Wooden Root: Barbara's Journey

After a week dedicated to caring for the spiritual plants of the Sect of the Eternal Chalice, Barbara felt it was time to delve deeper into the sect’s unique cultivation method. She knew her wood spiritual root was different, something that made her more suited to cultivating the sect's herbs and plants. However, there was still much to learn about how to attune to the energy of wood and apply it correctly in cultivation.

The instructor, Lan Yue, guided the outer disciples in an open field where various spiritual plants grew in orderly rows, each with its own peculiarities. She explained that the sect’s method was based on symbiosis between the cultivator and the spiritual plants, requiring an understanding of the plants’ needs and how the disciple’s spiritual root could interact with them.

“For a wood root, it’s essential to create a harmonious growth environment,” said Lan Yue, her voice calm. “You must understand the plant's life energy and let it expand within you. The wood root thrives on growth, vitality, and requires patience and attention.”

Barbara watched closely as Lan Yue demonstrated the process. With each movement, the instructor seemed almost to converse with the plants, feeling their energy pulses, and using her own spiritual root to guide their growth. When it was Barbara’s turn, she felt nervous, but also determined to prove her worth.

Kneeling before a small spiritual plant that needed care, she extended her hands and tried to focus on the energy around her. She felt a slight resistance in her wood root, something new and a bit confusing. Her root wasn’t harmonizing with the plant as Lan Yue’s had. Instead of growth, the plant seemed hesitant, as if it was holding back.

Barbara concentrated deeply, following the Sect of the Eternal Chalice’s cultivation method and the instructions on how to tune her spiritual root with the plants. The warmth of her energy began to merge with the plant, as if both were coming into perfect harmony. What had initially seemed difficult started to feel natural as her connection with the wood element deepened.

When the small plant began to grow under her careful attention, Barbara felt an indescribable joy. The bond between her spiritual root and the test plant seemed to blossom tangibly, and she realized she was beginning to understand the true nature of cultivation.

With each breath, the wood energy flowed more smoothly within her, as if the plant itself was responding to her presence. She smiled, satisfied with her progress. For the first time, she felt in control of her destiny within the sect.

As Barbara focused on cultivating the plant, a strange sensation began to spread through her body. It felt as though her own energy was merging with the plant’s, creating an almost spiritual connection. It was as if the nature around her was becoming more vivid, more intense, and she was part of it. Each breath connected her more deeply to the earth, and for the first time, she no longer felt like a stranger in the spiritual world. She intuitively understood the flow of natural energy around her. Something was changing inside her.

While the other disciples practiced the cultivation method, instructor Lan Yue carefully observed everyone’s progress. Some failed, others managed modest growth, but something in particular caught her attention: Barbara’s plant. Unlike the others, it was growing extraordinarily, with a vitality and size that impressed everyone. The intense green of its leaves seemed to radiate pure energy. Lan Yue, surprised by the disciple’s success, smiled and approached to congratulate her.

“Well done, Barbara. You have a remarkable connection with your wood root. Keep it up.”

After the class, Barbara returned to her daily routine of tending to the Sect of the Eternal Chalice’s spiritual plants, but this time everything seemed easier. Her connection with the plants was stronger, and she felt a deep harmony with them. The pain that had once troubled her, coming from her spiritual root, had vanished, as if she had found the balance she needed. The plants began to grow faster under her care, as if they recognized the bond she had formed with them.

Now, without pain or resistance, Barbara felt in tune with nature. She breathed more calmly, her spirit more serene, knowing she had taken a big step towards discovering the true potential of her wood spiritual root. She felt that she had finally found her path in the sect.

At the end of the day, after the arduous training and cultivation of spiritual plants, Barbara made her way to the dormitory, feeling exhausted but satisfied with her progress. Upon entering, she found her friend Hai Tu, sitting on the bed with a sparkle in her eyes, eager to share some news.

“You won’t believe what happened today!” said Hai Tu, clearly excited. She was eager to talk about a rumor circulating among the sect's disciples, something that could affect everyone’s routine and opportunities.

Barbara sat beside her, curious.

“I made huge progress in my alchemy studies!” said Hai Tu, sitting next to Barbara. “And I have a suggestion for you. How about starting to cultivate your own spiritual plants? If you manage to sell these plants for spirit stones, you could even start your own business outside the sect. The Sect of the Eternal Chalice has many rare herbs that can be cultivated and sold, which could be a great way to gain independence.”

Barbara thought about the idea. She knew that spirit stones were the currency outside the sect, and that a business could open new doors for her. But she also knew that it would mean more work and dedication. It would be a new challenge... and she was ready for it.