The first light of dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Zhao Lusi (赵露丝) awoke with renewed determination, the events of the previous night swirling in her mind like a tempest. She had always craved power, but now, standing on the brink of reclaiming her true self, she felt the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders.
Dressed in a simple yet functional outfit, she made her way toward the forest, her heart pounding in rhythm with the anticipation building within her. Every step felt like a leap into the unknown, each one a promise to herself that she would no longer be a victim of fate.
As she reached the edge of the forest, the morning air was cool and crisp, invigorating her senses. She took a deep breath, allowing the earthy scents of moss and dew-laden leaves to fill her lungs. In the clearing where they had met the night before, she found Cheng Wushi (程无始) standing tall and composed, his silver hair glimmering in the soft morning light.
"Good. You're here," he remarked, his tone cool yet approving as he assessed her.
"Of course I am," she replied, her confidence shining through. "I'm ready to learn."
"Then let us begin," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Today, we will focus on awakening your innate abilities. Your past life may have granted you knowledge of poison and medicine, but now we need to unlock the elemental magic within you."
Zhao Lusi felt a shiver of excitement run through her. "Elemental magic? What do you mean?"
"Every being is connected to the elements—earth, water, fire, and air. You must learn to tap into these forces to wield true power," he explained, gesturing toward a nearby rock formation. "First, we will start with earth. It represents stability and strength."
He knelt beside a small patch of earth and placed his hand on the ground, closing his eyes in concentration. "Feel the energy beneath you," he instructed. "Channel your thoughts into the earth. Imagine roots extending from your body, intertwining with the soil, drawing strength from it."
Zhao Lusi knelt beside him, mimicking his posture. As her fingers brushed against the cool earth, she closed her eyes and focused, envisioning the roots connecting with her. For a moment, nothing happened. Doubt crept in, but she pushed it away.
"Remember, Lusi, power is not just about strength. It is about connection," Cheng Wushi's voice broke through her concentration. "Feel the pulse of the earth. You are one with it."
Taking a deep breath, she let go of her doubts and focused. As she concentrated, she began to sense a subtle vibration beneath her fingers. It resonated through her body, steady and reassuring. She envisioned the roots wrapping around her, intertwining with her spirit.
Suddenly, the earth beneath her shifted. A small stone rolled away, and she gasped, her eyes flying open in disbelief.
"Excellent!" Cheng Wushi praised, his eyes sparkling with approval. "You are beginning to understand. Now, let's try to manipulate a larger element."
He stood and moved to a nearby tree, its gnarled roots weaving through the soil like serpents. "Use your energy to command this tree. Picture its roots pulling free from the ground, bending to your will."
Zhao Lusi approached the tree, her heart racing. She placed her hands on its bark and closed her eyes again, channeling her energy. The tree trembled under her touch, but she struggled to maintain focus.
"Breathe, Lusi. Channel your thoughts. You are the master of this energy," he instructed, his voice steady and calm.
Feeling the heat of determination surge within her, she concentrated fiercely. The vibrations beneath her hands grew stronger, and to her astonishment, a small root began to shift, pulling slightly from the ground.
"I can feel it!" she exclaimed, excitement bubbling over.
"Good. Now, command it to rise," Cheng Wushi encouraged, his voice resonating like a guiding flame in the dark.
With renewed vigor, she concentrated once more. "Rise!" she shouted, willing the root to obey her. To her amazement, the root lifted, swaying gently in the air before settling back into the earth.
"Very good," Cheng Wushi said, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face. "But do not lose your focus. Power will falter if you let your emotions cloud your mind."
"Understood," she replied, determination igniting anew.
They continued their training throughout the morning, moving from earth to water. Cheng Wushi instructed her to manipulate a nearby stream, guiding her to call forth small ripples that danced on the surface.
"Water represents adaptability. It flows and bends, and it can be both a healer and a weapon," he explained, his voice echoing the wisdom of ages.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, Zhao Lusi found herself enveloped in the rhythm of her training. Each element awakened something deep within her, sparking memories of her past life—the power she once wielded, the respect she had commanded, and the fear she had inspired.
With each successful manipulation, she felt stronger and more connected to her abilities. She could sense the energy flowing through her like a current, filling her with confidence.
But beneath that confidence lay a growing concern. "Cheng Wushi," she began cautiously, "what if I can't fully regain my powers? What if I fail?"
He turned to her, his expression serious. "Failure is part of the journey, Lusi. Every great power comes with its challenges. But you have something that many do not—a fierce will to reclaim what is yours. Embrace that strength, and you will never truly fail."
Zhao Lusi nodded, the words resonating within her. The bond she was forming with Cheng Wushi felt both new and familiar, igniting a spark of hope that they would conquer whatever obstacles lay ahead.
As the sun began to set, casting golden rays through the trees, she felt a profound sense of gratitude for this opportunity. Today had been just the beginning, but she could already see the path ahead stretching out before her—an uncharted territory ripe with possibilities.
"Thank you for believing in me," she said earnestly, meeting his gaze. "I won't let you down."
Cheng Wushi smiled, the warmth of his approval igniting a fire within her. "And I will not let you face this alone. Together, we will unravel the mysteries of your power and forge a new destiny."
Zhao Lusi felt the weight of his words, a bond forming between them that transcended their individual struggles. This journey was only the beginning, and she was ready to embrace it—ready to awaken the Serpent Queen within her once more.