As dawn's golden fingers crept over the horizon, Li Qingyue sat by the window of her small room, gazing at the awakening world. The morning mist clung gently to the leaves, birds chirped melodiously, and the sky shone a pure, undisturbed blue. The world seemed peaceful, yet her mind was burdened with thoughts.
After a quiet breakfast with her mother, Qingyue excused herself and slipped out of the manor. She moved cautiously, making sure not to be seen. Her mother would never allow her to enter the forest alone, especially not with the presence of spirit beasts. Though low in rank, they posed real danger to villagers, especially to someone who had not yet begun cultivation.
But Qingyue had a goal.
The eight-petaled Golden Lotus flower.
She had learned about its use only after joining the Azure Lotus Sect in her past life. It was a vital resource for anyone beginning their cultivation, known for nurturing the meridians and enhancing initial spiritual perception. If she could get her hands on one, it would give her a head start.
The forest welcomed her with rustling leaves and scattered sunlight. Time passed slowly as she wandered deeper, eyes sharp and alert, avoiding any rustle or growl that might hint at nearby beasts.
Yet, after nearly an hour of searching, there was still no sign of the elusive Golden Lotus. Just as she began to feel disheartened, a familiar silhouette caught her eye.
Uncle Li Zhen.
He was crouching beside a thick tree, setting up what looked like a crude formation. Qingyue narrowed her eyes and silently took cover behind a nearby bush. Though he was technically a cultivator, he had never risen beyond the first stage—Qi Condensation Realm. His poor constitution had left him stuck, and even now, his energy was faint.
Keeping a wide berth, she trailed him quietly.
Li Zhen was preparing a trap near a shallow cave. A few feet away, stomping in the underbrush, was a Golden-Tusked Warthog. A low-level spirit beast known for its brute strength and medicinal horns, it snorted and pawed the earth, sensing something was off.
Qingyue studied the setup.
A basic binding array. Crude. Inefficient. If only she had her cultivation, she could've helped refine it with ease.
So, he wants the beast's horn? she thought. Not food. He needs the materials.
As she turned to leave, her heart stopped.
There it was.
Nestled near the mouth of the cave, blooming in golden glory, was the eight-petaled Golden Lotus. Yet between her and the flower stood the warthog. Her breath hitched.
She had to wait. When the beast fought her uncle, it would be distracted. That would be her moment.
As if on cue, Li Zhen hurled a spear. It flew straight and true, striking the beast's shoulder. The creature let out a furious roar and charged. Right into the trap.
The array flared to life.
The warthog froze in place, snarling and struggling. Li Zhen was drenched in sweat, hands trembling. He wasn't built for combat. His sword glowed faintly as he poured his spiritual energy into it.
He raised it, aimed for the beast's neck.
Clang!
The sword deflected. Instead of slicing through flesh, it struck the beast's horn.
With a roar, the creature shattered the binding array. The ground trembled as it surged forward, its tusk piercing Li Zhen's abdomen. The force flung him into a tree, where he slumped unconscious, blood soaking his robes.
Qingyue had already darted forward when the array broke.
She snatched the Golden Lotus, cradling the precious flower carefully. Turning to flee, she paused.
Her uncle was bleeding, barely breathing. The beast pawed the ground again, preparing to finish what it started.
Her hands clenched.
She didn't owe him anything. He had always ignored her mother, turned a blind eye to their suffering.
But could she let someone die in front of her?
Could she fight?
She wasn't a cultivator. And yet... the crescent mark on her forehead pulsed faintly.
Did she dare try?
[To be continued...]