Dark Banners

Time passes, and Li Wei's proficiency with the bow improves. The arrows fly true, each one more powerful than the last. He feels a sense of accomplishment, knowing he is adding a valuable attack to his repertoire. The practice helps to clear his mind.

Finally, he sets the bow aside and stretches, feeling the fatigue in his muscles. The cave is dim, the light from outside fading. He takes one last look at his reflection in the pail of water.

Li Wei sits in his cave, contemplating his next move. The Internal Affairs Hall looms large in his thoughts. "I have to report the mission's failure," he thinks, feeling a mix of dread and determination. "But now that I've reached Foundation Establishment, maybe they won't be so quick to punish me."

The newfound strength gives him a sliver of hope. "They might see me differently now. Foundation Establishment isn't a small achievement." He knows the risks but decides it's worth it. "I need to get my status confirmed, no more sect assessments hanging over my head."

His thoughts wander to the possible reactions. "They could be lenient or they could be harsh. But hiding isn't an option. I need to face this head-on."

The decision made, he feels a bit more at ease. "I'll go now. Better to get it over with." 

He stands, stretching his limbs and shaking off the lingering exhaustion. The reflection in the water still haunts him, but he pushes it aside, focusing on the task ahead. He gathers his belongings and steps out of the cave. The journey to the Internal Affairs Hall is one filled with anticipation and a tinge of dread.

The sect grounds are busy, disciples bustling about their duties. Li Wei keeps his head down, blending into the crowd as best as he can. He remains cautious. He approaches the hall, its imposing structure a constant reminder of the power it holds over the sect members.

As he enters, the hall is quiet, a stark contrast to the activity outside. He steps forward, his footsteps echoing on the stone floor.

Li Wei approaches the Internal Affairs Hall, noticing a group of Qi Cultivation disciples ahead of him. He keeps a low profile, blending in and waiting patiently as the line slowly diminishes. The atmosphere is tense, each disciple's nervousness palpable.

Two disciples in front of him exchange hushed whispers. "Did you hear about Ming? He found a rare herb on the mountain and sold it for ten gold," one says, his voice tinged with envy.

"Ten gold? That's insane," the other replies, eyes wide. "We've been searching for weeks and found nothing."

Another disciple joins in, shaking his head. "Lucky bastard. If I had that kind of luck, I wouldn't be standing here worrying about my next mission."

The first disciple scoffs. "Luck or not, it just shows how unfair things can be."

Li Wei listens, keeping his expression neutral.

Finally, it's his turn. He steps forward, presenting his token to the senior disciple behind the desk. "Junior brother, Li Wei, reporting back from a sect mission."

The senior disciple takes the token and looks up. "Which mission?"

"Taxation of Xianyang," Li Wei replies.

The senior disciple flicks through the ledger, his brow furrowing as he reads. "Where are the other two?"

Li Wei remains composed. "I don't know, senior. They are probably dead. We were attacked by a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the White Crane Sect."

The senior disciple bursts out laughing, a harsh sound echoing in the hall. Li Wei's eyes narrow slightly, but he maintains his calm demeanour. The laughter subsides, and the senior disciple shakes his head, still chuckling.

Li Wei stands before the official, who looks up with a smirk. "It's so funny when they send Qi cultivators out," he says, chuckling.

Li Wei clears his throat. "I have now broken through to Foundation Establishment, Senior."

The official's expression changes instantly, his face dropping. "Oh, sorry about that, brother. I was just joking."

Li Wei nods. "No problem. I broke through after running from the White Crane senior. Facing him must have given me cultivation insights leading to a breakthrough."

"Ah, how fortunate for you," the official responds, recovering his composure. "Well, I see no reason why you can't have your share of the reward here." He hands Li Wei a grade 1 pill.

Li Wei thinks, "I don't know if he gave it out of embarrassment or what, but I'm not rejecting grade 1 pills."

Nearby, two disciples exchange glances, whispering, "Did you hear that? He broke through to Foundation Establishment."

Li Wei accepts it, bowing slightly. "Thank you, senior."

The official nods. "Go to the registrar and let them know of your ascension. Congratulations again, junior brother."

Nearby, two disciples exchange glances, whispering, "Did you hear that? He broke through to Foundation Establishment."

Li Wei nods once more and turns, making his way to the registrar's office. The sun filters through the windows of the hall, casting patterns on the floor. The atmosphere inside is a mix of solemnity and hustle, with disciples busy with their tasks.

He reaches the registrar, who glances up as he approaches. "State your business," the registrar says, his voice flat and professional.

"I have broken through to Foundation Establishment and am here to register my new status," Li Wei replies, maintaining his composure.

The registrar looks him over, a slight furrow in his brow. "Let's see, shall we?" He opens a ledger and starts flipping through the pages, scanning for Li Wei's name.

The registrar places a hand on Li Wei's shoulder, sending a shiver down his spine as memories of the sect assessments flood back. "Congratulations, brother," the registrar says, his grip firm. He then calls out, "Slave!"

A servant hurries over, bowing deeply. "Gather the reward for the new inner disciple," the registrar commands. The servant nods quickly and scurries away, returning with items cradled in his arms.

The registrar points to the items. "Here are your robe and two grade 1 pills."

Li Wei accepts the items, bowing slightly. "Thank you, senior."

The registrar adds, "Return in a month for the Bái Gǔ in the main hall. And remember, you're on your own now. No monthly allowance of bone pills."

Li Wei is confused, unsure what the Bái Gǔ entails, but he says nothing.

Li Wei feels a surge of excitement, thinking to himself, "Getting three grade 1 pills after reaching Foundation Establishment is not bad at all."

Nearby, two Qi cultivators whisper to each other, casting envious glances at Li Wei.

"Did you see? He got promoted to Foundation Establishment," one mutters.

"Shut the fuck up, do you want to get us killed," the other replies, bitterness evident in his tone.

Li Wei keeps his gaze forward, determined not to draw unnecessary attention. The murmurs of jealousy around him blend into the background as the two Qi cultivators continue their conversation.

"I can't believe he's already Foundation Establishment," one says, shaking his head.

"Some people get all the luck," the other grumbles. 

Li Wei walks away, the voices fading as he moves toward his cave. The month ahead is clear in his mind: mastering his new techniques and preparing for the Bái Gǔ. The thought of what the Bái Gǔ might be nags at him, but he pushes it aside. 

Li Wei contemplates the three grade 1 pills in his possession. "Should I keep these for trading or consume them?" he wonders. Considering his current strength as the weakest among Foundation Establishment cultivators, he decides it's best to use them. Over the course of the month, he consumes the pills, one by one, hoping for a significant boost in power. However, the change is minimal, with only a slight increase in his strength.

Li Wei spends his time inside his cave, diligently trying the Silent Water Technique and the Moon Blade. 

Li Wei sits cross-legged in his cave, the silence enveloping him. The system's suggestion for the 'Silent Water Technique' lingers in his mind. He frowns, realising he doesn't know how to inscribe the runes. "I'll have to keep an eye out for any manuals in the market," he thinks.

He shifts his attention to the Moon Blade technique. Standing up, he extends his fingers, focusing his qi. A faint, crescent-shaped blade begins to form at his fingertips but dissipates almost immediately. He tries again, concentrating harder, but the result is the same. The blade lacks the sharpness and intensity he saw from the White Crane cultivator.

Frustration builds. "Why can't I get this right?" He tries various hand movements, adjusting his stance, but nothing seems to work. Hours pass, and the cave fills with the sounds of his repeated attempts and failures.

Finally, he gives up, sinking to the ground. The Moon Blade technique is beyond his current abilities. His thoughts turn back to the system's suggestion. If he can figure out those runes, he might at least improve his qi absorption. 

The days blend together as Li Wei immerses himself in his cultivation practices. A month passes.

Li Wei makes his way to the central area of the Bone Ash Sect, where the main hall is located. The hall is an imposing structure, far grander than anything he has seen before. Massive stone pillars, carved with intricate patterns of writhing serpents and skeletal figures, support a vaulted ceiling that seems to stretch endlessly upward. Dark banners hang from the walls, their surfaces embroidered with the sect's emblem in shimmering silver thread.

As he approaches the hall, the sheer scale of the place becomes apparent. The doors, towering and made of dark, polished wood, are adorned with metal fittings that glint ominously in the low light. The atmosphere is thick with a palpable sense of power and foreboding.