Wooden Root: Barbara's Journey

After leaving Barbara's cave, Liang and Bai Qiu gathered in a secluded spot within the sect, far from the ears of those who might overhear their conversation. The frustration and humiliation of being defeated by the cultivator they considered inferior were still fresh in their minds.

“We need a new plan,” Liang said, his voice low and intense. “We can't let her keep getting away with this. What happened today was unacceptable.”

Bai Qiu, still bitter, nodded in agreement.

“Absolutely. We can't just sit back and watch her rise through the sect's ranks while we remain on the sidelines. But this time, we need to be smarter.”

Liang started to think, his eyes lighting up as ideas began to flow.

“What if we create a situation where Barbara has no choice but to expose herself? If we can make her reveal her secret—that damned alchemy furnace—her reputation will be ruined.”

Bai Qiu smiled, pleased with the idea.

“Exactly. But how do we do that? She's clever. If we just go after her again, we might end up in the same situation.”

Liang thought for a moment before a plan formed in his mind.

“We'll spread more elaborate rumors. We need to sow doubt among the other disciples about her honesty. If we can turn everyone against her, Barbara will be isolated. Then, when she least expects it, we can confront her and force her to reveal what she's hiding.”

Bai Qiu nodded, the malice in his gaze intensifying.

“Yes, and we can use what she has to expose her. Let’s make sure our allies in the sect believe she’s up to something wrong. That way, if she's confronted by them, there’ll be no way out.”

The two began discussing the details, crafting a plan that involved spreading rumors and manipulating other disciples. The idea that Barbara might be hiding a dark and valuable secret would spread like wildfire, leading to growing distrust towards her.

In the following days, Liang and Bai Qiu started putting their plan into motion. Liang whispered insinuations during classes, while Bai Qiu worked his own angle with the more influential disciples, twisting Barbara’s words into something suspicious.

“Do you really think she's that talented?” Bai Qiu questioned some disciples. “Wouldn’t it be strange for someone like her to have such a sophisticated alchemy furnace? You have to be careful with those at the top. They could be hiding tricks, like Barbara’s sudden success.”

Distrust began to spread among the disciples. Some people who once admired Barbara started questioning her integrity. Meanwhile, Liang and Bai Qiu continued to stoke the flames, using every opportunity to put Barbara in a vulnerable position.

Unaware of the brewing storm, Barbara continued her routine, tending to her herbs and working on her pills. However, the increasing tension within the sect left her uneasy. With suspicions mounting around her, Barbara realized she would soon have to deal not only with Liang and Bai Qiu's jealousy but also with the growing distrust among the other disciples.

The rivalry was about to escalate, and Barbara found herself racing against time to protect her secret and her standing within the sect.

As Liang and Bai Qiu continued spreading rumors about Barbara, focusing mainly on the alchemy furnace, their strategy began to bear fruit. Other disciples who once admired Barbara's skills started to question the source of her success and the methods she employed.

One morning, while Barbara was in the sect's courtyard, a group of disciples surrounded her, their gazes filled with suspicion. Among them was a young man named Chen, who had once looked up to her but now appeared hesitant.

“Barbara, we've been hearing things about you and your alchemy furnace,” Chen said, avoiding eye contact with Barbara, clearly uncomfortable. “Is it true that you have a very special furnace? Some people are saying it's… unfair.”

Barbara felt a chill run down her spine. Chen’s words echoed the provocations of Liang and Bai Qiu, and she realized the situation was beginning to spiral out of her control.

“The furnace is an inheritance I received,” she responded, trying to remain calm. “It's not something I acquired through tricks or deceit.”

But Chen didn't seem convinced.

“I just wanted to make sure you're being honest with us. There are rumors that you might be using that furnace to get pills and herbs that aren't yours. That wouldn’t be fair to the rest of us who work hard.”

Barbara glanced around, noticing that several disciples were listening intently, some nodding in agreement.

“If I didn’t know what I was doing, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have,” Barbara said, frustration creeping into her voice. “I’m here to learn and contribute, just like all of you.”

But her words seemed to have little effect. Liang and Bai Qiu, watching from a distance, exchanged satisfied smiles. Their plan was working.

“Come on, Barbara, you don't have to explain yourself to us,” Liang said, taking advantage of the moment. “But you should be prepared—the truth always comes out. And if there's something you're hiding, this won’t end well for you.”

With that, Liang and Bai Qiu walked away, leaving Barbara surrounded by distrustful stares. She felt the frustration and pressure mounting. The alchemy furnace was only part of what she possessed, and while everyone focused on it, the real secret of the magical garden remained safe—for now.

After that encounter, Barbara knew she couldn’t stand by while rumors threatened her reputation. It was time to act.

That night, as she prepared to enter her cave, Barbara reflected on Liang and Bai Qiu's words. What they didn’t know about her magical garden made her feel stronger, but also restless. If suspicions about the furnace continued to grow, the garden's revelation might only be a matter of time.

With a new sense of determination, Barbara resolved to prepare for the storm that was brewing. It was time to reinforce her mastery of alchemy and ensure her methods were beyond question. If Liang and Bai Qiu wanted to play dirty, she’d be ready to defend herself.

After the tense confrontation with Liang and Bai Qiu, Barbara retreated to her cave, the weight of suspicions and rumors still fresh in her mind. She knew she had to act quickly to protect her place in the sect and, more importantly, to keep her magical garden a secret.

As she organized her herbs, an idea began to take shape. Barbara realized that she needed to improve not only her alchemy skills but also her martial arts abilities. If Liang and Bai Qiu wanted to play dirty, she couldn’t just stand by and wait to be attacked.

Barbara sat in front of the alchemy furnace and began to meditate. With her eyes closed, she focused on her Qi, allowing the energy to flow through her body. The practice of cultivation helped enhance her strength and focus, and she increasingly felt the need to incorporate this into her daily routine.

After meditation, she decided that in addition to creating pills to improve her skills, she would also train her body. Barbara stood up and began a series of martial arts movements, practicing the strikes and stances she had learned over the years. Every punch and kick was executed with precision as she imagined herself defending against Liang and Bai Qiu.

"I won’t let them bring me down again," she muttered to herself, her determination growing. "If they think they can intimidate me, they are sorely mistaken."

In the days that followed, Barbara committed herself to an intense routine. In the morning, she practiced her combat techniques, and in the afternoon, she focused on alchemy. She created pills that not only enhanced her Qi but also physically strengthened her. The combination of physical and mental training began to pay off; she felt more agile, stronger, and more confident with each passing day.

One particularly productive morning, she managed to create a new pill that boosted not only cultivation but also physical endurance. With a satisfied smile, Barbara placed the pill in a small vial, a symbol of her progress.

"This will come in handy," she thought, looking at the pill. "If Liang and Bai Qiu try to attack me again, I’ll be ready."

In addition to improving her skills, Barbara also started connecting more with other disciples. She knew she needed to build alliances and strengthen her position within the sect. Casual conversations turned into discussions about cultivation and alchemy techniques, and she began earning the trust of some who were aware of the gossip.

One afternoon, while at the sect’s library, Barbara found a group of disciples discussing combat methods and alchemy. She approached, listening attentively before joining the conversation.

"I’ve heard Barbara is doing very well with her pills," one disciple remarked, admiring what they had heard about her. "She must have a secret."

Barbara, realizing she could use their admiration to her advantage, smiled and joined the group.

"The secret is in dedicating yourself and never stopping to learn. Every pill I create is the result of a lot of work and research," she said, keeping her tone friendly. "If you really want to learn, I can share some tips."

The group responded warmly, and soon, Barbara became a reference among the disciples willing to learn from her. The idea of building allies instead of rivalries began to take shape in her mind.

With these new connections and her renewed determination, Barbara felt she was preparing not only to defend her secret but also to establish herself as a true cultivator in the sect. The challenge from Liang and Bai Qiu had pushed her to surpass herself and become stronger than ever.

However, the shadow of rivalry still loomed over her, and Barbara knew that the peace was temporary. She had to stay vigilant, ready to face any challenge that came her way.

After weeks of preparation, Barbara was beginning to feel more confident in her position within the Eternal Chalice Sect. She had improved her skills in alchemy and martial arts, as well as formed bonds with other disciples. But the rivalry with Liang and Bai Qiu still hung over her, and the rumors about her alchemy furnace continued to spread.

One morning, while Barbara was working in her garden at the sect, a shadow approached. It was Liang, accompanied by Bai Qiu and a few other disciples who seemed skeptical. Barbara felt a chill run down her spine, realizing their intentions were not friendly.

"Barbara, we need to talk," Liang said, his tone challenging.

Barbara turned, trying to remain calm.

"What do you want to talk about? If it’s about the pills, I’m more than willing to share a few tips."

Bai Qiu smiled sarcastically. "No, no. We’re not here to listen to your tips. We’re here to uncover the truth. Everyone is starting to question just how talented you really are. We want to know where your success is coming from."

Barbara raised an eyebrow, determined not to let their provocation shake her.

"I’m just dedicating myself to my studies, just as all of you should be doing. There are no secrets here."

Liang stepped forward, his expression growing more intense. "But can you prove it? Why don’t you show us your recovery pills? Or is there something you’re hiding?"

At that moment, Barbara realized she couldn’t let the situation escalate any further. She had prepared herself to defend her place, but she hadn’t expected Liang and Bai Qiu to be so bold.

"If you’re so interested, then challenge me. I’m not here to argue and listen to unfounded accusations," she said, ready to fight.

Liang and Bai Qiu exchanged glances, satisfied with Barbara’s reaction.

"Great! Let’s see what you’re really made of," Bai Qiu said, his defiant gaze fixed on Barbara. He signaled for the other disciples to step back, creating space for the fight that was about to unfold.

Barbara took her stance, her martial arts skills ready to be tested once again. The adrenaline began to flow as Liang and Bai Qiu advanced together, determined to expose her and prove she wasn’t as strong as she seemed.

The fight began. Barbara dodged a punch from Liang, using the agility she had honed over the past weeks. She countered with a low kick, causing Liang to lose his balance. Meanwhile, Bai Qiu tried to flank her, but Barbara was quick and focused.

"You’re not the only one who can fight!" Bai Qiu shouted, throwing a blow intending to catch her off guard.

Barbara blocked the strike with a swift move and, seizing the opportunity, launched herself forward, landing a punch on Bai Qiu’s face, pushing him back.

"This isn’t just about strength, but also strategy!" she shouted, continuing to move, keeping Liang and Bai Qiu at a distance.

The other disciples, initially just observing, began murmuring among themselves, some showing support for Barbara, recognizing her combat skill. They saw how she not only fought but also defended her position in the sect.

"Come on, Barbara! You can do it!" a disciple shouted, cheering her on.

With that, Barbara’s determination intensified. She wasn’t just fighting for herself but also for the reputation she had built among the other disciples. The battle grew fiercer, and with each move, Barbara felt stronger and more capable of facing the challenges surrounding her.

Finally, after a series of quick and strategic movements, Barbara delivered a decisive blow that made Liang and Bai Qiu stumble backward, clearly frustrated and exhausted.

"I’m not hiding anything! The only secret I have is how hard I work to be better every day!" Barbara shouted, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.

Seeing they were losing the fight, Bai Qiu and Liang decided to retreat. The battle had not only been a demonstration of Barbara’s skill but also a test of her resilience and determination.

"This isn’t over, Barbara!" Bai Qiu said, his pride wounded as he walked away.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be ready!" Barbara replied with a triumphant smile.

With that, the rivalry between them intensified, and Barbara knew the fight was far from over. But for now, she had proven her worth and secured her place in the sect. The support she had gained from the other disciples motivated her even more to continue her journey, ready to face any challenge that came her way.