Year 1, Spring, Day 1

  It's the first day of spring after my exile. I've decided that this will be day on which I start a new diary. Perhaps it will help me sort my thoughts out on this matter better as I move forward. The way may be cut off for me, but I likely have a century of life left in me.

  I'll come back to this another day.

  Year 1, Spring, Day 8

  It's been a week and in retrospect I really didn't do too much with this. Perhaps I'll begin with where I am now. I found a nice remote valley on the edge of civilized lands. Not too spiritually rich, but pleasant in a mundane way. That said, the eastern-facing ridge is more of a mountain and a good place to put a residence, so I've retreated there for now. I found a small cave, but other than a firepit, I haven't done much since I got here. I eat when I get hungry, I sleep when I get tired, and the rest of the time my mind just wanders and mulls.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Year 1, Spring, Day 18

  Huh, there's a village of mortals in the valley. Not sure how I missed them. I think I'll pay a visit.

  Year 1, Spring, Day 19

  Well, that was awkward. In the cities, there's a level of respect from mortals, but here in the boondocks, it was completely overblown. Way too much kowtowing and attempting to offer me their firstborn son and/or daughter. I managed to brush it off and beat a hasty retreat. I hope I don't regret dropping by.

  Year 1, Spring, Day 30

  I think I'm ready to build something more comfortable. Yesterday, I spent all day cutting lumber. I did not clear cut, but instead searched through the forest for the right trees and harvested them. I have a pile of logs at my cave now. Today, I'll strip and split them into proper lumber. I'll take the trash and begin a compost heap. The lingering excess qi from the techniques used should give it a little step up if I start a spiritual garden.

  Year 1, Spring, Day 31

  I dried out the lumber today with a combination of fire, water and air qi. The compost pile has started with the wood trimmings and what little other organic waste I've created or produced. It's unbalanced, but I'm sure I can fix that later.

  Year 1, Spring, Day 32

  I probably should have picked out my location first for my house. Be right back.