Chapter 31: The First Lesson
The next morning, Master Wei led Li Mei to a secluded part of the forest, far from the village. The air here was different, charged with an energy she couldn't quite explain. Tall trees with silver bark surrounded them, their leaves shimmering as if alive with magic. The place seemed untouched by time, and Li Mei felt an inexplicable pull toward it.
"This grove is sacred," Master Wei said, his voice low and reverent. "It has witnessed the training of countless practitioners. Here, the energy of the earth is pure and abundant. You will begin to learn the basics of energy manipulation."
Li Mei's curiosity sparked, but Master Wei raised a hand to silence her questions. "First, empty your mind. Without a calm heart, you cannot connect with the flow of nature."
Nodding, she followed his instructions, kneeling on the cool, mossy ground and placing her hands on the earth. The hum of the grove grew louder, as if responding to her presence.
"Feel the energy around you," Master Wei continued. "Let it enter your body—not by force, but by invitation."
Taking a deep breath, Li Mei closed her eyes. At first, there was only silence. Then, as she surrendered to the stillness, a faint warmth began to seep into her palms. It spread slowly through her arms, into her chest, and down to her core. She gasped softly, her heartbeat quickening.
"This," Master Wei said, his voice steady, "is the energy of the earth. It is the foundation of all cultivation. You must understand it, embrace it, and let it guide you."
Li Mei focused on the warmth, letting it flow naturally. Soon, her senses expanded. She could feel the rhythm of life all around her—the subtle pulse of the earth, the energy coursing through the trees, and the whisper of the wind as it carried the power of the grove.
Her breathing slowed, and she felt her heartbeat align with the pulse of the earth. The connection deepened, as if she were no longer an individual but part of a vast, living network. In that moment, her mind flickered to the mystical space. Its life-giving water, vibrant plants, and resilient herbs were also part of this same energy, waiting to be unlocked further.
"Good," Master Wei said, a rare note of approval in his tone. "You are beginning to feel it. But this is only the first step. To control energy, you must learn discipline, patience, and precision. For now, focus on maintaining this connection."
Li Mei spent hours practicing, allowing the energy to ebb and flow within her. The fatigue she had felt earlier melted away, replaced by a lightness she couldn't describe. By the time they finished, the sun had begun its descent, painting the grove in hues of gold and amber.
Exhausted but exhilarated, Li Mei opened her eyes. "Thank you, Master Wei. I didn't think something like this was possible."
Master Wei gave a small nod. "This is only the beginning. Your connection with nature is strong, but it is unrefined. With time, you will learn to wield it. Remember, power is not about dominance—it is about harmony."
As they left the grove, Li Mei couldn't help but glance back at the silver trees. She felt a newfound respect for the energy around her and the path she had begun to tread. She wasn't just surviving in this world anymore—she was growing stronger, step by step.