The late afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and pink.
Inside her chamber, Xia Qingwu sat cross-legged on a plush cushion, eyes closed in deep concentration.
The room was infused with the soft glow of spirit stones, their energy swirling around her like a miniature celestial storm.
Tonight was the night – the night she would attempt her breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm.
"Alright, Qingwu," Wang Li announced, poking his head into the room. "Remember what I taught you. Focus your spiritual energy, visualize the core transforming into a Nascent Soul… and don't sweat it too much. You've got this."
Qingwu cracked open one eye, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Thanks, Li! I feel great, actually. Like I'm on the cusp of something amazing."
