Lin Yuan adjusted his plain outer disciple robes, blending seamlessly among the other disciples in the bustling mission hall. While many clamored for high-reward tasks, desperate for recognition, Lin Yuan's gaze settled calmly on a quiet corner—where a simple, low-reward herb-gathering mission was pinned.
"This will do," he murmured, pulling the scroll free. The task was to gather Spirit Dew Herbs in Mistwood Valley, a mission most ignored for its low reward. But Lin Yuan smiled faintly—it was perfect for remaining low-profile.
Leaving the sect grounds, his Earth-Forged Step made his presence light, his aura perfectly restrained. He traveled unnoticed, a shadow among the trees. The mist of Mistwood Valley was thick, swirling with faint traces of spiritual energy. As Lin Yuan ventured deeper, his Orb pulsed faintly within his dantian.
> [ORB INTERFACE ACTIVATED] — Environmental Scan: Unstable Energy Detected — Recommendation: Investigate Further
Lin Yuan's calm gaze flickered with interest. Following a faint spiritual trail, he discovered a hidden grotto shrouded in silver mist. At its heart, a small crystalline pond shimmered, exuding dense, swirling Qi.
> [ORB INTERFACE] — Source Identified: Spirit Essence Pond — Compatible Origin Material Detected — Absorb?
"Absorb," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
> Absorbing Spirit Essence... — Pure Essence Energy +50 — Foundation of Qi Condensation Reinforced — Realm Elevated: Qi Condensation (Layer 6)
A warm current surged through his meridians, stabilizing his cultivation. But the Orb's hunger persisted. The mist thickened, the pond's glow intensifying.
> Absorbing... — Pure Essence Energy +75 — Realm Elevated: Qi Condensation (Layer 7)
His Qi sea expanded, each layer perfected with flawless stability. Yet Lin Yuan's expression remained serene, his breathing steady.
"So this is its true strength," he murmured, realizing how the Orb's power not only strengthened but refined his foundation.
As the mist cleared and the pond's light dimmed, Lin Yuan stood, his aura perfectly suppressed, appearing as any ordinary disciple.
He explored further, discovering that the mist hid faint traces of a decaying formation. Focusing his senses, Lin Yuan traced the array, realizing it was a decaying Spirit Gathering Formation meant to enrich the valley's essence. Without intervention, it would collapse, causing a spiritual backlash that could shake the sect.
But instead of repairing it, Lin Yuan used his Whispering Flame technique to subtly siphon the formation's dwindling energy, the Orb rapidly absorbing the ancient power.
> Absorbing Decaying Formation Energy... — Energy Absorbed: +100 — Realm Elevated: Qi Condensation (Layer 8)
Suppressing his aura, he stabilized his breakthrough. Only the faintest pulse of energy echoed through the valley.
Satisfied, he masked all traces of his interference, leaving the formation in a stable but weakened state. Anyone who discovered it would believe it was merely degrading with age.
Returning to the Broken Sky Sect with a bundle of ordinary herbs, he seemed no different from any other outer disciple. No one noticed the young man who had ascended three layers in a single trip.
Above, mountain winds whispered through the ancient pines, and the earth pulsed faintly—a subtle echo of the treasure Lin Yuan had quietly claimed in secret.