Solomon sat alone by the open window in the dining hall. The food served in the Qi Gathering Pavilion was vastly different from the protein-dense meals of the Sword Pavilion.
His tray was loaded with a clear, fragrant broth, steamed white rice, and several delicate side dishes featuring rare herbs and steamed lotus pods.
The ingredients were specifically chosen to promote internal peace, relax tense muscles, and naturally enhance the body's receptivity to ambient spiritual energy.
Despite the delicate presentation, Solomon was starving. The ten-hour meditation session had drained him completely. He shoveled the rice and broth into his mouth without a single care for etiquette, currently working on his third refill of the evening.
The silver owl finally deactivated its high-alert defensive mode. The drone fluttered down from the ceiling and perched quietly on a decorative indoor tree near the window.
