Blossoming Path

Nature's Attunement grants you two new abilities.

Plant Whisperer - You develop a deeper connection with plants, enabling them to communicate with you on a spiritual level and understand their needs and properties.

Earthly Root Connection - When surrounded by nature, you can draw forth additional strength and utilize it as your own. Increases cultivation and recovery speed in areas of nature.

I hurriedly excused myself from the meeting with Feng Wu, dropping several coins that would be more than enough to pay for the meal. The burning desire to test out my new abilities from my skill evolution hastened my steps back to the shop.

Once I had crossed the threshold into my garden, I stood still for a moment, letting the familiar scents of the herbs and plants wash over me. The fragrant notes of the Moonlit Grace Lily, the fresh scent of ginseng, the calming aroma of lavender, the sharp tang of rosemary; they all swirled around me, creating a symphony of scents that was both grounding and exhilarating. I stared at the only qi-based plant in my garden, which seemed to reach maturity before my very eyes. The soft, white undertone of the lily was great enough to be visible in the daylight.

Clad in my dark-red robes, which fluttered softly in the breeze, I took a deep breath and reached out with my senses. Plant Whisperer, the first skill the Interface gave me. That instinctive knowledge on how to use it came to the forefront of my mind. It felt as though my mind had touched something vast and ancient, a consciousness that sprawled outwards in every direction. I could feel the plants, their life force pulsating in a slow, steady rhythm, full of vitality and serene tranquility. I could hear their silent voices, whispering stories of growth, survival, and harmony.

As I delved deeper, a feeling of connection swelled within me, like I was part of a vast network that stretched beyond my little garden, intertwining with the roots, stems, and leaves of every plant. It felt like an exchange, a two-way communication where I could feel their needs, their states of health, and their properties, and in return, they seemed to sense my intention, my concern, and my willingness to care for them.

Closing my eyes, I allowed my senses to roam freely among my green companions, feeling their subtle vibrations, the flow of their sap, and the beat of their silent hearts. It was a sensation of unity, of being one with the natural world around me. I resisted the urge to cry, and whispered quietly into the air.

"It's so beautiful..."

As if responding to an invisible signal, the vitality around me seemed to grow stronger, more palpable. The energy of life that had been flowing quietly beneath the surface of the soil, within the roots of plants, and the leaves rustling above me suddenly became accessible, like a vast well of vitality that I could draw from.

My robes, taking on a deeper shade of red in the sunlight, billowed around me as an invisible force seemed to ripple through the garden. I felt my energy reserves swelling, my Qi surging within my meridians. The plants seemed to respond to this, their energies dancing along with mine in an intricate harmony.

Even my recovery speed seemed to increase. The weariness from the long day, the small pangs of soreness from training, all seemed to wash away, replaced by a rejuvenating energy that made me feel alive, stronger, more connected. It was as though the essence of the earth and the plants had intertwined with my own, empowering me, enhancing my cultivation.

I opened my eyes, the world around me seeming brighter, richer. I looked at my hands, feeling a new sense of strength coursing within me. I couldn’t help but smile, the connection with nature I had always felt now intensified and given a tangible form. My garden, my plants, the earth beneath my feet – they were no longer just a part of my environment, but extensions of myself, allies in my journey of cultivation and herbalism.

With great reluctance, I withdrew from my garden and stepped backward until Earthly Root Connection no longer worked.

As I moved away from the garden, I could feel the tether of connection thinning, like a rubber band being stretched, but not snapping. My senses, which were just a moment ago, supercharged by my proximity to the garden, started to dim, but I was not left bereft. I still carried the afterglow of that connection, a part of me deeply ingrained and attuned with the rhythm of nature. It felt as though I had left a piece of my soul back in the garden, forever connected with the plants and earth.

I carried the scent of the garden with me, a sweet and green aroma that felt like a comforting embrace. The vibrant memories of the thriving plant life, the gentle rustle of leaves, the quiet whisper of the wind, they all accompanied me as I moved further away, serving as a grounding reminder of the connection I now held with the natural world.

Drawing away from my garden, I realized that it didn't feel as though I was missing or lacking something. Quite the opposite, in fact. It felt like I was something more, as if my boundaries had expanded beyond my physical self.

Tianyi's form flew up to greet me as soon as I opened the door.

"Guess who just got stronger!"

She didn't respond, as always. But instead waited for me to continue talking.

"That's right! It's me! Let us strike while the iron is hot and cultivate!"

I eased myself into the lotus position, feeling my mind focus wholly on the task at hand. The energy in my surroundings seemed to accumulate at significantly higher speeds. With Tianyi's presence enhancing me, the amount which I drew in from my environment seemingly doubled.

But even then...growth was slow. I observed the bundle of qi within me, and knew that only a fraction would remain once I began purifying it. But nevertheless, progress was progress. Even if it's a single step, that was one more than I did yesterday.

Inhaling deeply, I began the process and delved deeper into the confines of my mind. There was no time to waste.

The week I had to get my affairs in order went by like a breeze.

My garden was now in the care of Lan-Yin, Elder Ming, and Wang Jun.

Three pairs of hands I trusted more than anyone. I had written, rewritten, and then written again the Encyclopedia of Kai's Garden, a comprehensive guide detailing how to care for each and every plant, and how to identify any potential issues they might have. I made sure it was simple enough for anyone to understand, while detailed enough to leave no room for error. Had it not been for my Invigorating Dawn Tonic, I wouldn't have had the time to do this while balancing out the rest of my duties.

With the departure looming closer, I spent one last afternoon in my garden, harvesting a few herbs and roots I planned on taking with me. I gently placed multiple boxes and bags filled with various items on my sturdy wooden cart I had prepared for the journey.

I knelt down to touch the soil, feeling the essence of each plant with the skill Nature's Attunement had granted me. I couldn't resist smiling as I spoke to the plants, telling them about my journey, my worries, my hopes.

"I'll be away for a while, my friends," I murmured, gently patting the vibrant leaves of a Ginseng plant. "But don't worry, you're in good hands. Lan-Yin, Elder Ming, and Wang Jun will take care of you all."

The plants, of course, did not verbally respond. Yet, I could sense their understanding, a wave of serene acceptance radiating back. It was as if they were telling me, "Go, Kai. We will be here when you return."

Their silent reassurance brought a smile to my face. It was strange, in a way, to find comfort in the silent communion with plants. Yet, it felt more natural and soothing than any words could have been.

Among the boxes and bags of various herbs and essences, there was a special one, carefully wrapped and placed at a safe spot on the cart Placed securely beside the iron staff Wang Jun made for me.. A bottle of essence like silvery moonlight. The extracted essence of the Moonlit Grace Lily. I glanced over at the spot where the mature plant once bloomed, now replaced with bulbs that have yet to erupt from the ground.

I covered them with rich, fertile soil, their tops just peeking out from beneath the earth. I could feel their vitality, their eagerness to grow and flourish under my care. They were small and delicate, their potential hidden within the protective layers of their shells.

"You are my star pupils! Make sure to grow and train diligently! Come, Tianyi."

After saying my goodbyes, I placed my hands on the handle of the cart, feeling the coarse grain of the wood against my palm. Tianyi's mesmerizing wings passed by me, fluttering around in circles. With a soft sigh, I began to push the cart laden with potions towards the village.

The journey to the village was quiet, filled only with the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind and the steady creaking of the wooden cart's wheels. The further I moved away from my garden, the more the connection thinned, but it never fully disappeared. I could still feel the echo of the garden's vitality in the back of my mind, a gentle hum that soothed my worries.

Once I reached the village, I made my way towards Huan the merchant. His eyes lit up when he saw me approach, his gaze quickly taking in the cart full of herbs and roots.

"Ah, Kai!" he exclaimed, a wide grin stretching across his face. "What do we have here? More potions, perhaps?"

"Indeed, Huan," I responded, a smile mirroring his own on my face. "This is the half we agreed upon for this month. The second half will be delivered from the Verdant Lotus sect's address."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the village, I found myself chatting with Huan, discussing trade, herbs, and the impending journey. With every passing moment, the reality of my impending journey was sinking in, bringing with it a mix of anticipation and trepidation. But I knew that I was ready to face whatever lay ahead, fortified by the power of my garden and the connections I had nurtured.

"Ready to go, Kai?"

I turned my head to see Wang Jun smiling brightly at me at the entrance of the shop. I pulled him into a hug and saw more familiar faces bearing down on me.

Elder Ming and Lan-Yin. Master Qiang. Xiao Bao and his rag-tag group of friends. Mrs. Wang. It seemed as though a quarter of the village had personally come down to greet me. Tianyi stayed on my shoulder, her antennae twitching at the amount of people around.

Two sturdy horses were led forward by Elder Wen. The animals were strong and healthy, their coats gleaming in the last light of the setting sun. Their eyes were bright and intelligent, their flanks powerful and their hooves sturdy.

"We know your cart's filled with all kinds of delicate stuff, Kai. Can't have you pulling that all the way to the city. These fellas here will help you," he said, patting one of the horses affectionately. "They're strong and reliable. They'll get you there safely."

I stepped forward and ran my hand over their silky manes, my smile growing wider. "Thank you. I promise I will take good care of them."

The people started to approach me, each of them carrying small bundles and packages. They placed them one by one into the cart, their eyes shining with goodwill and anticipation. A small bag filled with spiced biscuits from Mrs. Wang, a spinning top from Xiao Bao, a sturdy flask of Master Qiang’s potent rice wine. There were scarves, cloaks, medicinal herbs, jars of pickled vegetables, and even a small jade amulet that Elder Ming placed in my hand with a stern expression.

"Protection," he said, his voice gruff. But his eyes were kind, filled with a warmth that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

As I accepted their gifts, each one a token of love and support, I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. These were not just my friends, they were my family, and they had been there for me when I had lost everything.

But I wasn't about to let them see me weep. I straightened up, wearing a flamboyant grin on my face, my eyes twinkling with mirth and determination.

"Worry not, my dear people!" I declared, sweeping my hand in a grand gesture. "When I return, I'll be carrying with me the victory of the tournament and elixirs of untold power! Not a soul in the village will ever complain of aches or illness!"

The square filled with hearty laughter, echoing off the buildings and into the darkening sky. Some of the younger children began cheering and clapping, their small voices full of excitement. The atmosphere was warm and joyous, a true reflection of the camaraderie and love that bound us all together.

"I'll remember all your faces," I said, my voice carrying over the clamor. "Mark this day as the rise of Kai Liu!"

The villagers hollered and cheered, their voices ringing in the twilight, echoing my promise back to me. Gone were the rolled eyes or quiet scoffs of times past. I watched as their faces filled with expectation and belief. I would not leave them disappointed.

Feng Wu, staying away from the crowd, made eye-contact with me and smiled. Beckoning his head, the crowd spread apart to let me pass through. The cart I had brought hooked up to the steeds Elder Wen provided.

As I settled the last of the gifts into the cart and thanked everyone profusely for their generous presents, Feng Wu appeared at my side. The regal-looking cultivator seemed to be infected with the general merriment of the atmosphere, his lips curved into a small smile.

"Are you ready, Kai?" he asked, more of a formality than anything.

I turned to him, my grin still wide on my face, and replied, "More ready than I'll ever be."

Taking the reins of the horses in one hand, I waved my free hand towards the villagers. "Let's get moving! We've got a tournament to win!"

With Feng Wu at my side, we began our journey through the village, the sturdy horses obediently pulling the loaded cart. We passed familiar buildings, waved at familiar faces. The baker kneading his dough, the tailor meticulously threading his needle – all paused to wave at us or call out their well-wishes. The children who were running around playing tag halted their game to cheer for us. A sense of joy and excitement filled the air.

Everywhere we went, people sent us off with cheers and waves. Some of the villagers had even climbed onto their rooftops to bid us farewell, their voices echoing through Gentle Wind Village. It was overwhelming, the attention, the goodwill. But I held my head high, a wave of pride washing over me.

Embarrassment niggled at me. I was just a herbalist, after all, not a hero heading into battle. I shook my head, the feeling being overshadowed by a sense of gratitude and affection for these wonderful people.

I'd show them their belief wasn't in vain! Kai Liu, victor of the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet!

We walked on, slowly leaving the village behind. With each step, I felt the familiar surroundings becoming a little less familiar, the cheers growing a little fainter. Yet, the crowd followed us to the village borders, their cheers and good wishes filling the crisp afternoon air. Lan-Yin, Wang Jun, and Elder Ming at the forefront of the crowd.

As we crossed the village borders, I turned back one last time. There they were, still cheering, still waving, their smiles wide and bright. My heart clenched at the sight, a lump forming in my throat.

A wave of homesickness washed over me as the village became a mere speck on the horizon, disappearing from sight. My heart ached for the comfort of my home, my garden, my people. But as much as I yearned for them, my elation at being able to explore outside the village surpassed it.

Ahead of me lay the unknown, a path I had never walked before. The journey, the tournament, the challenges – they all awaited me. A strange mix of trepidation and enthusiasm settled within me. My hand tightened around the reins, my steps becoming more determined.

I took one last glance at the now invisible village behind me, taking in a deep breath, the morning air cool and crisp. With a resolute nod, I turned back to face the road ahead, my heart pounding with anticipation and resolve.

I was ready. Ready for the journey, ready for the challenges, ready for whatever was to come.