In the days that followed, Li Hao's team deliberately withdrew from unnecessary interaction with other disciples, focusing entirely on their own training while ignoring the subtle hostility that continued to grow within the inner sect, as whispers, glances, and small acts of exclusion became part of their daily routine, yet none of them allowed it to affect their progress.
Within a secluded section of the training grounds, their routines became more disciplined and structured, as each member worked to refine not only their cultivation but also their techniques, ensuring that their foundations remained stable after their recent breakthroughs, because Li Hao understood clearly that unstable strength would only become a weakness in a true battle.
Wang Lei honed his dagger techniques with increasing precision, his movements becoming sharper and more efficient, while Su Ling focused on balancing her sword skills with her alchemy, creating a seamless integration between combat and support, and Lin Xue trained her control over illusions, refining their subtlety and effectiveness rather than relying on sheer power.
Xu Mei, too, continued to strengthen her control over her flames, her presence growing more composed with each passing day.
At the center of it all, Li Hao cultivated quietly, his aura restrained yet steadily deepening, as if something within him was slowly gathering strength beneath the surface.
Time passed in silence.
But within that silence—
Their power continued to rise.