Dawn arrived slowly, painting the sky with soft hues of blue and gray. Jin walked calmly through the fresh snow, each step leaving a faint mark that would soon be erased by the wind. The village still slept, peaceful and silent, as he moved away, guided only by the gentle light of the rising morning.
His ceremonial dagger, given by his mother, rested firmly at his waist, comforting him with its physical and symbolic presence. Jin recalled her gentle words:
— This dagger is not just a tool, Jin. It is a constant reminder of the balance between action and patience.
He briefly touched the carved hilt, feeling the warmth of his mother's hands as if she were there, walking beside him.
The first destination was the Nameless Lake. Jin knew the path from the monks' stories and the ancient maps of the village. But he had never been there himself. Each step was a discovery, each breath of wind carried a new and unfamiliar scent.
As he advanced, the terrain became more difficult, the air more biting. The lake emerged before him like a vast, opaque mirror, covered by a thick layer of crystalline ice. Jin knelt near the center of the lake and extended his hands slowly, not to cut, but to feel. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
He felt the Qi pulsating gently beneath the surface, like a silent heart beating in a slow rhythm. With each breath, his energy harmonized with the lake. Finally, a subtle vibration revealed itself beneath his hands.
With careful and precise movements, he took the ceremonial dagger and began to delicately cut the ice in a spiral, channeling part of his energy to ease the task. Gradually, a soft light began to emerge beneath the ice, revealing the Crimson Lotus Root, gently pulsing, alive and delicate.
Jin removed it carefully, wrapping it in a soft cloth and placing it cautiously in the basket he had brought. He took a deep breath, feeling a strange mixture of relief and respect for what had just happened.
There was still much to cover, but the success of this first step brought him confidence. He slowly stood up, adjusted the basket under his arm, and looked ahead.
His next stop would be the Stone of Echoes, where he would seek the Sacred Wind Leaf. He knew that each ingredient would demand something different from him, something deeper than mere physical actions. He needed to be prepared to face not only external challenges but also internal ones.
Taking a deep breath, Jin moved forward, allowing himself to trust not only in his skill but also in his newly awakened intuition. Each step was now firm, guided by the certainty that he was exactly where he was meant to be, walking not only toward the next stage of his journey but also toward understanding himself and the path that his destiny was unfolding before him.