Chapter 34: Exploring the Outer Sect for the First Time

Yu Liang woke before dawn again. The habit had already become part of his routine, making it difficult to break. His body felt different after the breakthrough, lighter, yet stronger. Every movement had a precision that wasn’t there before.

He stepped into the courtyard and started his practice.

The sword moved through the steps of the Flowing Water Technique. Ripple, Stream and Waterfall. Every movement seemed clearer, the blade slicing through the air with less resistance. His movements were steady, and his transitions smoother.

The biggest change was in his Qi.

The previous requirement to move energy during practice was an act that required him to think about it. But now, the energy moved automatically within his meridians as he repeated each movement. It enhanced his strikes without having to use any energy.

He did the sequence three times then stopped. A little sweat had started to form on his forehead but his breathing was calm.

Yu Liang looked down at his hands. The calluses that had formed from years of carrying water and scrubbing floors were gone, replaced by smooth, unblemished skin. Yet beneath it, he could clearly sense the strength in his muscles and the Qi flowing through his body.

He put the sword away and went inside.

The cave was still messy from the night of his breakthrough as gray dust covered the floor where the spiritual stones had broken and faint marks from impurities were on the floor where he had sat. He would need to clean it later.

For now he focused on himself.

Yu Liang fetched a bucket of water from the well outside his cave and carried it inside. He removed his sleeveless tunic and set it aside before soaking a piece of cloth in the water. The freezing water stung his skin.

He cleaned the cave carefully, wiping away the dirt, black residue—the impurities expelled during the breakthrough and gray dust covering the floor. The water quickly became dirty, forcing him to change it twice before the cave was clean again.

He then fetched fresh water and washed his body, removing the sweat and grime from his training. Once he finished, his skin was clean, and the cave was finally back in order.

When he was done, Yu Liang looked into the bronze mirror on the wall. His face was still the same, but there was a subtle change in his eyes. They looked clearer and more focused than before. His features had also become slightly more refined, making him look even more handsome.

His body had changed as well. His muscles were more defined without becoming bulky, giving him a lean, well built physique. His shoulders were broader, his waist firm, and every part of his body looked like a sculpted statue.

He dressed in his robes, tied his hair back, and sat at the low table. His body felt tired, but it was a different kind of exhaustion, one that went deeper than simple physical fatigue. The breakthrough had drained him more than any amount of physical work ever had.

He closed his eyes and sat quietly, not sleeping, simply allowing himself to rest. His Qi moved gently through his body on its own, settling into a calm rhythm that eased some of his fatigue.

An hour passed before he finally stood again. The exhaustion had faded considerably, leaving him feeling somewhat refreshed.

The sun was up by then, its light spilling through the doorway. Yu Liang stepped outside and locked the cave, the jade token glowing faintly as the seal activated.

He had spent much time inside focused on writing the scroll and the breakthrough. Now it was time to see what the outer sect actually looked like.

The southern district seems to be always quiet in morning. Most disciples were either still practicing in their caves or had already left for the training grounds and mission hall. Yu Liang walked along the stone path, taking in the surroundings.

The cave houses were in rows each carved into the hillside with small courtyards. Some had decorations like potted plants, training dummies, and small gardens. Others were empty likely their owners not interested in such things.

He passed several disciples along the way. Most barely noticed him, too absorbed in their own thoughts. A few gave him a nod, while one disciple carrying firewood offered a quick greeting before hurrying on.

The path led to a road that connected the southern district to the rest of the outer sect area. Yu Liang followed it, letting his feet carry him without a plan.

The outside sect was much bigger than he had thought it would be. The training fields covered an entire field that was split up into various parts. Some of the disciples were training their weapons and others sparred in rings while senior disciples watched and corrected their techniques.

Beyond the training grounds was the mission hall, a building with a steady flow of disciples entering and leaving. Notices were posted outside listing tasks and their rewards.

Yu Liang stayed near the entrance for a moment looking at the notices. Most were jobs such as gathering herbs, delivering messages, helping with repairs. A few stood out offering points for harder tasks but he wasn’t ready for those yet.

He moved on.

The market area came next, a collection of stalls and shops selling everything from basic supplies to simple cultivation items.

The smell of grilled meat came from a food stand. Nearby, neatly arranged spiritual herbs were displayed on a wooden counter, each marked with its price.

Yu Liang walked slowly through the market, glancing over the various stalls. The prices were reasonable for outer sect disciples, but nothing here was particularly rare. Most of the items were useless, not meant for serious cultivation.

A shop selling talismans caught his eye. He stepped inside looking at the shelves. Protective charms, fire starting talismans, communication slips—all neatly arranged and labeled.

The shopkeeper, a woman with sharp eyes looked at him but didn’t try to push for a sale. Yu Liang liked that. He remembered the location and left.

Ahead, he spotted a tea house. It was a building open on one side, with low tables and cushions beneath a wide roof. Several disciples sat inside, drinking tea and speaking among themselves.

Yu Liang hesitated before stepping in. He ordered a cup of Cloudmist Tea and sat near the edge, where he could watch the street.

The tea was warm, fragrant and very good. He drank slowly letting the warmth settle in his chest. Around him the conversations were simple like complaining about tasks, gossiping about Holy Maiden, talking about upcoming lectures and many more

After finishing his tea, Yu Liang paid for the cup and left the tea house, feeling refreshed.

[ Ding! Host has spent 20 low grade spiritual stones ]

[ Multiplier Triggered: 560x ]

[ Host receives 11,200 low grade spiritual stones ]

He had seen enough for now. There was still much of the sect left to explore, but he had a general idea of where everything was

When he reached his cave he unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Life in the outer sect was peaceful enough, but standing out was another matter. Competition was fierce, and showing weakness could easily make one a target in this dog-eat-dog world. Especially for someone like him, with no powerful family or background to rely on, every step had to be taken carefully.