Opening her eyes, Betty rose from her cultivation pose. A swirl of green smoke wrapped around her body before fading away.
Clenching her fist, she took a deep breath. The smoke returned, coating her body like a protective layer.
After holding the technique for a while, the green layer began to flicker, sweat dripped down her face, and her legs started to tremble.
Exhaling heavily, the smoke dispersed, leaving her exhausted.
"Ah, Calista… this usage of this skill is so tiring," she said, wiping her forehead.
Calista, perched gracefully atop the bookshelf, nodded.
"Master, that's because you're not using spiritual energy, of course, it will be tiring. You're relying only on core energy, which is weaker, and when I urge you to cultivate, you brush me off. And remember, you've only learned the basics of this technique; it's all your fault."
Betty blinked and then shook her head gently, catching her breath.
"Yeah, I know that. I was just saying—it really drains me."
