The sparring session and the progress in the Earth Division had amplified the rhythm of Li Tian's cultivation path. Recognized now, if just subtly, by his own students, he felt a strange but comforting weight settle upon his shoulders. Every lesson he delivered, every bottleneck his students broke, left him not just humbled but also eager to grow—for their sakes and his own.
That night, beneath the soft glow of moonlight that spilled into his meditation chamber, he sat cross-legged, hands lightly resting on his knees. The Enlightenment System hummed faintly in his consciousness, its rewards lingering like silent gifts waiting to be unwrapped. Li Tian opened his inner sight, willing the panel to emerge again.
Enlightenment Points: 13Abilities Unlocked: Beginner Techniques LibraryCultivation Refinement Bonus Active: +5% Qi Absorption Efficiency
His gaze lingered on the last line. The minor refinement the System had provided so far was subtle but profound. He could feel it in the way his qi flowed now—calmer, steadier, resonating more naturally with the world around him. Each breath filled his lungs as though the heavens themselves were granting him energy, no longer disrupted by inefficiencies or stray thoughts. And though he remained at Foundation Establishment - Early Stage, there was now a flicker of confidence that he could break through when the time came.
What intrigued him even more was the ripple effect the System seemed to have on his understanding of the Teaching Dao. It wasn't just about refining one's strength—it was about harmonizing growth in others to fuel one's own growth. The more his students advanced, the more their success became his success.
He selected a new technique from the Beginner Techniques Library, one that would deepen his comprehension of qi manipulation and teaching simultaneously.
Technique Name: Qi Resonance WhisperDescription: Enhances understanding of qi resonance mechanics, allowing the user to subtly align their own qi with that of others to guide their cultivation and stabilize breakthroughs. Refinement of personal qi flow is also strengthened during resonance.
The moment he chose it, the System consumed five Enlightenment Points, leaving him with eight. His focus deepened as knowledge swept through him, words, diagrams, and instructions weaving themselves into his consciousness. It was as though an unseen master whispered into his ear, planting seeds of insight so profound that his breath drew slower, steadier, in awe of the wisdom imparted.
Li Tian exhaled, aligning himself with the new technique. His qi stirred within him, finding new pathways through his meridians. The once faint thrumming of his dantian became a steady beat, like the pulse of a mountain's heart. He guided his energy through its cycles, implementing the principles of the Qi Resonance Whisper. At first, he barely noticed the change, but as the cycles repeated, the effects grew obvious. His qi moved like a river freed from debris, smooth and unrelenting, swelling slightly with each rotation.
Then it happened—a shift within his core. His Foundation Establishment stage, which had felt tenuous and fragile before, now solidified gradually. The refinement process granted by the System was gentle but precise, polishing away imperfections that had hindered his cultivation before. His breathing hitched as a warm surge erupted from his dantian, flooding his body with newfound strength and clarity.
When he opened his eyes, the world seemed sharper. He touched his inner energy, confirming what had occurred. Foundation Establishment - Mid Stage. The leap wasn't grandiose by the standards of the Heavenly Dawn Academy's masters, but to him, it was monumental. And when combined with the ripple of respect brewing among his students, it felt like a quiet victory.
Li Tian's lips curled into a faint smile. "One step forward… but still miles to go."
His reflection was interrupted just as the System's panel faded. A soft knock echoed from the door, followed by a voice he recognized as Elder Liu, one of the academy's senior mentors. "Teacher Li Tian, the Dean has requested your presence tomorrow at sunrise."
Curiosity piqued, Li Tian stood and approached the door, sliding it open to find Elder Liu giving him a knowing smile. "What does the Dean want with me?" he asked, keeping his tone polite.
"The Verdant Blade Sect left more than just bruised egos when they visited. Word of Feng Shan's turnaround has apparently reached some interesting ears. There's talk of a formal exhibition challenge—one that will happen in front of not just other academy faculty but visiting masters from nearby sects." Elder Liu paused. "It seems you and your students may be asked to participate."
Li Tian's brows furrowed slightly. Such exhibitions were not uncommon among the powers of their realm, but they were usually limited to senior disciples or proven teachers. To place him and his students in such an event could either be a boost… or a gamble.
"I understand," he said after a moment, bowing slightly. "Thank you for informing me."
Elder Liu nodded, his tone taking on a teasing edge. "Don't stay up all night meditating, Teacher Li. You'll need all your strength come tomorrow."
When the elder left, Li Tian turned his gaze toward the moon. The thought of an exhibition wasn't entirely unwelcome—he believed in his students, even if others didn't. But it was also a test of his own progress, one that would push him as much as it would them. He drew a deep breath, letting the residual warmth of his cultivation breakthrough settle into his veins. Whatever lay ahead tomorrow, he would face it head-on.
This path he had chosen—the Teaching Dao—would not only demand his students' growth but his own. And with the Enlightenment System as his silent ally, he swore he would walk this path without faltering.