Two days later than expected, Madame Falan returned to the manor.
Sitting by the table, she lifted a gilded teacup in one hand, blew gently across the surface, and sipped the rich black tea while listening to the young girl standing before her report on recent events.
This mysterious and powerful noblewoman possessed flowing golden hair and an elegant, dignified bearing, not at all resembling someone who belonged in a remote place like Burnt Stone City.
After hearing Xilutaiya's report, she nodded slightly in approval.
"You have tended the fields very well. You truly are the child I chose."
"With things in such good order, I can save myself quite a bit of worry in the future."
"As for the knowledge of advancement, choices, and cautions you have been so eager to learn, I can explain them to you in detail."
Setting down her teacup, she had Xilutaiya come to her side, then gently pressed her right hand over the back of Xilutaiya's, bidding her to sit.
"How much do you currently know about advancing?" she asked first.
"I've heard about roughly four methods of advancement." Xilutaiya recounted what Scholar Haide had taught her.
"Mm, Haide wasn't wrong. Those truly are the four most suitable paths available for you to choose *currently*." She emphasized the word "currently."
"Condensing a first-order attribute actually doesn't carry many requirements. As long as your ability's intensity meets the standard, or you receive the nourishment and blessing of external items, your destiny can advance."
"However, once you reach the second and third orders, you can no longer be so casual—especially for certain classes, which require specific combinations of Ability Cards," she explained in a measured tone.
"Since you have already learned the Dew Prayer Method, you can advance using it first. Later, I will teach you the Branch Trimming Method, and you can combine the Branch Trimming Method and the Dew Prayer Method to transform your destiny into [Gardening Apprentice]."
"When you convert your Destiny Card into [Gardening Apprentice], you will be able to assimilate the abilities of both Branch Trimming Method and Dew Prayer Method into the Destiny Card's inherent effects. That will free up two slots for Ability Cards, allowing you to learn additional things."
"Ah, abilities can even be merged like that?" It was Xilutaiya's first time hearing of such a thing.
"Of course. Otherwise, did you think a high-ranking powerhouse could sustain themselves on a mere three abilities?" Madame Falan teased, amused by Xilutaiya's adorable gasp of astonishment.
"However," she turned serious, "not all transcendents do this. Merging different abilities multiplies the natural talent, aptitude, and control required. If one's grasp over them is only mediocre to begin with, it is better not to attempt it."
"I hold very high expectations for you, Tiya."
"Yes. Thank you, Madame." Xilutaiya expressed her gratitude once more.
"Very well. Since you are just about prepared, make your breakthrough tonight. I will keep an eye on you during the process to guard against any mishaps."
"Yes, Madame." Fortunately, she had not used the Swan Orchid to advance. Although doing so would have granted her the orchid's abilities as a bonus, it would have prevented her from forming a destiny class like [Gardening Apprentice].
...
That night, Xilutaiya knelt on the carpet of her bedroom, her hands folded over her chest. Closing her eyes, she sensed within herself attentively. Guided by her focused will, the Emerald Honey attribute power brimming within [Dew Prayer Method] began to flow toward the center of her Fate Board, toward the card bordered in silver wisteria vines—[Sleeping Maiden].
As this subtle Emerald Honey attribute continuously poured into the [Sleeping Maiden] card, the illustration's colors grew increasingly vivid. In particular, the cornflowers beside the maiden in the background multiplied from a scattering into a cluster, and their sparse foliage turned distinctly lush.
Bit by bit, the power accumulated. A faint, drifting luminescence surfaced across the young girl's body, hovering and weaving around her before dissolving away.
In the quiet of the night, when the lonely chime of the manor's clock sounded, [Sleeping Maiden] on Xilutaiya's Fate Board finally reached a critical threshold.
With what felt like a slight quiver, emerald vines wound across and draped over the borders of the card face. Then, the entire Destiny Card transformed into [Maiden in the Sea] (First-Order · Emerald Honey).
On the face of the card, the silver-haired maiden lay quietly in a sea of cornflowers. The dense grass obscured much of the distant sky, leaving only faint, barely perceptible shooting stars occasionally gleaming through the gaps between the blades.
Name: Xilutaiya · ※※※※
Race: Human (※※※)
Status: Healthy (No abnormalities)
Talent: Stars [Unknown Grade], Cornflower's Attachment [Rare Grade, Upgradeable]
Destiny Card: [Maiden in the Sea] (First-Order · Emerald Honey)
'A maiden sleeping unawakened in the sea, possessing unimaginable potential. She has now uncovered a portion of its secrets.'
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Effect [Appraisal Eye Lv. 3]: Originating from special talent and constitution, you can discern colors undetectable to ordinary people, as well as parts of an object's true nature. (When you raise the rank of your Destiny Card, this ability will upgrade alongside it.)
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Effect [Natural Perception Lv. 2]: Steeped in the Dew Prayer Method, your perception of all things in nature has grown more delicate and sensitive. Even without Emerald Pupil Potion, you can still perceive a portion of a plant's condition. (Current effect is roughly half that of 'Emerald Pupil'.)
Ability Cards: [Breathing Method Lv. 3], [Dew Prayer Method Lv. 3], [Empty Slot]
Skills: [Basic Swordsmanship Lv. 4], [Military Swordsmanship Lv. 4], [Basic Archery Lv. 3], [Basic Spearmanship Lv. 4], [Secret History Knowledge Lv. 5], [Gardening Skill Lv. 4]
——
Phew. Taking a small, deep breath, Xilutaiya opened her eyes, blinked slightly, and stood up.
Advancing had not directly bolstered her physical constitution the way Blood Law would have, but she had gained other advantages and taken another step forward on the path of a gardener.
Reviewing her newly updated status once more, the girl walked about in the darkness. Her fingertips brushed across the chair before her; even without using her eyes, she could clearly sense its grain, its wood fibers, and its hidden internal structure.
As for the faint rustle of the wind by her ear and the happenings on the distant streets, she could hear trace amounts as well.
Moreover, when she blinked her eyes slightly, color reemerged in the dim world of her vision, rendering it distinct. Although not as sharp as in broad daylight, it was more than sufficient.
Appraisal Eye had reached Lv. 3, and she had gained Natural Perception Lv. 2—those were the greatest gains from this advancement. Furthermore, she felt a subtle, swelling power inside her that seemed capable of stimulating and guiding plants, which was likely the common effect and ability of the Emerald Honey attribute.
However, it was already late into the night, so she would have to wait until tomorrow to test it out.
Having finished checking everything, she spun lightly on her toes, twirling several times across the soft carpet before slipping into her slippers with a bright, buoyant mood.
She wondered if Madame Falan was asleep yet. Madame Falan had said earlier that she would watch over her to prevent any accidents.
Xilutaiya lit the candle lantern in her room, held it in hand, and pushed the door open to step out.
The lamps were still lit along the hallway. In the backyard fields, numerous sunflowers cast a bright yellow halo into the dark, tinting the night air. Such scenery kept the entire manor from ever being truly dark even late at night, lending it a pleasant, picturesque charm.
Holding her candle lantern, she arrived at the bright and splendid first-floor sitting room. Madame Falan was still seated there. Showing no surprise at Xilutaiya's appearance, she gave an approving nod.
"Come here, little Tiya."
"Now that you have successfully advanced, you can be considered my formal student from now on." With that, she beckoned to the girl walking down the stairs.
"Here, this outfit is a gift for you. You can wear it at home or when receiving guests in the future." She patted the sofa beside her, where a neatly folded gown rested. Pale yellow served as its base, accented by pure white. Its style was similar to what Madame Falan usually wore—luxurious and radiant—yet it looked more youthful, and the white bows adorning it gave the ensemble a touch of cuteness.
"Besides this one, there are three others—four outfits in total. The reason it took me a little longer this time was that I asked an old friend to tailor them for you."
"In any case, since you are my student, you are like a daughter to me. You must dress beautifully." She patted her hands together, bidding Xilutaiya to take the exquisite, luxurious gown.
"This is the key to the underground storage room. Lining has one as well. You may go down and take a look on your own in the future. Feel free to use anything inside as you wish, so long as you don't waste it."
"Yes." She accepted the golden key; its bow was shaped like blooming petals, extraordinarily pretty.
"Alright. It's getting late tonight, so go get some sleep soon. Remember to put the dress on tomorrow so I can see."
"Yes."
Holding the gown in her arms, Xilutaiya returned to her bedroom filled with anticipation and peace of mind.
Falling asleep tonight, however, was likely going to be a little difficult.
Chapter 56