The energy recedes, to lessen the strain put on from that communication. But there is difficultly in conversation, when, as if in answer to Wangji's question, the way they decide to is peculiar.

Tiny flowers begin to sprout, multi-coloured and sprig-shaped; one lot leading in a cluster towards the nearby bridge, and then the others to follow out, away from Wangji and itself. They will attempt to lead to the other routes, the flowers rising up along the railing.

But they only get so far, with the tops of the flowers not appearing, not fully forming. All trails stop.

Difficult as it is in this world, if energy can be sensed, there is the sense of it waning, here. An exhaustion.