In the early morning of the next day, the mournful toll of the bell echoed throughout the Blood Moon Sect, announcing the deaths of Senior Disciple Zhao Feng and his followers. The disciples gathered with faces full of confusion and fear. No one had expected that a talented disciple like Zhao Feng would die so suddenly.
Li Xiuwen stood silently among the other disciples, his face as still as a stone. There was no trace of fear or guilt in his eyes. He listened attentively to the elder's announcement before looking at the other disciples who were conversing in hushed, fearful tones.
"They say that Senior Brother Zhao Feng and the others were attacked by spirit beasts in the forest," one disciple whispered, his voice trembling.
"Really? Is there a spirit beast in that forest that strong?" another replied in shock.
Li Xiuwen did not participate in their conversations. He knew the truth, and he was certain that no one could trace it back to him, as all the evidence had been carefully staged.
Zhao Feng's death did not make Li Xiuwen feel regret, but instead was like a revelation that made him realize the cruel truth of this world. To survive in a world where only the strong can endure, he could not rely solely on his imperfect technique.
"If I were to flee the sect now, with my Qi Condensation cultivation... it would be no different than seeking my own death."
He thought carefully. He knew that the world outside the sect was vast and full of dangers. If he were to leave now, he would be no different from prey walking toward a predator. He still had much to do to become stronger.
His goal changed. From simply wanting to leave the sect, he now had a clearer objective: to reach the "Foundation Establishment" stage first.
But to do that was not easy. His beginner-level Qi was not enough to cultivate quickly. He needed some resources to aid in his cultivation, and those resources were not to be found in the library he was so familiar with.
In the afternoon of that same day, Li Xiuwen made up his mind to act. He walked toward the sect's herb hall, where all the herbs and ingredients for cultivation were stored. In his mind, a plan was slowly beginning to form.
He knew that the herb hall was constantly guarded, and it would not be easy for anyone to get in unnoticed. But he did not care, for he had no other choice. The path to immortality was not paved with roses, and if reaching that goal meant he had to be a thief, then so be it.