5 In Practice

Beads of sweat ran down her arms as her clothes stuck to her back. Closing her eyes, Yun Da Xia concentrated her focus, a throbbing arising from her temple.

Still, there was no scorching heat or chilling blue light that emanated from her palm. Only she could feel a dark, oppressive matter swirling within her.

Shuddering, she attempted to relax; blinking to stabilize her shaky vision. The moment of vulnerability emphasized the precarious state she was in. In her attempts to circulate energy, there had been a definite disruption in the atmosphere, but nothing had manifested. She had not been here long, but she could guess that this was more humiliating than being unable to sense qi at all. Useless was the kindest word someone from this world could call her.

Yun Da Xia straightened her clothes and lightly touched her pale face. Her fingers shook as she dragged them down the unfamiliar length of hair; a chill running down her spine.

She could imagine the other Yun Da Xia, the one who had lived in this world that venerated the strong for fifteen years. The hands that were renowned to capture the tales of the earth in song were absent of callouses. Every inch of skin was like silk, only attainable if the skin had been rubbed raw; sanded and sculpted into perfection.

Perhaps, that Miss Yun had truly enjoyed playing instruments and maintaining her exceptional appearance. Perhaps, she had believed that despite her shortcomings in cultivation, she could redeem herself in her skills and bearing.

Thinking back to the repressed disgust and blatant contempt she had received only a day after her 'recovery,' Yun Da Xia could only sigh in her heart. She truly hoped it was the former rather than the later. The girl before her had been just that, a girl.

She shook her head and left the empty room.

She disappeared into her room in a flurry, the handmaidens that served her immediately told to leave. The madame attempted to see her daughter, but a piece of parchment had been stuck outside the door. It was held there by smushed grains of rice; nearly undecipherable calligraphy read 'Do Not Disturb.'

Closing the windows, Yun Da Xia ensured there were no curious eyes. Her beautiful blue garments fell unceremoniously to the floor. The wood beneath warmed her soles, still exuding a slight heat from bathing under the sun. Not a hair ornament nor her inter spatial ring remained.

Although her experience in treating herself was limited, her understanding of the fundamentals and beyond were enough to compensate it. She found the pulse in her neck, seconds passing before lines formed between her brows. The heartbeat beneath her fingertips showed no anomaly. It was a stunning picture of health.

She inhaled sharply; good poisons could easily kill, while brilliant ones were undetectable. Her education may have revolved around herbs and needles, but her master hadn't let her remain ignorant to the ways of the world.

In every history, the court had always been the most sinister place of all. Relatives wanted blood to wash the tiles, the ministers fought for positions of power; whatever good intentions one may have had, temptation would have it wrought into insatiable greed.

To gain an edge in this kingdom's internal war, someone destroyed a child's chance at survival. Out in the real world, or within the confines of the capital; Yun Da Xia had no power outside of her families' name. Bearing a useless person, the prestige of her house slowly crumbled. Her family would silently endure because there was nothing they could do since she truly seemed to have no ability.

A household with military power could only fall before the imperial family, and she would be used as a pivotal point to their end.

She refused to be used.

Yun Da Xia stared at her tender skin, flaring energy through her veins. The air around her felt tremulous. Restless. She didn't mind that.

Her sharp eyes looked for any hint of discoloration on her jade-like body. Blue, green, or purple; there was nothing. She clicked her tongue. In all her years, there had not been a poison she could not detect or counter. Today was not going to signify the end of her winning streak.

Pain flooded her body as she continued to forcefully push qi throughout her veins. The throbbing from before attacked her mind, sending her into a haze. Perspiration clouded her eyes as beads fell, but she remained vigilant. There had to be something. Anything.

Heavy pants wracked through her body when she finally saw a dark flash on her paper skin. It bloomed in the pattern of blood vessels, before disappearing again. She capped the flow of energy, bringing her fingers to her dantian. There was no pain, only slight discomfort, but she was certain of what she saw.

Perhaps, she should be focusing on the fact that it would be quite troublesome to fulfill her master's orders without having any power. Instead, a giddy elation bubbled in her chest.

"Genius." She breathed out, her lips hiking into a small smile.

When she purged the poison from her body, she would have to study it.