Meanwhile, on Wendy's side at the Teal River Town. Five days have passed since Wendy's master, Zemirah, left to find a spiritual plant master.
"I wonder when will master come back? It's been 5 days." Wendy said sadly as she wiped her sword with a cloth.
This has become her habit this past few days after she finished practicing her swordsmanship, it made her feel closer to her sword. Wendy felt that her understanding of the way of the sword became deeper.
Though subtle, she is sure that there is progress.
Beside her is Thea, who is her companion. Thea watched her little friend grumble with a smile, "Don't worry too much, I'm sure that Lady Zemirah is okay."
"Of course my master is fine. She is very powerful, be it in the way of sword or talisman."
"Yeah, so don't be sad anymore. Here and taste the noodles I bought outside, they have a good reputation so let's try it." Thea coaxed Wendy with the snacks, taking her attention.
A tray of steaming hot noodles was presented to Wendy. The smell and look were already mouth-watering, making Wendy happy.
"It looks good, Sister Thea," Wendy exclaimed.
"Come and let's have a try, if it's good, we can buy some tomorrow for breakfast."
The two girls found their seats and started eating, each one having a bowl of noodles. The sound of slurping and hum of good mood echoed in the courtyard.
"Sister, you found a treasure! Let's eat more tomorrow."
"Okay, the Lady left enough money for us to spend."
"I think this noodle is comparable to the spiritual food, maybe even better in taste."
"Really? Then we made a profit."
"Sister, how about you study how to cook food like this? So that we can eat good food every day."
"That's a good idea, let me try when the lady comes back." Thea was also interested in the art of spiritual food.
After they finished eating, they started to cultivate the whole afternoon. Although Thea only cultivated for 3 hours since she was just starting, it was a good start.
Wendy practices her swordsmanship every morning and cultivates spiritual energy in the afternoon until evening. Because of her diligent practice, Wendy successfully introduced spiritual energy in her Dantian, finally entering the first stage of the Energy Condensation Realm the next day.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Wendy closed her eyes as she absorbed the spiritual energy in the outside world. The courtyard has an energy-gathering formation aside from the small energy-gathering formation disk in her room.
This made her training environment rich in spiritual energy, which is conducive to cultivating. If the outside world knew that such a small courtyard is so rich in spiritual energy, many people would be tempted.
Fortunately, Zemirah got a formation as a reward from the system. It covered the whole courtyard with illusion, thus protecting the secrets inside.
Wendy doesn't know these things as someone who just came in contact with immortal knowledge. Although she vaguely knew that not all places are as rich in spiritual energy just like her master's courtyard.
With a boom, rich spiritual energy trickled inside Wendy's Dantian as she formally entered the early-stage of the Energy Condensation Realm.
"I am now a true cultivator! I have to tell this good news to master when she comes back." Wendy thought excitedly as she cleaned herself before starting her day.
She happily felt the spiritual energy in her Dantian, vaguely feeling the power to mobilize the spiritual energy. Wendy decided to use the spiritual energy when practicing her sword moves later.
She was anticipating how much the difference in power with and without spiritual energy in her swordsmanship.
There was a knock on the door of Wendy's room, the knock was unhurried and gentle, so she instantly knew who is the person knocking.
"I'm awake Sister Thea!"
"Okay, come to the dining hall to have breakfast!" Thea stopped knocking and reminded Wendy.
"Yes, I'll follow in a minute," Wendy wore her shoes and fixed her hair in a ponytail so that it wouldn't be a hassle when practicing her swordsmanship.
Thea did not ask more as she knew that Wendy didn't need anyone's help in her personal affairs. She can perfectly take care of herself as a mortal before what's more now she is a cultivator.
The door opened and it revealed Wendy who was wearing a light green robe, showing a refreshing appearance.
"Good morning, Wendy."
"Good morning to you too, Sister. What do we eat today?" Wendy asked in a good mood, her hand caressing the hilt of her sword as a habit.
Thea answered as they walked, "There is your favorite milk of Grass Milk Cow, a bowl of spiritual fruit, and freshly baked bread made by a spiritual chef my mother bought."
"So much? I can eat normal food, no need to especially buy spiritual food for me." Wendy knew how much a food made by a spiritual chef cost.
Although it tastes good, rich in spiritual energy and good for cultivation.
Thea shook her head, "The lady especially noted that your food must be rich in spiritual energy. It is beneficial for cultivation so no need to worry."
Wendy scratched her hair, "Then just cook using spiritual ingredients, no need for the one made by a spiritual chef."
"That can be done, but normal fire cannot cook spiritual ingredients. Maybe when i became an official cultivator." Wendy hadn't considered this aspect so she nodded in agreement.
"By the way, Sister. I have good news for you!" Wendy excitedly said as she remembered her cultivation.
Since her Master is not here for her to share, then sharing it with Sister Thea is good too.
Thea looked at her giddy appearance and laughed lightly, "What is it? It must be very good news seeing your look."
Wendy did not try to be mysterious as she immediately said, "This morning, I finally entered the first stage of Energy Condensation Realm!"
Her words put Thea in a daze as she digested the news. "So soon? You are so good, Wendy. The lady will surely be happy at your news."
Zemirah is indeed happy at the moment, though for another reason.
[AUTHOR'S NOTE]
What do you guys think about Thea? Do you have any idea what path in cultivation should she take?