Wooden Root: Barbara's Journey

After weeks of herbal baths and meditation, Barbara began to notice significant changes in her training. With each combat session, she felt more agile and focused. The warmth of the herbs and the revitalizing energy she absorbed not only made her physically stronger but also mentally better prepared for the challenges ahead.

During a training session in the courtyard, Barbara faced a group of disciples, including Liang and Bai Qiu. They were practicing a series of paired maneuvers, with other disciples watching around them. Now more confident, Barbara decided to join the group. The confrontation was a test, and she was determined to show that she had learned from her experiences.

As she prepared for combat, she felt energy flowing through her body, as if the herbs from the past weeks were there, accompanying her in every movement. When the fight began, Barbara found herself dancing gracefully, dodging her opponents' attacks with a lightness she had never felt before.

With a swift strike, she punched Liang, who had underestimated her, and he barely had time to react. The confidence radiating from her was undeniable. When the combat ended, many of the spectators were visibly impressed by her performance. The murmurs of admiration grew as she defeated Liang and Bai Qiu in record time.

After training, Barbara sat in a corner of the courtyard to rest, still amazed by her own performance. Hai Tu approached her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

— Barbara! You were incredible! What changed? You seem different — she exclaimed, animated.

— I started taking herbal baths and meditating regularly. The herbs have helped me feel more centered and strong — Barbara explained, a smile on her face.

As they chatted, Wei Jian Qiu passed through the courtyard and stopped, watching his disciple. The elder smiled with satisfaction at her progress.

— It seems the herbal baths are really working, isn’t it? — he said, approaching. — You stood out in training today.

Barbara nodded, joy shining in her eyes.

— Thank you, Elder. I’m trying to prepare better for the challenges that will come.

Wei Jian Qiu placed a hand on her shoulder.

— Keep on this path, Barbara. Discipline and dedication are as important as talent. And remember, there will always be more to learn.

In the days that followed, Barbara noticed that her progress in alchemy also began to flourish. She dedicated herself to preparing pills more effectively, and her combinations of herbs seemed to have a stronger and more positive impact. The pills she created not only helped her peers improve their cultivation but also helped herself.

During an alchemy session, Barbara was preparing a new pill that promised to enhance Qi control. While combining the herbs she had learned to cultivate and prepare, she felt her touch becoming more skillful. The alchemy furnace, which had once seemed a mystery, now responded to her will with ease.

— What are you doing? — Hai Tu asked, watching her friend in action.

— I’m creating a Qi Control Pill. I want to see if I can improve my connection with my energy flow — Barbara explained, focusing on the mixture.

As soon as the pill was created, Barbara tried it and immediately felt a wave of power coursing through her body. The feeling of control was new and invigorating, and she knew that her training and baths were bearing fruit.

Over time, the disciples began to notice the transformation in Barbara. Her reputation was solidifying, not just as a genius but also as a diligent and dedicated cultivator. This new image was spreading throughout the sect, and with it, the pressure to be a leader among the disciples grew.

Barbara realized that while recognition was rewarding, she still needed to work on herself and her skills. The path of cultivation was long and full of challenges, but now she felt more prepared than ever to face them.

As she prepared for the next stage of her journey, Barbara knew that the lessons learned through herbal baths and meditation were not just a path to self-care, but a solid foundation upon which she could build an even stronger future.

Barbara was completely absorbed in her work in the sect's garden. The sun was shining softly, and she could feel the energy pulsing around her. Every plant she tended seemed to respond to the strength of her spiritual roots, growing vigorously under her attention. The connection between her and the herbs deepened with each passing day, and the green leaves glistened as if imbued with life.

Over the weeks, the plants began to mature, and Barbara knew she would soon be able to harvest her high-quality spiritual herbs. Each harvest would mean more contribution points, a crucial step in her quest for a new weapon.

While working, Barbara couldn’t help but think about her ideal weapon. Ever since she became a cultivator, she had primarily used her fists in battle, but she felt she needed something more. A spear had always caught her attention — the beauty and effectiveness of the weapon were undeniable. She envisioned the spear made from the element wood, resonating with her spiritual roots, and the idea filled her with excitement.

With each herb she harvested, Barbara thought about the contribution points she could accumulate. She had already planned to exchange some of her points for a martial arts book specialized in spears. The combination of knowing how to wield the spear and having the weapon itself would make her an even more versatile fighter.

At the end of the day, Barbara sat in her cave with a satisfied smile on her face. The herbs were growing and maturing, and the idea of owning a spear was becoming more real. She decided she would meet with Wei Jian Qiu to discuss her intentions of exchanging contribution points for a spear and the martial arts book.

The next day, Barbara sought the elder, finding him in his office, studying some scrolls. With a nervous knock, she entered. Wei Jian Qiu looked up, smiling at the sight of her.

— Barbara, how are you? What can I do for you today? — he asked kindly.

Barbara took a deep breath, determined to share her plans.

— Elder, I would like to exchange my contribution points for a spear and a martial arts book specialized in spears. I feel I need a new weapon to face the challenges ahead.

Wei Jian Qiu observed her closely, evaluating her words.

— A spear, you say? That’s an interesting choice. This weapon can be very effective in the hands of someone who knows how to use it properly. And as for the martial arts book, it will certainly enhance your skills. — He paused, seeming to reflect. — How many contribution points have you accumulated?

Barbara smiled, knowing her hard work had paid off.

— I’ve accumulated a good number of points from tending to the spiritual herbs and also from exchanging some pills I made. I’m confident I can make this exchange.

— Great! — said Wei Jian Qiu, looking pleased. — Go to the mission hall and make the request. This decision to diversify your skills is wise. You’re preparing well for the future.

Barbara nodded gratefully, feeling a wave of excitement. With the elder’s support, she headed toward the mission hall, where she could formalize her request. Upon arrival, the place was bustling, with disciples exchanging items and discussing their accomplishments.

She approached one of the staff members, presenting her request. After a brief review, the staff member made a few notes.

— Very well, it seems you have enough points to exchange for a spear and the book. — He smiled, admiring her progress. — A wise choice, Barbara. You will become an even more formidable fighter.

With a sense of achievement, Barbara completed the exchange. The spear, made from the element wood, was light and perfectly balanced. The accompanying martial arts book was filled with techniques and exercises, promising to expand her combat skills.

As she left the hall, Barbara held the spear with confidence, feeling her connection to her spiritual roots even stronger. The new weapon was not just a tool; it was a symbol of her determination and growth.

— I’m ready for new challenges! — she murmured to herself as she walked back to her cave, planning how she would integrate the spear into her training and the battles to come.