Mortal's path to transcendence

"The month has quickly flown by so fast.." said Yang Qing with a sigh with his gaze outside the window of his study. It was early morning with the rays filtering through the leaves of the pear tree outside his window.

His study was filled with scrolls, talismans, parchments, and books strewn about and opened. On the desk were empty bowls that looked to have contained food in them. Some had the oiliness and crumbs of baked goods, and others had the stickiness of stew. Only the teapot that was releasing steam looked to retain its contents still.

In the four corners of his study were spirit-clearing sandalwood incense sticks with only a few centimeters remaining from burning out and at the center of the room was a yellow stone that exuded a gentle glow. The stone was the tranquility earth stone and from the ethereal quality exhibited by the one on Yang Qing's desk, it looked to be one that had reached the monarch grade.