After the outer elder's intervention, Lin Yuan felt the need for a place where he could train freely, away from prying eyes. The Azure Cloud Sect was full of observers, and even minor mistakes could attract attention. He needed isolation—a place where he could fully harness his system upgrades and cultivate at his own pace.
Wandering along a quiet path near the edge of the sect, he discovered a narrow trail winding into the mountains. The system buzzed softly. [Hidden Area Detected – Potential for accelerated cultivation] Lin Yuan's eyes lit up. He followed the path, careful to avoid branches and rocks that could leave traces.
After half an hour, he reached a small valley concealed by cliffs and dense foliage. A crystal-clear stream ran through the center, reflecting the sunlight. The air was crisp, carrying a faint pulse of spiritual energy. It was perfect.
Lin Yuan entered the valley, kneeling by the stream to test the energy flow. The currents of spiritual energy were subtle but consistent. Using the system's guidance, he began to circulate his cultivation throughout his body, refining the Body Tempering techniques he had just enhanced.
[System Update: Environment Bonus – Energy absorption increased by 15%]
[Training Efficiency: Maximum]
Hours passed unnoticed. Each strike, each movement, each meditation session was guided by the system, correcting his posture, refining his circulation, and analyzing potential improvements in real time. Lin Yuan felt his body and mind growing stronger with every repetition.
Occasionally, he tested his combat skills on small animals in the valley—birds, foxes, and the occasional mountain hare. None were harmed permanently; he merely gauged his strength, practiced precision, and improved speed. The system rewarded him consistently for efficient, controlled training.
By evening, Lin Yuan had grown noticeably stronger. His muscles were more defined, his reflexes sharper, and his awareness of surrounding energy far beyond what a normal outer disciple could achieve. The hidden valley, combined with the system, had transformed it into a personal cultivation sanctuary.
Lin Yuan leaned against a rock, looking at the stream. The trial was ongoing, but with this secret training ground, he would soon surpass even the strongest outer disciples. The system had provided a minor spirit artifact, combat analysis, and now, a perfect environment. He smiled faintly.
The path ahead was clear: train, grow, and dominate. In a few days, the Outer Sect Trial would continue, and Lin Yuan intended to leave a mark that no one in the sect would ever forget.
[Quest Update: Secret Training Ground Established – Efficiency Boost Active]
Lin Yuan stood, his eyes sharp and calculating. The sect may have rules, rivals, and schemes, but with the system guiding him, he was untouchable in his sanctuary. The next phase of the trial was approaching, and he would be ready.