The morning sun cast long shadows across the Embercloud Sect as Li Yao made his way toward the Outer Pavilion.
Just as during his last visit, when he had come to select a martial technique, two disciples in dark blue robes stood at the entrance. As Li Yao approached, they straightened and inclined their heads respectfully.
"We greet Senior Brother," they said in unison.
Unlike his previous visit, when he was only at the third stage of Qi Refining, Li Yao now stood as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He had always preferred to stay low-key, but news of his swift advancement and his recent mission with Yan Mu had spread through the sect. The two disciples recognized him immediately.
"What brings you here, Senior Brother?" one of them asked.
"I'm here to convert my sect merit points into spirit stones," Li Yao replied.
The disciples exchanged puzzled glances. In the outer sect, where most disciples were still at the Qi Refining stage, merit points were rare, and exchanges like this were virtually unheard of. Without further questions, they led him directly to the deacon in charge of the pavilion.
The outer courtyard appeared much as it had on his first day in the sect. Deacon Fu Shen sat cross-legged in the same position, his calm presence unshaken by the passage of time.
Li Yao paused, silently activating his observation system:
[Observation Result
Target: Fu Shen
Cultivation: Core Formation Realm – Early Stage (2nd Stage)
Identity: Deacon of the Outer Pavilion, Embercloud Sect
Evaluation: A righteous individual who detests those who commit malevolent acts]
Setting aside his thoughts, Li Yao stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Disciple Li greets Deacon Fu."
Fu Shen's eyes opened slowly, recognition and approval evident in his gaze. "I am impressed by your progress, disciple. In just over two years, you've reached the Foundation Establishment Realm." His voice held genuine admiration. "I also heard of your last mission—how you and Yan Mu from Swordwind Peak uncovered crucial information about the Dusk Shadow Syndicate. You have performed admirably, exceeding your duties."
Li Yao's expression darkened. "Elder, you jest. I could have done more. I could have saved those innocent people."
Fu Shen's tone softened. "Although your mindset is commendable, given your cultivation level and the danger you faced, your actions were already impressive."
Li Yao fell silent. The deacon studied him carefully, noting the shadows beneath his eyes that spoke of sleepless nights. "It seems you do not fully grasp your talent. Look around—the disciples recruited alongside you, aside from Yan Mu, Lan Yue, and yourself, have not even reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. You, with only a mid-grade fire root, have surpassed expectations."
The morning breeze carried the faint scent of spirit herbs from nearby gardens. Fu Shen's tone grew warmer. "But tell me, what brings you here today?"
"Elder, I wish to exchange my merit points for spirit stones," Li Yao said, regaining his focus. "Ah," Fu Shen nodded. "The mid-grade spirit stones you seek are only available at the Treasure Hall atop Swordwind Peak. The Outer Pavilion generally caters to Qi Refining disciples, for whom low-grade spirit stones suffice. Foundation Establishment and higher cultivators must visit the Treasure Hall."
He paused, his gaze thoughtful. "Besides you, no disciple in the outer sect has the cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Typically, disciples who break through to the foundation establishment realm apply to join the inner peaks. Yet you have not. May I ask why?"
Li Yao lowered his gaze. "I have accepted Deacon Bai as my master."
Fu Shen's brows rose in surprise. In his understanding, Deacon Bai was only in the mid Core Formation Realm within the outer sect. Given Li Yao's potential, it was surprising that one of the Nascent Soul Realm peak masters had not already claimed him as a disciple.
Yet Deacon Fu did not question further. The ways of cultivation were often guided by fate, and perhaps this was the path Li Yao was destined to walk.
"You may proceed to Swordwind Peak, Disciple Li," he said at last, his voice carrying a note of curiosity and respect. "The path you've chosen is unusual, but perhaps it is exactly the one you need."
Li Yao bowed once more before departing, his steps steady as he made his way toward the towering Swordwind Peak, its summit shrouded in mist and spiritual energy.
Upon arriving at the treasure hall, Li Yao was momentarily overwhelmed by the array of spiritual treasures on display. Artifacts of every description lined the walls, each one radiating power that spoke of their extraordinary origins. Spirit herbs, formation flags, and weapons crafted by master artificers—all were available for those with sufficient merit points.
After careful consideration, Li Yao decided to utilize all 2,500 of his hard-earned merit points. He purchased a storage bag for 2,100 merit points—a significant investment, but one that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors. Unlike ordinary containers, this artifact could be used by Foundation Establishment and Core Formation cultivators to store items in an expanded internal space. While storage rings connected to entire pocket dimensions, the storage bag offered a practical solution for his current needs and cultivation level.
The elderly keeper of the treasure hall nodded approvingly at his choice. "A wise investment for a young cultivator on the rise," she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of wisdom. "This bag will serve you well in the trials to come."
With his remaining 400 merit points, Li Yao acquired forty mid-grade fire spirit stones, their crimson surfaces glowing with contained power. Each stone pulsed with energy that resonated with his fire-aligned cultivation base, promising significant advancement when properly utilized. Satisfied with his transactions, he carefully placed his new acquisitions in the storage bag and returned to his residence
In the quiet of his quarters, Li Yao sat cross-legged on his meditation mat, the evening light spilling across the floor. He selected one of the mid-grade spirit stones, its energy thrumming against his palm.
He activated his system, drawing the stone's energy. A golden dao mark formed on his forehead, absorbing the essence until the stone crumbled into dust.
One by one, he consumed all forty spirit stones. When the final stone shattered, he checked his observation points.
[Observation Points: 2,815]
It was the highest amount he had ever accumulated—enough to initiate numerous mid-grade Heavenly Encounters. The temptation to use them was strong, but caution prevailed. His master had warned of numerous dangers awaiting in the secret realm, and these points might prove essential for survival. Better to save them for heavenly warnings than expend them prematurely on short-term gains.
With three months remaining before the expedition, Li Yao resolved to focus on body refinement, aiming to reach the ninth stage and perfect the first layer of his technique. The path would be arduous, requiring countless hours of painful conditioning and spiritual tempering. He would grow stronger, not just for himself, but for all those who might need his protection.