Returning to Yunxiao Sect

After becoming an Honorary Elder of Wind Thunder Cave, Wang Quan's status within the Rogue Cultivators Alliance had undergone a significant transformation. The resources of Wind Thunder Cave were now fully open to him, allowing him access to cultivation materials and support thanks to his new position.

However, Wang Quan did not allow himself to become complacent. After the recent trials, he understood deeply that strength was the foundation of everything on the path of cultivation. Now that he had successfully broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, he was no longer the small cultivator in the Qi Refining stage he once was. Having reached this level, he knew it was time to return to Yunxiao Sect and see how things had changed.

Standing on the cliff edge of Wind Thunder Cave, Wang Quan gazed into the distance. It had been some time since he left the sect, and since joining the Rogue Cultivators Alliance, countless events had occurred, leaving him no opportunity to check on the state of his sect. Now, with the confidence of his Foundation Establishment cultivation, he felt stronger and more assured. Especially with his Qingjian Master still within Yunxiao Sect, he had missed his master's teachings during their time apart.

"It's time to return and take a look," Wang Quan muttered softly to himself.

However, as an Honorary Elder of the Rogue Cultivators Alliance, returning to the sect casually wouldn't be appropriate. Therefore, he sought out an opportunity by accepting an external task. This mission was nominally about investigating some spiritual fluctuations in a nearby mountain range, but in reality, it served as a way for him to leave Wind Thunder Cave and return to Yunxiao Sect.

With Feng Ming Daoist's help, Wang Quan quickly secured the mission and, after bidding farewell, set off on his journey back to the sect.

Throughout the journey, Wang Quan remained highly vigilant. Relations between sects and rogue cultivators were always delicate, especially considering the frequent conflicts between Yunlan Mountain and the Rogue Cultivators Alliance. Wang Quan had no desire to be entangled in these political struggles prematurely.

A few days later, Wang Quan finally returned to the familiar gates of Yunxiao Sect.

The sect gates stood tall and imposing as ever, shrouded in mist, with disciples moving to and fro, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Everything seemed unchanged from when he had left, but Wang Quan, now standing as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, perceived things differently. He had made great progress since the last time he was here, both in strength and status.

"This time, I return not as the Qi Refining disciple I once was," Wang Quan reflected, his heart filled with a sense of maturity and calmness that came with his cultivation breakthrough.

Stepping through the gates, he made his way toward the inner sect. Along the way, he noticed many disciples casting curious glances at him, some filled with surprise and confusion. It was clear that some recognized him but hadn't expected him to have advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"That's Senior Brother Wang Quan! He's reached Foundation Establishment!"

"No wonder we haven't seen much of him lately—he must have been out adventuring and broke through."

The sounds of hushed conversations reached his ears, but Wang Quan maintained a composed expression, quickening his pace as he headed toward his master's mountain peak.

The peak where Qingjian Master resided was as tranquil as ever, with the wind gently blowing, carrying a faint sword aura in the air. Wang Quan's heart warmed as memories of his days training in swordsmanship here resurfaced. His resolve strengthened, and the Five Elements Disc in his hand hummed faintly as his spiritual energy circulated within him.

"Master..."

Wang Quan stood at the entrance to Qingjian Peak, took a deep breath, and stepped forward.

Soon after entering the peak, Wang Quan sensed a familiar aura of sword intent—Qingjian Master was seated in meditation, cultivating.

"Disciple Wang Quan pays his respects to Master," Wang Quan greeted, stepping forward and bowing deeply.

Qingjian Master slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with both admiration and surprise. He studied Wang Quan for a moment, sensing the surge of spiritual energy within him, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Wang Quan, you've broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage," Qingjian Master's voice carried a tone of affirmation and joy, his eyes reflecting his pride in Wang Quan's progress.

Wang Quan nodded slightly and replied respectfully, "Yes, Master. During my time adventuring, I was fortunate enough to break through to Foundation Establishment. I've returned now to seek your guidance."

Qingjian Master rose, his gaze filled with approval. "Well done. To achieve Foundation Establishment in such a short time, it seems your cultivation path is becoming more stable. Now that you've entered the Foundation Establishment stage, your journey in the way of the sword is just beginning. The next step is to fuse your swordsmanship with the spiritual energy of this stage and elevate your swordsmanship to new heights."

His words were gentle, filled with encouragement and anticipation.

Wang Quan felt his confidence grow under his master's approval. Reflecting on his recent experiences, especially those at Wind Thunder Cave, he knew that the path of cultivation was not smooth, but it was one that required a firm foundation at every step.

"I understand, Master. I won't disappoint your expectations," Wang Quan said with conviction.

Qingjian Master nodded in satisfaction and, with a wave of his hand, a beam of sword light cut through the air and landed before Wang Quan.

"While I was away dealing with the evil spirits, your senior brother passed down the techniques. Now, I will give you the next section of the 'Qingjian Sword Art' to study. You have already grasped the essence of swordsmanship, but now, you must integrate it with your Foundation Establishment cultivation to push your swordsmanship to greater heights."

Wang Quan accepted the sword manual, feeling a surge of determination. Cultivation in the Foundation Establishment stage was a new beginning, and this return to the sect was not only to resolve personal matters but also to lay the groundwork for his future cultivation.

"However, the internal situation of Yunxiao Sect is becoming complicated. Even though you've reached Foundation Establishment, do not be reckless. You, Li Cang, and You have all made significant progress in cultivation, and they will be among the opponents you'll face in the near future," Qingjian Master reminded sternly.

Wang Quan nodded. He understood that with Li Cang and You also breaking through to Foundation Establishment, a new confrontation was inevitable. His unresolved conflict with Li Cang, in particular, meant that the sect would likely not remain peaceful for long.

"I understand, Master. I will proceed with caution in the days to come," Wang Quan replied, resolving in his heart that now, with his breakthrough, he would no longer be at the mercy of others as he once was.

Qingjian Master gave a slight nod, his eyes reflecting deeper meaning. Now that Wang Quan had entered the Foundation Establishment stage, much of his cultivation journey would be one he would have to navigate on his own.

"For now, return and focus on mastering your sword techniques. Prepare yourself well for the challenges ahead."