After leaving the central field of the Herbal Garden, Li Yao walked alongside Senior Brother Wei, the weight of his recent decision pressing gently on his shoulders. As they moved through winding herb paths under the late afternoon sun, Li Yao recounted everything- from discovering the misclassified Moonfall Grass to identifying the true Veinroot Herb, and finally, his decision to report it to the deacon rather than consume it for personal gain.
Wei listened in silence, his expression unreadable. When the story concluded, he glanced sideways at Li Yao and let out a low chuckle.
"You're more disciplined than I expected," Wei said with a shake of his head. "If it were me... I'd have probably taken the herb and kept it a secret."
Li smiled faintly but said nothing. Wei's reaction didn't surprise him. The sect preached unity, but every cultivator was fighting their own battle toward immortality.
As they reached the parting path between the herb fields and the outer disciple cottages, Li turned to Wei with a hesitant expression.
"Senior Brother... could I ask a favor?" he began.
Wei raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"I plan to consume the Veinroot and enter a state of focused cultivation. For the next five days, I don't want to waste time going back and forth to the dining hall. Would it be too much trouble to bring me my meals?"
Wei's brows lifted, but then he chuckled again. "Worry not, Junior Brother. I'll make sure you're fed. It's the least I can do after you just handed over a herb worth fifteen mid-grade spirit stones."
Li laughed awkwardly, grateful for the support. Wei added, "And as for your work in the Herbal Garden, you don't need to worry. The deacon has granted you six days of leave for your breakthrough. Focus entirely on cultivating."
Relieved, Li nodded and followed Wei to collect several accompanying herbs he had to purchase to brew the recommended potion, just as the Heavenly Observation System advised. Back in his cottage, Li lit a small flame under a black iron pot and began preparing the herbal decoction. The fragrance that filled the room was sharp yet strangely refreshing, with a lingering warmth that resonated with the fire qi in his meridians.
Before drinking, Li decided to check his status:
[Host Status:-
Name: Li Yao
Age: 13
Spiritual Root: Mid-grade Fire Spirit Root+
Constitution: Mortal Human Body+
Cultivation: Qi Refining Early Stage (1st Layer) (51/100)+
Cultivation Mantra: Emberheart Nourishment Sutra+
Intent: None]
Two months of effort had brought him to 51 refined qi threads—a respectable pace for someone with a low-grade spiritual root, though nothing earth-shattering.
He picked up the steaming bowl. The potion's surface shimmered faintly, qi-infused vapors rising in wisps of pale green and soft blue. Taking a deep breath, Li Yao drank it all in a single gulp. The liquid slid down his throat like molten silk, burning slightly as it went.
At once, warmth flooded his body. It spread through his meridians, and soon the entire cottage seemed to pulse with invisible rhythm as the spiritual qi around him became clearer- almost tangible.
He sat cross-legged, hands on his knees, and began to cultivate.
The first day passed in a blur. With the potion enhancing his spiritual root sensitivity, Li Yao refined thread after thread with unnatural ease. By the end of the day, he had surpassed the 100-thread mark and achieved a breakthrough to the 2nd layer of Qi Refining.
The next day, riding the momentum, he condensed those 100 threads into a single, purer strand—a necessary step for advancement. Fueled by vitality from the Veinroot potion, he wasted no time and immediately began refining anew.
Two and a half days later, another 100 threads had formed, and with steady breathing and deep concentration, he crossed into the 3rd stage of Qi Refining.
By the time the fifth day arrived, Li Yao had refined an additional 69 threads. Though the medicinal effect had waned, his progress had skyrocketed beyond his initial expectations.
When he emerged from his cottage, blinking under the early morning light, he couldn't suppress the smile spreading across his face. He moved with a lightness in his steps, and the once-distant qi of the surrounding world now pulsed closer- familiar.
He immediately accessed the system once more to confirm his progress.
[Host Status:-
Cultivation: Qi Refining Early Stage (3rd Layer) (69/100)+
Each layer of Qi Refining required more energy and focus than the last, and yet with the Veinroot's effects, he had bypassed months of effort in mere days.
Eager to share the news, he went to find Wei Shan, who was busy trimming a spiritual orchid in the inner field. When Wei noticed him, he straightened up and smiled.
"You look different," Wei noted. "Did it go well?"
Li Yao nodded with pride. "I reached the third layer."
Wei let out a low whistle. "In five days? That's insane."
He clapped Li on the shoulder. "With that progress, you're now qualified to choose your first martial technique from the Outer Pavilion. You should head there soon. It'll help you lay a solid foundation."
Li's heart stirred with excitement at the mention of techniques. All this time, he'd only cultivated the Emberheart Nourishment Sutra- the basic breathing method given to every outer disciple. Now, he could finally begin learning real martial arts.
But first, a short rest. He returned to his hut to clean himself and prepare for a new stage of training.
The next morning, Li resumed his duties in the Herbal Garden. However, something had changed.
His workload had increased.
He now tended an expanded section of spiritual plants- some of which required more refined qi and deeper care. The number of medicinal fields under his care doubled, and even the other workers began to greet him with a newfound respect.
When he questioned Wei about it, the senior brother only grinned.
"You've reached the third layer. That's a mark of maturity in the outer sect. Along with your added duties comes an increase in your monthly spirit stone allowance."
"How much?" Li asked, curiosity piqued.
"Twenty low-grade spirit stones," Wei replied.
Li Yao's eyes widened. That was more than double what he had been receiving. It opened new possibilities—more resources to purchase herbs, pills, or even better clothes and cultivation manuals.
Wei continued, "It's a good sign, Junior Brother. The sect rewards those who work hard. Keep this pace, and you'll catch up to the genius disciples before you know it."
Li bowed in gratitude. The thought of catching up to those born with better roots and wealth burned like a quiet fire in his chest. It wouldn't be easy. But for the first time, it no longer felt impossible.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the fiery clouds of dusk lit the sky, Li Yao walked back toward his hut, his heart calm and firm. The journey ahead remained steep, but he now had a foothold- and momentum.
From this point on, everything would change.