In the Heavenly Flame Sect, Yulan’s daily routine was filled with spiritual practices and challenges that shaped her as a cultivator. By the age of ten, she already had an unwavering determination and a deep love for nature. As an inner disciple chosen by Elder Li Mei, Yulan stood out from the crowd, receiving special education and individual attention.

The day began with morning meditation, where all the disciples gathered in the clearing lit by the rising sun. The energy of the earth and flames seemed to pulse around them, and Yulan focused on absorbing this power. Elder Li Mei always encouraged her to connect with the root that grew within her.

“Concentrate, Yulan,” Li Mei said with a gentle smile. “Feel the energy around you and let it purify your doubts.”

For Yulan, these moments of meditation were sacred, a time when she felt at one with nature.

After meditation, it was time to train. Yulan loved these intense sessions, where inner disciple Jiang Rui, a sixteen-year-old boy, would challenge her with his combat skills. Known for his strict discipline and skill in manipulating fire, Rui always sought to push Yulan to excel.

— Come on, Yulan! Show me what you've learned! — he exclaimed, preparing for the confrontation.

Adrenaline coursed through her veins as Yulan tried to apply the techniques she had learned. Every fall was a lesson, and she got up determined to improve.

After training, Yulan would head to Li Mei’s lab for alchemy lessons. Li Mei, an experienced Qi Condensation cultivator and an expert in alchemy, was a kind mentor who always had time to help her disciples. With each lesson, Yulan became more fascinated by the world of herbs and spirit pills.

“Very good, Yulan! Your intuition for alchemy is admirable!” Li Mei praised, making Yulan’s heart fill with joy.

She strove to create pills that could accelerate cultivation, dreaming of one day becoming a great alchemist.

On days when there were no classes, Yulan had the chance to join a group of outer disciples on missions to collect rare herbs. The outer disciples, about ten in total, were undergoing basic training, and this was a perfect opportunity for Yulan to prove her worth.

Once, she and other disciples were sent to a nearby forest to collect ingredients. The air was filled with exotic aromas, and excitement pulsed within her.

Once a month, the Heavenly Flame Sect would hold a ceremony to thank the spirits of nature. During these occasions, bonfires would crackle, and disciples would dance around, celebrating their achievements and making vows of loyalty.

Yulan felt like she was part of something bigger with each ceremony, her determination to become a respectable cultivator solidifying with each passing day.

At night, Yulan would often sit by the sect’s lake, reflecting on everything she had learned. Looking at the stars reflected in the water, she dreamed of the future. One day, she would be a great cultivator, perhaps even an elder like Li Mei.

In the Heavenly Flame Sect, Patriarch Feng Xian was a respected and inspiring figure. With snow-white hair and a gaze that shone like a flame, he had reached the Spirit Ascendant level. His warm temperament captivated the disciples, who viewed him as a mentor and leader.

Elder Li Mei was an experienced Qi Condensation cultivator and an expert in alchemy. Her gentle nature and vast knowledge of rare herbs and ingredients were a foundation of comfort for all the disciples.

The inner disciples, such as Jiang Rui and Xiao Yu, were examples of dedication. Rui, with his ability to manipulate fire, dreamed of becoming the next sect leader, while Xiao Yu, a talented warrior, constantly challenged her peers to hone her skills.

Life in the Heavenly Flame Sect was challenging, but full of joy and learning. Yulan, the ten-year-old girl and inner disciple chosen by Li Mei, was discovering the magic that was blossoming within her. Every meditation, every training session, and every class brought her closer to her dream. The path of cultivation was long, but with determination and a heart full of gratitude for nature, she was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

The Heavenly Flame Sect was in constant flux, and the ten-year-old Yulan was about to take an important step in her journey as a cultivator. As an inner disciple chosen by Elder Li Mei, she was now beginning her training to enter the Body Refinement Realm. This initial stage was crucial, as it marked the time when a cultivator began to strengthen their body, bones, and muscles, preparing themselves to handle the power of Qi.

On a sunny day, after morning meditation, Yulan headed to the sect’s dojo, where she would be tutored by Jiang Rui. He had been promoted to inner disciple for his talent and thoroughness in training.

“Yulan, it’s time for you to start refining your body,” Rui said with a determined look. “The first step is to understand what it truly means to temper your body.”

Yulan was nervous but full of anticipation. The goal was to prepare her body to withstand higher levels of energy, and she knew that this would require a lot of effort. The first technique Rui taught her was Iron Breathing , a method that helped strengthen muscles and bones.

— Breathe in deeply and feel the energy of the environment enter you. Let it flow — Rui instructed, while demonstrating the movements with precision.

With practice, Yulan felt her body growing stronger and new energy beginning to pulse within her. Every day, she pushed herself beyond her limits, determined to become a respectable cultivator.

After a few weeks of training, Li Mei called Yulan for a meeting. The elder was surrounded by bottles and herbs, her gaze always gentle but serious.

“Yulan, I have a special mission for you,” she said with an encouraging smile. “I want you to take care of the spirit herbs in the sect’s garden. They need attention and care to grow healthy.”

Yulan’s heart raced with excitement. Taking care of the garden was a task of great responsibility, and she felt honored to be chosen.

— Yes, Elder! I will do my best! — Yulan replied, full of determination.

Li Mei led her into the garden, a magical space filled with vibrant plants, each one emanating a special aura. There were herbs that glowed softly in the sunlight, and others that seemed to dance in the wind.

In the days that followed, Yulan devoted herself to tending the garden. Each morning, as she watered the plants, she noticed something extraordinary: the spiritual herbs seemed more vibrant, more alive. It was as if they responded to her touch, absorbing her energy and care. Yulan felt her spiritual wood roots resonating with the plants, a deep and inexplicable connection.

It was as if the garden was inside her, pulsing in harmony with her very being. The energy of the herbs intertwined with her own, and Yulan felt surrounded by a sense of belonging and strength. With each new leaf that sprouted, her heart filled with joy and gratitude.

Yulan watered the plants lovingly, whispering words of encouragement as she watched them grow. With each new leaf that sprouted, her heart filled with joy.

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“You’re doing an excellent job, Yulan,” Li Mei said, observing her dedication. “These herbs are precious to the sect, and by taking care of them, you are also strengthening your own cultivation.

The elder always brought new lessons, and Yulan absorbed each teaching with enthusiasm. She understood that tending the garden was not just a chore, but an essential part of her growth as a cultivator.

As the days turned into weeks, Yulan felt stronger and more confident. Training for the Body Refinement Realm was shaping not only her body, but her mind as well. Every deep breath she took as she tended to the herbs reminded her of her journey.

During the quiet nights, she would sit in the garden beneath the stars, reflecting on all she had learned. The energy around her filled her, and Yulan dreamed of the day when she could become a powerful cultivator, capable of protecting those she loved.

Yulan’s life in the Heavenly Flame Sect was filled with challenges, but also moments of discovery and growth. With Elder Li Mei’s support and her dedication to training and tending to the herbs, Yulan was beginning to transform into the cultivator she had always dreamed of being. Each day was a new opportunity to improve herself, and the young woman knew that her journey was only just beginning.

Yulan walked through the dense forest, accompanied by the outer disciples Liang, Bai Qiu, and Hai Tu. The sun shone brightly, filtering through the leaves, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground covered in dry leaves. They were searching for rare spiritual herbs, and the Qi energy vibrated in the air, making the environment full of potential.

However, in the midst of her search, Yulan became distracted by a peculiar glow emanating from a nearby bush. Curious, she wandered a little away from the group, drawn by the promise of a rare herb. But when she turned to go back, she realized she had lost sight of her companions.

“Hey!” she called, but the only answer was the whisper of the wind. A feeling of loneliness began to set in. She was alone, surrounded by tall trees and an oppressive silence.

As she walked, trying to find her way back, Yulan felt a chill on the back of her neck. Something wasn’t right. The air felt heavy and tense. Suddenly, a quick movement in the corner of her vision caught her attention. A slithering shadow was moving between the trees. Her heart pounding, she turned, and her eyes widened as she found a massive spirit serpent covered in bright green scales that caught the light like jewels.

Yulan’s heart raced, but determination quickly overcame her fear. The serpent lunged toward her, its sinuous body slicing through the air with astonishing speed. Yulan dodged nimbly, sliding to the side and avoiding the creature’s deadly strike. With a swift movement, she counterattacked, landing a powerful punch to the serpent’s side. The impact made the beast falter for a moment, but it soon launched itself again in a furious attack.

“You won’t beat me!” Yulan exclaimed, her voice ringing with confidence.

The snake, now enraged, attacked again with a series of quick bites. Yulan, in one fluid movement, spun backwards and used her combat skills to dodge each attack. She darted to the side, avoiding the sharp fangs while counterattacking with a combination of quick strikes. Her fists connected with the snake's body, creating a fast-paced rhythm, like a combat dance.

Sensing that the serpent was preparing for a more ferocious attack, Yulan ducked and threw a low kick, striking the creature's lower body. The serpent flinched, but was undeterred. With surprising speed, it raised its body, preparing for a final strike, its body arching menacingly.

Yulan knew she needed to end the fight quickly. Instead of retreating, she decided to charge forward. With an explosive momentum, she leapt into the air, spinning in midair and delivering a powerful blow to the serpent’s head. The impact echoed through the forest, and the serpent, finally struck, fell to the side, letting out a deafening roar as its eyes lost their glow.

Yulan landed softly, her legs firmly planted on the ground, her body still trembling from the adrenaline of the battle. She had managed to defeat the spirit serpent, utilizing not only her combat skills, but also the connection with her spiritual roots.

After the fight, Yulan took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the battle still pulsing in the air. She knew that the spirit serpent was guarding a spirit orb, a valuable item that could enhance her abilities. Carefully, she approached the body of the fallen serpent. The surroundings were silent, and the light filtering through the leaves highlighted the glowing orb amidst the vegetation.

With a determined movement, Yulan crouched down and, using her abilities, began to remove the spiritual sphere, which emanated a soft and warm light. As soon as her fingers touched the sphere, a wave of energy ran through her body, and she felt an instant connection with the creature’s essence. It was as if a part of the serpent’s strength now resided within her.

After the extraction, Yulan took a deep breath, still shaken by the intensity of the fight. Although she had won, loneliness was once again enveloping her. She was alone in a remote part of the forest, but now stronger and more confident in her abilities. Knowing that she needed to find a safe haven, she spotted a nearby cave and decided to take shelter there, waiting for her companions to find her.

Inside the cave, Yulan sat, her heart still racing, reflecting on the battle and the spiritual sphere in her hand. The serpent, though powerful, could not defeat her; her connection to her spiritual roots and the lessons she had learned in the martial arts had prevailed. Now, with the sphere, she felt even more prepared to face the challenges ahead.

After the intense battle with the spirit serpent, Yulan took shelter in the cave, her breathing still rapid and her heart pounding with adrenaline. Darkness enveloped the space, but there was a strange light emanating from a crack in the wall. Curious, she decided to explore.

As she approached, Yulan felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine. There, in the shadows, lay a skeleton, wearing remnants of ancient clothing. The skull, though worn, still maintained an expression of serenity. Yulan crouched down, observing the skeleton with a mixture of respect and curiosity. Beside it, an alchemy furnace was covered in dust and cobwebs, but it was still visibly well-preserved. Her heart raced; it could be a valuable furnace, possibly belonging to a talented alchemist who had known the same loneliness she felt now.

Moving deeper into the cave, Yulan found a small altar with books piled haphazardly. Each of them had worn covers, but still retained an aura of power. She opened them carefully, their yellowed pages revealing complex diagrams on spiritual herbs and alchemy techniques. The knowledge contained within was invaluable, and excitement filled her. These books could deepen her abilities, connecting her even further to her spiritual wood root.

Near the books, an ancient necklace caught her eye. The silver chain seemed to glow faintly, and the pendant, a small green crystal, pulsed with a gentle energy. Yulan felt an urge to pick up the necklace, as if it had been waiting for her. As soon as the chain touched her skin, a surge of energy flowed through her body, and suddenly, the cave around her began to change.

With a blinding glow, the necklace enveloped her in a magical aura, and she found herself transported to a magical space. Before her stretched a stunning garden, filled with vibrant spiritual herbs that danced gently in the wind. The plants seemed to know Yulan, their roots resonating with the energy she now possessed. It was as if she had created a space of her own, a haven where she could cultivate her knowledge and skills.

Yulan knelt on the soft soil, touching the leaves of the herbs with her hands, feeling the life pulsing through them. Her connection with the plants grew deeper, and she realized that this garden was an extension of her own essence, a representation of her potential and her love for herbs. The presence of the ancient alchemists enveloped her, as if they were passing on their legacy to her.

With the necklace around her neck and her heart filled with determination, Yulan took a deep breath, absorbing the atmosphere of the magical garden. Now, the loneliness of the cave seemed less heavy; instead, she felt as if she had found new allies on her journey. The skeleton, the furnace, the books, and the garden became symbols of hope and learning.

After exploring the magical garden and feeling the deep connection with the spiritual herbs, Yulan realized that she had discovered something extraordinary, a secret that could change the course of her journey in the Heavenly Flame Sect. The power of the necklace and the beauty of the space were precious things that she needed to protect. So she decided to store the books and the alchemy furnace inside the garden, hiding them from prying eyes.

With a careful gesture, Yulan arranged the books on a small makeshift bookshelf made of intertwined roots that seemed to rise from the ground. The oven, still gleaming despite its age, was placed in a well-lit corner, surrounded by herbs that seemed to welcome it like an old friend. There, in that magical space, Yulan felt safe, as if she were at home.

“This will be my refuge,” she murmured to herself as she looked around, taking in the beauty and serenity of the place.

Determined not to let the experience become a burden, Yulan made a silent promise: she would never tell anyone about the garden or the secrets it held. After all, the knowledge she had found there was a gift that could help her become an even stronger cultivator. With this decision firmly in her mind, she left the cave.

As she left, Yulan remembered her mission with the disciples. The fight against the spirit serpent had strengthened her, and although she knew she could have shared details about her discovery, a part of her preferred to keep this new phase of her life a secret. Instead, she decided to simply tell them that she had faced and defeated a spirit beast, a feat that would surely impress her peers.

As she walked through the forest toward the point where they had parted, Yulan felt the weight of the herbs and the garden within her, as if a new energy was flowing through her veins. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating her path, and she felt more confident than ever.

Finally, she spotted Liang, Bai Qiu, and Hai Tu, who were waiting for her, worried.

“Yulan!” Liang exclaimed, his eyes wide with relief. “We were so worried! What happened?”

Yulan took a deep breath, deciding that the partial truth would suffice.

— I found a spiritual serpent and defeated it — he replied, with a discreet smile. — It was an intense fight, but I managed it.

The disciples surrounded her, admiring her, as joy spread among them.

“You’re amazing!” Hai Tu said, his eyes shining with admiration. “I can’t wait to hear more about it!”

“Let’s go back and tell the others,” Bai Qiu suggested. “You deserve recognition!”

And so, Yulan joined the group, keeping her secret hidden, but her heart beat with the certainty that this battle and the magical garden were just the beginning of a great adventure. As they walked together back to the sect, she looked to the horizon, determined to grow even more and to protect what was hers, always seeking new knowledge and challenges.