In cultivation, as in nature, all things flow in cycles. The breath of trees matches the pulse of earth, while water rises to be clouds before returning as rain. To understand these patterns is to glimpse the fundamental rhythms of existence.


    — Sage Master Liu Yue, Walker of the Midnight Path


    Xin hummed 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 remembered 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 something in English right now?  She nced up at her mentor and imagined Ming''s reaction to seeing the "ancient deadnguage" suddenly appear on her practice sheets. The mental image made her bite back augh.


    She would march straight to Master Qingfeng about myck 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 thefortable silence between them. Incense smoke curledzily through shafts of afternoon sunlight, creating calm patterns in the air.


    The peaceful moment stretched beyond an hour. No hostile ssmates. No political minefields to navigate with instructors'' rtives. Just the meditative flow of ink and the asional soft clink of brushes being cleaned.


    Xin dipped her brush in the inkstone again, appreciating the simple rhythm of practice. Her anxiety melted away with each careful stroke. She didn''t need to calcte every word or movement. The characters flowing from her brush required only concentration and coordination—no social maniption required.


    It brought a sense of harmony thatbat training hadn''t yet provided. Though she knew those skills were essential, this felt more natural. More like something she could be at home with.


    Ming ced her brush in its holder with a soft click. "That''s enough practice for now. We should eat."


    Xin tensed. "In the dining hall?"


    "Where else would we go?"


    "This room feels peaceful." Xin 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 mean I have to like it." Xin 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 formed in Xin''s stomach. The casual mention of ''a few years'' struck another reminder of the vast difference between mortal and cultivator perspectives on time. That disconnect still felt alien.


    God, I miss just hanging out with Mei Chen and Feng Yu.  Xin sorted through the practice materials, putting away the brushes.


    Her friends didn''t make her feel so out of ce. Probably because they were close to her own age. Whatever that was with the mess of transmigration muddying it.


    Not that Ming wasn''t greatpany. 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?" Xin stacked thest of the practice papers.


    Ming tucked away the inkstones. "Soon. We''ll likely run regr weekend patrols to Themis when you''re not in sses."


    "There seems to be a lot of focus on that town." Xin 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.


    Xin fidgeted with her sleeve as they walked. "Senior Sister, I''ve been thinking about adding talismans to mybat form, like you do. The spear work is important, but martial fighting always feels awkward to me. 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 avoidbat training."


    "I understand." Xin kept pace beside her mentor.


    Ming nced sideways at her. "I''ll teach you more advanced formations. Though I wonder if your interest in talismans also rtes to Mei Chen needing body repair scripts?"


    A weakugh escaped Xin as she scratched her cheek. "Senior Sister, you see a lot."


    "I''d like you to show me that ''thunder god'' techniqueter when we''re out." Ming turned down another corridor. "The way you manipte yin-yang aspects so naturally intrigues me. And those names—where in the heavens did youe up with them?"


    Heat crept up Xin''s neck. "I improvised after hearing Ren Chun shout his techniques while fighting the Blood Lotus."


    Ming hummed thoughtfully.


    The dining hall opened up at the end of the corridor, its high ceiling supported by carved wooden pirs wrapped in golden spirit vines.


    Xin followed Ming to the service counter where attendantsdled steaming dishes onto jade-iid 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 zed meat, perfectly shaped rice balls, and bright vegetables.


    No pointed stares greeted her today, unlike her first week. Still, discrete nces 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 particr worries made the meal 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 Elements de manual Master Qingfeng gave you? It''s been over a month now."


    Xin picked at her rice, avoiding eye contact. "I''ve studied the first pages, but the initial epigraph for the first method still eludes me."


    "The Tree Sigh Method?" Ming took another bite of duck.


    "Yes—wait, you know about it?" Xin stared at Ming.


    "Master Qingfeng helped me with the Five Elements, too." Ming dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Though I never focused too much on elemental 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."


    Xin nodded while considering the Tree Sigh Method''s effects from the game—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 ake?


    The method would extend her Qi Refining time, but the tradeoff meant more power now. The slowdown wouldn''t prove too significant, either. It would just require extra materials and meditation sessions.


    "I''ll help you achieve the method on our first mission when we''re out," Ming said.


    Xin blinked. "Just like that? I''ve been wringing my head off trying to figure out the stanzas..."


    Mingughed. "When spring winds whisper through summer leaves, Nature''s dance reveals heaven''s gift. Seek the pattern where branches meet 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 method—that''s what a mentor does."


    Xinughed 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." Xin 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 some. Would that improve your spirits?"


    A grin spread across Xin''s face. "I really am one for hands-on approach and getting out of the ssroom..."


    Ming nodded. "I''ll speak with Master Qingfeng and the mission board. We can likely leave before the weekend."


    * * *


    Xin 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 longing back?" Xin 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?" Xin spun Severing Light, channeling her restless energy.


    "Spiritual tools and equipment from Themis'' craftsmen. Brushes and such." Ming nced at her. "We had better do this right if we don''t want the supply shop closing."


    "Are supplies really that low?" Xin frowned. "The Pavilion must keep more stock than one wagon..."


    Mingughed. "Just a figure of speech to motivate you." She patted Xin''s shoulder. "It''s a regr supply run, nothing more."


    Xin absorbed the vibrant sights of Aeris as they walked. Merchants haggled over silk prices while children darted between market stalls. The scent of steamed buns and grilled meat wafted through the morning air.


    A sh of indigo robes caught her eye—Aqua Seraph disciples practiced water techniques in a courtyard. Further along, crimson-d meheart 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 emerged from the crowds.


    They passed beyond the cultivation district, leaving behind the grand pavilions and training grounds. The vibrant energy persisted through the merchant quarters, whereden wagons creaked past shops disying everything from jade ornaments to farming tools. Street vendors called out prices for steaming bowls of noodles and fresh fruit.


    The outer wall came closer in view with each step. After an hour of weaving through the crowds, they reached the gates where the guards merely nodded them through.


    A sprawling collection of wooden houses greeted them outside the walls. Exiting the city sparked memories of home—of Mother tending her courtyard garden. Chasing her little brother through the halls with Mei Chen when they were younger.


    Xin''s chest tightened. She hoped they fared well in her absence.


    She shook off the memories. That world existed beyond her reach now. Years would pass before she could visit her family again. She straightened her shoulders, refusing to let mncholy taint the mission.


    The road stretched ahead across the green in, ruler-straight toward the dark line of forest on the horizon.


    "How will we practice the Tree Sigh Method while traveling?" Xin adjusted her pack.


    "We''ll find the right spot today." Ming scanned the horizon. "I''m certain there''s one somewhere 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 perfectbination."


    Of course—trees for a tree method.  Xin almostughed at the obvious connection.


    Travelers passed them regrly—merchants with loaded carts, farmers leading livestock, other cultivators on various errands. Never more than ten minutes passed without encountering someone on the road.


    After two hours of steady walking, the forest''s shade enveloped them. Even here, they continued to meet fellow travelers.


    Ming pointed to a narrow dirt path branching from the main road. "This shortcut will save us time since we don''t need to worry about a wagon. Plus, we''re more likely to find what we need."


    Xin nodded in agreement.


    The path curved upward, winding through increasingly steep terrain. Xin maintained a steady pace as hills rose around them, using Severing Light more for bnce 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." Xin 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."


    Xin 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 smelled fresh and clean.


    "So the Tree Sigh Method needs running water and trees?"


    Ming stepped off the path toward the clearing. Xin followed. They emerged onto a level patch of ground covered in soft grass.


    "This will do nicely." Ming surveyed the clearing with satisfaction.


    "So I need to meditate with trees...?" Xin raised an eyebrow.


    Ming chuckled. "The location is ideal, yes, but it''ll be a bit more than simple meditation." She pulled out arge 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 Mei Chen and Feng Yu?"


    "Right." Xin nodded.


    Ming hummed thoughtfully. "I''m surprised you can say that with such a straight face, considering what I remember from those types of things at your age."


    Heat rushed to Xin''s cheeks.  Wait—was Ming suggesting she had ''that'' kind of rtionship 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 me into embarrassment?"


    Ming burst intoughter. "Your red face is quite entertaining."


    "This is a new side of you." Xin pouted. "Abusing your junior sister''s emotions like this."


    "Don''t worry." Ming smiled. "I''ll help guide you through the method. I''m sure you can handle it."


    Xin settled onto the soft grass beside Ming, who smoothed her pristine purple robes.


    "We''ll start with a simple primary meridian connection." Ming adjusted her posture. "Then I''ll guide you through the method. Once you master it, the process should take about an hour."


    "Okay." Xin 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 ept the connection.


    Xin drew the ethereal strand inward, weaving it through her first primary meridian. The qi carried Ming''s essence—notes ofvender and sun-warmed cotton filled her awareness. She guided it through her dantian where it merged with her own energy before flowing outward again through the interconnected channels. Thebined qi emerged from her other hand,pleting 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 Xin''s meridians like a gentle river current. "First, observe the trees. Notice how qi flows naturally through them, from roots to crown."


    Xin focused on the towering trees surrounding them. Their branches swayed in patterns that matched the flow of energy Ming guided through her Du Mai meridian.


    "The trees draw strength from below, just as we channel qi through the Ren Mai." Ming guided the thread, tracing the path along Xin''s abdomen. "Feel how the energy rises like sap through a trunk."


    The qi stream split into three distinct channels. Ming directed each branch through separate meridians—up the spine, across the abdomen, and through the core.


    "These three paths must join perfectly." Ming adjusted the flow until the streams merged at Xin''s dantian. "Like tributaries feeding ake."


    Warmth spread through Xin''s chest as the merged qi circted. The sensation mimicked the gentlep of water against shore.


    "Now for the twelve gates." Ming''s thread traced each major meridian point in sequence. "Each opens like a flower to morning sun. Match your breath to the rhythm of the trees."


    Xin synchronized her breathing with the swaying branches overhead. The qi responded, flowing smoother with each cycle.


    "Nature''s breath bes your own." Ming demonstrated the proper timing. "Let body, mind, and spirit move as one, like leaves dancing in the wind."


    Xin suppressed an internal eye roll at the flowery metaphors.  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 meridians painted a clear picture. Each movement showed exactly how the energy should flow, where it should split, and how it merged back together.


    Ming''s presence faded gradually until Xin guided the qi alone. Her first attempts stumbled—energy pooled incorrectly or scattered beforepleting 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 dposed into soil that filtered more water. Everything connected.


    Xin threaded her qi through the twelve gates. Each point opened wider than before, like windows letting in fresh air. Her dantian expanded with eachpleted circuit.


    A cycle within cycles.  She repeated the pattern, feeling her spiritual core stretch further with every revolution. The method clicked into ce.


    She continued repeating the method and her dantian expanded steadily.


    Time 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 Method.  The sensation of growth gradually diminished until her dantian refused to stretch further.


    Xin opened her eyes. Afternoon sunlight nted through the trees, casting shadows across the clearing. Ming lounged against her travel pack, fast asleep.


    "Senior Sister." Xin touched Ming''s shoulder.


    Ming blinked awake and smiled. "Well done!"


    "Thanks, but..." Xin nced at the sun''s position. "Will we reach Themis before dark? This took longer than nned."


    Mingughed. "Don''t worry. The path down moves much faster than climbing up."


    A knot formed in Xin''s stomach. Something about Ming''s casual tone set off warning bells.  Why does that not sound reassuring at all?


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