Li Wei returned to his village, the encounter with Lung Shen lingering in his thoughts like a mysterious, uncharted path. The mystical dragon's transformation from a colossal beast to a human-like figure had left an indelible mark on his young soul. The secrets that lay before him beckoned, and he couldn't help but ponder what mysteries the dragon would unveil.
The village lay under a moonlit shroud, its thatched roofs casting elongated shadows that seemed to dance with the soft, silver light. Li Wei's heart was a mixture of fear and anticipation as he contemplated the unusual pact he had entered into. What did Lung Shen desire of him? What knowledge and enigmatic revelations would the dragon share?
The following day blurred into a haze of mundane village life. Li Wei worked tirelessly, helping his mother with chores around the house, a facade to conceal his true intentions. He couldn't shake the thoughts of the dragon and the unspoken promise to return with food.
As twilight descended, Li Wei could no longer suppress his curiosity. He knew that his mother and sister would soon be asleep, their gentle snores filling the small room they shared.
The wooden floor creaked under his weight, but he moved as slowly as possible, ensuring that his actions went unnoticed. After ensuring his family's peaceful slumber, he ventured into the quiet night.
Li Wei ventured back into the forest, a sack of offerings slung over his shoulder. Inside were steamed buns, a pot of rice, and an assortment of fruits. He knew he had to satiate the dragon's appetite if he wished to unlock its wisdom and the secrets that bound them together.
Arriving at the designated location, the moonlight bathing the forest in ethereal radiance, Li Wei waited with bated breath. The memories of the previous night's encounter with Lung Shen still sent shivers down his spine. He stood in silence, the forest alive with rustling leaves and the faint whispers of the night.
A shadow loomed above him, and Lung Shen descended with a grace that defied imagination. The majestic dragon transformed back into the human-like figure, its long, flowing hair cascading like a waterfall as it landed.
"Li Wei," the dragon spoke, its tone laced with arrogance and pride, "you are punctual, and your offering is more suitable. Lung Shen is pleased."
Li Wei's heart swelled with relief at the dragon's approval. He placed the sack of food before Lung Shen, who glanced at it with a mixture of indifference and hunger.
The dragon devoured the food voraciously as if it had been starved for an eternity. Li Wei watched in awe, his curiosity growing with each bite. How could a creature of such majesty possess such insatiable hunger?
When the dragon had sated its appetite, it wiped its mouth and turned its emerald eyes toward Li Wei. "You have honored your pact, and now Lung Shen shall share its knowledge with you."
Li Wei leaned in, his voice filled with the innocent curiosity of a child. "Lung Shen, what will you teach me?"
The dragon's gaze held a trace of condescension as it spoke. "Lung Shen shall teach you the martial arts it has created, the path of the Shadow Sword. But before you can begin, you must undergo changes, both physical and mental."
Li Wei nodded, ready to embrace the challenges set before him.
The dragon's imposing figure loomed over him as it began to instruct Li Wei on the physical transformations required. "You must prepare your body, for strength is the foundation of martial prowess."
Lung Shen led Li Wei through a grueling training regimen, pushing him to his limits. "Perform a hundred push-ups, a hundred pull-ups on that tree branch, a hundred crunches, a hundred squats, and run ten kilometers."
Li Wei's eyes widened in shock and trepidation. He had never engaged in such intense physical training before. He attempted the push-ups, but after barely managing ten, his arms quivered with exhaustion.
The dragon watched with a critical eye, its displeasure evident. "Pathetic," it remarked with disdain. "But we shall continue."
Li Wei pushed himself through each exercise, his muscles aching, his body trembling with fatigue. He tried his best, but it was clear that he was far from the level the dragon expected.
As the grueling training session came to an end, Lung Shen's voice held a note of disappointment. "You have much work to do, Li Wei. You are not even close to being ready."
Li Wei's chest heaved as he panted for breath. "I will do better, Lung Shen. I promise."
The dragon regarded him with a stern expression. "You will return in the morning, and we shall continue this training. Your dedication will determine your progress."
Li Wei nodded, his determination burning brighter than ever. The dragon's expectations were high, and he was resolved to meet them, no matter the cost.
As Li Wei made his way back to the village, his muscles ached, but his spirit was undeterred. He was on the path to becoming something more, something greater, and he was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.