Wooden Root: Barbara's Journey

The next day, in the calm serenity of her personal cave, Barbara felt a slight tension in the air as she awaited the arrival of her master, Elder Wei Jian Qiu. As soon as he entered, the atmosphere seemed to shift—the energy in the cave grew denser, as if his mere presence commanded the Qi around them. With steady steps, Wei Jian Qiu approached, carrying several ancient manuals, their pages marked by time and continuous use.

He handed the manuals to Barbara, his gaze serious and unwavering.

“These are the first cultivation manuals you must master. It’s not just about reading them,” his voice was precise, almost cold, “you must memorize them word for word. Every technique, every movement of energy, must be executed with perfection. There is no room for mistakes. If you fail, the path to immortality will close to you before it even begins.”

Barbara swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the elder’s words. She knew Wei Jian Qiu tolerated no failures, and his expectations were as high as the potential he saw in her. With steady hands, she accepted the manuals, knowing that every detail would be crucial to her progress. The elder took a step back, his expression unchanging, as if he already expected her success.

“Begin cultivating the Qi within your body immediately, following these techniques. The energy must flow like water in a river,” he said, his eyes fixed on her. “And remember, the smallest mistake can cause serious deviations on your journey. Your wood spirit root is rare and powerful, but it must be disciplined. If you wish to thrive as a cultivator, your mind and body must be in perfect harmony with the Qi.”

Barbara nodded, determined, though a slight wave of nervousness welled up in her chest. She knew the smallest misstep could cost her dearly, and the elder was not the kind of master to offer second chances. With the manuals in hand, she moved to the center of the cave, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart.

As she began reading, she felt the weight of the words etching themselves into her mind. The techniques detailed how Qi should be guided through the meridians, flowing perfectly and without obstruction. The study was not just a physical practice but a deep connection between the energy of the body and the energy of the universe.

For hours, Barbara immersed herself in the study, reciting each line until she could visualize the pathways of Qi within herself. The elder’s demand still echoed in her mind: there would be no room for mistakes. When she felt ready, she began to practice. The flow of Qi was slow at first, like a timid stream trying to find its course, but with each deep breath and controlled movement, the Qi began to gain strength.

Still, the tension was palpable. The responsibility of meeting her master’s expectations hung over her like a shadow. But Barbara knew this was the path she had chosen, and each step was a test of her worth. Elder Wei Jian Qiu watched closely, saying nothing, but his eyes reflected every detail, every subtle variation of energy around her.

And so, under the relentless gaze of her master, Barbara began walking a path of no return—the path to immortality.

Master Wei Jian Qiu observed Barbara for a moment, his piercing eyes evaluating every detail of her posture as she cultivated the Qi. Satisfied with what he saw, he crossed his arms and gave a slight nod.

“Now, I will leave you alone to cultivate,” he said in a firm voice, devoid of any gentleness. “In one week, I will return to assess your progress. Do not dare relax or waste this time. Every minute is precious, and your success depends on your total dedication.”

With those words, he turned and left the cave, leaving Barbara immersed in the dense and silent atmosphere of spiritual energy. As soon as the sound of the heavy door echoed through the cave, Barbara took a deep breath. The air around her was thick with Qi, as if the entire environment was waiting to be shaped by her hands.

As she continued her cultivation practice, Barbara noticed something peculiar: the spiritual plants in their pots began to resonate once again with her energy, maturing rapidly. It was as if her connection with the plants strengthened with each breath, with every precise movement of Qi within her meridians. The leaves and flowers, once young, became mature and lush, ready to be harvested. She knew these plants possessed exceptional qualities, something rare even among the most experienced disciples of the Eternal Chalice Sect.

When she finally finished cultivating, the Qi flowing smoothly and powerfully through her body, Barbara opened her eyes. The plants had reached full maturity, their vitality almost radiating energy. Satisfied with her progress, Barbara harvested the spiritual herbs, carefully placing them in baskets.

With the plants in hand, she decided it was time to test their worth outside the sect. She walked toward the nearest market, located beyond the walls of the Eternal Chalice Sect, a place where cultivators and merchants traded spiritual items, rare herbs, and cultivation tools. Upon arrival, the market was bustling, with vendors offering everything from spiritual weapons to alchemical pills.

Barbara, with her carefully packed herbs, found a respectable-looking merchant and presented her plants. The man’s eyes widened as he saw the quality of the herbs. He lightly ran his fingers over the leaves, feeling the energy emanating from them.

“These plants...” the merchant murmured, impressed. “They are of extraordinary quality. I haven’t seen anything like this in years. You are a skilled cultivator.”

With that, Barbara managed to negotiate a high price, receiving a generous amount of spirit stones in exchange for her herbs. The spirit stones, gleaming and full of Qi, were now hers and represented a new phase of independence. As the weight of the stones rested in her hands, she felt a quiet pride grow within her.

Back at the Eternal Chalice Sect, Barbara decided it was time to invest her time in something more. After selling the plants and tasting the success of her efforts, she made her way to the sect’s grand Mission Hall. There, disciples could choose missions to earn contribution points and enhance their cultivation. The hall was a busy space, with mission scrolls spread across large wooden tables, each offering an opportunity for growth within the sect.

One scroll, in particular, caught her eye: a mission to collect spiritual herbs in a nearby grove. The mission seemed simple, but it involved rare plants that only grew in areas of intense spiritual energy. Barbara didn’t hesitate. The idea of exploring the grove and gathering more herbs, perhaps as valuable as the ones she had sold, intrigued her.

With renewed determination, she picked up the scroll and prepared for the next stage of her journey. The mission was only beginning, but Barbara knew that every step she took brought her closer to her ultimate goal: mastering her cultivation and, eventually, achieving immortality.