The sun climbed higher, spilling golden light across the Medicine Hall. Herbs swayed gently in the warm breeze from the open windows, and the faint hum of Qi made the air almost alive. Li Ming stood in the center of the room, staring at the glowing compound he had just perfected.
Bai Guo flapped lazily overhead, feathers ruffling. "Descendant, I admit it… that was impressive. Not disastrous for once."
Li Ming rolled his eyes. "Careful. Compliments from you are usually a trap."
Lan Yue leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Today, the master said you're not just refining the compound—you're going to test it on its own energy absorption properties. Essentially, see if it can store and release Qi in a controlled manner."
Li Ming's eyes widened. "Test it? On myself?"
"Don't look so shocked," Lan Yue replied. "Controlled experiments are part of your cultivation. It's how you understand energy, not just brute force."
