Chapter 117: Surprise, I Leveled Up!

Chapter 117: Surprise, I Leveled Up!

Their reactions were priceless.

After pulling out the Golden Bamboo seeds from my storage ring, I could barely contain my grin as Han Wei and Li Na tilted their heads at the small, unassuming seeds in their glass display. I explained my quest to revive the long-lost species, and how I’d been entrusted with their cultivation. The way their eyes widened told me all I needed to know—they were impressed.

But the real fun began when I brought out the Two-Star Pagoda Pill Furnace. The moment it appeared, I could see the curiosity in their expressions, but that curiosity quickly shifted to something else as I tried to explain the nuances of its operation.

“See, the furnace is designed with a dual-layer qi compression system that allows for more precise temperature control during refinement,” I began, my enthusiasm barely contained. “And the thousand-page manual it came with is crucial for understanding the full range of its capabilities—”

Their eyes glazed over almost immediately.

I tried not to laugh as they nodded along, clearly lost somewhere around the mention of “dual-layer qi compression.”

Li Na shot Han Wei a glance and he just shrugged, looking just as bewildered.

I sighed, deciding to spare them further details. “Basically, it’s a really advanced pill furnace. Way more efficient than anything I’ve used before.”

“That’s...nice, Kai,” She managed, though I could tell she was still trying to process everything I’d said. Han Wei just gave me a thumbs up, clearly out of his depth.

But it wasn’t until I suggested we spar that I saw their biggest surprise yet.

"Are you sure, Kai? You just got back from... well, everything. Maybe sparring after a long trip and all that isn't the best idea?"

I flashed him a confident grin. "Nonsense! I'm feeling invigorated. Besides," I added with a wink, "I've got a few new tricks up my sleeve."

We moved to a clearing in the bamboo forest, the crisp winter air biting at our cheeks. After a few light jabs and parries, I decided to unleash the surprise.

“Rooted Banyan Stance!”

His palm strike landed with a resounding thud, but I stood firm, rooted like an ancient tree. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he didn't hesitate, launching a swift kick aimed at my legs.

Again, I held my ground, the impact barely registering. Then another strike, and another. With each blow, their astonishment grew.

Each time, I could see their shock growing as they realized I wasn’t tiring out. I kept using the Rooted Banyan Stance, demonstrating the sheer increase in my qi reserves.

“Wait a minute,” Li Na said, rising from where she sat. “How are you not exhausted by now? You’ve used that stance so many times...”

I let the stance dissipate, a smug grin replacing my earlier concentration. "My qi reserves have expanded a bit," I said, trying to sound casual. "Fourth rank of Qi Initiation Stage, to be precise."

Their jaws practically hit the floor. For a moment, they just stared at me, completely speechless. Then Han Wei burst out laughing, shaking his head in disbelief.

Han Wei’s laughter rang out across the training grounds, a genuine, hearty sound that was contagious. "Kai, did you find some legendary pill lying on the ground during the Gauntlet? Because this is insane!"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Nothing so dramatic. I just refined a potent elixir from a couple of Wind Serpent beast cores. Split it with Tianyi and Windy, too."

Li Na's eyes widened. "Wait, you said cores? Plural?"

I nodded, a smug grin spreading across my face. "Yep, two of them. The first from the wager, and the other was a... gift from the Silent Moon Sect. Guess they wanted to rub in how I lost during the Gauntlet. I can show you guys the letter Elder—no, Sect Leader Jun, sent with it."

Han Wei shrugged. “That’s true, but we're strong. We won't fall short against the other sects!”

His confidence was like a bonfire on a cold night, bright and reassuring, but I knew better than to let its warmth lull me into complacency. The Verdant Lotus was strong, yes, but I had seen the rising stars of other sects—their potential as vast as the heavens.

The Silent Moon was a storm gathering on the horizon, its power undeniable. Ping Hai, several years younger than me, yet with a physique that seemed carved from divine stone. Xu Ziqing, the blade that had cut through the Wind Serpents in Qingmu like a scythe through wheat. And then there was Tian Zhan, the genius whose light eclipsed all others in the Whispering Wind Sect. I rubbed my arm, the memory of his strength still fresh, a reminder that the path ahead was fraught with challenges.

Even as I grew, so did they. The river of time flowed ever forward, and I couldn’t afford to be a pebble swept away in its current. I had to be a boulder, unmoving, resolute.

Li Na’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, her tone almost reverent. “We’re really fortunate, you know? To start cultivating in a time when growth is... well, easier than it’s ever been.”

She was right—this was a time of opportunity, but with opportunity came uncertainty. The status quo, long held in place like ancient stone, was now crumbling, its pieces falling into an abyss of unknown depth. The province, the sects, the very balance of power—all of it was shifting like sand in the wind, and there was no telling where it would land.

A sense of resolve settled over me. I couldn’t just sit back and let this moment pass. I had to do something to ensure we, the Verdant Lotus Sect, and my friends could not just survive but thrive in this changing world.

I straightened, my decision made. “I’m going back to the Pavilion,” I said, the determination clear in my voice.

They both looked at me, their curiosity piqued.

“What for?” Han Wei asked.

“Healing hydrosol. It's not all-powerful like the beast core elixir, but it'll accelerate your training and hopefully help the sect maintain their position during these times.”

His brows furrowed in confusion. “Healing hydrosol?”

Li Na, on the other hand, nodded in understanding. “You mean the one you made before the Gauntlet, right? The one that worked wonders on wounds?”

“Exactly,” I confirmed. “But this time, I’m going to refine it further, make it even better. If the sect has something like this, it could make a real difference, especially if things get as hectic as they seem to be.”

Han Wei’s expression cleared as he grasped the importance. “That’s a good idea, Kai. With everything that’s happening, we’re going to need every advantage we can get.”

Li Na’s eyes softened as she looked at me, a small smile playing on her lips. “You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you? You’re not just thinking about yourself—you’re thinking about all of us.”

I shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed under her gaze. “We’re all in this together, right? Besides, it’s not just about making something useful. It’s about being ready for whatever comes next.”

Han Wei thumped me on the back, his usual exuberance returning. “Well, if you’re going to be in the Pavilion, then maybe I’ll stop by and see if I can learn a thing or two! And who knows, maybe I’ll get inspired and create something amazing myself!”

Li Na rolled her eyes, but there was affection in her teasing. “Sure, Han Wei. Just don’t blow up the Pavilion while you’re at it.”

I chuckled at their banter, feeling a warmth in my chest. These were my friends, my comrades. And amid all this uncertainty, it was good to know I wasn’t alone.

“Alright,” I said, turning to leave. “I’ll see you two later. And don’t worry—I’ll make sure this hydrosol is something worth bragging about.”

As I walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The future was uncertain, yes, but that didn’t mean it was out of my control. There were things I could do, steps I could take to prepare.

And if the world was going to change, then I would make sure I was ready to change with it.