The news of Tang Xiaoqi's breakthrough to the fifth layer of Qi Refining spread like a stone cast into a pond, creating small ripples among the outer disciples of Qingxu Sect. For most disciples still struggling through the early and middle stages of Qi Refining, this was hardly earth-shattering news. Yet occurring in Xiao Qi, a disciple once mocked as having mediocre aptitude and secretly nicknamed the 'little good-for-nothing,' it drew more than a few sidelong glances.
Several days passed, and Xiao Qi had begun to adapt to the changes following his breakthrough. Taking advantage of a free afternoon, he practiced the Basic Sword Techniques on a relatively open slope behind the mountain. He held a branch of green steel wood with excellent flexibility, using it as a makeshift sword. Though his movements still appeared somewhat novice, they now carried greater steadiness and power than before. As spiritual power circulated through his body, the branch cut through the air, producing a faint, sharp whistle.
Just as he was completely focused on mastering the thrusting technique, a familiar voice reached him from behind with its usual teasing tone:
'Well, well, if it isn't our great cultivator Tang? I haven't seen you in a few days, and now your swordplay actually looks like something proper. At least it's not that soft-handed, anxious-making display anymore.'
Xiao Qi paused mid-motion, turned around, and saw Third Senior Sister Liu Yun leaning against an old pine tree with her arms crossed. A half-smile played at the corners of her mouth as her bright eyes swept over him appraisingly. Today she wore a practical combat outfit that accentuated her tall, straight figure and spirited demeanor.
'Third Senior Sister.' Xiao Qi quickly bowed, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He had long grown accustomed to her sharp tongue and warm heart, even finding a particular kind of closeness in it.
Liu Yun walked forward, circling halfway around him. Her gaze swept over his body, focusing particularly on sensing the spiritual energy fluctuations around him, which had become noticeably more substantial than before. She nodded, her tone still carrying its characteristic banter: 'Fifth layer of Qi Refining, hmm. Finally shed that 'little good-for-nothing' label. It seems Senior Sister's 'special training' wasn't wasted effort after all. That blockhead of yours has finally started to show some sense.'
The 'special training' she referred to was the hellish regimen of reaction speed exercises, endurance training, and basic combat drills she had put him through, unable to bear watching his 'foolishness.' Those days remained etched in Xiao Qi's memory as a period of blood and tears.
Xiao Qi scratched his head and gave an honest smile. 'It's all thanks to Senior Sister's excellent guidance.' His words were sincere. Without Third Senior Sister's strict demands and the relatively solid foundation she had helped him build, his breakthrough would have been far more difficult.
Liu Yun snorted, seemingly dissatisfied, but in those ever-spirited eyes of hers, a trace of barely concealed relief flickered. She had watched this youngster, brought back by their master with chaotic spiritual roots, low cultivation, and a timid demeanor, overcome difficulties step by step, making progress bit by bit. From struggling with the most basic energy introduction techniques to now breaking through to the middle stage of Qi Refining—she had witnessed much of his effort and persistence. Though her words never spared anyone's feelings, deep in her heart, she had long considered this resilient and slightly foolish junior brother as one of her own, someone who needed her protection.
'Enough with the flattery.' Liu Yun rolled her eyes at him, then retrieved a white jade vial from a small storage pouch at her waist and tossed it casually to Xiao Qi. 'Here, catch.'
Xiao Qi fumbled to catch it. The vial felt cool in his hand. Its white jade texture was fine and smooth, bearing Qingxu Sect's cloud pattern seal—a clear sign it was no ordinary item. He uncorked it, and a refreshing medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air. Just one whiff cleared his mind and seemed to invigorate his spiritual energy. Inside were several dragon-eye-sized pills of pale green color with a lustrous sheen.
'These are...?' Xiao Qi looked at Third Senior Sister with confusion.
'Foundation-Strengthening Pills.' Liu Yun spoke casually, as if discussing something trivial. 'You've just broken through, so your spiritual energy is unstable and your foundation isn't solid yet. These pills will help you consolidate your cultivation more quickly and firm up your foundation. Take one daily during meditation to refine its effects. Don't waste them.'
Foundation-Strengthening Pills! Xiao Qi's heart trembled. These weren't pills that ordinary disciples could easily obtain. They had excellent effects for stabilizing one's realm and purifying spiritual energy, commanding a high price in the outer sect marketplace. Although Third Senior Sister had good talent and was highly regarded by the elders, obtaining such pills surely required spending considerable contribution points or effort.
He gripped the weighty vial of pills, warmth rising in his heart. This seemingly casual gift from Third Senior Sister held value far beyond the pills themselves. He opened his mouth to express his gratitude, but felt that any words would seem pale compared to the depth of his Senior Sister's kindness.
Liu Yun seemed to read his thoughts. She waved her hand, interrupting the thanks he was about to voice. 'Alright, stop making that silly expression. Focus on your cultivation. Don't slack off just because you've made some progress. You're only at the fifth layer of Qi Refining—in this world of cultivation, you're still as insignificant as an ant. I don't want to hear one day that you got beaten bloody because your cultivation was inadequate and brought shame to our sect.'
Her words remained direct, even harsh, yet Xiao Qi heard deep concern and expectation within them.
'Don't worry, Senior Sister. I will train hard and never let you down... or waste these pills.' Xiao Qi gripped the jade vial tightly and spoke with solemn sincerity.
Liu Yun looked at the determined light flickering in his eyes. The corners of her mouth curved upward almost imperceptibly before quickly settling back down. 'As long as you know. Keep practicing your sword. Your power generation is still a bit stiff. Your core needs to be stable—power rises from the ground, flows through your arms, and reaches the tip. You can't just rely on arm strength...' She offered a few more pointers on key aspects of the sword techniques, then turned and waved her hand casually. In several leaps, her figure disappeared at the end of the mountain path.
Xiao Qi stood in place, watching the direction where Third Senior Sister had departed, motionless for a long time. The white jade vial in his hand still retained a trace of her warmth and the faint fragrance of medicine. He took a deep breath, etching this gratitude and warmth deeply into his heart.
He knew that every step of his growth depended on the support—whether obvious or subtle—from his senior brothers and sisters. His master's guidance, his senior brother's steady instruction, his second senior brother's lightheartedness and unconventional inspiration, and Third Senior Sister's seemingly harsh but deeply caring concern and encouragement...
He carefully stored the Foundation-Strengthening Pills and picked up the green steel wood branch again. With Third Senior Sister's pointers echoing in his mind, he resumed practicing the sword techniques. This time, his eyes held greater focus, his movements more refined. He had to grow stronger faster—not just for himself, but to not disappoint all those who cared for and believed in him.
Sunlight filtered through the pine needles, casting dappled spots of light on the figure of the young man sweating profusely yet pressing forward with determination, as if clothing him in golden armor. The road ahead was long, but in this moment, his heart was filled with strength.