Wooden Root: Barbara's Journey

After the inspiring conversation with Hai Tu, the idea of starting her own cultivation of spiritual plants took hold of Bárbara’s mind. The next morning, she decided to turn that vision into reality, heading to the bustling sect market. The aroma of rare herbs and the glow of spiritual items filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

As she walked between the stalls, certain items caught her eye. In one stall, spiritual pills glistened under the sunlight, each promising cultivation improvements or miraculous healing. Nearby, an alchemy furnace gleamed, a coveted item among disciples dedicated to the alchemical arts. Bárbara had never delved into alchemy, but the furnace seemed charged with a mysterious energy that made her hesitate for a moment.

"Interested in pills, young cultivator?" asked the vendor with a smile. "With the right furnace, you can create miracles."

She shook her head and turned her gaze to another item: swords floating lightly above a jade table. The famous flying swords, capable of slicing through the wind and serving as mounts for skilled cultivators, glimmered with power. Despite the temptation, Bárbara knew her focus lay elsewhere.

Following her goal, she arrived at the spiritual seed stall. An old man with a white beard proudly displayed a collection of rare seeds, stored in glass vials. After some bargaining, Bárbara purchased seeds of special herbs, ideal for her future venture. Soon after, she found spiritual clay pots, perfect to ensure her plants had the right soil.

With her purchases in hand, she felt more prepared than ever to start her own cultivation. The connection to her wood spiritual root pulsed inside her, strengthening her resolve.

As she walked back, a heated argument caught her attention. Two outer disciples were on the verge of a fight, competing for a talisman — the last item in the shop. The tension escalated as they began to display their martial arts, engaging in a confrontation that drew the attention of passersby. Bárbara watched for a few minutes, intrigued, but chose to move on.

Once back at the dormitory, she hurried to plant the spiritual seeds, recalling Lan Yue's teachings. Her qi flowed smoothly, nourishing the seeds and preparing them to transform into powerful spiritual herbs. However, her concentration was interrupted by a young woman who entered the room with a serious expression.

"You can't leave those pots here," the girl declared, crossing her arms. "They’ll disrupt the dormitory's feng shui. I suggest you find another place."

With no other choice, Bárbara gathered the pots and went in search of a suitable spot. After a short search, she found a small courtyard within the sect, not far from the dormitory, where she could cultivate her plants without bothering anyone. There, she carefully arranged the pots, planting the spiritual seeds. Whenever she had free time, she would return to tend to the plants, feeling increasingly connected to her cultivation.

However, she didn’t notice that the seeds were already beginning to react. The roots, nourished by the energy of her spiritual root, started to quietly sprout, reaching deep into the earth’s strength. Bárbara had yet to realize it, but something extraordinary was about to happen.