The fundamental problem with unprecedented occurrences, Xiaolong reflected, was that they tended to draw precisely the kind of attention that someone attempting to maintain a low profile might wish to avoid.

  This principle was currently manifesting in the form of roughly two dozen robed disciples, three senior cultivators, and one extremely smug-looking Song Bai converging on the Inner Sanctuary like pilgrims to a newly discovered sacred site.

  "Unprecedented plant responsiveness," Elder Liu announced, striding through the doorway with the confident air of someone accustomed to having natural forces behave in predictable ways. Her sharp eyes cataloged the various botanical specimens still orienting themselves toward Xiaolong like courtiers awaiting a royal pronouncement. "Master Zhen reports the phenomena extend to multiple species across diverse spiritual classifications."

  Behind her, disciples jostled for position, their hushed exclamations creating a background hum of amazement as they witnessed vines curling toward Xiaolong, flowers turning on their stems to face her, and fungal clusters pulsing in time with her breathing.

  The attention made Xiaolong profoundly uncomfortable—not because dragons disliked admiration (quite the contrary), but because this particular admiration arose from something she neither understood nor controlled.

  "A temporary harmonization effect," she explained, attempting to sound like someone who knew precisely what was happening rather than someone watching her fundamental nature restructure itself in real time. "The technique requires specific environmental conditions to manifest properly."

  Song Bai pushed her way forward, her perfect composure slightly marred by the intensity of her scrutiny. "How fascinating that these conditions happen to exist in our humble herb garden," she noted, voice dripping with sweetness that barely concealed suspicion. "And that plants with no previous record of spiritual responsiveness suddenly develop such... enthusiasm... for your particular energy signature."

  Before Xiaolong could formulate a response that wouldn't involve threatening to turn the irritating junior disciple into decorative statuary, Master Zhen bustled through the crowded doorway, practically vibrating with scholarly excitement.

  "Confirmation from all garden sections!" he announced, waving a scroll covered in hastily scribbled notes. "Seventeen distinct specimen categories showing unprecedented development patterns! The Midnight Dew Lotus has produced secondary buds three months ahead of cycle. The Spirit Willow is releasing cultivation-enhanced seeds that normally require direct essence stimulation. Even the Frost-Veined Ginseng, which hasn't produced offspring in eight decades, is developing seed pods!"

  His excitement was understandable from a botanical perspective. Less understandable—and considerably more alarming—was the calculating look Elder Liu directed at Xiaolong over the enthusiastic herbalist's shoulder.

  "Most curious," the elder said, her tone suggesting she found curiosity and suspicion to be neighboring territories with a poorly marked border. "Particularly since only the spiritually awakened specimens demonstrate such dramatic responses. Ordinary plants remain... ordinary." She gestured toward a pot of perfectly normal mint that, unlike its more evolved neighbors, showed no particular interest in Xiaolong's presence.

  This observation provided the first truly useful insight Xiaolong had encountered since this botanical crisis began.

  The distinction between ordinary plants and cultivation-enhanced specimens explained why forests hadn't bowed before her during their travels, why roadside flowers hadn't strained toward her passing form. Only plants that had developed spiritual awareness through cultivation practices could perceive and respond to whatever her essence was broadcasting.

  "Spiritual resonance requires spiritual receivers," Xiaolong noted, seizing on this explanation with the desperation of a drowning swimmer spotting a conveniently floating log. "Common plants lack the necessary sensitivity to respond to subtle harmonic frequencies."

  Elder Liu's eyebrows rose marginally—the cultivation sect equivalent of dropping one's jaw in shock. "You suggest these plants respond not to direct command but to harmonic resonance? An unusual approach. Most sects teach dominion over lesser spiritual entities, not communion with them."

  "Water cultivation philosophy emphasizes harmony over dominion," Li Feng interjected smoothly. "Flow around obstacles rather than shattering them; join with currents rather than fighting them. Perhaps Cultivator Xiaolong's approach extends this principle to plant essence communication."

  Xiaolong could have kissed him for this perfectly timed interpretation that provided exactly the cover she needed.

  "Precisely," she agreed, as though this had been her intention all along rather than an accidental side effect of her draconic nature fundamentally rearranging itself. "My tradition explores the boundaries between directing essence and joining with it. The technique becomes less effective when forced."

  To demonstrate this conveniently improvised explanation, she approached a cluster of luminescent orchids that had been straining toward her presence.

  With deliberate movements suggesting years of careful practice rather than desperate improvisation, she extended her hand and projected a small measure of controlled essence—this time consciously attempting to harmonize rather than command.

  The orchids responded by unfurling new blossoms that emitted a soft blue glow, their petals opening in a rhythmic pattern that matched Xiaolong's carefully modulated breathing. The effect was both beautiful and persuasive, suggesting deliberate technique rather than accidental phenomenon.

  "Remarkable control," Elder Liu acknowledged, her suspicion not entirely dispelled but now tempered with professional interest. "Would you be willing to document your methodology for our sect archives? Such harmonization principles could significantly advance our understanding of plant essence cultivation."

  Before Xiaolong could formulate an appropriately vague response to this request for information she didn't actually possess, Song Bai stepped forward with the particular smile she reserved for moments when she believed she'd identified a weakness in her rival's position.

  "Perhaps Cultivator Xiaolong could first explain why her 'harmonization technique' produces such different results from traditional plant communication methods?"

  She gestured toward a thorny vine that had wrapped itself around a nearby support column, its thorns retracting wherever it came near Xiaolong's sleeve.

  "Most cultivators require decades of practice to achieve even minimal spiritual communion with elder specimens. Yet somehow, a visiting cultivator with no documented botanical training produces effects our most senior herbalists cannot replicate."

  The challenge hung in the air like an overripe fruit, threatening to drop and splatter uncomfortable questions in all directions. Disciples shifted uncomfortably, sensing the confrontational undertone beneath Song Bai's polite inquiry.

  Master Zhen, blessedly oblivious to political undercurrents, clapped his hands with delight. "Exactly the question we should be exploring! Refinement through comparative analysis!" He turned to Xiaolong with genuine curiosity. "Would you demonstrate your technique alongside Junior Sister Song's traditional approach? The contrast would prove most educational."

  Trapped by social protocol and surrounded by increasingly curious observers, Xiaolong realized she would need to provide some form of demonstration that appeared plausible without revealing too much about her changing nature.

  With a mental sigh that would have manifested as a smoke ring in her true form, she nodded her agreement.

  "A simple demonstration, then. Perhaps with those meditative chrysanthemums?" She indicated a cluster of white flowers whose spiritual patterns suggested relatively uncomplicated essence structure—easier to influence without accidentally causing them to achieve spontaneous sentience or some equally catastrophic breakthrough.

  Song Bai accepted the suggestion with a gracious nod that did nothing to disguise the challenge in her eyes. They approached the chrysanthemum bed from opposite sides, creating a tableau that the observing disciples immediately recognized as significant enough to require absolute silence.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  "Traditional plant communion begins with essence projection," Song Bai explained for the benefit of younger disciples, her movements precise and elegant as she extended her hands over the flowers. "The cultivator establishes dominance through concentrated spiritual pressure, commanding rather than requesting response."

  She demonstrated, sending pulses of refined spiritual energy into the chrysanthemums. The flowers responded as expected, their stems straightening incrementally and petals aligning toward her influence—a textbook display of proper botanical communion that would earn full marks in any cultivation examination.

  All eyes turned to Xiaolong, waiting to see how her "alternative technique" would compare.

  The inherent problem, of course, was that she had no technique—only a fundamental transformation in how her essence interacted with the world around her. Nevertheless, appearances needed to be maintained.

  "Harmonization approaches essence exchange differently," she began, improvising with the confidence that only someone who has lived for millennia can muster when completely fabricating explanations. "Rather than establishing dominance, one offers recognition of mutual existence within the greater pattern of the Dao."

  This sounded sufficiently mystical while remaining vague enough to avoid specific technical questions. With careful movements that suggested deliberate technique rather than intuitive response, Xiaolong extended her hands over her half of the chrysanthemum cluster.

  The difference was immediately apparent.

  Where Song Bai's flowers had responded with proper, predictable alignment, Xiaolong's chrysanthemums practically erupted with enthusiasm—stems elongating, buds opening, petals unfurling in rapid succession while emitting a subtle luminescence that shouldn't have been possible for this particular species.

  "Most irregular response pattern," Master Zhen murmured, scribbling notes with the fervor of someone documenting a revolutionary discovery. "The specimens aren't merely responding; they're evolving their essence structure to better harmonize with the offered resonance."

  Song Bai's expression remained perfectly composed, though her spiritual essence flickered with irritation as the contrast between their results became increasingly obvious. "Perhaps Cultivator Xiaolong could explain the theoretical foundation of this approach? For scholarly documentation."

  The question was a trap wrapped in academic curiosity—demanding specific technical explanations for something Xiaolong was experiencing rather than executing.

  Fortunately, her millennia of existence had included extensive observation of human cultivation theories, providing enough knowledge to construct a plausible explanation.

  "The foundation lies in recognizing that spiritual boundaries are more permeable than traditionally acknowledged," she replied, weaving together fragments of various cultivation philosophies she had observed over centuries. "When one ceases to perceive plants as objects to be commanded and instead recognizes them as participants in the greater spiritual ecology, their inherent responsiveness manifests naturally."

  This explanation, while deliberately abstract, contained enough truth to resonate with the observers. Several disciples nodded thoughtfully, and even Elder Liu appeared to be considering the philosophical implications rather than focusing on the suspicious nature of Xiaolong's abilities.

  "A revolutionary perspective," Master Zhen declared, having already mentally composed several scholarly treatises based on the morning's observations. "One that merits thorough documentation and experimental verification across multiple specimen categories!"

  Xiaolong suppressed a wince at the enthusiasm in his voice. The last thing she needed was extensive documentation of abilities she barely understood herself.

  Before the situation could progress further toward scholarly disaster, Li Feng intervened with characteristic perceptiveness.

  "Perhaps such extensive documentation should follow the Water Gathering Festival," he suggested. "Preparations begin tomorrow, and many of these responsive specimens will be needed for the ritual collections."

  Elder Liu nodded, momentarily distracted by this practical consideration. "Indeed. The enhanced spiritual properties these plants are displaying could significantly improve this cycle's gathered waters." She turned to address the assembled disciples. "Return to your assigned duties. The afternoon meditation session will include discussion of what we've observed here."

  As the crowd reluctantly dispersed, Song Bai lingered, her gaze fixed on Xiaolong with the particular intensity of someone who has added another piece to a puzzle they're determined to solve. "Your 'harmonization technique' is unlike anything in our sect records," she observed quietly. "Almost as though it wasn't developed within traditional human cultivation lineages at all."

  The statement hovered dangerously close to accusation without crossing the line into direct confrontation.

  Before Xiaolong could formulate a response that wouldn't involve threatening to eat the irritating junior disciple, Li Feng stepped beside her.

  "The river has many tributaries, yet all water ultimately returns to the same ocean," he said, employing one of those water maxims that somehow managed to sound both profound and mildly confusing. "Different paths to understanding need not diminish each other's validity."

  Song Bai's lips thinned slightly, but proper cultivation etiquette prevented her from challenging a senior disciple's philosophical statement. With a perfectly correct bow that somehow managed to convey profound skepticism, she departed, leaving Xiaolong, Li Feng, and Master Zhen alone in the Inner Sanctuary.

  "Extraordinary developments," Master Zhen murmured, still cataloging notes about the various plant responses. "I must update the garden records immediately. With your permission, I'll document your demonstration for future reference, Cultivator Xiaolong."

  "Of course," Xiaolong replied, having no practical way to refuse without appearing suspicious. "Though I should note that results may vary significantly depending on individual spiritual resonance patterns."

  This disclaimer, she hoped, would provide cover when other cultivators inevitably failed to reproduce her results. Master Zhen nodded absently, already halfway to the door in his eagerness to record the morning's discoveries.

  Once alone with Li Feng, Xiaolong allowed herself a moment of genuine discomfort. "That was... not how I intended this garden visit to proceed."

  "Water finds unexpected paths when meeting new terrain," he replied, his expression suggesting he found the entire situation more interesting than concerning. "Though I admit, plants developing spiritual attachment to visiting cultivators isn't covered in the typical sect orientation materials."

  Despite her concerns, Xiaolong found herself appreciating his calm acceptance of the increasingly bizarre situations that seemed to follow her through the sect.

  Most humans would have demanded explanations or retreated in confusion; Li Feng simply observed and adapted, like water flowing around unexpected obstacles.

  "The distinction Elder Liu noted between ordinary plants and spiritually awakened specimens is significant," she said, thinking aloud. "It explains why we didn't notice this effect during our travels."

  Li Feng nodded. "Common plants perceive only physical stimuli—light, water, soil conditions. Only through cultivation enhancement do they develop spiritual perception. An important limitation of your... technique."

  The way he hesitated before the word "technique" suggested he recognized she was experiencing a phenomenon rather than executing a methodology, but was thoughtful enough not to press the matter directly.

  As they prepared to leave the Inner Sanctuary, Xiaolong paused beside a small, ordinary wildflower growing in a corner pot—a simple daisy with no cultivation enhancements or spiritual awakening. Acting on intuition, she gently touched one of its petals.

  The flower didn't dramatically bend or suddenly bloom, but it did turn slightly toward her finger with a subtle movement that might easily be mistaken for natural response to physical contact.

  Not the overwhelming recognition the enhanced plants displayed, but still unmistakably aware of her in some small, primitive way.

  The implications were both fascinating and troubling. Whatever transformation was occurring in her essence, it wasn't merely changing how spiritually awakened beings perceived her—it was altering her fundamental relationship with the natural world at every level.

  Li Feng observed this quiet interaction without comment, though his expression suggested he missed little of its significance. As they finally left the garden and began walking back toward the main compound, he spoke with unusual directness.

  "When water flows long enough over stone, both are changed by the encounter. The stone becomes smooth; the water adopts the stone's minerals. Neither remains what it was, yet both become more than they were alone."

  Xiaolong glanced at him, sensing the metaphor extended beyond casual philosophical observation. "Are you suggesting my... unusual interactions with the garden represent mutual transformation rather than mere influence?"

  "I suggest only that change rarely flows in a single direction," he replied. "And that perhaps the plants' response reflects something changing within you as much as your effect upon them."

  The observation struck uncomfortably close to the truth.

  Whatever aspect of her draconic nature was transforming, it represented a fundamental shift from dominion to communion—from commanding lesser beings to joining with them in mutual recognition.

  As they descended toward the main compound, where preparations for the Water Gathering Festival had already begun, Xiaolong found herself contemplating a paradox worthy of dragon contemplation: she had begun this journey to become less than she was, yet somehow found herself becoming... different rather than merely diminished.

  The distinction felt important, though she couldn't yet articulate precisely why.

  A small wildflower grew beside the path, ordinary and unremarkable.

  On impulse, Xiaolong brushed her fingers across its petals as they passed. The flower turned toward her touch with subtle but unmistakable recognition—not the overwhelming response of the garden's enhanced specimens, but a quiet acknowledgment of kinship that would have been impossible for her true draconic self.

  Whatever scale was transforming within her, it was changing not just how the world perceived her, but how she perceived the world in return.