A Test of Resolve

Inside his dimly lit room, Bai Jian took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared to cultivate the White Mist Step. He reminded himself that he had no cheats to rely on — only his own willpower and the newfound talent he possessed due to the merging of his souls.

"This isn't going to be easy," he thought, stretching his legs and loosening his arms. "But if I can master even the basics, it'll be worth it."

Each technique has three levels of mastery:

Initial Mastery:

At this foundational level, the cultivator grasps the basic form, structure, and movements of the technique but has yet to achieve smooth execution. 

The practitioner is still learning to synchronize their qi with each movement, and their control may be uneven or imprecise. 

Initial Mastery often requires repetition and close attention to correct posture, rhythm, and energy flow, as the cultivator familiarizes themselves with the technique's core principles.

At this stage, the cultivator lays the groundwork for deeper mastery, building the foundation necessary to advance further.

Profound Mastery:

At this level, the practitioner's control over the technique allows him to execute it more naturally, adapting it to different situations. 

Movements flow seamlessly as the practitioner adapts the technique to various situations with flexibility and precision. 

Their control over qi becomes more refined, allowing them to wield the technique with greater power, speed, or subtlety depending on their needs. 

Mastery at this stage also means fewer errors and a noticeable increase in the technique's effectiveness, as the cultivator aligns more closely with the technique's intent and rhythm.

True Mastery:

At the pinnacle of mastery, the cultivator has achieved complete harmony with the technique. Every motion, whether rapid or subtle, becomes effortless and natural, as if the technique is an extension of their own body and spirit. 

Their control over qi reaches such a refined level that they can perform the technique with minimal exertion and maximum effect, adapting to unpredictable conditions with ease. 

The technique's true potential is unlocked at this level, often revealing abilities or effects that remain hidden to those who haven't yet reached True Mastery. 

In this state, the practitioner performs the technique with both grace and overwhelming power, capable of reaching the heights originally intended by the technique's creator.

He began by reviewing the movements outlined in the scroll, positioning his feet and distributing his weight as described. 

The first steps of the White Mist Step required him to channel his qi while shifting his balance lightly between his feet, mimicking the gentle drift of mist across the ground. 

Yet as he attempted the initial moves, his steps felt heavy, and his qi was slow to follow, uncooperative and uneven.

"So this is what they meant by 'delicate,'" he mused, frustration flickering in his mind.

"I thought my qi control was decent, but this technique demands something entirely different. It's like trying to guide water through a maze of paper-thin walls."

He tried again, focusing on refining his qi flow, aligning it with his movements. After a few minutes, he could feel his qi beginning to respond, flowing a little more smoothly with each step. But his form was still clumsy, and each misstep left his balance faltering. Every so often, he stumbled, realizing how far he was from true fluidity.

"No, this isn't right," he thought, gritting his teeth. "I need to focus on breathing — on feeling each shift in my weight, each trace of qi."

He inhaled slowly, visualizing himself as a mist in motion, his energy flowing like water over rocks, calm and unhindered. With each repetition, he began to feel a faint rhythm, as though the technique were trying to reveal itself through the smallest movements. His steps became lighter, and his movements began to lose some of their rigidity.

Hours passed, and beads of sweat formed along his brow as he worked through the routine again and again, refusing to relent. Yet with every cycle, his control grew slightly sharper, and his qi felt a bit more responsive.

"I'm nowhere near mastery," he admitted to himself, "but I can feel something starting to take shape. This… this is progress."

At last, he paused, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The initial mastery of White Mist Step felt distant, but Bai Jian could sense the foundations settling within him. Each small improvement was a step closer to achieving the technique's true essence, and with enough practice, he knew he could make it his own.

With quiet determination, he closed his eyes, vowing to return to his cultivation at first light. 

"One step at a time," he thought. "I'll master this technique, no matter how long it takes."

With his Heaven-Shattering Fist at initial mastery and his White Mist Step beginning to take form, Bai Jian felt like it was now time to go on a mission to test out his limits. He knew that truly strong cultivators went through hardships, he couldn't just stay at home and expect to improve.

….

As dawn broke over the White Cloud Sect, Bai Jian made his way to the mission hall.

He entered the hall, scanning the board with interest until his eyes landed on a mission notice for the Twilight Orchid, a rare herb that only bloomed in the depths of the Yinwu Forest. 

Unlike the Yang Root herbs, which could be found in the forest's outer regions, the Twilight Orchid was nestled in areas teeming with stronger spirit beasts, and its collection was known to be dangerous. 

The mission was marked for groups only, and the reward was enticing — enough contribution points to make it worth the risk.

Bai Jian approached the counter, where Elder He was once again overseeing the mission assignments. Noticing Bai Jian's gaze on the Twilight Orchid notice, the elder raised an eyebrow.

"Aiming for the Twilight Orchid, are we?" Elder He remarked, his tone both surprised and questioning.

"Yes, Elder," Bai Jian replied, bowing respectfully. "I believe I'm ready for it."

The elder gave a small nod, though his eyes were sharp.

 "It's not an easy task, especially for someone still at the earlier levels of Qi Condensation realm. But…" He trailed off, then pointed to a nearby group of outer disciples who were talking amongst themselves. 

"That group over there is preparing for the same mission. They might be willing to take you along."

Bai Jian glanced over at the group. Most of them wore expressions of determination, while a few looked his way with open skepticism. He steeled himself and approached them.

"Excuse me," he began, his tone polite. "I'm also interested in joining the Twilight Orchid mission. If you need an extra set of hands, I'd like to contribute."

Several of the disciples looked him up and down, assessing him with raised eyebrows. One of them, a tall boy with narrowed eyes, scoffed slightly. 

"Aren't you Bai Jian from the Bai Clan? I heard your reputation doesn't exactly match up to your name," he muttered, his tone dismissive.

Before Bai Jian could respond, another voice cut in. "Enough, Shen Liang," the speaker said firmly. A young man stepped forward, his expression calm but kind. 

"If Bai Jian is willing to put in the effort, he's welcome to join us. We need to work as a team, and anyone who's willing to help is an asset."

The speaker was none other than Li Feng, a well-regarded outer disciple at the 9th Level of Qi Condensation, known for his strength and fairness. Li Feng offered Bai Jian a slight smile, nodding in approval.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Li Feng," Bai Jian said, bowing his head respectfully.

Li Feng gestured to the rest of the group. "We'll need everyone to be focused on this mission. The Twilight Orchid isn't easy to reach, and the spirit beasts in the Yinwu Forest's deeper regions are far more aggressive than those near the outskirts. Stay alert, and remember — we'll all have each other's backs."

The other disciples murmured their agreement, though some still eyed Bai Jian warily. He could feel the weight of their judgment, but he remained undeterred. 

"This is just another chance to prove myself," he thought, his resolve hardening. 

He wouldn't let their doubt affect him. After all, the Twilight Orchid mission was the perfect opportunity to test the limits of his White Mist Step.