The next morning, the Medicine Hall buzzed with noise.
Elder Han stood with his hands behind his back, glaring at his four disciples like a general before battle.
"You're going out to gather spirit herbs today," he announced.
"Not normal ones — the Azure Vein Lotus. It only grows near the Spirit Forest's Mist Marsh."
Bai Guo blinked. "Isn't that where everything tries to eat you?"
"Exactly," Elder Han said calmly. "Consider this a learning experience."
Li Ming sighed. "Every time someone says that, I nearly die."
Yun Rou adjusted her satchel with a small smile. "Then try not to die this time."
---
The four of them left the sect gates at sunrise. Mist curled between the mountains, glowing faintly blue with Qi.
Lan Yue walked ahead, blade on her back. "We're not the only ones after that lotus. The forest's full of wandering cultivators."
Bai Guo flapped beside Li Ming. "And beasts that like their food crispy or roasted — your lightning will be a hit."
