The days passed with a calm that felt more like a held breath than peace. Elder Wei's presence lingered like a shadow — respected, but unspoken in casual conversation.
Ash kept to his routines, blending into the background of the orchard and training grounds, observing and learning.
A Morning Exchange
One crisp morning, Mei found Ash at the edge of the orchard, quietly inspecting a patch of silvershade root.
"You're really into these herbs, huh?" she said with a teasing grin. "Trying to make your muscles grow faster?"
Ash looked up, faint smile. "Body cultivation isn't just muscles. It's the entire system—muscle, Qi, stamina. These herbs help the body absorb better."
Mei scratched her head. "Sounds like a full-time job. How do you keep track of all that?"
He held up a faintly glowing panel only he could see—the system interface.
Ash's System Panel:Body Status: +12% endurance, +7% strength, Qi Flow: 82%Herb Effects: Silvershade root – muscle regeneration +3%, cloudvine – Qi circulation +4%Suggested next herb: Moonleaf petals for stamina boost
Mei raised an eyebrow. "Fancy. I'm still struggling with flames."
The Art of Experimentation
Ash spent the afternoon experimenting with a new skill idea—"Root Bind."
The concept was simple but promising: using roots and vines to immobilize or slow an opponent.
He initiated the system's skill creation interface:
Input Skill Name: Root BindSkill Type: Control/TrapBase Power: ModerateEnergy Cost: MediumRestrictions: Requires living plant matter in vicinitySkill Complexity: Adjustable via incremental upgrades
Ash focused, visualizing the roots beneath the earth twisting and reacting to his mental command.
At first, the roots twitched weakly, barely moving a handful of leaves. Frustrated but undeterred, he adjusted the energy flow, increased the focus, and practiced again.
Skill Stability: 35% → 50% after 30 minutesEnergy Consumption: Moderate but sustainable
By evening, the roots had wrapped firmly around a fallen branch, holding it in place with surprising strength.
Unexpected Visitors
As dusk settled, the elders gathered again. Elder Wei's intentions became clearer—he was here not just to test strength, but to propose a joint expedition beyond the sect's borders, where rumors spoke of ancient ruins and untapped powers.
Ash listened quietly, the system alert flashing:
External Threat Level: UnknownRecommended Preparation: Skill refinement and body cultivation
Reflections Under the Stars
Later that night, Ash sat by his small fire pit, nibbling on a simple stew of roasted moonleaf petals and silvershade root.
Body Cultivation Boost: +5% stamina, slight warmth in limbsMental Focus: Optimal for skill experimentation
He smiled to himself. Life was simple. Complex. Slow.
But every root dug deep, every skill learned carefully, would one day bloom into strength no one could ignore.
End of Chapter 21