At their current cultivation level, neither of them had the ability to peer into another’s sea of consciousness. So, Yue Ling could only ask questions to confirm whether her junior brother had truly formed the Seed of the Tranquil Dao and completed the first stage of the Lotus Heart Sutra.
"Can you look inward again? What color is it?" she asked.
Langtian closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. His awareness sank into the space within him, into that vast, still sea.
"It’s white," he murmured. "Pure white... like untouched snow."
"And the pattern?" she asked again.
He paused, studying the seed more closely.
"Hmm... it has a simple five-petaled lotus etched onto the surface. The lines are delicate, glowing, like they were painted with golden ink..."
Yue Ling’s eyes lit up with a glimmer.
"And how does it feel? Any effects so far?"
Langtian furrowed his brows slightly.
"I’m not sure if this counts... but whenever I calm my mind and focus, the lotus seed glows. It pulses with light in sync with my breathing. It’s like... the seed and I are in harmony. We are breathing together, existing together."
Yue Ling stared at him in disbelief.
"Wow... so you’ve really completed the first stage," she breathed. "That’s... incredible."
Then she smiled, and said softly, "Congratulations, Langtian."
"Thank you, Senior Sister. I’ll do my best to keep practicing," he said, opening his eyes and sitting up a little straighter.
A moment passed, then he tilted his head.
"So... did I really learn it that fast?"
"What? Fast?" Yue Ling snorted. "More like freakishly fast! You are such a genius!"
She crossed her arms and leaned in with a playful frown. "Do you know how long it took me to form that lotus seed?"
Langtian blinked and shook his head, nervous.
"Twenty days!" she exclaimed, holding up two fingers. "Almost a full month!"
Her eyes narrowed as she continued, half-laughing, half-complaining, "Most people would spend half a year or more, some don’t even succeed at all! But you? Three days? Three! Are you kidding me? I mean... heavens above, what kind of comprehension do you have?!"
Langtian rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. His cheeks flushed at the praise, but deep down, he couldn’t deny the quiet swell of pride rising in his chest.
Yue Ling let out a sigh and slapped her palm against her forehead, shaking her head with an exasperated smile.
"Langtian, you must be incredibly compatible with the Lotus Heart Sutra of the Tranquil Dao," she said. "With comprehension ... if you’d joined the Crimson Lotus Sect from the very start, you might’ve already stepped into realms even I can’t imagine."
"I-I see..." Langtian mumbled, his voice soft, his face still warm from the compliment.
"Anyway, good job, my dear junior brother," Yue Ling said warmly. She leaned in and gave his hair another affectionate ruffle, her fingers tousling his already messy hair.
She looked genuinely happy and proud to see how fast he was progressing.
"And now, since you’ve already completed the first stage," she continued, "you can now eat small amounts of demonic beast meat without worrying about any side effects."
"Oh right!" Langtian perked up, eyes widening.
Because, speaking of meat...
His stomach gave a loud, unapologetic growl.
Three whole days of meditation meant three whole days of fasting. No food, no drink, no nothing.
’Heavens... no wonder I feel like I could eat a whole spirit beast...’ he thought.
Yue Ling stifled a giggle behind her hand.
"I’ve already prepared a nice stew," she said cheerfully. "Made from rank-three demonic wolf meat. Would you like it now? I just need to warm it up."
"Yes!" Langtian lit up. "But wait, let me do it myself!"
"Nah, it’s just setting the pot on the fire and waiting a bit. I can handle that in seconds. You just stay here and focus on your lotus seed a little longer, okay?"
Langtian paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay... But... at least let me wash the dishes later!" he said earnestly. "I can’t just keep leeching off you . I want to help out too!"
Yue Ling smiled again, even more gently, and reached out to ruffle his hair one more time.
"Sure, if you say so."
Then, with a soft hum, she turned and walked out, leaving behind the faint scent of her robes and the warmth of her presence.
Langtian took a deep breath and closed his eyes once more.
In the vast sea of his consciousness, the tiny lotus seed floated in silence. Its gentle radiance filled his heart with calm and a quiet, subtle joy. He also noticed something else: the water surrounding the seed had become noticeably clearer than before.
’Must be thanks to the lotus seed,’ he thought.
____________________________
The demonic meat stew was finally ready.
Langtian went outside and sat by the outdoor fireplace again. Yue Ling joined him, sitting beside him on a wooden log, and the two of them had breakfast together.
The stew was incredible. The meat had been simmered to perfection—tender and soft, the fatty bits rich and chewy. The broth was thick, savory, and seasoned just right, with a hint of wild herbs that gave it a deep, earthy aroma.
Langtian could handle spicy food, so his bowl had a touch more chili powder. The broth glowed a deep reddish hue, just enough to bring a gentle burn to the back of his throat.
Meanwhile, Yue Ling’s bowl was lighter in color, milder and more fragrant, just the way she liked it.
Five bowls later... Langtian’s belly now felt full and warm, a wonderfully comfortable feeling.
’Hehe... Senior Sister’s cooking is always the best...’
"Wait," Langtian suddenly said, blinking, as he remembered something from three days ago. "You never told me... how did you even come across a Crimson Lotus Sect disciple in the first place?"
Senior Sister had been stuck in this cursed valley for over ten years...
Then how could she have met someone from the Crimson Lotus Sect and obtained the Lotus Heart Sutra of the Tranquil Dao?
"Well," Yue Ling said calmly, "once we finish this breakfast, I’ll take you to a special place. Then, you’ll understand."
"O-okay..." Langtian nodded.
And so, after they finished eating and Langtian insisted on washing the dishes, the two of them set out again.
Yue Ling led the way into the fog.
Langtian followed close behind, his curiosity growing larger with every step.