The morning sun at Master Jing's retreat didn't so much rise as it unfurled itself across the valley in measured increments, as if demonstrating proper cultivation technique to less disciplined celestial bodies.

  Steam from the medicinal hot springs twisted upward to meet the light, creating luminous spirals that bore uncanny resemblance to cultivation meridians—nature imitating art imitating nature in the circular way of all profound truths.

  Xiaolong observed this display from her position beside the Eastern Harmony Pool, where Li Feng floated in mineral-rich waters the color of faded sky.

  Master Jing had instructed him to remain partially submerged for "seven breaths past discomfort," a prescription that Xiaolong suspected involved deliberately imprecise measurement to teach patience alongside physical healing.

  "How is the water temperature?" she asked, noting the subtle changes in his spiritual signature—like watching ice crystals gradually realign after fracturing.

  "Simultaneously too hot and too cold," Li Feng replied with a weak smile, "which Master Jing assures me is precisely correct."

  His condition had improved notably overnight. The alarming black dots along his meridians had faded to purple, while the erratic pulsing at his dantian had steadied into a more predictable rhythm. Still, Xiaolong's draconic senses detected the fundamental instability in his core—a disharmony too deep for surface treatments to immediately address.

  "The paradox of cultivation medicine," she observed. "That which heals must first create awareness of the wound."

  "Just as rivers must first acknowledge the mountain before carving a path through it," he agreed, the water lapping at his chin as he shifted position slightly.

  Xiaolong found herself watching his movements with unexpected attention to detail—the careful way he redistributed his weight to minimize energy expenditure, the subtle cultivation techniques he employed to extract maximum benefit from the medicinal waters.

  Human adaptability continued to fascinate her. Where dragons simply overwhelmed obstacles with raw power, humans developed intricate techniques to work around their limitations.

  "The sect representatives will have reached the Cloud Summit by now," Li Feng said, his voice carefully neutral despite the longing clearly visible in his eyes.

  "Indeed. Song Bai will undoubtedly perform admirably in your absence."

  "Of course." His smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "She has mastered the Moonlight Reflection technique with exceptional dedication."

  Xiaolong recognized the particular emotion flickering beneath his composed exterior—not jealousy exactly, but the specific disappointment of watching another achieve what one has personally sacrificed for.

  Dragons experienced similar feelings when territories they had spent centuries cultivating were claimed by rivals during periods of absence.

  "Your absence from a single gathering changes nothing about your cultivation journey," she offered. "Water doesn't measure its progress by which rocks it touches, but by its continuous movement forward."

  Li Feng's eyebrows rose slightly. "You've been studying our sect's philosophy scrolls."

  "Merely observing. Your approaches contain... unexpected wisdom."

  This understated admission represented a cosmic shift from her perspective three months earlier, when she had considered human cultivation philosophy to be the equivalent of ants building elaborate theories about sand castles.

  Now she found herself not only repeating their maxims but finding genuine insight within them—another scale loosening its grip on her fundamental nature.

  "YOU'RE DOING THE SOAKING ALL WRONG!" Hui Yun announced, bounding into view with the particular energy of someone determined to interrupt any moment that threatened to become meaningful. "East council says proper healing pools need bobbing up and down every seventh breath! Very important for meridian-smooshing!"

  "Meridian-smooshing is not a recognized technique in any cultivation system I'm familiar with," Li Feng replied with admirable gravity.

  "That's because you haven't read the super-secret north mountain healing scrolls! Had seventeen different smooshing methods! Very advanced stuff!"

  Xiaolong shot the fox a glare that would have instantly vaporized lesser beings. Hui Yun responded by sitting down and beginning an elaborate grooming routine, somehow conveying complete innocence while simultaneously radiating smug satisfaction at the disruption it had caused.

  "Your spirit companion seems particularly energetic this morning," Li Feng observed diplomatically.

  "Hui Yun exists in a perpetual state of excessive enthusiasm," Xiaolong replied. "I suspect it's a defense mechanism against deeper thought."

  "I THINK VERY DEEP THOUGHTS!" the fox protested, pausing mid-groom. "Just fast ones! Lots at once! Like big thought-flock flying everywhere!"

  Master Jing arrived before this philosophical debate could develop further, carrying a tray containing various herbs, powders, and what appeared to be seven precisely arranged acupuncture needles made from different materials.

  The elderly cultivator glanced at Hui Yun with the particular expression of someone who has lived long enough to recognize which problems are worth addressing and which should be strategically ignored.

  "Out of pool," she instructed Li Feng briskly. "Next phase begins. Channel rebuilding."

  Junior Disciples Wei Lin and Chen Yun hurried forward to assist Li Feng from the water. His weakened condition remained evident in the careful way he moved, like a man carrying a bowl of water filled precisely to its rim.

  "Will we use the same acupuncture points as yesterday?" Ming Lian asked, preparing towels and clean garments with the efficiency of someone accustomed to healing rituals.

  "Different. Yesterday broke cycle. Today rebuild paths." Master Jing arranged her materials with the unconscious grace of someone who had performed these actions thousands of times. "You," she pointed at Xiaolong without looking up, "assist with stabilization. Your energy—useful."

  This assignment created a moment of hesitation for Xiaolong. Direct energy manipulation risked revealing too much of her draconic nature, yet refusing would potentially hinder Li Feng's recovery.

  "I'll do what I can," she replied carefully.

  "Good. Hold his right hand during procedure. Stabilizes etheric boundary."

  This instruction, while seemingly simple, contained layers of implication that Xiaolong immediately recognized.

  The right hand in cultivation symbolism represented receiving energy rather than projecting it—a safeguard that would allow her to stabilize Li Feng's essence without directly introducing her own.

  Master Jing had, once again, devised an approach that allowed Xiaolong's unique energy to assist without revealing its true nature.

  The acupuncture procedure began with meticulous preparation. Master Jing heated each needle to specific temperatures using seven different flames, then coated them with herbal essences that Xiaolong's draconic senses identified as repositories of natural wisdom far more sophisticated than their humble appearance suggested.

  "First needle," Master Jing announced, positioning the gold instrument above Li Feng's dantian. "Boundary stabilization."

  Xiaolong took Li Feng's right hand as instructed, immediately sensing the chaotic fluctuations in his cultivation energy. His fingers were cool against her naturally warm skin—the temperature difference between dragon and human physiology creating a small but noticeable contrast.

  "Your hand is remarkably warm," he murmured.

  "Higher cultivation typically increases core temperature," she improvised, avoiding direct falsehood while concealing the actual reason.

  "First insertion," Master Jing warned before skillfully placing the golden needle.

  Li Feng's fingers tightened around Xiaolong's as the needle penetrated his cultivation center. A ripple of energy cascaded through his meridians—like watching lightning strike a pond in slow motion, disruption spreading outward in perfect circles.

  Through their connected hands, Xiaolong sensed the chaotic patterns and instinctively provided counterbalance, subtly harmonizing her energy to dampen the disruptive waves without introducing foreign essence. The technique required exquisite control, like using a mountain's weight to shift a pebble without crushing it.

  "Good," Master Jing nodded approvingly. "Second needle. Channel redirection."

  One by one, the needles found their positions in Li Feng's meridian network, each producing distinct energy patterns that Master Jing skillfully manipulated toward harmony. Throughout the procedure, Xiaolong maintained physical contact, providing stabilization that allowed the treatments to work more effectively.

  What fascinated her most was how Li Feng's essence seemed to recognize and respond to hers despite their fundamental difference. Rather than rejecting her foreign energy as invasive, his cultivation channels welcomed the stabilizing influence as though they'd encountered it before.

  Master Jing had been right—some connection existed between them that transcended normal cultivation interactions.

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  After the procedure concluded, Li Feng appeared simultaneously exhausted and revitalized, like a plant after surviving a storm—battered yet somehow strengthened by the ordeal.

  "Rest now," Master Jing instructed. "Two hours minimum. Then walking meditation by south pool."

  As the elderly cultivator gathered her materials and departed, Ming Lian approached with a steaming cup of restoration tea.

  "Your assistance appeared quite effective," he observed, his seemingly casual tone containing subtle inquiry. "Master Jing rarely invites outsiders to participate in core restoration procedures."

  "Perhaps my energy signature happens to complement his particular disharmony pattern," Xiaolong replied, matching his casual tone while carefully sidestepping deeper explanation.

  "Indeed. Most fortuitous." Ming Lian's eyes sparked with intelligence that his typically frivolous demeanor often disguised. "I'll accompany the juniors to gather fresh herbs for this afternoon's poultices. Unless you require anything?"

  "We'll be fine," Li Feng answered, his voice stronger than it had been earlier. "The meditation pavilion offers adequate comfort for recovery."

  After the others departed, a rare moment of privacy descended upon them. The meditation pavilion overlooked a small pond where turtle-like creatures with luminescent shells basked on sun-warmed stones. Steam rose from the water's surface despite the morning warmth, suggesting spiritual properties beyond ordinary thermal conductivity.

  Li Feng settled onto a bamboo mat, arranging himself in the half-lotus position modified for injured cultivators. Xiaolong took a seat nearby, maintaining what she judged to be appropriate distance—close enough for conversation yet respectful of personal boundaries according to human social protocols she had gradually internalized.

  "You never asked why," Li Feng said after several moments of companionable silence.

  "Why what?"

  "Why I was attempting Waterfall Convergence techniques before establishing proper foundation." His gaze remained fixed on the pond, as though the admission came easier without direct eye contact. "Most would consider it foolishly reckless."

  "I assumed you had your reasons," Xiaolong replied. In truth, she had wondered but considered it inappropriate to question—a remnant of draconic hierarchy respect that had survived her transformation thus far.

  "The floods will come again this season," he said, his voice low but intense. "I spoke of my village before, how it sits at the Three Rivers confluence. What I didn't mention was that our divination master predicted this year's floods would be the worst in seven generations."

  Xiaolong remembered his previous explanation about his motivation for cultivation—protecting his village from seasonal floods. This new information added urgency to his quest that explained his willingness to risk cultivation deviation.

  "I promised the village elders that I would return with sufficient mastery to implement comprehensive water redirection formations," he continued. "The spring rains begin in less than two months. Now, I'll be fortunate to walk properly by then, let alone perform advanced formations."

  The anguish in his voice was palpable—not for himself, but for those who depended on him. This selfless concern continued to perplex Xiaolong from a draconic perspective.

  Dragons might occasionally protect territories or possessions out of proprietary interest, but the concept of risking personal harm to shield unrelated beings from natural disasters simply didn't exist in draconic thinking.

  "Could the sect send other water cultivators?" she asked.

  "They could, but they won't." His fingers traced water symbols unconsciously as he spoke. "Resources grow scarcer each year as spiritual pollution increases. The sect prioritizes major cities and wealthy patrons. Small fishing villages hold little influence."

  Again, this human reality struck Xiaolong as simultaneously tragic and fascinating. Human society operated on complex webs of obligation, power, and resources that dragons, with their straightforward dominance hierarchies, never needed to navigate.

  "You were willing to risk permanent cultivation deviation for them," she observed, not quite a question.

  "What purpose does cultivation serve if not to protect those who cannot protect themselves?" His gaze finally met hers directly. "Power sought solely for oneself becomes a prison rather than liberation."

  The statement struck at the core of the fundamental difference between dragon and human cultivation philosophies. Dragons cultivated to accumulate—power, knowledge, treasures, years. Humans, or at least some humans, cultivated to serve purposes beyond themselves.

  "Your philosophy honors your tradition," she said finally, choosing words that acknowledged his values without necessarily claiming them as her own.

  "And yours?" he asked, his gaze remaining steady. "You've observed our methods for months now, yet I realize I understand very little about your own cultivation approach."

  The question contained no accusation, merely genuine curiosity, yet it created immediate tension within Xiaolong. How much could she reveal without exposing her true nature? What truths could she offer that weren't outright deceptions?

  "My tradition," she began carefully, "views cultivation somewhat differently. We believe in... cosmic balance through careful transformation of fundamental nature."

  This represented perhaps the most honest description of reverse cultivation she could offer without mentioning dragons or scales.

  "Rather than accumulating external power," she continued, warming to philosophical exposition that required no specific details, "we focus on internal reorientation toward understanding perspectives beyond our own limited experience."

  "Fascinating." Li Feng's expression showed genuine interest rather than mere politeness. "That explains certain unique aspects of your techniques—how you seem to harmonize with elements rather than directing them."

  "You've been observing my methods quite closely," she noted, experiencing the strange sensation humans called "being seen"—a vulnerability dragons typically avoided at all costs.

  "You're not exactly inconspicuous," he replied with a small smile. "Water responding to your presence rather than your commands. Plants leaning toward you as though seeking conversation. Even Hui Yun's unusual deference despite its chaotic nature."

  Each observation approached dangerously close to recognizing her inhuman nature, yet his tone contained curiosity rather than suspicion.

  "I've wondered often about your true background," he admitted, voice lowering slightly though they were alone. "Your knowledge spans centuries yet feels firsthand rather than studied. You speak of distant places as though you've walked their paths personally. Your cultivation essence carries depth that contradicts your apparent age."

  Xiaolong felt her draconic mass shift uncomfortably within its human containment—the metaphysical equivalent of a too-tight formal garment threatening to split its seams.

  "And yet," Li Feng continued before she could formulate a response, "I find that such questions ultimately matter less than I once thought."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Cultivation teachings tell us to penetrate illusory appearances to discover fundamental truths." His fingers finally stilled, coming to rest on his knees. "Yet perhaps some mysteries serve better unresolved, allowing truth to reveal itself naturally through connection rather than interrogation."

  This philosophy—accepting mystery rather than demanding immediate answers—represented yet another aspect of human wisdom that dragons rarely demonstrated. Draconic nature demanded categorical classification of all entities, placing them within rigid hierarchical frameworks that resisted ambiguity.

  "That's... unusually tolerant," she observed.

  "Not tolerance. Recognition." His smile deepened slightly. "Whatever your true nature or origin, your actions here reveal more meaningful truth than any explanation could provide."

  Before Xiaolong could respond to this perilously insightful observation, the unmistakable sound of Hui Yun's chaotic approach shattered their moment of philosophical connection.

  "BIG NEWS!" the fox announced, skidding into the pavilion with three of its tails tangled together. "Message-bird arrived! From the Summit place! Important words inside! Very urgent!"

  Ming Lian followed at a more dignified pace, carrying a small jade message container sealed with Azure Waters insignia. "A communication hawk arrived from the delegation," he confirmed.

  "Is something wrong?" Li Feng asked, immediately alert despite his weakened condition.

  "Nothing concerning the sect directly," Ming Lian assured him, breaking the seal to remove a thin scroll. "Elder Wei sends confirmation of safe arrival and successful preliminary demonstrations. However..."

  He hesitated, glancing at Xiaolong with an expression that suggested the message contained information directly relevant to her.

  "However?" she prompted, maintaining outward composure despite sudden internal alertness.

  "It appears Master Jin of the Golden Sun Sect expressed significant disappointment at your absence," Ming Lian continued carefully. "The message states he specifically sought to discuss unique water-fire harmonization techniques after hearing about your unusual methods."

  "That seems unusually specific interest from a rival sect master," Li Feng observed.

  "Indeed. The message further notes that Master Jin mentioned bringing a 'distinguished guest from the northern mountains' who possessed knowledge of ancient cultivation traditions similar to Fellow Daoist Xiaolong's methods."

  Hui Yun, who had been unusually quiet during this exchange, suddenly developed intense interest in grooming its left front paw with elaborate concentration.

  "The northern mountains," Xiaolong repeated, cosmic awareness immediately clarifying the implication. Northern mountains traditionally housed dragon territories in cultivation mythologies—a connection any knowledgeable immortal would recognize.

  "The message concludes that Master Jin and this northern guest expressed intention to visit Azure Waters Sect directly upon conclusion of the Summit," Ming Lian finished. "They wish to meet the cultivator responsible for the 'prismatic harmonic techniques' demonstrated at the Water Gathering Festival."

  The implications crystallized with cold clarity. Dragon representatives had not only attended the Summit as Hui Yun had warned but had specifically identified cultivation phenomena associated with Xiaolong. Now they intended to investigate directly.

  "When would this visit likely occur?" she asked, calculating timelines against Li Feng's recovery requirements.

  "The Summit concludes in three days. Allowing for formal farewells and travel time, perhaps five days hence."

  Five days. Barely enough time for Li Feng to regain basic cultivation functionality, let alone complete his recovery. Yet remaining here meant potential discovery by her own kind—a confrontation she was entirely unprepared for in her current transformed state.

  "You seem troubled," Li Feng observed with characteristic perceptiveness.

  "Merely considering implications," she replied, which wasn't entirely untrue. "My... tradition... maintains certain privacy protocols regarding technique transmission."

  "South folks very big on secret-keeping!" Hui Yun interjected helpfully. "Don't like nosy visitors asking technique questions! Very traditional that way!"

  Ming Lian's expression suggested he found these explanations interesting but incomplete. "Elder Wei requests guidance regarding appropriate response to Master Jin's interest. Should the sect prepare for formal technique exchange discussions, or would you prefer alternative arrangements?"

  The question's diplomatic phrasing offered surprising flexibility—a subtle indication that Azure Waters might assist in avoiding this meeting if requested. Such consideration toward a visiting cultivator's preferences represented unprecedented accommodation by sect standards.

  "I'll need to consider the appropriate response," Xiaolong answered, buying time while internally weighing increasingly limited options.

  Fleeing would protect her from immediate discovery but would abandon Li Feng during his recovery and potentially create more suspicion among dragon representatives. Concealment within the sect might prove temporarily effective but risked eventual detection by beings who could sense her true nature despite any disguise.

  Confrontation seemed least viable of all—her transformation had progressed too far for her to convincingly maintain draconic authority, yet not far enough to fully disguise her fundamental nature.

  "Whatever you decide," Li Feng said quietly, "remember that water's greatest strength lies in adaptability rather than resistance. Sometimes the path through challenges reveals itself only when we begin walking it."

  The simple wisdom in his statement—delivered without knowing the true complexity of her situation—made Xiaolong wonder yet again how beings with such brief existence could occasionally demonstrate such profound understanding.

  "Five days provides adequate time for careful consideration," Ming Lian added practically. "For now, perhaps focusing on recovery takes precedence over future complications."

  "Worry later! Healing now!" Hui Yun agreed, bouncing in place. "East council says mixing too many thought-paths makes messy mind-roads! One problem at one time!"