---
The morning sun shone brightly through the willow leaves as Wu Ken finally ceased his Qi absorption. His dantian, once a mere puddle, now felt like a small, tranquil pool, brimming with fresh spiritual energy. He stretched, a profound sense of well-being coursing through his body. The pain from his physical training still lingered, but it was now a familiar ache—a testament to his growing strength. He was making steady progress, deepening his foundation in the Body Tempering Stage, feeling his connection to the ambient Qi solidify.
"Not bad, little sprout," Zang Ai's voice chimed in his mind, a note of genuine satisfaction replacing her usual playful critiques. "You're slowly starting to grasp the concept of 'not being a complete spiritual void.' Your Qi flow is still akin to a sleepy snail, but at least it's no longer reversing direction. Small victories, eh?"
Wu Ken grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "It's all thanks to you, Master. Before, I didn't even know what Qi was."
"Of course it is," she scoffed good-naturedly. "Without my peerless guidance, you'd still be attempting to temper your body by wrestling angry boars. Though, I admit, that would have made for more entertaining viewing." Her ethereal form shimmered with a ripple of amusement. "Now, off you go. Your stomach is rumbling like a dying beast. And I, for one, am curious about what delightful new forms of village gossip await us."
With a renewed lightness in his step, Wu Ken left the serene embrace of the grove and headed back toward Sunstone Village. The familiar scent of woodsmoke and cooking filled the air, and the distant sounds of daily life welcomed him back. As he approached his hut, he noticed an unusual buzz of activity. Old Man Li was meticulously cleaning his travel satchel, and Elder Huan was speaking in hushed, earnest tones with a few other village elders by the communal well.
"You're back, Wu Ken!" Auntie Mei exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "Come, sit! We have news."
Wu Ken settled onto a worn wooden stool, his ears perking up. "News? What is it, Auntie?"
Old Man Li grunted, tugging a stubborn knot on his satchel. "The messenger bird arrived early this morning. There's going to be a grand auction held in Stonegate Town today. They're saying there will be rare herbs, fine crafting materials, and even a few cultivation items!"
Wu Ken's heart gave a sudden leap. Cultivation items! The memory of the powerful cultivators in Stonegate Town, and his own inadequacy against the bandit leader, spurred a thrill of excitement and a renewed sense of purpose.
"Elder Huan, Old Man Li, and Brother Tian are preparing to go," Auntie Mei explained, her voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and hope. "There's a chance we might find something to help with the blight affecting the late crops. And perhaps even something that could fetch a good price for the village's treasury."
Wu Ken listened, his mind already spinning. An auction in Stonegate Town — and it was happening today. This was an opportunity—not just for the village, but for him. A chance to see more, perhaps even find something that could aid his own path.
Zang Ai's voice, usually so confident, now held a rare note of genuine intrigue. "Hmm. This could prove most... illuminating, little sprout."
Wu Ken almost snorted with laughter, imagining his ethereal master prowling an auction hall with her usual sarcasm. The idea sparked a mischievous glint in his eye. Perhaps, this time, his hidden abilities might be put to more strategic use than just moving heavy buckets.
---