The Power Within

Meng Qingshan sat in his quarters, the dim light of a single candle flickering on the desk before him. The day's training had left him exhausted, both physically and mentally. His body ached from the strain of controlling the demonic energy, and his mind was still reeling from the unexpected strength he had discovered within himself.He gazed at his hands, now steady and strong. The faint red aura that had appeared during training had long since faded, but the feeling of power lingered. For the first time in years, Meng felt truly alive. His body, once frail and weakened by his secret injuries and years of struggle, now thrummed with newfound vitality. The demonic energy had done more than just make him stronger—it had healed him.His thoughts drifted back to the day he had first arrived at the Wutai Sect, barely able to stand, let alone hold a sword. He had been determined to prove himself, to become someone worthy of respect and admiration. But no matter how hard he trained, his body always betrayed him, plagued by an inexplicable weakness that no healer could cure. It had been a source of constant frustration and despair, a reminder of his limitations.But now, as he felt the energy coursing through his veins, Meng realized that something had changed. The demonic cultivation had not only made him stronger but had also mended the invisible wounds that had kept him bound in weakness. It was as if the energy had seeped into every fiber of his being, repairing what was broken and giving him a second chance.Meng took a deep breath, letting the sensation wash over him. It felt strange, this newfound strength. Part of him was afraid of what it meant, afraid of what he was becoming. But another part of him, a part he had long buried under layers of doubt and fear, was exhilarated. For the first time in his life, he felt free.A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Meng quickly adjusted his mask, making sure it covered his face before standing up. "Come in," he called, trying to keep his voice steady.The door creaked open, and Sua Quan stepped inside, her dark eyes studying him carefully. "Qing, I wanted to check on you," she said, her tone unusually soft. "How are you feeling after today's training?"Meng hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "I... I feel different," he admitted, choosing his words carefully. "Stronger. Like the energy has healed something inside me."Sua Quan nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Demonic cultivation has that effect on some people. It's not just about power; it can also awaken hidden potential, heal old wounds. It seems you have a natural affinity for it."Meng's heart skipped a beat at her words. A natural affinity for demonic cultivation? The idea both excited and terrified him. He had always been taught that demonic energy was dangerous, corrupting those who used it. But now, as he stood before Sua Quan, he couldn't deny the truth: it had made him whole."Does that scare you?" Sua Quan asked, tilting her head slightly. "Knowing that this energy suits you so well?"Meng looked away, unsure how to answer. "I don't know," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm grateful for what it's done for me, but I can't help but wonder... what if it changes me?"Sua Quan smiled, a small, understanding smile. "Change isn't always a bad thing, Qing. Sometimes, it's necessary to find out who we really are. And from what I've seen, you have a strong will. You won't let the energy control you."Meng nodded, taking her words to heart. "Thank you, Sua. I'll do my best to keep that in mind."She gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to leave. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's another big day, and you'll need your strength."As the door closed behind her, Meng sat back down, lost in thought. He knew she was right—he needed to stay focused, to keep control of the energy. But as he closed his eyes and felt the power coursing through him, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet understand.And for the first time in a long time, he was ready for it.