Chapter 31: Ripples of Change

The aftermath of the raid left Tang Xiu's group both victorious and cautious. The Shadow Sect's stronghold had been reduced to rubble, but Tang Xiu knew better than to celebrate too soon. One battle didn't win a war.

At the Rusty Blade, the team regrouped, tending to their wounds and fortifying their defenses. The air was tense, yet there was a sense of accomplishment among them.

Xu Liang leaned back in his chair, exhaustion etched on his face. "I have to admit, Boss, I didn't think we'd pull that off. But here we are. The Shadow Sect's going to think twice before messing with us again."

Tang Xiu shook his head, his expression calm but serious. "This wasn't enough to stop them. We only struck one of their smaller bases. If anything, they'll come back harder and angrier. We can't lower our guard."

Old Hu, wrapping a bandage around his arm, nodded in agreement. "Tang Xiu's right. The Shadow Sect won't let this go. They've ruled through fear for years, and if word spreads that we defied them, they'll see it as a challenge to their authority."

Lei Xian cracked his knuckles, his grin unshaken. "Let them come. We're ready."

Tang Xiu's sharp gaze swept over the room. "No, we're not. Not yet. Our victory tonight was a small step, but the Shadow Sect is far larger and more dangerous than you realize. We need to grow stronger—and fast."

The room fell silent as his words sank in.

That night, Tang Xiu sat alone in his room, his thoughts heavy. His body was weaker than it had been in his prime, and the lack of spiritual energy on Earth made cultivating slow and frustrating. Yet, he refused to let despair take root.

Placing the old jade pendant from his past life on the table before him, Tang Xiu closed his eyes and focused. The pendant had resonated faintly with the sparse qi in the air during the battle, proving it wasn't entirely useless in this barren world.

"If I can unlock the secrets of this pendant, it might hold the key to overcoming Earth's limitations," he muttered to himself.

For hours, he meditated, his consciousness diving deep into the pendant's energy. It felt like trying to ignite a spark in a rainstorm, but Tang Xiu was nothing if not persistent.

Finally, a faint glow emanated from the pendant, its warmth spreading through his hand. Tang Xiu's eyes shot open as a stream of ancient characters appeared in his mind.

"Primordial Refining Method…" he murmured, his heart racing.

This technique was unlike anything he had encountered before, even in the Immortal World. It described a method of drawing power not only from qi but also from the essence of the natural world—earth, water, fire, and air.

Tang Xiu's lips curved into a rare smile. "Even in a world without spiritual energy, I will find a way to rise again."

The next morning, Tang Xiu gathered his allies in the training courtyard.

"We're changing our approach," he announced. "What worked in the past won't be enough for what's coming. I've discovered a new method of cultivation that will allow us to harness power from sources other than qi."

Old Hu raised an eyebrow. "A new method? You're serious?"

Tang Xiu nodded. "Very. The Shadow Sect won't expect it, which gives us an advantage. But it's not going to be easy. This technique requires patience, precision, and determination. If you're not willing to push yourselves, then leave now."

Lei Xian grinned. "Patience isn't my strong suit, but I'm not backing out. Show me this technique, Boss."

Xu Liang shrugged, a smirk on his face. "I'm already in too deep to quit now. Let's see what this new method is about."

Old Hu sighed but smiled faintly. "If it can help us survive, I'm willing to try."

Tang Xiu wasted no time, guiding them through the fundamentals of the Primordial Refining Method. The process was unlike anything they had practiced before, requiring them to attune their bodies to the natural elements around them.

Lei Xian struggled to connect with the energy of the earth, his frustration boiling over. "This feels like trying to grab smoke. How is this supposed to make me stronger?"

Tang Xiu's voice was calm but firm. "Strength isn't just about brute force, Lei Xian. You need to feel the flow of energy, not fight against it."

Xu Liang, surprisingly, showed promise with the technique. His natural agility allowed him to adapt quickly, his movements fluid as he worked to harmonize with the surrounding air.

Old Hu, though slower to grasp the method, displayed remarkable determination. He gritted his teeth and persisted, even as sweat poured down his face.

Tang Xiu observed them, his sharp eyes taking note of their progress. "Good. Keep at it. The more you practice, the more natural it will become."

As days turned into weeks, the group's improvement became evident. Their movements grew sharper, their reflexes quicker, and their confidence stronger.

Tang Xiu, meanwhile, delved deeper into the pendant's secrets, uncovering new techniques and refining his own power. Though his progress was slower than he liked, each step forward was a victory.

One evening, as the group trained under the fading light of the setting sun, a messenger arrived with urgent news.

"Tang Xiu," the boy stammered, his face pale, "the Shadow Sect… they've issued a bounty on you. A high one. Every mercenary and killer in the region is coming for you."

The group tensed, their hard-earned confidence shaken.

Tang Xiu's expression didn't waver. "Let them come," he said, his voice cold and steady. "The Shadow Sect wants a war? We'll give them one. And by the time it's over, they'll regret ever crossing me."

His allies exchanged glances, their fear giving way to determination. Tang Xiu wasn't just their leader—he was their beacon of hope.

With the Shadow Sect's bounty looming over them, the stakes had never been higher. But for Tang Xiu, this was just another step on his path to reclaiming his power and settling old scores.