Lusi stands before the entrance of the ancient temple, its grand arches covered in moss, the stonework of the structure weathered by time but still imposing. The thick jungle that surrounds her feels alive, the trees seemingly whispering as though aware of the monumental challenge awaiting her inside. The air is heavy with humidity, and the faint hiss of unseen creatures echoes around her. She has trained for this moment, and now, the Serpent's Trial awaits—the ultimate test of her worthiness to bear the title of Serpent Queen.
Stepping inside, the air cools, and the dim lighting of the temple adds to the eerie atmosphere. Her eyes dart around, searching for any sign of danger. However, it's not physical threats she fears, but what the trial will force her to face. The Serpent's Trial is said to challenge the mind, body, and soul, and only those who survive can fully unlock the ancient powers tied to the serpent bloodline.
As she walks further into the temple, the walls around her shimmer, and suddenly, the floor vanishes. Lusi's body jerks, and she's thrown into darkness, only to find herself standing in the middle of her old village—a place she had long left behind. People gather around her, their faces familiar yet twisted with disdain.
"Look at her! The girl who can barely lift a sword, let alone use one," a voice jeers from the crowd. It's her older cousin, who always belittled her as a child. She feels the sting of his words again, as if no time had passed. The people's mocking laughter rings in her ears, louder and louder, until it becomes unbearable.
Lusi clenches her fists. This isn't real, she reminds herself. This is part of the trial.
The illusions grow sharper. She sees herself—young, clumsy, and defeated—her failures laid bare for all to see. Every moment she was humiliated, every time she doubted herself, flashes before her. The version of her that stands in the village seems so weak and powerless compared to the woman she has become. But the trial is merciless, and the more she tries to shake off the haunting images, the more they swarm her.
"You'll never be strong enough," her cousin's voice taunts again, and this time the crowd joins in, the cacophony of voices blending into a vicious assault on her mind.
Lusi shuts her eyes, breathing heavily. Her pulse races, and she feels the temptation to give in, to let the pain of the past consume her. But then, a voice inside whispers: You're more than this. You've grown. You've survived.
The voice steadies her, and she opens her eyes, determination burning in her gaze. With a swift motion, Lusi draws her weapon and points it toward the illusions. "I am not the girl you remember. I've faced worse than your words, and I'll face worse still." The illusions shatter, the villagers disappearing like smoke in the wind. The weight of her past seems to lift, and the temple shifts again.
She passes the first phase.
Without pause, the temple throws her into the second phase—the physical trial. This time, the stone floor beneath her feet rumbles and cracks open. From the depths of the temple, a massive serpent rises. Its eyes glow a fierce gold, and its scales glisten under the dim light. The creature is a manifestation of the serpent power she seeks to control, and now, she must prove her strength by defeating it.
The serpent strikes without warning, its massive form moving faster than she expected. Lusi dodges to the side, narrowly avoiding its deadly fangs. The creature coils, readying itself for another attack. Lusi steadies her breath, her hand tightening around her sword. She knows she can't face this creature with brute strength alone—she must outthink it.
As the serpent lunges again, Lusi rolls to the side and slashes at its tail, landing a hit but only managing to graze its thick scales. The beast whips around, its golden eyes locking onto hers, and she feels the weight of its gaze—a gaze that seems to test her resolve.
In that moment, Lusi taps into the knowledge she has gained from her training with both poison and medicine. She knows that certain parts of a serpent are more vulnerable than others, and if she can strike the right spot, she can weaken it.
The serpent strikes again, and this time, Lusi anticipates its movement. She dives forward, narrowly missing its deadly bite, and slashes at the soft underside of its throat. Her blade finds purchase, and the serpent lets out a deafening hiss, retreating slightly as blood trickles from the wound.
Breathing hard, Lusi watches as the serpent recoils, its movements slower now, but still dangerous. She feels the strain on her body, but she knows she must finish this. Summoning the last of her strength, she charges at the serpent, her sword raised high. The creature lunges one final time, but Lusi is ready. With a swift, precise strike, she pierces its heart.
The serpent collapses, its massive body crumbling into dust, leaving only the faint echo of its hiss behind. Lusi falls to one knee, exhausted but victorious. The second phase is complete.
In the celestial realm, Wushi, still unaware of Lusi's exact situation, feels a sharp tug in his chest. He senses her struggle and triumph, though he cannot place the source of the feeling. His own journey is far from over, but the connection between them seems to grow stronger with every passing day. He closes his eyes for a moment, silently willing her to stay strong, though the distance between them remains.
Back in the temple, Lusi rises to her feet. She knows the trial is not yet over—there is one final challenge awaiting her. As she walks deeper into the temple, the walls seem to pulse with ancient energy, and the final stage of the trial begins to unfold before her.