The days following Lin Xiao Yue's first cultivation breakthrough fell into a comfortable rhythm. Each morning began with meditation at dawn, both Gù Tiānháo and Lin Xiao Yue sitting cross-legged in the clearing behind her cottage, their breathing synchronized as they gathered and circulated Qi. For Tiānháo, these sessions were an opportunity to consolidate his recent advancements and adapt to his newly opened meridians. For Lin Xiao Yue, they were the first steps on an entirely new path, each moment filled with discovery and wonder.
"Feel the energy moving through your body," Tiānháo instructed on their third morning together, his voice calm and measured. "Don't force it to follow specific paths yet—simply observe its natural flow, become familiar with how it responds to your intent. Understanding comes before control.
" He watched as she nodded, her face serene in concentration, a faint glow of Qi occasionally visible beneath her skin—a sign of her remarkable talent.
After morning meditation came physical training. Tiānháo taught her basic stances and movements, the foundations upon which all martial techniques were built. "Your body is the vessel for your Qi," he explained, adjusting her arm position slightly. "A weak vessel cannot contain powerful energy. Even the most talented cultivator must strengthen their physical form.
" Lin Xiao Yue absorbed his teachings eagerly, repeating movements until her muscles trembled with exhaustion, never complaining, her determination unwavering.
By the fifth day, Tiānháo had begun teaching her practical applications of Qi. "Channel a small amount to your palm," he instructed, demonstrating by creating a faint glow around his own hand. "Not too much—control is more important than power at this stage.
" Lin Xiao Yue's brow furrowed in concentration, and after several attempts, a flickering aura of energy surrounded her fingers. Her face lit up with accomplishment, a smile so bright it momentarily caught Tiānháo off guard.
"Now, strike the tree," he said, indicating a slender trunk at the edge of the clearing. "Focus your Qi at the moment of impact.
" She did as instructed, her palm connecting with the bark. A small shower of splinters flew from the point of impact—nowhere near the damage Tiānháo could inflict, but impressive for someone who had been cultivating for less than a week. "Good," he nodded, allowing a rare note of approval to enter his voice. "Again.
"Their afternoons were often spent gathering herbs, with Tiānháo teaching Lin Xiao Yue to identify plants with cultivation value. Her existing knowledge of medicinal herbs gave her a solid foundation, and she quickly learned to sense the faint Qi signatures that distinguished spiritually potent specimens from ordinary plants. "This knowledge will serve you well," Tiānháo told her as she correctly identified a cluster of Spirit Calming Flowers growing in a shaded hollow. "Resources for cultivation are scarce and valuable. The ability to find and recognize them independently will give you freedom that many cultivators lack.
"In the evenings, they would spar—light, controlled exchanges that allowed Lin Xiao Yue to apply what she had learned. Tiānháo was careful to match his speed and strength to her level, providing just enough challenge to push her growth without overwhelming her. Her progress was remarkable; by the end of the first week, she could maintain a steady flow of Qi through her limbs during combat, enhancing her strength and speed beyond normal human limits. Her natural grace and agility, honed by years of navigating the forest in search of herbs, translated well to martial movement.
"You're a quick learner," Tiānháo commented after a particularly good session on their tenth day of training. Lin Xiao Yue was breathing hard but smiling, her simple training clothes damp with sweat, her eyes bright with the thrill of advancement. "Thank you, Young Master," she replied, bowing slightly. "I have an excellent teacher.
"As they walked back to the cottage in the fading light, Tiānháo found himself calculating days and distances. He had spent nearly two weeks at Lin Xiao Yue's home—far longer than he had initially intended. The sect entrance examination would be held in less than two months, and the journey to the examination city would take approximately two weeks. He needed to leave soon if he wanted to arrive with sufficient time to prepare and perhaps gather intelligence about the exam format.
The realization brought an unexpected pang of reluctance. He had grown accustomed to this simple routine, to the peaceful clearing, to Lin Xiao Yue's earnest efforts and quiet companionship. It was a strange feeling for someone who had been so focused on solitary advancement, on cold calculation and survival. Yet he knew his path forward lay elsewhere. The sect examination was a crucial step in his journey to power, one he could not afford to miss.
That night, as Lin Xiao Yue prepared a simple dinner of rice and forest vegetables, Tiānháo sat quietly, observing her movements around the small kitchen area. She had changed in these short weeks—her posture straighter, her movements more deliberate and graceful, infused with the beginnings of a cultivator's poise. She caught him watching and offered a shy smile, unaware of the thoughts of departure forming in his mind. Tomorrow, he decided, he would begin preparing for the journey ahead. But tonight, he would simply appreciate this moment of peace, knowing such moments were rare treasures in a cultivator's life.