Chapter 2: A Ripple of Respect

The Enlightenment System's presence lingered in Li Tian's mind like a warm ember, its activation a turning point he couldn't have anticipated. Sitting in quiet meditation within his modest chamber, he replayed the moment over and over again, recalling the surge of warmth and clarity that had coursed through him when Wuyang broke through his bottleneck.

"Enlightenment System activated."

The voice was calm yet authoritative, almost as if it were a teacher unto itself.

Hovering in his thoughts was a mysterious panel, its words glowing softly in his inner world.

Enlightenment Points: 10Abilities Unlocked: Beginner Techniques Library

Li Tian exhaled slowly, smoothing out his excitement. "Enlightenment Points… Beginner Techniques Library… What else is hidden within you?" he murmured.

Concentrating, he willed the System to reveal itself further. The panel shifted, displaying the faint outlines of yet-to-be-unlocked features, shrouded in mist. However, the Beginner Techniques Library glowed brightly, accessible to him. With a simple thought, it opened.

The Library wasn't as grand as he assumed it would be, but it brimmed with profound potential nonetheless. A series of foundational techniques listed themselves before him, neatly categorized. What caught his attention was that these techniques tailored themselves to refining specific weaknesses or improving efficiency in teaching.

One glimmering entry caught his eye.

Technique Name: Ripple Insight Method.Description: Enhances the teacher's ability to identify subtle flaws in a student's technique and correct them with precision.

"This... could be useful," he said, selecting it. Almost instantly, a flood of knowledge entered his mind, lines of cultivation wisdom and guiding principles unfurling like blossoms. The Enlightenment Points he had earned dwindled by two, leaving him with eight. Yet Li Tian could already feel the newfound clarity it offered, a sharpening of his awareness when it came to observing mistakes and inefficiencies.

Still seated, he ran through the movements in his mind, refining his own understanding of the technique. His role wasn't to fight directly but to create ripples in others' growth that would ultimately cause a wave.

His lips curved into a rare smile. "If this is what the Enlightenment System can do to help me as a teacher, I'll uncover every hidden potential my students have."

The next morning, the academy grounds buzzed with tension. Word traveled quickly among the faculty and students—senior disciples from the Verdant Blade Sect had arrived. The Verdant Blade Sect was renowned across the region for producing powerful swordsmen, known for their offensive prowess and intimidating battle auras. However, their disciples carried an unwelcome reputation for arrogance, often looking down on smaller sects and academies, including Heavenly Dawn.

Li Tian walked into the training yard to oversee his students' morning sparring session, only to find an unfamiliar trio standing in its center, their haughty sneers impossible to miss. Clad in deep green robes, the Verdant Blade Sect disciples exuded a sharp pressure, their presence immediately commanding attention.

"Who are they, Teacher?" Wuyang asked quietly, standing beside Li Tian and glancing nervously at the intruders.

"They're from the Verdant Blade Sect." Li Tian kept his expression neutral, although he shared Wuyang's trepidation. Powerful cultivators often sought to display their dominance wherever they went.

The leader of the trio, a tall man with an unusually long sword strapped to his back, turned toward the gathered Heavenly Dawn disciples, his eyes alight with mocking disdain. "Is this all the Heavenly Dawn Academy can offer? A gathering of weaklings?" he said, his tone dripping with condescension.

A low murmur rippled through the students, some of them looking away in shame while others clenched their fists in quiet indignation.

Li Tian's eyes narrowed. He stepped forward, bowing politely but firmly. "Guests from the Verdant Blade Sect, this is an academy of discipline and respect. If you're here to spar, then keep your words as sharp as your blades."

The leader's smirk deepened. "We'll see, Teacher. Why don't we test the strength of your students?" He stepped back and gestured lazily. "Feng Jiang, show them how far behind they are."

One of the Verdant disciples, a youth with a cold expression and a swift gait, strode into the yard. "Who dares challenge me?" His voice cracked like a whip, and the Heavenly Dawn students shifted uneasily, suddenly unsure of themselves.

A braver student—Feng Shan—stepped forward, gripping his sword tightly. "I'll face you," he said, though his voice wavered.

The sparring match began, but it quickly became clear that Feng Shan was outmatched. The Verdant disciple moved like an elegant predator, his strikes precise and relentless. Within moments, Feng Shan was on his knees, his sword knocked far out of reach.

The Verdant disciple sheathed his blade, turning away with a scoff. "If your strongest can't last three moves, then this academy truly is a joke."

Li Tian's hand clenched into a fist at his side, but he did not step forward in anger. Instead, he approached his fallen student, helping him to his feet. "It's not over yet, Feng Shan," he said quietly. "Do you trust me?"

Though dejected, Feng Shan nodded hesitantly. "Y-Yes, Teacher."

Li Tian turned toward the crowd, his voice ringing with calm authority. "A battle isn't won or lost in moments like this—it's decided by how you learn from your setbacks." He held a hand out toward Feng Shan's sword. "Feng Shan, take your stance again. I'm here to guide you this time."

The murmuring crowd stilled as Feng Shan retrieved his weapon, his expression steeling. Li Tian stood beside him, his tone firm but patient as he began instructing the student in front of everyone.

"Your strikes are heavy but lack direction," Li Tian said. "Your energy is scattered. Feel it in your dantian, circulate it calmly, then release it like water breaking through a dam. Go again."

With trembling determination, Feng Shan mirrored the instructions. Each strike became sharper, each step more purposeful. Li Tian's Ripple Insight Method began to activate subtly, allowing him to finely tune Feng Shan's movements mid-battle.

The Verdant disciple watched with growing irritation. "All this talk won't make a difference–"

Feng Shan interrupted him with a sudden strike, one that came impossibly close to his foe's throat. Blade clashed against blade as the Verdant disciple, caught off-guard by the sudden precision of Feng Shan's technique, was forced to take steps back.

Cheers erupted among the Heavenly Dawn disciples as Feng Shan delivered a final, decisive blow that disarmed his opponent. The Verdant disciple fell to one knee, his sword skidding across the ground.

A stunned silence followed. The leader of the Verdant trio narrowed his eyes but gave a begrudging nod of acknowledgment. "Your student turned it around. Impressive... teacher."

Li Tian met his gaze without flinching, his voice even. "A true teacher's strength is measured by the success of their students."

For the first time since taking his role, Li Tian felt the warmth of renewed respect from his students. He had made his ripple.