. Cultivation is about preparation and control. You can't expect external forces to save you every time."
I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside me. "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, focus on precision and efficiency. A single powerful strike can achieve more than a hundred weak ones.
I took my stance, feeling my Qi flow through my body as I prepared to strike. Shen Tao's words echoed in my mind: Focus your intent. Channel your Qi to a single point.
My first strike landed with a resounding impact, leaving a faint crack on the boulder's surface.
"Better," Shen Tao remarked. "But you're still wasting energy. Control your Qi output."
I adjusted my breathing, concentrating harder. My next strike was more deliberate, my Qi focused into my fist. The crack in the boulder widened slightly.
> [Enhanced Strike Registered: 76/100.]
Hours passed, and with each strike, I refined my technique. Sweat poured down my face, but I pushed through the fatigue, determined to reach the next level.
---
As the sun reached its zenith, Shen Tao called for a pause. He handed me a small wooden token inscribed with unfamiliar symbols.
"This is a Qi Stabilization Token," he explained. "It will help you maintain balance as you channel Qi. Use it during your practice."
I accepted the token gratefully. As I placed it in my palm, a calming effect spread through my body. When I resumed my 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 I was nearing the end of my training, the sound of rustling leaves caught my attention. Two figures emerged from the forest—a young woman and an elderly man, both wearing robes that marked them as cultivators.
The woman's sharp eyes locked onto me, 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."
I tensed at the mention of demonic Qi, my mind flashing back to Zhao Chen. Could there be a connection?
Lin Mei's gaze shifted to me. "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."
I clenched my jaw but held my tongue. I had much to prove.
---
As the visitors departed, Shen Tao must have sensed my unease. "Don't let their words bother you. Strength is earned, not inherited. Now, finish what you started."
I nodded, my determination reignited. I focused all my remaining energy into a final series of strikes, each one sharper and more precise than the last.
When I 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.
I collapsed to the ground, my 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 merely the start."
As the golden light of the setting sun bathed the clearing, I stared at the cracked boulder, a symbol of my progress.