In cultivation, as in nature, all things flow in cycles. The breath of trees matches the pulse of earth, while water rises to beco clouds before returning as rain. To understand these patterns is to glimpse the fundantal rhythms of existence.
— Sage Master Liu Yue, Walker of the Midnight Path
Xiulan humd while drawing precise strokes across the talisman paper. The kanji flowed from her brush in elegant patterns, each character more beautiful than any English letter she rembered from her past life.
The artistic quality of the symbols brought a smile to her face—perhaps living with them daily had created a bias.
What if I wrote sothing in English right now? She glanced up at her ntor and imagined Ming's reaction to seeing the "ancient dead language" suddenly appear on her practice sheets. The ntal image made her bite back a laugh.
She would march straight to Master Qingfeng about my lack of subtlety. Another lesson about keeping a low profile would surely follow. That… That wasn't desirable. Her shoulders tensed at the thought.
Across the table, Ming focused intently on her own talismans, brush moving in practiced motions. The scratch of bristles against paper filled the comfortable silence between them. Incense smoke curled lazily through shafts of afternoon sunlight, creating calm patterns in the air.
The peaceful mont stretched beyond an hour. No hostile classmates. No political minefields to navigate with instructors' relatives. Just the ditative flow of ink and the occasional soft clink of brushes being cleaned.
Xiulan dipped her brush in the inkstone again, appreciating the simple rhythm of practice. Her anxiety lted away with each careful stroke. She didn't need to calculate every word or movent. The characters flowing from her brush required only concentration and coordination—no social manipulation required.
It brought a sense of harmony that combat training hadn't yet provided. Though she knew those skills were essential, this felt more natural. More like sothing she could be at ho with.
Ming placed her brush in its holder with a soft click. "That's enough practice for now. We should eat."
Xiulan tensed. "In the dining hall?"
"Where else would we go?"
"This room feels peaceful." Xiulan gazed at the window.
Ming shook her head while gathering the brushes and papers from the writing table. "You'll need to adjust to being watched. As a visiting elder's direct disciple, you're practically a minor celebrity here."
"Doesn't an I have to like it." Xiulan stood and helped clear away the practice materials.
Ming chuckled. "You'll get used to it. Besides, Master Qingfeng won't stay here forever—we'll move on in a few years."
A cold knot ford in Xiulan's stomach. The casual ntion of 'a few years' struck another reminder of the vast difference between mortal and cultivator perspectives on ti. That disconnect still felt alien.
God, I miss just hanging out with i Chen and Feng Yu. Xiulan sorted through the practice materials, putting away the brushes.
Her friends didn't make her feel so out of place. Probably because they were close to her own age. Whatever that was with the ss of transmigration muddying it.
Not that Ming wasn't great company. She excelled at teaching and showed genuine kindness—exactly what an older sister should be. Heh. Senior Sister indeed.
"When do we start taking missions?" Xiulan stacked the last of the practice papers.
Ming tucked away the inkstones. "Soon. We'll likely run regular weekend patrols to Themis when you're not in classes."
"There seems to be a lot of focus on that town." Xiulan wiped down the writing table.
"Small city," Ming smiled. "And yes, it holds significant importance."
They finished tidying Ming's room and stepped into the hall together.
Xiulan fidgeted with her sleeve as they walked. "Senior Sister, I've been thinking about adding talismans to my combat form, like you do. The spear work is important, but martial fighting always feels awkward to . I prefer techniques."
"Specializing makes sense." Ming nodded while leading them down the corridor. "But even talisman users need martial ability and coordination. It's not a way to avoid combat training."
"I understand." Xiulan kept pace beside her ntor.
Ming glanced sideways at her. "I'll teach you more advanced formations. Though I wonder if your interest in talismans also relates to i Chen needing body repair scripts?"
A weak laugh escaped Xiulan as she scratched her cheek. "Senior Sister, you see a lot."
"I'd like you to show that 'thunder god' technique later when we're out." Ming turned down another corridor. "The way you manipulate yin-yang aspects so naturally intrigues . And those nas—where in the heavens did you co up with them?"
Heat crept up Xiulan's neck. "I improvised after hearing Ren Chun shout his techniques while fighting the Blood Lotus."
Ming humd thoughtfully.
The dining hall opened up at the end of the corridor, its high ceiling supported by carved wooden pillars wrapped in golden spirit vines.
Xiulan followed Ming to the service counter where attendants ladled steaming dishes onto jade-inlaid trays. The aroma of braised duck and ginger rice mingled with hints of star anise and green onion. Her tray filled with delicate portions—strips of glazed at, perfectly shaped rice balls, and bright vegetables.
No pointed stares greeted her today, unlike her first week. Still, discrete glances followed their path through the hall. She could sense the weight of observation from various corners as she walked beside Ming.
At least Lei Shan and Su Yin aren't here . The absence of those two particular worries made the al far more appealing. She hadn't crossed paths with either since their initial encounters, and she preferred to keep it that way.
Ming set down her chopsticks. "How's your progress with the Five Elents Blade manual Master Qingfeng gave you? It's been over a month now."
Xiulan picked at her rice, avoiding eye contact. "I've studied the first pages, but the initial epigraph for the first thod still eludes ."
"The Tree Sigh thod?" Ming took another bite of duck.
"Yes—wait, you know about it?" Xiulan stared at Ming.
"Master Qingfeng helped with the Five Elents, too." Ming dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Though I never focused too much on elental qi usage."
Ming studied her across the table. "Your talents would benefit from expanding in that direction. Master Qingfeng clearly thinks so, giving you such an advanced manual at your level. It should suit you well."
Xiulan nodded while considering the Tree Sigh thod's effects from the ga—a significant boost to qi storage capacity. Combined with her golden pill consumption, she already maintained higher levels than most. Why not turn my pond into a lake?
The thod would extend her Qi Refining ti, but the tradeoff ant more power now. The slowdown wouldn't prove too significant, either. It would just require extra materials and ditation sessions.
"I'll help you achieve the thod on our first mission when we're out," Ming said.
Xiulan blinked. "Just like that? I've been wringing my head off trying to figure out the stanzas..."
Ming laughed. "When spring winds whisper through sumr leaves, Nature's dance reveals heaven's gift. Seek the pattern where branches et sky." She smiled. "These cryptic things appear in most manuals. It would take you years to figure it out alone. I can guide you to the correct thod—that's what a ntor does."
Xiulan laughed weakly. "Feels like wasted effort on my part, though."
"Not at all. It engaged your mind and kept you thinking."
"I could have focused on other things instead." Xiulan stabbed at a piece of duck with her chopsticks.
Ming studied her. "You're impatient and want to get a lot done. Perhaps we can move the mission up so. Would that improve your spirits?"
A grin spread across Xiulan's face. "I really am one for hands-on approach and getting out of the classroom..."
Ming nodded. "I'll speak with Master Qingfeng and the mission board. We can likely leave before the weekend."
* * *
Xiulan gripped Severing Light as they descended the Pavilion's stone steps. The weapon doubled nicely as a walking staff, its familiar weight grounding her excited energy. Fresh air filled her lungs, carrying the promise of adventure beyond the pavilion walls.
Ming adjusted her travel pack. "We'll head to Themis to check the roads for trouble. Once there, we escort a wagon back to Aeris—one day out, two days return."
"Why so long coming back?" Xiulan matched Ming's brisk pace toward the city gates.
"The wagon moves at mortal speed. We can't rush the horses or driver too much."
"What's the cargo?" Xiulan spun Severing Light, channeling her restless energy.
"Spiritual tools and equipnt from Themis' craftsn. Brushes and such." Ming glanced at her. "We had better do this right if we don't want the supply shop closing."
"Are supplies really that low?" Xiulan frowned. "The Pavilion must keep more stock than one wagon..."
Ming laughed. "Just a figure of speech to motivate you." She patted Xiulan's shoulder. "It's a regular supply run, nothing more."
Xiulan absorbed the vibrant sights of Aeris as they walked. rchants haggled over silk prices while children darted between market stalls. The scent of stead buns and grilled at wafted through the morning air.
A flash of indigo robes caught her eye—Aqua Seraph disciples practiced water techniques in a courtyard. Further along, crimson-clad Flaheart students traded goods near their sect house.
Each glimpse of the various schools stirred hope of spotting Feng Yu or the others, but no familiar faces erged from the crowds.
They passed beyond the cultivation district, leaving behind the grand pavilions and training grounds. The vibrant energy persisted through the rchant quarters, where laden wagons creaked past shops displaying everything from jade ornants to farming tools. Street vendors called out prices for steaming bowls of noodles and fresh fruit.
The outer wall ca closer in view with each step. After an hour of weaving through the crowds, they reached the gates where the guards rely nodded them through.
A sprawling collection of wooden houses greeted them outside the walls. Exiting the city sparked mories of ho—of Mother tending her courtyard garden. Chasing her little brother through the halls with i Chen when they were younger.
Xiulan's chest tightened. She hoped they fared well in her absence.
She shook off the mories. That world existed beyond her reach now. Years would pass before she could visit her family again. She straightened her shoulders, refusing to let lancholy taint the mission.
The road stretched ahead across the green plain, ruler-straight toward the dark line of forest on the horizon.
"How will we practice the Tree Sigh thod while traveling?" Xiulan adjusted her pack.
"We'll find the right spot today." Ming scanned the horizon. "I'm certain there's one sowhere along this route."
"What exactly should we look for?"
"A stream near the road should work fine once we reach the forest." Ming pointed ahead. "Trees and water make the perfect combination."
Of course—trees for a tree thod. Xiulan almost laughed at the obvious connection.
Travelers passed them regularly—rchants with loaded carts, farrs leading livestock, other cultivators on various errands. Never more than ten minutes passed without encountering soone on the road.
After two hours of steady walking, the forest's shade enveloped them. Even here, they continued to et fellow travelers.
Ming pointed to a narrow dirt path branching from the main road. "This shortcut will save us ti since we don't need to worry about a wagon. Plus, we're more likely to find what we need."
Xiulan nodded in agreent.
The path curved upward, winding through increasingly steep terrain. Xiulan maintained a steady pace as hills rose around them, using Severing Light more for balance than as necessity as she navigated the uneven road.
"I didn't think the route to Themis went into the mountains. Also, I don't think this path is used a lot." Xiulan wiped her forehead with her sleeve. She wasn't really perspiring much, but her skin felt warm.
"The normal one doesn't." Ming pointed ahead, where a small stream trickled beneath the dirt path. "Perfect."
Xiulan studied the scene. Sunlight filtered through dense leaves overhead, casting dappled shadows on the crystal-clear water. Birds called from branches above while insects buzzed among wildflowers dotting the banks. The air slled fresh and clean.
"So the Tree Sigh thod needs running water and trees?"
Ming stepped off the path toward the clearing. Xiulan followed. They erged onto a level patch of ground covered in soft grass.
"This will do nicely." Ming surveyed the clearing with satisfaction.
"So I need to ditate with trees...?" Xiulan raised an eyebrow.
Ming chuckled. "The location is ideal, yes, but it'll be a bit more than simple ditation." She pulled out a large linen and unfolded it and spread it out.
"I'll help guide you through it." Ming settled onto the grass. "You have experience cultivating with others, yes? With i Chen and Feng Yu?"
"Right." Xiulan nodded.
Ming humd thoughtfully. "I'm surprised you can say that with such a straight face, considering what I rember from those types of things at your age."
Heat rushed to Xiulan's cheeks. Wait—was Ming suggesting she had 'that' kind of relationship with her sisters? "That's not—I didn't—we never—" The words tangled on her tongue before she froze. Her eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to provoke into embarrassnt?"
Ming burst into laughter. "Your red face is quite entertaining."
"This is a new side of you." Xiulan pouted. "Abusing your junior sister's emotions like this."
"Don't worry." Ming smiled. "I'll help guide you through the thod. I'm sure you can handle it."
Xiulan settled onto the soft grass beside Ming, who smoothed her pristine purple robes.
"We'll start with a simple primary ridian connection." Ming adjusted her posture. "Then I'll guide you through the thod. Once you master it, the process should take about an hour."
"Okay." Xiulan shifted into a lotus position across from Ming, aligning their knees. The grass and linen cushioned her legs, while a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves overhead.
She closed her eyes and extended her hands, letting them hover until Ming's knuckles brushed against hers. The contact point tingled with potential energy.
Ming's qi manifested as a delicate thread—barely thicker than a spider's silk but radiating steady power. It pulsed against her skin, waiting for her to accept the connection.
Xiulan drew the ethereal strand inward, weaving it through her first primary ridian. The qi carried Ming's essence—notes of lavender and sun-ward cotton filled her awareness. She guided it through her dantian where it rged with her own energy before flowing outward again through the interconnected channels. The combined qi erged from her other hand, completing the circuit back to Ming.
"I'll take the lead now." Ming's qi shifted subtly. "Pay close attention to what I do."
Ming's qi thread pulsed through Xiulan's ridians like a gentle river current. "First, observe the trees. Notice how qi flows naturally through them, from roots to crown."
Xiulan focused on the towering trees surrounding them. Their branches swayed in patterns that matched the flow of energy Ming guided through her Du Mai ridian.
"The trees draw strength from below, just as we channel qi through the Ren Mai." Ming guided the thread, tracing the path along Xiulan's abdon. "Feel how the energy rises like sap through a trunk."
The qi stream split into three distinct channels. Ming directed each branch through separate ridians—up the spine, across the abdon, and through the core.
"These three paths must join perfectly." Ming adjusted the flow until the streams rged at Xiulan's dantian. "Like tributaries feeding a lake."
Warmth spread through Xiulan's chest as the rged qi circulated. The sensation mimicked the gentle lap of water against shore.
"Now for the twelve gates." Ming's thread traced each major ridian point in sequence. "Each opens like a flower to morning sun. Match your breath to the rhythm of the trees."
Xiulan synchronized her breathing with the swaying branches overhead. The qi responded, flowing smoother with each cycle.
"Nature's breath becos your own." Ming demonstrated the proper timing. "Let body, mind, and spirit move as one, like leaves dancing in the wind."
Xiulan suppressed an internal eye roll at the flowery taphors. Why does cultivation advice always sound like poetry? At least her senior sister was showing her the actual technique instead of just spouting cryptic nonsense.
The physical sensation of Ming's qi threading through her ridians painted a clear picture. Each movent showed exactly how the energy should flow, where it should split, and how it rged back together.
Ming's presence faded gradually until Xiulan guided the qi alone. Her first attempts stumbled—energy pooled incorrectly or scattered before completing the circuit. But with each cycle, the pattern grew clearer.
The stream's gentle burble drew her attention. Water seeped into the soil, feeding countless tiny roots beneath the surface. Those roots pulled the water up through wooden trunks into branches and leaves. When leaves fell, they decomposed into soil that filtered more water. Everything connected.
Xiulan threaded her qi through the twelve gates. Each point opened wider than before, like windows letting in fresh air. Her dantian expanded with each completed circuit.
A cycle within cycles. She repeated the pattern, feeling her spiritual core stretch further with every revolution. The thod clicked into place.
She continued repeating the thod and her dantian expanded steadily.
Ti blurred as she repeated the technique. The stream's burble mixed with the sighing of leaves overhead while her qi flowed in endless circles. Tree Sigh thod. The sensation of growth gradually diminished until her dantian refused to stretch further.
Xiulan opened her eyes. Afternoon sunlight slanted through the trees, casting shadows across the clearing. Ming lounged against her travel pack, fast asleep.
"Senior Sister." Xiulan touched Ming's shoulder.
Ming blinked awake and smiled. "Well done!"
"Thanks, but..." Xiulan glanced at the sun's position. "Will we reach Themis before dark? This took longer than planned."
Ming laughed. "Don't worry. The path down moves much faster than climbing up."
A knot ford in Xiulan's stomach. Sothing about Ming's casual tone set off warning bells. Why does that not sound reassuring at all?
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