The morning sun lit up the forest in a golden glow, casting long, soft shadows on the ground as the trio prepared to continue their journey. Zhang Wei and Mei Lan stretched, brushing dirt and dust off their robes. Their moods seemed lighter, a reflection of the fact that the worst of their injuries had been treated. Li Yun stood quietly, his mind filled with thoughts about the future. The energy he now felt from his opened dantian gave him a sense of hope and possibility, though it also came with its own set of questions.

"All right, Brother Li," Zhang Wei said, clapping Li Yun on the shoulder with a grin. "Before we get moving, let's review the basics of the qi-gathering technique one more time. It's nothing fancy—just the most basic method from the Heavenly Cloud Sect—but it'll give you a good foundation."

Mei Lan nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face as she spoke. "It's easy to learn. Even villagers near the sect know how to use it. You're not learning anything top secret, so don't worry about that."

Li Yun's brows furrowed. "But isn't it dangerous to learn a sect technique when I'm not a disciple? Couldn't I get in trouble for this?"

Both Mei Lan and Zhang Wei broke into laughter, their voices ringing through the quiet forest.

"Trouble?" Zhang Wei said, his amusement clear as he wiped a tear from his eye. "For this technique? Brother Li, it's the most basic of basics. It's so simple that even children in the nearby villages practice it. No one's going to chase you down for learning it."

"Exactly," Mei Lan added, smiling warmly. "This isn't some grand, mystical secret. It's just the first step. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?"

Relieved but still a little wary, Li Yun nodded. "All right. Thank you for teaching me."

Mei Lan crouched down beside him, her expression more serious now. "The key is to focus on your breathing. Take slow, steady breaths and picture the qi around you—the energy of the trees, the ground, the air. Imagine drawing that energy into your body and guiding it toward your dantian. Don't force it. Let it flow naturally."

Li Yun nodded and closed his eyes, doing as she instructed. He took a deep breath, tuning into the subtle sensations around him. The rustling of leaves, the damp earth beneath his feet, the faint hum of life all blended together, forming a sense of connection. As he visualized the energy around him, he felt a warmth starting to build. It flowed toward his dantian like a gentle stream, but within seconds, that stream became a raging current.

His eyes flew open, and he inhaled sharply as the qi surged through him with an intensity he hadn't expected. It was exhilarating but overwhelming, like trying to drink from a waterfall. Mei Lan and Zhang Wei, watching him closely, exchanged concerned looks.

"Brother Li," Mei Lan said cautiously, "you're absorbing qi way too fast. Be careful. If you over-absorb, you could strain your dantian—or worse, end up in qi deviation."

"Take it slow," Zhang Wei advised, his tone serious now. "Cultivation isn't a race. If you try to force it, you'll only hurt yourself."

Li Yun took their warnings to heart, forcing himself to slow the flow of energy. He steadied his breathing and reined in the torrent of qi until it was a manageable stream once more. Though he nodded at their advice, inside he marveled at how effortless the process felt. It was as if his body was naturally designed to draw in immense amounts of energy, and what he had absorbed so far felt like a mere drop in a vast ocean. Still, he decided it was best to keep that observation to himself.

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"Understood," he said simply. "I'll be more careful."

Satisfied, the trio set off along the dirt path once more. The dense forest gradually gave way to rolling meadows dotted with wildflowers. Tall grasses swayed in the breeze, and the occasional spirit beast darted through the underbrush. Mei Lan, ever the enthusiast, pointed out plants and creatures along the way, her voice brimming with excitement.

"See those purple flowers with the golden centers?" she said, gesturing toward a cluster of blooms growing near the path. "That's Moonshade Bloom. It's great for calming the mind and helping with meditation. We use it a lot during our early training sessions at the sect."

Zhang Wei chimed in, pointing toward a pair of rabbit-like creatures with luminous fur hopping in the distance. "And those are Glowfur Hares. Their fur is used to make talismans, but catching them is almost impossible. They're quick as lightning."

Li Yun listened intently, soaking up their explanations. Though he was still new to this world, every bit of knowledge made him feel more grounded. It was as if each detail was another piece of a puzzle he was slowly beginning to understand.

By midday, the trio arrived at a small village nestled in a shallow valley. Unlike the bustling village they had passed through earlier, this one had a more rustic charm. Wooden houses with thatched roofs were surrounded by neatly tended gardens, and the air was filled with the soft hum of daily activity. Villagers moved about, carrying baskets of produce or tending to small flocks of animals.

As they entered the village, a rich, tantalizing aroma wafted through the air. It was earthy and slightly sweet, making Li Yun's stomach growl audibly.

"What is that smell?" Mei Lan asked, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air.

A passing villager overheard and smiled warmly. "That would be the Goldenroot Bulb," he said, pointing toward a stall in the center of the village. "It's a medicinal herb we grow here. Most people use it in broths or teas, but it's also great for restoring energy."

Intrigued, the trio made their way to the stall. A middle-aged woman stood behind the counter, arranging bundles of thick, golden tubers. The aroma was strongest here, and Li Yun could feel its invigorating effects just from standing nearby.

"Are you interested in buying some?" the woman asked kindly.

Zhang Wei shook his head. "We're just passing through, but the smell caught our attention. What exactly is it used for?"

"Goldenroot Bulb is excellent for replenishing energy and helping with minor injuries or exhaustion," the woman explained. "It's not as strong as spirit herbs, but it's affordable and easy to prepare. Most travelers pick some up before long journeys."

Mei Lan picked up one of the bulbs, inspecting it closely. "We should get some," she said. "It might come in handy later."

Li Yun hesitated, glancing at his nearly empty coin pouch. Before he could say anything, Zhang Wei clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I've got this one."

Relieved, Li Yun nodded his thanks, and they purchased a small bundle of the bulbs. As they left the stall, Mei Lan suggested they rest in the village square before continuing their journey.

Under the shade of a large tree, the trio shared a simple meal. Mei Lan prepared a light broth using some of the Goldenroot Bulb, its warm, earthy aroma mingling with the fresh air. The soup was comforting, its subtle sweetness soothing their tired bodies and the faint traces of qi within it revitalizing their energy.

"Not bad," Zhang Wei said, leaning back against the tree trunk. "A little peace and quiet before we hit the road again."

Li Yun sipped his broth slowly, his thoughts drifting. He marveled at how far he'd come. Not long ago, he had been a terrified wanderer lost in the Demon Forest. Now, he was sitting here, learning to cultivate and sharing a meal with allies. It felt surreal.

The afternoon passed leisurely. Zhang Wei practiced spear techniques in a nearby clearing, his movements sharp and deliberate, while Mei Lan sketched out formations in the dirt, explaining their uses to Li Yun.

"These basic formations can help you in battle," she said, tracing interlocking circles with her finger. "Even if you don't use them yourself, understanding how they work can give you an edge against anyone who does."

"And formations aren't just for combat," Zhang Wei added, pausing his practice. "There are defensive ones to protect your home, and others that amplify qi while you cultivate. Mastering them is a big part of advancing in the sect."

Li Yun nodded, committing their words to memory. Every detail felt like a step forward, bringing him closer to understanding this world and his place within it.