Mediocre Comprehension?

Jo Yuan sat on a rocky outcrop near the training grounds of the MoonShadow sect. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sprawling landscape. He had reached the 9th stage of qi refining, but now, he faced a new challenge: gathering contribution points as an outer disciple. He needed a plan, and fast.

He pondered the tasks available for outer disciples. Hunting qi-building beasts was a common way to earn points, but Jo Yuan wanted to be more efficient. He recalled how many disciples often teamed up for such tasks, which was usually safer but slower. He decided to go solo. Jo Yuan realized that hunting alone would not only allow him to gather points more quickly but also increase his strength through constant combat experience.

He made a list of the tasks. First, he could hunt the Silverfang Wolves that roamed the nearby woods. They were fierce, but he knew their habits well. Second, he considered the Mystic Serpents that slithered near the river, known for their speed and agility. Both beasts had valuable qi that he could absorb after defeating them, which would help him refine his skills further.

The next day, Jo Yuan ventured into the woods, armed with his trusted spear. He tracked the Silverfang Wolves for hours, waiting patiently. When he finally spotted them, he moved swiftly and silently. The hunt was intense; he fought fiercely, using his expert stage techniques to deliver precise strikes. When the last wolf fell, he felt a surge of elation. He could already imagine the contribution points adding up.

Jo Yuan returned to the sect with his spoils, and excitement bubbled inside him. As he reported his success, he noticed other disciples looking on with envy. It was a good feeling. He decided that he would continue this solo path for the rest of the year, hunting various beasts and gathering points.

While focusing on his tasks, Jo Yuan also knew he needed to improve his foundation. He walked into the Technique Hall one afternoon, determined to find a moon-type foundation technique that aligned with his blood spiritual root. He had learned that such a technique could amplify his abilities significantly.

He browsed through the shelves filled with scrolls, feeling the energy radiating from them. When he found the Lunar Harmony Technique, he felt an inexplicable connection. The scroll described how it harmonized with one's spirit and enhanced qi control. He could not reveal the true nature of his blood's spiritual root, but he knew this was the technique he needed. After paying the required points, he tucked the scroll into his robe with excitement.

By the end of the year, Jo Yuan had accumulated a significant amount of contribution points. Through his solo hunts, he had gathered enough to surpass the points of many other disciples. He remembered how he had fought the Mystic Serpents, barely escaping with his life but gaining invaluable experience.

The final tally came to two hundred and fifty contribution points. The sect's leader praised his efforts during the yearly meeting, noting how impressive it was for a new outer disciple. Jo Yuan felt pride swell within him, knowing that his hard work had paid off. He had planned efficiently, fought courageously, and purchased the right technique that aligned with his hidden potential.

...

Forty years had passed since Jo Yuan began his journey in the MoonShadow sect. As he walked through the familiar grounds, he noticed how much had changed. Shen and Wu, his old friends, had grown stronger and were now in the foundation realm. Their progress made him feel both proud and envious.

One day, Jo Yuan met Shen and Wu by the training grounds. Shen, with his bright green eyes and confident stance, explained how they managed to break through. "We found a special foundation item," he said, excitement sparkling in his voice. "It was called the Emerald Heartstone. It resonated perfectly with our green spiritual roots."

Wu chimed in, her long black hair swaying as she spoke. "It helped us build a strong foundation. We meditated with it daily, letting its energy flow into us. That connection made all the difference." Jo Yuan listened closely, feeling a mix of admiration and longing.

Meanwhile, he felt stuck at the peak of the qi refining realm. Despite practicing tirelessly, he had not yet reached the foundation realm. As he observed Shen and Wu, he began to question himself. Was it his understanding of the techniques that were mediocre?

Jo Yuan thought back to his training. He remembered how he often rushed through his exercises, focusing more on power than on understanding. He needed to slow down, reflect, and truly comprehend the principles behind his techniques. "I must find a mentor," he decided, realizing that he needed guidance to move forward. He also planned to meditate more in nature, where he could connect better with the energy around him.

One day, while practicing his lightning technique in the quiet woods, Jo Yuan felt the familiar surge of energy. For the last forty years, he had been trying to advance from the expert stage to the perfection stage. Yet, he could sense something was holding him back.

"I have trained so hard," he muttered to himself, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The lighting technique was powerful, but it seemed incomplete. He realized that his connection with the lightning energy was not as deep as it should be. The more he practiced, the more he felt that he was missing a key element.

He needed to focus on understanding the essence of lightning, not just using it as a weapon. Jo Yuan remembered a legend about an ancient lightning spirit that could grant insights to those who sought it. He resolved to search for this spirit, hoping that it would help him grasp the true nature of his technique.

Every evening, he would go to the high cliffs near the sect, where the storms often gathered. He believed that this was the place where he might meet the spirit. "I must be patient," he reminded himself, knowing that sometimes answers took time to reveal themselves.