Cannon fodder in a classic cultivation story

1. Disturbed Qi

Everything around Su Jing was blurry.

She tried to look around and distinguish things, but as if someone covered her eyes, Su Jing could not sense anything.

"Aish, you shouldn't have over-exhausted your inner Qi like that."

The voice was loud enough to kick her senses awake. Su Jing froze and rapidly breathed as a rush of air hit her lungs. This was almost painful, scratching her dry throat.

"What's with her?"

"She's clearly holding on to the master to make him pity her!"

The voices around her grew more restless. Su Jing felt nauseous, and while she tried to stop the uncomfortable sensation around her throat, the first man again talked.

"Why did you use so much of your Qi? Your cultivating vessels are wasted, young girl."

Immediately after, a warm sensation slowly surrounded her cold body.

Su Jing focused her eyes, and soon, the once-blurry shapes morphed into objects and people. In front of her was a man with a long white beard cascading down his chest, seeming to be the one who was talking.

She also noticed how poor her condition was - her legs hurt, her back was sweaty and painful, and her lips were dry. Her hands felt heavy, and she couldn't help but stare at the strange orb she was holding.

Glimpsing at it, Su Jing almost felt lost in its white mass.

"This young girl should give me back the testing sphere. It may ease down your disturbed Qi."

Su Jing's trance was cut short, and she felt an odd energy leaving her body as he took the orb. In the next moment, it turned grey in his fingers, looking like a rock.

"And remember to not overuse your roots. If you continue to do that, they will certainly turn weaker."

Su Jing, now that she had a slightly clearer head, couldn't help but get confused by his words. Roots? Was she a tree? She looked down at her hands and was sure her body was human.

"Have you understood me? You do not seem like listening to me at all."

The master stared at her, furrowing his brows.

Su Jing flinched, only now observing the aura around him - a powerful one. She nodded quickly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Y-yes. I understand."

The intense, disapproving glares from around bore into the back of her head, becoming unbearable for her.

"So be it then," the old man said, leaning his head slightly, "Tian Hui Sect only opens its door to the best, but fear not, the Dao is vast and ever-flowing. Your journey may take unexpected turns with enough patience."

Once more, Su Jing was puzzled by what he mentioned, but one thing was obvious - she was being turned away.

She did not belong here or in that place.

As the realization sank in, Su Jing's confusion grew. She wanted to ask him, but he turned towards someone else walking in this direction.

Her words got stuck in her throat.

"Greetings to the old master. This one is grateful for the opportunity."

The girl's voice sounded as she bowed, side-glancing at Su Jing fugitively. Her eyes had a cold allure, albeit beautiful - as if stars were scattered in the black, bottomless irises.

Su Jing unexpectedly felt mesmerised by her beauty. The red dress she wore was a little coarse, but it enhanced how good her natural traits were.

The master nodded to the newcomer before returning to Su Jing. "Remember what I have said. The path of cultivation is not to be taken lightly. Take care of your Qi and roots, and perhaps one day you may find your place in the Dao."