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Lu Zheng's frustration bubbled to the surface as he stared at his trembling arms, his mind screaming for them to obey his command. The poison still lingered in his system, but he refused to let it defeat him. *I will move,* he thought fiercely. *I will rise!*

He exhaled slowly, attempting to calm his racing heart and relax the tension in his muscles. Each breath was a battle, but he focused on drawing in strength with every inhale. He closed his eyes for a moment, envisioning the power coursing through him, drawing on the energy he had awakened within.

With a deep breath, he opened his eyes and concentrated on his arms, willing them to move. His cheeks bulged with the effort, and he felt the heat rising to his face as he pushed against the weight of his own body. *Come on,* he urged himself, the determination igniting a fire within him.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he managed to lift his arms just a millimeter off the ground. The small victory sent a jolt of exhilaration through him, but it was short-lived as his arms quickly fell back, heavy and uncooperative. Gasping for breath, Lu Zheng felt his hope waver for a moment, but he quickly steadied himself.

"For my sake. Move!" he shouted inwardly, his voice echoing in the confines of his mind. He felt the shadows around him pulse in response, as if acknowledging his struggle and rallying to his side.

Summoning every ounce of willpower, Lu Zheng focused again, channeling his fury and resolve into his limbs. He gritted his teeth, feeling the muscles quiver beneath the strain. *This is my moment,* he thought. *I will not be defeated.*

With a guttural roar, he pushed against the ground, the effort sending waves of pain through his body, but he welcomed it. It was a reminder that he was alive, that he was fighting. He felt the energy build within him, the remnants of the connection to the mysterious voice surging forth.

This time, he lifted his arms higher, a slow and deliberate movement, each inch a testament to his determination. The muscles screamed in protest, but he fought through the agony, refusing to allow himself to falter.

As his arms finally rose to shoulder height, he gasped in triumph, the air rushing into his lungs as he reveled in the sensation of movement. "Yes!" he exhaled, a mixture of relief and exhilaration flooding through him.

He took a moment to savor the victory, the realization that he was reclaiming control over his body. With a newfound sense of purpose, Lu Zheng slowly maneuvered his arms, experimenting with the movement, reveling in the sensation of power returning to him.

*I can do this,* he thought, determination flooding his veins. *I will not be held back any longer.* The shadows around him seemed to resonate with his resolve, their energy intertwining with his own as he prepared for what lay ahead.

Finally, he pushed himself to a seated position, the ground cold beneath him but grounding in its own way. Lu Zheng took a moment to catch his breath, the intensity of his struggle giving way to a fierce determination. He was no longer just a victim of circumstance; he was a warrior, ready to reclaim his destiny.

With each breath, he felt stronger, more in control. He would rise up against the poison, against the betrayal, and against anyone who dared to stand in his way. This was just the beginning of his transformation, and he was ready to embrace whatever darkness lay ahead. Lu Zheng would not falter; he would rise and fight.