Chapter 3: Into the Jade Serpent Woods

Mei Lan took a deep breath as she stood at the edge of the Jade Serpent Woods. Towering trees with dense canopies loomed overhead, casting shifting shadows across the ground. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something sharp and wild—a reminder that this place was home to more than just medicinal plants.

The Jade Serpent Woods were notorious among sect disciples. Despite its name, the woods housed not only venomous serpents but also spirit beasts that were highly territorial. Lower-level disciples rarely returned unscathed, and some didn't return at all. In her past life, Mei Lan had barely survived this mission, limping back with minor herbs that held little value.

But this time was different. She placed her hand on the hidden pocket inside her robe, feeling the smooth bottles she'd crafted in her cultivation space. Each contained a potion she'd made from the powerful herbs she'd grown, giving her a small but significant edge.

With one final breath, she stepped into the woods.

For the first hour, Mei Lan moved cautiously, her senses on high alert. She remembered some of the safe paths from her past life, but the woods were ever-changing, with new trails and hidden dangers. As she walked, her eyes scanned the forest floor for signs of the rare Earth Qi Root, a plant that thrived in the damp soil of this region and was a valuable ingredient for strengthening one's inner energy.

A low hiss sounded from the bushes to her left, and she froze. A pair of slitted eyes glinted back at her—a Jade Serpent, its scales shimmering with a green hue that perfectly matched the foliage. In her previous life, this sight would have sent her fleeing. But now, she reached into her pocket, fingers curling around a tiny vial of Cloud Dew Essence.

She lifted the vial to her lips and took a single drop. Instantly, her vision sharpened, and her senses heightened. Every rustle of leaves, every shift in the wind became clear. Mei Lan focused on the serpent, calculating its movements. When it lunged, she sidestepped and slipped behind it, allowing it to slither past harmlessly.

The effect of the Cloud Dew Essence lasted only minutes, but it was enough to evade the serpent and continue her mission. Mei Lan moved deeper into the woods, heart steady, each step measured and precise.

After another half hour of trekking, she spotted a faint, familiar shimmer on the forest floor—a telltale sign of the Earth Qi Root. It was nestled within a small patch of moss, its gnarled root glowing with an earthy golden hue. Kneeling, she carefully extracted the plant from the soil, a satisfied smile on her lips. This was the first of many roots she needed, but it was a good start.

As she wrapped the root in cloth and tucked it into her bag, a shadow passed overhead. She glanced up just in time to see a bird-like spirit beast circling, its eyes fixed on her. In seconds, it swooped down, sharp talons extended.

Mei Lan acted without hesitation. She pulled out a small jar of Iron Root Powder and tossed a handful into the air. The powder created a temporary barrier of qi, deflecting the bird's attack just long enough for her to roll aside and dodge its claws.

The spirit bird screeched, circling her once before flying off, deterred by the strange powder. Mei Lan exhaled, feeling her heartbeat slow. Her training in her cultivation space had paid off; each encounter was manageable, her preparations giving her the edge she needed.

As dusk began to settle over the woods, Mei Lan knew she had to head back. She'd gathered enough roots and herbs to fulfill her mission, and the last thing she wanted was to spend a night surrounded by lurking predators. But as she turned to leave, a glint caught her eye—a faint golden glow deeper within the forest.

Curiosity tugged at her. She hesitated, knowing that her mission was technically complete, but something in her gut urged her forward. She approached the light carefully, and as she drew closer, she realized it came from a large, rare herb: the Golden Spirit Ginseng.

Mei Lan's breath caught. The ginseng was legendary, known to boost cultivation levels and increase one's life force. It was guarded by dangerous beasts, and in her last life, she'd only heard of it in stories. With this, she could leap forward in her cultivation, perhaps even enough to climb the ranks in the sect.

But her luck quickly ran out. As she reached for the ginseng, a low growl rumbled nearby. She turned to see a hulking spirit wolf with silver-gray fur and piercing blue eyes emerging from the shadows, its gaze fixed on her. She knew instantly—this was the guardian of the ginseng, and it was far stronger than anything she'd faced today.

Thinking fast, Mei Lan withdrew a small, delicate leaf from her pouch—the Sleeping Lotus Leaf. It was one of the rarest plants in her cultivation space, capable of putting even high-level spirit beasts to sleep, but only if used correctly.

With a deep breath, she crushed the leaf between her fingers, releasing its potent aroma. She held her ground, watching as the wolf sniffed the air, its growl softening as its eyelids drooped. After a tense few seconds, the beast stumbled, its body swaying, and finally collapsed, fast asleep.

Heart racing, Mei Lan wasted no time. She quickly harvested the Golden Spirit Ginseng and stored it safely. Then, careful not to disturb the sleeping wolf, she slipped back through the trees and toward the edge of the woods.

As she finally left the forest, the night air felt cool and invigorating. She had done it. Not only had she completed her mission, but she had returned with a prize beyond her wildest dreams. With the Golden Spirit Ginseng and the other herbs she'd collected, her cultivation journey would only grow stronger.

As Mei Lan made her way back to the sect, a quiet determination settled over her. She was no longer the weak disciple she once was; she was becoming something more. And soon, the sect—and those who had mocked her—would know it too.