She moved toward the courtyard house, the spirit beasts following at a respectful distance. Inside her bedroom, Little Firefly remained where she'd left him, nestled on her silk pillow.
Gently, she stroked his cocoon of light, feeling the steady pulse of his essence even in this dormant state. She settled beside him, crossing her legs in the familiar meditation pose. Her father's lessons echoed in her mind—as a cultivator's realm increased, their reliance on mortal needs like sleep and food diminished. The spiritual essence that suffused their bodies could sustain them, especially in places rich with natural energy.