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Chapter 84 - Chapter 83: The Heart of the Serpent

Lusi moves cautiously as she enters the deepest chamber of the temple. The air here is thick with ancient power, and the walls seem to pulse as though they are alive, breathing in time with her own heartbeat. A large, ornate door stands before her, covered in serpent carvings that twist and coil with hypnotic precision. She knows that beyond this door lies the final test—the Heart of the Serpent.

As she approaches, the door begins to open on its own, revealing a vast chamber illuminated by a soft, glowing light. At the center of the room, suspended in midair, is a small, radiant orb pulsing with energy. Lusi can feel the power radiating from it, calling to her. She knows instinctively that this is the Heart of the Serpent, the source of the ancient bloodline's power.

Her steps are slow and measured as she walks toward it, aware that the trial is far from over. The temple has tested her mind and her body, but now it will test her soul. She reaches out to touch the orb, but before her fingers can make contact, a figure materializes before her. It is a woman, draped in flowing robes, her eyes glowing with the same golden light as the serpent she had just slain.

"You seek the power of the Serpent Queen," the woman says, her voice soft yet filled with authority. "But to claim it, you must prove yourself worthy. Are you willing to give up everything for this power? Even your humanity?"

Lusi hesitates, the weight of the question hanging in the air. She had fought so hard to get to this point, but the woman's words strike a chord within her. What had she truly sacrificed so far? Her past, her identity as a simple village girl, and her normal life—all these had been left behind. But now, she faces a choice that could cost her more than she had ever imagined.

"I seek this power not for myself, but for my people," Lusi replies, her voice steady. "I will not forsake my humanity, nor the people I fight for."

The woman's gaze softens, as if seeing something in Lusi that others may have overlooked. "Your heart is pure, and your resolve is strong. But know this: power changes everything. Even the purest hearts can be corrupted."

With that, the woman steps aside, and the orb descends toward Lusi. The energy it emits intensifies, and Lusi feels the pull of its power, urging her to claim it. She hesitates for only a moment before reaching out, her fingers finally closing around the orb.

The moment she touches it, the power surges through her. Her body is flooded with energy, and her mind is filled with visions—visions of the Serpent Queens who came before her, of battles won and empires built. She sees the future, a future where she stands as a leader, guiding her people through the trials to come. But she also sees the price of such power, the loneliness that comes with it, the sacrifices that must be made.

The visions fade, and Lusi stands alone in the chamber, the orb still pulsing in her hand. She knows now that the trial is over. She has passed. But the true challenge is yet to come.

As she exits the temple, the sun is setting on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the jungle. She feels different—stronger, more powerful, but also more aware of the responsibility she now bears. The Heart of the Serpent pulses within her, a constant reminder of the power she now wields.

Meanwhile, Wushi, deep in his own quest, feels a disturbance in the celestial realm. The balance has shifted, and though he cannot yet place it, he knows that Lusi has achieved something monumental. He feels a sense of pride and longing, but he pushes it aside, focusing on his own mission. There is still much to be done before they are reunited.

Back in the jungle, Lusi heads toward the meeting point where her allies wait. She is ready for the next stage of her journey, but as she walks, she cannot shake the feeling that the power of the Serpent will change not just her, but everything she holds dear.