Chapter 7: Trials of the Dao Body
The days following He Ruxue's formal introduction to the Supreme Celestial Sect were filled with training and lessons that tested her in ways she had never imagined. The Dao Body, though powerful, was not without its challenges. It demanded constant refinement, constant adjustment to the way energy flowed through her. If she allowed her cultivation to stagnate, the Dao Body could become a burden instead of an asset.
Li Xue (Phoenix Physique), her master, was a patient teacher, but she had little tolerance for complacency. Each day, He Ruxue faced new tasks, each designed to push her limits and refine her control over her power. Her progress was steady, but it was clear that her potential was vast, and she would need to dig deep to access it.
One morning, as the sun rose over the floating island, He Ruxue stood at the edge of the training grounds, her body drenched in sweat. Her breathing was steady, though she felt the strain of her recent exercises. Li Xue watched her from a distance, her expression calm as ever.
He Ruxue's mind replayed the instructions Li Xue had given her. The Phoenix Physique was about understanding and embracing the fire within, but the Dao Body was different. It wasn't just about power—it was about harmony, balance. The energy from the world around her flowed through her, but it wasn't always easy to control. If she didn't master the flow, the energy could easily overwhelm her.
"You've made progress," Li Xue called out, her voice cutting through the morning silence.
He Ruxue straightened, still catching her breath. "I feel the energy… it's powerful. But it's hard to control. It keeps flowing in every direction."
Li Xue nodded. "That's the Dao Body's nature. It absorbs energy from the world, but it also reflects your inner state. If you are scattered, your energy will be scattered as well. Calm your mind, focus your thoughts, and the energy will follow."
He Ruxue closed her eyes, focusing inward, trying to still the turbulent thoughts in her mind. The Dao Body was both a gift and a responsibility, and she knew that the more she learned, the harder the road would become. But with each passing moment, she felt herself growing stronger, more attuned to the world around her.
Suddenly, a presence approached her from behind, breaking her concentration. She opened her eyes to see Zhang Xian, the Sect Master, standing just a few feet away.
"Master Zhang," He Ruxue said, bowing slightly, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "I didn't realize you were there."
Zhang Xian smiled kindly. "It's all right, Ruxue. I've been watching your progress. You're learning quickly."
He Ruxue's heart skipped a beat. His praise felt genuine, and it warmed her more than she expected. For someone as powerful as Zhang Xian, his kindness was a rare gift, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. It wasn't just his strength that impressed her—it was the way he treated everyone around him with fairness and compassion, a stark contrast to others she had known.
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Thank you, Sect Master. I still have a long way to go. The Dao Body is harder to control than I imagined."
Zhang Xian regarded her with a thoughtful expression. "The Dao Body requires not just control, but understanding. You need to learn to feel the energy around you, not force it."
His words struck a chord within her, and for a brief moment, their eyes met—something unspoken passing between them. He Ruxue felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, as well as a deeper emotion she had trouble naming. She had come to the sect with nothing, unsure of her place in this world. But Zhang Xian's kindness had made her feel seen, heard, and valued. In a world filled with power struggles and ambition, his kindness felt like a rare gem.
Gathering her courage, He Ruxue took a step closer to him, her voice softer than before. "Sect Master… I—" she hesitated, unsure how to voice her feelings. "I want to thank you, not just for your guidance but for how kind you've been to me. Since I arrived here, I've felt nothing but warmth from you and the others in the sect. It's more than I ever hoped for."
Zhang Xian's gaze softened, and for a moment, there was a silence between them. He Ruxue's heart pounded as she realized she had spoken her feelings aloud.
"I'm only doing what's right," Zhang Xian said quietly, his voice full of sincerity. "You are a valuable member of this sect, and I believe in your potential. It's my duty to help you grow."
He Ruxue's lips trembled, but she felt a surge of emotions she couldn't suppress. "I… I know it's too soon to ask this, but I've been thinking a lot lately. I've never been good at accepting help or showing vulnerability, but I want to grow stronger, not just for myself but for you and the sect. If there's anything you could offer… if you think I could be worthy of it, I would gladly accept."
Zhang Xian raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "What is it you seek, Ruxue?"
He Ruxue swallowed hard, the words coming more easily now. "Your Dao Body… Could I learn to harmonize with it? I know it's a great honor, and I'm not asking for power or advantage. I simply wish to learn to understand it, to become stronger in the same way you are. I would be honored to learn from you."
There was a brief silence. Zhang Xian's expression remained calm, but the sincerity in He Ruxue's words was clear. He had never expected such a confession. She wasn't seeking to take advantage of his power. She was asking for something far more meaningful—a chance to grow and learn from him.
"Ruxue…" Zhang Xian's voice softened. "I'm honored by your trust. The Dao Body is a powerful tool, but it requires not only strength but understanding. I would offer you my guidance, but remember, you must cultivate it yourself. You must understand the balance between power and control. I will be here to help you, but you must take the first step."
He Ruxue's heart soared at his words. "I will, Sect Master. I promise."
As they stood there, in the quiet of the early morning, He Ruxue felt a warmth spread through her chest—not from the power of the Dao Body, but from the trust Zhang Xian had shown her. She wasn't alone in this journey anymore. With his guidance, she knew she would grow, and perhaps, in time, she would be able to repay him for his kindness.
But for now, she would take the first step, and that was enough.
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End of Chapter 7