After eating, Yi Ling heard instructions from Mu Xin in her mind. He taught her how to stabilize her powers, how to absorb the spiritual energy around her, and how to gather that energy towards her dantian. She sat down and crossed her legs on the bed. Time went fast during cultivation. She didn't notice it; the next thing she knew, it was already morning.
Her body was more relaxed and fuller of energy. She got up and stretched. It feels good, she thought. It was cloudy, and the weather was a little colder today. She ate her leftovers for breakfast and cleaned herself up. Just then, Mu Xin called her to come. He said Tefei was back from hunting, so she should be fine.
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She saw Mu Xin waiting for her by the hill. He looked so heavenly in his white robe.
"Come forward, Ling'er," his voice was even more so.
"Give me your hand." She laid her left hand on top of Mu Xin's waiting hand. "This will hurt a bit." He made a small cut on her palm. Yi Ling pursed her lips together.
Mu Xin pulled the same hand and brought Yi Ling in front of the odd tree. He then placed Yi Ling's bleeding hand on the bark of the tree. Upon contact, the tree absorbed Yi Ling's blood, and the whole tree shook as if it was waking up and stretching itself.
Mu Xin then took her hand and kissed her palm. It instantly healed the cut until it wasn't visible anymore, as if he hadn't cut her earlier. Yi Ling blushed. She couldn't help but think that Mu Xin was so dreamy. Although she didn't have any male interactions before, her parents were always open with their relationship. Her father was always showering love on her mother. Yi Ling smiled at Mu Xin.
"Get a room!" a voice said.
Yi Ling was shocked and turned to where the voice was coming from. She saw a young man, dressed in a light blue robe. He had light blonde hair and gray eyes. Yi Ling looked at Mu Xin, seemingly asking who the young man was. Mu Xin smiled.
"This is the Guardian of the Blue Rose Palace. He is the Eternal Oak's spirit. You made him your contracted spiritual herb just now." He pointed at the tree, smiling, acting like he didn't do it himself. "He doesn't have a name, so you can name him yourself. Also, since he is a spiritual herb, he can do your gardening for you." He smirked at the young man, sounding like all he could do was be a gardener.
The young man's mouth twitched as he rolled his eyes at Mu Xin. He looked at Yi Ling, clasped his fists together, and bowed. Yi Ling was overwhelmed. "Eternal Oak?" She looked at the tree and then at the young man.
"Hmm... I'll name you Linyu." She smiled at him. Linyu tightened both of his fists. Everyone must pay, he thought. He would always protect that smile, before and now. He promised.
Mu Xin then handed a big book to Yi Ling.
"I wrote this book for you since you're interested in medicine. It contains all kinds of information about spiritual herbs and their uses. Come, I'll show you your medical garden." He pulled Yi Ling. Linyu tagged along with them.
Mu Xin didn't let go of Yi Ling's hand. He was smiling the whole time.
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In the backyard, one could hardly call it a medical garden. There was nothing there but empty land. The soil looked dry and cracked, showing signs of long-term neglect. Not a single blade of grass grew, and the earth was barren and lifeless. Weeds struggled to survive in the parched ground, their wilted forms adding to the sense of desolation. Scattered rocks and debris littered the area, further emphasizing the neglect it had suffered. The emptiness of the land stood in stark contrast to the lush and vibrant surroundings of the palace. Yi Ling's mouth twitched in disappointment. She had expected a flourishing garden but was met with a desolate wasteland.