NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Granny Wen’s Lesson
The Morning Routine
Luo Feng woke before dawn, his body still aching from the failed cultivation attempt. Granny Wen was already stirring a pot of watery rice porridge over the fire. The hut smelled of smoke and the bitter herbs she'd boiled the night before.
Daily Chores:
He swept the floor with a broom made of twigs, careful not to disturb Granny's sleeping mat.
Fed the chickens (three skinny birds the clan "gifted" them).
Collected dew from leaves using a chipped clay bowl—Granny's remedy for dry throats.
The Amulet's Warmth:
The black jade amulet hung around his neck, still warm from last night's vision. He touched it, remembering the golden serpent's words: "Patience…"
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Granny Wen's Wisdom
After breakfast, Granny Wen sat him down on a wobbly stool. She unrolled the stolen cultivation scroll, her bony finger tracing the faded ink.
Her Warning:
"This technique is too harsh for you," she said, tapping his chest where his dantian (energy center) lay. "Your meridians are like cracked pots—they'll shatter if you force Qi into them."
Alternative Training:
She taught him "Turtle Shell Breathing"—a basic exercise to strengthen his lungs and calm his mind:
1. Breathe in for four counts (imagine filling a turtle's shell).
2. Hold for two counts.
3. Breathe out for six counts (empty the shell slowly).
First Attempt:
Luo Feng's deformed ribs cramped, and he coughed violently. Granny Wen rubbed his back. "Again. Slower this time."
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The Herbal Bath's Secret
That evening, Granny Wen prepared another herbal bath. This time, she added Thistle Root and Moonbell Flowers, which turned the water milky white.
The Ritual:
Luo Feng stripped to his underclothes and stepped into the tub.
The water stung his rat bites but soothed his twisted spine.
Granny dropped the golden snake scale into the bath. It dissolved, leaving shimmering flecks on the surface.
Unexpected Effect:
The amulet glowed softly, and Luo Feng felt a tiny thread of energy seep into his belly—Qi Gathering Stage 1 (Partial).
"The scale… it's helping," he whispered.
Granny Wen nodded. "The forest provides… if you listen."
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Yan Mo's Jealousy
Yan Mo watched from the bushes as Luo Feng practiced breathing by the hut. His own attempts to read the scroll had failed, and anger burned in his gut.
Sabotage:
He threw a rotten egg at Luo Feng's head. It missed, splattering the chickens.
"Give up, monster!" he taunted. "You'll never be a cultivator!"
Luo Feng's Retort:
For the first time, Luo Feng stood tall. "I don't need to be a cultivator… to be better than you."
Yan Mo's face reddened. He stormed off, vowing revenge.
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The Serpent's Guidance
That night, the golden serpent returned in Luo Feng's dream. It slithered around the herbal tub, its scales matching the dissolved snake scale.
New Lesson:
"Qi is not strength… Qi is life," it hissed. "Nurture it… like a seedling."
The dream shifted—Luo Feng saw himself older, standing atop a mountain, his scars glowing like starlight.
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A Glimmer of Progress
The next morning, Luo Feng practiced "Turtle Shell Breathing" while sweeping. To his surprise, his breaths felt deeper, his chest less tight.
Small Victory:
He carried two buckets of water from the well without collapsing.
The amulet's glow lasted longer—three minutes instead of two.
Granny Wen's Pride:
She patted his head, her eyes wet. "You're my brave little seedling."
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Foreshadowing
As Luo Feng tossed scraps to the chickens, he spotted a strange girl peeking over the clan wall—Xiao Mei, her cheeks round and curious. She dropped a jade hairpin into the dirt before running off.