Young leaves dance with the wind, nature's metronome for our bodily training. Mature leaves swim in the simmer of water, nature's richness for our tired pleasure. Elder leaves burn atop the stone, nature's aroma to soothe our spirit.
- Sanudao'shen Summit Saying
Tea has become a staple in Infernus, even if it is not native to it. Hundreds of varieties of teas can be found, each with unique flavors and aromas. Among the tea leaves in Infernus, the highest qualities can be found where they were originally imported and cultivated: the province of Zakuniiryun. But, even among the premium teas of the Prosperous Mist of the Mountains, there exists one tea that cannot be found anywhere else; the original tea that the masters of the 2nd Generation of Sanudao'shen Summit secretly imported.
Among the dancing leaves of tea found around Sanubao'shen Proper, on the journey to Sanubao'shen temple, one will find their noses aroused by the sweet and spicy aroma of the Sanusiang Tea Leaves.
The King of Harmony
The Sanusiang Tea Leaf was the original tea that was imported into Infernus. To this day, the names of those who imported the leaves are still unknown, likely due to the fact that at the time of its import, traveling to The Crossroads and The Mortal Plane was illegal.
Still then, it took several generations for the tea to grow due to its slow cultivation in a new world, literally. The end product was a new tea leaf that could grow in Infernus. Although the 2nd and 3rd Generations of Sanubao'shen masters could not reap the rewards of their efforts, it was the 4th Generation that did, notably Master Kolrudan.
In his diary, Master Kolrudan described the tea leaves as emitting an aroma while growing that no other tea did back in Liveside. The aroma while growing was described as sweet and rich as honey milk, and as spicy as roasted cardamom. In the morning mist, while training, Master Kolrudan would often train in the Sanusiang fields, stating that the tea leaves with their strong aroma allowed him to be more easily in tune with nature.
Without a doubt, Sanusiang Tea has a strong, distinct aroma while growing, but when brewed in hot water, the tea leaves' aroma is amplified, albeit its "sillage" is reduced. Though, perhaps this is for the best, as drinking Sanusiang Tea is more than just sipping on hot tea. It is an intimate, pleasurable experience on the nose and taste buds typically reserved for after a day of physical training.
Not all Sanusiang
by bnichs, via Stable Diffusion
Tea is fit for consumption and, there is often overstock of matured leaves, leading to some becoming old and stale. The teachings of Sanudao'shen Spirituality say that all things in nature are purposeful and have their uses to achieve harmony. Burning the tea leaves is another way of using old or unwanted tea leaves for consumption. This method of using Sanusiang Leaves places the leaves upon a small dish atop a chakoro, then lighting a tealight candle beneath to roast the leaves. This method of using the leaves produces the strongest scent and is primarily used for meditation practices. The roasting leaves give way to its warm and deep notes that are associated with relaxation.
Unfortunately, Sanusiang Tea is only grown and primarily sold around Sanubao'shen Mountain due to its significant cultural value to Sanubao'shen Summit disciples. Sanusiang Tea can be enjoyed by anyone, but most would have to travel to Zakuniiiryun as the province does recieve some of the leaves, though at a hefty price. Outside of Zakuniiryun, one can have the leaves delivered, but at a price even a Noble House Head would wince at.
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