Wooden Root: Barbara's Journey

After her spiritual herb bath, Barbara felt renewed and more centered than ever. The experience taught her the importance of self-care, and from that day forward, she decided to establish a self-care routine that would become essential for her growth as a cultivator.

Each week, Barbara began to schedule specific days for herb baths. With her pendant, she accessed the magical garden where she cultivated a variety of spiritual herbs. Each plant possessed unique properties, and she devoted herself to studying them further, learning how to combine them to create baths that not only relaxed her but also revitalized her Qi.

One day, while preparing a new bath, Barbara reflected on the herbs she would choose. For her next bath, she decided to use lavender to calm her mind, ginseng to boost her vitality, and rose hip to harmonize her energies. Carefully, she harvested the herbs and prepared the space, ensuring everything was perfect for the experience.

As she entered the bathtub, Barbara allowed herself to relax completely. The warmth of the water and the fragrance of the herbs enveloped her like a comforting embrace. She closed her eyes and began to meditate, letting the thoughts of the week—the defeats, insecurities, and even the expectations—drift away and be left behind.

—I am strong. I am capable.— The words echoed in her mind, a mantra she began to use to remind herself of her inner strength. With each breath, Barbara felt the energy of the herbs flowing through her body, cleansing not only her energy but also her mind.

Over time, her self-care practice became a sacred ritual. Barbara began to notice that these moments of tranquility not only helped her relax but also improved her focus and performance during training. She became more receptive to the lessons and advice she received from Wei Jian Qiu and other elders.

In addition to her baths, Barbara also incorporated longer meditation sessions into her routine. She started waking up earlier to meditate in silence before beginning her day. With each session, her connection to her spiritual wood root deepened, allowing her to attune herself to the energies around her and enhance her cultivation.

As the days went by, Barbara’s life began to transform. She was not only growing stronger in her cultivation skills but also becoming more emotionally balanced. Her confidence was increasing, and she started to feel more comfortable in her position within the sect.

One day, after a long period of training and self-care, Barbara met with Hai Tu. Her friend had noticed the change in Barbara's attitude and was curious about her new ritual.

—You seem different, Barbara. What have you been doing?— Hai Tu asked, smiling.

Barbara smiled back, feeling the positive energy surrounding her.

—I’ve established a self-care routine. Herb baths and meditation have helped me cope with the pressure and prepare for challenges—she explained as they walked through the sect's courtyard.

—That’s amazing! I’ve always known self-care is important, but I never thought I could make it so... spiritual.

—It’s working. I feel stronger and more connected to my cultivation—Barbara said, filled with conviction.

Their conversations about self-care and personal growth became more frequent, and Hai Tu felt inspired to explore the same path. Their friendship strengthened, and Barbara realized that having someone to share these experiences with helped her maintain focus and motivation.

As she committed to this new routine, Barbara was not only growing as a cultivator but also as a person. Accepting her flaws and building a positive mindset became fundamental to her journey. And as she prepared for the challenges ahead, she knew she was not only physically ready but also emotionally equipped to become the cultivator she had always dreamed of being.

As the weeks passed, her herb baths became a vital part of Barbara's routine. Each bath was not only a moment of relaxation but also an opportunity to connect more deeply with her body and her cultivation practice. She began to experiment with different combinations of herbs, each chosen for its unique properties.

First Bath: Revitalization

The first bath Barbara decided to prepare after her reflection focused on revitalization. She chose ginseng for energy and rosemary for mental clarity. As the warm water filled the tub, she visualized Qi flowing into her body, allowing the herbs to awaken her vitality.

Once she stepped into the water, Barbara closed her eyes and began to meditate. She felt the energy of the herbs penetrating her skin, flooding her body with warmth and light. In the midst of her meditation, visions of her journey emerged in her mind, each one more vibrant than the last. She realized that by releasing tension and stress, she was preparing not only physically but also mentally for the challenges ahead.

After this bath, Barbara felt full of energy. The clarity she gained helped her focus better on her cultivation practices. The revitalizing effect made her more attentive and aware of her skills, allowing her to take significant steps in her training.

Second Bath: Connection with Nature

For her next bath, Barbara decided to focus on connecting with nature. She chose eucalyptus leaves and lavender, believing these herbs would help calm her mind and strengthen her bond with the natural world. As she entered the water, she began to imagine her roots extending into the ground, connecting with all the plants and beings around her.

While meditating, Barbara felt the energy of the magical garden surrounding her, as if the herbs in the bathtub were communicating with the plants she cultivated. This experience brought new insights about how her emotions and states of mind affected the growth of her herbs. The connection made her realize that she was not only cultivating plants but also nurturing the very essence of nature.

This bath helped her develop greater empathy for the herbs and the natural world, and Barbara began to incorporate this understanding into her cultivation practices, allowing her plants to grow healthier and more vibrant.

Third Bath: Introspection

For her third bath, Barbara decided to focus on introspection. She chose herbs like chamomile and rose hip, known for their emotional healing and balancing properties. As she stepped into the bathtub, Barbara felt the need to release the emotions that had haunted her since her defeat at the Tower of Trial.

As the warm water enveloped her, she began to cry—not out of sadness, but as a way to release the tension and pressures she had felt. This act of vulnerability brought a sense of liberation. The herbs began to work, and Barbara felt her emotions stabilizing.

After the meditation, she had a clear vision of where she wanted to be on her path as a cultivator. Instead of focusing solely on her flaws, she realized that each step taken, each mistake made, was part of an essential learning process.

Fourth Bath: Empowerment

The fourth bath Barbara prepared focused on empowerment. She chose herbs like ginger and basil, which bring vitality and courage. As she entered the bathtub, she visualized herself as a strong tree, her roots deepening while her branches stretched toward the sky.

This bath was a true milestone in her journey. Barbara felt that each drop of water filled her with strength and determination. The energy flowed through her body, and a new courage began to form within her. Upon leaving the bath, she felt ready to face any challenge that came her way, determined to transform her weaknesses into strengths.

Results and Reflections

After several weeks of practicing these rituals, Barbara realized that each herb bath not only improved her physical condition but also became a form of emotional therapy. She began to understand that taking care of herself was just as important as cultivating herbs and honing her alchemical skills.

Moreover, the self-care practice helped solidify her intentions and the clarity of her path. Barbara was no longer just a cultivator; she was a young woman who understood the importance of nurturing herself in all aspects of her life.

With each bath, she felt stronger, more connected to her true self, and more determined to face the challenges ahead. Thus, her self-care routine became a sacred ritual, an essential part of Barbara's journey as a cultivator.