Mirrors of Clarity

As a child, Jianxin was gifted a precious trinket by her master. It held a set of mirrors, with some missing pieces. Throughout her training, she used it to reflect on herself and her progress, understanding that self-cultivation and martial arts require patience and dedication. On her return to the sect, her master carefully replaced the missing mirrors. It was then that Jianxin saw her reflection in the completed piece—a symbol of all the teachings and growth she had experienced on her journey.

Coupon Clip

Jianxin learned to collect all kinds of coupons the first time she followed her master down the mountains to live in the city. To her, it is not only a unique way to survive, but also a symbol of people's friendliness. "Exclusive dishes... FREE!" Jianxin didn't understand the deeper meaning of the businessman's use of font size to create a visual focal point, not to mention the staggering list of additional conditions that followed.

Velvet Grass

The plant stood tall and strong, as if still swaying in the winds of its mountain home. Its very sight brought a refreshing sense of being atop the highest peaks. This particular species is on the brink of extinction, with only traces remaining in Jianxin's brief description. Even after thorough investigation, the Academy still could not pinpoint where she had found it. All that is known is that this rare plant was once in her possession. Some believe it holds mystical powers, while others see it as a symbol of resilience and survival.

Untainted Soul of the Woods

The girl lived in the mountains. She slept under the sky, rested on the earth, befriended green hills, and played with animals. Agile and free, she roamed the fields with her animal companions. As Shiling ventured into the forests, a strange noise caught his attention. He glanced over and saw a child among the branches, with pure eyes and an innocent demeanor. Such a rare, untainted soul, untouched by the world's corruption. Enthralled by her gaze, Shiling cautiously approached, but the girl retreated higher, wary of him. Shiling noticed her thin frame and ragged clothing, so he pulled out a piece of flatbread for her. She eagerly snatched it, shielding it with her body in a feral manner. Her behavior seemed undomesticated, as if she had forgotten her humanity. In response, Shiling placed another piece of flatbread next to hers. <i>Should I bring this child with me and make her my apprentice?</i> Sitting cross-legged next to her, Shiling pondered while watching her eat the flatbread. <i>But we are currently short on funding... It may be difficult support another child</i>, he thought. Ultimately, he decided to let the girl choose her own path. "Hey, kid, you see this path ahead? This is the only path up the mountain, where my sect is located. Our founder spent every effort to open it up back then. If you can catch up with me and climb to its top before sunset, I will make you my new apprentice. How about that?" Despite his offer, the girl continued to eat as she blinked at him nonchalantly, as if she didn't understand what he was saying at all. Having set his heart on the promise, Shiling stood up and started to climb up the mountain. He looked back now and then, hoping for a change of heart from the girl, but she remained rooted in place, fixated on her meal. Disappointed, Shiling resigned himself to leaving her behind and continued on towards the top. As he neared his sect atop the mountain, faint laughter drifted from near the hall gate. Approaching, he saw his students crouched, offering water to the girl he had just left behind. "Master, you're back. Look, this kid climbed up the mountain all by herself." "W-When did she arrive?" "I don't know. I have been here for a while, and she was here before I arrived." Without saying anything else, Shiling extended his hand to the still girl, who remained motionless, not understanding the meaning behind his gesture. Shiling took her hand and placed it firmly in his. He guided her up, and they walked side by side into the hall.