The Serene Lotus Dojo stood in tranquil silence, its wooden beams aged yet sturdy, exuding the wisdom of generations past. Intricate carvings of celestial lotuses adorned the pillars, their petals seeming to shift in the dim candlelight. The polished floor gleamed, reflecting the flickering flames of braziers, while the faint scent of incense and aged parchment lingered in the air.
The moment Fang Lee and Fang Xiu materialized within the sacred hall, the female master stood before them, her presence commanding yet composed.
"We have pressing matters to attend to."
With a wave of her sleeve, a wisp of smoke coiled through the air before solidifying into an image.
Lian Xue's jade-like body remained motionless outside Fang Xiu's chambers—exactly where Fang Lee had left her.
Fang Lee blinked.
Oh.
Right.
He had completely forgotten about her.
It wasn't guilt that settled in his chest—more like mild surprise, as if he had misplaced an object rather than a person.
His master's gaze remained sharp.
"Though I am pleased that you have successfully built your foundation, the way you did so presents a serious problem."
Fang Lee stared at her, unblinking. Was he supposed to care? Wasn't the Fang Clan one of the strongest forces in this region? And from his memories, Lian Xue was from a lesser-known sect.
His master sighed.
"You truly don't understand the weight of your actions, do you?"
She folded her arms. "Lian Xue is the daughter of an allied sect. If word spreads that you used her body to refine your foundation, it would create an irreparable rift between our clans."
Fang Meilin tensed beside him.
"Master, surely there's a way to fix this before they find out?"
The master nodded.
"That is why I'm sending you both on a mission. There are certain soul-strengthening herbs that may allow Lian Xue to regain a fragment of her sentience—enough to make her a half-foundation treasure. That should mitigate the fallout if this situation is ever uncovered."
She waved her sleeve again, and a scroll materialized in her grasp. She handed it to Fang Meilin.
"This contains a list and locations of the necessary herbs. You'll find descriptions and illustrations for easier identification."
With another flick, she summoned several items before them—long-distance and short-distance teleportation talismans, cold resistance pills, and a small jade slip.
"As this is a special occasion, I will grant you access to my floating boat in case of emergency or if the teleportation talismans are lost."
A small flying boat, no larger than a table, drifted toward them, hovering effortlessly in the air. Its body shimmered with faint runic engravings, humming with latent energy.
Fang Lee watched as his master materialized a collection of mortal-grade treasures to support them—basically advancing the plot of his dreamscape.
He clasped his hands and bowed slightly.
"Master, I almost forgot. While in seclusion, I had a spark of inspiration."
He couldn't help but think about using this interaction to benefit his real self.
"Inspiration?" she asked, her eyes widening slightly.
"Yes," he murmured. "I felt a strange aptitude lingering for the common plants around my abode in the secluded forest."
"It felt like the grass, roots, and even the soil and moss would call to me—with the promise of advancing my realm through refining them."
"Is what you say the truth?" she asked.
Fang Lee nodded.
"I speak nothing but the truth."
"Is this your way of telling me you might have a foundation in pill refining?"
"Very good," she murmured, flinging a pill recipe at him.
"I'll test your pill refining skills after you return. For now, it's best to familiarize yourself with the basics."
Fang Lee bowed in acceptance, while Fang Meilin followed suit, albeit with less reverence. Together, they turned and strode toward the exit—the dojo's heavy doors groaning open as they stepped into the cool night air.
Behind them, the female master stood in quiet contemplation, her gaze lingering on Fang Lee's departing figure.
"So fast… He's growing up too quickly," she murmured, seemingly to herself.
Then, her expression softened slightly, and she turned her head. "You should be very proud as a mother."
Miles away, nestled deep within the mist-shrouded Fang Clan Village, a grand manor sprawled like a hidden world of its own. Its courtyards overflowed with lush greenery, ancient pines twisting skyward as if reaching for the heavens. Lanterns cast a warm glow over the stone pathways, illuminating the figures of servants moving with practiced grace.
Within the most secluded chamber, a woman at the peak of the Gold Core realm sat in silent meditation, her spirit senses stretched across the distance. She lifted a delicate porcelain cup, taking a slow sip of fragrant tea.
"I am," she said simply.
Beside her, a young girl, no older than fourteen, tilted her head. "Mother, who are you talking to?"
The woman merely smiled, reaching out to pluck a delicate cookie from the plate before her. "No one, my dear."