Mia wandered through the town, her frustration over her stagnant cultivation weighing heavily on her mind. Onyx, her loyal companion, trailed faithfully behind her, growing larger with each passing day. She couldn't help but imagine the immense size he would eventually reach in the future.
As Mia walked, her mind began to open up, allowing her to perceive more of the world around her. She noticed the absence of paper money, realizing that coins were the predominant form of currency. These coins were minted by specialized blacksmiths and held a consistent value across different regions. They were made out of the usual metals, copper, silver, gold and if you are really rich, platinum with 100 coins of a coin having the value of the next one. The reason why that is, nobody really knows, but it is accepted by everyone so there is nothing she can do.
Another realization struck Mia—the lack of true friends in her life. While she occasionally plays with the other children in town, she couldn't identify anyone she could truly call a friend. Perhaps her family's wealth and the imposing size of their house had created a barrier between her and others.
Remembering her house it baffles her how she never noticed how big her house is. It has two floors. On the first floor there is a massive bathroom that looks like a mini hot spring, the kitchen looks like something you would expect to find in a restaurant, the dinning room could easily fit 10 to 20 pit seated and the living room was as big as her apartment in her old life. On the second floor everyone had their own rooms with a spare room that was used as a trophy room by her father. There was also a special smithy attached to the house that didn't generate smoke that her dad works on. But that's not all, she has a courtyard with a few tress that is has the same area as her house were she and her family trains.
Lost in her thoughts, Mia noticed a group of people working for a moving company near the town's border. Curiosity led her to observe their precise and skillful construction techniques. Perching herself in a secluded spot, she conjured water to quench her and Onyx's thirst, all the while fascinated by the people's craftsmanship.
Amidst her observations, an old woman approached Mia. Unlike the predominantly Asian residents of the town, this woman, Gina, had a Western appearance, White short hair, brown eyes, she wasn't that tall, around 155 cm. Gina introduced herself and inquired about Mia's activities.
"Excuse me, young one," Gina said with a kind smile. "What brings you here, observing the construction?"
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Mia turned to face the woman, feeling a sense of familiarity and trust. "I was curious about how they build houses with such precision. It's amazing to watch."
Gina chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with wisdom. "Indeed, their craftsmanship is admirable. But something seems to be bothering you, dear. What troubles your mind?"
Mia hesitated for a moment before deciding to share her frustrations. "I've been practicing cultivation for over a year now, but I seem to be stuck at Rank 2. I feel like I'm missing something, like there's a puzzle piece I can't quite remember."
Gina's gaze grew thoughtful as she listened. After a moment, she let out a gentle laugh. "Ah, I see what the problem is. It's as if you're trying to look in every direction at once, isn't it? But let me tell you, my dear, sometimes walking in a circle can reveal more than stretching yourself thin."
Confusion furrowed Mia's brow. "Walking in a circle? I don't understand. Can you explain?"
With a patient smile, Gina replied, "Think of it this way, Mia. Instead of dispersing your focus in every direction when you don't need to and not seeing what you need, you can just slowly walk around and actually see everything you were trying before since the world usually don't move away from you. The more you try to do at once, the harder it becomes."
Mia's eyes widened with realization. "I never thought of it that way. It makes sense. I'll give it a try. Thank you, Gina."
Gina nodded, her white hair shimmering in the sunlight. "You're most welcome, dear. Remember, progress often lies in finding balance. Now, I must bid you farewell. My new house awaits. Take care, Mia."
"Goodbye, Gina. Thank you for your guidance," Mia said with gratitude.
As Gina walked away, Mia returned to her house, her mind filled with newfound determination. She made her way to the training area in the courtyard, her family following closely, sensing her resolve.
Under the moonlit sky, Mia began her cultivation practice once again. This time, she decided to change her approach, focusing on a single method at a time and allowing the circulation to flow seamlessly from one cultivation aspect to another. After several attempts, a pattern emerged: Body, Mind, Soul, Mind, Body.
As Mia maintained the harmonious cycle, she felt a shift in her energy. A surge of power coursed through her veins. Eager to test her progress, she picked up a specially treated piece of wood, designed to withstand the strength of a cultivator at the third rank of the Ki Gathering stage. With a determined strike, the wood shattered, leaving Mia stunned and her family amazed.
Her parents and siblings cheered, overjoyed by Mia's breakthrough. Amidst the celebration, Mia's mind turned to Gina, the wise woman who had provided the missing piece to her cultivation puzzle. Gratitude swelled within her heart, and she made a silent vow to repay Gina for her invaluable guidance.