COLLECTING A FEW THINGS

When the beeping of her timer finally sounded, Li Hua opened her eyes with deliberate slowness. She stood up and stretched her arms and legs, feeling the harmonious blend of spiritual essence and physical strength flowing through her limbs. Despite her exhaustion, she threw herself into another round of physical training—her muscles might protest, but cultivators who neglected their physical form while pursuing spiritual advancement often found themselves with unstable foundations.

Once her training was complete, Li Hua drew herself a bath, the warm water a welcome relief for her aching muscles. Steam rose around her, and she could feel her essence humming contentedly through her meridians, perfectly integrated with her own energy after the long cultivation session.