At that moment, Manuka stood waist-deep in misty water, her hands coated in thin spiritual resin as she carefully extracted parasite moss from the roots of a Divine-Yin Orchid.
Her sharp features glistened with sweat, and her sleeves were soaked. Three assistants stood behind her with brushes, jade fans, and cleansing talismans.
"Don't breathe loudly," she warned without turning. "The orchid is reacting to noise. One stray breath, it withers."
"Yes, Miss!" the assistants whispered in unison.
A faint breeze stirred the pond's surface. The orchid trembled. Manuka narrowed her eyes and whispered an incantation. A spiritual barrier pulsed from her fingers, calming the orchid's qi.
After half an incense stick of time, she finally stood up, wiping her hands.
Just then, an inner servant approached swiftly, stopping far beyond the pond's edge.
"Lady Manuka!"
"Speak."
