[8.53pm. Using familiar actions, you enter the Cooking and Dining area through the first-floor courtyard. Even though it is not yet dining time, there are many cultivators who are seated here while chatting or interacting casually, passing the time while they waited.]
[8.54pm. You came to sit down where the old woman was and sized her up while he relaxed as usual. Thinking about passing the time until it was actually time to serve yourself, you asked her your daily question.]
[8.55pm. "Why don't you ever eat like the rest?" you asked with curiosity. The old woman opened her eyes and glanced at you before smiling. "Because I purposefully keep a small amount of spiritual energy on me that will maintain my life functions. The more spiritual energy you have in your body by midnight, the more pain you suffer. If I keep a small amount, my body deteriorates like this but I suffer less pain."]
