The sun climbed lazily up the sky, stretching its warm light across the quiet world below as if waking from a long and comfortable dream. Its rays kissed the Tranquil Petal Peak, the serene home of Xiaomei and her Master, painting the mountain with soft gold. Mist drifted between ancient trees like gentle spirits, and the breeze carried the pure scent of spiritual herbs, petals, and dew-soaked grass. Everything felt peaceful—yet in Xiaomei's heart, the peace could not settle.
She stood on the wide stone platform behind their residence, her breath rising in slow, uneven clouds. Tranquility surrounded her… but her mind wouldn't calm.
"Concentrate, Xiaomei," Master Li Mei's calm, melodic voice drifted over. The older woman sat cross-legged beneath a flowering peach tree, her white and lavender robes flowing like clouds. "Let the spiritual essence guide itself. It responds to your emotions more than your force."
"Yes, Master…" Xiaomei whispered.
