The hour passed quicker than I expected. The Heavenly Body Technique was doing its job, speeding up my recovery, and soon enough, my Qi felt almost completely replenished. I sat up, feeling more like myself. The aches in my muscles had dulled to a manageable throb, and the fog in my mind had cleared.

As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the door to the healing quarters opened again, and Li Mei stepped inside. She was still wearing that concerned look she always seemed to have when she was around me—though I guess I couldn’t blame her. I’d been in this world for such a short time and already managed to stir up more drama than most disciples probably saw in a year.

“Feeling better?” she asked, walking over with a soft smile.

“Much better,” I replied, rolling my shoulders to loosen up. “I’m practically good as new.”

Li Mei nodded, though her expression remained serious. “Good. Elder Mei Ling has requested your presence. She wishes to speak with you now.”

I felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity at the mention of Elder Mei Ling. I hadn’t forgotten her arrival earlier or the sheer pressure of her presence that had filled the courtyard. A Nascent Soul cultivator—her very existence was a testament to the power and mystery of this world. Whatever she wanted to talk to me about, it wasn’t going to be a casual conversation.

“Alright,” I said, standing up and stretching a bit. “Lead the way, Senior Sister.”

Li Mei nodded and turned to leave the room, and I followed her, feeling my nerves tingle with anticipation. As we walked through the winding halls of the sect, I noticed a few disciples whispering and casting glances my way. News of what happened earlier must have spread like wildfire. Great, just what I needed—more attention.

After a short walk, we arrived at a large pavilion surrounded by blooming orchids and flowing streams. The tranquility of the place was almost overwhelming, like stepping into a different world. It was serene, beautiful, and intimidating all at once.

Li Mei stopped at the entrance and turned to me. “This is the Orchid Pavilion, where Elder Mei Ling often meditates and receives visitors. She’s waiting for you inside.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “Thanks, Li Mei. I guess this is it.”

“Remember,” she said softly, her eyes meeting mine, “Elder Mei Ling is fair but strict. Be respectful and honest. She values sincerity above all else.”

“Got it,” I replied, giving her a reassuring nod. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Li Mei gave me a small smile, then stepped aside to let me enter. I took another deep breath and stepped through the pavilion’s entrance.

Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint scent of orchids. The pavilion was spacious but simple, with a large stone platform at its center. And there, sitting cross-legged on a cushion, was Elder Mei Ling. Her presence was as commanding as ever, even in repose. Her robes flowed around her like water, and her eyes, though closed, seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality.

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“Disciple Chen Yu,” she said, her voice calm and composed. “Come closer.”

I swallowed hard and walked forward, stopping a respectful distance away before bowing deeply. “Elder Mei Ling, this humble disciple greets you.”

She opened her eyes and regarded me with a gaze that was both serene and intense. “You have caused quite a stir since your arrival at the Azure Sky Sect,” she began, her tone even but carrying an undercurrent of authority. “But I sense there is more to you than meets the eye.”

I straightened up, meeting her gaze. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, Elder.”

Elder Mei Ling nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. “Indeed, your actions earlier demonstrated both courage and recklessness. You defended yourself against Huan Fei, but you also overextended your Qi, putting yourself at great risk. Tell me, Chen Yu, what do you seek in this path of cultivation?”

What do I seek? It was a loaded question, one I hadn’t fully considered since arriving here. Survival, sure. Power, definitely. But beyond that, what did I really want?

“I seek strength, Elder Mei Ling,” I replied after a moment’s thought. “Strength to protect myself, to find my place in this world, and maybe… to understand it better. To not just survive, but to thrive.”

Elder Mei Ling’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were gauging the sincerity of my words. She then closed her eyes, and I could feel a soft wave of spiritual energy wash over me, probing, sensing. It was a strange sensation, like a gentle breeze brushing against my very soul.

Her eyes snapped open, and I could see a flicker of surprise—just a brief moment, but it was there. “Your Qi… it is different,” she said slowly, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. “It flows with an unusual vitality, as if the very essence of the world clings to you. Tell me, Chen Yu, where did you learn such a heaven-defying cultivation method?”

My heart skipped a beat. She could sense it? The Heavenly Body Technique was supposed to be obscure, something I stumbled upon by sheer luck—or maybe fate. I had to tread carefully here.

“I… came across it by chance, Elder,” I replied cautiously, trying to keep my expression neutral. “It’s a technique I found in a hidden place. I don’t know much about it myself, only that it seemed to resonate with me.”

Elder Mei Ling studied me intently, her gaze piercing. “A hidden place, you say? And you claim ignorance of its origins?” Her tone was calm, but I could feel the weight of her scrutiny.

“Yes, Elder,” I said honestly. “I know it sounds unbelievable, but I assure you, I’m telling the truth. The technique appeared in a moment of need, almost as if it was meant for me.”

She remained silent for a moment, as if contemplating my words. “Fate can be a curious thing,” she finally said, her tone softening just a touch. “To encounter a technique of such caliber by mere chance… perhaps there is more at play here than we understand.”

I nodded, relieved that she seemed to be accepting my explanation. “I’ve been doing my best to understand it, but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen or heard about.”

Elder Mei Ling’s expression softened slightly, and she nodded. “I believe you, Chen Yu. There are mysteries in this world that even I cannot fathom. But know this: such a technique will draw attention, both wanted and unwanted. You must be cautious.”

“I understand, Elder,” I said, bowing my head. “I will be careful.”

She nodded again, her gaze thoughtful. “For now, continue to cultivate and learn to control your Qi. The Heavenly Body Technique, if that is what you call it, is powerful, but it demands great discipline. You must master it fully if you wish to protect yourself and those around you.”

“I will, Elder,” I promised, determination filling my voice. “I won’t take this power lightly.”

“Good,” she replied, a small smile touching her lips. “Then I will give you a chance to prove yourself. You will train under my direct supervision for a time, so that I may better understand this technique you possess and ensure it does not lead you astray.”

My eyes widened in surprise. Training directly under a Nascent Soul cultivator? That was an opportunity beyond anything I could have hoped for. “Thank you, Elder Mei Ling. I won’t disappoint you.”

She nodded once more, her expression calm and composed. “Very well. You are dismissed for now. Rest and prepare yourself. We will begin your training soon.”

I bowed deeply again, gratitude filling my heart. “Yes, Elder. Thank you.”