Ling Huai stirred awake, her body heavy with fatigue, yet her senses remained sharp. The air was still thick with the lingering scent of damp earth and crisp morning dew. For a moment, she remained still, listening to the rustling leaves outside her cave, her mind slow to adjust.
She sighed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I've become too reliant on Bai and Zhen…" she muttered. Her fingers traced the stone floor beside her as if searching for something—someone.
Then, she froze.
Why am I missing that sly creature?
Omen had been gone for a few days now, leaving her alone with Bai. At first, she welcomed the quiet, the space to train without being watched by those mischievous golden eyes. But now, she felt an odd sense of absence, an annoyance that made her scoff at herself.
"Tch. Why would I miss him? That annoying fox-faced spirit," she grumbled, rolling onto her feet.
Shaking off the strange feeling, she stretched her arms and looked at the Blue Moonlight Herb. It was still nestled in the wrong spot, too exposed to harsh sunlight. Frowning, she carefully dug up the soil around it and repositioned the plant near the cave's entrance, where the light was softer. The herb glowed faintly, as if content with the new location.
A small smile tugged at her lips. Not all herbs spoke, only those that had reached a certain maturity. This one remained silent, but it gave off a gentle hum in her mind, a subtle sign of gratitude.
With that done, she turned to her training.
Training Begins: The Flow of the Serpent
Ling Huai took a deep breath, stepping into her stance. The Serpent Flow was about fluidity, unpredictability, and controlled strikes. She twisted her body at a precise 45-degree angle, pausing only for a moment before straightening up. Then, she slid forward, her body moving in a smooth, wave-like motion, imitating the way a snake would slither through the grass.
At first, her movements were stiff. She adjusted her posture, trying again. Slowly, her body became more flexible, and soon she was gliding seamlessly across the rocky terrain, her feet barely making a sound.
Faster. Smoother.
She moved like a phantom, her muscles adjusting instinctively. After nearly an hour of intense practice, she finally stopped, sweat dripping down her brow.
But there was no time to rest.
The Panther Strike: Swift, Deadly, Without Hesitation
Ling Huai crouched low, hands open like claws, her eyes fixed on an invisible target.
The Panther Strike relied on precision, speed, and decisiveness. Panthers never hesitated before attacking—they leaped, they struck, and they killed.
She took a sharp breath and launched forward, her body low and fast, striking with her palm like a panther's claw. Dust scattered beneath her as she repeated the move, each strike sharper than the last.
Bai, who had been watching silently, flicked his tail in approval. There was pride in his gaze, but Ling Huai was too focused to notice.
The Dragon Crest: Unshakable Defense
Next, she stepped into the Dragon Crest stance. This technique was the foundation of all defensive arts, mimicking a dragon's ability to stand firm against all odds.
Ling Huai planted her feet firmly into the ground, tightening her core. Her arms crossed in front of her, imitating a dragon's protective wings. Her body remained still, but every muscle was prepared to react.
Bai called her name. Once. She didn't hear.
The second time, his voice was sharper. "Ling Huai."
She snapped out of her trance, panting.
"You should take a break," Bai said.
Ling Huai frowned. "No, I need to practice more—"
"You've trained enough. Now you need real experience."
She hesitated, but Bai's words made sense. Martial arts were nothing without real combat.
Entering the Forest
Ling Huai followed Bai into the dense forest. She was still exhausted from training, but she pushed forward, determined. The scent of damp leaves and wildflowers filled the air. Birds chirped above, but she ignored them.
Then, she saw it.
A Soy Leaf Tree.
Ling Huai's eyes widened with excitement. Soy Leaves were a rare delicacy—when crushed, they produced a fragrant oil that made meat taste incredible.
She rushed forward, reaching out to pluck a handful.
"Don't," Bai warned.
But she wasn't listening.
The moment her fingers tore the leaves from the branch, the forest fell silent.
Then, a deep, guttural growl echoed around her.
Ling Huai froze. Slowly, she turned her head.
A horde of beasts surrounded her.
The Chase
Her stomach dropped.
"Bai…" she whispered. "Help me."
Bai grinned smugly. "You got yourself into this. Figure it out."
Her heart pounded. No time to argue.
She ran.
Her tired legs screamed in protest, but she pushed forward, dodging through the trees as snarls and growls closed in behind her. Clawed feet pounded against the earth, shaking the ground.
She leaped over a fallen log, sweat dripping down her face. Her body was already weak from training, and now she was running for her life.
Bai ran alongside her effortlessly, tail flicking. "Tired already?"
"Shut up!" she gasped.
She darted left, barely dodging the snapping jaws of a wolf-like beast. The creatures were gaining on her. If she didn't do something now, she would be—
A sharp branch cut across her arm.
She hissed in pain but didn't stop.
Up ahead, she spotted a narrow path between two large rocks. If she could fit through there, she might escape.
Summoning her last bit of strength, she dived forward, squeezing through the gap just as a massive beast lunged.
CRASH!
The creatures collided behind her, snarling in frustration.
Ling Huai collapsed onto the ground, panting hard. Her entire body ached.
Aftermath
Bai strolled up beside her, completely unharmed.
She glared at him. "You could have helped."
"You need battle awareness," Bai said simply. "Training and real fights are different. Your body is strong, but you don't know how to use it under pressure."
Ling Huai gritted her teeth. She hated to admit it, but he was right.
"Rest," Bai said, sitting beside her. "You'll need it."
Ling Huai exhaled, her body aching, her mind still replaying the fight.
She had a long way to go.
And Omen…
She scoffed, looking up at the darkening sky.
Why do I miss that sly creature?