Cultivation is Creation

The next morning, I stood with Wei Lin and Lin Mei before the great iron gates of the outer disciples' beast grounds, just like we had a week ago.

This time, though, something felt different. Maybe it was the way the morning mist seemed thicker than usual, or how the birds had gone mysteriously quiet. Or maybe I was just being paranoid.

"So," I said, breaking the contemplative silence that had fallen over us, "how do you both feel about hunting something a bit more... challenging today?"

Wei Lin's eyes narrowed immediately. I had to admire his survival instincts – they were definitely improving. "How much more challenging are we talking about?"

I couldn't help but smile. "I was thinking Stage 6 Qi Condensation realm."

Wei Lin's eyes widened so much I worried they might pop out of his head. "Stage 6? You're not even Stage—" He cut himself off abruptly as I released just a tiny fraction of my aura.

"You... you..." Wei Lin sputtered, pointing at me like I'd just grown a second head. "How is this possible? How many breakthroughs is that now?"

I shrugged, carefully restraining my aura again. While it wouldn't fool anyone at or above my level, there was no reason to broadcast my strength to those below my cultivation. Still, I saw no point hiding it from my friends – they'd see it in action soon enough anyway.

Wei Lin dramatically fell to his knees, raising his hands to the heavens. "Thank you, merciful heavens, for blessing this humble cultivator with such a monstrously talented friend!" A few passing disciples gave him odd looks, but most just hurried past, already used to Wei Lin's theatrical tendencies.

Lin Mei rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's theatrics, but I could see the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Congratulations," she said, turning to me with a more serious expression. "But Ke Yin, I know we have the tournament coming up, but you don't need to rush your cultivation just to protect us."

"You don't need to feel guilty," I assured her. "I'm not rushing my cultivation for you."

It was technically true – my rapid advancement was more about survival than anything else. When you're playing in a cultivation world with protagonist-level characters running around, you can't afford to take the scenic route to power.

Lin Mei studied my face for a moment before nodding. "Well, I won't press the issue. You know your limits better than we do." She paused, then added thoughtfully, "Though I am surprised an elder hasn't swooped in to claim you as a disciple yet."

I kept my expression neutral, but internally I was thinking about Elder Chen. If he didn't make his move by the end of the Outer Sect Tournament, I was fairly certain other elders would start showing interest. Though honestly, I preferred Chen Yong – his laid-back attitude and expertise in formations aligned perfectly with my goals.

"Speaking of breakthroughs," I said, changing the subject, "congratulations to you both on reaching Stage 4."

Wei Lin, who had finally picked himself up off the ground, immediately slumped again. "I was so excited to tell you about my breakthrough," he moaned. "Now it feels about as impressive as successfully putting on my shoes in the morning."

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, none of that. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and comparison is the thief of joy." I gestured at the gates before us. "Besides, you're both doing exceptionally well for first-years. How many of our fellow disciples do you see regularly challenging stage 5 beasts?"

"I suppose," Wei Lin admitted, straightening up a bit. "Though I have been spending more time cultivating lately. Seeing you advance so quickly is... motivating."

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I glanced between him and Lin Mei, unable to resist a small smirk. "I don't think you need any extra motivation to dual cultivate."

Lin Mei's face turned an impressive shade of red as she grabbed something from her robes and hurled it at my face. I caught it easily and looked down at what turned out to be a small pouch.

"What's this?" I asked, though I could guess from the weight and the distinctive spiritual resonance.

Lin Mei's blush faded as she composed herself. "Your share from the Jade-Crowned Serpent Tiger corpse."

I opened the pouch and counted – fifty spirit stones. Not bad for a Stage 5 beast, assuming it was split evenly three ways. Though something about Lin Mei's expression made me suspicious.

Before Wei Lin could stop her with his frantic hand gestures, Lin Mei added, "We only took twenty-five spirit stones each."

"Why?" I asked, though I had a feeling I knew the answer.

They spoke in unison: "Without your help, we had no chance of defeating a Stage 5 beast."

I considered arguing but saw the stubborn set of their jaws. Some battles weren't worth fighting. I slipped the pouch into my storage ring with a grateful nod. "Thank you." ＲΆƝÔᛒÈS̩

Wei Lin's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, I heard about Wu Kangming challenging you. Originally, I didn't think you had much chance, but now..." He trailed off, clearly recalculating the odds in his head.

"It's best to stay away from him," Lin Mei advised. "He seems... unstable."

"Actually, I managed to clear up that misunderstanding," I explained. "He doesn't think I'm trying to steal his woman anymore."

"Then why did he challenge you?" Wei Lin asked, baffled.

I shrugged. "Face."

Wei Lin nodded sagely, needing no further explanation.

In sects, "face" explained about ninety percent of otherwise inexplicable conflicts. Sometimes I wondered if there was a cosmic cultivation technique that converted lost face directly into murderous rage.

"The good news is," I added with a smile, "it's not a death match."

Lin Mei released a relieved sigh that probably took years off her cultivation.

I decided it was time to get back to business. "So, about that Stage 6 beast..."

Wei Lin paled slightly. "I won't have to be on the front lines this time, right? I barely managed against the Stage 5, and that was with your help."

"Actually," I said, "I was thinking we'd try something different this time. I'll take point on the attack, while you two provide support."

Wei Lin's relief was almost palpable. "That... that I can do."

I placed my hand on the authentication stone, and the massive gates began to swing open with their usual ominous grinding sound.

This time, we headed deeper into the grounds, though still technically within the outer region. The trees here were older, their trunks wider and their branches more gnarled.

"Azure," I thought, "anything promising?"

"I've located an early Stage 6 beast about half a kilometer ahead," Azure replied. Then his tone changed. "Wait... something's wrong."

"What is it?"

"The beast... it's fleeing. As if its life depends on it."

That... was not good. Spirit beasts, especially at higher stages, weren't known for running away without good reason. "What's causing it?"

"There's a peak Stage 6 heading this way."

I considered this. Not ideal, but not impossible either. With my current capabilities, I could probably handle a Stage 7 if I had to. "That doesn't sound too bad—"

"That's not the concerning part," Azure cut in. "There are multiple Stage 5 beasts following it. And more at Stages 4 and 3."

My eyes widened. A horde. Spirit beasts normally didn't cooperate across different stages unless they were a pack or…something was controlling them.

"Do we have time to escape?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"You might," Azure replied. "Your friends won't."

I turned to Wei Lin and Lin Mei, who had stopped to look back at me.

"What's wrong?" Lin Mei asked, instantly alert.

I reached into my storage ring, pulling out my formation equipment. The Symphony Shield formation was complex, but it was easier to draw than weave. "There's a beast horde heading our way."

"What are you doing?" Wei Lin's voice rose in pitch. "We need to run!"

"No time," I said, continuing to draw the formation patterns. The lines began to glow with spiritual power as I channeled energy into them. "This formation should protect us."

I could feel them wanting to argue, but they must have seen something in my expression that made them hold their tongues. Good. I needed to concentrate.

The Symphony Shield formation was a masterpiece if I do so say myself, but like all masterpiece, it took time to create.

"Ke Yin..." Lin Mei's voice was barely a whisper as she pointed into the mist.

I'd just finished inscribing the final line when the mist before us seemed to thicken and darken, swirling into an ominous mass. Then, one by one, red eyes began to appear in the darkness. Dozens of them.

At their center, something moved – something big. As it emerged from the swirling darkness, I realized we might be in more trouble than I'd thought.

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