The jade mountain’s pulse thrummed steadily within my hands, matching the rhythm of my heartbeat. The mist around the spirit peak swirled with purpose, alive and waiting. I stood still, sensing the power in the air. It was overwhelming, but something else—an unseen presence—seemed to guide me forward.
Then, the voice came. Clear and calm, it resonated deep in my mind.
“The first lesson is complete. But the path ahead requires more than your will. You must prove your understanding. Nourish the land, and it will nourish you. Find the spiritual herbs worthy of this place. Plant them where they belong, and the mountain will open to you.”
The words lingered, filling me with certainty. I looked around. The ground at the base of the peak was rich and fertile, but the energy here was selective. Only certain herbs could survive in it—those strong enough to endure the mountain’s power.
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I took a step forward, the earth soft beneath my boots. The jade mountain in my hands grew warmer, its energy resonating with the peak. The connection felt alive, waiting for me to act.
The voice returned, resolute.
“Find the spiritual herbs of a suitable grade. Only then will you climb further.”
I nodded, the challenge clear. The task wasn’t about power alone—it was about care and understanding. I needed to find the right herbs and nurture them here.
I turned back toward the path I had come from, only to find the mist thickening, blocking my way. Frustration rose, but I steadied myself. Lifting the jade mountain, I infused it with my spiritual energy, willing it to guide me.
The jade mountain glowed briefly, its warmth spreading through me, and then everything went black.
When I awoke, I was lying in the forest, surrounded by familiar trees. My hands felt empty, and panic gripped me until I closed my eyes and reached inward. The jade mountain was no longer in my hands—it had fused with me, resting in my dantian, a steady presence within my spiritual core.
Relief washed over me. The jade mountain was still with me, and the bond between us had grown stronger. Though the task ahead was daunting, I felt ready to begin.