29: An Unexpected Visit
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the wooden walls of Li Mei's hut, casting long shadows on the earthen floor. She had risen early, as usual, eager to tend to her garden and begin the day's work. The mystical space had become a reliable source of nourishment for her, and she had learned to cultivate a variety of herbs and vegetables in its fertile grounds. But today, something felt different. A peculiar feeling lingered in the air—one of anticipation.
Li Mei had just finished checking on her plants when she heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. The sound was light, almost hesitant, yet she could sense an unfamiliar presence.
She straightened, her senses sharpening. She wasn't used to visitors—after all, the village was quiet, and few ventured this far out into the wilderness. Frowning, Li Mei decided to investigate.
She stepped outside the hut, her eyes scanning the horizon. To her surprise, a lone figure emerged from the trees—an older man, cloaked in a long, dark robe. His presence was commanding, yet he carried an air of mystery that seemed almost otherworldly.
Li Mei's heart skipped a beat. She could feel that this man was no ordinary villager. His aura resonated with energy, though it was subtle, as if he was not fully grounded in the mortal realm. She had encountered powerful figures before in her previous life, but this was different—this man was not someone she had anticipated meeting.
"Greetings, young woman," the man said in a deep, resonant voice, bowing his head slightly. "I am known as Master Wei. I have been watching over this land for many years."
Li Mei's eyes narrowed. Master Wei? She had never heard of him before, yet something about him felt strangely familiar, as though their paths had crossed in some hidden corner of time.
"Why have you come here, Master Wei?" Li Mei asked, her voice steady. "This is a quiet place. I live alone."
"I know," he replied, his gaze soft but penetrating. "But I have sensed something in you. A power that is not of this world. You have begun to tap into forces beyond your understanding."
Li Mei's heart raced. She had never spoken of the mystical space or the strange powers it seemed to grant her, but somehow, Master Wei had found her.
"I do not understand," she said carefully, her mind racing. "What power are you talking about?"
Master Wei stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "The power you possess is not just of the body, but of the spirit. You have the ability to shape the world around you, to create and transform. The herbs you grow, the potions you make—they are only the beginning."
Li Mei stared at him, uncertain of how to respond. She had never thought of herself as anything other than an ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Yet, Master Wei's words resonated with something deep inside her—a spark of truth that felt undeniable.
"You have potential," he continued. "But potential without guidance is like a flame that can be easily extinguished. If you wish to truly understand your power, you must seek training from those who know the ancient ways."