Returning to the White Cloud Sect

Bai Jian let out a slow breath, his gaze still fixed on the path the Ironwood Sect disciples had fled. He turned to Wang Shao, his expression resolute. 

"We should head back to the sect and report what happened," he said firmly. 

"The elders need to know about the Zombie Patriarch and the city lord. They'll know what to do about it."

Wang Shao nodded, the gravity of the situation settling over him. "You're right. This isn't something we can keep to ourselves." He glanced back at the ruins one last time, a hint of unease crossing his face. 

Without further delay, the two began their journey back through the forest, navigating the dense undergrowth and winding trails.

As they traveled, Bai Jian felt the lingering energy of his recent breakthrough. His body and spirit felt more aligned than ever before.

With the memories of the Zombie Patriarch's twisted ambition still fresh, he knew he'd face even greater challenges in the future.

It was a harsh reminder of the world he was currently living in. But with his newfound strength and the experience gained in the ruins, he felt more prepared than ever.

Eventually, their steps led them closer to the familiar sanctuary of the White Cloud Sect.

As they approached the gates of the White Cloud Sect, the familiar sight of the towering walls brought a sense of relief. 

Wang Shao turned to Bai Jian with a resolute expression. "I'll go report everything to Elder He and explain what happened on the mission," he said. 

"I'll make sure the rewards are sent your way as soon as I can."

Bai Jian nodded, offering a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Wang Shao."

With that, the two parted ways, each heading in different directions. Bai Jian made his way back to his cave dwelling, the silence helping him ease the tension in the back of his mind.

Once inside, he sat down, reflecting on everything he'd encountered. Now was time to consolidate his cultivation, as well as improve himself for the upcoming tournament within the outer sect.

The tournament would be happening in a week, and all the geniuses of the outer sects would be facing off with each other. The 1st place disciple would receive an Essence Solidification Pill – a pill that helped solidify the creation of the foundation needed to ascend to the Essence Forging Realm.

The top five disciples would also be promoted to the inner sect. Both rewards were something the current Bai Jian could not miss out on.

Determined to seize the opportunity that lay ahead, Bai Jian arranged the Qi Gathering Pills in a neat row before him. He knew this was his chance to elevate himself before the tournament. 

Without hesitation, he took the first pill, feeling its energy dissolve into his body, sending a warm rush through his veins as his qi strengthened.

He remembered the cold, oppressive aura that had hung thick in the air when he'd confronted the Zombie Patriarch. In the midst of that suffocating dread, he'd tapped into a reservoir of courage and power deep within his body. 

Then came the memory of his clash with the Ironwood Sect disciples. Their leader's fierce, arrogant gaze as he had unleashed his attacks flashed by in Bai Jian's mind. The ferocity of that battle had forced him to rely on his wits, using his skills in tandem in a way that he had never done before.

In the heat of the struggle, he'd poured every ounce of his qi into his strikes, channeling his rage and defiance against an enemy who sought to crush him.

The memory of these battles filled him with determination to push forward. He had learned from each experience, his cultivation tempered by hardship and bloodshed.

Every encounter had been a lesson, and these lessons had allowed him to consolidate his understanding of his techniques, his qi flowing stronger and clearer within him.

Taking a steady breath, he settled into his stance, ready to channel all that he had learned into his training.