Li Qingyue's heart pounded like a war drum.
If the snake truly was sealed, then she had a sliver of hope. The moment her feet touched the ground, she might be able to escape. But if her assumption was wrong… the snake would crush her like an ant for attempting to flee. It was a gamble, a high-stakes bet between life and death.
Her thoughts raced, but her face remained calm. She looked up at the monstrous serpent, meeting its gaze with forced composure. "Great immortal," she said, voice steady despite the pounding of her heart, "if you desire it, I will bring the golden nail for you. But you must let me down from this tree first."
The snake narrowed its cold, golden eyes, tongue flicking as if tasting her words. A long moment passed, then it slithered down the trunk, its tail uncoiling from the branch she sat upon. With a hiss, it lowered her to the forest floor.
Qingyue landed lightly, her eyes quickly scanning the base of the ancient tree. Sure enough, there it was—a golden nail half-buried in the bark, etched with faint runic patterns. Her heart skipped. Those markings confirmed it. This really was the core of a sealing array.
Still under the snake's watchful gaze, Qingyue pretended to look around for a stone, crouching and brushing through leaves and twigs. Slowly, subtly, she inched away, widening the gap between her and the tree. Her movements were natural, practiced, rehearsed in her mind dozens of times.
One step. Two steps.
The snake watched her, unblinking.
Three steps… then suddenly—
Qingyue bolted.
She turned on her heel and sprinted with everything she had, crashing through the underbrush, heart hammering in her chest. She didn't dare look back. The ground beneath her trembled violently, the sound of trees swaying and soil cracking behind her as a furious hiss echoed through the forest.
"SSSSSLITTLE GIRL! I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE! I'LL DEVOUR YOUR WHOLE VILLAGE!"
Its voice was thunderous, filled with rage and hunger.
Qingyue's breath hitched, but she didn't stop running. She knew those weren't empty threats. If that beast ever escaped, it would hunt her down and slaughter everything in its path. But right now, she could do nothing. Her only option was to run.
She sprinted in the direction she had come, weaving between trees, heart pounding like a drum in her ears. Finally, after what felt like hours, she reached the rocky slope where the small cave was hidden.
"Uncle!" she called, panting. "Li Zhen!"
No answer. She peered inside but found it empty. A flicker of relief passed through her. Perhaps he had returned safely—or perhaps he had been taken by a beast. Either way, it saved her from needing to care for him now. He had almost gotten her killed
Looking up at the sun already high in the sky, she realized it was nearly noon. The forest no longer felt like an adventure. She had what she came for—the Eight-Petaled Golden Lotus. That alone had pushed her limits far more than she had expected.
She wanted a beast core too, but… she clenched her fists. No. Not yet. She wasn't strong enough. Once her meridians were cleared, once she truly stepped into the path of cultivation, she would return. She would be ready next time.
Qingyue made her way out of the forest, each step filled with pain and fatigue. Dirt smudged her cheeks, and her clothes were torn in several places. But she carried the golden lotus with both hands, holding it like the treasure it was.
By the time she reached the outskirts of her village, the sun was already beginning to dip. Her steps slowed as she approached the small manor that the Li Clan had reluctantly assigned to her mother. A modest home, with crumbling walls and a garden overrun by weeds. Still, it was shelter.
As she entered, her mother rushed out.
"Qingyue! Where have you been? I was worried sick!"
"I was just playing with some other kids," Qingyue replied quickly, lowering her head to hide her expression.
Her mother scolded her lightly but seemed relieved. After all, she was just a child—who would expect more from an eight-year-old?
That night, Qingyue returned to her small room. The single window let in a pale moonlight, casting long shadows over her bed and wooden chest. She carefully took out the Eight-Petaled Golden Lotus, its petals glowing faintly in the dark.
She ground the flower into a fine paste and heated a bucket of water. The moment the petals touched the water, the surface shimmered gold. Steam rose, filling the room with a soothing herbal scent. Undressing, she stepped into the bucket, submerging herself up to the shoulders.
The warmth soothed her sore muscles at first… but soon, a burning sensation spread through her body like wildfire.
She clenched her teeth.
This pain—this searing, skin-tearing pain—was the process of unblocking her spirit meridians. Every person who wished to cultivate had to endure it. The spirit meridians were like clogged rivers, and this flower was the pickaxe breaking apart the dams.
Most children didn't attempt this until they were at least fourteen. The pain could drive even adults mad.
But Qingyue had long since become numb to pain.
She bore it silently, her small fingers clutching the sides of the bucket. Her breathing slowed. The heat turned into agony. Her vision blurred, her lips trembled—but she didn't scream. She endured it for hours until the pain began to fade.
The water had turned murky, its golden hue now a dark blackish-brown.
Her body, though weak and trembling, felt different—lighter, stronger.
She didn't get out. The warmth lulled her. She fell asleep in the bucket, the empty basin of her past life gently giving way to a new beginning.
When the light of dawn crept through her window, Qingyue stirred. Her body ached, but there was no more pain. The flower had done its work. She rose slowly, water dripping from her as she stepped out and drained the bucket.
In the small washing area, she filled a new tub with fresh water. As she began scrubbing herself clean, she paused.
She had just lifted the heavy bucket of water with ease.
Her eyes widened.
"My strength…" she murmured.
After cleaning herself, she sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
And there it was.
The world around her shimmered faintly. Tiny threads of invisible energy flowed around her. She could sense it—Qi. The life force of the world.
Her eyes snapped open.
"I can feel it," she whispered, joy blooming in her chest like a morning flower. "I can really feel it."
She had officially stepped onto the path of cultivation again.
Later that morning, her mother blinked when she saw her. "Qingyue… have you gotten taller overnight?"
Qingyue stood straight. She was now almost eye-level with her mother. At least three inches taller than she had been yesterday.
She blinked. "I… guess I did?"
She smiled awkwardly. How was she supposed to explain that?
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